Effect of c-fos antibody on the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor mRNA and wound repair

Objective To investigate the important network regulation of c fos and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in wound healing process and the effects of anti c fos on wound healing. Methods Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization methods were used in partial thickness burn model to detect the proteins of c fos and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and bFGF mRNA expression in normal and burn rat skin at 3 h, 6 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d and 14 d post injury in a partial thickness burn model. The effects of c fos antibody and exogenous bFGF on these quota were also investigated. Results Burn could decrease endogenous bFGF mRNA expression, and induce the expression of c fos protein with the area density ratio of bFGF mRNA at the first day post burn being 11.10±1.56. Exogenous c fos antibody could decrease the area density ratio of bFGF mRNA to 4.60±0.86 at the first day post burn. The bFGF mRNA expression was increased little without significant difference after exogenous treatment with bFGF. Treatment of c fos antibody could significantly decrease the expression of PCNA. Through the re epithelial process was almost completed at 14th d post burn, the thickness of basal cells was thinner than that in controls. Microscopic observation showed that the skin thickness was decreased by about 1/3 compared with simple controls. After treatment with bFGF, the basal cells grew thicker, and there were more PCNA positive cells, and the wounded area contained massive capillaries. Conclusion The expression of bFGF was regulated by c fos gene and their regulatory interaction might play an important role in wound healing process.