title: Effects of growth factors on proliferation and differentiation in human lens epithelial cells in early subculture.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A successful method to subculture human lens epithelial (HLE) cells that retain their intrinsic characteristics is of great importance. This study examines the effects of four different growth factors on proliferation and differentiation in HLE cells in early subcultures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Specimens of HLE cells were obtained from infants. First- or second-passage cells were cultured in the presence of 10(-2) to 10(2) ng/ml acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF, bFGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), or insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Cell proliferation was determined from cell number, and fiber differentiation was assessed from the time of appearance, the number of lentoids formed, and the expression of gamma-crystallin.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cell proliferation was increased by EGF, bFGF, and IGF-I at concentrations greater than 10(-1) ng/ml; the most effective concentration was 10 ng/ml. The effect of aFGF on proliferation appeared only at a concentration of 10(2) ng/ml. EGF, bFGF, or IGF-I at 10 ng/ml affected the time of appearance and the number of lentoids formed within 5 to 7 days. In contrast, lentoids were observed after 42 days without the addition of growth factors. Lentoid formation was accompanied by the expression of gamma-crystallin.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EGF, aFGF, bFGF, and IGF-I stimulated cell proliferation and fiber differentiation in early subcultures.
authors.affiliation: Eye Research Institute, Oakland University, Rochester, MI 48309-4401, USA.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ibaraki
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: V N
authors.initials: VN
authors.lastname: Reddy
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003459:Crystallins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016220:Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 / Q000494:pharmacology; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000494:pharmacology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007223:Infant; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000494:pharmacology; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D016253:Microscopy, Immunoelectron
chemical_list: D003459:Crystallins; D006133:Growth Substances; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D016220:Fibroblast Growth Factor 1; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I