Effect of bcl-2 Protein and Bax Protein Expression on Mytocyte Apoptosis During Chronic Pressure Overload in Left Ventricle of Rabbit

Objective To study the effect of bcl 2 protein and bax protein expression on mytocyte apoptosis during chronic pressure overload in left ventricle of rabbit. Methods We investigated the dynamic changes of myocyte apoptosis and the expression of bcl-2 protein and bax protein in left ventricle of chronic pressure overload induced rabbit, using in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling(TUNEL) and strept avidin biotin enzyme complex(SABC) immunohitochemistry. Results There were a few apoptosis and expression of bcl 2 protein in myocytes in control Normal myocyte of left ventricle did not express bax protein. The number of apoptosis and expression bcl-2 protein of myocyte in left ventricle were increased after operation,which were most remarkable in the group of congestive heart failure. Apoptosis in myocytes was more significant in 3 days after operation than that after 7 days. The expresion of bax protein was found only 1 day after operation and in the myocytes of congestive heart failure group. Conclusion During chronic pressure overload, bcl 2 protein may be participate in all the apoptotic process, and bax protein may be involved in the trigger mechanism of myocyte apoptosis.