Generating an Excisional Skin Wound in a Mouse Model via Punch Biopsy

To create an excisional skin wound, begin by placing an anesthetized mouse in a prone position and shaving its back to expose the epidermis, the outermost skin layer.

Apply a disinfectant solution to reduce the contamination risk. Take a punch biopsy tool — a hollow metal tool with a circular blade at the edge, to create a precise cut.

Position the punch biopsy tool perpendicularly at the center of the pre-prepared surgical area. Apply downward pressure on the epidermis to create a circular incision.

Twist the punch biopsy tool while penetrating the epidermis and dermis — the middle layer of the skin. This generates a complete circular cut on the epidermis and dermis without damaging the underlying fascia which is a fibrous connective tissue layer encasing the muscle.

Dissect the layers of skin following a circular pattern and remove them, creating an excisional skin wound with an exposed subcutaneous layer, ready for immunological studies.

For excisional skin wounding of the recipient animals, confirm a lack of response to toe pinch before shaving a 1- by 2-inch section on the back of the mouse. Gently wipe to remove any stray hairs, and disinfect the exposed skin with sequential