Fig. 8.

TGFB1 enhanced contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen 1 matrices. The role of TGFB1 in luteal fibroblast contractile function was investigated using fibroblast-populated bovine collagen 1 matrices. Fibroblasts were harvested with trypsin and cast into collagen matrices, which were then floated in DMEM with or without TGFB1 (1 ng/ml). A) Representative experiment using control (top) and TGFB1 (1 ng/ml; bottom)-treated collagen matrices. B) Matrix size is expressed as the percentage of initial area. Quantitative analysis demonstrated that matrix area was significantly smaller in matrices treated with TGFB1. Data represent three independent experiments, each performed in triplicate (mean ± SEM, n = 3, *P < 0.05 vs. Control). C) Morphology of fibroblasts cast into floating collagen matrices. Fibroblasts within collagen matrices produce a dendritic network of cytoplasmic extensions. Pictures were taken using a phase-contrast microscope at the indicated culture time points and magnification.