Transforming growth factor-b (TGF-β) expression is increased in the subsynovial connective tissue in a rabbit model of carpal tunnel syndrome

Takako Chikenji, Anne Gingery, Chunfeng Zhao, Matthias Vanhees, Tamami Moriya, Ramona Reisdorf, Kai Nan An, Peter C. Amadio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an idiopathic disease that results from increased fibrosis of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT). A recent study found overexpression of both transforming growth factor-b (TGF-β) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the SSCT of CTS patients. This study investigated TGF-β and CTGF expression in a rabbit model of CTS, in which SSCT fibrosis is induced by a surgical injury. Levels of TGF-β1 and CTGF at 6, 12, 24 weeks after injury were determined by immunohistochemistry A significant increase in TGF-β1 and a concomitant significant increase in CTGF were found at 6 weeks, in addition to higher cell density compared to normal (all p<0.05), Interestingly, CTGF expression was reduced at 12 and 24 weeks, suggesting that an initial insult results in a time limited response. We conclude that this rabbit model mimics the fibrosis found in human CTS, and may be useful to study pathogenetic mechanisms of CTS in vivo.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere108312
JournalPloS one
Volume9
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 30 2014

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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