The expression of transforming growth factor-beta receptors in hypertrophic scars

Objective To detect the expression of transforming growth factor β receptors and to make further investigation on the effect of TGF-β s and their receptors in the formation of hypertrophic scars. Methods 17 samples of hypertrophic scar and 7 samples of normal skin have been examine by immunohistochemistry for the expression of TGF-β receptor type Ⅰ(RI) and type Ⅱ(RII). Results The distributions of RI and RII were similar in the samples. We found that RI and RII were expressed in fibroblasts of hypertrophic scars. However, the expression of RI and RII in fibroblasts were reduced gradually with time. TGF-β receptors were not seen on fibroblasts of normal skins. Conclusion ①Not only TGF-β but also their receptors RI and RII on fibroblasts are increased in the formation of hypertrophic sears which make TGF-β′s biologic action extended correspondingly. ②Fibroblasts in hypertrophic scars shows phenotypic diversity compared with fibroblasts in normal skin. Furthermore, the phenotype varies with the scarring time.