title: Production of hyaluronan-dependent pericellular matrix by embryonic rat glial cells.
abstract: The extracellular matrix of brain is largely composed of aggregates formed by assembly of many proteoglycan and link protein molecules along a hyaluronan polymer backbone. Some cell types construct large, highly hydrated, pericellular matrices or 'coats' from these hyaluronan-mediated aggregates. We show here that embryonic glial cells produce such hyaluronan-dependent pericellular matrices in response to addition of serum or basic fibroblast growth factor plus transforming growth factor-beta. It is proposed that such a matrix is a significant component of the extracellular milieu of the brain, especially during morphogenesis within the developing brain, and that basic fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta regulate its production.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid