Expression of TGFβ1 and TGFβR1 in fibroblasts during healing of combined radiation wound

Objective: In order to study the impact of local irradiation on expressions of TGFβ1 and TGFβR1 in fibroblasts during wound healing. Methods: Altogether 132 Wistar rats were divided into two groups: unirradiated wound group (control group, n = 66) and γ-rays irradiated wound group (irradiation group, n = 66). The authors investigated the expression patterns of TGFβ1 and TGFβR1 in these two groups 1 to 60 days after injury by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and image analysis. Results: The expressions of TGFβ1 and TGFβR1 in the control group had a temporal character, i.e. they were observed from 2 to 21 days after injury and the highest expression was on the 10th day. In irradiation group, their expressions were weaker than those in the control group and the expression time was prolonged, i.e., it was still observed on the 28th day after injury. Conclusion: Irradiation with γ-rays can reduce the expressions of TGFβ1 and TGFβR1 in wound healing fibroblasts, indicating that radiation inhibits the secretion of endogenous TGFβ1 and reduces the reactivity of wound to exogenous TGFβ1