Monolayer organization by serially cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells: effects of a retina-derived growth-promoting activity

The role of endogenous growth factors to support corneal endothelial migration after wounding in vitro

Previous studies have shown that corneal endothelial cells contain mRNA and protein of various growth factors. However, the role of these endogenous growth factors in corneal endothelial wound healing is not fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the role of endogenous factors and several growth factor inhibitors on migration of corneal endothelial cells in an in vitro model of wound healing. Bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCEC) were grown to confluency and experiments performed at passage 2 under serum reduced [2% fetal calf serum (FCS)] conditions. A central circular 'wound' (5 mm diameter) was made with an especially designed trephine. In different experiments, cells were incubated over different time periods (1-72 hr) either with the cellular debris produced by the wounding procedure or with previously prepared endothelial cell lysates (protein content 50-500 microg ml(-1)). Additionally, purified bovine polyclonal anti-BFGF antibodies (Ab) (4.5-27 microg ml(-1)), suramin (0.5 m M) or anti-FGF receptor-Ab (1 microg ml(-1)) were added to both experimental approaches, respectively. Migration was quantitated by counting the cells inside the denuded area in four different sections from the wound edge after 5 days. Cellular migration of cells adjacent to the wound was significantly stimulated by factors released during wounding or by endothelial cell lysates at protein concentrations >100 microg ml(-1). This increase in migrating cells was partially inhibited when the anti-bFGF antibody was incubated with the cell debris or the lysates. The addition of suramin at 0.5 m M almost completely blocked the migration activity. Incubation of the anti-FGF-receptor antibody prior to and >5 hr after wounding significantly reduced migration to nearly 50% of the rate in control cultures (P<0.001). In the present study, we demonstrate that intracellular growth factors released from corneal endothelial cells enhance the migration of surviving cells in vitro. The strong inhibitory effect of suramin indicates a major role of heparin-binding growth factors for cellular migration. bFGF and the regulation of bFGF-receptor expression on cells at the wound margin seem to be of crucial importance for the wound healing process.

Factors affecting bovine corneal endothelial cell density in vitro

AIMS

To examine factors influencing the density and contact inhibition of bovine corneal endothelial cells cultured in vitro.

METHODS

Cell counts were performed on bovine corneal endothelial cells cultured for various times in the presence of 10% fetal calf serum, with or without varying concentrations of growth factors, 5% dextran T-500, or 2% chondroitin sulphate, at 32 degrees C or 37 degrees C, and after treatment with beta galactosidase.

RESULTS

Both basic fibroblast growth factor (FGFb) and retinal crude extract (RCE), but neither epidermal growth factor (EGF) nor acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGFa), increased endothelial cell density in vitro (p < 0.05). Continuous exposure to RCE resulted in a higher cell density than did a 24 hour pulse (p < 0.01), and higher cell densities were achieved at 37 degrees C than at 32 degrees C (p < 0.0001). In the absence of RCE, dextran T-500 increased cell density modestly (p < 0.05); in the presence of RCE, the addition of dextran T-500 had no effect on final cell density, whereas chondroitin sulphate significantly decreased final cell density (p < 0.01). In the absence of exogenous growth factors, beta galactosidase treatment resulted in a 50% increase in final cell density compared with controls (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Bovine corneal endothelial cell growth can be augmented under conditions different from those used in corneal preservation systems. The final cell density in a confluent monolayer can be increased by treatment with beta galactosidase, suggesting that corneal endothelial cells may be contact inhibited through a beta galactosidase sensitive receptor system.

Human recombinant bFGF stimulates corneal endothelial wound healing in rabbits

We have previously shown that bovine, human placenta extracted and recombinant human basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) are effective in enhancing corneal epithelial wound healing in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the effect of rh-bFGF on the regeneration of injured rabbit endothelium. A standardized wound was created by scraping of endothelial cells with a special device within the boundaries of a central epithelial trephine mark of 7 mm in diameter. A single dose of 1.5 micrograms rh-bFGF was injected into the anterior chamber immediately after wounding, while control eyes received the vehicle only (n = 27). Functional recovery and wound closure rates were assessed by means of ultrasonic pachymetry, corneal button wet weight, endothelial vital staining as well as direct computer assisted surface analysis of Janus green stained corneal buttons. Measurements were carried out 1, 2, 4, and 7 days after injury. Morphological evaluation and cell counts at D4 and D7 were also performed. Significant stimulation of endothelial regeneration in rh-bFGF treated eyes, was observed with all methodological approaches. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of rh-bFGF in enhancing experimental corneal endothelial wound healing and advocate for a possible clinical application of this growth factor in order to preserve endothelial cell function or to promote healing of this important monolayer in case of disease or injury.

In vitro kinetics of basic fibroblast growth factor diffusion across a reconstituted corneal endothelium

We have studied the ability of bFGF to traverse and be trapped within basement membranes. An extract of EHS tumor (matrigel) coated on culture chamber filters was used as an in vitro model of basement membranes. Our results showed a slow diffusion of bFGF dependent on the amount of low affinity binding sites present within the matrigel. High amounts of bFGF and heparin increased the initial rate of diffusion by displacement of bFGF bound to matrigel. An in vitro corneal endothelium model (endothelial cells overlying matrigel) was also developed. This monolayer, with a weak permeability, decreased the kinetic rate of bFGF diffusion compared with matrigel alone. These results indicate that modulation of bFGF distribution in a tissue by a basement membrane is dependent on bFGF concentration, basement membrane composition, permeability of associated cells, and local presence of heparin. This selective control may be a regulating step in bFGF action.

Acidic fibroblast growth factor overexpression in corneal epithelial wound healing

aFGF expression was studied in normal and regenerating cornea of adult rats. aFGF mRNA and proteins were expressed mainly in corneal epithelium but not in stroma. After burning of the epithelium by iodine vapours, the intact epithelial cells migrated to cover the wounded area during the first 4 days and then divided to reconstitute a normal multilayered epithelium 6 days after injury. aFGF mRNA localized by in situ hybridization on regenerating epithelium showed a peak between 6 hr and 2 days after denudation, decreasing to basal levels 6 days later. This induction of aFGF mRNA preceded the increased amount of aFGF peptides, as assessed by indirect immunofluorescence staining. Thus aFGF overexpression is clearly correlated with active migration in epithelial wound healing.

Filipin-induced deformations in plasma membranes of cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells with incomplete belts of tight junctions

Complete belts of intact tight junctions are thought to act as barriers to the movement of cholesterol in the plane of the plasma membrane. As cholesterol can be revealed by filipin-induced membrane deformations on freeze-fracture images, we studied the distribution of these deformation in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells with incomplete belts of tight junctions. While the extent of filipin-induced deformations differed between individual cells, there is a homogeneous distribution of filipin-induced deformations on both sides of the incomplete junctional belt of endothelial cells. Our results suggest that cultured endothelial cells do not polarize cholesterol, possibly because of the incomplete tight-junctional barrier.

Expression of high molecular weight (67K) keratin in human keratinocytes cultured on dead de-epidermized dermis

The influence of living dermal tissue upon epidermal differentiation during embryonic development as well as in vitro culture has been documented. Living dermal tissue contains both cellular and matricial elements. In the present study, third-passage subcultured adult human keratinocytes were either seeded on plastic dishes or recombined with dead de-epidermized dermis and further cultured for 3 weeks. After this time, keratins were extracted and analysed by one- and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The 67K keratin subunit, which is thought to be involved in the process of in vivo type skin differentiation, was absent in ordinary cultures; however, it was expressed in air-exposed cultures on dead de-epidermized dermis. Quantitatively, however, it did not reach the in vivo level. This suggests that in principle, the induction of the expression of this protein does not require the presence of living dermal cells.

Modulation of proteoglycan metabolism by hydrocortisone and by growth factors in rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines of different metastatic potentials

Glycosaminoglycans of cultured nickel-induced rat rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines with different metastatic potentials, grown in the presence or in the absence of hydrocortisone and of growth factor (EDF and EDGF) were investigated comparatively. The newly formed [35S]sulphate and [3H]glucosamine-labelled glycosaminoglycans were analysed in the extra-, peri- and intra-cellular compartments of the following cell lines: the strongly metastatic and colonizing 9-4/0 parental line, the very weakly metastatic and weakly colonizing subline 8 and the very weakly metastatic but colonizing subline 13a2. The cell surface of the weakly metastatic 8 and 13a2 lines was richer at least 5 and 2 times respectively in sulphated glycosaminoglycan label than the surface of the strongly metastatic 9-4/0 parental line. Hydrocortisone provoked an approximately four-fold increase in the label of the sulphated cell surface glycosaminoglycans of the 9-4/0 line. The pattern of the labelled cell surface glycosaminoglycans of these cells become similar to that of cells from the very weakly invading subline 8. Hydrocortisone induced only minor changes in the distribution of the glycosaminoglycans in the 8 and 13a2 lines, and at the same time, their proliferation rate and differentiation state was only slightly affected by this drug. Conversely to hydrocortisone, EGF increases the proliferation of the 9-4/0 line and also increases the label in sulphated cell surface glycosaminoglycans. This increase is about 50 per cent of that obtained by hydrocortisone. Thus, the accumulation of the glycosaminoglycan label on the cell surface is not directly related to the cell growth in the case of these cells. The results suggest that sulphated cell surface glycosaminoglycans, especially chondroitin sulphate, are involved in the inhibition of metastasis formation of the rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines studied.

An eye-derived growth factor regulates epithelial cell proliferation in the cultured lens

Lenses in organ culture permit an analysis of factors acting on epithelial cell growth, while keeping the normal steric constraints of the cell population. By employing this technique with radioautography of epithelial whole mounts, we showed that the DNA synthesis found in the epithelia of cultured bovine lenses follows an organized spatial and temporal pattern during culture. Within the first 48 h, active cells were located at the preequatorial region ("germinative zone"), a distribution consistent with the in vivo spatial organization of multiplying cells. Starting at about 48 h, cells from the central region of the epithelium--a nonproliferating population--were triggered to synthesize DNA in the presence of eye-derived growth factor (EDGF). When cultured in serum-free medium, only a small fraction of the cells was labeled, but when a low serum concentration was present, this fraction reached 50% of the cell population. The stimulatory effect of EDGF required a lag period, but its effect reached a maximum exceeding that found for serum. However, the cells from the germinative region, having a cell density three- to four-fold higher than the central region, were not stimulated to proliferate. This occurred irrespective of the presence of EDGF or serum. If this growth-stimulatory activity derived from the retina were the actual factor controlling cell proliferation in the lens in vivo, then the results presented here would point to the presence of a regulatory mechanism similar to that known for some other hormones.

Factors controlling proliferation and differentiation of canine thyroid cells cultured in reduced serum conditions: effects of thyrotropin, cyclic AMP and growth factors

Dog thyroid cells in primary culture in a low serum, hormone-supplemented medium represent a model system which allows the direct in vitro study of long-term hormonal effects, both on proliferation and differentiation. The cells exhibited various morphological responses to thyrotropin (TSH): rapid induction of cytoplasmic arborization, persistence of a cuboidal epithelial shape, and formation of domes. Moreover, TSH promoted cell proliferation and biochemical expression of differentiation: high levels of iodide transport and, to a lesser extent, iodide binding to protein. All the TSH effects were completely reproduced by specific activators of adenylate cyclase--cholera toxin and the diterpene forskolin--or by dibutyryl cyclic AMP, which indicates that they are mediated by cyclic AMP (cAMP). We showed that epidermal growth factor (EGF) and pituitary fibroblast growth factor (FGF) are potent mitogens for the dog thyroid cells. Moreover, chronic exposure to EGF induced a striking fibroblast-like morphology and inhibited all the studied characteristics of morphological and biochemical differentiation stimulated by TSH. The effects of EGF were reversible after its wash-out. Other mitogenic treatments, FGF or high serum concentrations, did not reproduce the dedifferentiation effects of EGF, suggesting that they are not directly dependent on mitogenic stimulation. As the effects of EGF were obtained in the range of physiological concentrations, the role of this hormone in the regulation of the thyroid gland is discussed.

Interaction of bovine epithelial lens (BEL) cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) and eye-derived growth factor (EDGF). III. Control of glycoprotein and proteoglycan synthesis

Bovine epithelial lens (BEL) cells, cultured in the presence or absence of an eye-derived growth factor (EDGF) on plastic surfaces or on extracellular matrix (ECM) laid down by corneal endothelial cells, were metabolically labelled with [3H] glucosamine and with [35S]O2+4. The newly formed glycoproteins and proteoglycans were determined and studied in the extracellular compartment. EDGF reduces radiosulfate incorporation and provides the formation of low molecular weight (LMW) proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans. [3H]Glucosamine incorporation into the glycoprotein fractions is affected by EDGF and by ECM, but in a different manner. EDGF and ECM reduce the formation of the glycoproteins with an affinity towards the collagen, but the effect of EDGF and ECM on the other glycoproteins is different. It is suggested that the actions of EDGF and of ECM are at least partially different and mutually independent.

Interaction of bovine epithelial lens (BEL) cells with extracellular matrix (ECM) and eye-derived growth factor (EDGF). I. Effects on short-term adhesiveness and on long-term organization of the culture

A growth factor (EDGF) derived from the retina controls the proliferation and shape of adult bovine epithelial lens (BEL) cells in vitro as well as extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly. In order to analyse this mechanism and the specificity of the interactions between BEL cells and the extracellular matrix we have investigated the adhesion and growth of BEL cells on various substrata (fibronectin, laminin, ECM). BEL cells treated with EDGF adhered more slowly to plastic Petri dishes than untreated cells, in part due to EDGF inhibition of fibronectin deposition. The untreated BEL cells spread less well on ECM or laminin than on fibronectin-coated plastic. The preferential adhesiveness of BEL cells on fibronectin vs laminin was confirmed by attachment experiments performed on replicas of SDS-PAGE of these proteins. However, in long-term cultures, 8 days after seeding, BEL cells were very differently arranged on plastic or on ECM. ECM by itself did not increase the proliferation rate but helped to restore an organized cell monolayer. BEL cells stimulated to grow on ECM by treatment with EDGF exhibited at least transiently contact inhibition producing a perfectly organized epithelium similar to the one observed in vivo. These results suggest specific interactions between ECM or ECM components with BEL cell that restrain excessive cell spreading and restore an original polarized phenotype of the cells seen in vivo.

State of differentiation of bovine epithelial lens cells in vitro. Relationship between the variation of the cell shape and the synthesis of crystallins

Correlations between cell morphology and the expression of specific proteins (crystallins) have been investigated. Two different culture conditions have been chosen which keep bovine epithelial lens cells (BEL cells) in a monolayer of homogeneous epithelioid cells: (1) bovine retinal extract (EDGF) supplemented medium; (2) extracellular matrix (ECM) provided by corneal endothelial cells in standard medium has been compared to previous results obtained with BEL cells cultivated on plastic (Simonneau et al., 1983). Variations of the cell shape had no effect upon crystallin synthesis.

Methods for cultivation of keratinocytes with an air-liquid interface

In ordinary cultures, cells are grown on artificial substrates and immersed in culture medium. In vivo, interfollicular epidermal cells grow on the basement membrane and are exposed to air. In a first effort to render the culture of these cells more physiological it seems legitimate to raise the cultured cells to the air-medium interface. Epidermal cells can be raised by the use of collagen gels maintained on a rigid support. They can also be grown on nitrocellulose filters coated with collagen or coated with a basement-membrane equivalent (BME) previously deposited by bovine corneal endothelial cells. By raising the cultures to the air-medium interface there is some evidence of a more complete differentiation, as evaluated by morphologic criteria. However, biochemically, the raising of the cultures does not seem to induce the synthesis of those keratin polypeptides which are not expressed in immersed cultures. Epidermal cells can also be raised by culturing them on dermal substrates or dermal equivalents. When they were cultured on inverted dead pig skin, epidermal cells synthesized membrane-coating granules (MCG). MCG were not found in immersed controls. By culturing epidermal-cell suspensions on dead deepidermized dermis (DED), all morphologic markers of differentiation were seen except the keratin pattern. In addition, partial reexpression of high-molecular-weight keratin polypeptides occurred. However, the complete expression of keratins by cultured cells depends on the filtering action of the dermal substrate (the cultures are fed from underneath) more than on exposure to the air-liquid interface. In summary, several methods are available to culture epidermal cells at the air-liquid interface that are of interest in an investigation of the response of these cells to epigenetic influences.

State of differentiation of bovine epithelial lens cells in vitro. Modulation of the synthesis and of the polymerization of specific proteins (crystallins) and non-specific proteins in relation to cell divisions

Maintenance of the state of differentiation in serially cultured bovine epithelial lens cells has been investigated. The radioactive labelled soluble proteins were studied by gel filtration and gel electrophoresis. 1. In the lens epithelium on its capsule, preferential synthesis of alpha B2 vs alpha A2 crystallin subunits and synthesis of beta-crystallins (mainly beta Bp) were observed. 2. Epithelial lens cells cultured on plastic Petri dishes for up to 35 divisions still synthesized alpha B2 and beta Bp, but no longer alpha A2. Conversely, the same cells injected into nude mice synthesized alpha B and alpha A, but no beta-crystallin could be detected. 3. The ratio of non-crystallin proteins to crystallin polypeptides increased drastically with the number of cell divisions. Among these proteins, both Mr 45 000 and Mr 57 000 proteins are probably constituents of the water-soluble cytoskeletal proteins, respectively actin and vimentin. A Mr 17 000 polypeptide was observed and its relationship with a metabolic product of alpha-crystallin is proposed. 4. The polymerization process of crystallin polypeptides in these cells was studied and compared with crystallin aggregates found in the lens. Newly synthesized alpha crystallins were readily involved in high molecular aggregates. This process does not seem to require alpha A, since only alpha B was detected. Interestingly, non-crystallin-soluble proteins form the bulk of proteins found in high molecular weight (HMW) polymers. The time course of crystallin aggregate formation, in long-term culture cells, seems to be different for alpha- vs beta-polypeptides. These results allowed us to conclude that bovine epithelial lens cells in vitro, although they do not undergo terminal differentiation into fibers, are not dedifferentiated, since they still express specific features of the epithelium in situ.

Purification, characterization, and biological properties of the eye-derived growth factor from retina: analogies with brain-derived growth factor

Several ocular tissues contain a polypeptide growth factor(s) (eye-derived growth factor(s) or EDGF) that stimulates the proliferation of a large variety of cells from different tissues or species. Partial purification of EDGF from adult bovine retina was accomplished by acid precipitation, blue Ultrogel chromatography, and high-pressure liquid chromatography. EDGF has an isoelectrical point at pH 4.5 +/- 0.5 and an apparent molecular weight of 17,500 +/- 3,500 measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. On the basis of these data as well as its biological properties EDGF is different from other known growth factors. The specific activity of highly purified EDGF is 1,000-fold greater than that of a 20,000g supernatant of a crude retinal extract. At this stage of purification, EDGF stimulates replicative DNA synthesis and cell proliferation of bovine epithelium lens cells at a concentration of 14 ng/ml of culture medium and for these cells is as efficient as purified brain fibroblast growth factor. The same purification steps were applied to crude bovine brain extracts. Growth factor activity was recovered exactly as for EDGF with slightly smaller apparent molecular weight 14,000 +/- 3,500, suggesting a great similarity between the two tissues as a source of growth factors. A purification of about 2,500-fold was obtained and cell proliferation stimulated at a concentration of 100 ng/ml. Interestingly an inhibitory activity not retained on blue Ultrogel was recovered from both preparations.