Abstract
Scleroderma (PSS) is characterized by diffuse accumulation of collagen and vascular change in the skin and in a variety of internal organs. We planned to evaluate the role of monokine in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in scleroderma. Monokine, the supernate of LPS-stimulated plastic dish adherent mononuclear cells, stimulated the proliferation of fibroblast detected by 3H-thymidine incorporation. This activity of scleroderma monokine was greater than that of normal monokine.
Collagen secretion determined by the method of Peterkofsky and Diegelmann was inhibited by monokines. This inhibitory activity of scleroderma monokine was lower than normal one. These results may indicate that monokine contributes to the increased collagen accumulation observed in scleroderma.
Based on these findings, the immunomoregulatory drugs were used to regulate fibrosis of scleroderma. D-penicillamine was most frequently used for patients with severe fibrotic features. Actions of this drug may be suppressive effects on mononuclear cells (activated T cell), fibroblast and collagen cross linking.
