Effects of collagen matrix containing transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 on wound contraction

We evaluated the effectiveness of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta (1) on wound contraction, both alone and in combination with collagen matrix, using an in vivo delayed wound healing type model. To clarify the mechanism s involved in the effectiveness of TGF-beta (1), we also used a fibroblast- populated collagen gel contraction in vitro model. Although we found that T GF-beta (1) significantly accelerated contraction of the fibroblast-populat ed collagen gel in vitro, we demonstrated that both collagen matrix alone a nd 1.0 mug of TGF-beta (1) alone significantly inhibited wound contraction in the in vivo model. In addition, the combination of TGF-P, and collagen m atrix was much more effective than TGF-beta (1) alone, a finding which was supported by histopathological examination. Wounds treated with collagen ma trix containing TGF-beta (1) showed horizontal rearrangement of collagen fi bers in the dermal part as well as evidence of active fibroblast proliferat ion, which was not observed in the scar regions of controls. These results show that the application of TGF-beta (1) treated collagen matrix is effect ive for preventing contraction producing so called 'neodermis' in treating a delayed healing type model and may be highly beneficial for treating chro nic wounds. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.