EFFECTS OF CALCITONIN-GENE-RELATED PEPTIDE ON WOUND CONTRACTION IN DENERVATED AND NORMAL RAT SKIN - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of calcitonin g ene-related peptide (CGRP) on wound contraction in both denervated and normal areas. A total of 100 Wistar rats, each of which had a 2 X 2 c m full-thickness skin defect on the back, were divided into two main c ontrol groups and sis corresponding experimental groups in which 10 x 10(-9) M and 10 x 10(-12) M synthetic rat CGRP were given intraperiton eally and intradermally. Contraction was assessed weekly with planimet ry, and mean surface areas (mm(2) +/- SD) of related groups were compa red. Complete closure took 4 weeks for the normal control group and 8 weeks for the denervated control group (p < 0.05). The 10 x 10(-12) CG RP with both types of application showed a decrease in the length of t ime for complete closure to 3 weeks in the normal experimental groups (p < 0.05), but complete closure still took 4 weeks in normal groups i n which 10 x 10(-9) M CGRP was given (p < 0.05). Any dosage of CGRP gi ven intraperitoneally showed no change in the closure period in the de nervated experimental groups (p > 0.05). CGRP showed a trophic effect on healing by an increased rate of contraction in the rat model. Howev er, the neural supply to the wound area seemed to be intact because of the necessity of axonal transfer of CGRP.