[Study on endothlin and its gene expression in splanchnic vessels in cirrhotic rats].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of endothelin(ET) in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension, ET-1 level and its gene expression in splanchnic vessels from cirrhotic rats were observed.


METHODS
ET levels of both plasma and vascular tissues were determined by radioimmunoassay. ET mRNA in vascular tissues was probed with RT-PCR technique expressed as optical density(OD) value from image analysis.


RESULTS
ET peptide and mRNA in PV and SMA vessels were all significantly higher in cirrhotic rats than those in normal rats, while in cirrhotic rats, ET and its gene expression of PV was dramatically higher than that of SMA(P < 0.05). In addition, the positive correlation was observed in difference between PV and SMA in ET concentration with portal pressure(r = 0.737, P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
ET may be involved in the mechanisms of the formation of portal hypertension mainly due to constructing portal vein, increasing portal flow resistance.
Yu
J
J
Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan.
Liang
K
K
Tian
D
D
D000818:Animals; D016232:Endothelins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000209:etiology*; D008106:Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior / Q000378:metabolism; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D016232:Endothelins; D012333:RNA, Messenger