Stimulation of hyaluronan synthetase by platelet-derived growth factor bb in human prostate smooth muscle cells

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of the extracellular matrix of prostate cells. Platelet-derived growth factor bb (PDGFbb) has a mitogen ic effect on prostate stromal cells. The effect of PDGFbb on HA production by smooth muscle cells from normal and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) t issue was studied to elucidate the role of these two factors in BPH, The ba sal level of HA released into the cell media was greater in BPH cells. PDGF bb increases HA production in normal and BPH smooth muscle cells. This is p artly due to an increase in HA synthetase II mRNA expression. In prostate d isease, PDGFbb may have a role that involves HA production. Copyright (C) 2 001 S. Karger AG. Basel.