Insulin-like growth factor II prevents apoptosis in a human teratoma derived cell line. Issue 3 (June 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Granerus, M; Bierke, P; Zumkeller, W; Smith, J; Engström, W; Schofield, P N
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 48:Issue 3(1995)
• Page Start: M153
• Page End: M157
• Publication Date: 1995-06
• Subjects: Insulin-like growth factor; teratoma cells; testicular tumours; apoptosis; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/mp.48.3.M153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Aim —To study how insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) affects the behaviour of human teratoma cells. Methods —The human pluripotential teratoma cell line Tera 2 was cultured under serum-free conditions in the presence or absence of IGF-II. Effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as on the expression of the proto-oncogene c- myc were studied. Results —In this study we show that Tera 2 cells deprived of serum undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). The onset of nuclear fragmentation was observed 12 hours after serum withdrawal. The morphological changes of the Tera 2 cell nuclei were confirmed by the occurrence of a nucleosome ladder. However, the constitutive expression of the proto-oncogene c- myc was not decreased in parallel with initiation of apoptosis. The apoptotic response to serum withdrawal could be counteracted by simultaneous addition of IGF-II. In addition it was found that human testicular tumours (seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) contain raised levels of insulin-like growth factors. Conclusions —The precise roles of IGF-I and IGF-II have been unclear, and there is overwhelming evidence against these factors as primarily transforming agents. The finding that IGF-II apparently counteracts apoptosis in vitro may well explain its effects on tumours in vivo.