Acceleration of wound healing in diabetic mice by basic fibroblast growth factor.

We studied the effect of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on wound healing in genetically diabetic mice. Wound closure after full-thickness excision of skin was markedly delayed in diabetic mice compared to normoglycemic mice. A single application of bFGF caused a marked acceleration of wound healing in a dose-dependent manner. There were no hypertrophic scars or unlimited granulation tissue formation in regenerated tissues treated with any doses of bFGF under histological examination. The repeated application of bFGF for 7 d showed a bell-shaped dose-response in the rate of wound closure, and the optimal dose was as small as 0.2-2 mu g per wound. Reduced angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation were observed in diabetic mice compared to normal mice, and bFGF treatment restored both responses to significant levels. The beneficial effect of bFGF on wound healing would be largely explained by enhanced angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation.