The effects of growth factors on proliferation and matrix synthesis of fibroblasts from goat medial collateral ligament

Growth factors have been shown to play a critical role in enhancing tissue healing. In this study, we evaluate the effect of growth factors on cell proliferation and matrix synthesis. Fibroblasts were derived from medial collateral ligaments (MCLs) of goats and grown in culture. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF-β₁) were used for the treatment of cells. It was found that bFGF, PDGF-BB and EGF significantly increased proliferation of the goat MCL fibroblasts. In addition, among these three growth factors, bFGF, at the concentration of 1.0 ng/ml, had the maximal effect on cell proliferation. Furthermore, both TGF-β₁ and EGF significantly increased collagen and noncollagenous protein syntheses of goat MCL fibroblasts. The results of this study may be used as baseline data for the application of growth factors to enhance MCL healing in a goat model.