Abstract: [Abstract] Objective · To investigate the influence of blocking receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) on macrophages infiltration in
diabetic wound healing. Methods · Ninety-six male C57BL/6J mice (8-week-old) were divided into diabetic group (n=72) and normal group (n=24)
randomly. Diabetic mice were induced by streptozocin multiple intraperitoneal injection. One full-thickness excisional wound (diameter of 9 mm) was
created by a sterilized punch. Diabetic mice were divided into 3 groups in which different topical treatments were applied to the wounds. Anti-RAGE
antibody were applied in group R, rabbit IgG applied in group I, normal saline applied in group C. Normal mice were applied with saline topically (group N).
All treatments were repeated on day 3 and day 7 after wounded. The wound healing conditions were observed. The wound and surrounding tissues from
animals in each group were excised on day 1, 3, and 7 after wounded. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to investigate the changes of macrophages
infiltration in quantity. Macrophages were also analyzed with respect to morphology by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results · ① The
wound closure ratio of group R was higher than those of group C and group I on day 14 after being wounded (P=0.000). ② On day 1, the numbers of
macrophages in group R and group N were both bigger than those of group C and group I, but smaller on day 14 (P=0.000). ③ The morphological
characters of macrophages also existed great differences under TEM. Conclusion · Number and morphology of macrophages are both abnormal in
diabetic wound in a RAGE pathway depending manner. Based on macrophages, it suggests that impaired healing of diabetic wound is closely related to
RAGE pathway.

Key words: diabetes mellitus, macrophage, receptor for advanced glycation end products, wound healing