Experimental study of use of human amniotic membrane as a suture and filling material

In reconstruction of tissue defects, the use of homogeneous sources increases morbidity, on the other hand, injection or implantation of synthetic materials usually result with reaction via immunogenic mechanisms. Besides, absorbable suture materials and filling materials are widely used in almost every surgical process and since they cause significant reaction at the wound site, we have studied experimental use of human amniotic membrane as a suture and filling material to aid in decreasing this reactive process.In this study, we have embedded human amniotic membrane in the subcutaneous tissue and muscle of fourty rats. The rats were randomly seperated into four groups of ten. Biopsy specimens were obtained from each group at the and of first week, second week, first month and third month.The study showed that the human amniotic membrane was progressively degraded by macrophages at the end of three months, so its use as a filling material is somewhat limited. However, we have also observed that induction of growth factors by the amniotic membrane enhances wound healing, thus allowing its use as a suture material.Future investigations are necessary to determine the effect of factors isolated from the amniotic fluid or the amniotic membrane on wound healing and reduction of adhesions.