EXPRESSION OF INTERRELATED POLYPEPTIDES AND THEIR REGULATORY FUNCTION IN MOUSE FETAL LUNGS / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the distributions of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),transforming growth factor ?(TGF ? 1,? 2,? 3)and thyroid transcription factor 1(TTF 1)in developing lungs,and to discuss their functions and relationships each other. Methods The expression of EGFR and TGF ? was examined in mouse fetal lungs by immunohistochemistry.TIGER image analysiser was used in TTF 1 quantitative study. Results 1.In the early developmental phase,EGFR localized in the epithelium of airway surface,TTF 1 was expressed predominantly in the nuclei of distal lung buds and TGF ? was expressed in the bronchioles with localization patterns.2.At the late developmental phase,the positive reactions of EGFR and TTF 1 were mainly detected in alveolar cells.TGF ? expressed in mesenchymal at high levels.3 The average optical density(A A )of TTF 1 in the distal epithelial cells increased gradually during the development,while their volume(VOL)and volume integrated optical density(VI A )all decreased.Conclusion\ The functions of EGFR,TGF ? and TTF 1 might be respectively different at different developmental stages.They not only stimulate the process of branching morphogenesis,but also modulate epithelial maturation and differentiation.\;[