Expressions of VEGF and Ang-1 in neonatal rats with hyperoxia-induced BPD and its effects on lung development

WANG Ling; FENG Zhi-chun; LV Hui

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2014.04.008

Abstract：Objective To investigate the expressions of VEGF and Ang-1 in neonatal rats with hyperoxia-induced BPD and its effects on lung development. Methods 48 SD neonatal rats (2 or 3 days old) were randomly divided into two group and raised under hyperoxia or air for 1, 3 and 7 days, respectively. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot were used to determine the level VEGF and Ang-1 mRNAs and proteins in lung tissues of the two groups. HE staining was used to observe the changes of lung morphology. Results The levels of VEGF and Ang-1 mRNAs in the lung on the 7th day in the control group were 0.722 ± 0.372 and 0.828 ± 0.462, respectively, and those in hyperoxia group were 0.239 ± 0.293 and 0.327 ± 0.184 , respectively. The levels of VEGF and Ang-1 proteins on the 7th day in the control group were 0.632 ± 0.289 and 0.573 ± 0.436, respectively, and those in hyperoxia group were 0.358 ± 0.128 and 0.204 ± 0.068 , respectively. Comparing to the control group , the levels of VEGF and Ang-1 mRNAs and proteins on the 7th days significantly decreased in the hyperoxia groups (P<0.05). The lung tissues of the hyperoxia group display dysplastic features with , alveolar simplification , reduced alveolar numbers and retardation on microvascular development. Conclusion VEGF and Ang-1, functioning as an important regulators for pulmonary vascular development , are involved in the pathogenesis of BPD and the lung development.