title: Effects of transforming growth factor beta on immunoglobulin production in cultured rat lacrimal gland tissue fragments.
abstract: The effects of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and TGF-beta in combination with selected interleukins (ILs) on immunoglobulin production was investigated using an in vitro rat lacrimal gland tissue-fragment culture system. TGF-beta alone or in combination with either IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, or IL-5 and IL-6 together significantly increased IgA levels over those obtained in untreated cultures. In all cases, IgA production was greater in cultures treated with TGF-beta in combination with these ILs than in cultures treated with TGF-beta or IL alone. The levels of IgG and IgM were generally not affected, with the exception of an enhancement noted in cultures treated with IL-5 and IL-6 or in combination with TGF-beta. These data indicate that TGF-beta can exert a stimulatory effect with IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, or IL-5 and IL-6 on IgA production in vitro and support a potential regulatory role for these cytokines in lacrimal gland IgA responses.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Rafferty
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Montgomery
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007378:Interleukins / Q000494:pharmacology; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007378:Interleukins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta