Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta 1) is known to inhibit the
growth of many epithelial cell types in culture. Consequently, it is
important to determine whether it has any tumor suppressor activity in
vitro. Fifteen heterozygous and eight wild type TGF beta 1-deficient
mice were examined to determine if there was a difference in lifespan
or lesion development due to the loss of one TGF beta 1 allele. Mice w
ere killed when there was evidence of neoplasia or severe illness. The
re was no significant difference in the lifespan of the two groups. Hy
perplastic lesions in the glandular mucosa were seen in 10 TGF beta 1
(+/-) mice. These lesions were localized to the lesser curvature of th
e stomach, extending from the limiting ridge to the pylorus. Seven of
the 10 glandular hyperplastic lesions in the TGF beta 1 (+/-) mice had
features similar to human gastritis cystica profunda. Associated with
the glandular invasion of the muscularis were a mixed inflammatory in
filtration of the surrounding muscular wall and mucosa with chronic va
sculitis in the tissues adjacent to these lesions. In contrast to the
distinct genotypic differences in lesion incidence observed in the gla
ndular stomach, there was no significant difference in lesion incidenc
e in other organs. The increased incidence of the hyperplastic lesions
in the TGF beta 1 (+/-) mice is highly suggestive that allelic loss o
f TGF beta 1 plays an important role in the genesis of these lesions.
However, allelic loss of TGF beta 1 does not cause alterations in the
incidence of neoplasia.