EVALUATION OF BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTOR IRE TYMPANIC MEMBRANE REPAIR

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) has been shown to enhance speed of wound repair at a number of anatomic sites. This study presents an evaluation of bFGF in a model of acute tympanic membrane (TM) perforat ion in order to assess rate of healing as well as structural and funct ional outcome. Perforations were created in the tympanic membranes of rats, then allowed to heal in the presence of topically applied bFGF w ith the opposite ear serving as a control. The growth factor was appli ed in repeated doses beginning 2 days after creation of the TM defect. The treated ears healed faster by an average of 4.0 days. The healed tympanic membranes were assessed using tympanometry and light microsco py. Structurally and functionally, the healed tympanic membranes were similar to the controls. The observed results indicate that bFGF promo tes accelerated healing and restoration of normal architecture in acut e TM defects.