A novel, cell-permeable, collagen-based membrane promotes fibroblast migration.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Growth factors are frequently incorporated into scaffolds to promote periodontal regeneration but many currently used scaffolds do not encourage cell migration towards the dentogingival junction. We examined the proliferation and migration of human gingival fibroblasts in a novel, physically robust, collagen-Vicryl™ membrane loaded with fibronectin (FN) and/or insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I). Biocompatibility of the membranes was evaluated in rat dorsal skin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chemotaxis was examined in Boyden chambers and cell migration by confocal imaging of membranes, which were fabricated from rat tail type I collagen with embedded Vicryl knitted mesh, IGF-I (50, 100 ng/mL) and FN (10 µg/mL). Membranes (Vicryl alone, collagen+Vicryl, collagen+Vicryl+IGF-I, collagen+Vicryl+FN') were implanted subcutaneously in 8 rats and were evaluated by histomorphometry after 7 and 14 days. RESULTS: IGF-I (50 or 100 ng/mL) promoted chemotaxis compared with vehicle controls (P = .02, P = .001, respectively). IGF-I did not affect cell proliferation. Incorporation of FN retarded time-dependent release of IGF-I from collagen gels. Three dimensional confocal microscopy imaging of cell migration through collagen+Vicryl membranes showed enhanced migration in the IGF+FN group compared to all other groups at 8, 10 and 14 days (P < .05). In a rat skin model, implanted membranes were surrounded by thin collagen capsules and mild inflammatory infiltrates. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of FN into IGF-I-loaded collagen+Vicryl membranes reduced IGF release from collagen and increased the migration of human gingival fibroblasts. The new membrane may promote healing and reformation of the dentogingival junction.

Transport Properties of the Tomato Fruit Tonoplast : I. Identification and Characterization of an Anion-Sensitive H-ATPase.

An anion-sensitive H(+)-translocating ATPase was identified in membrane vesicles isolated from mature green tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) fruit. The H(+)-ATPase was associated with a low density membrane population having a peak density of 1.11 grams per cubic centimeter, and its activity was inhibited by NO(3) (-), N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and diethylstilbestrol but not by vanadate, azide, molybdate, or oligomycin. This H(+)-ATPase has an unusual pH dependence indicating both a slightly acidic and a near neutral peak of activity. Chloride was found to be a potent stimulator of ATPase activity. The K(m) for the H(+)-ATPase was approximately 0.8 millimolar ATP. The characteristics of this H(+)-ATPase are very similar to those described for a number of plant cell tonoplast H(+)-ATPases suggesting that the activity identified in tomato fruit membranes is tonoplast-associated. This report demonstrates the feasibility of isolating tonoplast vesicles from acidic fruit tissues for studies of transport activities associated with fruit development and maturation.

Transport Properties of the Tomato Fruit Tonoplast : II. Citrate Transport.

Citrate transport across the membrane of tomato fruit tonoplast vesicles was investigated. In the tonoplast vesicles, [(14)C]methylamine uptake was stimulated 10-fold by MgATP and strongly inhibited by NO(3) (-). Under identical experimental conditions, [(14)C]citrate uptake was inhibited by 5 millimolar free Mg(2+), and this inhibition was reversed in the presence of ATP, presumably by ATP chelation of free Mg(2+). No evidence was obtained in support of energy-linked ATP stimulation of citrate uptake. Citrate uptake showed saturation kinetics, and was inhibited by 4,4'-diisothiocyano-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid and by other organic acids. The pH-dependence of uptake suggested that citrate(3-) was the transported species. Our results indicate that citrate transport across the tomato fruit tonoplast occurs by facilitated diffusion of citrate(3-). The carrier shares some features in common with anion channels in that it is relatively nonspecific for organic acids and is inhibitable by 4,4'-diisothyocyano-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acid.