Homologous serum-stimulated fibronectin synthesis in human retinal pigmented epithelial cells.
OBJECTIVE
Fibronectin expression has been recorded in subretinal membranes from patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells are a major cellular component of PVR membranes and synthesize fibronectin. We investigated the effects of human serum (as a model of vascular leakage in vivo) on the expression of fibronectin by cultured human RPE cells and compared the responses to those stimulated by fetal bovine serum (FBS).


METHODS
Human RPE cells were incubated in M199 with 1, 10 and 40% human adult serum or FBS for 72 h.


RESULTS
Retinal pigmented epithelial cells expressed maximum extracellular matrix fibronectin when exposed to 40% human serum using immunohistochemistry. Using ELISA to quantify fibronectin, 10 and 40% human serum significantly increased the total fibronectin (P < 0.01; n = 4), whereas FBS did not affect fibronectin expression.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that human serum contains substances stimulating fibronectin synthesis in human RPE cells.
Stocks
S Z
SZ
Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Australia. zhang@plpk.uq.oz.au
Shiels
I A
IA
Taylor
S M
SM
D001790:Blood Physiological Phenomena; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003470:Culture Media / Q000378:metabolism; D016895:Culture Media, Serum-Free / Q000494:pharmacology; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D012995:Solubility
D003470:Culture Media; D016895:Culture Media, Serum-Free; D005353:Fibronectins