Gastrin-Releasing Peptide, a Bombesin-like Neuropeptide, Promotes Cutaneous Wound Healing

BACKGROUND Little is known about the effects of neuropeptides on wound healing. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), one of the bombesin-like neuropeptides, on wound healing. METHODS The effects of GRP on cultured keratinocyte proliferation and migration were measured by BrdU uptake and in vitro scratch assay, respectively. Various concentrations of GRP ointments (0, 10−9, 10−8, 10−7, 10−6 M) were topically applied to 1.0 mm wounds on porcine flanks. RESULTS GRP stimulated keratinocyte growth and locomotion in a dose-dependent manner. Topical administration of GRP accelerated macroscopic epidermal regeneration in a dose-dependent manner, as measured by planimetry. Histologic studies also showed that GRP promoted reepithelialization, including epidermal thickness as well as superficial skin coverage. CONCLUSION Topical use of GRP may clinically accelerate wound healing of burns, injuries, chronic ulcers, and skin graft donor sites through the enhancement of keratinocyte growth and spreading.