Inhibitory effect of TGF-beta 2 in human aqueous humor on bovine lens epithelial cell proliferation.

PURPOSE To determine whether transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) in human aqueous humor inhibits the proliferation of lens epithelial cells. METHODS Bovine lens epithelial cells (BLECs) obtained from the central zone of the anterior capsule were cultured in complete medium (F-12 nutrient mixture supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum). Human aqueous humor was obtained from 11 patients during cataract surgery. Medium was removed and replaced with medium containing various concentrations of porcine platelet-derived TGF-beta 2 or 10% human aqueous humor, with or without anti-TGF-beta 2 neutralizing antibody. The number of cells was counted at 96 hours. RESULTS Porcine platelet-derived TGF-beta 2 inhibited BLEC proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Anti-TGF-beta 2 antibody blocked the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta 2 on BLEC proliferation. The 10% human aqueous humor stimulated the proliferation of BLECs. Addition of anti-TGF-beta 2 antibody to the 10% human aqueous humor significantly enhanced this stimulatory effect on BLEC proliferation. CONCLUSIONS TGF-beta 2 in human aqueous humor inhibits the proliferation of lens epithelial cells in vitro.