The effect of growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins on fibronectin production in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Purpose: Although 60% to 80% of the mature intimal hyperplastic plaque is composed of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, little is known about the factors that stimulate smooth muscle cells (SMCs) to produce these proteins. A major component of the ECM protein is fibronectin. Thus we studied fibronectin production and its response to various growth factors, cytokines, and other ECM proteins that are released at the time of vascular injury. Methods: Quiescent cultured human SMCs were stimulated for varying intervals with increasing concentrations of agonist. Fibronectin in the cell medium was assayed by immunoblotting with a fibronectin-specific antibody. Results: After 72 hours of stimulation, transforming growth factor-beta (10 ng/mL) had the most profound effect on fibronectin production (9.6- +/- 2.1-fold; P < .05), followed by epidermal growth factor (100 ng/mL; 5.0- +/- 0.1-fold; P < .05, for both). Surprisingly, the platelet-derived growth factors (AA, AB, and BE) and fibroblast growth factor did not stimulate fibronectin production. Among the matrix proteins studied, only collagen type I (20 mu g/mL) stimulated fibronectin production (1.9- +/- 0.1-fold; P < .05), whereas collagen type TV and laminin had no effect. The contractile protein angiotensin II (100 ng/mL) was a weak stimulant of fibronectin (1.6- +/- 0.2-fold; P < .05). Time course studies of fibronectin production up to 72 hours revealed kinetics that varied with each agonist. Transforming growth factor-p stimulated significant early production of fibronectin, whereas fibronectin production in response to epidermal growth factor and collagen type I was initially modest but increased with time. The effect of angiotensin II did not become evident until 72 hours. Conclusion: Cytokines, growth factors, and matrix proteins have varying quantitative effects on ECM protein production by human vascular SMCs. Knowledge of the factors that influence ECM protein production may allow for the design of specific inhibitors that can prevent intimal hyperplasia.