Lymphokine modulation of fibroblast proliferation.

In an experimental model of interstitial nephritis resulting in fibrosis, lymphokines secreted by a common population of antigen-reactive T lymphocytes have been shown to exert a bidirectional influence on fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. We report that these lymphokines can be chromatographically separated into two fractions. The larger m.w. fraction stimulated fibroblast proliferation whereas the smaller m.w. fraction was inhibitory. These results further clarify potentially important immune regulators of fibrogenesis.