Effects of Matrine on Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats and the Expression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Lung Tissue

Objective To study the effects of Matrine on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats and its possible mechanism .Methods Twenty- two Sprague Dawley( SD)were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group(A group), model control group(B group), group treated with Matrine (Cgroup). Eight rats in each group were sacrificed 7,14,28 days after intrachel instillation .Collagen content of lung tissues was assessed by hydroxyproline concentration.Histological changes of lungs were evaluated by HE stain and Masson trichrome stain.The mRNA of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) WAS detected by in stiu hybridization ,and the level of HGF protein was further measured by ELAISA.Results in matrine group , alveolotis,the level of alveolotis, pulmonary fibrosid and hydroxyprotine concentration dereased signifancently 7 days after treatment with BLM and was signifancently lower as compared with the model group (P0.01).in model group ,the expression of m RNA of HGF and protein of HGF reached the summit,on day 7,then gradually decreased below the value of the control group on day 14 and 28 (P0.01).The tendency of HGF m RNA expression and its protein level in matrine group was same as the model group , but signifancently lower as compared with the model group and (P 0.05). Conclusion HGF gene and protein down-regulated in lung tissue of pulmonary fibrosis,which may play an important role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.Matrine can reduce the expression of pulmonary fibrosis inducede by the bleomycin.