Platelet-derived growth factor is chemotactic for human retinal pigment epithelial cells

The presence of blood or serum in the vitreous cavity has been associated with the formation of cellular membranes in proliferative vitreoretinopathy and after penetrating ocular trauma. Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are an important component of these membranes. For RPE cells to effectively spread throughout the vitreous cavity and form contractile membranes, cell migration must occur. Serum has been shown to initiate RPE cell migration. Fibronectin (FN), a glycoprotein found in serum, stimulates RPE cell migration but accounts for only part of the stimulatory effect of serum. We report that another serum component, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), also stimulates RPE cell migration. Furthermore, the effect of PDGF and FN are additive and together probably account for a large part of the chemotactic activity found in serum.