Integrin alpha(v)beta(3) is involved in stimulated migration of vascular adventitial fibroblasts by basic fibroblast growth factor but not platelet-derived growth factor.

We examined the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) on the migration of vascular adventitial fibroblasts (VAFs) isolated from rat aortic adventitiae. Both bFGF and PDGF significantly stimulated VAF migration in vitro. An antibody to rat beta(3) integrin reduced bFGF-stimulated migration in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, VAF migration was inhibited in the presence of cyclic RGD (cRGD) peptide. However, PDGF-directed migration was blocked only by equivalent cRGD peptide but not by antibody to beta(3) integrin. These data suggest that alpha(v)beta(3) integrin mediates VAF migration stimulated by bFGF and that chemoattractant directed migration may be through distinct integrins. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.