BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH-FACTOR MODULATES IN-VITRO DIFFERENTIATION OF HUMAN FETAL MICROGLIA

THE effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on differentiatio n of human fetal microglial cells were investigated. Human ramified mi croglial cells treated with human recombinant bFGF underwent a morphol ogical change which resulted in a round-shape phenotype. bFGF was also able to induce a dose- and time-dependent increase in cell proliferat ion and enhanced phagocytic and non-specific esterase activity. These results indicate that ramified microglia, when properly stimulated, ar e regulated in their physiological and proliferative activities and ar e transformed into amoeboid forms. Growth factors, such as bFGF, are l ikely to play a key role in microglial transformation in both normal d eveloping brain and in central nervous system injury.