Possible role of myofibroblasts in the pathogenesis of Dupuytren's contracture.

In the contracting palmar aponeurosis of patients suffering from Dupuytren's disease myofibroblasts are revealed by electron microscopical examination. These cells display abnormal foldings of the nucleus, microfilaments resembling the myofilaments in smooth muscle cells, rough endoplasmic reticulum occupying circumscribed portions of the cytoplasm, free ribosomes, well-developed Golgi apparatus, numerous mitochondria, occasionally lipid droplets, cilia-like formations, hemidesmosomes and maculae adherens (desmosomes) between the cells and formation of basement membrane. According to literary data, the myofibroblasts contain actin and have contractile properties. These myofibroblasts are supposed to contribute to the development of Dupuytren's contracture. The process is finally stabilized by the disappearance of myofibroblasts and by the simultaneous development of compact collagenous fibre bundles secernated by classical fibroblasts.