Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) transduces signals through mediation of type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors. The expression of TGF-β type I (TβR-I) and II (TβR-II) receptors in rat eyes was investigated immunohistochemically. TβR-I and TβR-II immunoreactivity was detected in corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells, corneal endothelial cells, ciliary epithelial cells, lens epithelial cells, retinal pigment epithelial cells, and choroidal vessels. This co-expression of TβR-I and TβR-II indicates that the above cells respond to TGF-β and, because TGF-β is reported to be produced in ocular tissues, that it may have important autocrine and/or paracrine roles in the growth and metabolism of ocular tissues in situ.