American Society of Hirudotherapy

The multifunctional role of fibroblasts during wound healing in Hirudo medicinalis

Wound healing biology published in Biology of the Cell (2004)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Salivary PharmacologyTettamanti G et al. · Biology of the cell, 2004

Abstract

Extracellular matrix components play a key role during the angiogenic process for a correct development of blood vessels: fibroblasts are the main cell type involved in the regulation of ECM protein production. In this study we characterize H. medicinalis fibroblasts and demonstrate that they take part to the regulation of angiogenesis that occurs during wound healing process. Massive proliferation and phenotypic modification are two distinctive markers of fibroblast activation. These cells, that are usually responsible for collagen production and function as an energy reservoir, are recruited during wound healing to form a collagen scaffold through a direct mechanic action and through secretion of specific proteoglycans. In addition we show that the activity of fibroblasts is modulated by EGF, a growth factor involved in wound healing in vertebrates. The formation of bundles of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts is fundamental for the development and migration of new blood vessels in lesioned areas during wound repair: administration of lovastatin in explanted leeches affects fibroblasts, damages collagen "scaffold" and indirectly causes the reduction of neo-capillary formation.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsAntineoplastic AgentsCathepsin BCell ProliferationCell ShapeEpidermal Growth FactorFibroblastsHirudo medicinalisLovastatinNeovascularization, PhysiologicRandom Allocation

Summary

Characterizes Hirudo medicinalis fibroblasts during wound healing showing EGF-modulated collagen production, scaffold formation, and angiogenesis — invertebrate wound-healing model.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study characterized fibroblasts in Hirudo medicinalis, demonstrating their role in forming collagen scaffolds and regulating angiogenesis during the leech's own wound healing process, showing that epidermal growth factor (EGF) modulates their activity, and that lovastatin administration in explanted leeches disrupted collagen scaffold formation and reduced neovascularization. This work is relevant to ASH's domain insofar as it elucidates fundamental wound-healing biology in a Hirudo species, examining the interplay between fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, and blood vessel formation. However, the study was conducted in explanted leeches and addresses intrinsic tissue repair biology rather than therapeutic applications of leeches or their secretions. Its relevance is primarily to basic leech biology rather than clinical hirudotherapy.

Citation

The multifunctional role of fibroblasts during wound healing in Hirudo medicinalis.

Tettamanti G et al. · Biology of the cell, 2004

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

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