Objective: To investigate the effect of Heibu Ointment on proliferative activity and apoptosis of fibroblasts in the hypetrrophic scarring model in rabbit ears. Method: Twenty-four white rabbits were used to establish the model of hypertrophic scar in ears.After twenty-one days

the model rabbits were randomly divided into Heibu Ointment treatment group and model group. In Heibu Ointment treatment group

Heibu Ointment was plastered on the hypetrrophic scars once in every three days. The treatment course lasted for fifty-six days. The scar tissue was sampled on the second

the fourth

the sixth and the eighth week for the two groups. The changes in fibroblasts treated with Heibu Ointment were compared with that of the controls during the forming of hypertrophic scars. The expression of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was measured by immunohistochemistry technique

and the apoptosis was measured by TUNEL. Result: The expression of PCNA in the Heibu Ointment treatment group was obviously weaker than that of the controls (P<0.05)

and the apoptosis was increased in Heibu Ointment treatment group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Heibu Ointment can inhibit the proliferation of fibroblasts and accelerate cell apoptosis in hypertrophic scars in rabbit ears.