Localization of thrombospondin-l and its cysteine-serine-valine-threonine-cysteine-glycine receptor in colonic anastomotic healing tissue

Abstract

Thrombospondin-l (TSP-1) is a matrix protein implicated in mechanisms of wound healing. TSP-1 contains the sequence cysteine-serine-valinethreonine- cysteine-glycine (CSVTCG) that has been shown to function primarily as a cell adhesion domain. Our laboratory has isolated a novel receptor specific for the CSVTCG adhesive domain of TSP-1. Immunohistochemical staining techniques and computerized image analysis were used to identify and quantitate TSP-1 and its CSVTCG receptor in surgically created colon anastomotic wounds. Histopathologic and quantitative examination demonstrated increased expression of TSP- 1 and its CSVTCG receptor in areas of wound healing. These findings suggest a role for TSP-1 and its CSVTCG receptor in wound healing. The control of expression and activity of these molecules may eventually be the basis for the development of wound healing agents that could significantly reduce the morbidity from surgical intervention.