[Characteristics of epidermal growth factor and its receptor expression in dermal chronic ulcers]

To investigate the expression and location of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) in dermal chronic ulcers and normal skin in order to explore their influence on ulcer formation.

The expression intensity and distribution of EGF and EGFR were detected with pathological method and immunohistochemistry method in 8 cases of dermal ulcers, 8 cases of edge of ulcer and 8 cases of normal skin.

The Positive signals of EGF could be found in epidermal cells, endothelial cells and some fibroblasts; EGFR was principally located in the cytoplasm and cellular membrane of these cells mentioned above in normal skin. From normal skin, edge of ulcer to ulcerative tissues, the protein contents of EGF and EGFR were decreased progressively. In ulcerative tissues, EGF was mostly distributed in monocytes and macrophages while EGFR was chiefly sited in monocytes. When compared with normal skins, the protein expression of EGF and EGFR was notably reduced in ulcerative tissues (both P<0.01). The positive cellular ratios of two proteins were reduced to (7.1+/-5.2) % and (8.8+/-5.5) % of those in normal skin respectively (all P<0.01).

The formation of dermal chronic ulcers is closely associated with the reduction of EGF and EGFR protein expression which may lead to binding obstruction between EGF and its receptor.