Effects of vascular cryopreservation time on the expression of bax and bcl-2 genes in rat valved conduit

Abstract

Objective To study the expression of bax and bcl-2 genes and activity of valved conduit in rats by cryopreservation for different lengths, and to probe whether genetic detection will become one of the indexes of valved conduit activity. Methods Eighty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 20cases of fresh blood vessels ( group A ), 20 cases of frozen vessels for 3 months ( group B ), 20 for 6months ( group C), and 20 for 9 months ( group D). The changes in cellular structure, gluoce metabolism and the expression of bax and bcl-2 proteins were observed. Results The glucose metabolism rate of the rate valved conduit in groups A, B, C and D was 4. 365 ± 0. 784, 4. 383 ± 0. 548, 4. 446 ± 0. 608, and 4. 090 ± 0. 657 respectively, with the difference being not significant ( P ＞ 0. 05 ). The positive expression rate of bax protein in groups A, B, C and D was 20%, 45%, 60% and 85% respectively (P＜0. 05).The positive expression rate of bcl-2 in groups A, B, C and D was 25%, 30%, 20% and 35% respectively ( P ＞ 0. 05 ). Conclusion The frozen rat valved vascular showed good activity. bax gene can be regarded as one of the indicators for detecting valved vessel activity. The expression or over-expression of bcl-2gene may be one of the reasons why the cells can tolerate the frozen preservation. Key words: Valved conduit; Vascular activity; bax; bcl-2