Correlation of c-fos protein expression with neuropeptide content in the lung of bronchial asthmatic rat

摘要

Objective: To investigate and analyze the correlation between the c-fos protein expression and neuropeptide content in the lung of bronchial asthmatic rats. Methods: Thirty-two (32) SD rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups of the normal control, the non-acute asthma, the acute asthma and the dexamethasone intervention. Immunohistochemistry was performed for histological observation, and substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: SP concentration in the alveolar lavage of asthmatic rat was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (P < 0.0001), whereas VIP concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.0001). The optical density of c-fos protein in the lung tissues of groups of the non-acute asthma, the acute asthma and the dexamethasone intervention was positively correlated with SP concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (r = 0.908, r = 0.967, r = 0.865), and negatively correlated with the VIP concentration in the alveolar lavage (r = -0.974, r = -0.949, r = -0.962). Conclusion: The c-fos protein expression and neuropeptide content in the lungs of asthmatic rats are related with asthma attacks.