Effects of bFGF and TGF beta on the expression of amyloid precursor and B-cell lymphoma protooncogene proteins in the rat retina

THE pattern of immunoreactivity for amyloid precursor (APP) and B-cell lymp homa protooncogene (Bcl-2) proteins in the rat retina was studied after int ravitreal injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or transformin g growth factor-beta (TGF beta). In normal control retinas, intense immunos taining of APP and Bcl-2 was observed primarily in the endfeet and proximal part of radial processes of Muller glial cells. A dose-dependent reduction in immunostaining of APP and Bcl-2 in Muller cells was observed after inje ction of bFGF and TGF beta. These results provide the first evidence that A PP and Bcl-2 can be down-regulated by cytokines in vivo. (C) 1999 Lippincot t Williams & Wilkins.