Unsicker K, Flanders K C, Cissel D S, Lafyatis R, Sporn M B
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Marburg, F.R.G.
Neuroscience. 1991;44(3):613-25. doi: 10.1016/0306-4522(91)90082-y.
The distribution of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms 1, 2 and 3 and transforming growth factor-beta 2 and 3 mRNAs in adult rat central and peripheral nervous system was examined using Northern blotting and isoform specific antibodies for immunocytochemistry. Transforming growth factor-beta 2 and 3 mRNA were present in all brain areas including cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, cerebellum and brainstem. In sciatic nerve, transforming growth factor-beta 3 mRNA was highly expressed, but transforming growth factor-beta 2 mRNA was not detectable. Transforming growth factor-beta 1-like immunoreactivity was confined to meninges and choroid plexus in the brain and connective tissue in peripheral ganglia and nerves. Transforming growth factor-beta 2 and 3 immunoreactivity entirely overlapped and, in general, were found in large multipolar neurons. Highest densities of immunoreactive neuronal perikarya were present in spinal cord and brainstem motor nuclei, hypothalamus, amygdaloid complex, hippocampus and cerebral cortical layers II, III and V. Most thalamic nuclei, superior colliculi, periaqueductal gray and striatum were almost devoid of transforming growth factor-beta 2- and 3-immunoreactive neurons. Fibrous astrocytes in white matter areas were intensely immunostained. Most dorsal root ganglionic neurons, their satellite cells and Schwann cells in peripheral nerves were also labeled. Transforming growth factor-beta 2- and 3-immunoreactive neurons were localized in brain regions that have been shown to contain neurons synthesizing and/or storing basic fibroblast growth factor suggesting possible opposing or synergistic effects of these peptide growth factors. However, the precise functions of local synthesis and storage of the transforming growth factor-beta isoforms in the nervous system are as yet unknown.
利用Northern印迹法以及免疫细胞化学中针对异构体的特异性抗体，检测了成年大鼠中枢和外周神经系统中转化生长因子β异构体1、2和3以及转化生长因子β2和3 mRNA的分布情况。转化生长因子β2和3 mRNA存在于包括大脑皮层、海马体、纹状体、小脑和脑干在内的所有脑区。在坐骨神经中，转化生长因子β3 mRNA高表达，但未检测到转化生长因子β2 mRNA。转化生长因子β1样免疫反应性局限于脑内的脑膜和脉络丛以及外周神经节和神经中的结缔组织。转化生长因子β2和3的免疫反应性完全重叠，并且一般在大型多极神经元中发现。免疫反应性神经元胞体密度最高的部位是脊髓和脑干运动核、下丘脑、杏仁复合体、海马体以及大脑皮层的II、III和V层。大多数丘脑核、上丘、导水管周围灰质和纹状体几乎没有转化生长因子β2和3免疫反应性神经元。白质区域的纤维性星形胶质细胞被强烈免疫染色。外周神经中的大多数背根神经节神经元、其卫星细胞和施万细胞也被标记。转化生长因子β2和3免疫反应性神经元定位于已被证明含有合成和/或储存碱性成纤维细胞生长因子的神经元的脑区，这表明这些肽生长因子可能存在相反或协同作用。然而，神经系统中转化生长因子β异构体局部合成和储存的确切功能尚不清楚。
