Objective: To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor-beta(2) (TGF-beta(2)) in human aqueous humor on extracellular matrix synthesis in cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells.
Methods: Cultured 3-5 passage bovine trabecular meshwork cells were divided into control group and experimental group. After treated with 0 ng/L (control), 0.32 x 10(3) ng/L, 1.00 x 10(3) ng/L, 3.20 x 10(3) ng/L TGF-beta(2) for 48 h, collagen, fibronectin and hyaluronic acid synthesis in bovine trabecular meshwork cells were examined respectively by (3)H-proline incorportion and liquid scintillation technique, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay (RIA).
Results: In comparison with the control group, TGF-beta(2) significantly promoted the synthesis of collagen at 0.32 x 10(3) ng/L (P < 0.05), 1.00 x 10(3) ng/L (P < 0.01), 3.20 x 10(3) ng/L (P < 0.01), (3)H-proline incorporation increased in a concentration-dependent manner; and 1.00 x 10(3) ng/L (P < 0.05), 3.20 x 10(3) ng/L (P < 0.01) TGF-beta(2) significantly promoted the synthesis of fibronectin in cultured bovine trabecular meshwork cells. 1.00 x 10(3) ng/L (P < 0.01) and 3.20 x 10(3) ng/L (P < 0.01) TGF-beta(2) significantly inhibited the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the cultured cells.
Conclusion: The data suggest that TGF-beta(2) play important roles in extracellular matrix age-related changes of normal trabecular meshwork and abnormal deposition of the extracellular matrix in the trabecular meshwork, especially the juxtacanalicular tissue of primary open-angle glaucoma patients.