In an experiment, surgical incisions are made in a study group of laboratory rats. Observations about the wounds are recorded over a 2-week period using various chemical mediators. Which of the following steps in the inflammatory-repair response is most likely affected by neutralization of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)?
ExplanationTGF-β stimulates many steps in fibrogenesis, including fibroblast chemotaxis and production of collagen by fibroblasts, while inhibiting degradation of collagen. All of the other steps listed are unaffected by TGF-β.