Expression of transforming growth factor-ß mRNA in experimental choroidal neovascularization

Abstract

Our findings suggest that TGF-beta may act in the retina as a neurotrophic agent, since TGF-beta 1 is normally transcribed in ganglion cells and TGF-beta 2 is also transcribed in ganglion cells and choriocapillaris endothelium. TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 mRNA expression were increased in photocoagulated lesions from 3 days to 2 weeks after laser treatment. Therefore, it is likely that TGF-beta acts as a mediator of the neovascularization process.