The Effect of Diclofenac (Voltaren) on the Contraction of Collagen Lattices

Abstract

The inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by diclofenac was studied with regard to effects on connective-tissue contraction and on the chemotaxis of fibroblasts stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor type BB (PDGF-BB). Collagen lattices populated with human fibroblasts responded to diclofenac with significantly increased contraction; the peak effect occurred at a dose of 5 μg/ml. Using a two-chamber system, PDGF-BB significantly increased the chemotactic activity of fibroblasts, and addition of diclofenac further increased this activity. Higher doses of diclofenac resulted in cell death, which was also reflected in lessened contraction of lattices and chemokinesis. On light microscopy of lattices with 50 μg/ml diclofenac, half of the cells were dead. The study showed that inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by diclofenac increases the contraction of collagen lattices populated with human fibroblasts and increases the chemotactic activity of fibroblasts stimulated with PDGF-BB.

Key Words:

• diclofenac
• prostaglandin synthesis
• connective-tissue contraction
• fibroblast chemotaxis