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Published on: October 3, 2012
Cytological effects of platelet-derived growth factor on mitochondrial ultrastructure in fibroblasts
A Gosslau1, W Dittrich, A Willig
1Abteilung Zoophysiologie, Universität Oldenburg, Fachbereich 7, Postfach 2503, D-29111, Oldenburg, Germany.
Abstract:
The goal of this study was to evaluate morphofunctional changes in mitochondrial ultrastructure after platelet-derived growth factor application in fibroblasts as an indicator of mitochondrial activation in processes like wound healing. NRK-49F fibroblasts were synchronized, incubated with PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) and studied by electron microscopy. Volume density (Vv), numerical density (Nv) and surface density (Sv) were measured by stereological analysis. Application of PDGF on NRK-49F caused an increase in mitochondrial volume density by 57% and surface area of cristae per mitochondrion by 65%. The numerical density of the mitochondria was decreased in the PDGF-treated cells by 23%, but at the same time their mean volume was increased. Furthermore, the mitochondria had a complex and highly variable shape both in control and PDGF-treated cells, possibly indicating the existence of a mitochondrial reticulum. The results demonstrated that biochemically active membrane systems in fibroblast mitochondria are enlarged as a direct effect of small doses of platelet-derived growth factor and support the concept that this factor and related peptides serve as mitogens for connective tissue forming cells. Thus, in mitogenic processes like wound healing, the high energy demand of fibroblasts is provided by the increase of the inner surface of mitochondria.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) activates fibroblast mitochondria, increasing their size and inner surface area. This mitochondrial boost supports increased energy demands during wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Fibroblasts are crucial for wound healing and tissue repair.
- Mitochondria are key organelles for cellular energy production.
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a signaling protein involved in cell growth and proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphofunctional changes in fibroblast mitochondrial ultrastructure following PDGF application.
- To assess mitochondrial activation as an indicator of fibroblast response in wound healing processes.
Main Methods:
- NRK-49F fibroblasts were synchronized and treated with PDGF.
- Mitochondrial ultrastructure was analyzed using electron microscopy.
- Stereological analysis was employed to quantify mitochondrial parameters like volume density (Vv), numerical density (Nv), and surface density (Sv).
Main Results:
- PDGF treatment led to a 57% increase in mitochondrial volume density and a 65% increase in the surface area of mitochondrial cristae.
- A 23% decrease in mitochondrial numerical density was observed, with a concurrent increase in mean mitochondrial volume.
- Complex and variable mitochondrial shapes suggested the presence of a mitochondrial reticulum.
Conclusions:
- PDGF directly enlarges the active membrane systems within fibroblast mitochondria.
- These findings support PDGF's role as a mitogen for connective tissue cells.
- Enhanced mitochondrial inner surface area in fibroblasts meets the high energy demands during mitogenic processes like wound healing.
