Mechanisms of the protective effects of transforming growth factor-beta in reperfusion injury.

TGF-beta appears to be an important regulatory peptide in cellular physiology. Although all of its actions are not presently known, TGF-beta functions as a cell-switching molecule. In the case of ischemia-reperfusion states, TGF-beta has been shown to exert remarkably effective protective effects. These effects appear to pertain to preservation of endothelial function, particularly to maintenance of EDRF formation by the endothelium. The endothelial protection may be related to actions of TGF-beta opposing the endothelial-destabilizing actions of both TNF and superoxide radicals. However, other important mechanisms will undoubtedly be brought to light with further study of TGF-beta in these situations.