PDGF elicits multifunctional actions with a variety of cells, including mitogenesis of mesoderm-derived cells, increased extracellular matrix synthesis, and chemotaxis and activation of neutrophils, monocytes and fibroblasts.

The principal mitogen found in mammalian serum, released from platelets during clot formation. Elicits mitogenesis of mesoderm-derived cells, increased extracellular matrix synthesis, and chemotaxis and activation of neutrophils, monocytes and fibroblasts. Mitogenic for dermal and tendon fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, glial cells and chondrocytes. Appears to interact with transforming growth factor-β1 in accelerating wound healing. However, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) may also be pathogenic in arteriosclerosis and neoplasia.

Lyophilized from a 0.2 μm filtered solution in 40% acetonitrile and 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid, pH 2.0.

The mitogenic activity is tested in culture using Swiss 3T3 cells or NR6-3T3 fibroblasts.