ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to observe the pattern and distribution of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-r) and fibronectin in mice skin wounds treated with chitosan and taurine-chitosan gel.

The mice were incised on their dorsums and divided into two groups: Group 1: Chitosan gel applied group, Group 2: Taurine-Chitosan gel applied group. Gels were locally applied on the animals. The sections were excised at the 6th hour, and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days following incision. They were then stained for EGF-r and fibronectin with immunohistochemical methods.

Immunostaining revealed a positive area of EGF-r staining persisting up to the 3rd day especially in group 2. The positive area was located between the injured tissue, wound exudates, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and the vascular cells. During the early phase of healing in the dermis, fibronectin was detected earlier in the basement mem-brane and collagen bundles especially in group 2. On the 5th and 7th days, the fibronectin staining decreased markedly, but strong reactivity persisted in the dermal-epidermal junctions.

Reepithelization and repair of wounds in the dermis were found to be more rapid in the group treated with taurine-chitosan gel than the group treated with chitosan gel. (Gazi Med J 2011; 22: 6-13)