title: Gene expression of transforming growth factor beta isoforms in interposition nerve grafting.
abstract: Scar production and neuroma formation at nerve graft coaptation sites may limit axonal regeneration and impair functional outcome. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is a family of growth factors that is involved in scar formation, wound healing, and nerve regeneration. Fifteen adult Sprague-Dawley rats underwent autogenous nerve grafting. The nerve grafts were analyzed by in situ hybridization to determine the temporal and spatial expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 messenger RNA (mRNA). The grafted nerves showed increased expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3 mRNA in the nerve and the surrounding connective tissue during the first postoperative week. These data suggest that modulation of TGF-beta levels in the first postoperative week may be effective in helping to control scar formation and improve nerve regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hand and Plastic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
authors.forename: Y L
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Karanas
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bogdan
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Lineaweaver
authors.forename: V R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Hentz
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Longaker
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015870:Gene Expression; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D009416:Nerve Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D016067:Nerve Transfer; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta