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Using “real-time RT-PCR”, we assessed the expression of three different hyaluronan synthase genes, HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3, by measuring their mRNA amounts in cultured human oral mucosal epithelial (COME) cells, oral mucosal fibroblasts, and dermal fibroblasts, and investigated the effects of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and epidermal growth factor (EGF). When COME cells were treated with IL-1β or EGF, early and marked increases and subsequent rapid decreases were observed for all HAS genes and, moreover, actual changes in hyaluronan synthesis subsequently occurred. The effects of IL-1β stimulation were concentration-dependent and the maximal response to the EGF stimulation was observed at a low concentration (0.1 ng per mL). When two different types of fibroblasts were treated with IL-1β or EGF, increased expression with different degrees and rates of three different HAS genes and subsequent increased synthesis of hyaluronan were also observed. In addition, HAS1 gene expression was not detectable in the mucosal fibroblasts, while weak HAS3 gene expression was detected in the dermal fibroblasts. Taken together, it is likely that the regulation of the expression of the three different HAS genes is different between oral mucosa and skin, which may be of significance for elucidating some of the differences between these tissues in wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]