The effect of TGF-beta delivered through a collagen scaffold on wound healing

In this preliminary study, the wound healing response of full-thickness ski n defects to transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) incorporated in a c ollagen scaffold was evaluated. The objectives of this study were (1) to co mpare the effects of TGF-beta on the cellular and tissue response and mecha nical properties and (2) to determine the effects of a collagen scaffold on wound healing when compared to control. Three 3 x 3 cm, full-thickness def ects were created on the dorsi of 15 New Zealand White rabbits. Each rabbit had a control (no treatment), collagen scaffold, and collagen scaffold wit h TGF-beta (2 mu g/cm(2)). All the wounds were covered with a transparent p olyurethane dressing. There were three periods of study (1, 2, and 3 weeks) with five rabbits in each period. The volume fraction of the tissue and ce lls was histomorphometrically determined for each wound. A greater inflamma tory response was found in the collagen scaffold-treated group, but the fas test epithelialization and contraction rates were associated with TGF-beta and collagen. No significant differences in the mechanical strength between the different treatment groups were seen. Overall, TGF-beta delivered thro ugh a collagen scaffold enhanced the healing process and showed promise for future clinical applications.