Hyalocyte proliferation and ECM accumulation modulated by bFGF and TGF-beta1.
OBJECTIVE
In cases of severe retinal diseases, the vitreous body has to be removed and replaced by a suitable biomaterial. Currently, however, no satisfying long-term vitreous substitute is in clinical use. A novel therapeutic concept represents the combination of hyalocytes with suitable biomaterials. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the potential of bFGF and TGF-beta1 as tools to control hyalocyte proliferation and the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM).


METHODS
In vitro investigation on the influence of different concentrations of bFGF and TGF-beta1 on hyalocyte morphology, proliferation and ECM production.


RESULTS
Both growth factors affected hyalocyte morphology; small, round cells could be observed after bFGF supplementation, whereas the cells appeared more completely spread when cultured with TGF-beta1. Hyalocyte proliferation was increased 3-fold by 10 ng/ml bFGF; 1 ng/ml TGF-beta1 in contrast reduced cell proliferation to about 40% of the control. Converse effects of the growth factors could also be observed on the ECM accumulation of hyalocytes; whereas bFGF halved ECM accumulation, TGF-beta1 enhanced the ECM production up to 3-fold. Precultivation of hyalocytes with bFGF for two passages had no influence on their subsequent accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). However, cells precultivated with bFGF exhibited a doubled accumulation of collagen compared to controls.


CONCLUSIONS
The observed opposite effects of bFGF and TGF-beta1 on hyalocyte proliferation and ECM accumulation may allow for the control of hyaloycte properties. Therefore, these two growth factors seem to be valuable tools towards the development of a cell-based vitreous substitute.
Sommer
Florian
F
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 31, 93040 Regensburg, Germany.
Pollinger
Klaus
K
Brandl
Ferdinand
F
Weiser
Barbara
B
Tessmar
Jörg
J
Blunk
Torsten
T
Göpferich
Achim
A
D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D002452:Cell Count; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects*; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000378:metabolism*; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000378:metabolism; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000378:metabolism; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D013552:Swine; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D000199:Actins; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D003094:Collagen; D006909:Hydroxyproline