Activation of fibroblasts in collagen lattices by mast cell extract: a model of fibrosis

• Published in: Clinical and experimental allergy Vol. 30; no. 4; pp. 485 - 492
• Main Authors: BERTON, A, LEVI-SCHAFFER, F, EMONARD, H, GARBUZENKO, E, GILLERY, P, MAQUART, F.-X
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford BSL Blackwell Science Ltd 01-04-2000; Blackwell
• Subjects: Adult; Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Communication; Cells, Cultured; collagen; Dermatology; fibroblasts; Fibroblasts - pathology; Fibroblasts - physiology; Fibrosis; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Inflammation; mast cells; Mast Cells - pathology; Mast Cells - physiology; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 - metabolism; matrix metalloproteinases; Medical sciences; Molecular and cellular biology; Rats; Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects; tissue repair; Wound Healing; Human; Cell culture; Enzyme; Pathogenesis; Metalloendopeptidases; Inflammation; Peptidases; Collagen; Fibrosis; Hydrolases; Extracellular matrix; Mast cell; Fibroblast
• ISSN: 0954-7894; 1365-2222
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2000.00737.x

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.