[Pathology of wound healing].

In this review the morphologically defined steps of wound healing are described. Then the mechanisms of molecular regulation are discussed, which are the basis of the phases of wound healing. A main topic is the role of signal peptides in the regulation of cellular and stromal alterations during wound healing. An overview is given about the respective growth factors, their main function during wound healing and their receptors. Finally, analogies with fetal wound healing and the therapeutic modulation of wound-healing disturbances are discussed.