[Effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor on the expansion of human skin in vitro]

We investigated the effect of the different concentrations of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on the expansion of human skin in vitro. Pieces of skin about 2 mm2 in area were placed in 24-cell wells and rhEGF in different concentrations was added. The wells were incubated at 37 degrees C in 5% CO2 for 4 d. The expanded area of each piece of skin was measured. The results indicated that rhEGF possessed a regulating effect on the expansion of skin pieces, and the expanded area was parabolically related with the concentrations of rhEGF. When the rhEGF concentration reached 5 micrograms/L, the maximal area expansion (7.08 +/- 2.40 mm2) was found, which was as twice as the area in control group (3.63 +/- 1.98 mm2). It was suggested that rhEGF had a potential therapeutic effect in wound healing.