Fibroblasts and

Lewandowska K, Balachander N, Sukenik C N and Culp L A 1989 Modulation of fibroneotin adhesive funotions for fibroblasts and neural sells by ohemioally derivatized substrates J. Cell Physiol. 141 334-45... 

Interferons (lENs) (52,53), a family of species-specific vertebrate proteins, confer nonspecific resistance to a broad range of viral infections, affect cell proliferation, and modulate immune responses. AH three principal interferons, a-interferon (lEN-a) produced by blood leucocytes, P-interferon (lEN-P) by fibroblasts, and y-interferon (lEN-y) by lymphocytes, also have antiviral activity. The abiUty of interferons to inhibit growth of transplantable and carcinogen-induced tumor led to research showing the direct antiproliferative and indirect immune-mediated antitumor activities (see Chemotherapeutics, anticancer). IENs have been found to be efficacious in certain malignancies and viral infections, eg, hairy cell leukemia (85% response) and basal cell carcinoma (86% response). However, the interferons do have adverse side effects (54). 

Long-lasting vasoconstriction is produced by the ETs in almost all arteries and veins and several studies have shown that ET-1 causes a reduction in renal blood flow and urinary sodium excretion. ET-1 has been reported to be a potent mitogen in fibroblasts and aortic smooth muscle cells and to cause contraction of rat stomach strips, rat colon and guinea pig ileum. In the central nervous system, ETs have been shown to modulate neurotransmitter release. 

In vitro cytotoxicity assays using isolated cells have been applied intermittently to cyanobacterial toxicity testing over several years." Cells investigated for suitability in cyanobacterial toxin assays include primary liver cells (hepatocytes) isolated from rodents and fish, established permanent mammalian cell lines, including hepatocytes, fibroblasts and cancerous cells, and erythrocytes. Earlier work suggested that extracts from toxic cyanobacteria disrupted cells of established lines and erythrocytes," but studies with purified microcystins revealed no alterations in structure or ion transport in fibroblasts or erythrocytes,... 

In the interstitium, angiotensin II induces proliferation of mesangial cells and fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen and other matrix molecules by these cells via the ATI receptor. Moreover, by the concomitant stimulation of chemoattractant cytokines, inflammation is induced. These processes are mediated by endothelin, transforming growth factor(3, and reactive oxygen species, and finally lead to interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis observed in hypertension and diabetes. 

IFNs are natural glycoproteins produced by the cells of most vertebrates in response to the challenge by foreign agents, such as infectious organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites), and by tumor cells. IFNs can be produced by cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems and by non-immune cells such as fibroblasts and epithelial cells. 

Producing cells Hematopoietic cells, mainly leukocytes Fibroblasts and some epithelial cell types Hematopoietic cells, mainly leukocytes Immune cells, mainly T cells and NK cells Hematopoietic cells, mainly monocytes Hematopoietic cells, mainly monocytes... 

In vitro studies on isolated cells including hepatocytes, erythrocytes, fibroblasts, and alveolar cells continue to demonstrate the specificity of action that these toxins have for liver cells (83,86,93). This specificity has led Aune and Berg (94) to use isolated rat hepatocytes as a screen for detecting hepatotoxic waterblooms of cyanobacteria. 

Kaback, M. M. and Howell, R. R. "Infantile Metachromatlc Leukodystrophy. Heterozygote Detection in Skin Fibroblasts and Possible Application to Intrauterine Diagnosis". New Engl. J. Med., (1970), 2S2, 1336-1340. 

Emmendorffer, A., Roesler, J., Eisner, J., Raeder, E., Lohmann-Mathes, M.L. and Meier, B. (1993). Production of oxygen radicals by fibroblasts and neutrophils from a patient with x-linked chronic granulomatous disease. Eur. J. Haematol. 51, 223—227. 

Sinusoidal damage from cirrhosis is the most common cause of portal hypertension. The sinusoids are porous vessels within the liver that surround radiating rows of hepatocytes, the basic functional cells of the liver (Fig. 19-2). Progressive destruction of hepatocytes and an increase in fibroblasts and connective tissue surrounding the hepatocytes culminate in cirrhosis. Fibrosis and regenerative nodules of scar tissue... 

IL-1 Macrophages, monocytes, endothelial cells, B lymphocytes, activated T lymphocytes Stimulates fibroblasts and chondrocytes to release matrix metalloproteinases... 

Yamamoto T, Hartmann K, Eckes B, Krieg T. Role of stem cell factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the interaction between fibroblasts and mast cells in fibrosis. J Dermatol Sci 2001 26(2) 106-111. 

Other plasminogen activator inhibitors are PAI-3, which is believed to be identical to the activated protein C inhibitor, and proteinase nexin 1, found in the renal epithelial cells, cytosol of fibroblasts, and cardiac myocytes (37, 42, 44, 45). 

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