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Modulation of fibroblast proliferation and transformation by activated macrophages during postoperative peritoneal
Abstract:
We studied the modulation of fibroblast proliferation and transformation by postoperative macrophages. One group of rabbits underwent resection and reanastomosis of the small bowel, after which macrophages were collected by peritoneal lavage. A second group of rabbits underwent peritoneal wall abrasion followed by collection of local fibroblast on postoperative days 4 and 8. Postoperative macrophages were added to five culture dishes containing fibroblasts. After 24 hours, tritiated thymidine was added to the culture dishes and incubated overnight. In two other dishes, which were incubated for up to 8 days, a 24-hour pulse of tritiated thymidine was added before culture termination. Postoperative day 4 fibroblasts demonstrated a greater increase in cell number during the culture interval compared to fibroblasts collected on postoperative day 8. By the second day of coculture with macrophages collected from different postoperative days, tritiated thymidine incorporation by day 4 fibroblasts was suppressed, especially by postoperative day 7 macrophages. Thereafter, a stimulation in tritiated thymidine uptake was found. In contrast, tritiated thymidine uptake by day 8 fibroblasts was accelerated by coculture with macrophages, especially those collected on postoperative day 7. Day 4 fibroblasts assumed a more spindly appearance when cocultured with macrophages than did day 8 fibroblasts. Taken together, these data suggest that macrophages activated in response to surgical injury may secrete substances that induce proliferation and transformation of fibroblasts.
Insights
Postoperative macrophages modulate fibroblast behavior. Activated macrophages may secrete substances influencing fibroblast proliferation and transformation following surgical injury.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
- Surgical Research
Background:
- Fibroblast proliferation and transformation are critical processes in wound healing and tissue repair.
- Macrophages play a dynamic role in the inflammatory and reparative phases following surgical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of postoperative macrophages on fibroblast proliferation and transformation.
- To determine how macrophages, activated by surgical injury, affect fibroblast behavior in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Fibroblasts were isolated from rabbits on postoperative days 4 and 8 after small bowel resection or peritoneal abrasion.
- Postoperative macrophages were co-cultured with isolated fibroblasts.
- Cell proliferation was assessed using tritiated thymidine incorporation and cell counting; morphological changes were observed.
Main Results:
- Day 4 fibroblasts showed greater proliferation than day 8 fibroblasts.
- Co-culture with postoperative macrophages differentially affected fibroblast proliferation: suppression initially, followed by stimulation.
- Macrophages, particularly those from postoperative day 7, induced morphological changes (spindly appearance) in day 4 fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- Activated macrophages in the postoperative environment may secrete factors that modulate fibroblast proliferation and induce transformation.
- These findings suggest a complex interplay between macrophages and fibroblasts in surgical tissue repair.