Untersuchungen zum c-met/HGF-System an humanen Mesothelzellen in vitro

Fibrous adhesions are often a clinically relevant complication following inflammation or injuries to the serosa. This paper investigated whether human mesothelial cells, in vitro, expressed the c-met receptor and their sensitivity to stimulation with recombinant HGF. RT-PCR and Western Blot was used to show c-met-receptor-expression of human mesothelial cells. It was shown that mesothelial cells stimulated with HGF colonize an „in vitro wound“ more quickly than cells without HGF-stimulation. A modified Boyden-chamber-system indicated a chemotactical effect of HGF on mesothelial cells relative to concentration. As the plasmin activation appears to be a crucial factor in cellular migration, the question arose, as to whether this migration of mesothelial cells induced by HGF is influenced by inhibition of t-PA, u-PA, u-PAR, PAI-1. The chemotactical effect of HGF was found to be significantly inhibited by anti-u-PA, -uPAR, -PAI-1. Increased proliferation by a stimulation of HGF was not proved. Considering the results of the investigation and the literature researched, the c-met / HGF-system is likely to play a part in the serosal inflammatory repair process. (Pro)HGF produced by submesothelial fibroblasts may aid peritoneal wound healing