Abstract |
Relaxin has antifibrotic effects on the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) responsible for collagen deposition in cirrhosis. The expression of relaxin receptors LGR7 and LGR8 in HSCs and liver disease was examined. Activated and quiescent HSCs expressed LGR7, whereas only activated HSCs expressed LGR8. Relaxin, relaxin-3, or InsL3 treatment increased cAMP, suggesting activation of both receptors. LGR8 and LGR7 were present in cirrhotic rat liver, but were undetectable in normal liver. In conclusion, both LGR7 and LGR8 are expressed in activated HSCs and cirrhotic liver, suggesting that relaxin, InsL3, or relaxin-3 may be useful in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Authors | Robert G Bennett, Katrina J Mahan, Martha J Gentry-Nielsen, Dean J Tuma |
Journal | Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
(Ann N Y Acad Sci)
Vol. 1041
Pg. 185-9
(May 2005)
ISSN: 0077-8923 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15956705
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
- Receptors, Peptide
- Rxfp1 protein, rat
- relaxin receptors
- Relaxin
- Cyclic AMP
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Topics |
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Cyclic AMP
(metabolism)
- Gene Expression
- Hepatocytes
(metabolism)
- Liver Cirrhosis
(drug therapy, genetics, metabolism, pathology)
- Rats
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
(agonists, genetics, metabolism)
- Receptors, Peptide
(agonists, genetics, metabolism)
- Relaxin
(pharmacology)
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