Lichen myxedematosus (scleromyxedema) serum stimulates hyaluronic acid and prostaglandin E production by human fibroblasts.

Serum from a 45-year-old patient with scleromyxedema (withdrawn prior to therapy) was added to synovial and foreskin human fibroblast cultures and its effect compared to that of normal human serum. The patient's serum stimulated production of both hyaluronic acid and prostaglandin E by fibroblast cultures. This stimulation was inhibited by hydrocortisone and indomethacin and was not accompanied by stimulation of cell proliferation.