Abstract: Objective To investigate the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor in the development of scleroderma fibrosis.Methods The expression of PDGF receptor was detected in skin biopsy specimens of 8 scleroderma patients and 9 healthy individuals by imm unohistochemical staining using specific polyclonal antibodies. Results PDGF receptor subunits α and β expression was markedly increased in all of the scleroderma lesions,whereas PDGF receptor was weakly expressed in a few normal skin specimens,the difference was significant (P<0.05). Conclusion The increased expression of PDGF receptor subunits may be related to the development of fibrosis of scleroderma.

Key words: Scleroderma, Fibroblasts, Platelet-derived growth factor