Abstract: Objective Investigation of the effect of integrin on fibroblasts from scleroderma in the production of procollagen. Methods Phosphorothioate modified antisense oligonucleotides were used to interfere with the expression of integrin α₅ or β₁ subunit on scleroderma fibroblasts respectively, then the changes of procollagen mRNA were detected by RT-PCR. Results The expression of integrin α₅ or β₁ subunit could be specifically inhibited by their antisense oligonucleotides respectively. Decreased expression of fibroblast integrin α₅ or β₁ subunit significantly lowered mRNA of procollagen α₁(Ⅰ) and α₅(Ⅲ). Conclusion Overproduction of procollagen may be inhibited in the level of transcription by lowering the expression of integrin on fibroblasts in scleroderma.

Key words: Scleroderma,systemic, Scleroderma,circumscribed, Fibroblasts, Integrins, Procollagen