title: The role of the Rho/Rock signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic myocardial fibrosis in rat models.
abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the Rho/Rho associated coiled coil-forming protein kinase (Rock) signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of ischemic myocardial fibrosis (MF) in rats. The MF rat model was established using isoprenaline hydrochloride (ISO, 15 mg/kg). Rats were randomly divided into ten groups: a control group and ISO-treated groups at 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 days and 21 days. The MF model was evaluated by serum enzyme levels, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson's staining,ex vivo. The mRNA expression of RhoA and Rock I was assessed with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The cell type was evaluated by immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining. The protein expression of Rock I was evaluated using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. MF was found to be more developed in the ISO-treated group compared with the control group. CD31 and vimentin expression in fibroblasts and endothelial cells were significantly increased. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of RhoA and Rock I were significantly increased. In conclusion, activation of Rho/Rock accelerates the degree of ischemic MF. Inhibition of Rho/Rock may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention of ischemic MF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Management, Jilin University, Changchun 130021;
authors.forename: Hai-Cheng
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Gao
authors.forename: Hang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Wen-Qi
authors.initials: WQ
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yun-Qian
authors.initials: YQ
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Li-Qun
authors.initials: LQ
authors.lastname: Ren
keywords: Rho; Rho-associated coiled coil-forming protein kinase; isoprenaline hydrochloride; myocardial fibrosis