LOCALIZATION OF THROMBOSPONDIN-1 AND ITS CYSTEINE-SERINE-VALINE-THREONINE-CYSTEINE-GLYCINE RECEPTOR IN COLONIC ANASTOMOTIC HEALING TISSUE

Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matrix protein implicated in mechanisms of wound healing. TSP-1 contains the sequence cysteine-serine-valine-t hreonine-cysteine-glycine (CSVTCG) that has been shown to function pri marily as a cell adhesion domain. Our laboratory has isolated a novel receptor specific for the CSVTCG adhesive domain of TSP-1. Immunohisto chemical staining techniques and computerized image analysis were used to identify and quantitate TSP-1 and its CSVTCG receptor in surgicall y created colon anastomotic wounds. Histopathologic and quantitative e xamination demonstrated increased expression of TSP-1 and its CSVTCG r eceptor in areas of wound healing. These findings suggest a role for T SP-1 and its CSVTCG receptor in wound healing. The control of expressi on and activity of these molecules may eventually be the basis for the development of wound healing agents that could significantly reduce t he morbidity from surgical intervention.