PATHOLOGY OF WOUND-HEALING

In this review the morphologically defined steps of wound healing are described. Then the mechanisms of molecular regulation are discussed, which are the basis of the phases of wound healing. A main topic is th e role of signal peptides in the regulation of cellular and stromal al terations during wound healing. An overview is given about the respect ive growth factors, their main function during wound healing and their receptors. Finally, analogies with fetal wound healing and the therap eutic modulation of wound-healing disturbancies are discussed.