ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study focuses on the change of the expression of type-I collagen mRNA and extent of collagen synthesis caused by four kinds of growth factos (TGF-b, IGF-I, EGF, PDGF) and their combinations to elucidate the effects of growth factors on rabbit's flexor tendon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were isolated from rabbit's flexor tendons and cultured with DMEM containing 0.5% fetal bovine serum. Growth factors were then given either independently or in combination. On the 5th, 10th, and 15th day, the cells were collected and the cell proliferation rate was analyzed. The expression of type-I collagen mRNA was analyzed by Northern blot. RESULTS: The expression of type-I collagen mRNA increased significantly in the IGF, PDGF, PDGF/EGF, and PDGF/IGF groups (p<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the extent of type-I collagen synthesis in culture media was similar to the type-I collagen mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, we conclude that PDGF and IGF individually, and the combinations PDGF/IGF and PDGF/EGF were most effective at aiding the healing process in rabbit's flexor tendon.