The mobilisation of mononuclear cells and endothelial progenitor cells after burn injury in a porcine model

Abstract Background Mononuclear blood cells (MNCs) consist of heterogeneous cell populations, for example, CD34+ cells and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). EPCs are involved in vasculogenesis, but little is known about their role during burn trauma. Aim This study investigates the role of MNCs and their subpopulations during and after burn injury in an experimental porcine setting. Methods Eighteen 8-week-old German land pigs were scalded by immersion in 70 °C hot water for 3 min, resulting in a 30% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness burn. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum concentrations and MNC, EPC and CD34+ cell counts were measured at eight different time points up to 48 h following trauma. Results The experimental porcine setting made it possible to determine the cell counts of MNCs, EPCs and CD34+ cells directly during burn trauma, which has not been described before. The data revealed a fulminant drop in MNC and EPC during burn trauma, whereas the CD34+ cell fraction rose. Besides significant changes in the VEGF serum concentration, a correlation between VEGF and EPC was also observed. Conclusion The results show that MNCs and their subpopulations are significantly affected by burn trauma and underpin their potential diagnostic and therapeutic importance during and after burn injury.