Immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-betas and their receptors in the intervertebral disk of senescence-accelerated mouse.

ABSTRACT

The temporal and spatial immunolocalization of TGF-betas and their receptors in the intervertebral disk of senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM) was examined to determine the biological roles played by TGF-betas and their receptors in the process of intervertebral disk degeneration. Ten male SAM and ICR mice aged 8, 24 or 50 weeks after birth were used for this experiment. Histological and immunohistochemical studies using specific antibodies for TGF-beta1, -beta2, -beta3, TbetaR-I, and TbetaR-II were performed. Intervertebral disks of SAM exhibited more degenerative changes than those of ICR mice. Expression of TGF-betas and TbetaRs in disk of SAM and ICR mice was observed at 8 weeks of age, and became weaker with aging. Our results suggest TGF-betas may play a role in the growth and maintenance of intervertebal disks.