Abstract:

Objective  To investigate the expression of DDR2 gene in the human cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells (HCVSMCs) exposed to peroxynitrite (ONOO-). Methods  HCVSMCs cultured in vitro were subjected to different concentrations of ONOO-. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. The rate of cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometer. The morphological changes were assessed by acridine orange staining to determine whether cell experienced apoptosis under the stress of ONOO-. The expression of DDR2 gene at both mRNA and protein levels was examined by the means of RT-PCR and Western-blot simultaneously. Results  Direct exposure of cells to ONOO- was able to block the cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner via the apoptotic pathway. Under such a stress, the expression of DDR2 gene was finally decreased at both mRNA and protein levels. Conclusion  DDR2 gene may play a pivotal role in ONOO-induced apoptosis in HCVSMCs.

Key words: DDR2 gene; Human cerebral vessel smooth muscle cell; Peroxynitrite; Apoptosis