Effects of PDGF on the migration of rabbit corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells.

PURPOSE

We investigated the effects of human platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isomers on the migration of rabbit corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells in the presence or absence of fibronectin (FN).

METHODS

A modified Boyden's chamber method was used to detect cell migration. Cells placed in the inner chamber were incubated with PDGF in the outer chamber at 37 degrees C at 24 h. In addition, epithelial cells were incubated in the presence or absence of FN. The migrated cells were stained and the cell number counted under a microscope. Checkerboard analysis was used to distinguish chemotaxis from chemokinesis.

RESULTS

Natural PDGF and PDGF-BB enhanced the migration of corneal fibroblasts, whereas PDGF-AA did not. As for corneal epithelial cells, all the isomers of PDGF enhanced the migration, but only in the presence of FN, as in the absence of FN or at a low concentration gradient of FN, there was no enhanced cell migration. A checkerboard assay demonstrated that PDGF-BB had a chemotactic effect on the migration of corneal fibroblasts and epithelial cells, whereas PDGF-AA had a chemotactic effect on only corneal epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that PDGF is involved in corneal wound healing by stimulating the migration of corneal epithelial cells in the presence of FN and fibroblasts.