HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Boros, D. L. Articles by Lande, M. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Boros, D. L. Articles by Lande, M. A.

Induction of Collagen Synthesis in Cultured Human Fibroblasts by Live Schistosoma Mansoni Eggs and Soluble Egg Antigens (SEA)^*

There is a dearth of knowledge on the tissue fibrosis that contributes to the pathology of schistosomiasis mansoni. The present study was designed to test the direct effect of live schistosome eggs and soluble egg antigens (SEA) on cultured normal human fibroblasts. Coincubation for 3 days of fibroblast monolayers with 100–500 live eggs/ml medium or equivalent amounts of SEA caused enhanced incorporation of labelled proline. The newly synthesized polypeptides were sensitive to purified collagenase enzyme activity. Collagen synthesis was also verified by measuring increased hydroxyproline content in fibroblasts. Whereas low numbers of eggs stimulated fibroblast activity, 500 eggs/ml medium caused a disarray in the arrangement of cells, with cytoplasmic granulation, cell detachment and death. These results indicate that fibroblast stimulation and collagen synthesis may also be triggered by the direct action of egg secretions on tissue fibroblasts.

Accepted for publication June 16, 1982.

^* This work was supported by grants AI-12913 (D.L.B.) and EY 2339 (M.A.L.) from the National Institutes of Health.