PDGF BB stimulates proliferation and differentiation in cultured chondrocytes from rat rib growth plate

The role of two isoforms (PDGF AA and PDGF BB) of platelet derived growth factor either alone or in combination with insulin-like growth factor I, on the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of rat rib growth plate chondrocytes was analyzed. PDGF BB increased DNA-synthesis in a dose dependent manner with a half maximal effect at 1 ng/ml. When PDGF BB was combined with IGF-I, an additive effect on DNA-synthesis was observed. PDGF AA and BB alone or combined with IGF-I had no appreciable effects on proteoglycan synthesis. Both homodimers caused an increase in AP-activity, indicating stimulation of cell differentiation. Cultured chondrocytes bound 125I-PDGF AA and 125I-PDGF BB and after stimulation with PDGF expressed c-fos protein. Thus, both homodimers play an important role in chondrocyte differentiation and together with IGF-I interact in the regulation of longitudinal bone growth.