Localization of transforming growth factor beta 1 and its latent binding protein in human chronic pancreatitis.
OBJECTIVE
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is thought to be the mediator of fibrosis in liver, glomerular, and pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated the expression of TGF-beta 1 precursor (beta 1 latency-associated peptide), latent TGF-beta 1-binding protein (LTBP), and TGF-beta 1 messenger RNA (mRNA) in chronic pancreatitis.


METHODS
Beta 1 latency-associated peptide and LTBP expression were studied by immunohistochemistry, and TGF-beta 1 mRNA expression was studied by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis in normal pancreatic parenchyma and in tissues from patients with chronic pancreatitis of different etiologies.


RESULTS
In normal specimens, TGF-beta 1 precursor was present in islet cells and in a few ductal and acinar cells but not in periductal connective tissue. No immunoreactivity for LTBP was detected. In chronic pancreatitis, TGF-beta 1 precursor was detected mainly in mononuclear cells located in the fibrotic areas and also in ducts damaged by fibrosis, more frequently in calcifying chronic pancreatitis. LTBP was present predominantly in mononuclear cells and in the extracellular matrix around them. TGF-beta 1 mRNA was either not expressed or was faintly expressed in normal tissue, whereas intense signals were detected in chronic pancreatitis.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest the involvement of TGF-beta 1 in the development of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis and the important role of inflammatory cells.
van Laethem
J L
JL
Department of Gastroenterology, Erasme Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
Deviere
J
J
Resibois
A
A
Rickaert
F
F
Vertongen
P
P
Ohtani
H
H
Cremer
M
M
Miyazono
K
K
Robberecht
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001483:Base Sequence; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D053779:Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010179:Pancreas / Q000737:chemistry; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000032:analysis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D053779:Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins; D011498:Protein Precursors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta