AIM:To research the effects of lithium chloride on transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β)and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)in cultured human Tenon capsule fibroblasts(HTFs)and explore its mechanism.

METHODS: HTFs were cultured and identified by vimentin staining with immunofluorescence and the morphological characteristics. The experimental group was processed 48h with LiCl in concentration of 80mmol/L, the control group without LiCl. The mRNA expression of TGF-β and CTGF in two groups were analyzed with real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction(real time-qPCR)and the protein expression was detected with Western blot.

RESULTS:The cultured HTFs expressed TGF-β and CTGF. The mRNA expression of TGF-β and CTGF significantly decreased compared with the control group(t=20.042, 14.995, P<0.05). the protein expression of TGF-β and CTGF also decreased significantly compared with the control group(t=46.058、12.452, P<0.05)

CONCLUSION: The cultured HTFs can express TGF-β and CTGF in mRNA and proteins' level. LiCl can reduce the expression of TGF-β and CTGF both in gene and proteins' level. LiCl has the potential to modulate wound healing for glaucoma filtration surgery.