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Rat Mesentery Angiogenesis Assay
Published on: June 18, 2011
Complement (C5b-9) induces DNA synthesis in rat mesangial cells in vitro
W G Couser1, J W Pippin, S J Shankland
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
Kidney International
|March 7, 2001
Summary
The membrane attack complex (C5b-9) directly stimulates mesangial cell (MC) DNA synthesis, partly via reactive oxygen species (ROS). C5b-9 also enhances MC proliferation induced by other growth factors, suggesting a role in glomerular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Immune-mediated glomerular diseases involve mesangial cell (MC) proliferation.
- The complement system's membrane attack complex (C5b-9) injures kidney cells.
- Inhibiting C5b-9 reduces MC proliferation in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if C5b-9 acts as a mitogenic stimulus for MCs.
- To determine the mechanisms by which C5b-9 affects MCs.
Main Methods:
- Rat MCs were treated with anti-Thy1 antibody and normal serum to induce C5b-9 attack.
- DNA synthesis and cell number were measured.
- Inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and growth factors was assessed.
Main Results:
- Sublytic C5b-9 induced DNA synthesis in MCs.
- C5b-9 augmented DNA synthesis stimulated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fetal calf serum.
- ROS inhibition reduced C5b-9-induced DNA synthesis, while growth factor neutralization did not.
Conclusions:
- C5b-9 directly increases DNA synthesis in cultured MCs, partly through ROS release.
- C5b-9 amplifies DNA synthesis triggered by other known mitogens in MCs.
