AIM:To investigate the expression transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and heat shock protein 47(HSP-47), in pterygium and normal conjunctiva tissues, in order to study the roles of these cytokines played in the pathogenesis in human pterygium.

METHODS:The expression difference of TGF-β1, HSP-47 between human pterygium and normal conjunctive tissues were compared by immuno-histochemistry technique.

RESULTS:The positive expression of TGF-β1, HSP-47 was stronger than in normal conjunctive tissues(P<0.05), the TGF-β1 expressed in all layers of pterygium, especially in the squamous epithelium, in the inflammation cells and vascular endothelial cells also expressed. The HSP-47 showed higher expressed in the lamina propria layer of pterygium, and weakly expressed in epithelial layer, no obvious expression in normal conjunctive tissues.

CONCLUSION:Over-expression of TGF-β1 and HSP-47 in pterygium compared to the normal conjunctiva tissues may play a critical role during the occurrence, development and invasion of the pterygium.