Abstract:

Objective  To prove that fibroblasts could produce and release the keratinocyte growth factor which can  promote epidermal cell proliferation. Methods  Fibroblasts and epidermal cells obtained from  prepuces were separately cultured. The transcription level of KGF in fibroblasts was measured by RT-PCR. ELISA was used to detect the level of KGF in the supernatant of fibroblast culture solution, which was used to culture epidermal cells. And then the cells were measured by cytometry, MTT assays and the immunofluorescence method. Results  The results of RT-PCR showed a high transcription level of KGF in fibroblasts. A high level of KGF was detected in the supernatant of fibroblast culture solution by ELISA. The results of cytometry and MTT assays showed that the supernatant of fibroblast culture solution could promote epidermal cell proliferation and keep their activities. The test of immunofluorescence proved that KGF in the supernatant of fibroblast culture solution could combine with the specific receptors on the surface of epidermal cells. Conclusion  Fibroblasts could synthesize and release the keratinocyte growth factor, which could be one of the main factors to promote epidermal cell proliferation.

Key words: Fibroblasts; Epidermal cells; Keratinocyte growth factor; Proliferation