Published online Aug 28, 2005. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i32.5022
Revised: January 23, 2005
Accepted: January 26, 2005
Published online: August 28, 2005
AIM: To observe the expressions of early growth response factor-1 (Egr-1) and tissue factor (TF) in rats with cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis and to explore its significance.
METHODS: A large dose of cerulein was used to create the experimental acute pancreatitis model in rats. The changes of Egr-1 mRNA and protein in rats were observed during 30 min to 4 h after the treatment and immunohistochemical method was used to observe the localized expression of Egr-1 in tissues. In addition to the mRNA expression of Egr-1 target gene, TF was also observed. A blank control group, and a bombesin-administered group were used for comparison.
RESULTS: After the stimulation of a large dose of cerulein, the rats showed typical inflammatory changes of acute pancreatitis. Thirty minutes after the stimulation, the mRNA expression of Egr-1 in the pancreatic tissue reached its peak and then declined, while the expression of Egr-1 protein reached its peak 2 h after the stimulation. Histologically, 2 h after the stimulation, almost all pancreatic acinar cells had the expression of Egr-1 protein, which was focused in the nuclei. The mRNA expression of TF occurred 1 h after the stimulation and gradually increased within 4 h. However, a large dose of bombesin only stimulated the pancreatic tissue to produce a little mRNA expression of Egr-1 and no mRNA expression of Egr-1 protein and TF.
CONCLUSION: Egr-1 as a pro-inflammatory transcription factor may play an important role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis by modulating the expression of TF.