Topical Mast Cell Stabilizer Cromolyn Sodium Reduces Post-burn Hypertrophic Scars in the Female Red Duroc Pig

Painful, motion-limiting hypertrophic scars (HTS) form subsequent to protracted wound healing in patients with severe full-thickness burns and pose difficult treatment challenges. Newer evidence points to mast cells (MC) as important regulators of intricate signaling cascades during the initiation and progression of post-burn scars. Previous investigations have demonstrated increased mast cell densities in burn wounds and during the formation of HTS.1,2 Mast cells release a wide array of mitogenic cytokines and potent proteases that contribute directly to myofibroblast differentiation and excessive proliferation in burn wounds; further prolonging fibrotic pathology.3 Cromolyn sodium (CS) is an FDA-approved mast cell stabilizer known to inhibit degranulation and has been successfully used to relieve detrimental symptoms associated with mast cell activation. Here, we show that CS may be an effective conjunctive therapy to prevent pathological fibrosis following severe burn injury. This project was completed with contributions from Jayson W. Jay, Anesh Prasai, and Amina El Ayadi from the University of Texas Medical Branch.