The β-defensin-2 mRNA expression in the lung tissue after hepatic ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Objective To investigate the changes of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) on the β-defensin-2(BD-2) mRNA expression in the lung tissue in rats.Methods Twelve male Wistar rats weighing 250～300 g were randomly allocated to one of 2 groups(n=6): group C hepatic I/R,group S sham operation.To establish a rat model of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion.All animals were sacrificed by exsanguinations at the end of 3h reperfusion.The blood,lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) fluid were collected for determination of pulmonary permeability index(PPI),BD-2 content(by Western-blot) and BD-2 mRNA expression(by RT-PCR).Results The levels of PPI was significantly elevated in groups C compared with the group S.The BD-2 mRNA expression were significantly higher in group C than that in group S.Conclusion BD-2 gene expression in the lung tissue is up-regulated after hepatic I/R in rats.