Combined action of interferons and transforming growth factor beta on the proliferation of human fibroblasts.
The effects of interferons (IFNs) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) used alone and in combination on the multiplication of human embryonic diploid fibroblasts were studied. The experimental conditions were standardized and medium containing 2% of a single batch of fetal calf serum, which was almost minimal dose required for good the cell attachment and growth, was used. The observed effects were dose related. IFNs (types alpha, beta, or gamma) at concentration of 1 to 100 U/ml or TGF-beta at concentration of 0.1 to 1.0 ng/ml stimulated the cell multiplication by 20 to 25% when compared to the control cultures incubated without the factors. At higher doses both IFNs (10(2) to 10(5) U/ml) or TGF-beta (1 to 10 ng/ml) inhibited the proliferation of the cells. The antimitogenic action of IFNs and TGF-beta was synergistic. We suggest that IFNs as well as TGF-beta are bifunctional growth regulators although their antimitotic action dominates over their possible growth stimulatory activity. The latter action may be a secondary phenomenon due to interaction of IFNs or TGF-beta with other factors present in cell culture. We have shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) may increase the growth stimulatory action of low doses of IFN-gamma or TGF-beta.
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Laboratory of Virology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław.
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D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D007372:Interferons