Cytokines and growth factors modulate cell growth and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein secretion by the human salivary cell line (HSG)

The human salivary cell line (HSG) was investigated for the effect of various growth factors and cytokines on cellular proliferation and on the production of insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). IGF‐l increased cell growth by approximately 25%, and induced the appearances of three distinct protein bands on ligand blot of the cell culture. Two bands with molecular weights of 43 and 45. Kda, respectively, proved to be IGFBP‐3 using a specific antibody, and the third was a 24 Kda species (probably, IGFBP‐4). Similar IGFBPs were released by the cells following stimulation by EGF and insulin as well as following incubation with the IGF‐I receptor antibody αIR3. Retinoic acid had an inhibitory effect (50%) on IGF‐I‐induced cellular proliferation and an attenuative effect on the 24 Kda band when it was combined with IGF‐I, and to a lesser effect EGF; however, it enhanced IGFBP‐3 production when incubated with IGF‐I. The IGF‐I receptor antibody had an agonistic effect on IGFBPs production when applied alone or together with IGF‐I. TNF‐α and INF‐γ had minimal effects on cell growth when added alone but when applied in combination, a marked inhibition of cellular proliferation was noted. These cytokines caused increased accumulation of IGFBP‐3, −4, and −5. Addition of IGF‐I to these cytokines enhanced the expression of these bands. These data demonstrate that growth factors and cytokines which modulate HSG cell growth, induce specific IGFBPs which may play a role in their effects on cell growth. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.