Effects of various growth factors on the proliferation and the differentiation of trophoblastic cells in vitro

: EGF, PDGF, IL-6, TGF-beta 1 and supernatants from decidual cell cultures were added in various concentrations to cultures of normal trophoblastic cells in vitro. Effects on cell proliferation and differentiation were assessed by using 3H-thymidine uptake test and measuring hPL, hCG production in culture media, respectively. EGF stimulated only hPL, hCG production and in contrast, PDGF stimulated 3H-thymidine uptake only. IL-6, TGF-beta 1 and decidual supernatants stimulated both hPL, hCG production and 3H-thymidine uptake, especially TGF-beta 1 and decidual supernatants. These results suggest that EGF is related to the differentiation, PDGF is to the proliferation, and IL-6, TGF-beta 1 and decidual supernatants are to both the differentiation and proliferation of trophoblastic cells. Further understanding of the effects of these products on trophoblastic growth may provide important insights into mechanisms of early pregnancy development.