The effect of epidermal growth factor on production of vascular endothelial growth factor by amnion-derived (WISH) cells

Our objective was to clarify the physiological role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by amnion-derived (WISH) cells. WISH cells were cultured, and the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF), mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase or extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitors (U0126) or phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase on the production of VEGF was examined. VEGF was assayed by ELISA. The activation of MAP kinase and akt, which is phosphorylated by PI 3-kinase, were detected by Western blot analysis using anti-phosphorylated MAP kinase antibody and anti-phosphorylated akt antibody. In the time course of VEGF production following EGF treatment, VEGF production showed a significant increase only after 16 (p < 0.01)-32h (p < 0.01). EGF increased the production of VEGF by WISH cells in a dose-dependent manner. The MAP kinase and akt activity were determined by treatment with EGF. VEGF production was significantly decreased following pretreatment with U0126 or wortmannin for two hours before treatment with EGF (p < 0.01, p < 0.01). WISH cells appeared to produce VEGF via a mechanism involving tyrosine kinase activation of EGF receptor and MAP kinase or PI 3-kinase. It is suggested that VEGF may contribute to the neovascularization and proliferation of the placenta and gestational tissue, and EGF may play an important role in regulation of VEGF production in the placenta.