OBJECTIVETo study the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on the mRNA expression of beta1 integrin subunit by periodontal ligament fibroblasts in culture; to discuss the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor in periodontal regeneration.

METHODSHuman periodontal ligament fibroblasts were cultured and stimulated by basic fibroblast growth factor (0.1, 1.0, 10.0 ng x mL(-1)) for 24, 48, 72 h respectively, and then mRNA expression of beta1 integrin subunit was assessed by fluorescent quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTSBasic fibroblast growth factor enhanced the mRNA expression of beta1 integrin subunit, and there was optimal effect when the concentration of basic fibroblast growth factor was 1.0 ng x mL(-1) at 24, 48, 72 h respectively; the mRNA expression of beta1 integrin subunit at 72 h was higher than that at 24, 48 h.

CONCLUSIONBasic fibroblast growth factor can strengthen human periodontal ligament fibroblasts' adhesion and may be one of important factors which participate in the periodontal regeneration.