Topical disposition of two strengths of a 125I-rhEGF jelly in rat skin wounds

Growth factors have proved to be an effective therapeutic strategy. However, some controversies have arisen concerning their efficacy in topical wound treatments. Stabilization of epidermal growth factors at the wound site and long-lasting receptor occupancy are important factors for wound repair. This study evaluated the cumulative profiles of two jellies containing 10 or 20 microg of 125I-rhEGF per gram of jelly, in a rat full-thickness skin lesion model. The prolonged time-courses at the wound sites for both strengths compared with saline solutions previously evaluated using a similar skin lesion model are reported. It seems that these two topical formulations that provide more sustained amounts of 125I-rhEGF over the period of sampling, would probably achieve the required wound healing response in terms of cell proliferation, collagen deposition and protein synthesis. Further studies need to be developed in order to elucidate whether such an in vivo disposition pattern is consistent with an earlier and stronger promotion of wound healing events.