[The expression of transforming growth factor beta1 and its I, II receptors in the development of rat embryo and embryonic lung].

AIM:To investigate the expression of TGFbeta1, TbetaRI, TbetaRII in the development of rat embryo and embryonic lung and discuss the interrelationship and function mechanisms between them. METHODS:Half-quantity RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining were performed in studying these changes. RESULTS:Half-quantity RT-PCR demonstrated that the expressions of these three factors increased in the 13th-15th days and decreased in the 16th-17th days of the embryonic development. Immunohistochemical staining showed that TGFbeta1 was mainly expressed in the developing bronchus epithelial cells.Its receptors were obviously expressed in primitive pulmonary alveolus. CONCLUSION:TGFbeta1 and its receptors play an important regulatory role in the development of rat embryo and embryonic lung, especially in organic morphodifferentiation.