Development of an animal frostbite injury model using the Goettingen-Minipig

Abstract Background A standardized reproducible animal model is desirable to gain a better understanding in the pathophysiology of frostbite injury and to develop novel therapies. Little has been studied about frostbite injury models. The depth and extent were not always being controllable and consistent. Therefore, we developed a frostbite injury model using the Göttingen Minipigs. Methods 42 frostbite injuries were inflicted on the abdomen of seven minipigs using an aluminium bar (300 g, circular with a radius of 1 cm) frozen with liquid nitrogen to −196 °C. The bar was applied for 1, 3, 6, 12, 30 and 60 s. Five hours after injury biopsies were performed and evaluated by the presence of denatured collagen, blood vessels, follicular epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells. Results A large spectrum of frostbite injuries was obtained ranging from superficial, superficial partial, deep partial to full thickness. The depth of injury in the sets of frostbites was highly consistent (Pearson correlation ranged from r = 0.89 to 0.94). Conclusion We described a simple, inexpensive and safe swine frostbite model. The accurate reproducibility of the depth of the frostbite injuries allows researchers to accurately plan frostbite studies.