Expression of aquaporin 1 and 4 in rats with acute hypoxic lung injury and its significance.

Abstract

Aquaporin (AQP)-1 and AQP-4 expression in lung tissues of SD rats during high altitude hypoxic lung injury, and the relationship between AQP-1 and AQP-4 expression, and acute hypoxic lung injury was analyzed. Thirty six healthy SD rats were divided into hypoxia 1d, 2d, 3d, 5d, and 7d groups and control group (N = 6). Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining; lung injury was scored, and ultrastructural changes in lung tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Changes in moisture content in lung tissues were determined by analyzing the wet/dry weight ratio (W/D). Localization of AQP-1 and AQP-4 was determined by immunohistochemistry. AQP-1 and AQP-4 expression were detected by western blot. Lung W/D was lower in hypoxia groups than in control group, and the highest in 3d group (P < 0.05). Light microscopy revealed a thickening alveolar wall and outstretched and congestive alveolar wall in hypoxia group; electron microscopy revealed the presence of abnormal alveolar type II epithelial cells, cavitation in cytoplasm, microvillus-like protrusions, and a reduced lamellar body. AQP- 1 and AQP-4 were mainly distributed in the capillaries and lymphatic and alveolar epithelial cells and airway epithelial cells, respectively. AQP-1 protein expression was decreased (western blot) in hypoxia 1d group (the lowest in 3d group; P < 0.05); there were no significant changes about AQP- 4 expression. Therefore, AQP-1 may be involved in abnormal transport of liquid ALI and pathogenesis of lung edema. AQP-4 may not be involved in the formation of ALI lung edema.

• Authors: Y Wu, C Y Pan, C Z Guo, Z J Dong, Q Wu, H M Dong, W Zhang
• Journal: Genetics and molecular research : GMR (Genet Mol Res) Vol. 14 Issue 4 Pg. 12756-64 (Oct 19 2015) ISSN: 1676-5680 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 26505426 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Aquaporin 4
• Aquaporin 1

Topics

• Acute Lung Injury (metabolism, pathology)
• Animals
• Aquaporin 1 (metabolism)
• Aquaporin 4 (metabolism)
• Lung (metabolism, pathology)
• Rats