Matrigel plus N-Acetylcysteine deactivate human pancreatic stellate cells and interfere with matrix remodeling

Background/Aims: Tissue fibrosis is one of the characteristics of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSC) play a central role in this process. In the last years several factors resulting in activation of PSC have been identified, however, up to now now no efficient therapy fort he treatment of pancreatic fibrosis has been developed. Methods: Primary activated pancreatic stellate cells were isolated by the outgrowth method. The effects of cultivation on basement membrane components or N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment on gene and protein expression and prolifer…