MODELS IN-VIVO OF WOUND-HEALING IN THE HORSE AND THE ROLE OF GROWTH-FACTORS

Wound models attempt to simulate the natural healing processes in woun ds. However, all models have significant limitations due to the comple xity of the tissue repair process. Much can be learned from wound mode ls in vitro by the use of cell culture techniques. The horse can provi de a suitable naturally occurring model of chronic wound healing becau se it has many similarities to wound healing encountered in human medi cine. The tissue architecture was investigated with regard to extracel lular matrix and growth factor distribution during wound healing and g rowth factors were consistently present in the wound area. Biochemical investigations revealed increased levels of hydroxyproline, collagen, and TGF beta 1 in exuberant granulation tissue. Equine wound models w ere established in vitro using cell culture techniques and growth fact ors had significant effects on the growth of the cells and their abili ty to synthesize collagen. Two gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were dete cted in the tissues and wound fluid samples investigated.