Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potent mitogen for primary cultured fetal hepatocytes. In the present study, we have analyzed the c-met/HGF receptor expression in fetal hepatocytes and its modulation by growth factors and hormones. 20-day old fetal liver showed a barely expression of c-met mRNA levels. However, when fetal hepatocytes were incubated in the presence of HGF, a 10-fold increase in c-met mRNA levels was observed 30 min after addition of the factor. This HGF-induced effect on c-met expression was transient, losing its up-regulatory effect after 24 hours and returning to the initial levels at 48 hours. Transforming growth factor-beta, a negative regulator of fetal liver growth, increased c-met mRNA levels 48 hours after the addition of the factor, whereas glucocorticoids had a negative effect.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Blotting, Northern
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Cells, Cultured
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Dexamethasone / pharmacology
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Fetus
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Fibronectins / biosynthesis
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Gene Expression / drug effects*
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Gestational Age
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Hepatocyte Growth Factor / pharmacology*
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Humans
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Liver / cytology
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Liver / drug effects
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Liver / metabolism*
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / biosynthesis
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met
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Proto-Oncogenes / drug effects
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
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Rats
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Rats, Wistar
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Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / biosynthesis*
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Recombinant Proteins / pharmacology
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Serum Albumin / biosynthesis
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Up-Regulation
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alpha-Fetoproteins / biosynthesis
Substances
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Fibronectins
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Recombinant Proteins
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Serum Albumin
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alpha-Fetoproteins
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Hepatocyte Growth Factor
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Dexamethasone
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met
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Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases