Bladder Stromal Fibroblasts (BSF)

Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells derived from the embryonic mesoderm. They have been extensively used 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 also makes them amenable to a wide variety of manipulations ranging from studies employing gene transfection to microinjection. Human bladder stromal fibroblasts（BSF) secrete FGF-7, which interact primarily with bladder epithelial cells. FGF-7 is essential for the stimulation of the formation of multilayer stratified bladder epithelium.Both PDGF-BB and its receptor in human bladder fibroblasts were upregulated in a time-and pressure-dependent manner. Results provide support for a potential role of both PDGF-BB and its receptor in bladder fibrosis secondary to increased intravesical pressure. Newer selective PDGF receptor antagonists may prove beneficial in preventing bladder wall fibrosis in patients with either anatomic or functional bladder outlet obstruction.