[mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 in the cornea after photorefractive keratectomy in rabbits].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the roles of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) during healing after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).


METHODS
Twenty of 24 rabbits underwent bilateral 193 nm excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy to correct 10 diopters of myopia, and the other 4 rabbits were taken as the normal group. The mRNA levels of TGF-beta 1 in the corneas of the rabbits were determined by in situ hybridization with a Digoxigenin labled probe.


RESULTS
1. Corneal haze appeared in operated eyes from the 7th day, and peaked on the 28th day after PRK. The most severe haze reached Grade 3. 2. In the normal group, a low level of mRNA expression of TGF-beta 1 was observed in the epithelium, and no positive result in the stroma. On the 7th, 14th, and 28th days after the operation, the mRNA levels of TGF-beta 1 in the epithelium and stroma of the operation group were significantly higher than those in the normal group.


CONCLUSIONS
TGF-beta 1 may involve in corneal wound healing after PRK and may increase haze by promoting the synthesis of the extracellular matrix and the proliferation of keratocytes.
Xu
Hui-zhuo
HZ
Department of Ophthalmology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.
Liu
Shuang-zhen
SZ
Xia
Xiao-bo
XB
D000818:Animals; D003315:Cornea / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000601:surgery; D003318:Corneal Opacity / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D054018:Lasers, Excimer; D008297:Male; D018903:Photorefractive Keratectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D011817:Rabbits; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1