We investigated the effect of recombinant human transforming growth factor-β (rhTGF-β) on dog primary cultured dermal fibroblasts. The rhTGF-β contracted collagen matrix in which dog fibroblasts were cultured in dose dependent manner. Morphological observation showed that the cells in the matrix formed pseudopodia by rhTGF-β treatment. The rhTGF-β treatment avoided the cell death induced by serum starvation and stimulated the cell proliferation at 0.1-1.0ng/ml. It also stimulated fibronectin and collagen production from dog fibroblasts. These results indicate that rhTGF-β promotes wound contraction and granulation by acting on skin fibroblasts. We concluded that rhTGF-β is a potential drug for wound treatment in the dog.

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A six-year-old, castrated male Bichon Frise was presented with depression, lethargy, pyrexia, and multiple draining skin nodules, which were unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. A hemogram and blood chemical analysis showed anemia, leucocytosis, and elevated alkaline phosphatase. Histopathological examinations of the skin lesions revealed severe lobular panniculitis without any infectious agents. Bacterial and fungal culture examinations of the skin tissue were negative. The dog was diagnosed as idiopathic nodular panniculitis, the term previously applied to Weber-Christian disease in humans.

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