In the process of promoting wound healing, epidermal growth factor (EGF) activates protein kinase C, protein tyrosine kinase and ERK MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase). The activation of these mediators in signal pathways can regulate the operation of K(+) channels. In addition, the K(+) channel is involved with cell migration and proliferation, both of which are requisite for wound healing. Recent studies, although not conducted on skin wounds, have found that the K(+) channel is associated with wound healing and that wound healing can be promoted by regulating the K(+) channels. Therefore, the authors hypothesize that healing of skin wounds could be promoted by regulating K(+) channel distribution in skin keratinocytes or fibroblasts. We plan to conduct a study of the promotion of skin wound healing using K(+) channel regulators.