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Erschienen in:
01.09.2008 | Basic Science
Hyalocyte proliferation and ECM accumulation modulated by bFGF and TGF-β1
Erschienen in: Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology | Ausgabe 9/2008
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Purpose
In cases of severe retinal diseases, the vitreous body has to be removed and replaced by a suitable biomaterial. Currently, however, no satisfying long-term vitreous substitute is in clinical use. A novel therapeutic concept represents the combination of hyalocytes with suitable biomaterials. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the potential of bFGF and TGF-β1 as tools to control hyalocyte proliferation and the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM).
Methods
In vitro investigation on the influence of different concentrations of bFGF and TGF-β1 on hyalocyte morphology, proliferation and ECM production.
Results
Both growth factors affected hyalocyte morphology; small, round cells could be observed after bFGF supplementation, whereas the cells appeared more completely spread when cultured with TGF-β1. Hyalocyte proliferation was increased 3-fold by 10 ng/ml bFGF; 1 ng/ml TGF-β1 in contrast reduced cell proliferation to about 40% of the control. Converse effects of the growth factors could also be observed on the ECM accumulation of hyalocytes; whereas bFGF halved ECM accumulation, TGF-β1 enhanced the ECM production up to 3-fold. Precultivation of hyalocytes with bFGF for two passages had no influence on their subsequent accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). However, cells precultivated with bFGF exhibited a doubled accumulation of collagen compared to controls.
Conclusions
The observed opposite effects of bFGF and TGF-β1 on hyalocyte proliferation and ECM accumulation may allow for the control of hyaloycte properties. Therefore, these two growth factors seem to be valuable tools towards the development of a cell-based vitreous substitute.