Improved healing of tympanic membrane perforations with basic fibroblast growth factor.

We have investigated the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) on the healing of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. In the first series of experiments, a simple, round 1-mm perforation was made in the membrane and the effects of basic FGF examined. In a second series of experiments, basic FGF was tested on 2-mm perforations in which the borders were folded inward in order to delay normal healing. Topical applications of saline or basic FGF were administered onto gelfoam overlays of the TM perforations in 51 guinea pigs by delivering 5 microliters aliquots of PBS or 5 microliters of PBS containing 1 microgram of basic FGF on the day of surgery and daily thereafter. Repair of the lesions was evaluated 3, 5 or 8 days after surgery. The results show that basic FGF mediates faster healing of TM perforations by inducing rapid proliferation of the subepithelial connective tissue layer.