Effect of burn exudate on functional activity of Balb/3T3 cell line and the role of matrix metalloproteinases in this process

The influence of burn fluid and its matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on Balb/3T3 cells was studied. The influence of burn fluid was assessed by morphology and specific functional activities of cells characteristic of the healing process--proliferation, monolayer contraction and migration of cells in wound model. The presence of burn fluid in cultivating medium accelerated cell proliferation by 2.5 times compared to normal conditions, promoted fibroblast monolayer contraction, and accelerated cell migration on the wound surface, thus stimulating cell functions necessary for successful heating. This effect is partly due to MMPs. The burn fluid contains, presumably, some additional factors not inhibited by specific MMP inhibitors EDTA and 1,10-phenantrolin. These factors may stimulate migration and proliferation of cells. The presence of 1-2% burn fluid is sufficient for enhancing cell proliferation.