Production of a novel fibroblast-populated platelet matrix cocultured with keratinocytes.

We have developed a new method for the production of a dermal matrix equivalent. Human platelets were used to dilute human fibroblasts. The platelet mix was placed in a cell culture well.

Composite tissue allotransplantation.

Composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) recently took its first steps in the clinical arena in 1998 with the successful hand transplant performed in Lyons, France. That single operation represented a culmination of many years of laboratory research in multiple fields involving integumentary/musculoskeletal transplantation. Here we review the prerequisite developments in the field of immunology, microsurgery, and pharmacotherapy that helped bring CTA to clinical reality.