Expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 and its receptors related to the ureteric fibrosis in a rat model of obstructive uropathy.
OBJECTIVE
Transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) is a multifunctional cytokine that may stimulate fibroblast proliferation and regulate the synthesis of matrix components. To elucidate the role of TGF-beta1 in the process of ureteric fibrosis in obstructive uropathy, we conducted this study.


METHODS
The expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta receptors I, II, III were studied in 54 rats by the method of immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
The degree of smooth muscle hypertrophy and serosa thickening aggravated gradually along the course of ureteric ligation. The expression of TGF-beta1 in the serosa layer was noticed from day 7 after ligation. The expression of TGF-beta1 and receptors in the serosa layer progressively increased during the period of ureteric obstruction, reached a peak on day 21 after ligation, and then declined. The expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta receptors (II and III) in the serosa layer was correlated significantly (r = 0.8048 and 0.7974, respectively; p values both <0.0001). The expression of TGF-beta1 also correlated significantly with the thickening of serosa layer and the severity of hydroureter (r = 0.6921 and 0.5394, respectively; p values both <0.005). The expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta receptors in the smooth muscle layer was transient and weak, and the expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta receptors was accompanied with the fibrosis in the muscle layer.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that TGF-beta1 might participate in the progression ofureteric fibrosis in obstructed ureters.
Chuang
Y H
YH
Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical College, Taiwan, ROC.
Chuang
W L
WL
Chen
S S
SS
Huang
C H
CH
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D014513:Ureter / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000378:metabolism*
D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta