Increased TGF-alpha and EGF Receptor mRNA expression in response to neonatal unilateral partial ureter obstruction in rats.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the potential role of members of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family in altered renal growth caused by partial ureteral obstruction in the developing obstructed and non-obstructed kidneys.


METHODS
During anesthesia either the upper fourth (n = 6-7) or the upper two-thirds of the left ureter (n = 6-7) were embedded into the psoas muscle in newborn rats resulting in mild or severe partial unilateral obstruction, respectively, which was maintained during the following 24 weeks. Sham-operated control rats were prepared in parallel (n = 6-7). Real time PCR assays were used to quantify mRNA encoding EGF, TGF-alpha, HB-EGF and EGF receptor. The expression of ribosomal RNA was determined to relate the specific mRNA expression of members of the EGF system.


RESULTS
Relative expression of TGF-alpha and EGF receptor mRNA levels were elevated significantly both in the severe and mild obstructed kidney compared with the contralateral or sham-operated kidneys after 24 weeks of obstruction. However, the expression of neither EGF nor HB-EGF was changed after obstruction.


CONCLUSIONS
The increased expression of TGF-alpha and its receptor in the obstructed kidney might be related to a cell-survival function in the affected cells possibly by protecting them from entering apoptosis.
Bor
Mustafa Vakur
MV
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, NBG, Aarhus Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark. vakurbor@hotmail.com
Shi
Ymin
Y
Sorensen
Boe S
BS
Wen
Jan Guo
JG
Frokiaer
Jorgen
J
Djurhuus
Jens Christian
JC
Nexo
Ebba
E
D000818:Animals; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D051381:Rats; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000235:genetics*; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000235:genetics*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D066246:ErbB Receptors