Transforming growth factor-beta 1 induces alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in granulation tissue myofibroblasts and in quiescent and growing cultured fibroblasts

Immunohistochemical characterisation of odontogenic cysts with mesenchymal and myofilament markers

The aim of the present investigation was to analyse the fibroblast phenotype in the main groups of odontogenic cysts. We have examined the muscle differentiation markers alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) and desmin and the presence of vimentin using immunocytochemistry. Fibroblasts of other cyst types, hyperplastic fibrous lesions, and from several normal sites were used as controls. All fibroblasts stained for vimentin, but a variable proportion of cyst wall fibroblasts were also positive for the antibody to ASMA. Their distribution was not random and two positive zones could be distinguished, an inner subepithelial layer and an outer region adjacent to the bone-facing surface. This staining pattern was observed for all the types of odontogenic cysts studied, although the subepithelial staining was more frequent in the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate. The contractile nature of these cells was supported by their ultrastructural appearance. Some non-odontogenic cysts showed subepithelial fibroblasts strongly labelled with ASMA; in the control tissues ASMA was negative except for pericytes and some groups of cells in supracrestal gingiva. These results demonstrate a distinct cell population with a myofibroblast phenotype in the odontogenic cyst wall and with a distribution which may enable them to contribute to wall elasticity constraining cyst expansion. Their presence in all types of odontogenic cyst studied would suggest that myofibroblast formation is independent of the pattern of cyst growth.

Myofibroblasts from scleroderma skin synthesize elevated levels of collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1) with two forms of TIMP-1

Cultured fibroblasts derived from skin biopsies from scleroderma patients and normal individuals were examined for the presence of smooth muscle alpha-actin, a marker for myofibroblasts. Six of eight scleroderma cell lines were found to be 50% or more positive for alpha-actin while three of four normal lines and one cell line derived from unaffected skin of a scleroderma patient were less than 10% positive. The cultured fibroblasts from affected scleroderma skin were largely myofibroblasts, a phenotype found in biopsies of scleroderma tissue, as well as other fibrotic lesions, wound healing, and tumor desmoplasia. The data support the hypothesis that a certain activated fibroblast phenotype predominates in scleroderma. The activated fibroblast is the myofibroblast. Both collagen and TIMP (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases) were elevated in the alpha-actin positive (myofibroblast enriched) cultures. In addition, the myofibroblast-enriched cultures displayed a more prominent TIMP doublet band pattern on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms in mammary epithelial cells and in myofibroblasts from different fibrotic settings during neoplasia

The expression of smooth muscle (SM) and non-muscle (NM) myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms has been studied in fibroblastic cells of different fibrotic lesions (hypertrophic scars, Dupuytren's nodules and stromal reaction to mammary carcinoma) and in epithelial cells of non-neoplastic and neoplastic mammary glands, using anti-myosin antibodies in immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Two antibodies were specific for SM-MyHC isoforms (SM1 and SM2) and three antibodies were directed against different sequences of NM-MyHC isoforms. Myofibroblasts containing SM-MyHC were present in a variable number of cases of the different lesions: 1 of 11 hypertrophic scars, 3 of 9 Dupuytren's nodules and 20 of 25 breast cancers. The distribution of NM-MyHC sequences recognized by our antibodies was heterogeneous in fibroblasts from normal dermis and mammary stroma, but became homogeneous in myofibroblasts from all the pathological conditions examined. Moreover, the expression of these MyHC sequences differed in normal mammary epithelium when compared with invasive carcinoma. These results show that cellular modulation from fibroblast to myofibroblast may be accompanied by the appearance of SM-MyHC and is characterized by a uniform expression of MyHC of NM type, and that tumour progression in mammary epithelial cells may be paralleled by the disappearance of a specific NM-MyHC sequence. This suggests that MyHC modulation participates in the process of fibrosis as well as in the process of malignant epithelial transformation.

Heterogeneity of smooth muscle-associated proteins in mammalian brain microvasculature

In the brain, the microvascular system is composed of endothelial cells surrounded by a layer of pericytes. The lack of smooth muscle cells in this tissue suggests that any contractile function must be performed by one or both of these cell types. The present study was undertaken in order to identify cells in terminal blood vessels that contain smooth muscle-like contractile machinery. Endothelial cells were reactive with antibodies against smooth muscle myosin but showed no other smooth muscle-related features. In contrast, pericytes of intact microvessels showed a pattern of protein expression similar to that of smooth muscle cells. Pericytes also behaved in tissue culture like cultured smooth muscle cells, with regard to the changes in expression of smooth muscle-related proteins. These data confirm the close relationship between smooth muscle cells and pericytes, and point to their contractile function in the brain microvessels.

The origin of the myofibroblasts in breast cancer. Recapitulation of tumor environment in culture unravels diversity and implicates converted fibroblasts and recruited smooth muscle cells

The origin of myofibroblasts in stromal reaction has been a subject of controversy. To address this question definitively, we developed techniques for purification and characterization of major stromal cell types. We defined a panel of markers that could, in combination, unequivocally distinguish these cell types by immunocytochemistry, iso-electric focusing, immunoblotting, and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. We then devised an assay to recapitulate in culture, within two weeks of incubation, critical aspects of the microenvironment in vivo including the typical tissue histology and stromal reaction. When confronted with tumor cells in this assay, fibroblasts readily converted into a graded pattern of myogenic differentiation, strongest in the immediate vicinity of tumor cells. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), in contrast, did not change appreciably and remained coordinately smooth muscle differentiated. Midcapillary pericytes showed only a slight propensity for myogenic differentiation. Analysis of ten primary tumors implicated converted fibroblasts (10/10), vascular smooth muscle cells (4/10), and pericytes (1/10) in the stromal reaction. Tumor cells were shown to specifically denude the venules both in culture and in vivo, explaining the VSMC phenotype in the stroma. The establishment of this assay and clarification of the origin of these cells pave the way for further analysis of the mechanisms of conversion, and of the consequence of such heterogeneity for diagnosis and treatment.

Sequential changes in human Ito cells and their relation to postnecrotic liver fibrosis in massive and submassive hepatic necrosis

To examine the relationship of Ito cells to postnecrotic liver fibrosis, liver specimens, obtained at autopsy from 17 patients with acute massive necrosis (AMN) and acute submassive hepatic necrosis (ASMN), were examined immunohistochemically. In normal adult livers, Ito cells positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin isoform (ASMA) were rarely seen, scattered along hepatic sinusoids. In contrast, in AMN the Ito cells in necrotic areas became strongly positive for ASMA. They were swollen with elongated cytoplasmic processes along collapsed sinusoidal walls. Around these ASMA-positive Ito cells, there were numerous infiltrated macrophages and lymphocytes present. There was no significant alteration of fibroblasts in the portal tracts. In the middle and late stages of ASMN, the spindle-shaped ASMA-positive Ito cells formed a continuous cellular network. New fibre formation was predominantly around them. In this immediate postnecrotic fibrosis, ASMA-positive stromal cells of Ito cell origin were distributed irregularly and were closely associated with reticulin and newly-formed collagen fibres. Regenerative nodules were surrounded by dense layers of ASMA-positive stromal cells. Throughout the stages of ASMN, portal fibroblasts remained negative for ASMA. We believe that Ito cells in necrotic areas show myofibroblastic transformation and play a central role in the postnecrotic liver fibrosis. Portal fibroblasts play no significant part in this type of fibrosis.

Specific inhibition of eIF-5A and collagen hydroxylation by a single agent. Antiproliferative and fibrosuppressive effects on smooth muscle cells from human coronary arteries

Restenosis occurs in 35% of patients within months after balloon angioplasty, due to a fibroproliferative response to vascular injury. These studies describe a combined fibrosuppressive/antiproliferative strategy on smooth muscle cells cultured from human primary atherosclerotic and restenotic coronary arteries and from normal rat aortas. L-Mimosine suppressed the posttranslational hydroxylation of the precursors for collagen and for eukaryotic initiation factor-5A (eIF-5A) by directly inhibiting the specific protein hydroxylases involved, prolyl 4-hydroxylase (E.C. 1.14.11.2) and deoxyhypusyl hydroxylase (E.C. 1.14.99.29), respectively. Inhibition of deoxyhypusyl hydroxylation correlated with a dose-dependent inhibition of DNA synthesis. Inhibition of prolyl hydroxylation caused a dose-dependent reduction in the secretion of hydroxyproline-containing protein and decreased the formation of procollagen types I and III. The antifibroproliferative action could not be attributed to nonspecific or toxic effects of mimosine, appeared to be selective for the hydroxylation step in the biosynthesis of the procollagens and of eIF-5A, and was reversible upon removal of the compound. The strategy of targeting these two protein hydroxylases has important implications for the pathophysiology of restenosis and for the development of agents to control fibroproliferative diseases.

Myofibroblasts in experimental hydronephrosis

Interstitial fibrosis is a common outcome of longterm ureteral obstruction. One pathological arm of the fibrotic reaction in diverse tissue loci and experimental models is the retraction of granulation tissue. The role of the myofibroblast in granulation tissue contraction and fibrocontractive diseases has been well established, but the mechanisms leading to differentiation of fibroblastic cells into myofibroblasts during the evolution of inflammation are not yet fully clarified. Investigators using other model systems have shown that macrophage-derived transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) may be pivotal in the process of myofibroblast modulation. Our laboratory has shown that the unilateral ureteral obstruction in the rat is characterized by a 20-fold increment in infiltrating renal cortical interstitial macrophages, an increase in cortical TGF-beta 1 gene expression, which parallels the infiltrating macrophage burden, and immunolocalization of this peptide growth factor in close proximity to resident interstitial fibroblasts. Because of this model's features, it was our aim to assess whether a myofibroblastic modulation was operant in the renal cortex of obstructed rat kidneys versus the control contralateral unobstructed kidney specimens. Immunolabeling for alpha-smooth muscle actin and the intermediate filament protein, desmin, was detected and steadily intensified from 24 to 96 hours after unilateral ureteral obstruction in obstructed kidneys only. In temporal concert with the detection of alpha-smooth muscle actin protein, the mRNA expression for this cytoskeletal component exhibited 3.7-, 15.7-, and 4.1-fold increments in the renal cortex of obstructed kidneys versus the contralateral unobstructed kidney specimens at 24, 48, and 96 hours after unilateral ureteral obstruction, respectively. Whole body X-irradiation, administered to rats 11 days before proximal left ureteral ligation, significantly lowered cortical interstitial macrophage number, cortical TGF-beta and alpha-smooth muscle actin mRNA levels as well as the intensity of immunolabeling for alpha-smooth muscle actin from 12 to 96 hours after unilateral ureteral obstruction. These data support a postulate that renal cortical TGF-beta 1, derived from the infiltrating macrophage, in part, contributes to the subsequent interstitial fibrosis response to renal injury by fostering the modulation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts within the renal cortex after ureteral obstruction.

Modulation of experimental mesangial proliferative nephritis by interferon-gamma

The observation that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) inhibits cell proliferation and collagen synthesis of a variety of cell types in culture has suggested that IFN-gamma may be useful in the treatment of fibroproliferative diseases. We administered recombinant IFN-gamma subcutaneously (10(5) U/kg/day for 3 days) to rats, beginning one day after the induction of mesangial proliferative nephritis with anti-Thy 1 antibody. IFN-gamma reduced glomerular (primarily mesangial) cell proliferation by 44% at days 2 and 4 compared to vehicle injected control rats with anti-Thy 1 nephritis (that is, proliferating cells that excluded the macrophage marker, ED-1, P < 0.001). Despite the inhibition of mesangial cell proliferation, IFN-gamma did not reduce the overall extracellular matrix deposition (by silver stain) or deposition of type IV collagen or laminin (by immunostaining) at 4 or 7 days, and glomerular type IV collagen and laminin mRNA levels were increased (1.4 and 1.7-fold) at 4 days relative to controls. The inability of IFN-gamma treatment to reduce mesangial matrix expansion may relate to the fact that IFN-gamma treated rats had a twofold increase in glomerular macrophages (that is, ED-1 positive cells, P < 0.001 at 2 and 4 days) with an increase in oxidant producing cells (day 2, P < 0.05) and a 1.6-fold increase in glomerular TGF-beta mRNA expression (4 days). This suggests that the effect of IFN-gamma to inhibit mesangial cell proliferation in glomerulonephritis may be offset by the ability of IFN-gamma to increase glomerular macrophages and TGF-beta expression. These data also show that IFN-gamma can partly dissociate the mesangial proliferative response from the extracellular matrix expansion in glomerulonephritis.

Interstitial lung disease of systemic sclerosis

Fibrosis of the pulmonary parenchyma is a frequent and serious complication of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc), resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. During the past decade data have accumulated in support of an inflammatory process affecting the alveoli and distal airways that culminates in irreversible fibrosis in many SSc patients. Recent findings indicate the presence of lung fibroblasts with altered phenotype and biologic activity (myofibroblasts), perhaps arising from the influence of cytokines on resident lung fibroblasts. Acute-phase inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 alpha, TNF-alpha, MIP-1 alpha, IL-8 and RANTES are increased in SSc bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, as is thrombin, a potent mitogen for lung fibroblasts. Chronic-phase inflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines such as PDGF and TGF-beta are also present in increased amounts in SSc BAL fluid. The inciting event(s) and the process(es) leading to the perpetuation of fibrosis in SSc are unknown. Treatment of SSc lung disease has been empiric and generally disappointing, and it is likely that effective treatment awaits a better understanding of the biological events that regulate collagen and other extracellular matrix synthesis.

TGF-beta 1 induces lens cells to accumulate alpha-smooth muscle actin, a marker for subcapsular cataracts

Spindle-shaped myofibroblast-like cells, which contain alpha-smooth muscle actin, have been described in anterior subcapsular cataract and after-cataract. In a previous study in this laboratory, it was shown that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) induces the formation of spindle-shaped cells in lens epithelial explants. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether these TGF beta-induced spindle-shaped cells contain alpha-smooth muscle actin. Lens epithelial explants were prepared from 21-day-old rats and cultured with either TGF beta 1 or basic FGF alone, a combination of both growth factors, or without added growth factors. After three days, cellular changes were monitored by phase contrast microscopy, localisation of filamentous actin with rhodamine-phalloidin, and immunolocalisation and immunoblotting of alpha-smooth muscle actin. TGF beta induced rapid cell elongation and formation of characteristic spindle-shaped cells in lens epithelial explants in the presence or absence of FGF. These cells contained alpha-smooth muscle actin, a marker for myofibroblastic cells and a protein not normally found in the lens. The present study thus provides molecular evidence that TGF beta induces cataractous changes in lens epithelial cells. As TGF beta is potentially available to lens cells in situ throughout life, these findings are consistent with a key role for TGF beta in the aetiology of major forms of subcapsular cataract.

The alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells in healing human myocardial scars

Interstitial cells in the scars of human myocardial infarctions of different postinfarction times (6 hours to 17 years old) were characterized by antibodies to alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA), vimentin, and desmin. Basal lamina deposition was studied with antibodies to the basal lamina protein type IV collagen. Nonvascular spindle-shaped cells expressing ASMA were present within 4 to 6 days after infarction. These cells co-expressed vimentin but no desmin and showed discontinuous basal lamina deposition. In electron microscopy these cells showed features characteristic of myofibroblasts. The spindle-shaped cells persisted for a long period of time and could even be identified 17 years postinfarction. In transmural infarctions they were orientated parallel to the endocardium and epicardium. In nontransmural patchy infarctions they showed an orientation adjacent to the cardiomyocytes and appeared to be less dense than in the transmural infarctions. In conclusion, myofibroblasts expressing ASMA persist within human myocardial scars and show a preferential alignment that may be the result of the continuous mechanical stress caused by the ongoing contraction and relaxation of the surrounding viable myocardium.

Heterogeneity of myofibroblast phenotypic features: an example of fibroblastic cell plasticity

Granulation tissue fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) develop several ultrastructural and biochemical features of smooth muscle (SM) cells, including the presence of microfilament bundles and the expression of alpha-SM actin, the actin isoform present in SM cells and myoepithelial cells and particularly abundant in vascular SM cells. Myofibroblasts have been suggested to play a role in wound contraction and in retractile phenomena observed during fibrotic diseases. When contraction stops and the wound is fully epithelialized, myofibroblasts containing alpha-SM actin disappear, probably as a result of apoptosis, and the scar classically becomes less cellular and composed of typical fibroblasts with well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum but with no more microfilaments. In contrast, alpha-SM actin expressing myofibroblasts persist in hypertrophic scars and in fibrotic lesions of many organs, including stroma reaction to epithelial tumours, where they are allegedly involved in retractile phenomena as well as in extracellular matrix accumulation. The mechanisms leading to the development of myofibroblastic features remain to be investigated. In vivo and in vitro investigations have shown that gamma-interferon exerts an antifibrotic activity at least in part by decreasing alpha-SM actin expression whereas heparin increases the proportion of alpha-SM actin positive cells. Recently, we have observed that the subcutaneous administration of transforming growth factor-beta 1 to rats results in the formation of a granulation tissue in which alpha-SM actin expressing myofibroblasts are particularly abundant. Other cytokines and growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, despite their profibrotic activity, do not induce alpha-SM actin in myofibroblasts. In conclusion, fibroblastic cells are relatively undifferentiated and can assume a particular phenotype according to the physiological needs and/or the microenvironmental stimuli. Further studies on fibroblast adaptation phenomena appear to be useful for the understanding of the mechanisms of development and regression of pathological processes such as wound healing and fibrocontractive diseases.

Cells, matrix, growth factors, and the surgeon. The biology of scarless fetal wound repair

OBJECTIVE

This review updates the surgeon about the cellular, matrix, and growth factor components of scarless fetal wound repair.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Fetal skin wound healing is characterized by the absence of scar tissue formation. This unique repair process is not dependent on the sterile, aqueous intrauterine environment. The differences between fetal and adult skin wound healing appear to reflect processes intrinsic to fetal tissue, such as the unique fetal fibroblasts, a more rapid and ordered deposition and turnover of tissue components, and, particularly, a markedly reduced inflammatory infiltrate and cytokine profile. Scarless fetal wounds are relatively deficient in the inflammatory cytokine, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta). In contrast, the fibrosis characteristic of adult wound repair may be associated with TGF-beta excess. Recent experimental studies suggest that specific anti-TGF-beta therapeutic strategies can ameliorate scar formation in adult wound repair and fibrotic diseases. Inhibitors of TGF-beta may be important future drugs to control scar.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the scarless fetal wound repair model, a number of ways in which the matrix and cellular response of the healing adult wound might be manipulated to reduce scarring are reviewed.

Morphological and immunochemical differences between keloid and hypertrophic scar

There are two types of excessive scarring, keloid and hypertrophic scar. Contrary to hypertrophic scars, keloids do not regress with time, are difficult to revise surgically, and do not provoke scar contractures. These two lesions require different therapeutic approaches but are often confused because of an apparent lack of morphological differences. We have investigated the collagen organization and the possible presence of alpha-smooth muscle (SM) actin-expressing myofibroblasts in these conditions. Keloids contain large, thick collagen fibers composed of numerous fibrils closely packed together. In contrast hypertrophic scars exhibit modular structures in which fibroblastic cells, small vessels, and fine, randomly organized collagen fibers are present. We confirm that such nodular structures are always present in hypertrophic scar and rarely in keloid. Furthermore, only nodules of hypertrophic scars contain alpha-SM actin-expressing myofibroblasts. Electron microscopic examination supports the above-mentioned differences in collagen organization and in fibroblastic features and shows the presence of an amorphous extracellular material surrounding fibroblastic cells in keloid. The presence in hypertrophic scar myofibroblasts of alpha-SM actin, the actin isoform typical of vascular SM cells, may represent an important element in the pathogenesis of contraction. Interestingly, when placed in culture fibroblasts from hypertrophic scars and keloid express similar amounts of alpha-SM actin, suggesting that local microenvironmental factors influence in vivo the expression of this protein. Thus several morphological and immunohistochemical differences exist between hypertrophic scar and keloid that are useful for the biological and pathological characterization of the two lesions.

Phenotypic and functional features of myofibroblasts in sheep fetal wounds

The myofibroblast is a mesenchymal cell with functional and structural characteristics in common with fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. These cells play a critical role in wound closure and in the pathologic sequelae of healing. It has been shown in adult humans and experimental animals that the myofibroblast expresses alpha -smooth muscle actin (ASMA) temporarily during wound contraction and more persistently during fibrocontractive diseases; however, it is unclear whether this cell makes any contribution to tissue repair in utero. Experimental work in fetal animal models has demonstrated that wound repair in fetal skin occurs by reconstitution of epidermal appendages and organized restoration of the dermal collagen network. Fetal lamb wound healing studies have shown that a transition from scarless tissue repair to healing with scar formation occurs late in gestation. In this study we examined the ontogeny of myofibroblasts in fetal lamb wounds at early through late gestation, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ASMA immunohistochemistry. Dramatic differences were observed in ASMA content of early as compared to late gestation fetal wound granulation tissue: ASMA was absent in wounds made at 75 days gestation but was present in progressively greater amounts in wounds made at 100 and 120 days gestation (term = 145 days). TEM studies also demonstrated progressive development and organization of microfilament bundles. Early in development microfilament bundles were sparse and disorganized, but as gestation progressed the bundles became more prevalent and formed tightly parallel arrangements. The organization of microfilament bundles was also accompanied by fibronexus formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Repair of excisional wounds in the embryo

Wound healing in the embryo, just as in the adult, comprises two tissue movements: re-epithelialisation and connective-tissue contraction. In this brief review we describe our recent studies of these two movements in both chick and rodent embryo model systems. In the chick we have evidence that the embryonic wound epidermis is drawn forwards by contraction of an actin pursestring extending around the circumference of the wound, rather than by lamellipodial crawling as in adult healing. Significant connective-tissue contraction also occurs. In the rat and mouse embryo we have examined expression of transcription factors and growth factors at the wound edge. We discuss our observations that the immediate-early gene c-fos and the growth factor transforming growth factor beta-1 are rapidly induced at the embryonic wound margin, and the possibility that these signals may trigger proliferation of wound edge cells and contraction of the exposed wound mesenchyme.

Induction of alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in cultured human brain pericytes by transforming growth factor-beta 1

Pericytes are cells localized at the abluminal side of the microvascular endothelium and completely enveloped by a basement membrane. Pericytes have close contact with endothelial cells and are probably involved in the regulation of endothelial cell functions. Previous studies suggested a role for pericytes in microvascular proliferation in tumors. To study this cell type, we isolated human brain pericytes from microvessel segments derived from autopsy brain tissue. These cells were characterized in vitro using a panel of monoclonal antibodies. Human brain pericytes were reactive with monoclonal antibodies directed against the high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen and intercellular adhesion molecule-1, but only a minority of the cells expressed alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA, 0 to 10%) or vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (10 to 50%). In histologically normal human brain microvessels in situ, pericytes consistently lacked staining for these four markers. Tissue with microvascular proliferation, however, showed a marked pericyte staining for both alpha-SMA and high molecular weight-melanoma associated antigen. The expression of alpha-SMA in vitro could be slightly up-regulated by incubation with serum-containing medium. An increase in alpha-SMA expression up to 40% of the total cell population was seen when pericytes were treated with transforming growth factor-beta 1, whereas basic fibroblast growth factor slightly inhibited alpha-SMA expression. Incubation with other factors (platelet-derived growth factor-AA, heparin, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) had no effect on the alpha-SMA expression at all. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 thus induces smooth muscle-like differentiation in pericytes in vitro and might play a role in the activation of pericytes during angiogenesis in vivo.

Inhibition by tranilast of collagen accumulation in hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation in vivo and of morphological changes and functions of fibroblasts in vitro

We examined the effects of tranilast, an anti-allergic agent, on hypersensitive inflammation and on morphology and functions of fibroblasts. In vivo, tranilast suppressed the content of collagen in granulation tissue of hypersensitive granulomatous inflammation induced by methylated bovine serum albumin (m-BSA) in rats. In culture, tranilast inhibited the TGF-beta-independent inflammatory exudate-induced stimulation of morphological changes of fibroblasts to myofibroblast-like cells and their proliferation. Collagen gel contraction by myofibroblast-like cells and fibroblasts was also inhibited by tranilast. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that tranilast suspended the cell cycle of fibroblasts at the G0/G1 phase. These results suggest that tranilast modulates the fibrosis and contraction of granulation tissue by inhibiting the growth of myofibroblast-like cells and fibroblasts.

Rat alveolar myofibroblasts acquire alpha-smooth muscle actin expression during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis

The majority of fibroblasts in alveolar septa are characterized by the presence of cytoplasmic bundles of microfilaments that contain cytoplasmic actin isoforms; these cells have been named contractile interstitial cells or V-type myofibroblasts. In the rat, they express desmin as intermediate filament protein. In this study, we explored the possibility that modulation and replication of such septal fibroblasts result in the appearance of alpha-smooth muscle (alpha-SM) actin-positive myofibroblasts, typical of lung fibrosis. Experimental pulmonary fibrosis was produced by a unique intratracheal instillation of bleomycin to 28 rats. Eight additional rats used as controls received the equivalent volume of saline. Paraffin and frozen sections of lungs were examined at days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after treatment. Microfilaments and intermediate filaments were stained using antibodies against total actin, alpha-SM actin, desmin, vimentin, keratin, and SM myosin. Electron microscopic labeling of desmin and alpha-SM actin using immunogold technique was done on Lowicryl K4M resin-embedded specimens. alpha-SM actin appeared in desmin-positive alveolar fibroblasts as early as 24 hours after intratracheal bleomycin instillation; the modulation of alpha-SM actin in these cells was preceded by a lymphomonocytic infiltration of alveolar septa. Twenty-four hours to 3 days after bleomycin administration, a proliferation of alveolar myofibroblasts occurred. Fibrosis with laying down of collagen fibers took place after the above mentioned cellular modifications. Our results support the view that septal fibroblastic cells can modulate into typical alpha-SM actin-containing myofibroblasts during experimental bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In such a modulation a possible role of cytokines, particularly of transforming growth factor-beta, is considered.