Purpose: Enhancement of wound closure by use of peptide growth factors has been disappointing due to their degradation by proteases. Promoters of wound healing, immune to proteases, may enhance granulation tissue deposition in the presence of proteases. Methods: Two polyvinyl alcohol implants were placed into subcutaneous pockets in rats. 0.2 ml injections were performed: Group 1 - saline; Group 2 - 100ug elastase(EL); Group 3 - 20ng anabolic steroid(AS); Group 4 - 100ug EL and 20ng AS. Day 7 implants were harvested; wet weights measured; implants taken for histological and immunohistological analysis. Results: Compared to controls, implants receiving EL had less wet weight and cell and blood vessel density; AS implants had greater wet weight and cell and blood vessel density. EL+AS implants had greater wet weight and cell and blood vessel density compared to EL but less than AS implants. Conclusion: Local AS application, in the presence of elevated EL in wounds, enhances granulation tissue deposition. Our model of elevated EL in wounds, mimics one aspect of chronic wound pathology. Our results suggest AS circumvents the mechanism of peptide growth factor breakdown. Use of anabolic steroid, a promoter of granulation tissue deposition, may enhance chronic wound closure.