Objective: To explore the expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and its type I receptors activin-like kinase 1 (ALK1) and ALK5 mRNA in the development of brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM).
Methods: The mRNA expressions of TGFbeta1, ALK1and ALK5 were detected with semiquantitative RT-PCR in patients with BAVM.
Results: The expressions of TGFbeta1 and ALK5 mRNA increased significantly in BAVM, and their relative expression quantity were 0.777-/+0.047 and 0.585-/+0.074, respectively. However, ALK1 mRNA expression declined significantlies with a relative expression of 0.173-/+0.044 in comparison with the control group (0.720-/+0.098, P<0.01).
Conclusion: The balance of TGFbeta1 and its type I receptors ALK1 and ALK5 mRNA expressions may play important role in the development of BAVM.