To investigate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on necrosis rate, succinate dehydrogenase level and oxygen consumption of the skin flap, 18 Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups. Caudally based skin flap was raised on the back of each rat. Nine micrograms bFGF or normal saline with heparin was instilled under the flaps respectively after closure of the wounds. After 7 days, the necrosis rate of each wound was measured. The result showed that in bFGF group, the average necrosis rate of skin flap was 18.2%, less than that of the control group (37.14%). Succinate dehydrogenase content and oxygen consumption in bFGF group were higher than those of the corresponding sites in the control group (P lt; 0.05). It was suggested that the use of bFGF resulted in the decrease rate of necrosis of skin flap, and it maintained higher succinale dehydrogenase level and oxygen consumption. It was concluded that bFGF would probably be valuable for clinical use.