Localization of transforming growth factor beta isoforms TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3 in surgically induced pelvic adhesions in the rat

To investigate the presence and cellular distribution of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta s in surgically induced pelvic fibrous adhesions in rat uterine horns subjected to burn, crush, and debridement injury. Thirty injured and 20 uninjured rats were treated postoperatively with intraperitoneal administration of either 2 micrograms/mL of recombinant human TGF-beta, 10 micrograms/mL TGF-beta neutralizing antibody, or phosphate-buffered saline + 500 micrograms rat serum albumin for 5 consecutive days. The intact (uninjured) and fibrous tissues were analyzed immunohistochemically for the presence of TGF-beta s using polyclonal antibodies to TGF-beta s 1-3. The intact peritoneum immunostained with a lower intensity than fibrous adhesive tissues for TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, and TGF-beta 3. The immunoreactive TGF-beta s were present in fibroblasts, inflammatory cells infiltrated into the fibrous adhesion, and endothelial and smooth-muscle cells of the arterioles. In the uterine tissue at the site of injury, the following immunostained for TGF-beta s: uterine serosal tissue, myometrial smooth-muscle cells, endometrial luminal and glandular epithelial cells, and inflammatory cells. However, endometrial stromal cells did not immunostain for TGF-beta s. There were no substantial differences in immunostaining intensities of fibrous adhesive tissues in the TGF-beta group, neutralizing TGF-beta antibody group, and the controls. The data suggest that TGF-beta s may play a role in the formation and maintenance of fibrous adhesions following intraperitoneal injury.