Effects of dexamethasone on proliferation and expression of intercellular adhension molecules by human oral fibroblasts / 中国免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:Dexamethasone (DEX) has been proved to be an effective therapy for a variety of oral mucosal disorders, especially for oral submucous fibrosis(OSF) .The mechanisms behind its therapeutic effects are not known but have largely been ascribed to its anti proliferation and immunosuppressive effects. The recruitment, extravagation and retention of leucocytes which may play an important role in the development of oral mucosal disorders depends in part on the interaction of LFA 1 with its ligand intercellular adhension molecules(ICAM 1).The study aimed to investigate the effects of DEX on proliferation and expression of ICAM 1 by human oral fibroblasts (FB).Methods:The fibroblasts were obtained from normal buccal mucosa (NM FB) and OSF buccal mucosa (OSF FB) and cultured in vitro. Then the cell proliferation of fibroblasts incubated with or without DEX in the presence of 10%fetal calf serum for 48 hours at 37℃ in 5%CO 2 and air were monitored by use of thiazolyl blue (MTT) assay and the level of ICAM 1 expressed by fibroblasts were monitored by using cell based ELSA for ICAM 1.Results:OSF FB had an increased proliferation compared to NM FB and DEX inhibited fibroblast proliferation in a concentration dependent manner; OSF FB produced ICAM 1 at high levels and DEX decreased ICAM 1 expression levels on both cell types.Conclusion:DEX can directly inhibit human oral fibroblasts proliferation and reduces the levels of ICAM 1 expressed by oral mucosal FB, and may be useful in the treatment of some oral mucosal disorders.