Cardiology>>>>>Physiology/Biochemistry
Question 7#

Inducers of smooth muscle cell proliferation include the following except:

A. Platelet-derived growth factor-β
B. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)
C. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)
D. Thrombin
E. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Correct Answer is C

Comment:

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Platelet-derived growth factor-β, bFGF, and thrombin are all smooth muscle mitogens. Oxidized LDL causes smooth muscle cell proliferation through the autocrine release of bFGF. TGF-β alters the smooth muscle cell phenotype from a proliferative to a synthetic state and, thus, is antiproliferative.