Figure 7. Exogenous OPN stimulates expression and secretion of bFGF in RPE cells. A: Effects of exogenous OPN (10 ng/ml) on expression of the VEGF and bFGF genes. B: Effects of exogenous OPN (10 ng/ml) on the secretion of the VEGF-A₁₆₅ and bFGF proteins. The data were obtained in cells stimulated for 2, 6, and 24 h, as indicated in the panels of the bars. The mRNA levels were determined with real-time reverse transcription (RT)–PCR and are expressed as folds of unstimulated control. Protein levels in the cultured media were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and are expressed as percent of unstimulated control (100%). The numbers of independent experiments using cell lines from different donors are indicated in the bars. Statistically significant difference versus unstimulated control: *p<0.05.