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Detection of migration stimulating activity in wound fluid
M Picardo1, A M Grey, M McGurk
1Department of Cell & Structural Biology, University of Manchester, England.
Experimental and Molecular Pathology
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Migration stimulating factor (MSF) is produced by fetal fibroblasts and found in wound fluid, suggesting a role in wound healing. MSF presence in serum may also indicate malignant disease.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Wound Healing Research
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fetal skin fibroblasts produce a migration stimulating factor (MSF), unlike adult fibroblasts.
- MSF enhances adult fibroblast migration and hyaluronic acid synthesis, crucial for wound healing.
- Previous studies linked MSF to breast cancer patients' serum and fetal-like fibroblasts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and origin of MSF in wound fluid from non-malignant and malignant conditions.
- To explore the potential role of MSF in the wound healing process.
- To determine if MSF serum levels are indicative of malignant disease.
Main Methods:
- Collected and fractionated wound fluid from 18 non-malignant surgery patients.
- Analyzed serum samples (pre- and post-operative) for MSF activity.
- Collected and analyzed wound fluid and serum from cancer patients.
Main Results:
- MSF activity detected in 94% of non-malignant wound fluid samples.
- MSF was largely absent in paired serum samples from non-malignant patients.
- MSF activity found in 80% of malignant wound fluid and significantly elevated in post-operative serum samples.
Conclusions:
- MSF in wound fluid likely originates from localized fibroblast production, not plasma or platelets.
- MSF may play a physiological role in adult wound healing.
- Elevated MSF levels, particularly in serum, may be associated with malignant disease beyond breast cancer.