Glucocorticoid inhibition of fibroblast contraction of collagen gels.

When skin fibroblasts are grown in culture on collagen gels, the collagen gels contract. We have studied the effects of various steroids on the contraction process. Cortisol, beta-estradiol and dexamethasone inhibited fibroblast-mediated gel contraction at low (10(-8) to 10(-9) M) concentrations whereas dihydrotestosterone was without effect. These effects were time and concentration dependent and could be reversed if the steroids were removed. This system may be useful for assaying the activities of various steroids in terms of their activities and modulating effects on connective tissue.