Connec tive tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been implicated in the process of renal fibro sis by stimulating
renal cell proliferat ion and accumulation of extracellular ma trix.The effect might be influenced by a ngiotensin Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)or thus by angiotensi n Ⅱ receptor antagonist.In this study,we observe the effect of Ang Ⅱ and Losarta n (an Ang Ⅱ receptor antagonist) on the e x pression of CTGF and CTGF mRNA in cultur ed mesangial cells(MCs). MET HODOLOGY Mesangial cells of SD rats were isolated and cultured.Ang Ⅱ of different concentration(10 -9,10 -7,10 -5 mol/L) were added to the med i um for 72 hours to observe the influence of CTGF mRNA
expression.
Losartan of 10 -5mol/L and Ang Ⅱ of 10 -7 mol/L wer e added to the medium to observe the eff ects of Losartan on Ang Ⅱ stimulated CTG F mRNA expression. RESULTS Ang Ⅱ w as found to the expression of MCs CTGF m RNA in a dose-dependent manner.Expressio n of CTGF mRNA induced by Ang Ⅱ was part ially suppressed by Losartan at the conc cntration of 10 -7 mol/L. CONCLUSION Ang Ⅱ can enhanc e MCs expression of CTGF mRNA and thus is involved in the process of renal fibr osis.Losantan can partially suppress Ang Ⅱs effect of stimulating CTGF mRNA exp ression in cultured MCs,and thus implica tion in the treatment of renal fibrosis.