[The effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 on the secretion of collagen type IV in cultured human trabecular cells].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) on the expression of collagen type IV in cultured human trabecular cells. METHODS: On the basis of successful culture of human trabecular cells, we detected the content of collagen type IV in the media and covers of trabecular cells, treated with TGF-beta 1 (1 ng/ml), by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) and immunohistochemical techniques respectively. RESULTS: ELISA method demonstrated that, in the first four days, there was statiscally significant difference between TGF-beta 1 treated and control groups with the collagen type IV content of 187.50 +/- 29.01 pg/ml and 93.75 +/- 20.50 pg/ml respectively, then in the second four days, there was no statistically significant difference between experimental group of 128.75 +/- 52.02 pg/ml and control group of 91.25 +/- 21.36 pg/ml. Neither statistical difference was found between two treated groups, nor was between two control groups. Immunohistochemical techniques showed, the positive staining of collagen type IV was stronger in cell covers of experimental group treated with TGF-beta 1 for 12 days than that of control group. CONCLUSION: TGF-beta 1 can increase the expression of collagen type IV in cultured trabecular cells, it may be among causes of abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrices in trabecular meshwork of eyes with primary open angle glaucoma.