The characterization of normal and scleroderma skin fibroblasts cultured in a collagen gel matrix.

Fibroblasts from normal and progressive systemic sclerosis involved skin more closely resemble in vivo cells when cultured in a collagen gel matrix, than do fibroblasts cultured on plastic. Ultrastructural studies show that the cytoskeleton and secretory organelles from these cells are better developed in the presence of a collagen gel. Fibronectin, glycosaminoglycans and collagen fibrils are produced by the cells and deposited in the preformed matrix. Collagen synthesis is greater in the scleroderma derived fibroblasts for all culture conditions with increased deposition in the matrix. Total collagen production form cells associated with the gel is less than that from those cultured on plastic, suggesting an inhibition of collagen synthesis by the preformed collagen matrix.