To investigate the best way of using fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in wound healing, the following experiments were performed. Twelve Wistar rats were chosen. Four 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm middle-thick skin wounds were made in the back of each rat, 2 in each side, and labelled as number 1 to 4. Number 1 wound of each rat was used as control, only PBS was applied to the wound, 50 microliters per time, twice a day from the first day to 11th day. Number 2 wound was sustained medication group, 50 microliters 4 micrograms/ml FGF was applied twice a day from the first day to 11th day; Number 3 wound was early medication group, 50 microliters 8 micrograms/ml FGF was applied twice a day from the first day to 5th day; Number 4 wound was late medication group, 50 microliters 8 micrograms/ml FGF was added twice a day from the 5th day to 11th day. By day 4, 8, 12 and 16, the area of wounds were measured, and the healing time of each wound was recorded. The elastic fiber, collagen fiber and DNA content were measured by immunohistological method. The result showed that the elastic fiber, collagen fiber and DNA content in the groups of FGF used were more than those in the control group. The healing time of the control group was 14.4 days while that of the early meduation group was 13.4 days, late medation group was 13.5 days and sustained medication group was 12.2 days. It was suggested that FGF could accelerate the wound healing, and sustained use of FGF was the best way of giving the drug.
