Expression of VEGF and HIF-1α in asthma chronic model and dexamethasone intervention

Objective To evaluate the relationship between VEGF,HIF-1α level and asthmatic chronic rats and to invetigate the effect of VEGF and HIF-1α in airway remodeling of chronic asthmatic rats.Methods Twenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into three groups;the asthma chronic model group,the dexamethasone group and the control group.The asthmatic model was established by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin,and the rats in the dexamethasone group administrated dexamethasone by gastric gavage before the challenge.Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to measure the level of VEGF,HIF-1α protein and mRNA in the rats′ lung tissues.The thickness of the airway wall and its smooth muscle was estimated by a computerized digital image analyzer.Results(1)The thickness of the airway wall in the asthma chronic model group was higher than that in the other groups(P0.01).(2)The expression of VEGF,HIF-1α protein and mRNA in the lung tissues of the asthma chronic model group was higher than that in the other groups(P0.01).(3) VEGF,HIF-1α protein and mRNA expressions were positively correlated with airway wall thickness.Conclusion The expressions of VEGF,HIF-1α protein and mRNA are increased in the lung tissues of asthmatic chronic rats and positively correlated with the airway thickness.VEGF and HIF-1α may take part in the process of airway remodeling of asthma.