Reduced serum content and increased matrix stiffness promote the cardiac myofibroblast transition in 3D collagen matrices.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The fibroblast-myofibroblast transition is an important event in the development of cardiac fibrosis and scar formation initiated after myocardial ischemia. The goals of the present study were to better understand the contribution of environmental factors to this transition and determine whether myofibroblasts provide equally important feedback to the surrounding environment.

Methods

The influence of matrix stiffness and serum concentration on the myofibroblast transition was assessed by measuring message levels of a panel of cardiac fibroblast phenotype markers using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Cell-mediated gel compaction measured the influence of environmental factors on cardiac fibroblast contractility. Immunohistochemistry

SUBMITTER: Galie PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3110608 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature