Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2026

Human Dupuytren's Ex Vivo Culture for the Study of Myofibroblasts and Extracellular Matrix Interactions
Published on: April 18, 2015
Myofibroblasts and extracellular matrix glycoproteins in palmar fibromatosis
G Magro1, F Fraggetta, A Colombatti
1Institute of Pathological Anatomy, University of Catania, Italy.
Abstract:
We investigated immunohistochemically the presence of myofibroblasts and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) in palmar fibromatosis nodules, obtained from 30 patients. Histologically, the three following phases were identified in palmar fibromatosis nodules: proliferative, involutional, and residual. A variable association of these phases was simultaneously detected within the same nodule. In most cases (20/30), we found that involutional and residual phases coexisted, while the association of proliferative/involutional/residual and proliferative/involutional phases was observed in 8 and 2 cases, respectively. Alpha-smooth muscle actin, a reliable marker for myofibroblastic cellular phenotype, revealed that most spindle-shaped cells of cellular areas of both proliferative and involutional phases were myofibroblasts. Regardless of the predominant association of histologic phases, these findings demonstrate that a myofibroblastic cellular component is constantly found in palmar fibromatosis nodules, although its degree is variable. Immunohistochemical study of ECM showed that collagen types IV, VI, laminin, and fibronectin were strongly expressed and restricted to cellular areas of involutional and residual phases. A combined study of cellular phenotype and ECM, using consecutive sections, demonstrated that the distritubion of collagen types IV, VI, laminin, and fibronectin followed the distribution of myofibroblasts, while they were not expressed in the areas devoid of these cells. These findings suggest that interactions between myofibroblasts and these surrounding ECM glycoproteins may be involved in the pathophysiology of palmar fibromatosis.
Related Concept Videos
The Extracellular Matrix
Introduction to Fibroblasts
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
Fibril-associated Collagen
For example, the type II collagen fibrils in cartilage have covalently bound type IX fibril-associated collagens at regular intervals. Other types of fibril-associated collagens are...
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Fibrous Proteins

