HIGH TOTAL TGF-BETA-2 LEVELS IN NORMAL HUMAN TEARS

Mature and total TGF-beta 2 levels were determined in normal human tea rs, from 37 volunteers, using a quantitative 'sandwich' enzyme immunoa ssay technique. Since this ELISA method recognizes only mature TGF-bet a 2, total TGF-beta 2 levels in tears were measured after acid activat ion. Aqueous humor samples from 9 patients with cataract were also tes ted as controls. Mature and total TGF-beta 2 in aqueous humor (AH) ave raged 182 pg/ml and 737 pg/ml, respectively. The levels of mature TGF- beta 2 in normal human tears ranged from 36 to 71 pg/ml (mean: 55 pg/m l). And the levels of total TGF-beta 2 ranged from 3446 to 14910 pg/ml (mean: 7854 pg/ml), a very high level. Percentage of mature TGF-beta 2 ranged 0.4 to 1.3% (mean: 0.9%). It is reported for the first time t hat there are very high levels of total TGF-beta 2 in normal human tea rs.