Functional analysis of platelet-activating factor in the retinal pigment epithelial cells and choroidal endothelial cells.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the function of platelet-activating factor (PAF) in cultured retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) and choroidal endothelial (CE) cells.


METHODS
The in vitro and in vivo expression of PAF-receptors (PAF-R) on both these cells was determined. The production of PAF by RPE cells was also determined. The effect of PAF on the proliferation, migration, permeability, and apoptosis of CE cells was examined, and the modulation of PAF on the VEGF level in RPE cells was assessed.


RESULTS
PAF-R was present in both types of cells in vitro, as well as in RPE and choroid in vivo. Cultured RPE cells synthesized PAF. PAF stimulated CE cell migration and permeability but not the proliferation. PAF also increased the VEGF level in RPE cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Similar to VEGF, PAF stimulates CE cell migration and permeability. It also up-regulates VEGF level in RPE cells. PAF may be involved in the pathogenesis of choroidal neovascularization.
He
Yu-Guang
YG
Department of Ophthalmology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75390-9057, USA. yuguang.he@utsouthwestern.edu
Wang
Hao
H
Zhao
Biren
B
Hsu
Maylon
M
Liao
David
D
Owens
John
J
Johnston
John
J
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability / Q000187:drug effects; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002829:Choroid / Q000098:blood supply*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008251:Macaca; D008875:Middle Aged; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000378:metabolism; D055213:Retinal Pigment Epithelium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D015854:Up-Regulation; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism
D010972:Platelet Activating Factor; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C039351:platelet activating factor receptor