Abstract
The distribution of transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha and TGF-beta 1 mRNA containing cells in adult mouse brain was examined using in situ hybridization histochemistry. There were no detectable TGF-beta 1 mRNA- containing cells found in the brain. TGF-alpha mRNA was localized to cell bodies of the caudate nucleus, dentate gyrus, anterior olfactory nuclei, and a laminar distribution of mitral cells in the olfactory bulb. TGF-alpha-synthesizing cells were localized in brain regions that have been shown to synthesize nerve growth factor, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and enkephalins. The function of local synthesis of TGF- alpha in the brain is as yet unknown.