Contractile forces generated by striae distensae fibroblasts embedded in collagen lattices.

Striae distensae are characterized by linear, smooth bands of atrophic-appearing skin that are reddish at first and finally white. They are due to stretching of the skin, as in rapid weight gain, or mechanical stress, as in weight lifting. The pathogenesis of striae distensae is unknown but probably relates to changes in the fibroblast phenotype.

Comparing the contractile properties of human fibroblasts in leg ulcers with normal fibroblasts.

Objective: The tissue contraction phenomenon associated with wound healing is of prime importance for wound closure. Contractile properties of human fibroblasts from chronic venous leg ulcers were compared with those of normal fibroblasts using in vitro models.

Method: Biopsies were taken from the uninvolved skin of the thigh, the epithelialised ulcer edge and the non-epithelialised ulcer centre in four patients (average age: 78 years).

Comparison of different wound dressings on cultured human fibroblasts and collagen lattices.

Objective: We compared the effects on cultured human fibroblasts of a new non-adhesive wound dressing, Urgotul, with five other wound dressings. Urgotul is a hydrocolloid dressing; the comparator dressings included impregnated gauze and modern wound dressings.

Method: Cultures in monolayer were used to study the morphology and growth of fibroblasts.

Autocrine regulation of cord blood-derived human mast cell activation by IL-10.

Background: Ligation of the high-affinity receptor for IgE on human mast cells (MCs) induces the release of proinflammatory mediators, including vasoactive amines and cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-5, and IL-8). Moreover, we have recently shown that IL-10 inhibits the release of proinflammatory mediators by activated MCs.

Objective: We investigated whether human cord blood-derived MCs (CBMCs) could produce IL-10 and whether this production could inhibit their activation in an autocrine fashion.