Abstract: To investigate the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in the process of diabetes myocardial fibrosis in rats. MethodTwentyseven male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: the DM group (n=15), which were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65mg/kg body wt) and the control group (n=12). All rats were fed normally for 5 months and eleven DM rats survived (n=11). The radiate escape pestilence method was used to determine the level of plasma angiotensin II (Ang II). HE staining and Masson staining were used to test collagen. Also, immunohistochemistry was used to determine the protein expressions of PPARγ and Ang II. ResultsThe plasma AngⅡ level was higher in the DM group. Cardiac collagen deposition was obviously enhanced in the DM groups compared with the control groups. Expression of PPARγ in the DM group was higher than that in the control group, especially in the capillary endothelium and the myocardial cells. The expression of AngⅡ in the cytoplasm of myocardial cells in the DM group was higher than that in the control group. Conclusion The DM animal model was successfully established. Expression of PPARγ in myocardial cells and capillary endothelium significantly increases in diabetes rats. PPARγ may play an important role in the process of diabetes myocardial fibrosis.

Key words: Diabetes, Myocardial fibrosis, Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, Angiotensin II, Rat, Wistar