小鼠胰腺大部分切除后再生集中区来源的初步探索

目的:探讨胰腺在某些损伤或病理条件下,由于细胞活跃增殖产生再生集中区域的细胞来源。方法:将27只成年ICR系小鼠分为9组,每组3只,其中1组进行假手术,其余8组进行小鼠胰腺大部分切除,分别在切除后12h,24h、36h、48h、3d、5d、7d、10d取材及冰冻切片,采用H-E染色、免疫荧光染色方法检测损伤后各时间段胰腺组织的形态变化和细胞增殖率。结果:H-E染色发现,胰腺手术72h后,剩余胰腺中就出现由细胞角蛋白阳性导管样结构组成的再生集中区,此区域细胞随后分化为功能性细胞类型,10d后消失检测不到。对胰腺再生集中区的定位研究表明,它们仅出现于切除后的伤口边缘。BrdU标记表明,胰腺再生集中区为细胞快速增殖区域,其出现与总导管增殖率提高同时发生,主/大导管和小导管增殖率上升都晚于再生集中区的出现。结论:小鼠胰腺大部分切除后再生集中区可能来源于腺泡细胞的快速增殖,而不是经由总-主/大-小导管-快速增殖区这一途径引起的来源于导管上皮细胞。     

睡眠剥夺上调小鼠胰腺TNF-α的表达

目的探讨睡眠剥夺对小鼠胰腺形态、功能的影响以及肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factorα,TNF-α)表达变化的病理意义。方法 C57雄性小鼠随机分为正常对照组,睡眠剥夺24 h、48 h和60 h组,观察各组小鼠的精神活动状态及体重变化;检测血清淀粉酶(serum amylase,AMS)水平;采用HE染色和免疫组织化学法观察各组小鼠胰腺的组织学特征及TNF-α表达情况;Western Blot检测TNF-α的表达水平。结果随睡眠剥夺时间的延长,模型组小鼠体重较正常对照组明显下降。AMS水平在睡眠剥夺24 h显著升高,48 h达到峰值后维持至60 h。HE染色可见睡眠剥夺组小鼠出现胰岛细胞排列紊乱、胞质浓缩、细胞间隙扩大;外分泌部细胞酶原颗粒消失,细胞空泡化等病理改变;免疫组化及免疫印迹显示,睡眠剥夺组小鼠胰腺中TNF-α的表达随剥夺时间的延长而明显上调。结论睡眠剥夺后不仅导致小鼠全身衰竭,并通过活化TNF-α而诱导胰腺的炎症反应,导致其形态和功能损伤。     

新生小鼠小肠Cajal间质细胞增殖的实验研究

Cajal间质细胞（interstitial cells of Cajal,ICC）是胃肠道运动的起搏细胞,本研究拟探讨在新生小鼠小肠的发育过程中ICC是否出现增殖。采用新生2d（P2d）,14d（P14d）和24d（P24d）的小鼠小肠,采用BrdU腹腔注射,24h后取材,Kit和BrdU免疫荧光染色。Kit免疫荧光显示,Kit阳性的ICC在肌间神经丛周围呈网络状分布,     

调节性T细胞参与调控新生小鼠心肌再生

为探究调节性T（regulatory T,Treg）细胞在新生小鼠心肌损伤后再生中的作用,首先建立新生小鼠心肌再生模型。C57BL/6J（C57）新生1 d小鼠20只随机分成2组。实验组进行心尖切除（apex resection,AR）,假手术（Sham,SH）组只进行开胸。术后7 d取心脏组织,利用在细胞核表达的增殖标志物磷酸化组蛋白H3（phospho-histone H3,pH3）和Ki67分别与在心肌细胞胞质特异表达的α-辅肌动蛋白（alpha-actinin cytoskeletal isoform,α-actinin）,进行免疫共染检测心肌细胞增殖。结果显示,与SH组相比,AR组pH3+及Ki67+的心肌细胞明显增多。而且Masson三色染色结果显示,术后21 d被切除的心肌组织完全再生。为研究Treg细胞是否参与调控新生小鼠心肌损伤后的再生,Western印迹检测Treg细胞特异转录因子叉头/翼状螺旋转录因子3（forkhead box P3,Foxp3）蛋白表达水平。结果显示,术后7 d、14 d,AR组心和脾中Foxp3与SH组相比显著升高（P<0.05）。同时,免疫组化染Foxp3结果显示,术后7 d、14 d, AR组与SH组相比,心尖处有大量的Treg细胞富集。为更直观地检测AR后Treg细胞的数目变化,利用流式细胞仪检测术后7 d Treg细胞数目。结果显示,AR组心和脾中Treg细胞数目与SH组相比显著增多（P<0.01）。为研究Treg细胞对AR后心肌再生的影响,引入注射白喉毒素（diphtheria toxin,DT）的Foxp3DTR小鼠,可特异性敲除Treg细胞。实时定量PCR结果显示,AR+DT组与AR+PBS组相比,抑炎因子白介素IL（interleukin,IL）-10、IL-13与转化生长因子TGF（transforming growth factor,TGF）-β表达均降低（P<0.05,P<0.01,P<0.01）。而促炎因子IL-6、IL-1β和肿瘤坏死因子-α（tumor necrosis factor,TNF-α）表达均升高（P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.01）。免疫荧光染色检测结果显示,AR+DT组与AR+PBS组相比,术后7 d pH3+及Ki67+的心肌细胞明显减少;并且Masson三色染色结果显示,术后21 d AR+DT组被切除的心肌组织不能再生。综上所述,敲除Treg细胞会加剧AR后的炎症反应,抑制心肌细胞增殖,最终导致新生小鼠心肌再生能力丢失。     

利用假型反转录病毒对大部分胰腺切除后再生细胞的世系追踪

胰腺是一个重要的内外分泌混合腺, 胰腺发生损伤后能够再生。为了探讨胰腺活体细胞世系追踪的方法和胰腺损伤后再生细胞的来源,分别通过胰腺伤口涂抹并胰内注射、尾静脉注射及腹腔注射三种方法, 利用假型反转录病毒对成体小鼠大部分切除后胰腺的细胞进行世系追踪。结果发现在活体条件下, 与尾静脉注射及腹腔注射法相比, 胰腺伤口涂抹并胰腺内注射反转录病毒的方法能够更有效的标记胰腺细胞; 而且, 通过对标记细胞的世系追踪研究证明, 在胰腺损伤后, 胰腺腺泡细胞能够接受损伤信号刺激发生再生。为今后进一步利用反转录假病毒对活体胰腺进行细胞命运追踪研究奠定基础, 为利用反转录病毒载体进行胰腺疾病的基因治疗提供线索。     

利用假型反转录病毒对大部分胰腺切除后再生细胞的世系追踪

胰腺是一个重要的内外分泌混合腺, 胰腺发生损伤后能够再生。为了探讨胰腺活体细胞世系追踪的方法和胰腺损伤后再生细胞的来源,分别通过胰腺伤口涂抹并胰内注射、尾静脉注射及腹腔注射三种方法, 利用假型反转录病毒对成体小鼠大部分切除后胰腺的细胞进行世系追踪。结果发现在活体条件下, 与尾静脉注射及腹腔注射法相比, 胰腺伤口涂抹并胰腺内注射反转录病毒的方法能够更有效的标记胰腺细胞; 而且, 通过对标记细胞的世系追踪研究证明, 在胰腺损伤后, 胰腺腺泡细胞能够接受损伤信号刺激发生再生。为今后进一步利用反转录假病毒对活体胰腺进行细胞命运追踪研究奠定基础, 为利用反转录病毒载体进行胰腺疾病的基因治疗提供线索。     

用饲养层分离胚胎干细胞集落的实验初探

目的 用饲养层分离胚胎干细胞集落。方法 用胚龄为13~14 d的小鼠胚胎分离原代成纤维细胞,制成饲养层,用于囊胚的培养。结果 小鼠原代胚胎成纤维细胞（PMEF）贴壁能力较好,增殖快,易铺层。囊胚和内细胞团（ICM）在饲养层上贴壁生长良好,当培养4~5 d时,其增殖率为16/28（57%）。在ICM离散48 h后,各种胚胎干细胞（ES）集落开始出现。此种集落经碱性磷酸酶染色成阳性。结论 用饲养层分离胚胎干细胞获得初步成功。     

利用谱系追踪方法探究Lgr5在胰腺组织及其类器官中的表达

富含亮氨酸重复序列G蛋白偶联受体5 (leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5, Lgr5)在体内分布广泛,可以作为多种上皮组织(包括小肠、结肠、胃和毛囊)中干细胞的标记物。为了探究小鼠(Mus musculus)胰腺发育过程中导管上皮细胞及体外培养的胰腺导管类器官中Lgr5的表达情况,本研究利用Lgr5-Cre^ERT2+/–和Rosa26-mTmG杂交后的转基因小鼠,经Tamoxifen(他莫昔芬)诱导后,观察不同发育阶段胰腺组织切片的荧光表达情况,并通过三维培养建立成体小鼠胰腺导管类器官,观察诱导后类器官细胞中的荧光变化。结果显示：Tamoxifen诱导的正常成体转基因小鼠胰腺导管内未检测到表达Lgr5的细胞;通过对孕鼠及哺乳母鼠注射Tamoxifen,在胚胎发育15.5d和新生小鼠胰腺中也未发现Lgr5阳性细胞;但是将4-hydroxyTamoxifen (4-羟基–他莫昔芬)添加到培养基中,在Lgr5-Cre^ERT2+/–;Rosa26-mTmG转基因小鼠胰...     

通过G418处理离体纯化小鼠胰腺上皮细胞

目的：探索一种能有效去除成纤维细胞,筛选有较强增殖能力上皮细胞的方法。方法：本研究利用成纤维细胞对G418敏感的特性,在成体小鼠胰腺细胞分离后,采用悬浮细胞直接接种到含30μg/mL G418的培养基中,或细胞贴壁生长汇合至50-70%后用30至100μg/mL之间不同浓度G418处理24h、48h或72h两种方案进行上皮细胞的纯化。结果：在直接接种法培养处理中,存活的大部分细胞为成纤维细胞,上皮细胞的生长受到抑制,无法得到纯化的胰腺上皮集落;而在细胞贴壁生长汇合至50-70%后经G418处理,成纤维细胞随着处理浓度的增加死亡率也在逐渐上升,其中50μg/mL G418处理72小时对去除成纤维细胞效果最佳。结论：G418处理能够有效去除成纤维细胞,分离纯化出一群在离体条件下具有强增殖能力、形成大上皮细胞集落的细胞。该分离纯化方法为今后进一步研究成体胰腺干/祖细胞增殖与分化调控机制等问题奠定基础。     

以支持细胞为饲养层培养小鼠精原干细胞

为探索精原干细胞(Spermatogonialstemcells,SSCs)体外自增殖的条件以及SSCs体外快速扩增的方法,以6-8日龄昆明乳鼠为材料,分离小鼠睾丸细胞,采用Percoll梯度离心法富集SSCs;以经丝裂霉素C处理的Sertoli细胞作饲养层,以DMEM为基本培养基,加入5%胎牛血清和103u/ml的白血病抑制因子(Leukemiainhibitoryfactor,LIF),体外培养SSCs;运用免疫荧光技术,以SSCs特异性表面分子Thy1为标志,对原代培养20d和传代培养14d的细胞进行鉴定。该培养体系下,SSCs贴壁时间为6h-9h,48h后可见细胞分裂,迅速增殖出现在接种12d以后。接种后第20d形成数十至上百个细胞的细胞团,细胞总数比接种时增加了45-245倍,100倍显微镜下观察可见,单位视野内细胞团数为26±4个。传代后细胞增殖较快。原代培养20d和传代培养14d的细胞均为Thy1阳性;而传代20d后,细胞周缘不整,有伪足出现,呈现出死亡迹象。该培养条比较适合SSCs短期快速增殖。     

Impaired pancreatic duct-cell growth in focal areas of regeneration after partial pancreatectomy in the adult Goto-Kakizaki rat, a spontaneous model of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus

The Paris colony of adult Goto-Kakizaki (GK/Par) rat, a genetic model of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, is characterized by a restriction of the -cell mass and reduced -cell regeneration capacity. In order to have a better understanding of the impaired mechanism(s) leading to reduced -cell plasticity in the GK/Par rat, we have investigated duct-cell growth capacity following 90% pancreatectomy, a well-defined procedure leading in non-diabetic rats, to sequential duct proliferation and subsequent differentiation. To this aim, we have performed pancreatectomy in 8–10-week-old male normoglycaemic Wistar and diabetic GK rats. Duct-cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated at different time points: day 0 (D0), day 2 (D2), day 7 (D7) and day 14 (D14) after pancreatectomy. A transient wave of duct-cell proliferation was observed on D2 in both small and main ducts in the pancreatectomized Wistar rats. A similar increase occurred in the similarly treated GK rats, but to a higher extent as compared to the Wistar rats. Thereafter, duct-cell proliferation from main or small ducts returned to non-pancreatectomized values on D7 and remained at this level on D14 in both the Wistar and GK pancreatectomized groups. In the common pancreatic duct, the number of proliferative duct-cells was higher in GK rats compared to Wistar on D0. In both the operated Wistar and GK rats, duct-cell proliferation from the common pancreatic duct similarly decreased on D2. On D7 and D14, the same parameter returned to non-pancreatectomized values in the Wistar rats, while it was maintained lower in the GK rats as compared to the GK values on D0. In focal areas of regeneration, duct-cell proliferation was significantly lower in the pancreatectomized GK group compared to the age-related Wistar group on D7 (Wistar: 5.85 ± 0.98%, GK: 3.02 ± 0.69%; p < 0.01) and D14 (Wistar: 3.82 ± 0.29%, GK: 2.62 ± 0.27%; ns). Only a few apoptotic duct-cells were observed, with no difference between the Wistar and GK groups, and that whatever the time after pancreatectomy and the duct category. Together, these results suggest that in the adult hyperglycaemic GK/Par rat facing pancreatectomy, duct-cell proliferation and apoptosis from the common pancreatic duct, main ducts and small ducts were not impaired compared to the Wistar rat. However, reduced duct-cell proliferation capacity in focal areas of regeneration in the treated GK rats probably contributes to the lower -cell neogenesis potential previously observed in this model.     

Apoptosis and mitosis of parenchymal cells in the duct-ligated rat submandibular gland

Apoptosis and proliferation of parenchymal cells during atrophy of rat submandibular gland induced by double duct ligation were investigated using immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end labelling (TUNEL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At 2 and 3 days after ligation, increased PCNA positive cells and mitoses were seen in ducts; thereafter PCNA positive cells decreased in number. At 3 and 4 days, the acinar cell population rapidly decreased, with many remaining TUNEL positive acinar cells. During this period, TEM showed typical apoptotic acinar cells that were phagocytosed by adjacent acinar cells or intraepithelial macrophages. After 7 days, most acinar cells had disappeared, leaving prominent residual ducts; a few acinar cells remained, especially at the lobule periphery. Submandibular gland duct ligation thus induced marked depletion of acinar cell by apoptosis and a concurrent short-lived cycle of duct cell proliferation.     

DADS对人小细胞肺癌NCI-H446细胞系增殖抑制的研究

目的：研究二烯丙基二硫（diallyldisulfide,DADS）对人小细胞肺癌NCI．H446细胞增殖的抑制作用,并探讨其作用机制。方法：体外培养NCI-H446细胞,采用MTT、细胞计数实验方法检测DADS抑制NCI—H446细胞增殖;通过HE染色和AO—EB荧光染色方法,观察DADS处理后NCI—H446细胞的形态学改变。结果：MTT结果显示：DADS作用于NCI—H446细胞48h后,代谢MTT的能力明显降低,显示出较强的细胞毒性反应,IC50值介于20-40μg／ml之间。细胞计数结果表明：DADS作用于NCI—H446细胞后,随DADS浓度增加NCI—H446细胞倍增时间延长。HE染色显示：NCI—H446细胞经DADS处理24h后,与对照组相比,细胞体积变小,胞浆丰富,细胞核变小,染色变淡。AO-EB荧光染色显示：NCI-H446细胞经DADS处理24h后,与对照组相比,细胞皱缩、呈圆形,胞质黄色或橘红色,细胞核或细胞质内可见致密浓染的黄绿色或橘红色荧光,并可见橘红色碎片且随DADS浓度增加,随DADS浓度增加细胞密度逐渐减少。结论：DADS能抑制体外培养的NCI—H446细胞增殖,作用效果与药物浓度及作用时间相关。     

Influence of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor on Outcome after Striatal Cerebral Ischemia in the Mouse

We here suggest that pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) does not have an effect on lesion size, behavioral outcome, cell proliferation, or cell death after striatal ischemia in the mouse. PEDF is a neurotrophic factor with neuroprotective, antiangiogenic, and antipermeability effects. It influences self-renewal of neural stem cells and proliferation of microglia. We investigated whether intraventricular infusion of PEDF reduces infarct size and cell death, ameliorates behavioral outcome, and influences cell proliferation in the one-hour middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model of focal cerebral ischemia. C57Bl6/N mice were implanted with PEDF or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (control) osmotic pumps and subjected to 60-minute MCAO 48 hours after pump implantation. They received daily BrdU injections for 7 days after MCAO in order to investigate cell proliferation. Infarct volumes were determined 24 hours after reperfusion using magnetic resonance imaging. We removed the pumps on day 5 and performed behavioral testing between day 7 and 21. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the effect of PEDF on cell proliferation and cell death. Our model produced an ischemic injury confined solely to striatal damage. We detected no reduction in infarct sizes and cell death in PEDF- vs. CSF-infused MCAO mice. Behavioral outcome and cell proliferation did not differ between the groups. However, we cannot exclude that PEDF might work under different conditions in stroke. Further studies will elucidate the effect of PEDF treatment on cell proliferation and behavioral outcome in moderate to severe ischemic injury in the brain.     

Immunocytochemical identification of proliferating cell types in mouse mammary gland

To study cell proliferation in different cell types and segments of the mammary gland, we devised a dual staining procedure, combining nuclear labeling by 5-bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) uptake (revealed by a dark-brown precipitate) and an alternative (red or blue) cytoplasmic labeling by antibodies specific for the differentiation proteins of epithelial, myoepithelial, and secretory cell types. The following markers, revealed by APAAP or beta-galactosidase procedure, were selected: alpha-smooth muscle actin for the myoepithelial cells, keratin (detected by AE1 monoclonal) for the luminal epithelial cells, alpha-lactalbumin and beta-casein for the secretory cells. To follow the full process of organogenesis, the study was conducted in mouse mammary glands from virgin, primed, and lactating animals and from glands cultured in vitro under specific hormone stimulation. Cell proliferation was localized mainly in focal areas (end buds), and mostly corresponded to "null" undifferentiated cells. Estrogen and progestin stimulation induced a relative increase of proliferating differentiated cells of either epithelial or myoepithelial type, localized in ducts and alveolar structures. Prolactin stimulation induced proliferation in secretory cells.     

Impaired migration and delayed differentiation of pancreatic islet cells in mice lacking EGF-receptors

Pancreatic acini and islets are believed to differentiate from common ductal precursors through a process requiring various growth factors. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) is expressed throughout the developing pancreas. We have analyzed here the pancreatic phenotype of EGF-R deficient (-/-) mice, which generally die from epithelial immaturity within the first postnatal week. The pancreata appeared macroscopically normal. The most striking feature of the EGF-R (-/-) islets was that instead of forming circular clusters, the islet cells were mainly located in streak-like structures directly associated with pancreatic ducts. Based on BrdU-labelling, proliferation of the neonatal EGF-R (-/-) beta-cells was significantly reduced (2.6+/-0.4 versus 5.8+/-0.9%, P<0.01) and the difference persisted even at 7-11 days of age. Analysis of embryonic pancreata revealed impaired branching morphogenesis and delayed islet cell differentiation in the EGF-R (-/-) mice. Islet development was analyzed further in organ cultures of E12.5 pancreata. The proportion of insulin-positive cells was significantly lower in the EGF-R (-/-) explants (27+/-6 versus 48+/-8%, P<0.01), indicating delayed differentiation of the beta cells. Branching of the epithelium into ducts was also impaired. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activity was reduced 20% in EGF-R (-/-) late-gestation pancreata, as measured by gelatinase assays. Furthermore, the levels of secreted plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were markedly higher, while no apparent differences were seen in the levels of active uPA and tPa between EGF-R (-/-) and wild-type pancreata. Our findings suggest that the perturbation of EGF-R-mediated signalling can lead to a generalized proliferation defect of the pancreatic epithelia associated with a delay in beta cell development and disturbed migration of the developing islet cells as they differentiate from their precursors. Upregulated PAI-1 production and decreased gelatinolytic activity correlated to this migration defect. An intact EGF-R pathway appears to be a prerequisite for normal pancreatic development.     

Amyloid formation in response to beta cell stress occurs in vitro, but not in vivo, in islets of transgenic mice expressing human islet amyloid polypeptide.

BACKGROUND: Human, but not mouse, islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) is amyloidogenic. Transgenic mice overexpressing human IAPP in the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans should be useful in identifying factors important for the deposition of IAPP as insoluble amyloid fibrils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transgenic mice expressing human IAPP were examined using several experimental models for the production of persistent hyperglycemia, as well as for the overstimulation and/or inhibition of beta cell secretion. Obesity was induced by aurothioglucose. Persistent hyperglycemia was produced by long-term administration of glucocorticosteroids or by partial pancreatectomy. Inhibition of normal beta cell exocytosis by diazoxide administration, with or without concurrent dexamethasone injections, was carried out to increase crinophagy of secretory granules. The human IAPP gene was also introduced into the ab and ob mouse models for diabetes. Finally, isolated islets cultivated in vitro at high glucose concentration were also examined. RESULTS: No amyloid deposits were found in the pancreata of any of the animals, either by light microscopy after Congo red staining or by electron microscopy after immunogold labeling with antibodies specific for human IAPP. Aurothioglucose treatment resulted in increased numbers of granules in the beta cell and the appearance of large lysosomal bodies without amyloid. However, islets from db and ob mice expressing human IAPP cultivated in vitro in the presence of glucocorticosteroid and/or growth hormone, were found to contain extracellular amyloid deposits reacting with antibodies to human IAPP. CONCLUSIONS: Oversecretion of human IAPP or increased crinophagy are not sufficient for amyloid formation. This indicates that other factors must influence amyloid deposition; one such factor may be the local clearance of IAPP.     

Decreased alpha2-adrenergic receptor in the brain stem and pancreatic islets during pancreatic regeneration in weanling rats

Sympathetic stimulation inhibits insulin secretion. alpha(2)-Adrenergic receptor is known to have a regulatory role in the sympathetic function. We investigated the changes in the alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors in the brain stem and pancreatic islets using [(3)H]Yohimbine during pancreatic regeneration in weanling rats. Brain stem and pancreatic islets of experimental rats showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in norepinephrine (NE) content at 72 h after partial pancreatectomy. The epinephrine (EPI) content showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in pancreatic islets while it was not detected in brain stem at 72 h after partial pancreatectomy. Scatchard analysis of [(3)H]Yohimbine showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in B(max) and K(d) at 72 h after partial pancreatectomy in the brain stem. In the pancreatic islets, Scatchard analysis of [(3)H]Yohimbine showed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in B(max) and K(d) (p<0.05) at 72 h after partial pancreatectomy. The binding parameters reversed to near sham by 7 days after pancreatectomy both in brain stem and pancreatic islets. This shows that pancreatic insulin secretion is influenced by central nervous system inputs from the brain stem. In vitro studies with yohimbine showed that the alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors are inhibitory to islet DNA synthesis and insulin secretion. Thus our results suggest that decreased alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors during pancreatic regeneration functionally regulate insulin secretion and pancreatic beta-cell proliferation in weanling rats.     

Enhanced matrix degradation after withdrawal of TGF-beta1 triggers hepatocytes from apoptosis to proliferation and regeneration

TGF-beta1 is a profibrogenic cytokine participating in deposition of extracellular matrix in fibrotic disorders. In liver, its anti-proliferative/apoptotic effect on hepatocytes promotes fibrosis. The tetracycline-controlled double-transgenic TA(LAP-2)/p(tet)TGF-beta1 mouse provides a model for reversible liver fibrosis. In livers of TGF-beta1-expressing mice, hepatocytes showed synchronous apoptosis detected by DNA laddering and active caspase-3 staining that disappeared when expression of transgenic TGF-beta1 was switched off. In these 'off' mice, perisinusoidal liver fibrosis resolved within 21 days accompanied by elevated proliferation of hepatocytes. Here, we have specified the intermediary stages (2-3 days off and 6 days off) in terms of (i) proliferation (by immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and expression of cyclin D1 mRNA) and (ii) extracellular matrix remodelling processes (by measuring mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 and -13 (mmp-2 and mmp-13) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1 (timp-1) and quantitative morphometric analysis. In summary, we show a rapidly declining timp-1 mRNA level together with lastingly high mmp-2 and mmp-13 mRNA levels after 2-3 days, suggesting that high matrix-degrading potential represents a prerequisite for the markedly enhanced proliferation of hepatocytes in the early stages after switching off transgenic TGF-beta1.