The propose of the present study is to investigate the effects of
lanthanum chloride (LaCl(3)), a rare earth compound, on extracellular matrix molecules in rat
wound tissues, hoping to provide a clue for further study in reducing excessive extracellular matrix formation in
trauma and
burn, as well as in fibrous disorders. In order to elucidate its action mechanism, we investigated its effects on fibroblast apoptosis, intracellular
calcium,
collagen synthesis and expression, and
fibronectin mRNA expression. We found that treatment with 0.25 ml of 50 mM (1.5mg/injection) LaCl(3) for three consecutive days induced fibroblast apoptosis and inhibited
collagen synthesis and expression. Comparing to control, at day 14 after wounding, apoptosis and the level of intracellular
calcium in
wound tissues were significantly increased, but at day 28 after wounding, apoptosis was not continually increased and gradually became normal. In contrast, the amount of (3)H-proline incorporation and the expression of type I and III
collagen decreased at days 14 and 28 after wounding by LaCl(3)-treatment. The expression of
fibronectin mRNA was not significant changed at days 14 and 28 after-wounding by LaCl(3)-treatment as compared to the control. The results suggest that LaCl(3) may reduce the extracellular matrix formation at certain concentrations during wound healing and be worth further study as an anti-fibrous agent. Because
lanthanides have been used to clinical treatment with
antibacterial agents in
burn, it may be more suitable for the treatment of severe
burn.