Localization of transforming growth factor-β receptor types I, II, and III in the postnatal rat small intestine

Min F. Zhang, Heddy Zola, Leanna C. Read, Irmeli A. Penttila

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

30 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) levels in rat milk are high in early lactation, whereas endogenous TGF-β1 expression in the neonatal gut increases toward midweaning. Three types of transmembrane TGF-β receptors have been identified in mammals. The receptor III (or betaglycan) binds and presents TGF-β1 or β2 to receptor II. Receptor I then interacts with receptor II, forming a signaling receptor complex, and propagates the signal. To determine whether TGF-β receptor expression in the gut is also developmentally regulated, the present study assessed ontogeny of TGF-β receptor expression in the postnatal rat small intestine. Jejunum and ileum tissues from rat pups at d 3, 10, 14, 21, and 28 of age were collected. Cryostat sections were stained with antibodies against TGF-β receptors I, II, and III, and various cell markers by immunofluorescence. In both regions, receptor I staining was seen on apical and basolateral membranes of the villus and crypt epithelium at all ages, and staining on the apical membrane increased with age; receptor II was predominantly expressed in the crypt, and staining on the villi appeared after d 10; receptor III was distributed throughout the mucosa at early ages but diminished from the epithelium postweaning by d 28. T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells in the lamina propria expressed TGF-β receptor III but lacked expression of receptor I and II. The pattern of TGF-β receptor expression changes with age in a manner that may reflect the change in ligand from TGF-β2 (milk-derived) to TGF-β1 (endogenously produced).

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)657-665
Number of pages9
JournalPediatric Research
Volume46
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Dec 1999
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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