A preliminary study on the effect of wounding on transforming growth factor-β1 and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein concentrations in the skin of horses.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate whether wound type or site influence the production of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and determine if there is a correlation between TGF-β1and COMP during healing. STUDY DESIGN:Experimental. ANIMALS:Standardbred horses (n=6), 4-8 years old. METHODS:Six, standardized, full-thickness skin wounds (open, straight, and elliptical) were surgically created on the neck (n=3) and metacarpus (3) on each horse. Wounds were randomly allocated to site and side. Tissue samples were collected before creating wounds and on days 7, 14, and 42. COMP concentration (μg/g dry weight of tissue) was determined using a standard competitive ELISA and TGF-β1 (ng/g dry weight of tissue) was determined using a commercially available sandwich ELISA. RESULTS:COMP concentrations were higher in intact skin on the neck compared with the metacarpus (P=.02). There was no difference in COMP and TGF-β1 concentrations between the different wound types or sites during healing. There was no correlation between TGF-β1 and COMP during healing. CONCLUSIONS:Within the limitations of the study design, production of COMP during healing of skin wounds does not appear to be influenced by wound type or anatomic site, nor does it appear to be correlated with TGF-β1 concentrations.

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