OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on skin wound healing.

METHODSThe dorsal trauma model of rats was used. A total of 68 dorsal wounds in 34 rats were created and divided into the rhEGF group and the isotonic saline group according to self-control. The process of wound healing was observed and a mean healing time was calculated. Furthermore, the dynamic analysis was performed at different times on wound OHP contents, ratio of collagen I/III and cell DNA cycle.

RESULTSThe wound healing was accelerated obviously in all wounds treated with rhEGF. The mean time of wound healing of the two groups was (17.2 +/- 1.3) days and (20.5 +/- 1.6) days respectively (P < 0.01). In the rhEGF group, the new granulation tissue was more and the re-epithelialization was faster than that of the saline group. External rhEGF increased OHP content, reduced collagen I/II ratio and accelerated cell DNA replication.

CONCLUSIONExternal rhEGF can shorten wound healing time, increase granulation tissue and OHP contents, reduce collagen I/III ratio and accelerate cell DNA replication, thus obviously promoting skin wound repair.