[Changes in neuropeptide substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in scarless wound healing in fetal rabbit skin].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the role of the neuropeptide in fetal scarless wound healing.


METHODS
The animal models were replicated in which a full-thickness wound was inflicted on the back of rabbit fetuses at 22 days gestation (term=31 days). The progress of wound healing was observed on micro-and macro-levels at the 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd, 5 th, 7 th, 14 th post-injury days respectively. The expression level of substance P(SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) during wound healing was assessed by immunohistochemistry staining.


RESULTS
The cutaneous wounds in fetal rabbits healed more rapidly than that in adult and without the formation of scar. The expression of SP and CGRP of wound decreased in fetal rabbit at the early stage post-injury, down to the lowest levels on the 2 nd post-injury day (75%, 80%, vs. fetal control, both P<0.01), then increased gradually, up to the normal levels. The expression of SP and CGRP of wound decreased in adult rabbit at the early stage post-injury, down to the lowest levels on the post-injury 1 st day (60%, 76%, vs. adult control, both P<0.01), then increased quickly, up to a higher level than normal group, reaching the peak on the post-injury 7th day(168%, 126%, vs. adult control, both P<0.01), then returned to the normal levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The low level of neuropeptide may contribute to scarless wound healing in fetal rabbit.
Xie
Jiang
J
Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China.
Lai
Xi-nan
XN
Wang
Zheng-guo
ZG
Wang
Li-li
LL
Xiang
De-bing
DB
Huang
Hui
H
Chen
Hui
H
D000818:Animals; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / Q000378:metabolism*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D011817:Rabbits; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries* / Q000378:metabolism; D013373:Substance P / Q000378:metabolism*; D014945:Wound Healing
D013373:Substance P; D015740:Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide