Fig. 5

A schematic overview of growth factor signaling in DC. DC tissue was stained with antibodies recognizing SMA and vWF. Sweat glands (SG), which contain SMA-positive acini (a; violet arrows), SMA-negative ducts (a; white arrows) and SMA/vWF double-positive blood vessels are located adjacent to the SMA-rich DC nodule, which contains vWF-expressing blood vessels (a). Scale bar: 200 μm. bFGF synthetized by the endothelial cells and IGF-2 present throughout the DC tissue synergize in the ECM-rich myofibroblast layer of the blood vessels to form a supportive environment for sustained cell proliferation in the vascular and perivascular compartments. Sweat glands synthesize profibrotic CTGF, which, in combination with growth factors present in the DC tissue, facilitates the development of fibrosis (b). bFGF basic fibroblast growth factor, CTGF connective tissue growth factor, DC Dupuytren’s contracture, EMC extracellular matrix, IGF-2 insulin-like growth factor 2, SMA smooth muscle actin, vWF von Willebrand’s factor