OBJECTIVE

To explore the modulation of cell proliferation induced by growth factors in cultured human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells.

METHODS

A well-cultured system of human fetal RPE cells was established to determine the effects of several growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), basic-fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), on the cultured human RPE cells by using 3H-thymidine incorporation and cell count.

RESULTS

(1) EGF, b-FGF, IGF-I significantly increased the DNA 6.6-12.2 times in human RPE cells in comparison with the control, the rank order of potency of the factors being EGF > b-FGF > IGF-I. (2) When the factors were used in combination, the above factors caused a significant enhancement of 3H-Tdr incorporation by times.

CONCLUSIONS

It is suggested that the synergetic effects of growth factors and their complex interactions play a role in the development of proliferative retinopathy.