Variation analysis of early gene expression profiles of lung in rats with endotoxic shock

Objective To observe the difference of gene expression profiles of lung in rats before and after endotoxic shock （ES）. Methods A total of 20 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group and lipopolysaceharide （LPS） group （ 10 rats per group）. The LPS rat model was made by injecting LPS into tail vein. Six hours after ES, partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood （ PaO2 ）was measured. Gene expression profiles of the lung in each group were detected by rats oligo gene chip Affymetrix RAT 230A. The expression level of five genes was verified via semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The data were analyzed in combination with type of differential gene and character of ES. Results Compared with control group, PaO2 in LPS group was decreased more significantly （P 〈0.05）. Among 15 650 probes detected, 158 genes showed differential expression in ES group in comparison with control group. The expression level of 117 genes was up-regulated while that of 34 genes down-regulated significantly. According to their biological function, differentially expressed genes were classified as inflammation genes, material transporter genes, transcription regulator genes, signal transduction genes, stress response genes, metabolic genes, apoptosis genes and cell adhesion genes. The results of Semi-quantitative RT-PCR of five genes were consistent with those of the microarray examination. Conclusion The expression of many genes of the lung may change in ES rats, especially the inflammatory genes. Key words: Lung ;  Endotoxin ;  DNA chip ;  Gene expression