ISSN:
1524-475X
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
In vitro, transforming growth factor-α is an important factor controlling epithelial cell proliferation and migration. However, the transforming growth factor-α knockout mouse has shown no wound epithelialization defect in tail amputation and full-thickness back wounds. To resolve this disparity, we combined a full-thickness head wound and a partial-thickness ear wound on the transforming growth factor-α knockout mouse for analysis of wound epithelialization with or without granulation tissue formation. Three-millimeter ear wounds were made on the transforming growth factor-α knockout and heterozygous control mice. Full-thickness head wounds were made using a 6-mm trephine on the crown of the skull. In the ear model, transforming growth factor-α knockout mice had significantly larger epithelial gaps versus control at post-operative day 3 and 5. Epithelial thickness at the wound edge of transforming growth factor-α deficient mice was also depressed at post-operative day 3 and post-operative day 5 compared to control mice. On post-operative day 8, most wounds of both groups were epithelialized. In contrast, no difference in epithelial gap or new granulation tissue was found in the head model. The data support the concept that transforming growth factor-α plays a significant early role in wound epithelialization in vivo but its deficit is compensated if accompanied by granulation tissue formation. The data further show the importance of appropriate wound models to address the role of vulnerary factors.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1524-475x.2001.00386.x
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