Pulsed Low-intensity Ultrasound Increases Proliferation and Extracelluar Matrix Production by Human Dermal Fibroblasts in Three-dimensional Culture

This study evaluated the effect of pulsed low-intensity ultrasound on cell proliferation, collagen production by human dermal fibroblasts encapsulated in alginate. Pulsed lowintensity ultrasound showed a significant effect on cell proliferation and collagen deposition. Alcian blue staining showed that glycosaminoglycans were deposited around the cells in both treated and control groups. The healing of skin wounds involves several different tis- sues and cell lineages, including fibroblasts.1 It involves re-epithelialization, which includes the replication and movement of epidermal cells to make new tissue, followed by formation and contraction of granulation tissue consist- ing of small vessels, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts and inflammatory cells.1–3 Fibroblasts are responsible for the production and maintenance of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues and appear to be activated by trauma. These results suggest that pulsed low-intensity ultrasound alone shows a positive effect on cell proliferation and collagen deposition.