[The study on effects of rhEGF on proliferation of human conjunctival epithelial cells].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor (rhEGF) on proliferation of human conjunctival epithelial cells and optimal dose in vitro.


METHODS
Cultured human conjunctival epithelial cells were plated in 96-well plates at a density of 2,000 cells per chamber, treated with different concentrations of rhEGF (100 micrograms/ml, 50 micrograms/ml, 20 micrograms/ml, 10 micrograms/ml, 5 micrograms/ml and 1 microgram/ml). After 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of treatment, cell viability was assessed with MTT assay.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in all experimental groups and the control group in the first 24 horus. Experimental groups at a concentration of 50 micrograms/ml, 20 micrograms/ml and 10 micrograms/ml had significantly higher cell viability than which of the control group 48 hours later. All groups of rhEGF had significantly higher cell viability than which of the control group after 72 hours treatment, except for 100 micrograms/ml of rhEGF. Each group of rhEGF after 96 hours treatment had higher cell viability than which of the control group, and 100 micrograms/ml of rhEGF had lower cell viability than which of the other experimental groups, with significant difference.


CONCLUSIONS
rhEGF enhance proliferation of human conjunctival epithelial cells effectively in vitro. The optimal concentration ranged from 10 micrograms/ml to 50 micrograms/ml.
Wang
M
M
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sun University of Medical Seciences, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Lin
Y
Y
Zheng
J
J
Chen
J
J
Sun
M
M
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000166:cytology*; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor