ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the expression and function of integrin-iinked kinase (ILK) in the transdifferentiation process of primary tubular epithelial cell( TEC) and its effect on the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the aging process. Methods Primary TEC was cultured from kidneys of male Wistar rats aged 3 and 24 months. Then the primary TEC was stimulated by TGF-? at the concentrations of 0, 5, 10 and 20-40/?g/L for 24 h. The TEC expressions of ?-SMA,ILK and F-actin were detected by immunocytochemistry or indirect immunofluorescence. FN or ILK protein expression levels were tested by Western-blot. DIG-labelled cRNA probe of rat ILK in situ hybridization was obtained by transcription in vitro, with which ILK expression level and the location of TEC were detected. Results ?-SMA expression levels were very low in young or aging rat TEC on the base situation, no significant difference was found between the two groups. However, ILK and F-actin levels in 24 months group were higher than in 3 months group. Along with increasing concentration of TGF-?, ?-SMA, ILK and F-actin levels were increased. The expression of ILK was associated with F-actin expression. FN and ILK expression levels were significantly lower in 3 monthsrats TEC than in 24 monthsrats, P