LACTOFERRIN AS A SUPPRESSOR OF CELL-MIGRATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL CELL-LINES

The effects of lactoferrin (Lf), an iron-binding glycoprotein, on cell migration were investigated. Lf inhibited the cell migration of three gastrointestinal cell lines (Caco-2 cells, AGS cells, and IEC-18 cell s) in vitro. Both iron-saturated (hole) and iron-depleted (ape) Lf sho wed this inhibitory effect. Chelation of iron in the culture medium by desferrioxamine did not affect the activity of either form of Lf. A p epsin hydrolysate of Lf exhibited effectiveness similar to that of int act Lf. These results demonstrate a novel activity of Lf and suggest a potential role for this molecule in gastrointestinal wound healing, w hich is independent of its iron-binding capacity. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.