Effect of dexamethasone on glucocorticoide receptor in human fetal lung fibroblast

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of dexamethasone on glueocorticoide receptor(GR) in human fetal lung fibroblast. Methods After activation of lipopolysaccharide (LP$), human fetal lung fibroblast was treated with dexamethasone. Histological examination was performed with HE staining. The level of hydroxyproline in supernanant was measured by digestion method. GR expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting. Results Hydroxyproline content in supernatant decreased significantly in dexamethasone group in comparison with acute lung injury(ALI) group [(10.83±0.74) μg/ml vs (12.71±1.97) μg/ml] (P<0.01). GR level was significantly increased in dexamethasone group in comparison with ALI group. Conclusions Dexamethasone may be useful in inhibiting LPS-induced fibrosis in human fetal lung fibroblast. Dexamethasone may reduce fibrosis by increasing GR level in human fetal lung fibroblast. Key words: Human fetal lung fibroblast; Fibrosis; Lipopolysceharide; Dexamethasone; Glucocorticoid receptor