Effects of keratinocyte growth factor-2 on corneal epithelial wound healing in a rabbit model of carbon dioxide laser injury.

Keratinocyte growth factor-2 (KGF-2), also called fibroblast growth factor-10 (FGF-10), is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family. It plays a critical role in epithelial development and exerts its biological activities in a paracrine manner on the receptor FGFR2-IIIb. This study examined the function of topically applied KGF-2 in vivo on wound healing using a CO(2) laser, corneal epithelial wounded, rabbit model. Topically applied 25 microg/ml KGF-2 accelerated corneal epithelial wound healing, in contrast to the control, and reduced inflammation, stromal edema, and fibrosis. In addition, this factor also exhibited significant inhibition of corneal neovascularization. KGF-2 appears to be another important growth factor in the regulation of corneal epithelial wound healing.