Elevation of transforming growth factor-ßl level in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with communicating hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Abstract

Background and PurposeTransforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a multifunctional polypeptide that controls the production of extracellular matrix protein. Platelets store a large quantity of TGF-β1, which is released at hemorrhage. We recently reported that human recombinant TGF-β1 induced communicating hydrocephalus in mice. The aim of this study was to determine whether TGF-β1 is related to the development of communicating hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Methods TGF-β1 in the cerebrospinal fluid of 24 patients with SAH was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels were compared between hydrocéphalie and nonhydrocephalic groups. Western blot analysis was performed to determine active TGF-β1 in the cerebrospinal fluid. Results TGF-β1 rapidly decreased from the onset of SAH. The level of TGF-β1 of 13 patients showing ventricular dilatation with periventricular low density on computed tomo-graphic scan was 1.07±0.37 ng/mL on days 12 through 14, which was significantly higher than 0.52±0.21 ng/mL in patients without ventricular dilatation (P