| Abstract: | The changes of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) beta receptor gene expression in hypoxic rats lungs was examined. Northern blots analysis revealed that normal lungs expression PDGF-beta receptor mRNA, with the longer of hypoxia the level of the mRNA increased rapidly. It reached a maximum at day 4, and was 1.34 fold as compared with the control (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry investigation showed that PDGF-beta receptor mainly distributed on smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells of middle and small arterial trees in rat lung. With hypoxia, the distribution of PDGF-beta receptors did not change, but it was more intense and reached a maximum at day 7, and was 2.40 fold as compared with the control (P < 0.05). The results suggested that increased expression of PDGF receptor gene may play a role in hypoxic pulmonary vascular remodeling. |
