Induction of KGF, Basic FGF, and TGFa mRNA Expression During Healing of Experimental TM Perforations

KGF (KGF), synthesized and secreted exclusively by stromal cells in epithelialized organs, specifically promotes proliferation of cells of epithelial origin, including keratinocytes. A related peptide, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), has mitogenic properties for fibroblasts and endothelial cells. KGF expression is stimulated markedly in the skin during wound healing. To investigate the physiologic action of KGF in the healing of TM (TM) perforations, we examined KGF and KGF receptor (KGFR) mRNA transcript levels as well as those of bFGF and transforming growth factor-