Effects of TGF-β1 on gene expression of connective tissue growth factor in lung fibroblasts

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) on the gene expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in cultured lung fibroblasts of embryonic rats in vitro. METHODS: Wistar rats of embryonic 19 days were used for primary culture of lung fibroblasts (LFs). The cells in the experimental group were treated by different concentrations (1, 5 or 10 ng/mL) and different durations (12, 24 or 48 hrs) of TGF-β1 to stimulate the LFs. The cells in the control group were cultured in serum-free medium. RT-PCR method was applied to detect CTGF mRNA expression in LFs. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the levels of CTGF mRNA in LFs in the experimental group increased significantly (P<0.05). CTGF mRNA expression gradually increased with increasing concentration and duration of TGF-β1 treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TGF-β1 can stimulate CTGF gene expression in LFs and increase CTGF gene expression in a dose-and time-dependent manner.