Differential cataractogenic potency of TGF-beta1, -beta2, and -beta3 and their expression in the postnatal rat eye.

Abstract

All three isoforms of TGF-beta are potentially available to lens cells and have the potential to induce cataractous changes. The results suggest that TGF-beta activity is normally tightly regulated in the eye. Activation of TGF-beta in the lens environment, such as may occur during injury, in wound healing, or in pathologic conditions may contribute to cataractogenesis in vivo.