INHIBITORY EFFECT OF TGF-BETA-2 IN HUMAN AQUEOUS-HUMOR ON BOVINE LENSEPITHELIAL-CELL PROLIFERATION

Purpose. To determine whether transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-b eta 2) in human aqueous humor inhibits the proliferation of lens epith elial cells. Methods. Bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs) obtained fr om the central zone of the anterior capsule were cultured in complete medium (F-12 nutrient mixture supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum) . Human aqueous humor was obtained from 11 patients during cataract su rgery. Medium was removed and replaced with medium containing various concentrations of porcine platelet-derived TGF-beta 2 or 10% human aqu eous humor, with or without anti-TGF-beta 2 neutralizing antibody. The number of cells was counted at 96 hours. Results. Porcine platelet-de rived TGF-beta 2 inhibited BLEC proliferation in a dose-dependent mann er. Anti-TGF-beta 2 antibody blocked the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta 2 on BLEC proliferation. The 10% human aqueous humor stimulated the p roliferation of BLECs. Addition of anti-TGF-beta 2 antibody to the 10% human aqueous humor significantly enhanced this stimulatory effect on BLEC proliferation. Conclusions. TGF-beta 2 in human aqueous humor in hibits the proliferation of lens epithelial cells in vitro.