Objective    To investigate the expression profile and possible role of stromal cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) during full-thickness cutaneous wound healing in mice.     Methods    A full-thickness wound of 1.5 cm×1.5 cm in size was inflicted on the back of mice. The skin specimen on the margin of wound was collected in 1

2

3

4

5

7

10 and 14 d after injury respectively. The endogenous expression of SDF-1α mRNA was measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and its protein was detected by Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical assay in the obtained specimen.     Results    The mRNA expression of SDF-1α exhibited a double-peak profile

with the peak on day 1 (P0.05) and day 5 (P0.05) after excision

but reached the lowest level on day 3 (P0.05). The protein expression reached its peak on day 2 (P0.05) and day 7 (P0.05) respectively during the progress of wound healing

and SDF-1α was predominantly expressed at re-epidermal cells and neo-vascular endothelial cells.     Conclusion    SDF-1α may take part in the process of cutaneous wound healing.