Differential cataractogenic potency of tgf-β1, β2, and -β3 and their expression in the postnatal rat eye

Abstract

PURPOSE. Tranforming growth factor-β has been shown to induce cataractous changes in rat lenses. This study assesses the relative cataractogenic potential of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β and their expression patterns in the rat eye. METHODS. Lens epithelial explants and whole lenses from weanling rats were cultured with TFG-β1, TGF-β2, or TGF-β3 at concentrations ranging from 0.025 ng/ml to 4 ng/ml for 3 to 5 days. Cataractous changes were monitored daily by phase contrast microscopy and by immunofluorescent detection of cataract markers α-smooth muscle actin and type I collagen. Expression of TGF-β was studied by immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization on eye sections from neonatal and we..