Subcutaneous implantation of Hunt-Schilling wound chambers in rats induces a wound repair response causing the chamber first to fill with fluid and subsequently with connective tissue. The presence of a type I collagen gel encouraged a more rapid dispersion of cells throughout the chamber but had no effect on the rate of new collagen deposition. Addition of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF; 50 ng/chamber) to the collagen-filled chambers caused an earlier influx of connective tissue cells, a marked increase in DNA synthesis, and a greater collagen deposition in the chamber during the first 2 wk after implantation. After 3 wk, however, the levels of collagen were similar in PDGF-supplemented and control chambers. Diabetic animals exhibited a decreased rate of repair which was restored to normal by addition of PDGF to the wound chamber. Combinations of PDGF and insulin caused an even more rapid increase in collagen deposition. These results suggest that the levels of various growth factors, particularly PDGF, may be limiting at wound sites and that supplementation of wounds with these factors can accelerate the rate of new tissue formation.