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Effects of PDGF on the migration of rabbit corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells
1Department of Microbiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Japan.
Purpose:
We investigated the effects of human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isomers on the migration of rabbit corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells in the presence or absence of fibronectin (FN).
Methods:
A modified Boyden's chamber method was used to detect cell migration. Cells placed in the inner chamber were incubated with PDGF in the outer chamber at 37 degrees C at 24 h. In addition, epithelial cells were incubated in the presence or absence of FN. The migrated cells were stained and the cell number counted under a microscope. Checkerboard analysis was used to distinguish chemotaxis from chemokinesis.
Results:
Natural PDGF and PDGF-BB enhanced the migration of corneal fibroblasts, whereas PDGF-AA did not. As for corneal epithelial cells, all the isomers of PDGF enhanced the migration, but only in the presence of FN, as in the absence of FN or at a low concentration gradient of FN, there was no enhanced cell migration. A checkerboard assay demonstrated that PDGF-BB had a chemotactic effect on the migration of corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells, whereas PDGF-AA had a chemotactic effect on only corneal epithelial cells.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that PDGF is involved in corneal wound healing by stimulating the migration of corneal epithelial cells in the presence of FN and fibroblasts.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isomers stimulate corneal cell migration. PDGF-BB promotes fibroblast and epithelial cell movement, while PDGF-AA primarily affects epithelial cells, especially with fibronectin (FN), aiding corneal wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Corneal wound healing involves complex cellular processes, including cell migration.
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a key signaling molecule implicated in tissue repair.
- Understanding the specific roles of PDGF isomers and their interactions with extracellular matrix components like fibronectin (FN) is crucial for optimizing healing strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of different human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isomers on the migration of rabbit corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells.
- To determine the influence of fibronectin (FN) presence or absence on PDGF-mediated cell migration.
- To differentiate between chemotaxis and chemokinesis in PDGF-induced cell movement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modified Boyden's chamber assay to quantify cell migration.
- Incubated corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells with various PDGF isomers (PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB) in the presence or absence of fibronectin (FN).
- Employed checkerboard analysis to distinguish chemotactic (directed) from chemokinetic (random) migration.
Main Results:
- PDGF-BB significantly enhanced the migration of both corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells.
- PDGF-AA showed a chemotactic effect on corneal epithelial cells but not fibroblasts.
- Enhanced migration of corneal epithelial cells by all PDGF isomers was observed only in the presence of fibronectin (FN).
Conclusions:
- PDGF plays a significant role in corneal wound healing by promoting the migration of corneal epithelial cells, particularly in the presence of fibronectin (FN).
- PDGF-BB acts as a chemoattractant for both corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells.
- The findings highlight the differential effects of PDGF isomers and the critical role of fibronectin in PDGF-driven corneal cell migration and repair.