Effects of bFGF and TGFβ on the expression of amyloid precursor and B-cell lymphoma protooncogene proteins in the rat retina

Abstract
THE pattern of immunoreactivity for amyloid precursor (APP) and B-cell lymphoma protooncogene (Bcl-2) proteins in the rat retina was studied after intravitreal injection of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) or transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). In normal control retinas, intense immunostaining of APP and Bcl-2 was observed primarily in the endfeet and proximal part of radial processes of Müller glial cells. A dose-dependent reduction in immunostaining of APP and Bcl-2 in Müller cells was observed after injection of bFGF and TGFβ. These results provide the first evidence that APP and Bcl-2 can be down-regulated by cytokines in vivo..