Application of immunoprinting for assessment of fibroblast secretory heterogeneity

Fibroblasts are capable of secreting a number of inflammatory mediators and cytokines and may exhibit a marked heterogeneity in this capacity. The relative frequency of cytokine-secreting fibroblasts in chronic inflammatory connective tissue disorders may affect the amount of these molecules secreted locally and dictate the intensity or chronicity of the disease process. We have devised a simple, in situ immunodetection method for assessment of the frequency of actively secreting cells in adherent cell cultures. Our technique is based on the principle of immunoprinting and is coupled with an enzyme-linked immunodetection system. The methodology, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of this technique are described.