Inhibition of collagen lattice contraction by pentoxifylline and interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma

The ability to control wound contraction is important in preventing disfiguring scarring in burn and trauma patients. Fibroblasts within the wound generate the mechanical forces that cause this contraction, and their interactions with various extracellular matrix components are thought to regulate this process. Because pentoxifylline and the interferons are believed to moderate fibroblast production of such matrix components, we assessed the effects of these agents on wound contraction in vitro, using a model wherein dermal fibroblasts are incorporated into a collagen lattice. Pentoxifylline and interferon-alpha, -beta, and -gamma inhibited lattice contraction in a dose-dependent manner and showed no effect on cell number or cell viability. These results suggest that pentoxifylline and the interferons may retard wound contraction in vivo and thus reduce scarring associated with severely contracted wounds. Further study is needed to determine the mechanism of action of these agents on the collagen lattice model.