Xianfeng Li1, Masakazu Miyajima, Hajime Arai. 1. Department of Neurosurgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Hongo 2-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is an important cytokine with modulatory actions in the nervous system. The development of hydrocephalus in mouse models resulting from the overexpression of TGF-beta1 has previously been described, but the mechanism by which this occurs remains obscure. METHODS: In order to evaluate the role of TGF-beta in hydrocephalus, we used SYBR Green I-based real-time quantitative RT-PCR method and Western blot analysis to analyze the TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA and protein expressions in the cerebral cortex of the H-Tx rat, a model of congenital hydrocephalus. RESULTS: The hydrocephalic H-Tx rat expressed significantly higher TGF-beta3 levels than their normal siblings (p<0.01) at 7 and 14 days of age. This difference became insignificant when analyzed at 21 days of age. On the other hand, such a difference has not been observed in the TGF-beta2 levels in the hydrocephalic H-Tx rat. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 expression may be modulated differently in the hydrocephalus, and TGF-beta3 may contribute to the development of hydrocephalus in this rat model.
INTRODUCTION: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is an important cytokine with modulatory actions in the nervous system. The development of hydrocephalus in mouse models resulting from the overexpression of TGF-beta1 has previously been described, but the mechanism by which this occurs remains obscure. METHODS: In order to evaluate the role of TGF-beta in hydrocephalus, we used SYBR Green I-based real-time quantitative RT-PCR method and Western blot analysis to analyze the TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 mRNA and protein expressions in the cerebral cortex of the H-Tx rat, a model of congenital hydrocephalus. RESULTS: The hydrocephalic H-Txrat expressed significantly higher TGF-beta3 levels than their normal siblings (p<0.01) at 7 and 14 days of age. This difference became insignificant when analyzed at 21 days of age. On the other hand, such a difference has not been observed in the TGF-beta2 levels in the hydrocephalic H-Txrat. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 expression may be modulated differently in the hydrocephalus, and TGF-beta3 may contribute to the development of hydrocephalus in this rat model.