Immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-α and its receptor in the normal and hyperoxia-exposed neonatal rat retina

Michael R. Powers, Stephen R. Planck

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose. Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) is a mitogenic polypeptide for a variety of different cells types including retinal neurons and glial cells. We have examined the temporal and spatial expression of TGF-α and its receptor in the normal and hyperoxia-exposed neonatal rat retina to determine if the expression is consistent with a role in retinal development and response to retinal injury. Methods. We have used immunohistochemistry to examine TGF-α and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) on postnatal days (1, 5, 10, 14, 18, and 25). To examine TGF-α and EGF-R expression after retinal injury we studied the retinas from rats which were exposed to 80% oxygen for 10 days and then recovered in room air. Immunolocalization of type IV collagen was performed to examine the retinal vasculature development after hyperoxia. Results. The pattern of TGF-α and EGF-R expression in the neural retina evolved from a diffuse pattern on postnatal day 1 to restricted sites on postnatal day 14. The TGF-α immunoreactivity was consistent with localization in Muller cells on postnatal day 14. Both TGF-α and EGF-R patterns were altered in the retinas from rats that had been exposed to hyperoxia and recovered in room air for 4 days. The type IV confirmed immunostaining confirmed vase-obliteration in the deep layer of retinal vessels after hyperoxia. Conclusions. Our findings of altered expression of TGF-α and EGF-R during retinal development suggests a biological function for this growth factor, possibly promoting retinal cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The altered immunolocalization of TGF-α and EGF-R in the hyperoxia-exposed retina suggest that TGF-α is likely involved in the retinal response to injury.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)177-182
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Eye Research
Volume16
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1997

Keywords

  • Epidermal growth factor-receptor
  • Hyperoxia
  • Rat
  • Retina
  • Retinal development
  • Transforming growth factor-α

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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