Generation of contractile force by cultured Dupuytren's disease and normal palmar fibroblasts

Abstract

Contractile fibroblasts are believed to be responsible for palmar fascia contracture in Dupuytren's Disease. An in vitro collagen lattice model was used to examine the contractile properties of Dupuytren's fibroblasts from 10 patients undergoing partial fasciectomy, and palmar fascia fibroblasts from 6 patients undergoing carpel tunnel release. Dupuytren's and palmar fascia fibroblasts cultured within a stabilized collagen lattice acquired morphological characteristics similar to those of ‘myofibroblasts’ in Dupuytren's diseased fascia. Both types of fibroblasts generated contractile forces that resulted in rapid collagen lattice contraction after release of the lattice from points of stabilization. Generation of contractile force by the fibroblasts was inhibited by disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, lack of cells, or serum removal. Afferent neuropeptides (substance P, galanin and neurokinin A) did not promote lattice contraction. These results demonstrate that normal palmar fascia fibroblasts can modulate into Dupuytren's-like fibroblasts and that cultured fibroblasts, from either Dupuytren's diseased or normal palmar fascia, can generate contractile forces that are transmitted to extracellular matrix. In addition, fibroblast contraction is an actin based process which requires specific factor(s) present in serum. It is suggested that in Dupuytren's disease extracellular cues trigger the modulation of fibroblasts to Dupuytren's fibroblasts and the promotion of contractile forces responsible for palmar fascia contracture.