Transforming growth factor B (TGF-~), a multifunctional cytokine, is an indirect mitogen for human fibroblasts through platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), particularly the A ligand-c~ receptor arm of that system. TGF-~ effects on PDGF ot receptor expression were studied in vitro using ligand binding techniques in three human dermal fibroblast strains: newborn foreskin, adult skin, and sclero...

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), a multifunctional cytokine, is an indirect mitogen for human fibroblasts through platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), particularly the A ligand-alpha receptor arm of that system. TGF-beta effects on PDGF alpha receptor expression were studied in vitro using ligand binding techniques in three human dermal fibroblast strains: newborn foreskin, adult s...

Surface immobilization and characterization of the functional activity fibronectin (Fn) type-III domains are reported. The FnIII9-10 or FnIII10 containing RGD loop PHSRN synergy site were recombinantly produced covalently bound to chemically activated PEG methacrylate (MA) hydrogel coatings by microcontact printing. Such fabricated biochip surfaces 6 mm in diameter consisted 190 µm wide protein...

Background: Extensive full-thickness burns require replacement of both epidermis and dermis. In designing skin replacements, the goal has been to re-create this model and make a product which has both essential components. Methods: In the present study, we developed procedures for establishing confluent, stratified layers of cultured human keratinocytes on the surface of modified collagen-chito...

Chemotherapy is one of the main strategies for reducing the rate of cancer progression or, in some cases, curing the tumour. Since a great number of chemotherapeutic agents are cytotoxic compounds, i. e. similarly affect normal and neoplastic cells, application of antitumour drugs is preferred in cancer management and therapy. In this study, the cytotoxicity of diversin was evaluated in 5637 ce...

Worldwide, it is estimated that more than one million women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, representing 14% of female cancer deaths [1], about 4,500 new cases being detected each year in Portugal. In the present study, the compound metylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) [2], an inhibitor of S-adenosylL-methionine descarboxylase (SAMdc), was investigated as a potencial anti-cance...

Monoclonal antibodies were generated to antigens on human foreskin keratinocytes to identify epithelial-specific molecules. Spleen cells from BALB/c mice, immunized with membrane preparations from primary explants of foreskin epithelial cells, were fused with the NS-1 mouse myeloma line. Hybridoma supernatants were screened for the desired immunological reactivity using enzyme-linked immunosorb...