Objective To investigate the expression and localization of activating transcription factor 3 ( ATF3) and ATF4 in lung of rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD) , and explore their possible roles in the pathogenesis of COPD. Methods Twenty-two SD rats were randomly divided into a COPD group and a control group. The COPD model was established by cigarette smoking and intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. The lung function was measured and the pathological changes were observed under light microscope. In situ hybridization, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction ( RTPCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blot techniques were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of ATF3 and ATF4 in rat lung. Results The lung function of the COPD group was significantly
decreased. The rats in the COPD group shared specific pathological features of COPD. Immunohistochemical and Western blot results showed that the protein expressions of ATF3 and ATF4 were higher in the COPD group than those in the control group ( P lt;0. 05) . In situ hybridization and RT-PCR results showed that the
mRNA expressions of ATF3 and ATF4 in the COPD group were also significantly higher than those in the control group ( P lt;0. 05) . Conclusions The expressions of ATF3 and ATF4 are significantly up-regulated in COPD. These findings suggest that ATF3 and ATF4 may play important roles in the oxidative and antioxidative imbalance in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Citation： LIU Xiaoyan,DAI Aiguo,LI Jie. Expressions and Roles of Activating Transcription Factor 3 and 4 in Rats with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Chinese Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 2011, 10(2): 121-125. doi: Copy