Enhancement of wound tissue expansion and angiogenesis by matrix-embedded fibroblast (dermagraft), a role of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor.

This study examined the effects of matrix-embedded human fibroblasts, a predominant cell type in the injured tissue, on the tissue expansion and angiogenesis. Using a co-culture technique, it was demonstrated that the presence of matrix-embedded fibroblasts (Dermagraft) significantly enhanced the expansion of human wound tissue in a 3D gel system over a period of 10 days. Using a rat aorta ring assay, fibroblasts also significantly stimulated the growth of new vessels from the ring and also enhanced the motility of human vascular endothelial cells. This effect of fibroblasts was neutralised with anti-HGF/SF antibody. HGF/SF protein was detected in both supernatant and cell lysate of the fibroblasts by bioassay and Western blotting, mRNA for HGF/SF was detected in the fibroblasts by RT-PCR. HGF/SF secreted by the fibroblast was able to stimulate the phosphorylation of cMET, HGF/SF receptor. It is thus concluded that matrix embedded fibroblasts are capable of stimulating wound healing and this effect is attributed to HGF/SF, produced by the cell.