RT-PCR method for detecting the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 gene in lung tissues of silica-treated mice / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) in lung tissues of silica-treated mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The experimental mice were divided into control and silica group. 0.2 g/kg body weight of silica was injected intratracheally in silica group. Samples of lung tissue were collected 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 d after injection. RT-PCR method was used to analyze the gene expression of TGF-beta(1) in lung tissue of silica-treated mice.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of TGF-beta(1) gene in lung tissue elevated from the 3rd day (1.20 +/- 0.15) and the peak value was on the 7th day (1.74 +/- 0.19). Then the expression decreased from the 14th to 28th day. But there was still higher than control until the 28th day.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>TGF-beta(1) may play an important role in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.</p>