Abstract
To explore the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the apoptosis in culture-activated rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using a specific anti-FAK antibody. Rat HSCs were prepared from Wistar rats by in situ perfusion of collagenase and pronase and single-step density Nycodenze gradient. Culture-activated HSCs were serum-starved and treated with the anti-FAK antibodies for 24, 48 or 72 h. The apoptosis of HSC was detected by DNA-fragment assay, flow cytometry and caspase-3 activity determination. The expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The experiment showed that anti-FAK antibodies induced apoptosis of culture-activated rat HSCs. This phenomenon displayed the classical features of apoptotic cell death (DNA fragmentation, cell cycle analysis) after treated with 30 mg.L(-1) FAK antibody for 72 h, and accompanied by a significant increase of caspase-3 activity(1208+/-76) vs (309+/-28) nmol.min(-1).g(-1), t=208.5, P<0.05. Meanwhile, treatment with the FAK antibody in HSCs could markedly decrease the TIMP-1 mRNA expression (0.07+/-0.01 vs 0.38+/-0.03, t=2.72, P<0.05). FAK plays an important role in the survival of HSCs and the specific anti-FAK antibody could induce the apoptosis in rat HSCs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
