Abstract
Dermal fibroblasts as well as epidermal keratinocytes show specific characteristics depending on body-sites. We have examined dermal fibroblasts derived from palmo-plantar and trunk skin and oral mucosa, in order to reveal their site-specific characteristics. In this study, we compared the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules among each body-site fibroblasts after treatment with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The specific characteristics of dermal fibroblasts were not affected and well-preserved even after bFGF treatment. bFGF decreased expression of fibronectin especially at the early stage of the proliferation, and bFGF might act to promote the proliferation of fibroblasts by inhibiting the expression of ECM. Additionally, bFGF also decreased expression of type I collagen, type III collagen and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 after confluent culture. Meanwhile, those of MMP1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 were increased. Especially, fibroblasts derived from oral mucosa prominently expressed MMP1 by bFGF. Oral mucosa fibroblasts might have different characteristics of response to bFGF, compared to other skin fibroblasts.
