[Role of fibroblasts in physiologic, reparative and pathologic processes].

Fibroblast is counted as one of the important cell of the connective tissue. At the present time many phenotypes are known taking part in normal, repair and pathological processes, meanwhile cellular and molecular events occur, where fibroblasts play essential role. Among molecular factors, first of all integrins, growth factors, cytokines and matrix molecules are discussed. The aim of this work is to summarize the morphological, biochemical and functional role of fibroblasts in addition to the physiological process, wound repair and in such pathological processes as Dupuytren's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Graves' ophthalmopathy and carcinogenesis. It becomes known that fibroblasts participate in dynamic interplay with other cells and with the extracellular matrix. The results of the new investigations clarify better the physiological and pathological processes of the tissue, at the same time give potential help to the therapy of some illnesses. The authors summarise the important data of the subject on the basis of international literature and of their own investigations.