Differential expression of platelet-derived growth factor-alpha receptor by Thy-1(-) and Thy-1(+) lung fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are heterogeneous with respect to surface markers, morphology, and participation in fibrotic responses. This study was undertaken to determine whether Thy-1(-) and Thy-1(+) rat lung fibroblasts, which have distinct and relevant phenotypes, differ in their proliferative responses to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms. Homogeneous populations of Thy-1(-) and Thy-1(+) fibroblasts were found to proliferate equally in the presence of PDGF-BB, but PDGF-AA-mediated proliferation occurred only in Thy-1(-) cells. This differential activity correlated with significantly higher expression of PDGF-alpha receptor in Thy-1(-) fibroblasts as shown by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and Northern blotting. There was a rapid increase in c-myc mRNA in Thy-1(-) but not in Thy-1(+) fibroblasts on stimulation with PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB. The PDGF-alpha receptor, which mediates signaling by all PDGF isoforms, has been implicated in numerous clinical and experimental forms of fibrosis and regulates lung morphogenesis. Differential expression of the PDGF-alpha receptor supports distinct roles for Thy-1(-) and Thy-1(+) fibroblast populations in developmental and fibrotic processes in the lung.