Expression of transforming growth factor-β1, 2, 3 isoforms and type I and II receptors in acute focal cerebral ischemia: an immunohistochemical study in rat after transient and permanent occlusion of middle cerebral artery

Abstract

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is involved in the modulation of cell growth, differentiation and repair following injury of various organs. Previous studies on human autopsy material have indicated that TGF-β isoforms -β1, -β2 and -β3, and TGF-β receptor type I are expressed in various cells of necrotizing brain lesions like infarction and abscess. The present immunohistochemical study was designed to investigate changes that may occur with regard to TGF-β and its receptors type I and II in a rat model of focal brain ischemia induced by transient or permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Our findings indicate that at days 1 and 3 following such transient and permanent ischemia there is an up-regulation of TGF-β isoforms -β1, -β2 and -β3, and TGF-β receptor types I and II mainly in the perifocal neurons, reactive astroglial cells, endothelial cells and macrophages.