Human Gallbladder Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells which came from the embryonic mesoderm. They are important tools for a wide range of cellular and molecular studies, as they are one of the easiest types of cells to grow in culture. Their durability makes them amenable to a variety of manipulations ranging from gene transfection to microinjection. Fibroblasts secrete a non-rigid extracellular matrix that is rich in type I and/or type III collagen. They are responsible for synthesis of extracellular matrix in connective tissue and play a central role in wound healing. Human gallbladder fibroblasts (HGBF) are responsible for eicosanoid synthesis, specifically PGI2. Chronic stimulation of HGBF results in up-regulated synthesis and release of PGI2, which aids in formation of early acute cholecystitis. HGBF are very versatile cells and are useful to study many different conditions, such as early stages of acute cholecystitis.