Fibroblasts

Inactive Fibroblasts are sometimes known as:  Fibrocytes

Fibroblasts are a type of Cell that is widely distributed in Connective Tissues.  When Fibroblasts are young, they are relatively small and have a distinct spindle shape.  Older (senescent) Fibroblasts are much larger and spread out (squashed appearance).

Hair

 Large quantities of Fibroblasts are present in the Dermal Papillae of the Hair Follicles (and thereby are involved in Hair Growth and the prevention of Hair Loss).

Skin

 Fibroblasts are involved in the healing and repair of WoundsWounds of the Skin (by stimulating the production of endogenous Collagen and Elastin).

Enzymes

 Fibroblasts normally produce small quantities of Collagenase  ^[1]and Stromelysin that break down the surrounding extracellular matrix of the Skin, however during Wound healing and Inflammation, large amounts of these enzymes are produced.

Immune System Chemicals

 Fibroblasts produce Interleukin 3 (IL-3).

Proteins

 Fibroblasts are responsible for the production of endogenous Collagen:  ^[2]

 Fibroblasts are responsible for the production of endogenous Collagen - Type III.

 Fibroblasts are responsible for the production of endogenous Elastin.

Proteoglycans

 Fibroblasts are responsible for the prdduction of Perlecan.

Amino Acids

 Arginine may stimulate the proliferation of Fibroblasts.  ^[3]

 Glutamine may stimulate the proliferation of Fibroblasts.  ^[4]

Carbohydrates

 Fucose may stimulate the proliferation of Fibroblasts.  ^[5]

 Glucans may activate Macrophages that stimulate the growth of Fibroblasts. 

Cosmeceuticals

 Kinetin (applied topically) may delay/prevent many age-related changes in Fibroblasts.  ^[6]

 Preparation H (applied topically to the Skin) may facilitate the delivery of Oxygen to Fibroblasts of the Skin, thereby facilitating the production of Collagen and Elastin by Fibroblasts (due to the Skin Respiratory Factor (SRF) content of Preparation H).  ^[7]