[Immunohistochemical method for the detecting expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 in lung tissues of silica-treated mice].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the protein expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in lung tissues of silica-treated mice.


METHODS
The experimental mice were divided into control and silica groups. 0.2 g/kg body weight of silica was injected intratracheally in mice of silica group. Samples of lung tissue were collected 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 d after injection. The immunohistochemical method was used to analyze the protein expression of TGF-beta(1).


RESULTS
In control mice, the expression of TGF-beta(1) in lung tissue was slightly positive while it was markedly increased in silica-treated mice. The expression was significantly elevated from the 7th day to 14th day. The expression in alveolar macrophages reached the peak on the 5th day [(93.4% +/- 2.8%) vs (42.2% +/- 12.0%), P < 0.01].


CONCLUSIONS
TGF-beta(1) may play an important role in early development of silicosis.
Ji
Wen-jie
WJ
Institute of Occupational Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
Yang
Lei
L
Ding
Jia-shun
JS
Wang
Zheng-lun
ZL
Liu
Cang
C
He
Han-zhen
HZ
D000818:Animals; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D008168:Lung / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D012829:Silicosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000032:analysis*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D012822:Silicon Dioxide