DIFFERENTIAL EXPRESSION OF PROTEINS DURING HEALING OF CUTANEOUS WOUNDS IN EXPERIMENTAL NORMAL AND CHRONIC MODELS

Recent studies have demonstrated growth factors and other cellular pro teins as being important in the healing process. In this study, we hav e investigated the differential expression of proteins in wound tissue s of normal and chronic animal models. Proteins were identified by spe cific antibodies, partial N-terminal amino acid sequence, and molecula r weight homology. In normal wound tissues de novo synthesis of a heat shock protein, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) was induced within 24 h of skin injury, Proteins r esembling vascular endothelial growth factor, receptors for PG;DF, FGF , and epidermal growth factor, were synthesized. The elevated synthesi s declined to a basal level in 7 to 14 days after skin injury which co incided with healing of wounds. These changes occurred only in wound s ite tissues but not in distal tissues, In contrast, the chronic wounds presented a different picture. The expressions of these proteins were either delayed or inhibited. This suggested the role of these protein s during normal and chronic wound healing. The proteins which were dow n regulated in chronic wounds may be used in the management of wounds and exploited as targets for therapeutic development. (C) 1998 Academi c Press.