[Expression of alpha 1-4 integrins in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the expression levels of alpha 1-4 integrins in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts and investigate the role that alpha 1-4 integrins may play in the process of hypertrophic scar formation.


METHODS
The membrane protein was extracted from hypertrophic scar and normal skin tissues. The content of alpha 1-4 integrins of the membrane protein was detected by immunoblotting method. The locations of alpha 1-4 integrin expression were examined by immunohistochemical stain.


RESULTS
1. Higher concentration of alpha 1-4 integrins was identified in the membrane protein extracted from hypertrophic scar than from normal skin. 2. In normal skin, the expression of alpha 1, alpha 2 and alpha 3 integrins located on the epidermal cell surface but not on the dermal fibroblast surface. In the hypertrophic scar, not only did the epidermal cell surface express alpha 1-3 integrins, but also the fibroblast surface expressed alpha 1-4 integrins.


CONCLUSIONS
The expressions of hypertrophic scar fibroblast surface integrins are subjected not only to cell-extracellular matrix adhesion, but also to intracellular/extracellular signal transduction. Integrins may play an important role in regulating much of fibroblast behavior, including growth, differentiation, phenotype, and in scar tissue remodelling.
Zhao
Y
Y
Department of Plastic Surgery, 411 Hospital, Shanghai 200081, PR China.
He
Q
Q
Niu
X
X
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000378:metabolism*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D039423:Integrin alpha1; D039421:Integrin alpha2; D039422:Integrin alpha3; D039441:Integrin alpha4; D016023:Integrins / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D015703:Antigens, CD; D039423:Integrin alpha1; D039421:Integrin alpha2; D039422:Integrin alpha3; D016023:Integrins; D039441:Integrin alpha4