Reversible inhibition of mammary gland growth by transforming growth factor-beta.
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) can stimulate or inhibit growth of cells in vitro, as well as induce the transformed phenotype. Although widely distributed in animal tissue, the effects of TGF-beta in vivo are largely unknown, and a physiological role for the peptide hormone has not been demonstrated. The effect of TGF-beta on developing epithelial tissue in situ was studied by using slow-release plastic pellets containing TGF-beta to treat developing mouse mammary gland. Powerful inhibition of mammary growth and morphogenesis was observed. This growth-inhibited mammary tissue was histologically normal, and the inhibitory effect was fully reversible. Under the conditions of these experiments, TGF-beta displayed many of the characteristics expected of a physiologically active growth-regulatory molecule.
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004343:Drug Implants; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000254:growth & development*; D051379:Mice; D010455:Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors
D004343:Drug Implants; D010455:Peptides; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors; D004247:DNA