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Biomedical subjects

M Post

Publications and source records attributed to M Post.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Temporal and spatial differences in glycosaminoglycan synthesis by fetal lung fibroblasts.

In studies of the ontogeny of fibroblast-epithelial interactions during late fetal lung rat lung development, we have identified two subpopulations of fibroblasts which differed in their ability to promote epithelial cell proliferation or differentiation. As glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have been implicated in the regulation of these processes we have tested whether the two fibroblast populations synthesize different GAGs and whether the GAG pattern changes with development. Fibroblasts incorporate more [3H]glucosamine and Na2 35SO4 into GAGs than epithelial cells. Both cell types deposited a significant amount of newly synthesized GAGs in the cell-matrix layer. GAGs were lost faster from the cell-matrix layer of fibroblasts (t1/2 = 12 h) than from that of epithelial cells (t1/2 = 48 h). Total GAG synthesis by fibroblasts did not change with advancing gestation, but synthesis of sulfated GAGs by epithelial cells declined with advancing gestation. Independent of gestational age epithelial cells synthesized predominantly heparan sulfate. Depending on their proximity to the epithelium, fibroblasts differed in their production of GAGs. Fibroblasts in close proximity to the epithelium mainly produced and secreted hyaluronan. More distant fibroblasts, from the pseudoglandular stage of lung development synthesized primarily heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. This same population of fibroblasts from the canalicular stage of lung development, produced more hyaluronan. As the shift to hyaluronan occurs with the thinning of the alveolar septal wall, this finding suggests that developmentally regulated GAG production by fibroblasts may facilitate epithelial-fibroblast interaction, thus influencing fetal lung growth and differentiation.

Animals

Platelet-derived growth factor and growth-related genes in rat lung. II. Effect of exposure to 85% O2.

The expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), its receptor, and related genes was studied in the lung tissue of rats exposed to air or 85% O2. PDGF-B chain mRNA was increased by 6 days and PDGF B-type receptor mRNA was increased by 4 and 6 days of exposure to 85% O2. Despite a continued increase of cell division, both PDGF-B chain and B-type receptor mRNAs had returned to control values by 14 days of exposure to 85% O2. PDGF-A chain mRNA was unaffected by exposure to 85% O2. Nuclear runoff transcription analysis confirmed increased transcription of PDGF-B chain mRNA, whereas Western blot analysis of lung homogenates suggested consequent increased translation of PDGF-B chain mRNA to PDGF-BB at 7 days of exposure to 85% O2. Combined immunocytochemistry and autoradiography localized PDGF-BB to the major site of cell division, the pulmonary interstitium. We speculate that the early pulmonary fibroblast hyperplasia observed following exposure to 85% O2 is mediated by increased PDGF-B chain gene expression and may also be mediated by changes in PDGF B-type receptor gene expression.

Animals

Stimulation of fetal rat lung cell proliferation in vitro by mechanical stretch.

On the basis of in vivo animal studies and on experiments of nature, it has been suggested that fetal breathing movements are essential for normal lung growth in utero. To study this hypothesis in vitro, we examined the effect of mechanical stretch on proliferation of fetal rat lung cells maintained in organotypic culture to provide a three-dimensional matrix. Initial studies demonstrated that stretch-mediated effects on cell division and DNA synthesis in such cultures were influenced by cell inoculation density, fetal calf serum concentration, and by the amplitude, frequency, periodicity, and duration of the applied stretch. After a 48-h exposure to an intermittent stretch pattern (5% elongation, 60 stretches/min for 15 min of each hour), cell number increased 10% (P less than 0.05), cell doubling time was reduced from 71 to 55 h (P less than 0.05), [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA increased 61% (P less than 0.01), and the [3H]thymidine-labeling index increased 2.8-fold (P less than 0.001) compared with nonstretched controls. This effect did not appear to be mediated by prostaglandins or leukotrienes because the prostaglandin synthase inhibitors ibuprofen (2.5-50 microM) or BW 755C (5 microM), leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors BW 755C (5 microM) or MK-886 (0.3 microM), and leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist MK-571 (0.3 microM) did not block stretch-mediated effects. We conclude that mechanical forces act directly to stimulate fetal rat lung cell growth and that these results are compatible with a significant role for fetal breathing in normal fetal lung growth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Differential effect of platelet-derived growth factor on glycosaminoglycan synthesis by fetal rat lung cells.

Lung morphogenesis is in part regulated by extracellular matrix (ECM), and cytokines may indirectly control lung development via modulation of ECM. In the present study, we investigated the effect of different platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms AA, AB, and BB on the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) by fetal rat lung cells. Independent of gestational age, PDGF-BB, but not PDGF-AA or -AB, stimulated GAG synthesis of fetal lung fibroblasts. In contrast, GAG synthesis by epithelial cells was not affected by any of the PDGF molecules. The stimulatory effect of PDGF-BB on fibroblast GAG biosynthesis was dose (> 10 ng/ml) and time (> 8 h) dependent. The relative proportion of the individual GAG molecules was not altered by PDGF-BB exposure. Blockage of tyrosine kinase activity with staurosporine did abolish the effect of PDGF-BB on fibroblast GAG formation. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide did not abrogate the PDGF-BB effect, suggesting that no new RNA or protein synthesis is required. The proteoglycan synthesis blocker, beta-D-xyloside, also did not inhibit the PDGF-BB action on fibroblast GAG synthesis. These data suggest that the effect of PDGF on GAG synthesis is cell type and isoform specific and is most likely a direct effect on the GAG chain elongation enzymes.

Alkaloids

Platelet-derived growth factors and growth-related genes in rat lung. III. Immunolocalization during fetal development.

To further study the role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in fetal lung development, the distribution of the PDGF homodimers PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB was examined by immunohistochemistry in embryonic and fetal rat lung from d 12 to 22 of gestation (term = 22 d). PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB were localized to airway epithelial cells as early as d 12 of gestation, 2 d before their appearance in mesenchymal cells. Both PDGF homodimer immunoreactivities increased until the late pseudoglandular stage of lung development, followed by fluctuations in reactivity during the canalicular stage. Only weak immunoreactivity to either PDGF homodimer was evident during the saccular stage of lung development. Immunodetection by Western blotting revealed that PDGF-AA and PDGF-BB homodimer protein concentrations were high during the embryonic and pseudoglandular stage of lung development and decreased with advancing gestation. We conclude that the presence of PDGF in both developing airway epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells, as well as gestation-dependent changes of PDGF homodimers, is compatible with a role for this growth factor during fetal lung development.

Animals

Expression of basic fibroblast growth factor and receptor: immunolocalization studies in developing rat fetal lung.

To study the role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in fetal lung development, the distribution of bFGF peptide and FGF receptor (FGF-R) was examined by immunohistochemistry in embryonic and fetal rat lung [d 12 to term (term = 22 d)]. Throughout development bFGF was localized to airway epithelial cells, their basement membranes, and their extracellular matrix. FGF-R was also detected in airway epithelial cells, especially in the branching areas, and in interstitial cells as early as d 13. The number of FGF-R immunoreactive cells increased during the embryonic and pseudoglandular stages of lung development, followed by fluctuations in reactivity during the canalicular stage. No FGF-R was detected in tissue from the saccular stage of lung development. The presence of bFGF and FGF-R in developing airway epithelium and mesenchyme is compatible with a role for this growth factor during fetal lung development. In the developing lung, bFGF seems to be sequestered and stored in the extracellular matrix, and may be released at times of need. Furthermore, FGF-R up- and down-regulation offers another mechanism by which the growth of specific cell populations may be controlled during fetal lung development.

Amino Acid Sequence

Transient down-regulation of androgen receptor messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in Sertoli cells by follicle-stimulating hormone is followed by up-regulation of androgen receptor mRNA and protein.

Cooperative actions of FSH and androgens on initiation, maintenance, and restoration of spermatogenesis have been described. In the present experiments the regulatory effects of FSH on androgen receptor (AR) gene expression in Sertoli cells were studied. In immature rats injection of FSH (1 microgram/g BW, ip) resulted in a rapid down-regulation of testicular AR mRNA expression (4 h), followed by recovery to the control level (10 h). Using cultured immature Sertoli cells, a similar transient effect on AR mRNA expression was observed after the addition of FSH (500 ng/ml) or (Bu)2cAMP (0.5 mM). Cycloheximide treatment of the cells did not prevent the rapid FSH-induced down-regulation of AR mRNA expression, indicating that de novo protein synthesis is not required for this effect. Furthermore, using a transcriptional run-on assay, no marked decrease in the rate of AR gene transcription was found upon treatment of the cultured Sertoli cells with FSH for 2 or 4 h. This demonstrates that the short term effect of FSH or AR mRNA expression reflects a change in mRNA stability. The AR protein level was not markedly affected by the transient decrease in AR mRNA expression. When immature Sertoli cells were incubated with FSH for longer time periods (24-72 h), both AR mRNA and protein expression were increased. In Sertoli cells isolated from 15-day-old rats, this increase was higher (mRNA, 2- to 3-fold; protein, 2-fold) than in Sertoli cells isolated from 25-day-old animals. The results indicate that FSH plays a complex role in the regulation of AR expression in immature rat Sertoli cells.

Aging

Renal extracellular matrix accumulation in acute puromycin aminonucleoside nephrosis in rats.

Progressive renal fibrosis is considered to be the final common pathway leading to chronic renal insufficiency. In this study, the authors examined some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating the renal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins using rats with puromycin amino-nucleoside (PAN) nephrosis as an acute model system. Puromycin aminonucleoside rats developed reversible nephrotic syndrome accompanied by an interstitial infiltrate of monocytes. The number of interstitial fibroblasts expressing ST4 antigen did not increase. During the first 4 days, steady-state mRNA levels for all genes examined remained at or below control levels. At 1 week, nephrotic syndrome and interstitial inflammation were established, and a period of renal cell proliferation occurred, identified by increased histone mRNA levels and localized by tritiated thymine autoradiography to tubular epithelial cells and occasional interstitial cells. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) steady-state mRNA levels were increased eightfold, but returned to control levels by 3 weeks. At week 1, there was a 10- to 20-fold increase in kidney steady-state mRNA levels for genes encoding interstitial matrix proteins collagen I and fibronectin and basement membrane collagen IV. By in situ hybridization, alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA was localized to interstitial cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated focal accumulation of ECM proteins in the tubulointerstitial compartment at 2 and 3 weeks, but by 6 weeks, kidney immunohistology was normal again. Steady-state mRNA levels for the matrix degrading metalloproteinase stromelysin remained at control values, whereas the levels for interstitial collagenase were normal at week 1 and increased twofold to threefold at 2 and 3 weeks. Steady-state mRNA levels for the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) increased fivefold at 1 week and returned to baseline values over the next 2 weeks. The results of this study suggest that tubulointerstitial ECM accumulation occurs in rats with acute PAN nephrosis because of the activation of genes encoding several matrix proteins and inhibition of matrix degradation mediated by TIMP. These events are reversed during the phase of recovery from nephrotic syndrome. Increased mRNA levels for TGF-beta, possibly originating from inflammatory interstitial monocytes, are likely to be one of the mediators of the molecular events observed.

Animals

Ontogeny of reactivity to endothelial cell markers during development of the embryonic and fetal rat lung.

The reactivity of endothelial cells to putative endothelial cell-specific markers varies with species, with vessel size and with the organ studied. To determine their value in studies of fetal rat lung, and whether organ immaturity would also influence reactivity, we studied endothelial cell immunoreactivity to antibodies against Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (VIII/vWF), and binding reactivity to Bandeiraea (Griffonia) simplicifolia 1 lectin (BSL 1) during rat fetal lung development. Using an indirect immunofluorescent technique to detect Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor (VIII/vWF), endothelial cells lining the aortic arches were identified as early as day 11 of gestation (term = 22 days), prior to lung development. Immunoreactivity to VIII/vWF was subsequently localized to intrapulmonary endothelial cells and was not dependent on vessel size. In contrast, binding reactivity of FITC-conjugated BSL 1 was observed to both endothelial cells and to the basement membrane of developing airways, thus limiting its value as endothelial cell marker. During very early lung development solitary angioblasts could not be identified by reactivity to either VIII/vWF antibodies or to BSL 1, and neither marker appears to be of value for studies of early angiogenic events.

Animals

Nerve entrapment about the shoulder girdle.

Nerve entrapments about the shoulder can cause severe pain and can be disabling. A precise diagnosis must be established based on a thorough history and physical examination, and laboratory tests (EMG for example) are necessary. Definitive treatment with decompression or release of the affected nerve often relieves shoulder pain.

Humans

Determination of the tyrosine phosphorylation sites of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

The peripheral nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues in vivo and in vitro at a high stoichiometry. We have previously reported that this tyrosine phosphorylation occurs on the beta, gamma, and delta subunits of the receptor and is implicated in both the modulation of the function of the receptor and localization of the receptor at the synapse. The specific tyrosine residue of each subunit which is phosphorylated is now identified. The endogenously phosphorylated nAChR from the electric organ of Torpedo californica was phosphorylated to maximal stoichiometry in vitro exclusively on tyrosine residues as indicated by phosphoamino acid analysis. Two-dimensional phosphopeptide maps of thermolysin limit digests of the isolated phosphorylated subunits indicated that each subunit is phosphorylated at a single site. To determine the site of tyrosine phosphorylation of the beta, gamma, and delta subunits, phosphorylated subunits were isolated and digested with trypsin. A single phosphotyrosine containing peptide from each subunit was purified by antiphosphotyrosine antibody affinity chromatography and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. The purified phosphopeptides were subjected to sequential Edman degradation and sequence analysis. Comparison of the phosphopeptide sequence data with the deduced amino acid sequence of each subunit indicated that Tyr-355 of beta, Tyr-364 of gamma, and Tyr-372 of delta are the sites of in vitro and in vivo tyrosine phosphorylation of the nAChR. Identification of these sites should facilitate further studies of the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in the regulation of receptor function.

Amino Acid Sequence

Growth of distal fetal rat lung epithelial cells in a defined serum-free medium.

Fetal rat distal lung epithelial cells, in contrast to adult type II pneumocytes, will divide readily in culture in the presence of 10% (vol:vol) fetal bovine serum. The presence of serum makes purification of uncontaminated cell-derived growth factors difficult and modifies cellular responses to oxidant injury. We report the development of a defined serum-free medium that will support growth of fetal distal lung epithelial cells in primary culture. Initial studies used a low-serum (2%; vol:vol) to determine the effect of basal media, substrata, and various additives. Subsequent studies demonstrated growth on a poly-D-lysine substratum under serum-free culture conditions in Dulbecco's modified minimal essential medium with insulin (50 micrograms/ml), endothelial cell growth supplement (20 micrograms/ml), bovine pituitary extract (100 micrograms/ml), bovine serum albumin (50 micrograms/ml), selenous acid (4 ng/ml), reduced glutathione (500 ng/ml), soybean trypsin inhibitor (100 micrograms/ml), transferrin (5 micrograms/ml), HEPES buffer (2.6 mg/ml), and cholera toxin (5 micrograms/ml). Growth was enhanced by reducing the gas phase oxygen concentration from 21 to 3%. The undefined components of this medium, bovine pituitary extract and endothelial cell growth supplement, could be replaced by platelet-derived growth factor (20 ng/ml) with prostaglandin E1 (25 nM). The response of fetal distal lung epithelial cells to known growth factors differs substantially from that observed with type II pneumocytes from adult lung and is similar in many, though not all, respects to the responses reported for proximal airway cells from adult lung.

Animals

Follitropin receptor down-regulation involves a cAMP-dependent post-transcriptional decrease of receptor mRNA expression.

The regulation by FSH (follitropin; follicle-stimulating hormone) of FSH receptor mRNA and protein (FSH binding) was studied using cultured Sertoli cells isolated from 21-day-old rats. FSH induced a dose-dependent and almost complete down-regulation of receptor mRNA at 4 h after addition of the hormone. At subsequent time points (16 h and later) the FSH receptor mRNA levels had returned close to control values. The effect of FSH was mimicked by dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dbcAMP) and forskolin, and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor methyl-isobutylxanthine (MIX) prolonged the FSH action. These findings indicate that the effect of FSH on its receptor mRNA was mediated by cAMP. A down-regulatory effect of FSH and dbcAMP on FSH receptor mRNA was also observed in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, suggesting a direct effect of FSH/dbcAMP on the expression of the FSH receptor gene. Transcriptional run-on experiments revealed that FSH did not inhibit initiation of the FSH receptor gene; hence a post-transcriptional mechanism is involved. Binding of 125I-FSH to the cultured Sertoli cells was rapidly (4 h) decreased when the cells were incubated with FSH or FSH in combination with MIX. This effect can be explained by ligand-induced receptor sequestration. In contrast, incubation of Sertoli cells with dbcAMP had no effect on binding of 125I-FSH after 4 h, but resulted in a 60% loss of FSH binding sites after 24 h, probably caused by decreased mRNA expression. In conclusion, FSH receptor down-regulation in Sertoli cells is effected not only by the well-documented ligand-induced loss of receptors from the plasma membrane, but also involves a cAMP-mediated decrease of FSH receptor mRNA through a post-transcriptional mechanism.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine

Pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis in chronic purine aminonucleoside nephrosis.

A cellular and molecular approach was used to gain new insight into the pathogenesis of interstitial fibrosis in chronic purine aminonucleoside nephrosis (PAN) nephrosis. Thirty experimental rats (PAN rats) were given 15 mg/100 g body wt of i.p. PAN at time 0, followed by 4.3 mg/100 g body wt i.p. on days 20, 27 and 34; 25 control rats received i.p. saline at the same time intervals. All rats had a right unilateral nephrectomy within the first four days. Groups of control and PAN rats were killed at 21, 37, 52, 72 and 91 days. Renal sections were studied by immunofluorescence to quantitate interstitial macrophages, T lymphocytes and fibroblasts, and to characterize the deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (collagens I, III and IV, fibronectin and laminin) and the tissue inhibitor of the metalloproteinases (TIMP). Steady state concentrations of mRNA from the whole kidney for these ECM proteins, the metalloproteinases, TIMP, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta 1) were quantitated by Northern blot analysis. Significant increases in the number of interstitial macrophages and T lymphocytes were found in the PAN rat groups compared to that in controls. All ECM proteins examined were quantitatively increased in the tubulo-interstitium of PAN rats. The pattern of distribution of some ECM proteins was also modified in experimental animals. TIMP was increased in the interstitium of PAN rats; at later times, TIMP was most prominent in sclerotic regions of the glomeruli and in tubular protein droplets. Northern blot analysis revealed increased steady-state mRNA levels for components of each of the ECM proteins, no change for the metalloproteinases--stromelysin or collagenase--and a marked increase for TIMP and TGF-beta 1 in PAN animals. The results of this study suggest that the diffuse interstitial fibrosis found in chronic PAN nephrosis results from both increased production of ECM proteins and decreased matrix degradation.

Albuminuria

Spatial and temporal differences in fibroblast behavior in fetal rat lung.

Fibroblast-epithelial interactions were investigated in cells from late-gestation fetal rat lung. Fibroblasts from the pseudoglandular stage of lung development stimulated epithelial cell proliferation, whereas fibroblasts from the saccular stage promoted epithelial cell differentiation. The developmental switch from proliferation to differentiation seemed to be controlled by both cell types. Fibroblast-derived epithelial cell growth-promoting activity, evident in cells from the pseudoglandular period, decreased during development and almost disappeared in cells from the saccular stage. Interestingly, the response of epithelial cells to this growth-promoting activity declined with advancing gestational age as epithelial cells became more responsive to fibroblast-derived differentiation factor(s). Production of differentiation factor(s) by fibroblasts increased during the canalicular stage of lung development. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and low concentrations of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) stimulated epithelial cell proliferation. PDGF did not affect differentiation, whereas TGF-beta was inhibitory. Dependent on their proximity to the epithelium, two subpopulations of fibroblasts that differed in their ability to promote epithelial cell proliferation or differentiation were isolated. Fibroblasts in close proximity to the epithelium mainly produced differentiation factors, whereas more distant fibroblasts primarily stimulated proliferation.

Animals

Influence of gestational age on potential difference across fetal type II alveolar epithelium in alveolar-like structures.

The active transport of ions across fetal pulmonary epithelium results in lung fluid secretion. This study investigated the potential difference (PD) across fetal type II alveolar epithelium, one of the several epithelial cell types in the fetal lung. Aggregates of these cells in alveolar-like structures (ALS) underwent microelectrode impalement to determine the effect of gestational age, and drugs on transcellular PD. In 6 ALS, the intraluminal position of the electrode was confirmed by fluorescent imaging after iontophoretic injection of Lucifer Yellow VS dye. The average PD recorded from the lumens of ALS harvested from 20-day fetal rats was 11.8 +/- (SE) 0.48 mV (lumen-negative; n = 164). Exposure to ouabain 10(-3) M significantly reduced PD from control values of 12.3 +/- (SE) 0.87 to 8.1 +/- (SE) 0.95 mV (p less than 0.01, n = 107) in ALS obtained from 20-day fetal rats. Terbutaline 10(-3) M and furosemide 10(-3) M did not influence PD. Cells obtained from fetuses near term showed a significant reduction in PD. ALS from 18-day (n = 53), 20-day (n = 164) and 22-day (n = 56) fetuses measured 13.5 +/- 0.62, 11.8 +/- 0.48 and 9.3 +/- 0.49 mV, respectively (p less than 0.05 day 18 vs. day 22). These results demonstrate that fetal type II cells grown in organotypic culture maintain a larger transcellular electrical gradient than previously reported. PD decreases with increasing gestational age and can be reduced by the Na-K ATPase inhibitor ouabain.

Animals

A549 lung epithelial cells synthesize anticoagulant molecules on the cell surface and matrix and in conditioned media.

To investigate mechanisms regulating intra-alveolar coagulation, we studied monolayers of the A549 human lung epithelial cell line. The surface of A549 cells delayed the onset of prothrombin-to-thrombin conversion and prevented total prothrombin consumption in normal plasma compared to plastic cell-free wells. Similar results were achieved with bovine pulmonary endothelial (CPAE) and rat intestinal epithelial (IEC-6) cell lines, whereas Madin-Darby canine kidney renal epithelial cell line accelerated thrombin formation. The A549 surface catalyzed antithrombin III-thrombin complex formation with no significant increase in thrombin inactivation from heparin cofactor II. The A549 cell surface effects were largely, but not completely, reversed to values obtained for plastic when protein C-deficient plasma was used. Pretreatment of the cell surface with chondroitinase ABC plus heparitinase prior to thrombin generation experiments had no effect on the total prothrombin consumed but decreased the initial delay. Heparan sulfate as well as dermatan sulfate and other chondroitin sulfates were detected on the A549 surface using alcian blue staining. Conditioned media from A549, CPAE, and IEC-6 cells delayed the clot time of recalcified plasma. Use of chondroitinase ABC and heparitinase were both required to obliterate the A549 conditioned media activity. After growing A549 cells in 35SO(2-)4-containing medium, the resultant conditioned medium was found to contain 2,000 kD and 300- to 1,000-kD proteoglycans that yielded chains of less than or equal to 100 kD on reductive elimination with base.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Platelet-derived growth factor and growth-related genes in rat lung. I. Developmental expression.

The autocrine, paracrine, or systemic growth factors responsible for fetal lung cell growth are not completely defined. The progression-type insulin-like growth factors and epidermal growth factor, or transforming growth factor-alpha acting through the epidermal growth factor receptor, appear to act on the developing lung epithelium. The competence factors that facilitate the actions of progression factors during lung growth are unknown. Fetal rat lung cells in vitro synthesize a platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-like polypeptide, which we have hypothesized may play a paracrine role in normal lung development. Slot blot and Northern blot analyses of fetal rat lung mRNA have been used to determine if there is a relationship between expression of message for PDGF-A or PDGF-B chains, or their cognate receptors, and periods of maximal growth during late fetal rat lung development. Whole lung mRNA was extracted on 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 days of gestation (term = 22 days). The peak of DNA synthesis, as assessed by expression of message for DNA polymerase alpha, histone 3, and the proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-myc, which are stimulated by binding of growth factors including PDGF, occurred during the canalicular stage of lung development on days 19 and 20 of gestation. Expression of message for PDGF-A and PDGF-B chains was low during the pseudoglandular stage on day 18, peaked during the canalicular stage on days 19 and 20, then fell again during the saccular stage at days 21 and 22 of gestation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals