Down-regulation of glutamyl cysteine cystathionine-lyase/hydrogen sulfide system in rat cardiovascular calcification / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To observe the changes of cystathionine-lyase/hydrogen sulfide(CSE/H_2S) in vivo in vascular calcification and to explore the role of CSE/H_2S in vascular calcification.METHODS: Vascular calcification model in rats was induced by administration of vitamin D_3 plus nicotine.The extent of calcification was estimated by assaying calcium content.[~(45)Ca~(2+)] deposition and alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity were detected.CSE mRNA amount was determined by using competitive quantitative RT-PCR.The content of H_2S and activity of CSE in the plasma and cardiovascular tissues were also determined with biochemical methods.RESULTS: Calcium content in myocardium increased by 3.8 folds in a calcification model.Compared to control,calcium content,[~(45)Ca~(2+)] accumulation and ALP activity in calcified arteries increased by 6.8,1.4,and 1.9 folds,respectively(P