Immunocytochemical detection of growth factors (PDGF and TGF beta) in equine chronic pneumonia.

The roles played by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) in the development of pulmonary fibrosis in equine chronic pneumonia varied greatly. Macrophages, epithelial cells and fibroblasts were identified as a source of PDGF, the principal role of which was related to its mitotic effect on epithelial cells, and particularly on fibroblasts in the final phase of the disease. TGF beta was detected in epithelial cells in all three phases of the disease and in fibroblasts in the last phase. However, the role of TGF beta in this pulmonary disease is not clear because its expression in the cytoplasm of fibroblasts in areas of strong collagenation during the last phase was weak. Nonetheless, it was responsible for the production and release of collagen during the stage of total fibrosis.