Experimental model for local application of growth factors in skin re-epithelialisation.
We did an experimental study to assess the effects of different growth factors on re-epithelialisation of skin wounds by creating a partial-thickness defect in rats with a handle dermatome. Three different growth factors that are particularly involved in the re-epithelialisation phase of wound repair (epidermal growth factor (EGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-b) n = 10 in each group) were applied locally in a hydrocolloid dressing containing solutions of the different factors (EGF 10 micrograms/ml, KGF 3.3 ng/ml, bFGF 1 microgram/ml). The dressings were changed daily. The thickness of the epithelium, the percentage of re-epithelialisation, and the maturity of the epithelium were quantified and measured morphometrically. The results showed that: the experimental model allowed us to apply the growth factors, while continuously maintaining the dose within the maximum activity of the growth factor; when EGF, KGF, and bFGF were given according to the protocol there was significant thickening of the new epidermis (p < 0.01) and acceleration of the re-epithelialisation (p < 0.05) rate compared with controls, and significantly more mature epithelium grew (p < 0.05) all of which were evident on both the third and the fifth days; and EGF and KGF cause a more epidermal thickening than bFGF.
Sanz Garcia
S
S
Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital Universitario del Aire, Madrid, Spain.
Santos Heredero
X
X
Izquierdo Hernandez
A
A
Pascual Peña
E
E
Bilbao de Aledo
G
G
Hamann
C
C
D000818:Animals; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004848:Epithelium; D051526:Fibroblast Growth Factor 10; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D051523:Fibroblast Growth Factor 7; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*
C496455:Fgf7 protein, rat; D051526:Fibroblast Growth Factor 10; D006133:Growth Substances; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D051523:Fibroblast Growth Factor 7; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor