Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Biomarkers in an Animal Model for Revealing Neural, Hematologic, and Behavioral Correlates of PTSD
Published on: October 10, 2012
Transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA decreases in brain in response to glucocorticoid treatment of adrenalectomized
1Division of Neurogerontology in the Andrus Gerontology Center and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-0191, USA.
Abstract:
Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) was cloned from a rat hippocampal cDNA library by differential screening as a mRNA that was decreased by corticosterone (CORT) treatment. CORT responses in adult brain were investigated using a cRNA probe directed against the region of the TGF-beta1 transcript coding for the mature processed polypeptide. Hippocampal TGF-beta1 mRNA decreased 30% in rats treated with CORT (10 mg/day for 4 days) compared with adrenalectomized (ADX) controls; GAP-43 mRNA did not change in replicate samples. Hippocampal TGF-beta1 mRNA (2.5 kb) decreased 35 and 40% after 2 h of treatment with 1 and 10 mg CORT, respectively. The specific receptor agonist, RU 28362, decreased TGF-beta1 mRNA in hippocampus to a greater extent than CORT, aldosterone, or dihydrotestosterone, indicating that the response is mediated by type II glucocorticoid receptors. TGF-beta1 mRNA also decreased 20 to 50% in response to CORT in hypothalamus, cerebellum, striatum, and cortex, when compared with ADX controls. Finally, TGF-beta1 mRNA in cortex increased 20% at 3 days post-ADX compared with intact controls, which were similar to CORT-replaced rats. These results suggest that TGF-beta1-regulated actions in brain are subject to inhibitory control by glucocorticoids.
Related Concept Videos
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...

