The effect of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (rhbFGF) on wound healing was studied biochemically and histologically in a, rat spongeimplantation model. Administration of 2 or 10 μg/rat of rhbFGF to a sponge piece increased the protein and DNA contents of the sponge as well as the wet weight, 1 and 2 weeks after the implantation. One week after the implantation of the rhbFGF-pellet, increases in capillary formation and infiltration of cellular and fibrillar components were histologically observed. The hemoglobin content of the sponge piece also significantly increased, suggesting that the hemoglobin content is a good biochemical marker for angiogenesis and wound healing process. The collagen content of rhbFGF-containing pellet was not significantly different from that of the control.
The effect of rhbFGF on the hemoglobin content was totally abolished by rhbFGF-neutralizing antibody. The results indicate that rhbFGF exhibits its angiogenic action in vivo and suggest that it accelerates wound healing.
