Role of TGF-β1, Extracellular Matrix, and Matrix Metalloproteinase in the Healing Process of the Pancreas After Induction of Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Using Arginine in Rats

Abstract

Our results show that TGF-beta1 mRNA expression peaked earlier than that of ECM mRNA. Furthermore, increased level of the MMP-2 transcript was followed by disappearance of fibronectin. Our findings suggest that TGF-beta1 plays an important role in ECM production in the early phase of acute pancreatitis, and that MMP-2 is involved in the subsequent healing process.