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Cytoskeletal and Cytocontractile Features of Myofibroblasts

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Interaction of Cells with Natural and Foreign Surfaces

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Abstract

Two phenomena play an essential role for the closing of an open wound: one is formation and contraction of granulation tissue, and the second is epithelialization, i.e. movement and replication of epithelial cells over the wounded area. Similar to placenta during pregnancy, granulation tissue is a new and temporary organ which disappears as soon as the wound is closed by epithelialization. The main functions of granulation tissue are: 1) synthesis of new connective tissue, and 2) production of a contractile movement which brings together the margins of the wound. Old experiments by Carrel1 had shown that this contractile force is produced within the granulation tissue itself. We have studied the morphologic, functional and pharmacological characteristics of fibroblasts under normal conditions and during wound healing or fibrocontractive diseases. Our results indicate that during wound healing and fibrocontractive diseases, fibroblasts assume several characteristics of smooth muscle cells. These modified fibroblasts or myofibroblasts probably play the key role in granulation tissue contraction or in pathological connective tissue retractions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland

    Giulio Gabbiani

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  1. Giulio Gabbiani
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  1. Royal College of Surgeons of England, London, England

    N. Crawford  & D. E. M. Taylor  & 

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© 1986 Plenum Press, New York

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Gabbiani, G. (1986). Cytoskeletal and Cytocontractile Features of Myofibroblasts. In: Crawford, N., Taylor, D.E.M. (eds) Interaction of Cells with Natural and Foreign Surfaces. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2229-0_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2229-0_4

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9307-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-2229-0

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