OBJECTIVETo study the effects of Shibao Powder on the expression of b-FGF and TGF-beta 1 in granulation tissues of rabbit models with soft tissue injuries, so as to explore mechanism of external Chinese drugs for repairing of soft tissues in molecular levels.

METHODSThe rabbit models were established by classical method of full-thickness skin wounds. After 8% sodium sulfide was used and routine disinfection completed, intra-peritoneal anaesthesia was adopted. The skin was cut to expose gastrocnemius muscle, and imcomplete sharp dissection was made near the tendon insertion. The length of the incision was 0.8 cm and the width was 0.4 cm. The rabbits in the experimental group were treated with spread of Shibao Powder at the wound; the rabbits in clean group were treated with routine dressing changes and disinfection; and the rabbits in the control group were treated with dressing changes only. The granulation tissues in different stages were collected and observed with high power microscope. The expression of Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) protein and b-FGF protein in wound tissues were detected using StreptA-ridin-Biotin-Complex (SABC) method.

RESULTSThe results showed that the expression of b-FGF protein had significant differences among 3 groups at the 6th day after trauma (P<0.05). The TGF-beta 1 protein expression also had significant differences among 3 groups at the 10th and 14th days after trauma (P<0.05). At the same time, the growth states of granulation tissues had difference among 3 groups at the same trauma stage, and within the same group among different trauma stages.

CONCLUSIONThis experimental study shows that Shibao Powder is effective to promote the repair of soft tissues after trauma by stimulating production of endogenous growth factor from cells in wound.