Proliferation characteristics and polyploidization of cultured myofibroblasts from a patient with fibroblastic rheumatism.

Fibroblast-like cells were obtained from a nodule of a patient with fibroblastic rheumatism, and grown in culture for different times (from passage 3 to 21). These cells as well as the fibroblasts taken from an unaffected skin area (controls) of the same patient, have been investigated by fluorescence microscopy, cytochemical methods and cytometry, to evaluate their cytodifferentiation features and cytokinetic characteristics. In addition, in low-passage cultures, the secretion of collagen and of non-collagenic proteins was evaluated using electrophoretic techniques.

Hyaluronan affects protein and collagen synthesis by in vitro human skin fibroblasts.

Given the importance of hyaluronan (HA) for the homeostasis of connective tissues during embryogenesis and aging and its role in tissue repair, the aim of the present study was to examine the effect of exogenous HA on the synthesis of total protein, collagen and HA by in vitro human dermal fibroblasts. With differences between different cell strains, HA, at concentrations between 0.5 and 1 microM, induced a significant decrease in total protein synthesised and secreted into the medium compared to controls (P < 0.

Transient beneficial effect of GH replacement therapy and topical GH application on skin ulcers in a boy with prolidase deficiency.

A diagnostic examination for short stature in a boy with chronic ulcers of the feet due to prolidase deficiency, a rare disorder associated with intractable ulcers of the skin, led to the diagnosis of growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Replacement treatment with r-hGH associated with the topical application of a GH-containing ointment when the boy was 13 years old resulted in complete but transitory healing of the ulcers, which can probably be attributed to the growth-promoting effects of GH on dermal connective tissue.

5-Thienyltryptamine derivatives as serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists: potential treatments for migraine.

A series of 5-(2- or 3-thienyl)tryptamine derivatives (9) has been synthesized and shown to be potent and selective 5-HT1D versus 5-HT1B receptor agonists and, therefore, potential treatments for migraine.