Fibrogenesis

Abstract

A review of fibrogenesis by asbestos fibers is given. There is nothing to indicate that the fibrogenic effects of inhaled asbestos fibers should differ in any way from those ingested asbestos. Recently, ingestion has assumed some importance concerning human exposure. Three sections dealing with the process of fibrogenesis are covered: the first deals with in vitro fibrinogenesis, in particular the interrelation of macrophages damaged by dusts and the subsequent laying down of collagen by fibroblasts in culture; the second deals with in vivo fibrinogenesis after the inoculation of extracts of silica treated macrophages into various animals; and the third, with the fibrinogenicity of a wide variety of mineral fibers in man and experimental animals. Recent studies described appear to offer a better understanding of the effects of macrophages on fibroblasts after tissue damage of various kinds has occurred.