Fetal wound healing: current biology

Kelli M Bullard; Michael T Longaker; H Peter Lorenz

doi:10.1007/s00268-002-6737-2

Fetal wound healing: current biology

World J Surg. 2003 Jan;27(1):54-61. doi: 10.1007/s00268-002-6737-2.

Authors

Kelli M Bullard¹, Michael T Longaker, H Peter Lorenz

Affiliation

¹ Department of Surgery, Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, University of Minnesota, Mayo Mail Code 450, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.

PMID: 12557038
DOI: 10.1007/s00268-002-6737-2

Abstract

The early-gestation fetus heals dermal wounds rapidly and scarlessly. This phenomenon appears to be intrinsic to fetal skin and independent of the intrauterine environment. Unique properties of fetal cells, extracellular matrix, cytokine profile, and gene expression contribute to scarless repair. An intensive research effort has focused on unraveling the mechanisms that underlie scarless fetal wound healing in an attempt to improve the quality of healing in both children and adults.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology
Extracellular Matrix / physiology
Fetus / physiology*
Fibroblasts / physiology
Gene Expression
Genes, Homeobox / physiology
Glycosaminoglycans / physiology
Humans
Hyaluronic Acid / physiology
Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism
Organ Specificity
Skin / embryology*
Transforming Growth Factor beta / analysis
Wound Healing / physiology*

Substances

Cell Adhesion Molecules
Glycosaminoglycans
Transforming Growth Factor beta
Hyaluronic Acid
Matrix Metalloproteinases