[Biologic significance of neurofilament protein expression in scar tissue]

To investigate the situation of neurofilament protein (NFP) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) staining in scars and normal human skin, and attempt to explain the etiology of scarring formation.

The samples of scar were obtained from post-burn (11-26 months) patients undergoing plastic operation in our burn unit recently, and the samples of control came from skin donor site of the same patient correspondingly. Immunohistochemistry staining technique was employed to examine the protein expression in scars and skin. The expression of neurofilament protein (NFP-200) and EGFR in hyperplastic scars (n=12) and normal human (n=12) were investigated with light microscope.

The expression of NFP-200 and EGFR in hyperplastic scars were much higher than that in normal human skin,and NFP-200 immuno-reaction nerve fibers were progressively stronger with scarring formation, then were gradually reduced with scarring maturation. The change of EGFR expression was similar to NFP-200 expression.

These studies are undertaken to elucidate the relationship between scars formation and nerve reinnervation in cutaneous cells. The activity of EGFR might be associated with the nerve reinnervation. The expression of EGFR influence on wound healing. Therefore, neuroregulation might play a role in the pathogenesis of scars.