Retinal Derived Growth Factor: A Regulator of Neural Regeneration and Revascularization in Wound Healing

Acidic Fibroblast Growth Factor aFGF, which is identical to Retina Derived Growth Factor RDGF, is a growth factor that stimulates neural differentiation and the formation of neurites. Work performed under this contract is determining if a gradient of aFGF can stimulate neurites growth in the direction of increasing aFGF concentrations. Preliminary experiments establishing conditions for a slow release of aFGF over a period of several days to create such a gradient have been established. Subsequent work will determine if PC12 cells or rat sensory cells will extend neurites in response to this gradient. We are also determining if aFGF can stimulate nerve regeneration in an in vivo animal model that measures nerve regeneration in a transected siatic nerve through a nerve guide tube. These experiments are providing evidence that purified aFGF can stimulate regeneration and that this regeneration is primarily due to an increase in neurite formation by sensory nerves. Neurogenesis.