Platelet‐derived growth factor is involved in the differentiation of second heart field‐derived cardiac structures in chicken embryos

• Published in: Developmental dynamics 2009-10, Vol.238 (10), p.2658-2669
• Main Authors: Bax, Noortje A.M., Lie‐Venema, Heleen, Vicente‐Steijn, Rebecca, Bleyl, Steven B., Van Den Akker, Nynke M.S., Maas, Saskia, Poelmann, Robert E., Gittenberger‐de Groot, Adriana C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Chick Embryo; chicken embryos; epicardium‐derived cells; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Heart - anatomy & histology; Heart - embryology; heart development; Humans; Lymphokines - genetics; Lymphokines - metabolism; Myocardium - cytology; Myocardium - metabolism; PDGFR‐α; PDGF‐A; PDGF‐C; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor - genetics; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor - metabolism; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha - genetics; Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha - metabolism; second heart field; Signal Transduction - physiology; Tissue Distribution
• ISSN: 1058-8388; 1097-0177
• DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22073

For the establishment of a fully functional septated heart, addition of myocardium from second heart field‐derived structures is important. Platelet‐derived growth factors (PDGFs) are known for their role in cardiovascular development. In this study, we aim to elucidate this role of PDGF‐A, PDGF‐C, and their receptor PDGFR‐α. We analyzed the expression patterns of PDGF‐A, ‐C, and their receptor PDGFR‐α during avian heart development. A spatiotemporal pattern of ligands was seen with colocalization of the PDGFR‐α. This was found in second heart field‐derived myocardium as well as the proepicardial organ (PEO) and epicardium. Mechanical inhibition of epicardial outgrowth as well as chemical disturbance of PDGFR‐α support a functional role of the ligands and the receptor in cardiac development. Developmental Dynamics 238:2658–2669, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.