TGF-beta in blood: a complex problem.
The cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was initially purified from human platelets, a rich source of this protein. In addition to platelets, TGF-beta1 is also found in other blood fractions, including plasma and the circulating leukocytes. However, more than 15 years after the initial isolation of TGF-beta1, there remains no consensus on how much TGF-beta1 is present in normal human plasma. Here we review the difficulties associated with measuring TGF-beta concentrations in complex biological fluids, and discuss the current state of knowledge on the distribution of TGF-beta isoforms in various blood fractions as well as the nature of the TGF-beta-containing protein complexes.
Grainger
D J
DJ
Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 157, Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK. djg15@mole.bio.cam.ac.uk
Mosedale
D E
DE
Metcalfe
J C
JC
D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D002853:Chromatography, Liquid / Q000379:methods; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D012016:Reference Values; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000652:urine
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta