HISTOLOGY AND HISTOPATHOLOGY

Cellular and Molecular Biology

Histological evaluation of scar tissue inflammatory response: the role of hGH in diabetic rats

F. García-Esteo1, G. Pascual1, N. García-Honduvilla1, A. Gallardo3, J. San-Román3, J.M. Bellón2 and J. Buján1
1Department of Medical Especialities and 2Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcalá and 3Institute of Science and Polymer Tecnology, CSIC, Madrid, Spain

Offprint requests to: Dra. J. Buján, Departamento de Especialidades Médicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, Ctra N-II, Km 33.600, 28871 Alcalá de henares, Madrid, Spain. Fax: 34-91-8854885. e-mail: mjulia.bujan@uah.es


Summary. This paper describes a polymer site-specific delivery system containing human growth hormone in an in vivo model of scarring in the diabetic state.
Copolymer discs with the hormone were introduced into incisions made in rats previously injected with streptozotocin in order to induce diabetes. Tissue specimens for evaluation were obtained at 3, 7 or 10 days after the procedure. Study groups were healthy rats and diabetic rats untreated or treated with/without the hormone. Histological sections were prepared for light microscopy examination of wound zones.
Three and 7 days after surgery, polymer remains could be observed in the subcutaneous tissue. These remnants induced a moderate foreign body reaction. The number of macrophages detected was directly related to neovessel formation and metalloelastase expression. The CD4+/CD8+ ratio was low during the initial follow up stages (3 and 7 days) in untreated diabetic rats, yet an increased ratio corresponding to areas around the polymer remains was noted in the animals treated with copolymer loaded with the growth hormone.
Copolymer is biodegradable in vivo and may be used as a vehicle for the slow release of active substances. The presence of the hormone at the site of skin injury induces cell proliferation and enhances the repair process. Histol Histopathol 20, 53-57 (2005)

Key words: Diabetes, Drug delivery, Growth factor, Immune response, Wound healing

DOI: 10.14670/HH-20.53