Platelet-derived growth factor isoforms prevent cell death during starvation of AKR-2B fibroblasts

Confluent AKR-2B fibroblasts rapidly desintegrate upon removal of serum until a final density of approximately 50% of the initial value was reached after 12 h. This density remained unchanged for at least 48 h. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB stimulated more than 95% of these cells to divide. PDGF-AB or -BB added immediately after serum removal caused complete survival of the cells, but did not stimulate cell division as demonstrated by two-dimensional DNA flow cytometry. PDGF-AA was less effective leading to approximately 75% of the initial cell density. This effect could be augmented by the addition of ocadaic acid, a potent phosphatase inhibitor, suggesting that protein phosphorylation plays a role in this process. By using tyrphostin AG807 it was demonstrated that the signaling mechanism for survival requires receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation.