[Expression of early growth response gene-1 in macrophages stimulated by silicon dioxide].
OBJECTIVE
To study the expression and localization of early growth response gene-1 (Egr-1) in macrophages after stimulation by silicon dioxide in vivo and in vitro and to discuss the role of Egr-1 in the development of silicosis.


METHODS
The expression of Egr-1 in animal model of silicosis was analyzed by using immunohistochemistry. Western-blot, immunofluorescence and RT-PCR analysis were used to detect the expression and localization of Egr-1 protein and the dynamic changes of Egr-1 mRNA in cultured macrophages RAW264.7, after stimulation by silicon dioxide.


RESULTS
In animal model with induced silicosis, there was an increased expression of Egr-1 in pulmonary macrophages. The expression levels peaked at the 14th day. In vitro, the transcription of Egr-1 increased in RAW264.7 macrophages during 15 to 240 minutes after the administration of silicon dioxide. The response peaked at 15 minutes and diminished to a minimal level at 480 minutes. Nuclear translocation was most apparent at 60 minutes, lasted till 120 minutes and diminished gradually. During the period from 60 to 120 minutes, the expression of Egr-1 protein also reached a peak.


CONCLUSIONS
Silicon dioxide can activate the nuclear transcription factor Egr-1 in vivo and in vitro in macrophages. Egr-1 may thus play an important pathogenetic role in the development of silicosis.
Chu
Ling
L
Department of Pathology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China.
Peng
Jin-wu
JW
Jiang
Hai-ying
HY
Zeng
Qing-fu
QF
D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D051766:Early Growth Response Protein 1; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D051766:Early Growth Response Protein 1; C486110:Egr1 protein, rat; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014157:Transcription Factors; D012822:Silicon Dioxide