Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor-saporin (bFGF-SAP) conjugate on bovine choriocapillary endothelial cells

We evaluated the effect of a basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and saporin conjugate (bFGF-SAP) on proliferation, migration and tubule formation in bovine choriocapillary endothelial cells (BCECs). Cell proliferation and MTS assays were done with 0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 nM bFGF-SAP, and an equimolar concentration of bFGF and saporin. TUNEL assay was performed to confirm apoptosis. Cells were treated with 1, 10, and 100 nM bFGF-SAP and migration assay and tubule formation assay were done. Results were evaluated with image analysis. All experiments were performed in triplicate and repeated three times. Viable cells (ID50 = 0.62) and cell proliferation by MTS assay (ID50 = 0.75 nM) were inhibited. Saporin caused cytotoxicity and inhibition of proliferation at high concentration. DNA fragmentation was identified by TUNEL assay. Migration and tubule formation were also inhibited. All mechanisms responsible for neovascularization were inhibited, and this could be applied in the management of subretinal choroidal neovascularization (SRN).