Brain-derived growth factor is a chemoattractant for fibroblasts and astroglial cells

Bovine brain-derived growth factor (BDGF), a 16-17 kDa protein with biochemical properties resembling brain-derived acidic fibroblast growth factor (acidic FGF) and endothelial cell growth factor, was found to have potent chemotactic activity for bovine ligament fibroblasts, human skin fibroblasts and rat astroglial cells, maximal at 100-200 pg/ml. The chemotactic activity was completely blocked by protamine sulfate (5 ug/ml), an inhibitor of receptor-binding and mitogenic activity of BDGF. BDGF did not stimulate migration of human monocytes. These results indicate that the effects of BDGF 'in vivo' might extend to mesenchymal cell recruitment.