Regulation of Proliferation, Motility and Contractivity of Human Endometrial Stromal Cells by Platelet-Derived Growth Factor

Abstract: To evaluate the involvement of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) isoforms (PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB, and PDGF-BB) on endometrial tissue remodeling during the peri-menstrual period, we investigated the effects of PDGF on the proliferation, motility, invasiveness, and contractivity of cultured human endometrial stromal cells (ESC) using a modified methylthiazoletetrazolium assay, 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine incorporation assay, in vitro wound repair assay, chemotactic migration assay, Transwell invasion assay, and collagen gel contraction assay. All three isoforms of PDGF significantly enhanced the cell proliferation, DNA synthesis, and in vitro wound repair of ESC. Chemotactic migration assay, Transwell invasion assay, and collagen gel contraction assay demonstrated that the PDGF isoforms significantly stimulated both the motility of ESC and the collagen gel contractivity of ESC. PDGF-BB showed the strongest effects on these cellular functions of ESC. The present study suggested that PDGF isoforms may promote endometrial tissue repair by enhancing the proliferation and expansion of ESC, stimulating ESC migration, and stimulating the contraction of the collagen gel matrix by ESC. By regulating ESC function during the peri-menstrual period, PDGF may be help to protect the endometrium from extensive fibrosis and scarring.