The effects of topical transforming growth factor-beta2 and anti-transforming growth factor-beta2,3 on scarring in pigs.

Abstract

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.

CONCLUSION:

Treating wounds with an antibody directed against TGF-b2 might be a useful clinical approach to reduce fibrosis.

• Authors: J Brahmatewari, A Serafini, V Serralta, P M Mertz, W H Eaglstein
• Journal: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery (J Cutan Med Surg) Vol. 4 Issue 3 Pg. 126-31 (Jul 2000) ISSN: 1203-4754 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11003716 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Transforming Growth Factor beta
• Transforming Growth Factor beta2
• Methylcellulose

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Animals
• Antibodies, Monoclonal (administration & dosage)
• Cicatrix (pathology, prevention & control)
• Fibrosis (pathology, prevention & control)
• Methylcellulose (administration & dosage)
• Observer Variation
• Skin (drug effects, pathology)
• Swine
• Transforming Growth Factor beta (administration & dosage, immunology)
• Transforming Growth Factor beta2
• Wound Healing (drug effects)