关键词: 人牙周膜成纤维细胞, 肌成纤维细胞, α-平滑肌肌动蛋白, 细胞外基质

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the functions of human periodontal myofibroblast (MFB) in vitro. Methods Human periodontal fibroblast (hPDLFs) was cultured and induced to MFB by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). MFB was denoted as the experimental group, whereas the hPDLFs was the control group. The groups were continuously cultured and harvested at 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. The MFB marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was examined by immunocytochemistry. The expression of fibronectin (FN) between MFB was examined by immunocytochemistry to detect the MFB contact relationship. The mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, collagen (Col )Ⅰ, and Col Ⅲ were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCT) to analyze extracellular matrix secretion. The protein expression levels of α-SMA and Col Ⅰ were also assessed by Western blot. Results The experimental group had significantly higher α-SMA expression than the control group at 0 h (P<0.001). A positive expression of FN was found between MFB. The experimental group had significantly higher expression levels of Col I and Col Ⅲ than the control group at 24 h (P<0.001). Conclusion Human periodontal MFB presents a continuous, high expression of α-SMA. MFB could interact through FN. MFB is significantly capable of extracellular matrix secretion.

Key words: human periodontal fibroblast, myofibroblast, α-smooth muscle actin, extracellular matrix