bFGF和BMP-2联合应用对体外培养兔骨髓间充质干细胞增殖与骨向分化的影响

目的:研究碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)和骨形成蛋白-2(BMP-2)联合应用对体外培养兔骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSCs)增殖与骨向分化的影响.方法:体外培养兔骨髓间充质干细胞,在第2代细胞培养液中加入不同浓度的bFGF和BMP-2,依据加入bFGF和BMP-2浓度的不同分为5个实验组(组1:80 ng/ml bFGF;组2:80 ng/ml BMP-2;组3:30 ng/ml bFGF 30 ng/ml BMP-2;组4:50ng/ml bFGF 50ng/ml BMP-2;组5:80ng/ml bFGF 80ng/ml BMP-2)和对照组(不加任何生长因子),采用绘制生长曲线,四唑盐比色法(MTT),碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性检测法和碱性磷酸酶(ALP)免疫组化染色法比较各组间差异,观察不同浓度的bFGF和BMP-2联合应用对兔骨髓间充质干细胞增殖与骨向分化的影响.结果:与对照组相比,单独应用80 ng/ml bFGF可显著促进BMSCs的增殖,但对BMSCs的骨向分化显著抑制;单独应用80 ng/ml BMP-2对BMSCs的增殖和骨向分化均有促进作用;30ng/ml bFGF 30 ng/ml BMP-2、50 ng/ml bFGF 50 ng/ml BMP-2和80 ng/ml bFGF 80 ng/ml BMP-2可显著地促进BMSCs增殖和促进BMSCs的骨向分化,且呈正性剂量-效应关系,联合应用两种生长因子较二者单独应用促细胞增殖及骨向分化的效果更为显著.结论:一定浓度范围内,bFGF和BMP-2的联合应用促进BMSCs增殖的同时也促进其骨向分化,两者对BMSCs有明显的协同增强的生物学效应.     

SMAD3介导TGF-β1刺激软骨细胞增殖和抑制软骨细胞肥大性分化(英文)

为研究TGF β1 SMAD3信号对小鼠软骨细胞增殖和分化的影响 ,分离了野生型与Smad3基因剔除 (Smad3ex8 ex8)突变纯合子小鼠肋骨软骨细胞并进行了体外培养 .通过3 H TdR参入实验检测了体外培养软骨细胞的增殖能力 .TGF β1可以刺激野生型软骨细胞的增殖 ,Smad3基因缺失导致小鼠软骨细胞丧失对TGF β1刺激生长作用的应答 .Northern杂交显示 ,TGF β1促进野生型小鼠软骨细胞表达Ⅱ型胶原 ,而Smad3基因缺失突变纯合子软骨细胞大量表达肥大性软骨细胞的分子标记物X型胶原 .结果表明 ,SMAD3介导转化生长因子TGF β1刺激软骨细胞增殖并抑制软骨细胞的肥大性分化     

生长因子TGF-β1和bFGF促兔骨髓间质干细胞向韧带样细胞分化的实验研究

摘要目的：采用生长因子TGF-β1和bFGF诱导体外培养的兔骨髓间质干细胞（MSCs）,转化为韧带样细胞,并研究此种韧带样细胞的生物特性。方法：自幼兔四肢骨抽取骨髓分离纯化MSCs并培养、增殖;采用特定浓度TGF-β1（10ng／ml）和bFGF（25ng／mL）对MSCs进行诱导分化,观察生长因子对MSCs生长、形态的影响,使用MTT法绘制细胞生长曲线,使用天狼腥红染色法定量对比MSCs分泌胶原蛋白量。单纯培养和单一因子诱导组作为对照。结果：TGF-β1和bFGF联合使用组,细胞形态优于空白组及单一因子组,细胞增殖率、胶原分泌量也均高于对照组。结论：联合使用生长因子TGF-β1和bFGF刺激兔MSCs,能够促使兔MSCs定向转化为韧带样细胞,对组织工程前交叉韧带的构建具有积极意义。     

碱性成纤维细胞生长因子与胶原对组织工程软骨体外构建的影响

目的：以三维成团培养为培养系统,探讨bFGF与胶原对组织工程软骨体外构建的影响。方法：成团培养兔生长板软骨细胞,设bFGF、胶原及联合作用组。HE染色观察新生组织形态;免疫组化检测Ⅰ、Ⅱ型胶原表达以观察细胞表型;Hoechst 33258法检测细胞DNA含量;羟脯氨酸法与阿新蓝法测定基质中胶原与蛋白多糖的合成。结果：新生软骨的组织学形态近似自然软骨;各实验组软骨细胞DNA含量明显上升;胶原可以显著促进基质的合成;各实验组Ⅰ型胶原的表达少于对照组,Ⅱ型胶原的表达则高于对照组;联合作用组效果更加明显。结论：三维的成团培养可以促进基质合成,有效维持软骨细胞表型;bFGF与胶原有利于工程化软骨构建,其效果具有协同效应,两者联合应用可进一步促进软骨再生。     

应用原代软骨细胞与SW1353软骨肉瘤细胞系建立体外骨关节炎模型的效果评价

目的通过比较白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)处理对原代软骨细胞与SW1353软骨肉瘤细胞系增殖活力、炎症因子与炎症通路表达水平变化的影响,为骨关节炎体外研究用细胞提供多重选择。方法免疫细胞化学法与甲苯胺蓝染色分别检测细胞中Ⅱ型胶原与蛋白多糖,鉴定所培养的原代细胞是否为软骨细胞。CCK-8法检测IL-1β(10ng/ml)处理24h、48h、72h对原代软骨细胞增殖活力的影响,IL-1β(1、10、20、40ng/ml)处理24h对SW1353软骨肉瘤细胞系增殖活力的影响。IL-1β(10ng/ml)分别处理原代软骨细胞与SW1353软骨肉瘤细胞系细胞24h后,ELISA法检测细胞培养上清中白细胞介素6(interleukin-6,IL-6)与基质金属蛋白酶-13(matrix metalloproteinase-13,MMP-13)的表达水平。Real-time PCR法检测核因子-κB(nuclear factor-κB,NF-κB)mRNA表达水平。结果所培养的原代细胞为原代软骨细胞。IL-1β(10ng/ml)处理可显著抑制原代软骨细胞增殖活力,但IL-1β(1、10、20、40 ng/ml)处理对SW1353软骨肉瘤细胞系增殖活力无明显影响。IL-1β(10ng/ml)处理可使IL-6、MMP-13表达水平及NF-κB mRNA的表达量均显著增加。结论IL-1β作用下原代软骨细胞与SW1353软骨肉瘤细胞系均可表现出骨关节炎样炎症反应,二者均可用于骨关节炎的体外实验研究。     

Ⅱ型胶原-硫酸软骨素支架的制备及组织工程软骨的构建

研究经乙基-(3-二甲基氨基丙基)碳化二亚胺盐酸盐(EDC)处理的Ⅱ型胶原-硫酸软骨素支架材料的性能特点,并在体外构建组织工程软骨。从鸡软骨中提取Ⅱ型胶原,以不同浓度的EDC为交联剂通过冷冻干燥的方法制备Ⅱ型胶原与硫酸软骨素复合支架并测定其理化性质。将体外培养的新生兔关节软骨细胞接种在Ⅱ型胶原与硫酸软骨素复合支架上,观察软骨细胞在支架上的生长形态并检测支架上软骨细胞分泌的糖胺聚糖含量及Ⅱ型胶原含量。结果表明:采用EDC与硫酸软骨素交联增加了支架的稳定性,最适的交联剂质量浓度为7 mg/mL。软骨细胞在复合支架上增殖分化良好,并保持软骨细胞特异分化的表型,分泌Ⅱ型胶原与蛋白多糖(GAG)。培养14 d后已有软骨样组织形成。     

碱性成纤维细胞生长因子对牙周膜细胞内核心蛋白多糖基因表达的影响

利用外源性碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor,bFGF)刺激体外培养的人正常牙周膜细胞.采用逆转录-聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)检测细胞内decorin的基因表达的变化,研究bFGF对体外培养的人牙周膜细胞内核心蛋白多糖(decorin)的作用,进一步探讨bFGF抑制Ⅰ型胶原的作用机制.发现bFGF刺激牙周膜细胞后能促进牙周膜细胞的增殖,bFGF抑制decorin的合成是bFGF促进牙周膜细胞增殖的重要调节因素之一.     

TGF-β超家族在软骨发生、发育和维持中的作用

转化生长因子b(Transforming growth factor b, TGF-b)超家族包括TGF-b和骨形态发生蛋白(Bone morphogenetic protein,BMP)两个亚家族。TGF-b超家族信号通路的配体、配体拮抗分子、受体、信号转导分子均在软骨内成骨过程中发挥各自独特的作用, 参与调控软骨细胞的谱系分化、增殖、成熟、凋亡和矿化。BMP信号能起始间充质细胞向软骨细胞分化并维持软骨细胞的特性, 在软骨发生过程中起主导作用; 在生长板发育的过程中, BMP信号促进软骨细胞的成熟, 促进成骨, 而TGF-b信号抑制软骨细胞的肥大分化, 维持生长板中适量的软骨细胞; TGF-b信号和BMP信号对于关节软骨的维持和修复都是不可或缺的。因此, TGF-b超家族的重要作用贯穿骨骼发育过程的始终。     

胰岛素和IGF-I对离体犊牛小肠上皮细胞增殖和吸收功能的影响

本试验选择离体犊牛小肠上皮细胞,以细胞增殖率和葡萄糖吸收率作为细胞生长发育与功能成熟的指标,研究了胰岛素与胰岛素样生长因子-I(IGF-)对细胞生长发育的影响。结果表明,胰岛素浓度为10μg/ml时,明显促进小肠上皮细胞的增殖和对葡萄糖的吸收,浓度达到50μg/ml时则抑制细胞的增殖和吸收(P<0.01)。IGF-I浓度为100ng/ml时,对促进小肠上皮细胞增殖和吸收葡萄糖的作用最强(P<0.01),但100ng/ml、500ng/ml和1000ng/ml三种不同浓度的IGF-I对刺激细胞增殖和提高吸收功能无显著差异(P>0.05)。     

bFGF诱导MEF生成的条件培养基对人胚胎干细胞生长的影响

为了探讨低浓度bFGF诱导小鼠胚胎成纤维细胞（MEF）生成的条件培养基对人胚胎干细胞（hESC）生长分化的影响,以系列浓度的bFGF作用于MEF上,收集条件培养基（bFGF—MCM）,用于hES2细胞的无滋养层培养。以不添加bFGF而收集的MEF条件培养基（MCM）为阴性对照．同样浓度的bFGF添加于SR培养基（bFGF—SR）为空白对照。通过形态学特征和碱性磷酸酶染色法对hES2的生长分化状态进行评估。结果发现．培养一周内,未分化hES2克隆的比率,阴性对照为23％：空白对照组为13％-31％。当bFGF浓度为0．1,0．3,1,4ng／ml时,bFGF—MCM组未分化克隆的比率分别为44％,74％,77％和78％,与阴性和空白对照组相比,未分化克隆的比率均有不同程度提高．差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。该结果揭示了经bFGF诱导的MEF细胞所产生的条件培养基具备了维持hES细胞正常生长而不分化的能力。对bFGF—MCM的深入分析．有望更好地了解hESC的生长与分化机制。     

高糖和bFGF对骨髓间充质干细胞成骨分化的影响

目的：骨组织的形成是一个复杂的过程,受多种因素的影响,糖尿病所导致的持续高血糖对于成骨分化的影响机制尚不明确,以及在此分化过程中的各种细胞因子的作用机理仍不明了,现拟通过体外成骨诱导环境,观察高糖和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子（fibroblastgrowthfactorbFGF）对人骨髓间充质干细胞（humanmesenchymalstemcellshMSCs）成骨分化的影响。方法：hMSC在5．5mmol／L和25mmol／L葡萄糖浓度下培养6天,使用cck一8法测定各组细胞增殖情况;hMSC在两种糖浓度下成骨诱导28天,通过碱性磷酸酶（ALP）活性检测、茜素红染色、钙结节半定量检测,对比各组成骨分化活性;在两种糖浓度成骨诱导液中加入10ng／mlbFGF,使用RT—PCR技术检测各组细胞OCN、OPNmRNA表达差异。结果：高糖较正常糖浓度细胞增殖率下降,ALP活性降低,茜素红染色钙结节量减少,RT—PCR检测结果显示25mmol／L组OCN、OPNmRNA表达量低于5．5mmol／L组,加入bFGF后,25mmol／L组仍低于5．5mmol／L组,与未添加bFGF同葡萄糖组比较表达增加。结论：高糖使hMSC增殖能力下降,在成骨分化的过程中ALP活性降低,成骨相关基因OCN、OPN表达量下降,证明了高糖对hMSC成骨分化具有抑制作用,当加入bFGF后,改善了高糖对hMSC的抑制作用,提示糖尿病条件下高糖的存在是导致hMSC成骨分化能力下降的不利因素,同时初步证明了bFGF参与了成骨分化的过程,从而为在分子水平探讨糖尿病患者种植义齿骨结合形成相关机制奠定初步的基础．．     

Modulation of sulfated proteoglycan synthesis and collagen gene expression by chondrocytes grown in the presence of bFGF alone or combined with IGF1

Prepubertal rabbit epiphyseal chondrocytes were grown in high density primary culture for 3 d. They were then incubated for 3 additional d in serum-free culture medium to which bFGF (1-50 ng/ml) was added. During the last 24 h incubation period, either IGF1 (1-80 ng/ml) or Insulin (1-5 micrograms/ml) was added to the culture medium. Chondrocyte DNA was significantly augmented with the increasing concentration of bFGF used, thus confirming its mitogenic effect on chondrocytes. On the other hand, bFGF was also shown to modulate the phenotypic expression of the chondrocytes. The 35S-sulfate incorporation into newly synthesized proteoglycans by the cultured cells decreased in a dose-dependent manner with bFGF concentration used. In addition, chondrocyte collagen gene expression was also shown to be modulated by bFGF. Total RNA extracted from the cultured cells was analyzed by dot blot and Northern blot with cDNA probes encoding for alpha 1 II and alpha 1 I procollagen chains. A significant lower level of type II collagen mRNA, the marker of chondrocytic phenotype, was observed when cells were grown in the presence of bFGF while the level of type I mRNA remained unchanged. When IGF1 or a high concentration of insulin was added to the cells during the last 24 h of incubation with bFGF, sulfated proteoglycan synthesis, as well as collagen type II mRNA level, were significantly stimulated when compared with chondrocytes incubated with bFGF alone. In conclusion, in the present experimental conditions, bFGF appears to be a growth promoting agent for chondrocytes in vitro with dedifferentiating action on chondrocyte phenotype. IGF1 or insulin used at a high concentration can prevent the dedifferentiating effect of bFGF without inhibiting its stimulating effect on chondrocyte DNA synthesis.     

Basic fibroblast growth factor enhances the capacity of bone marrow cells to form bone-like nodules in vitro

The role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the proliferation and differentiation of rat bone marrow cells in culture was studied. bFGF stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into these cells by 4-fold at a concentration of 0.3 ng/ml and half-maximal effect was observed at a concentration of 15 pg/ml. In addition to its mitogenic effect, bFGF stimulated alkaline phosphatase activity by 3.6-fold. Continuous treatment with bFGF (for 21 days) resulted in a 6.3-fold increase in the culture dish surface area covered by bone-like mineralized tissue. Maximal bone-like tissue formation was observed in the presence of 3 ng/ml bFGF with half-maximal effect at a concentration of 0.3 ng/ml. These results indicate the possible role of bFGF in the proliferation of osteogenic rat bone marrow cells and their differentiation into cells of osteoblast-like phenotype.     

bFGF influences human articular chondrocyte differentiation

BACKGROUND: The possible functional role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in regulating the mitotic and metabolic activity of primary human articular chondrocytes was investigated. METHODS: [EF1]Chondrocytes were enzymatically isolated from femoral head cartilage, and were cultured in vitro in monolayer. bFGF-dependent cell proliferation, production of collagen type II and aggrecan were monitored 10 days after isolation. Furthermore, effect of bFGF on cell cycle, cell morphology, and mRNA expression of integrins and chondrogenic markers determined by real time PCR were analyzed. RESULTS: bFGF concentrations in supernatants of primary human articular chondrocytes peaked immediately after isolation and then declined. In a dose-dependent manner, bFGF enhanced cell amplification and viability. BFGF induced a decrease in the apoptotic cell population, while the number of proliferating cells remained unchanged. Supplementation of cell culture with bFGF reduced collagen type II mRNA by 49%, but increased expression of the integrin alpha(2) by 70%. bFGF did not significantly regulate the integrins alpha(1), alpha(5), alpha(10), alpha(v) and type I collagen. bFGF reduced the amount of collagen type II by 53%, which was correlated with diminished mRNA production. Monolayer cultured chondrocytes secreted significant amounts of aggrecan that decreased over time. Secretion of this cartilage-specific marker was further reduced by the addition of bFGF. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the potential role of bFGF as an endogenous chondrocyte mediator that can enhance cell amplification and regulate cell differentiation.     

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) inhibits chondrocyte function and growth hormone action directly at the growth plate

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) modulates glucose and lipid metabolism during fasting. In addition, previous evidence indicates that increased expression of FGF21 during chronic food restriction is associated with reduced bone growth and growth hormone (GH) insensitivity. In light of the inhibitory effects on growth plate chondrogenesis mediated by other FGFs, we hypothesized that FGF21 causes growth inhibition by acting directly at the long bones' growth plate. We first demonstrated the expression of FGF21, FGFR1 and FGFR3 (two receptors known to be activated by FGF21) and β-klotho (a co-receptor required for the FGF21-mediated receptor binding and activation) in fetal and 3-week-old mouse growth plate chondrocytes. We then cultured mouse growth plate chondrocytes in the presence of graded concentrations of rhFGF21 (0.01-10 μg/ml). Higher concentrations of FGF21 (5 and 10 μg/ml) inhibited chondrocyte thymidine incorporation and collagen X mRNA expression. 10 ng/ml GH stimulated chondrocyte thymidine incorporation and collagen X mRNA expression, with both effects prevented by the addition in the culture medium of FGF21 in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, FGF21 reduced GH binding in cultured chondrocytes. In cells transfected with FGFR1 siRNA or ERK 1 siRNA, the antagonistic effects of FGF21 on GH action were all prevented, supporting a specific effect of this growth factor in chondrocytes. Our findings suggest that increased expression of FGF21 during food restriction causes growth attenuation by antagonizing the GH stimulatory effects on chondrogenesis directly at the growth plate. In addition, high concentrations of FGF21 may directly suppress growth plate chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation.     

Dose‐dependent effects of nicotine on proliferation and differentiation of human bone marrow stromal cells and the antagonistic action of vitamin C

A range of biological and molecular effects caused by nicotine are considered to effect bone metabolism. Vitamin C functions as a biological antioxidant. This study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of nicotine on human bone marrow stromal cells and whether Vitamin C supplementation show the antagonism action to high concentration nicotine. We used CCK‐8, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Von Kossa staining, real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot to evaluate the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The results indicated that the proliferation of BMSCs increased at the concentration of 50, 100 ng/ml, got inhibited at 1,000 ng/ml. When Vitamin C was added, the OD for proliferation increased. For ALP staining, we found that BMSCs treated with 50 and 100 ng/ml nicotine showed a higher activity compared with the control, and decreased at the 1,000 ng/ml. Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) expression and the calcium depositions decreased at 100 and 1,000 ng/ml nicotine, while the addition of Vitamin C reversed the down regulation. By real‐time PCR, we detected that the mRNA expression of collagen type I (COL‐I) and ALP were also increased in 50 and 100 ng/ml nicotine groups (P < 0.05), while reduced at 1,000 ng/ml (P < 0.05). When it came to osteocalcin (OCN), the changes were similar. Taken all together, it is found that nicotine has a two‐phase effect on human BMSCs, showing that low level of nicotine could promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation while the high level display the opposite effect. Vitamin C could antagonize the inhibitory effect of higher concentration of nicotine partly. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1720–1728, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Effect of Boron on Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cells

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) have been well established as an ideal source of cell-based therapy for bone tissue engineering applications. Boron (B) is a notable trace element in humans; so far, the effects of boron on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs have not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of boron (0, 1, 10,100, and 1,000?ng/ml) on osteogenic differentiation of human BMSCs. In this study, BMSCs proliferation was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay, and cell osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, Von Kossa staining, and real-time PCR. The results indicated that the proliferation of BMSCs was no different from the control group when added with B at the concentration of 1, 10, and 100?ng/ml respectively (P?>?0.05); in contrast, 1,000?ng/ml B inhibited the proliferation of BMSCs at days?4, 7, and 14 (P?相似文献   

Impact of growth factors and PTHrP on early and late chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells

Common in vitro protocols for chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) induce an inadequate, hypertrophic differentiation cascade reminiscent of endochondral bone formation. We aimed to modify chondrogenic protocols in order to identify potent inducers, promotors, and inhibitors to achieve better chondrogenesis. Nine factors suspected to stimulate or inhibit chondrogenesis were used for chondrogenic in vitro induction of MSC. Differentiation was assessed by immunohistochemistry, alcian‐blue staining, qRT‐PCR, and quantification of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Pre‐differentiated pellets were transplanted subcutaneously into SCID mice to investigate stable cartilage formation. Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β was always required for chondrogenic differentiation and deposition of a collagen‐type‐II‐positive extracellular matrix, while bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2, ‐4, ‐6, ‐7, aFGF, and IGF‐I (10 ng/ml) were alone not sufficiently inductive. Each of these factors allowed differentiation in combination with TGF‐β, however, without preventing collagen type X expression. bFGF or parathyroid hormone‐like peptide (PTHrP) inhibited the TGF‐β‐responsive COL2A1 and COL10A1 expression and ALP induction when added from day 0 or 21. In line with a reversible ALP inhibition, in vivo calcification of pellets was not prevented. Late up‐regulation of PTH1R mRNA suggests that early PTHrP effects may be mediated by a receptor‐independent pathway. While TGF‐β was a full inducer, bFGF and PTHrP were potent inhibitors for early and late chondrogenesis, seemed to induce a shift from matrix anabolism to catabolism, but did not selectively suppress COL10A1 expression. Within a developmental window of collagen type II⁺/collagen type X^? cells, bFGF and PTHrP may allow inhibition of further differentiation toward hypertrophy to obtain stable chondrocytes for transplantation purposes. J. Cell. Physiol. 223: 84–93, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

In vitro neurite extension by granule neurons is dependent upon astroglial-derived fibroblast growth factor

When grown in the absence of astroglial cells, purified mouse cerebellar granule neurons survive less than 36 hr and do not extend neurites. Here we report that low concentrations of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, 1-25 ng/ml) maintained the viability and promoted the differentiation of purified granule neurons. The effect of bFGF on granule cell neurite outgrowth was dose dependent. Neurite outgrowth was stimulated markedly in the presence of 1-25 ng/ml bFGF, but effects were not seen below 1 ng/ml or above 50 ng/ml. When affinity-purified antibodies against bFGF (1-5 micrograms/ml) were added either to purified granule cells or to co-cultures of neurons and astroglial cells, process extension by granule neurons was severely impaired. The inhibition of neurite outgrowth in the presence of anti-bFGF antibodies was reversed by the addition of 25 ng/ml of exogenous bFGF. In addition to neuronotrophic effects, bFGF influenced the rate of growth of the astroglial cells. This result depended on whether the astroglia were grown in isolation from neurons, where low doses of bFGF (10-25 ng) stimulated glial growth, or in coculture with neurons, where much higher doses of bFGF (100-250 ng/ml) were needed for glial mitogenesis. Immunoprecipitation of lysates from 35S-labeled cerebellar astroglial cells with anti-bFGF antibodies revealed a single band after SDS-PAGE at 18,000 Da, the molecular weight of bFGF. These results indicate that glial cells synthesize bFGF and are possibly an endogenous source of bFGF in cerebellar cultures. Thus, astroglial cells synthesize soluble factors needed for neuronal differentiation.     

Basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor beta-1: Synergistic mediators of angiogenesis in vitro

We investigated the relative roles of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-b) on bovine aortic endothelial cell mitogenesis and morphogenesis using two-dimensional Petri dish cultures and a threedimensional hydrated collagen gel. bFGF alone stimulated endothelial cell proliferation with an EC₅₀ of 0.5 ng/ml. At bFGF levels greater than 2.5 ng/ml, morphologic alterations in confluent monolayers predominated; cells changed from a cobblestone morphology to an elongated cell pattern and showed enhanced migration into a denuded area of a Petri dish. In the three-dimensional model, exposure of endothelial cell monolayers to high bFGF levels stimulated minor cell migration directly under the monolayer but no invasion into the gel matrix. In combination with bFGF, heparin potentiated morphogenic changes, but not mitogenesis. bFGF, modification of the antiproliferative effect of TGF-b in confluent cultures was evidenced by induction of endothelial cell sprouting in response to 0.5 ng/ml TGF-b and 10–20 ng/ml bFGF in two-dimensional cultures. On collagen gels, endothelial cells migrated into the deep layers of the gel in a dose-dependent manner: invasion was maximal at 0.3–0.7 ng/ml TGF-b with decreased invasion at higher concentrations. The optimal collagen concentration that supported cell invasion was 0.075% collagen with the number of invading cells decreasing with increasing collagen gel density. By scanning electron microscopy, invading endothelial cells assumed a fibroblast-like appearance with slender cell extensions. We concluded that bFGF and TGF-b had independent effects on endothelial cell morphology and mitogenesis in culture. In combination at specific doses, these agents stimulated sprouting in the two-dimensional model and cell invasion in a collagen gel model. Morphogenic changes may be the primary event in determining angiogenesis. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.