Abstract
Background: Mast cells are resident connective tissue cells able to secrete numerous inflammatory mediators in response to tissue aggression and might be implicated in the fibrotic processes. Objectives: To study the effects of mast cell products on fibroblast activity in connective tissues. Methods: Mast cell extract was prepared by sonication of pure mast cell preparations obtained by peritoneal lavage of rats and added to the culture medium of fibroblast-populated collagen lattices. Results: Mast cell extract was able to decrease the contraction of the collagen lattices, to stimulate total protein and collagen synthesis, and to increase the expression and activation of gelatinase A/MMP-2. Conclusion: These data are consistent with the hypothesis that mast cells in connective tissue may be responsible for fibroblast activation at the early phases of tissue repair and fibrosis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 485-492 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Clinical and Experimental Allergy |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2000 |
Keywords
- Collagen
- Fibroblasts
- Fibrosis
- Inflammation
- Mast cells
- Matrix metalloproteinases
- Tissue repair