Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Expression and Myofibroblast Formation During Arterial Repair

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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a central role in tissue repair owing to its modulating effects on cell growth and the synthesis of extracellular matrix. We have previously shown that adventitial fibroblasts differentiate to myofibroblasts after endoluminal injury, thereby contributing to arterial remodeling. Since TGF-β1 exerts several biologic actions attributed to myofibroblasts, we examined its role in myofibroblast formation in a porcine model of balloon overstretch coronary artery injury. TGF-β1 transcripts were induced in numerous adventitial cells 2 days after injury (47±10%, P<.001 versus control). These cells displayed no smooth muscle (SM) markers, ie, α-SM actin or desmin, which suggested their fibroblastic origin. This was further corroborated by the rare presence of macrophages in the injured adventitia (3±1%). At 7 to 8 days, most TGF-β1–expressing cells demonstrated α-SM actin immunoreactivity. Their myofibroblast phenotype was confirmed by electron microscopy, which revealed ...

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