Figure 1.

Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). PSCs of the first passage were harvested, replated at equal seeding densities in 96 well plates, and stimulated with recombinant rat PDGF-BB at the indicated concentrations for two days, the time when the fastest growing cultures were almost confluent. Cell proliferation was assessed using the 5-bromo-2`-deoxyuridine DNA incorporation assay (n=9 separate cultures). One hundred per cent cell proliferation corresponds to PSCs that were cultured in the absence of PDGF. *p<0.05 or higher degree of significance versus without PDGF.