Mechanism of Action to Accelerate Second-Degree Scald Wound Healing by Endogenous Epidermal Growth Factor

The study investigated how endogenous EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) accelerated the healing of second-degree scald wounds in mice. It was found that EGF and its receptor (EGFR) were expressed in the same sites, such as epithelial cells of hair follicles, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells, with varying intensities during the healing process. In the submaxillary gland, EGF expression decreased significantly within 3 days post-injury but returned to control levels by day 5. The EGF mRNA expression remained constant before and after injury. The study concluded that endogenous EGF might enhance wound healing through autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms.