Transforming growth factor-beta impairs postburn immunoglobulin production by limiting B-cell proliferation, but not cellular synthesis

J Trauma. 1999 May;46(5):881-5. doi: 10.1097/00005373-199905000-00018.

Abstract

Background: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been shown to be an inhibitor of immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis and may contribute to decreased Ig synthesis after burn injury. This study investigated the relationship between TGF-beta and Ig synthesis after burn injury.

Methods: Twenty-four BALB/c mice received either a 30% body surface area full-thickness contact burn or no burn. Splenocytes were isolated 8 days after burn and were cultured with 0, 0.05 or 0.5 ng/mL TGF-beta. After culture, total IgG and total IgM were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The number of IgM-secreting cells per 10(5) cells was measured by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent spot forming assay. Total IgM per IgM-secreting cell (pg/cell) was calculated.

Results: Total IgG, IgM, IgM-secreting cells, and B-cell number after culture were decreased by burn injury, and the decrease was exacerbated by the presence of TGF-beta. The total IgM per IgM-secreting cells, however, was significantly increased by TGF-beta at 0.5 ng/mL.

Conclusion: These data demonstrates that TGF-beta does not specifically impair IgM secretion by committed IgM B cells but appears to decrease B-cell proliferation or clonal expansion.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology*
  • Burns / immunology*
  • Cell Count
  • Cell Division
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulin M / biosynthesis
  • Immunoglobulins / biosynthesis*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta