Expression Of VEGF And HIF-1α In Asthmatic Rats And Effection By Administrated Chaipu Tang

[Background and Objectives]:Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent proangiogenic cytokine, and it also increases vascular permeability. It is well known that VEGF levels are increased in the airway of asthmatic patients. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) induces a rapid and strong increase in VEGF expression.Objectives:To evaluate the relationship between VEGF, HIF-1αlevel and asthmatic chronic rats, to invetigate the effect of VEGF and HIF-1αin airway remodeling of chronic asthmatic rats,to reseach the mechanism of Chaipu Tang in asthma treatment.【Methods】:thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into four groups,the asthma chronic model group, the Chaipu Tang group,the dexamethasone group and the control group.The asthmatic model was established by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin,and the rats in the dexamethasone group administrated dexamethasone by gastric gavage before the challenge, the rats in the Chaipu Tang group administrated Chaipu Tang in the same way.Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to measure the level of VEGF, HIF-1αprotein and mRNA in the rats'lung tissues.The thickness of the airway wall and it's smooth muscle was estimated by a computerized digital image analyzer. [Results]:(1)The thickness of the airway wall in the asthma chronic model group was higher than that in the other groups(P<0.01).(2)The expression of VEGF, HIF-la protein and mRNA in the airway tissues of the asthma chronic model group was higher than that in the other groups(P<0.01).(3) VEGF protein and mRNA expressions were positively correlated with HIF-1αprotein and mRNA.[Conclusion]:(1) The expressions of VEGF, HIF-1αprotein and mRNA were increased in the airway tissues of asthmatic. VEGF and HIF-1αmay take part in the process of airway remodeling of asthma. (2) Chaipu Tang may decline the expression of VEGF, HIF-1αprotein and mRNA and inhibition airway remodeling in asthmatic rats.