Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is known to have regulatory control of a large number of cellular components, including various receptors. We show that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors of the m2 subtype on CCL 137 human fibroblasts in culture are affected by PDGF treatment. A time-dependent down-regulation is observed in steady-state RNA levels, followed by a decrease in ligand-binding capacity. Minimum RNA levels are attained at 11 h; minimum binding capacity is observed after 24 h of treatment. To our knowledge, this is the first example of negative gene control by PDGF.