The effects of topical transforming growth factor-beta2 and anti-transforming growth factor-beta2,3 on scarring in...

Transforming growth factor-b2 (TGF-b2) has been implicated in the inflammatory response and subsequent scarring during wound healing.

The experiment was designed to study the effects of a topical application of TGF-b2 and mouse monoclonal anti-TGF-b2,3 neutralizing antibody (anti TGF-b2,3) on the development of fibrosis during healing.

Sixteen full-thickness excision wounds were made in the paravertebral and thoracic area of four domestic pigs. On day 0, three wounds each were treated with: a) 5 mg of TGF-b2, b) 5 mg of 2% methylcellulose (mc), or c) 1.2 mg of anti-TGF-b2,3. As a vehicle for treatment of each wound methylcellulose 2% was used. Four wounds served as the untreated air-exposed control. Wounds were biopsied and the tissue sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin on days 7, 14, and 45. Three blinded observers evaluated the wound specimens.

Using computer-aided point count stereology on days 7, 14, and 45, we found a statistically significant increase (p <.05) in the number of nucleated cells in the TGF-b2-treated wounds as compared to the other control wounds. Wounds treated with anti-TGF-b2,3 had significantly (p <.05) fewer nucleated cells on days 7,14, and 45. Microscopically, the TGF-b2-treated wounds had a larger scar area as compared to anti-TGF-b2,3 and controls.

Treating wounds with an antibody directed against TGF-b2 might be a useful clinical approach to reduce fibrosis.