Dermal fibroblasts (DF) obtained from the superficial dermal layer and those from the deep dermal layer have different cellular functions. These differences are often associated with excessive scarring; they also influence early wound healing. We therefore investigated the differences between superficial and deep dermal fibroblasts with special emphasis on their contractile properties, and ability to produce connective tissue. We investigated their proliferation kinetics, ability to contract collagen lattices, and chronological mRNA expression of eight genes associated with wound healing. To estimate the changes in the differences between them during the early phase of wound healing, we investigated mRNA expression in bFGF supplemented medium because bFGF is a representative cytokine that is familiar to clinicians. Superficial DF proliferate faster than deep DF in culture, whereas deep DF are better at contracting collagen lattices than superficial ones. In realtime analysis of polymerase chain reaction, the expression of type I and III collagen, fibronectin, TGF β1 and β3, and connective tissue growth factor were higher in deep DF than in superficial DF, while the expression of TGF β2 was higher in superficial DF. After bFGF supplementation, the relative dominance of mRNA expression between superficial and deep DF remained constant except for the expression of collagenase. According to our analysis, deep DF are superior to superficial DF at promoting wound healing (particularly contraction and production of connective tissue). The intradermal distribution of DF is appropriate for efficient wound healing.
Clinically, wounds on the face tend to heal with less scarring than those on the trunk, but the causes of this difference have not been clarified. Fibroblasts obtained from different parts of the body are known to show different properties. To investigate whether the characteristic properties of facial and trunk wound healing are caused by differences in local fibroblasts, we comparatively analyzed the functional properties of superficial and deep dermal fibroblasts obtained from the facial and trunk skin of seven individuals, with an emphasis on tendency for fibrosis. Proliferation kinetics and mRNA and protein expression of 11 fibrosis-associated factors were investigated. The proliferation kinetics of facial and trunk fibroblasts were identical, but the expression and production levels of profibrotic factors, such as extracellular matrix, transforming growth factor-β1, and connective tissue growth factor mRNA, were lower in facial fibroblasts when compared with trunk fibro-blasts, while the expression of antifibrotic factors, such as collagenase, basic fibroblast growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor, showed no clear trends. The differences in functional properties of facial and trunk dermal fibroblasts were consistent with the clinical tendencies of healing of facial and trunk wounds. Thus, the differences between facial and trunk scarring are at least partly related to the intrinsic nature of the local dermal fibroblasts.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.