The effect of in vitro fibroblast growth factors on cell proliferation in pancreas from normal and streptozotocin-treated rats.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are potent mitogens for a wide variety of cells. In the present study we examined the potential morphogenic activities of the growth factors FGF1, FGF2 and FGF7, and cellular processes underlying morphogenesis, in pancreatic cells from streptozotocin diabetic newborn rats. The pancreases from control and diabetic newborn rats were microdissected and cultured in the presence of different doses of FGF1, 2 and 7 for 48 h. An additional incubation for 24 h was undertaken in the presence of bromo-deoxyuridine. The effect of the FGFs on bromo-deoxyuridine incorporation was analysed by means of immunocytochemistry. The most prominent stimulatory effect was found after application of FGF2 and 7 at a dose of 100 ng/l in endocrine and exocrine cells of diabetic rats. It is concluded that FGF2 and 7 might act as putative key-signalling molecules in the differentiation of pancreatic cells.