[TGF-beta 1 gene expression in the healing process of skin wound in rat]

For observation of the change of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) gene expression in the process of skin wound healing, the following experiments were performed. Sixteen Wistar rats were chosen. At each side of the rat's back, a 1 cm x 1.5 cm middle-thick skin wound was made. After 3, 6, 9 and 12 days, the specimens were taken from the wounds. For each specimen, half of it was used for RNA extraction, and underwent dot blotting; and the other half was frozen immediately and underwent in situ hybridization. The probes were dig-labeled PDGF-BB cDNA probe and TGF-beta 1 probe. The results showed that TGF-beta 1 gene was expressed mainly in fibroblast, epithelial cell and capillary endothelial cell. The peak of TGF-beta 1 mRNA content was in the 6th day postoperatively. After that, the content of TGF-beta 1 decreased to normal. It was suggested that TGF-beta 1 gene expression was in close relation with healing process. TGF-beta 1 may play an important regulatory role in the skin wound healing.