Implication of interleukin-4 in wound healing

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a pleiotropic cytokine that is able to activate con nective tissue cells and stimulate the accumulation of extracellular matrix macromolecules. In this report, the expression of IL-4 in normal wound hea ling was studied by immunohistochemistry. The effects of exogenous IL-4 or IL-4 antisense oligonucleotides administration were also studied in mouse e xperimental wounds. IL-4 expression was detected in the lower dermis below the wound as early as Day 1 after wounding. IL-4 expression was maximal by Day 4, then decreased progressively, and completely disappeared by Day 21 a fter wounding. Topical administration of IL-4 on experimental wounds in mic e significantly accelerated the rate of healing, whereas IL-4 antisense oli gonucleotides significantly inhibited healing. These results demonstrate th at IL-4 may be implicated in normal wound healing.