FIBROGENIC CYTOKINES AND CONNECTIVE-TISSUE PRODUCTION

The pathogenesis of fibrotic disorders is similar regardless of the ti ssues involved. Inflammatory leukocytes infiltrate the site triggered by chemotactic and activating mediators. This is followed by the elabo ration of cytokines that directly and indirectly induce the proliferat ion of fibroblasts and endothelial cells and the deposition of extrace llular matrix (ECM). In the absence of inhibitory signals, the continu ed production of these mediators sustains the connective tissue accumu lation, which results in permanent alteration in tissue structure and function.