THE SYNTHETIC RETINOID (4-HYDROXYPHENYL)RETINAMIDE DECREASES COLLAGEN EXPRESSION IN-VITRO AND IN THE TIGHT-SKIN MOUSE

Objective. We documented the effect of the retinoid (4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide on collagen expression in a tissue culture and in an animal model of scleroderma. Methods. We used RNA analysis, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase assays, organ culture, and histologic evaluation. Results. We showed that (4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide decreases alpha1(I) collagen messenger RNA and transcription in cultured cells, and decreases collagen levels in the dermis of tight-skin mice. Conclusion. These results provide a basis for further experiments to address the efficacy of (4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide in the treatment of scleroderma.