Dissociation of transforming growth factors β1 and β2 from surfactant protein A (SP-A) by deglycosylation or deoxycholate treatment

► The presence of TGF-β1,2 was demonstrated in human and porcine pulmonary surfactant and SP-A. ► Binding of TGF-β1,2 to the carbohydrate moieties of SP-A was shown. ► A protocol is described to isolate TGF-β1,2 free intact SP-A. ► Binding of TGF-β1,2 to SP-A influences the measurement of TGF-β1,2.