C5a, but not C3a, increases VEGF secretion in ARPE-19 human retinal pigment epithelial cells.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the potential for the pro-inflammatory complement proteins C5a and C3a to increase VEGF expression in ARPE-19 cells.


METHODS
Expression of complement receptors in ARPE-19 cells was evaluated by RT-PCR. VEGF secretion from ARPE-19 cells treated with C5a or C3a was determined by ELISA.


RESULTS
C5a and C3a receptor, but not C5L2, were detected in human eye tissue and ARPE-19 cells. C5a, but not C3a, treatment increased VEGF secretion from ARPE-19 cells, an effect inhibited by the C5aR antagonist, NDT 9513727.


CONCLUSIONS
C5a receptor mediates increased VEGF secretion from ARPE-19 cells, suggesting a role for the C5a receptor in the pathogenesis of macular degeneration.
Cortright
Daniel N
DN
Neurogen Corporation, Branford, Connecticut, USA. sciencefoundry@yahoo.com
Meade
Robin
R
Waters
Stephen M
SM
Chenard
Bertrand L
BL
Krause
James E
JE
D002460:Cell Line; D015926:Complement C3a / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015936:Complement C5a / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D044087:Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a / Q000235:genetics; D011951:Receptors, Complement / Q000235:genetics; D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D044087:Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a; D011951:Receptors, Complement; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C085567:complement C3a receptor; D015926:Complement C3a; D015936:Complement C5a