Expression of ZF9 and CTGF in Primary Hepatic Stellate Cells of Rat Liver Fibrosis

Objective: To investigate the role of ZF9 and CTGF in activation of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis rats.Methods: Rat liver fibrosis model was made by subcutaneous injection of CCl4.Rat hepatic stellate cells were isolated by in situ portal vein perfusion and density gradient centrifugation after 1,4 and 8 weeks of injection of CCl4.Western blot was carried out to detect the expression of CTGF.The mRNA level of ZF9 was evaluated by RT-PCR.Results: No expression of CTGF was detected in hepatic stellate cells of normal rats.There was mild expression after one week of subcutaneous injection of CCl4.It was stronger at the 4th week and strongest at the 8 th week after injection of CCl4.ZF9 gene express was mild in normal rat liver and in model group at the first week after injection of CCl4.Its expression became stronger at the 4th and 8th week.Conclusion: Expression of ZF9 and CTGF became stronger in hepatic stellate cells of rats with the development of liver injury and play important roles in activation of hepatic stellate cells.