Expression of transforming growth factor-β1 and its type I receptor in autogenous vein grafts in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of TGF β1 and type Ⅰ receptor and their relations with intimal hyperplasia in autogenous vein grafts in rats. Methods Autogenous vein graft model was established in 48 Wistar rats. The vein grafts were harvested on day 3, 7, 14, and 28.Histomorphological methods were used to measure the thickness of intima and wall at different time points. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression of TGF β1 and TGF βRⅠ . RT PCR was used to detect their mRNA level. ResultsThe intimal thickness increased on day 7 compared with controls( P 0 05), and reached a peak on day 14.Protein level of TGF β1 increased on day 3, peaked on day 7. TGF βRⅠ protein increased significantly on day 7, and peaked on day 14.Their mRNA level had similar tendencies with the results of Western blot. Conclusions Overexpression of TGF β1 and TGF βRⅠhas a close relation with intimal hyperplasia of vein grafts. TGF β1 may be a promising target for prevention and therapy of vascular stenosis in the future.