Local burn injury alters antimicrobial peptide production in distal unburned skin and reduces its capacity to restrict bacterial growth. Gene expression of DefB1, DefB3, DefB14, Cramp, HAMP1, HAMP2, and s100A7 in distal skin at 24 hr (A) and 96 hr (B) postburn. n = 3–8 samples/group. Data analyzed by Mann-Whitney (*p = 0.057) and unpaired t test (#p < 0.05). C, Distal skin was stained by immunohistofluorescence for mouse β-defensin 3 (mBD3) and cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP). n = 3–4 samples/group. D, Distal skin was harvested at 96 hr postburn and subjected to high-pressure liquid chromatography fractionation and radial diffusion assay. Bacterial growth inhibition was assessed for using ImageJ software. n = 3–7 samples/group. Data analyzed by unpaired t test (#p < 0.05).