Effect of Nitric Oxide on the Migration and Fibroblast-mediated Contraction of Collagen Gels

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) on the migration of cultured human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTCF) and contraction of collagen gel. METHODS: After artificial wounding, the primarily cultured HTCF were exposed to an NO donor such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP), S-Nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), or dexamethasone at various concentrations. The cellular migration was measured up to five days. After embedding the cells in the collagen gels, the amount of contraction by the gels was also measured. Cellular survival and NO production were measured with MTT assay and Griess assay, respectively. RESULTS: Cellular survival was decreased by both NO donors but not by dexamethasone. SNP inhibited migration of HTCF in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced contraction of collagen gels. However, SNAP had no effect on the cellular migration or gel contraction. Dexamethasone inhibited cellular migration but did not affect the contraction of collagen gels. CONCLUSIONS: Among the NO donors, only SNP inhibited migration of HTCF and enhanced contraction of collagen gels in vitro. Thus, the effects between the two NO donors on fibroblast induced wound healing differ.