The effects of topical transforming growth factor-beta2 and anti-transforming growth factor-beta2,3 on scarring in pigs.
BACKGROUND
Transforming growth factor-b2 (TGF-b2) has been implicated in the inflammatory response and subsequent scarring during wound healing.


OBJECTIVE
The experiment was designed to study the effects of a topical application of TGF-b2 and mouse monoclonal anti-TGF-b2,3 neutralizing antibody (anti TGF-b2,3) on the development of fibrosis during healing.


METHODS
Sixteen full-thickness excision wounds were made in the paravertebral and thoracic area of four domestic pigs. On day 0, three wounds each were treated with: a) 5 mg of TGF-b2, b) 5 mg of 2% methylcellulose (mc), or c) 1.2 mg of anti-TGF-b2,3. As a vehicle for treatment of each wound methylcellulose 2% was used. Four wounds served as the untreated air-exposed control. Wounds were biopsied and the tissue sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin on days 7, 14, and 45. Three blinded observers evaluated the wound specimens.


RESULTS
Using computer-aided point count stereology on days 7, 14, and 45, we found a statistically significant increase (p <.05) in the number of nucleated cells in the TGF-b2-treated wounds as compared to the other control wounds. Wounds treated with anti-TGF-b2,3 had significantly (p <.05) fewer nucleated cells on days 7,14, and 45. Microscopically, the TGF-b2-treated wounds had a larger scar area as compared to anti-TGF-b2,3 and controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Treating wounds with an antibody directed against TGF-b2 might be a useful clinical approach to reduce fibrosis.
Brahmatewari
J
J
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA.
Serafini
A
A
Serralta
V
V
Mertz
P M
PM
Eaglstein
W H
WH
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008747:Methylcellulose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015588:Observer Variation; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D013552:Swine; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000276:immunology; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053781:Transforming Growth Factor beta2; D008747:Methylcellulose