title: Demonstration of TGF-beta 1 mRNA by in situ hybridization in normal human fracture healing.
abstract: The role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) in fracture healing has previously been investigated in a rodent model, but not in human material. We investigated TGF-beta 1 gene expression in specimens of callus from normally healing human fractures, using in situ hybridization to a cDNA TGF-beta 1 probe and an autoradiographic disclosure system. TGF-beta 1 mRNA was present in areas of proliferation of mesenchymal tissue, bone, and cartilage. Levels of expression were lower in cells in the fracture hematoma and in differentiated (hypertrophic) chondrocytes. These results are compatible with those found in various animal models using immunohistochemistry and support the view that locally produced TGF-beta 1 is a regulator of fracture repair in humans from the early (mesenchymal proliferation) stage to the stage of remodeling of woven bone. They also indicate that, for TGF-beta 1, animal models accurately reflect human bone repair.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Hope Hospital, Salford, UK.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Andrew
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hoyland
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Andrew
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Freemont
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Marsh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000737:chemistry*; D015342:DNA Probes; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008875:Middle Aged; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000737:chemistry; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000737:chemistry; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D015342:DNA Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta