[Immunohistochemical study on expression of iNOS and eNOS during skin incised wound healing in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of iNOS and eNOS during skin incised wound healing and the applicability of time-dependent expressions of iNOS and eNOS to timing of wound. METHODS: An incised wound was made in the dorsal skin of mouse. By using S-P method, the expression of iNOS and eNOS were studied in cutaneous incised wound as well as normal skin in control mice. RESULTS: iNOS and eNOS expressed in epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous gland, and the eNOS were also found in vascular endothelium in control group. Three hours after injuryed, the expression of iNOS and eNOS were detected in polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in the wound and peripheral region. From 6h to 24h of wound interval, the expression of NOS isoforms were identified in a large number of infiltrating PMNs and part of mononuclear cells (MNCs), afterwards the MNCs and fibroblastic cells (FBCs) accounted for the most part of the iNOS and eNOS positive cells. In addition, during wound healing, the expressions of iNOS and eNOS were noticed in different level in vascular epithelial cells, especially neonatal capillary vessel in granulation tissue. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that iNOS and eNOS express in polymorphonuclear cells, macrophages and fibroblasts during healing process of skin incised wound in mice. Furthermore, iNOS and eNOS may play pivotal roles in all the events relating to wound healing, and the time-dependent expressions of iNOS and eNOS may possibly be used as new markers for the wound age determination.