No abstract

Imatinib mesylate and AMN107 inhibit orbital fibroblast proliferation and hyaluronan production induced by PDGF-BB; a factor highly expressed in orbital tissue from patients with GO. The drugs, however, had no effect on TGF-beta(1)-induced HAS expression and hyaluronan production. Nevertheless, imatinib mesylate and AMN107 should be considered as treatment candidates for GO.

No abstract

PDGF-BB is a potent inducer of proinflammatory cytokines via the NF-kappaB pathway in orbital fibroblasts, whereas cytokine production by fibroblasts from other anatomic locations showed a moderate response. These data suggest a possible role for PDGF-BB in regulating orbital inflammation in GO and identify the PDGF signaling cascade as a therapeutic target in GO.

Orbital fibroblasts play a key role in the pathogenesis of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). We discuss some major aspects by which orbital fibroblasts contribute to GO and the important role of PDGF-BB herein. Finally, we propose the orbital fibroblast, and especially the PDGF system acting on orbital fibroblasts, as an important therapeutic target in GO.