Increased HMGB1 expression after lung transplantation in rats

Objective To investigate the changes of HMGB1 expression in lung tissue and HMGB1 level in serum,after rat lung transplantation.Methods 42 rats were randomly divided into control group(n=6),post-transplantation 2 h group(n=12),post-transplantation 6 h group(n=12) and post-transplantation 12 h group(n=12).The experimental orthotopic lung(left) transplantation model in rats was established by cuff technique.The expression of HMGB1 mRNA was quantitatively detected by real-time RT-PCR,and HMGB1 protein levels by Western blot and immunofluorescence staining,in lung tissue.HMGB1、TNF-α、IL-1β and IL-6 in serum were analysed using ELISA.Results HMGB1 mRNA and HMGB1 protein expression in lung tissue significantly increased 2 h after lung transplantation(P0.01),and were more elevated following post-transplantation hours.The levels of HMGB1,TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6 in serum were markedly increased at each time point after lung transplantation(P0.01).Conclusion HMGB1 expression significantly change after lung transplantation in rats,and HMGB1 may participate in lung ischemia/ reperfusion injury after lung transplantation.