Abstract
The Transforming Growth Factor-betas (TGF-beta) are a group of multifunctional proteins whose cellular sites of production and action are widely distributed throughout the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). Within the CNS, various isoforms of TGF-beta are produced by both glial and neural cells. When evaluated in either cell culture or in vivo models, the various isoforms of TGF-beta have been shown to have potent effects on the proliferation, function, or survival of both neurons and all three glial cell types, astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. TGF-beta has also been shown to play a role in several forms of acute CNS pathology including ischemia, excitotoxicity and several forms of neurodegenerative diseases including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, AIDS dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
MeSH terms
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AIDS Dementia Complex / etiology
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Alzheimer Disease / etiology
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Animals
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Astrocytes / physiology
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Central Nervous System / blood supply*
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Central Nervous System / injuries
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Central Nervous System / physiology*
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Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / drug therapy
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Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / etiology
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Gene Expression
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Humans
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Ischemia / etiology*
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Ischemia / genetics
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Ischemia / physiopathology
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Microglia / physiology
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Multiple Sclerosis / drug therapy
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Multiple Sclerosis / etiology
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Multiple Sclerosis / physiopathology
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Neurodegenerative Diseases / etiology*
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Neurodegenerative Diseases / physiopathology
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Oligodendroglia / physiology
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Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
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Parkinson Disease / etiology
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / administration & dosage
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*
Substances
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Transforming Growth Factor beta