Platelet-derived growth factor in Dupuytren's disease.

This study investigated whether platelet-derived growth factor, a potent inducer of cell proliferation, was identifiable in association with myofibroblasts in Dupuytren's disease. Myofibroblasts in the hypercellular disease stages showed a strong reaction to platelet-derived growth factor antibody using light and electron microscopic immunochemical labels. Platelet-derived growth factor may play a role as a cellular signal for myofibroblast proliferation in the formation of the pathognomonic nodule in Dupuytren's disease.