The effect of TGF-beta delivered through a collagen scaffold on wound healing.
In this preliminary study, the wound healing response of full-thickness skin defects to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) incorporated in a collagen scaffold was evaluated. The objectives of this study were (1) to compare the effects of TGF-beta on the cellular and tissue response and mechanical properties and (2) to determine the effects of a collagen scaffold on wound healing when compared to control. Three 3 x 3 cm, full-thickness defects were created on the dorsi of 15 New Zealand White rabbits. Each rabbit had a control (no treatment), collagen scaffold, and collagen scaffold with TGF-beta (2 microg/cm2). All the wounds were covered with a transparent polyurethane dressing. There were three periods of study (1, 2, and 3 weeks) with five rabbits in each period. The volume fraction of the tissue and cells was histomorphometrically determined for each wound. A greater inflammatory response was found in the collagen scaffold-treated group, but the fastest epithelialization and contraction rates were associated with TGF-beta and collagen. No significant differences in the mechanical strength between the different treatment groups were seen. Overall, TGF-beta delivered through a collagen scaffold enhanced the healing process and showed promise for future clinical applications.
D000818:Animals; D001458:Bandages; D003094:Collagen; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D007249:Inflammation; D011140:Polyurethanes; D011817:Rabbits; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*