ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:Objective To explore the role of HIF‐1αin the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) and its relationship with GRP78 .Methods The HPS model in rats was induced by multiple pathogenic factor .The samples were assessed by using Western blotting analysis for HIF‐lα, GRP78 and VEGF164 . The expressions of VEGFR‐2 and CD105 were observed by using immunohistochemical staining .Results The protein level of HIF‐1αwas significantly increased in HPS group at week 8 compared with that at week 4 and 6 groups and corresponding normal control groups .With the development of HPS ,protein level of GRP78 was gradually increased at each time point significantly and reached the highest level at week 8 ;protein level of VEGF164 showed a similar change with GRP78 ,but the peak was at week 6 .Immunohistochemical results showed that the protein expressions of VEGFR‐2 and CD105 were gradually increased in lung tissue as HPS progressed .The protein level of GRP78 was positively correlated with HIF‐1α,VEGF164 ,VEGFR‐2 and CD105 ,respectively (P<0 .05) .Conclusion HIF‐1αis most likely together with GRP78 to play a critical role in promoting pulmonary microvascular remodeling in the pathogenesis of HPS in rats .