J Korean Soc Plast Reconstr Surg.  2003 Mar;30(2):201-208.

Effects of the Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor on Full-thickness Wound of the Rat Skin

• Baek RM
• Song YT
• Baek SJ
• Lee JH
• Im TG
• Yoon BH

Abstract

The wound healing effect of topical application of the recombinant human epidermal growth factor(rhEGF) on full-thickness dermal injury was investigated. Two full-thickness excisions were made on the back of the experimental animals. The rhEGF was applied twice a day and the rate of wound closure was measured every day for 14 days. On the seventh postoperative day, the histological findings of epithelization and granulation were examined by Massons tichrome stain, and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and alpha-smooth muscle actin(alpha-SMA). The wound size was a significant reduction in the rhEGF treated groups as compared with the control group (p<0.05). However, there was no statistical difference in the wound size among the concentrations of the rhEGF treated group. Histological examination revealed that epithelization and granulation was increased significantly in the rhEGF group compared to control group (p < 0.01, 0.05). PCNA and alpha-SMA immunoreactive cells were observed at the margin of wound and the rhEGF treatments significantly increased the number of PCNA and alpha-SMA immunoreactive cells as compared to those of control group (p < 0.01, 0.05). Taken together, these findings suggest that rhEGF enhance the epithelial wound healing by the stimulate of cell proliferation. The wound contraction might be also affected by rhEGF application.

Keyword

Epidermal growth factor; Wound healing

MeSH Terms

Animals
Cell Proliferation
Epidermal Growth Factor*
Humans*
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
Rats*
Skin*
Wound Healing
Wounds and Injuries*
Epidermal Growth Factor
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen