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Rat brain capillary endothelial cells express functional PDGF B-type receptors
A Smits1, M Hermansson, M Nistér
1Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Biomedical Center, Uppsala, Sweden.
Growth Factors (Chur, Switzerland)
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Rat brain capillary endothelial cells express functional platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B-type receptors. These receptors are activated by PDGF-BB, suggesting its role as a potential angiogenic factor in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
- Angiogenesis Research
Background:
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a role in cell growth and angiogenesis.
- The expression and function of PDGF receptors in brain capillary endothelial cells are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of PDGF receptors on rat brain capillary endothelial cells.
- To determine if PDGF can stimulate proliferation in these cells.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining for PDGF receptors on rat brain capillaries.
- Isolation and culture of rat brain capillary endothelial cells.
- Binding assays using radiolabeled PDGF-BB and PDGF-AA.
- Assessment of [3H]thymidine incorporation to measure cell proliferation.
Main Results:
- PDGF B-type receptors were identified on capillaries of normal rat brain.
- Isolated brain capillary endothelial cells expressed B-type PDGF receptors, binding PDGF-BB but not PDGF-AA.
- PDGF-BB and PDGF-AB stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation, indicating functional receptors.
Conclusions:
- Rat brain capillary endothelial cells possess functional B-type PDGF receptors.
- These cells differ from endothelial cells of larger blood vessels, which lack PDGF receptors.
- PDGF-BB may act as an angiogenic factor in the brain.