Suramin inhibits PDGF-stimulated receptor phosphorylation, proteoglycan synthesis and glycosaminoglycan hyperelongation in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Objectives: Suramin is a polysulfonated naphthylurea with antiparasitic and potential antineoplastic activity. Suramin's pharmacological actions, which have not yet been fully elucidated, include antagonism of the action of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) at its receptor. We investigated the effects of suramin on PDGF-stimulated proteoglycan synthesis. Methods: Human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were incubated in the presence and absence of PDGF and suramin with [3H]thymidine or 35SO4 as radiolabels.