Expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1, 2, 3 isoforms and type I and II receptors in acute focal cerebral ischemia: an immunohistochemical study in rat after transient and permanent occlusion of middle cerebral artery

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is involved in the modulation of cell growth, differentiation and repair following injury of various organs . Previous studies on human autopsy material have indicated that TGF-beta i soforms -beta 1, -beta 2 and -beta 3, and TGF-beta receptor type I are expr essed in various cells of necrotizing brain lesions like infarction and abs cess. The present immunohistochemical study was designed to investigate cha nges that may occur with regard to TGF-beta and its receptors type I and II in a rat model of focal brain ischemia induced by transient or permanent o cclusion of the middle cerebral artery. Our findings indicate that at days 1 and 3 following such transient and permanent ischemia there is an up-regu lation of TGF-beta isoforms -beta 1, -beta 2 and -beta 3, and TGF-beta rece ptor types I and II mainly in the perifocal neurons, reactive astroglial ce lls, endothelial cells and macrophages.