Objective    To investigate the expression and distribution characteristics of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) in the human fetal skin during various stages of the gestation

and to explore its biological significance in the cutaneous development and wound healing process.     Methods    Fetal skin samples at different pregnant terms were obtained with informed consent and the approval of the Ethics Committee of Inner Mongolian Medical College. The expression of FGFR2 in these skin samples was analyzed by using immunohistochemical method.     Results    Positive immunohistochemical signals of FGFR2 were found in fetal skins

which were closely related to the developmental patterns of hair follicles. The expression of FGFR2 was first detected in the cellular membrane of epidermal cells in the undifferentiated epidermis during the embryonic period. Coinciding with the period of the stratification of the epidermis

FGFR2 was observed in the newly formed epidermal layers and primary hair germs. During the period of follicular keratinization

the differentiated spinous and granular layers were very prominent

and the epidermis reached to its maximal thickness at this time

meanwhile

the follicular buds also progressed through a rapid morphogenesis. The appearance of FGFR2 was observed exactly in the epithelial-mesenchymal interaction of hair bulbs at high level. Furthermore

during the period of follicular keratinization

the expression of FGFR2 was detectable in the epidermal layers

capillary endothelium

ducts of sebaceous glands

as well as the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions of follicles. However

the differential expression was coincided with the maturation and differentiation process of hair follicles at the end of this period.     Conclusion    The differential expression of FGFR2 in human fetal skins is closely related to the developmental patterns of hair follicles

which contributes to the maintenance and proliferation of follicle precursors

and regulates them to differentiate into terminal functional cells in the hair follicles.