Objective: To investigate the effects of Tye-Ile-Gly-Ser-Arg (YIGSR) and Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) polypeptides on the fenestrae of the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs).
Methods: By in situ collagenase perfusion and two-step percoll gradient centrifugation, SECs were isolated from normal Wistar rats and cultured on collagen type I or laminin-coated coverslips. The population of SECs fenestrae and their diameters were observed using scanning electron microscopical technique; and the synthesis of collagen type IV in SECs was assessed by radio-immunoassay (RIA).
Results: The average number of fenestrae and their diameter in the SECs cultured on laminin-coated coverslips were significantly lower than those on collagen type I-coated coverslips. After the treatment with YIGSR pentapeptides (50 micrograms/ml) and RGD tripeptides (50 micrograms/ml) together for 48 hrs, the number and diameters of fenestrae in the SECs that grew on laminin-coated coverslips increased markedly. Meanwhile, the YIGSR and RGD peptides could significantly decrease the synthesis of collagen type IV in SECs that grew on laminin-coated coverslips.
Conclusion: The results suggested that the YIGSR and RGD polypeptides may have an important role in regulating the morphology and function of SECs.