Tissue Specific Expression of Lipid Metabolism Related Molecules in Digestive Organs of Miniature Pigs / 한국실험동물학회지

ABSTRACT

The miniature pig is a very suitable donor species in xenotransplantation of human organs. Lipid metabolism is an important process that involves the creation and degradation of lipids, which is associated with the function of the gastro-intestinal tract. However, the distribution of lipid metabolism related molecules in the gastro-intestinal tract in the miniature pig is unclear. The present study examined the expression of farnesoid X-receptor (FXR), liver X- receptor (LXR), retinoid X-receptor (RXR), liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA in the digestive organs of miniature pigs. FXR and LXR mRNA were not expressed in the stomach but were expressed at high and low density in the small and large intestines, respectively. RXR mRNA was expressed in stomach with moderate density, small intestine with high density and in the large intestine with low density. L-FABP and FAS mRNA were expressed in the stomach and large intestine with low density and in the small intestine with high density. L-FABP mRNA was expressed in the liver and kidney with high density, and in pancreas with low density. FAS mRNA was expressed in the liver with high density, and in pancreas and kidney with low density.