Premium
An in vitro model of urothelial regeneration: Effects of growth factors and extracellular matrix proteins
Author(s) -
Rebel Johanna M.,
de Boer Willem I.,
Thijssen Cornelia D.,
Vermey Marcel,
Zwarthoff Ellen C.,
Van der Kwast Theodorus H.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
the journal of pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.964
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1096-9896
pISSN - 0022-3417
DOI - 10.1002/path.1711730312
Subject(s) - urothelium , extracellular matrix , urothelial cell , microbiology and biotechnology , laminin , regeneration (biology) , epidermal growth factor , cell growth , biology , growth factor , cell culture , endocrinology , receptor , biochemistry , genetics , urinary system
Abstract Although the cellular turnover of resting urothelium is very low, its regenerative capacity is known to be outstanding. In organotypic mouse urothelial cultures closely mimicking the differentiation and multilayering of normal urothelium, we examined the cell biological mechanisms underlying urothelial regeneration and the specific role of growth factors and several extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Exposure to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and culture on laminin resulted in enhanced expansion of the urothelium. Microscopy and assessment of proliferative activity revealed that enhanced urothelial expansion due to EGF could be attributed to increased proliferative activity and an increase in cell numbers, whereas aFGF‐stimulated expansion must be considered the consequence of increased cellularity and migration. Laminin‐enhanced urothelial expansion was shown to be the result of spreading of the entire urothelial organotypic culture. This was associated with a considerable decrease in the number of cell layers. A synergistic effect of growth factors and laminin was not found. This organotypic urothelial cell culture model seems to be very useful in studying strategies to improve urothelial regeneration.