Modulation of fibroblast proliferation and transformation by activated macrophages during postoperative peritoneal reepithelialization.
We studied the modulation of fibroblast proliferation and transformation by postoperative macrophages. One group of rabbits underwent resection and reanastomosis of the small bowel, after which macrophages were collected by peritoneal lavage. A second group of rabbits underwent peritoneal wall abrasion followed by collection of local fibroblast on postoperative days 4 and 8. Postoperative macrophages were added to five culture dishes containing fibroblasts. After 24 hours, tritiated thymidine was added to the culture dishes and incubated overnight. In two other dishes, which were incubated for up to 8 days, a 24-hour pulse of tritiated thymidine was added before culture termination. Postoperative day 4 fibroblasts demonstrated a greater increase in cell number during the culture interval compared to fibroblasts collected on postoperative day 8. By the second day of coculture with macrophages collected from different postoperative days, tritiated thymidine incorporation by day 4 fibroblasts was suppressed, especially by postoperative day 7 macrophages. Thereafter, a stimulation in tritiated thymidine uptake was found. In contrast, tritiated thymidine uptake by day 8 fibroblasts was accelerated by coculture with macrophages, especially those collected on postoperative day 7. Day 4 fibroblasts assumed a more spindly appearance when cocultured with macrophages than did day 8 fibroblasts. Taken together, these data suggest that macrophages activated in response to surgical injury may secrete substances that induce proliferation and transformation of fibroblasts.
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011817:Rabbits; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D014945:Wound Healing
D013936:Thymidine