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Embryonic and postnatal growth of rat and mouse. V. Prenatal growth of organs and tissues, general principles: allometric growth, absence of growth, and the genetic regulation of the growth process.

(1) The investigation yielded several general growth principles, i.e., types of growth occurring rather frequently: (a) allometric growth, (b) a non-changing growth rate, persisting when the growth rate changes in the majority of tissues, (c) a growth rate equal to that of the whole embryo, (d) absence of growth and (e) jumps, i.e., changes in the volume or surface of organs completed within about half a day or less and probably due to changes in the cell volume or surface area; these histological changes tend to start simultaneously with the changes in growth rate. (2) Growth constants tend to have a value of about 2.0 in the prenatal period, as in the post-natal period. During development, however, their value increases slightly but significantly. (3) Further arguments are given for the mitosis-regulating model described in Part III. (4) The mitosis-regulating model combined with the general growth principles derived here and in earlier parts of this report constitute a comprehensive model for the genetiv regulation of the growth process.

Age Factors

BALB/c-3T3 fibroblasts resistant to growth inhibition by beta interferon exhibit aberrant platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor signal transduction.

Several lines of evidence now exist to suggest an interaction between the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) growth-stimulatory signal transduction pathway and the beta interferon (IFN-beta) growth-inhibitory signal transduction pathway. The most direct examples are inhibition of PDGF-mediated gene induction and mitogenesis by IFN-beta and the effects of activators and inhibitors of the IFN-inducible double-stranded RNA-dependent eIF2 kinase on expression of PDGF-inducible genes. To further investigate the nature of this PDGF/IFN-beta interaction, we selected BALB/c-3T3 cells for resistance to growth inhibition by IFN-beta and analyzed the phenotypes of resulting clonal lines (called IRB cells) with respect to PDGF signal transduction. Although selected only for IFN resistance, the IRB cells were found to be defective for induction of growth-related genes c-fos, c-myc and JE in response to PDGF. This block to signal transduction was not due to loss or inactivation of PDGF receptors, as immunoprecipitation of PDGF receptors with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies showed them to be present at equal levels in the BALB/c-3T3 and IRB cells and to be autophosphorylated normally in response to PDGF. Furthermore, treatment with other peptide growth factors (PDGF-AA, fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor) also failed to induce c-fos, c-myc, or JE expression in IRB cells. All of these growth factors, however, were able to induce another early growth-related gene, Egr-1. The block to signaling was not due to a defect in inositol phosphate metabolism, as PDGF treatment induced normal calcium mobilization and phosphotidylinositol-3-kinase activation in these cells. Activation of protein kinase C by phorbol esters did induce c-fos, c-myc, and JE in IRB cells, indicating that signalling pathways distal to this enzyme remained intact. We have previously shown that IFN-inducible enzyme activities, including double-stranded RNA-dependent eIF2 kinase and 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase, are normal in IRB cells. The finding that the induction of multiple growth-related genes by several independent growth factors is inhibited in these IFN-resistant cells suggests that there is a second messenger common to both growth factor and IFN signaling pathways and that this messenger is defective in these cells.

Animals

Altered growth regulation of rat kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells transformed in vitro by SV40 viral DNA: fibroblast growth factors (heparin-binding growth factors) are potent inducers of anchorage-independent growth.

The majority of renal cancers are thought to arise from the proximal tubule epithelium, but little is known about their etiology. In this investigation, we have established an in vitro model to study the transformation of these target cells using rat kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTE) transformed in defined medium with SV40-viral DNA. Selection by passaging cells onto plastic surfaces yielded a population of cells (SV-RPTE) that expressed keratin and vimentin along with SV40 large-T antigen. The cells were morphologically transformed and lost their differentiated character as determined by several RPTE markers. SV-RPTE cells grew in soft agar in serum-supplemented medium containing insulin, epidermal growth factor, and cholera toxin, but were unable to grow when serum and growth factors were not combined. Acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF and bFGF) were unique since they were the only single factor that induced anchorage-independent growth in the presence of serum alone. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) was a potent inhibitor of anchorage-independent growth, but the inhibition was partially overcome by a combination of growth factors. The growth factor responses of SV-RPTE in monolayer cultures differed from those in soft agar; the cells were more sensitive to growth stimulation by insulin and insulin-like growth factor, neither of which stimulated anchorage-independent growth. SV-RPTE cells in monolayer cultures had also lost the sensitivity to growth inhibition by TGF-beta 1 characteristic of normal RPTE. The RPTE transformation model described here will be very useful for investigating the molecular basis and etiology of renal cancers. Furthermore, the data suggest that maintenance of the transformed phenotype by aFGF and bFGF and loss of negative growth regulation by TGF-beta 1 could play a role in renal carcinogenesis.

Animals

Effect of epidermal growth factor/transforming growth factor alpha and transforming growth factor beta 1 on growth in vitro of rat urinary bladder carcinoma cells.

The response to growth factor stimulation was evaluated in clonally derived rat bladder carcinoma cell lines, ranging from nontumorigenic to tumorigenic and metastatic, in athymic nude mice. In the nontumorigenic cell line D44c, epidermal growth factor (EGF)/transforming growth factor (TGF) alpha weakly stimulated anchorage-dependent, but not -independent, growth. In tumorigenic/nonmetastatic cells (G1-200 Cl-17), EGF/TGF-alpha stimulated markedly anchorage-independent, but marginally anchorage-dependent growth, whereas TGF-beta 1 inhibited anchorage-independent growth and DNA synthesis. In the highly tumorigenic/metastatic cell line LMC19, EGF/TGF-alpha stimulated anchorage-dependent growth weakly and anchorage-independent growth strongly. In these cells, TGF-beta 1 did not inhibit anchorage-independent growth and DNA synthesis but increased the size of colonies irrespective of the presence of EGF, and some cells were scattered around colonies in soft agar. None of the cell lines showed evidence of TGF-alpha-specific mRNA transcription. Expression of TGF-beta 1 mRNA increased in parallel to the biological aggressiveness of the cell lines. Highly tumorigenic and metastatic cells also demonstrated gelatinase activity involving 72 kilodalton and 92 kilodalton types. Our data suggest that the growth-stimulatory effect of EGF/TGF-alpha in soft agar may be limited to cells that are already tumorigenic and that EGF/TGF-alpha is not effective in making nontumorigenic cells become tumorigenic (or in making nontumorigenic cells grow in soft agar).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Detection of intrauterine growth retardation in twins using individualized growth assessment. II. Evaluation of third-trimester growth and prediction of growth outcome at birth.

Second- and third-trimester growth in 34 twin fetuses was evaluated with ultrasonography by measurement of five anatomic parameters. Rossavik growth models, derived from second-trimester measurements, were used to specify expected third-trimester growth curves. Actual measurements were compared to predicted measurements by calculation of the percent deviations. Growth outcome at birth [normal, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)] was determined from Neonatal Growth Assessment Scores. Growth in the second trimester was similar in normal and IUGR twins. In the third trimester, abnormal negative deviations were larger and more numerous in IUGR twins. However, there was considerable individual variability and normal twins also had abnormal negative deviations. In IUGR twins, the first appearance of an abnormal negative deviation was quite variable (range: 28.6 weeks to 35.1 weeks), as was the parameter to show such a deviation. Prediction of neonatal outcome was poor using individual anatomic parameters but improved considerably with use of all five parameters. However, some fetuses were misclassified when only the number of abnormal negative deviations was used. The Prenatal Growth Assessment Score (PGAS), determined by both the number and magnitude of abnormal negative deviations, predicted neonatal outcomes with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%. On average, PGAS values were abnormal 5 weeks before delivery. These results indicate that normal and IUGR twins can be separated, using third-trimester growth patterns, if multiple parameter Individualized Fetal Growth Assessment is employed.

Diseases in Twins

Control of protein and matrix-molecule synthesis in isolated ovine fetal growth-plate chondrocytes by the interactions of basic fibroblast growth factor, insulin-like growth factors-I and -II, insulin and transforming growth factor-beta 1.

Chondrogenesis is thought to be controlled by interactions between circulating anabolic hormones and locally produced peptide growth factors, and involves ordered changes in matrix composition which ultimately allow endochondral calcification. We have used a model of isolated ovine fetal growth-plate chondrocytes to examine the actions and interactions of basic fibroblast growth factor (basic FGF), insulin-like growth factors-I and -II (IGF-I and -II), insulin and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) on total protein, collagen or non-collagenous protein and sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis. These parameters were determined by assessment of the incorporation by monolayer cultures of early passage chondrocytes of [3H]leucine, [14C]proline and [35S]sulphate respectively, followed by partial molecular characterization. Basic FGF enhanced total protein synthesis with a half-maximal effective concentration of 270 +/- 60 pmol/l (mean +/- S.E.M., four animals) and was sixfold more active on a molar basis than IGF-I or insulin, and 28-fold more active that IGF-II which is the endogenously synthesized IGF. The actions of basic FGF were additive to those of IGF-I or insulin. More detailed analysis of extracellular-matrix component synthesis showed that basic FGF, IGF-I and insulin each caused significant increases in the synthesis of collagen and sulphated glycosaminoglycans. TGF-beta 1 had no effect on total protein synthesis by chondrocytes when present alone at concentrations of 200 pmol/l or less, but was inhibitory at 400 pmol/l. However, the use of this parameter masked a stimulatory action of 50 or 100 pmol TGF-beta 1 on sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis and a relative shift in the ratio of collagen: non-collagenous protein synthesis in favour of the former. A synergistic interaction existed between TGF-beta 1 (20-100 pmol/l) and basic FGF which potentiated total protein and collagen synthesis, and their actions on sulphated glycosaminoglycan production were additive. The same concentrations of TGF-beta 1 inhibited the ability of IGF-I or insulin to stimulate total protein or collagen synthesis, but were additive to their stimulatory effects on sulphated glycosaminoglycan synthesis. The results suggest that matrix-molecule composition and the anabolic status of the epiphyseal growth-plate may be modulated in utero by multiple interactions between peptide growth factors produced locally, such as basic FGF, IGF-II and TGF-beta 1, and circulating hormones such as insulin and IGF-I.

Animals

The embryonic and postnatal growth of rat and mouse. III. growth of the whole animal in the puberty, adult, and senescence phases in two inbred mouse strains (cpb-s and kba/2). Exponential growth, sudden changes in the growth rate, and a model for the regulation of the mitotic rate.

1. The growth model forumlated for prenatal and postnatal growth up to the middle of the puberty phase seems to be valid for the later postnatal phases as well, including adulthood and senescence. 2. In this model, growth consists of phases with exponential growth (constant specific growth rate) separated by sudden changes in the rate. 3. In the period described here, 7 phases can be distinguished, beginning with puberty (phase IV) and ending with senescence (phase X). 4. In 4 of these phases the growth rate does not differ significantly between the four groups of mice used. In the other 3 phases there are no differences between three of the groups but the fourth, one of the sexes of the CPB-S strain, differs very definitely from the rest. 5. Absence of growth occurred in some phases in one of the groups. 6. Some of the phases do not occur in all individual animals; this holds especially for phase VIII, which occurred in only about 25% of the animals. 7. The 'growth constants' postulated in Part I and now studied in the individual mice, tend to have a value of about 2. A theoretical model is described for the regulation of the mitotic rate giving 'growth constants' of about the same numerical value.

Animals

Insulin-like growth factor-1, growth hormone-dependent insulin-like growth factor-binding protein and growth in children with chronic renal failure.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were measured by specific radioimmunoassays in children with all degrees of chronic renal failure (CRF). Study group 1 comprised 29 children (10 on dialysis) who had been studied one to four times over 2 years to determine whether IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels differed from those in age-matched healthy children and to examine the relationship between these levels and heights. IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels did not differ from those in normal children. IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were significantly correlated, increased with pubertal stage in all children and with age in non-dialysis patients. IGF-1, but not IGFBP-3, correlated with age in dialysis patients. There was no correlation between IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 levels (corrected for age) and height standard deviation score (SDS) in either non-dialysis or dialysis patients. Study group 2 comprised 19 children (7 on dialysis) who were studied prospectively for 1-2 years to examine the relationship between IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels, growth rates and nutritional parameters. Mean values of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 (corrected for age) did not change over 1-year periods, while height SDS fell by -0.38 +/- 0.21 SD/year in dialysis patients and by -0.11 +/- 0.29 SD/year in non-dialysis patients. No significant correlations were found between IGF-1 or IGFBP-3 levels and growth rates or nutritional parameters. Thus growth retardation in children with CRF is not related to circulating levels of IGF-1 or IGFBP-3.

Adolescent

Treatment with recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I of children with growth hormone receptor deficiency (Laron syndrome). Kabi Pharmacia Study Group on Insulin-like Growth Factor I Treatment in Growth Hormone Insensitivity Syndromes.

Twenty-seven patients (14 female, 13 male; 3 pubertal) with growth hormone receptor deficiency (Laron syndrome) were treated with recombinant insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), 40-120 micrograms/kg body weight b.d., for up to 12 months. Height SDS was between -9.1 and -3.2 at the start of treatment (age, 3.7-22.9 years). Before treatment, most patients had increased basal serum concentrations of growth hormone (2.4-208 mU/l) and low serum concentrations of IGF-I (< 20-69 micrograms/l), IGF-II (69-295 micrograms/l) and IGF binding protein-3 (0.16-1.59 mg/l). In all but the two oldest patients, the growth rate increased by more than 2 cm/year compared with that before treatment. Asymptomatic hypoglycaemia (blood glucose < 3.0 mmol/l) was recorded in ten patients in 0.7% of measurements. Four patients experienced symptomatic hypoglycaemia. A transient asymptomatic decrease in serum potassium occurred in most patients after injections.

Adolescent

Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor regulate insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 in Laron type dwarfism, growth hormone deficiency and constitutional short stature.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) mediate the effects of growth hormone (GH), and the insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) modulate the actions of IGFs in tissues. We studied the circulating levels of IGFBP-1 in 6 children and 9 adults with Laron type dwarfism (LTD), in 11 children and 21 adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD), and in 8 children with constitutional short stature. Compared with the situation in healthy children, the basal serum IGFBP-1 concentration was 5.4-fold higher in LTD children, 4.1-fold higher in GHD children, and 3.8-fold higher in children with short stature (p < 0.02 vs controls in all groups). In adult patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD), the IGFBP-1 concentration was 2-fold elevated, but it was normal in adult LTD patients. Intravenous (N = 10) or subcutaneous (N = 9) administration of IGF-I (75 micrograms.kg-1 and 150 micrograms.kg-1, respectively) in LTD children resulted in a rapid 50-60% fall in serum insulin (p < 0.02), a decline in blood glucose and a concomitant 40-60% rise of IGFBP-1 levels (p < 0.05). Treatment for seven days with IGF-I (150 micrograms.kg-1 x d-1) resulted in a decrease by 34% and 44% of serum IGFBP-1 level in two out of three children with LTD. After prolonged GH therapy, the IGFBP-1 level fell in GHD children by 29% (p < 0.05), in GHD adults by 52% (p < 0.02) and in children with constitutional short stature by 17% (p < 0.02).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

The effect of hypothyroidism on growth, serum growth hormone, the growth hormone-dependent somatomedin, insulin-like growth factor, and its carrier protein in rats.

To study the possible mechanisms involved in growth retardation associated with hypothyroidism, serum T4, GH, the GH-dependent somatomedin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and its carrier protein (CP) were measured in hypothyroid rats and their age-matched controls. Three groups of rats were studied: infant, immature, and adult. Marked hypothyroidism (serum T4, less than 1 microgram/dl) was produced in experimental animals by providing them with drinking water containing 0.05% propylthiouracil. Infant and immature hypothyroid rats weighed markedly less than normal controls and had significantly reduced serum levels of GH, IGF, and CP. Normal adult rats, treated with propylthiouracil for 60 days, also weighed considerably less than control animals and exhibited a significant drop in serum GH, IGF, and CP during this period. The administration of bovine GH to hypothyroid adult rats for 7 days did not restore either IGF or CP levels to normal, indicating that their decrease in serum was, in part, a direct result of hypothyroidism per se. These results indicate that serum levels of GH, IGF, and CP are at least partly under thyroid hormone control. Furthermore, these studies suggest that the growth retardation associated with hypothyroidism may be mediated through somatomedin activity.

Aging

Expression of serum insulin-like growth factors, insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins, and the growth hormone-binding protein in heterozygote relatives of Ecuadorian growth hormone receptor deficient patients.

Recently, an isolated population of apparent GH-receptor deficient (GHRD) patients has been identified in the Loja province of southern Ecuador. These individuals presented many of the physical and biochemical phenotypes characteristic of Laron-Syndrome and are believed to have a defect in the GH-receptor gene. In this study, we have compared the biochemical phenotypes between the affected individuals and their parents, considered to be obligate heterozygotes for the disorder. Serum GH, insulin-like growth factor I and II (IGF-I and IGF-II) levels were measured by RIA Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins. (IGFBPs) were measured by Western ligand blotting (WLB) of serum samples, following separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and relative quantitation of serum IGFBPs was performed with a scanning laser densitometer. Serum GH-binding protein (GHBP) levels were measured with a ligand-mediated immunofunctional assay using a monoclonal antibody raised against the GHBP. These values were then compared to values obtained from normal, sex-matched adult Ecuadorian controls, to determine if the above parameters were abnormal in the heterozygotes. The serum IGF-I levels of the GHRD patients were less than 13% of control values for adults and 2% for children. However, the IGF-I levels of both the mothers and fathers were not significantly different from that of the control population. The serum IGF-II levels of the GHRD patients were approximately 20% of control values for adults and 12% for the children. The IGF-II levels of the mothers were reduced, but were not significantly different from that of the control population. However, IGF-II levels of the fathers were significantly lower than those of controls (64% of control male levels). WLB analysis of serum IGFBP levels of the affected subjects demonstrated increased IGFBP-2 and decreased IGFBP-3, suggesting an inverse relationship between these IGFBPs. The GHRD patients who had the lowest serum IGFBP-3 levels (as measured by WLB) demonstrated a serum protease activity that could proteolyze 125I-IGFBP-3. GHRD patients who had higher serum IGFBP-3 levels lacked this serum protease activity. There were no differences in the serum IGFBP profiles of the mothers or the fathers for either IGFBP-2 or IGFBP-3, and serum from both groups lacked the ability to significantly proteolyze 125I-IGFBP-3. While GHRD patients had very low levels of serum GHBP, some patients did have measurable GHBP levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent

Growth hormone therapy in normal short children induces a transitory decrease in plasma growth hormone releasing hormone levels and in human growth hormone responsiveness to exogenous growth hormone releasing hormone.

A three-month study of the effect of growth hormone (hGH) therapy (0.1 U/kg/day sc) on plasma levels of GH releasing hormone (GHRH), somatostatin and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and on the hGH responsiveness to exogenous GHRH was carried out in 32 prepubertal short-stature children with normal GH secretion. Blood samples were collected prior to initiation of therapy, and at 5, 30 and 90 days of onset of therapy, as well as 2 and 90 days after termination of therapy. The nonconventional hGH therapy induced an increase in serum IGF-I levels which lasted as long as therapy was continued. Plasma GHRH levels showed an early transitory decrease after five days of therapy, whereas plasma somatostatin levels were unaltered. A slight suppression in hGH responsiveness to exogenous GHRH was found at 2 but not at 90 days after termination of hGH therapy. It is concluded that nonconventional hGH treatment does not cause permanent changes in physiological hGH secretion.

Adolescent

Growth standards for anatomic measurements and growth rates derived from longitudinal studies of normal fetal growth.

A statistical procedure for deriving growth standards for anatomic measurements and their growth rates from longitudinal studies of fetal growth was evaluated using Rossavik growth models for the biparietal diameter (BPD), head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC), and femur diaphysis length (FDL) determined in a previous study of normal fetal growth. For each anatomic parameter, the coefficients c and s of the model was used to define a set of growth curves that constituted the boundary growth curves of a region containing 95% of the growth curves of this data set. The set of boundary growth curves was used to specify the mean, lower limit, and upper limit values for the anatomic parameter and its growth rate at weekly intervals between 14 and 38 weeks, menstrual age. Comparison of these values to those determined from cross-sectional studies of fetal growth gave differences of -1.9% to 4.8% (SD: +/- 0.9 to +/- 2.6) for mean vs. predicted value of the anatomic measurements. For the lower limit, similar values were 0.4% to 13.8% (SD: +/- 1.7 to +/- 8.8); for the upper limit the values were 8.3% to 18.0% (SD: +/- 1.5 to +/- 7.0). Comparisons of HC growth rates determined using polynomial and Rossavik growth models gave values of -3.4% (SD: +/- 4.4) for mean vs. predicted value, -12.6% (SD: +/- 10.6) for the lower limit and 5.2% (SD: +/- 9.3) for the upper limit. The degree of agreement was similar for AC growth rates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anthropometry

Differential expression of hepatocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta 1 messenger RNAs in two experimental models of liver cell proliferation.

Hepatocyte growth factor, a potent hepatocyte mitogen in vitro, appears to trigger hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy and after acute liver cell necrosis. Transforming growth factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta 1 may also be involved in the control of liver regeneration. In this study we assessed possible roles of hepatocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta 1 on liver cell proliferation in vivo, using a model of choline deficiency that is associated with liver cell necrosis and a model of a hypolipidemic agent (4-chloro-6-(2,3 xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthio (N-beta-hydroxyethyl) acetamide) without liver necrosis. Male F344 rats were fed a choline-deficient diet or 0.16% 4-chloro-6-(2,3 xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthio (N-beta-hydroxyethyl) acetamide diet for 6 and 4 wk, respectively. Rats were killed periodically, and the expression of hepatocyte growth factor messenger RNA in the liver, lung and kidney was determined by Northern-blot analysis. The levels of transforming growth factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta 1 messenger RNAs in the liver were also determined. Feeding a choline-deficient diet for 1 to 6 wk led to gradual increases in the levels of hepatocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta 1 messenger RNAs in the liver. Feeding a 4-chloro-6-(2,3 xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthio (N-beta-hydroxyethyl) acetamide diet for 3 days and 2 wk induced marked enhancement of liver cell proliferation as judged by hepatocyte 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine incorporation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals

Roles of insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and the IGF-1 receptor in epidermal growth factor-stimulated growth of 3T3 cells.

BALB/c3T3 cells are exquisitely growth regulated and require platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) for growth. When BALB/c3T3 cells are transfected with plasmids constitutively expressing both EGF and the human IGF-1 receptor mRNAs, the cells are capable of growing in serum-free medium without the addition of any exogenous growth factor. These cells, called p5 cells, can grow for prolonged periods in serum-free medium. BALB/c3T3 cells transfected with only the IGF-1 receptor expression plasmid (p6 cells) do not grow in serum-free medium but do grow if IGF-1 (or insulin in supraphysiological concentrations) is added. p6 cells also grow in response to EGF, confirming that the combination of EGF and an overexpressed IGF-1 receptor is sufficient for the growth of 3T3 cells. We have found that in EGF-stimulated p6 cells there is an increase in the expression of IGF-1 mRNA, that IGF-1 is secreted into the medium, and that the growth of p5 cells and EGF-stimulated p6 cells is inhibited by exposure to antisense oligodeoxynucleotides to IGF-1 receptor RNA. Finally, while cells constitutively expressing both EGF and EGF receptor RNAs grow, albeit modestly, in serum-free medium, their growth is also inhibited by an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to IGF-1 receptor RNA. In contrast, in cells overexpressing the IGF-1 receptor, IGF-1-mediated cell growth occurs independently of the platelet-derived growth factor and EGF receptors (Z. Pietrzkowski, R. Lammers, G. Carpenter, A. M. Soderquist, M. Limardo, P. D. Phillips, A. Ullrich, and R. Baserga, Cell Growth Differ. 3:199-205, 1992, and this paper). These data indicate that an important role for EGF is participation in the activation of an autocrine loop based on the IGF-1-IGF-1 receptor interaction, which is obligatory for the proliferation of 3T3 cells.

3T3 Cells

Expression of c-sis/platelet-derived growth factor B, insulin-like growth factor I, and transforming growth factor alpha messenger RNAs and their respective receptor messenger RNAs in primary human gastric carcinomas: in vivo studies with in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry.

In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry have been applied to investigate the expression of c-sis/platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and transforming growth factor alpha mRNAs and their respective receptor mRNAs in three primary human gastric carcinomas and in their adjacent nonmalignant mucosas. Expression of c-sis/PDGF-B mRNA and PDGF-receptor beta mRNA was seen in the tumor cells of the three gastric cancer specimens but not in their adjacent nonmalignant mucosa. The mRNA expression was accompanied by the expression of their respective protein products. IGF-I, IGF-I receptor, and epidermal growth factor receptor mRNAs were seen in both the tumor cells of the gastric cancer specimens and in nonmalignant mucosa. Transforming growth factor alpha mRNA was expressed in gastric tumor cells but not in nonmalignant mucosa. The coexpression of a potent "competence" growth factor, PDGF, and "progression" growth factors, IGF-I and transforming growth factor alpha, in the tumor cells of gastric carcinomas may contribute to their growth and maintenance.

ErbB Receptors

Growth regulation of ovarian cancer cells by epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factors alpha and beta 1.

Regulation of ovarian cancer growth is poorly understood. In this study, the effects of EGF, TGF alpha and TGF beta 1 on two ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3 and CAOV-3) were investigated. The results showed that EGF/TGF alpha stimulated cell growth and DNA synthesis in OVCAR-3 cells, but inhibited cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in CAOV-3 cells. TGF beta 1 invariably inhibited cell proliferation and DNA synthesis in both cell lines. These effects on growth factors are dose dependent. The interaction of TGF beta 1 and EGF/TGF alpha was antagonistic in OVCAR-3 cells. In contrast, EGF/TGF alpha and TGF beta 1 had an additive inhibitory effect on CAOV-3 cells. Our results demonstrated that mature and functional EGF receptors are present in both cell lines and that they are capable of ligand binding, internalization, processing and ligand-enhanced autophosphorylation. Both high- and low-affinity binding are present in these cell lines, with CAOV-3 cells having about 2-3-fold higher total receptors than OVCAR-3 cells. These results together with those from our previous studies show that these cells express TGF alpha, TGF beta 1 and EGF receptors and that cell growth may be modulated by these growth factors in an autocrine and paracrine manner. This report presents evidence supporting the important roles of growth factors in ovarian cancer growth and provides a foundation for further study into the mechanism of growth regulation by growth factors in these cell lines.

Cell Division