Ureteral Cell Cultures II: Collagen Production and Response to Pharmacologic Agents

PURPOSE: To investigate the in vitro response of ureteral cells to potentially anti-fibrotic agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured human uroepithelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and myofibroblasts were assayed for proliferation and production of collagen types I and III, with and without the presence of hydrocortisone, colchicine, retinol, verapamil, and D-penicillamine. RESULTS: Hydrocortisone stimulated the proliferation of all three cell types and reduced the type I and type III collagen production by myofibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, respectively. Verapamil enhanced the growth of uroepithelial cells and decreased collagen III production by both uroepithelial and smooth muscle cells. D-penicillamine increased the proliferation of uroepithelial and smooth muscle cells, and inhibited collagen type III production by all three cell types. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro evidence suggests that hydrocortisone, verapamil, and D-penicillamine have effects that could favorably alter the healing of endoscopic ureteral incisions.