Negative effect of transforming growth factor-beta-1 on intestinal anastomotic tissue regeneration

To examine the involvement of transforming growth factor-beta(1 )(TGF-beta(1)) in intestinal anastomotic repair, we administered a TGF-beta(1)-neutralizing antibody to rats after operation, and then examined its influence on the healing process and interaction with other peptide growth factors. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to primary anastomosis after transection of the small intestine (n = 30) and treated by intraperitoneal administration of IgG (n = 15) or the TGF-beta(1) neutralizing antibody (n = 15). Treatment with the antibody against TGF-beta(1) resulted in more definite mucosal growth and increased vascularity on day 5 after surgery. Augmented mRNA expression of epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, and an increased number of cells that expressed these peptides in granulation tissue were demonstrated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Taken together it was indicated that TGF-beta(1) has negative effects on regeneration of the bowel wall mucosa and angiogenesis in the course of intestinal anastomotic wound healing.