[Cloning of partial cDNA of rat connective tissue growth factor and expression of its mRNA in experimental liver fibrosis].
OBJECTIVE
To clone the partial cDNA sequence of rat connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and investigate the mRNA expression of CTGF and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in rat experimental liver fibrosis.


METHODS
A 430-base pair sequence of rat CTGF Cdna was cloned by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Sixteen female Wistar rats were allocated into bile duct occlusion group (n=8) and sham-operated group (n=8). The liver tissue mRNA levels of CTGF and TGF-beta 1 were measured by multiprobe ribonuclease protection assay (RPA).


RESULTS
The cloned partial cDNA sequence of rat CTGF was 95% homology (at nucleic acid level) with the mouse counterpart. In the liver of rats with biliary fibrosis mRNA levels of TGF-beta 1 and CTGF were 4 and 7 times as high as in those of sham-operated rats, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The mRNA expression of CTGF is remarkably upregulated in rat liver fibrogenesis.
Jia
J
J
Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China.
Bauer
M
M
Boigk
G
G
D000818:Animals; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor; D005260:Female; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000235:genetics*; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008106:Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
C526318:CCN2 protein, mouse; C526316:CCN2 protein, rat; D006133:Growth Substances; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D055513:Connective Tissue Growth Factor