Transforming growth factor-$, was localized by means of immunohistochemical reaction in liver biopsy specimens taken from patients having different chronic liver diseases with extending fibrosis. Two polyclonal antibodies that were produced in rabbits were directed against the amino terminal of transforming growth factor-p,.
Staining by anti-CC(1-30) was primarily extracellular and located in the portal and periportal fibrotic areas of a l l seven cases with chronic active hepatitis. No staining was noted in the four chronic persistent cases studied. A strong reaction was seen with the antibody in nine of the ten cirrhotic samples, whereas it was negative in one inactive cirrhosis case and in all five cases with normal liver histological findings. No positive staining could be detected by the anti-LC( 1-30) in any of the liver tissues.
Detection of transforming growth factor-$, in active liver diseases at the site of fibrosis suggests that transforming growth factor-$, might have a role in the process and progression of fibrosis during the development of the disease. (HEPATOLOGY 1991;14:269-273.)
Increased deposition of extracellular matrix is a characteristic change in several chronic liver diseases, especially in cirrhosis (1-4). The exact factors that are responsible for this accumulation are unknown. Considering the similarities in histopathological features for cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, as well as the polyetiological origin of both, we considered common factors that could be responsible for fibrosis in the liver during several pathological conditions. One candidate for such a factor is transforming growth factor-p, (TGF-@,I.
TGF-P, is a multifunctional growth factor. It is presumed to play a role in the regulation of many physiological and pathological processes (5). The first recognized in uiuo effect was the stimulation of wound healing (6). The deposition of extracellular matrix is the most important event during the process of scar formation in the late phase of wound healing. For this reason, it was proposed that TGF-P, may have an influence on the metabolism of extracellular matrix