Transforming growth factor-beta 2 levels increase following retinal laser photocoagulation.
To determine if the levels of transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) in ocular tissues change following laser photocoagulation, pigmented rabbit eyes underwent panretinal photocoagulation using laser indirect ophthalmoscopy. The rabbits were followed for a period of either 2 or 14 days after the procedure. The eyes were then removed and samples of vitreous and aqueous humor were collected. TGF-beta 2 levels were measured using an immunoassay. When compared to control eyes, TGF-beta 2 levels in the vitreous humor of treated eyes at day 2 and day 14 were increased. Changes in TGF-beta 2 levels were also seen in the aqueous humor of the treated eyes, with increased levels seen at day 2 and day 14 compared to control eyes. The increase in both vitreous and aqueous humor in treated eyes compared to control eyes was shown to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Our results show that intraocular TGF-beta 2 levels increase significantly following laser photocoagulation. This preliminary study suggests that TGF-beta 2 may be involved in the process of chorioretinal wound healing.
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Retina Institute of Maryland, Baltimore 21204.
Gordon
L W
LW
Glaser
B M
BM
Pena
R A
RA
D000818:Animals; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism*; D007118:Immunoassay; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D011817:Rabbits; D012160:Retina / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000378:metabolism*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta