Is secretion of collagen type IV by human renal fibroblasts increased by high glucose via a TGF-beta-independent pathway?
These data show that renal fibroblasts secrete collagen type IV, which can be increased by high glucose independent of endogenous TGF-beta. This suggests that as well as the increased expression of interstitial components, renal fibroblasts can contribute to the increased expression of the basement membrane component collagen type IV in tubulointerstitial fibrosis observed during diabetic nephropathy.
In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that the molecular interaction of abciximab with the platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptor is not altered by immediate prior exposure of platelets to small molecule GPIIb/IIIa antagonists. These preclinical studies suggest that the efficacy of abciximab should not be impaired if it is initiated following termination of therapy with small molecule GPIIb/IIIa antagonists.