Platelet-derived growth factor promotes endometrial epithelial cell proliferation.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to determine the effects of platelet-derived growth factor on the proliferation of endometrial epithelial cells. Platelet-derived growth factor and its receptors have been identified in the endometrium, and platelet-derived growth factor is a mitogen for endometrial stromal cells. Released from macrophages and platelets at sites of ectopic endometrial growth, platelet-derived growth factor could promote the progression of endometriosis and endometrial cancer.


METHODS
Endometrial epithelial cell lines were developed from proliferative-phase endometria from two patients without endometrial lesions. Cell lines were confirmed to be epithelial. Proliferation assays were conducted on both lines with recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-AA, AB, and BB. Assays were also performed at different doses, times, and cell densities with platelet-derived growth factor.


RESULTS
All isoforms of platelet-derived growth factor were potent mitogens for both endometrial epithelial cell lines. The greatest proliferative responses were achieved at 10 ng/ml and at 24 hours. Responses decreased significantly in confluent cultures.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that endometrial epithelial cells have functional platelet-derived growth factor-alpha receptors that signal cell replication. The greater activity of platelet-derived growth factor in subconfluent cultures may indicate that receptor numbers or affinity are up-regulated when cell-cell contact is disrupted. These data support a role for platelet-derived growth factor in normal endometrial proliferation and in pathologic proliferation such as endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
Munson
L
L
Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville.
Upadhyaya
N B
NB
Van Meter
S
S
D000328:Adult; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013997:Time Factors
D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor