Restraint stress alters the expression of interleukin-1 and keratinocyte growth factor at the wound site: an in situ hybridization study

Stress has a negative impact on wound healing. This murine study evaluated the effect of restraint stress (RSI) on interleukin-1 (IL-1) and keratinocyte growth factor-1 (KGF-1) gene expression in cutaneous wounds by in situ hybridization, At day I, RSI trice had reduced frequency of IL-1beta mRNA-expressing fibroblasts compared to control mice. At day 3, RST mice had reduced frequencics of IL-1beta mRNA-expressing leukocytes, KGF-1 mRNA-expressing fibroblasts, and thin proliferating zones of epithelium. At day 5, RST mice had persistent leukocytic foci and reduced granulation tissue. Therefore, stress-induced alterations in cutaneous proinflammatory cytokine and growth factor expression are associated with significant histological changes in healing wounds. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.