Induction of communicating hydrocephalus in mice by intrathecal injection of human recombinant transforming growth factor-beta 1.

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) is a multi-functional polypeptide, which controls proliferation, differentiation of various cells, and regulates synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins. We injected human recombinant TGF-beta 1 into the subarachnoid space of 10-day-old C57BL/6 mice in order to study the role of TGF-beta 1, which is known to be released from platelets into the cerebrospinal fluid following subarachnoid hemorrhage. The ventricular system became dilated within 3 weeks following the injection and the body weights of injected mice stopped increasing 6 weeks after injection of TGF-beta 1. Microscopic examination revealed dilatation of the ventricular system, and that the outlets of the ventricles were not obliterated. Electron microscopy showed diminution of cilia on the ependyma. These results demonstrate that TGF-beta 1 induces communicating hydrocephalus in mice. This hydrocephalic model should be useful in further studies on the pathogenesis of normal pressure hydrocephalus following subarachnoid hemorrhage in man.