Immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-beta s and their receptors in the intervertebral disk of senescence-accelerated mouse

The temporal and spatial immunolocalization of TGF-beta s and their recepto rs in the intervertebral disk of senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) was exa mined to determine the biological roles played by TGF-beta s and their rece ptors in the process of intervertebral disk degeneration. Ten male SAM and ICR mice aged 8, 24 or 50 weeks after birth were used for this experiment. Histological and immunohistochemical studies using specific antibodies for TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, -beta 3, T beta R-I, and T beta R-II were performed. I ntervertebral disks of SAM exhibited more degenerative changes than those o f ICR mice. Expression of TGF-beta s and T beta Rs in disk of SAM and ICR m ice was observed at 8 weeks of age, and became weaker with aging. Our resul ts suggest TGF-beta s may play a role in the growth and maintenance of inte rvertebal disks.