Effect of local application of epidermal growth factor on innate immunity and cell composition of destruction focus in experimental thermal injury.

The effect of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) on innate immunity and cellular composition of the destruction focus in the third-degree (IIIA) burn (skin contact with an object heated to 100°C; 4% body surface) was studied in experiments on outbred albino rats. On days 7-28 after burn, blood count of phagocytes and their absorbing capacity and oxygen-dependent metabolism increased, which correlated with the increase in serum IL-1β level and neutrophil count in the destruction focus. Local application of rhEGF led to earlier (on day 14) normalization of the count and functional activity of blood phagocytes and decrease in serum IL-1β level and accelerated neutrophil and lymphocyte replacement with fibroblasts in the focus of injury.