Pentoxifylline modifies three-dimensional collagen lattice model contraction and expression of collagen types I and III by human fibroblasts derived from post-burn hypertrophic scars and from normal skin

Burns. 2009 Aug;35(5):701-6. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2008.11.017. Epub 2009 Mar 19.

Abstract

Fibroblasts are thought to be partially responsible for the persisting contractile forces that result in burn contractures. Using a monolayer cell culture and fibroblast populated collagen lattice (FPCL) three-dimensional model we subjected hypertrophic scar and non-cicatricial fibroblasts to the antifibrogenic agent pentoxifylline (PTF - 1mg/mL) in order to reduce proliferation, collagen types I and III synthesis and model contraction. Fibroblasts were isolated from post-burn hypertrophic scars (HSHF) and non-scarred skin (NHF). Cells were grown in monolayers or incorporated into FPCL's and exposed to PTF. In monolayer, cell number proliferation was reduced (46.35% in HSHF group and 37.73% in NHF group, p<0.0001). PTF selectively inhibited collagen III synthesis in the HSHF group while inhibition was more evident to type I collagen synthesis in the NHF group. PTF also reduced contraction in both (HSHF and NHF) FPCL.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / pathology*
  • Collagen Type I / biosynthesis
  • Collagen Type III / biosynthesis
  • Contracture / pathology*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Pentoxifylline / pharmacology*
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Skin / cytology
  • Skin / drug effects
  • Skin / metabolism

Substances

  • Collagen Type I
  • Collagen Type III
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Pentoxifylline