effect of nirtric oxide on collagen synthesis in cultured human dermal fibroblasts *
Nitric oxide is an important cytotoxic agent for host defense which also regulates signal transduction and vasodilation. Product by macrophages, neutrophils and inframatory cells, nitric oxide has been reported to have the same effects on the wound healing process . The purpose of this study was to investigate whether collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts is stimulated by nitric oxide. In this study, we analyzed collagen and collagenase expression in cultured fibroblasts stimulated by a nitric oxide generator. The relative rate of collagen synthesis to total protein synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts stimulated by nitric oxide increased to that of not stimulated cells. An increased level of collagen ｍＲＮＡ was found in the fibroblasts stimulated by nitric oxide. Increased levels of collagenase ｍＲＮＡ, collagenase activity were also observed. These results indicate that human dermal fibroblasts increase collagen synthesis in response to nitric oxide, suggesting that nitric oxide seems to play some role in wound healing. (Accepted on October 20, 1997) Kawasaki Igakkaishi 23(3) : 135-142, 1997
