Immunophenotypical analysis of pancreatic interstitial cells in thedeveloping rat pancreas and myofibroblasts in the fibrotic pancreas in dogs andcats

[摘要] Pancreatic fibrosis develops as the results of the activity of myofibroblasts capable ofproducing collagens. The myofibroblasts derive from pancreatic interstitial cells,including pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which can express glial fibrillary acidicprotein (GFAP). First, we investigated the expression patterns of vimentin, desmin,α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Thy-1 and GFAP in the developing rat pancreas (in fetusesat 18 and 20 days, neonates from 1 to 21 days, and adults). Interstitial cells in thedeveloping pancreas expressed vimentin, desmin, GFAP and Thy-1 at varying degrees;interestingly, the reactivity for desmin and vimentin was the highest in fetuses. GFAPexpression was consistent between fetuses and neonates, and Thy-1 reactivity transientlyincreased after birth; however, α-SMA-positive interstitial cells were rarely seen. Next,we analyzed the immunophenotypical characteristics of myofibroblasts appearing inpancreatic fibrosis in dogs and cats. With increasing fibrotic grade, myofibroblastsshowed increased expression of vimentin, desmin and α-SMA, in addition to increased GFAPexpression. Collectively, pancreatic interstitial cells and myofibroblasts may havesimilar immunophenotypes, and myofibroblasts might originate partly from GFAP-expressingPSCs.

[学科分类] 兽医学

[关键词] fibrosis;GFAP;immunohistochemistry;myofibroblasts;pancreas