Transforming growth factor beta 1 systemically modulates granuloid, erythroid, lymphoid, and thrombocytic cells in mice.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) has been shown to inhibit the development of most early hemopoietic progenitors in vitro. The present series of in vivo experiments show that TGF-beta 1 can simultaneously augment and suppress distinct cell lineages in peripheral and central hemopoietic compartments. Mice treated daily for 7-14 days with s.c. injections of TGF-beta 1 exhibited up to a 95% reduction in circulating platelets and a 50% reduction in red cell counts, whereas a 50%-400% increase occurred in circulating white cells with the morphology of small lymphocytes. Decreased erythrocytes were also evident in the splenic red pulp and bone marrow sinusoids. A dramatic increase in granulopoiesis occurred in the spleen and bone marrow, followed by a peripheral neutrophilia 1 week after treatments ceased. All effects were completely reversible, with normal histologic and hematologic profiles evident 2 weeks after cessation of treatments. Thus, TGF-beta 1 can differentially regulate multiple hemopoietic pathways in a systemic, reversible, and dose-dependent fashion. These actions may be mediated by the direct effects of TGF-beta 1 or through modulation of secondary cytokines and receptors.