Expression of connective tissue growth factor in fibrotic pancreas

Objective To observe the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in pancreas, and discuss its significance. Methods The pancreatic fibrosis model was induced by high fat diets. The rats were sacrificed 16 weeks later, and the pancreatic tissue was harvested for routine pathologic examinations. Pancreatic collagen fibrosis I was determined by HE and Sirius red staining;α-SMA and CTGF expression were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results After pancreatic fibrosis, pancreatic lobules and acinar atrophy was observed, lobules gap was widened, interstitial fibrous tissue was significantly proliferated, the synthesis of pancreatic collagen fibrosis I was significantly increased when compared with normal pancreas ( 1500.2 + 255.8 vs. 57.4 ± 23.2, P ＜ 0. 01 ), the expression of α-SMA was significantly increased when compared with normal pancreas( 1500.2 + 255.8 vs. 57.4 + 23.2, P ＜ 0. 01 ), and the expression of CTGF was significantly increased when compared with normal pancreas (2950.5 ± 431.9 vs. 382.2 + 190.8, P ＜0.01 ), and there were abundant activated PSCs. Conclusions CTGF participated in the regulation of pancreatic fibrosis development; the function of CTGF was closely related to PSCs activation. Key words: Pancreatic;  Fibrosis;  Connective tissue growth factor;  Astrocytes