Accelerated Healing of Incisional Wounds in Rats Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-$\beta

The role of polypeptide growth factors in the processes of inflammation and repair was investigated by analyzing the influence of transforming growth Factor-$\beta $ (TGF-$\beta $), applied directly to linear incisions made through rat dorsal skin. A dose-dependent, direct stimulatory effect of a single application of TGF-$\beta $ on the breaking strength of healing incisional wounds was demonstrated. An increase in maximum wound strength of 220 percent of control was observed at 5 days; the healing rate was accelerated by approximately 3 days for at least 14 days after production of the wound and application of TGF-$\beta $ These increases in wound strength were accompanied by an increased influx of mononuclear cells and fibroblasts and by marked increases in collagen deposition at the site of application of TGF-$\beta $. TGF-$\beta $ is thus a potent pharmacologic agent that can accelerate wound healing in rats.