Roles of prostaglandins and intracellular free calcium mobilisation in epidermal growth factor-induced proliferation of human amnion cells.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the mechanisms which regulate the growth of human amnion cells.


METHODS
A prospective descriptive study.


METHODS
Women undergoing caesarean section at term before the onset of labour.


METHODS
Amnion cells were cultured in monolayer.


METHODS
Cell cycle analysis, intracellular calcium levels, prostaglandin (PG) production rates.


RESULTS
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulated intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation and PGE2 production in cultured amnion cells. The addition of a Ca2+ channel blocker (cobalt) or a Ca2+ chelator (EGTA) into the culture medium inhibited intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation and PGE2 production induced by EGF. The analysis of cell cycles showed that EGF induced the initiation of DNA synthesis and that the addition of cobalt or EGTA into the culture medium inhibited EGF-induced DNA synthesis. The addition of a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor (indomethacin) inhibited PGE2 production and DNA synthesis induced by EGF without the effect on intracellular Ca2+ mobilisation. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of indomethacin on EGF-induced DNA synthesis was attenuated by the addition of exogenous PGE2 or PGF2 alpha.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that EGF induces an increase in intracellular Ca2+ levels and the rate of prostaglandin production which leads to proliferation of human amnion cells.
Tahara
M
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Osaka University Medical School, Japan.
Masumoto
N
N
Mizuki
J
J
Kasahara
K
K
Tasaka
K
K
Kurachi
H
H
Miyake
A
A
D000650:Amnion / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000378:metabolism*; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D004247:DNA; D015232:Dinoprostone; D002118:Calcium