Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), a member of nuclear receptors, is expressed at a high level in adipose tissue and plays an important role in adipocyte differentiation. In the present study, we identified the expression of PPARγ in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC) using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and gel mobility shift assay. In addition, to investigate whether PPARγ in RASMC is functional or not, we examined the effect of two specific ligands for PPARγ, a thiazolidinedione anti-diabetic agent, troglitazone, and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2, on the transcriptional activity of PPAR responsive element (PPRE). A significant increase in the activity of PPRE by addition of these ligands was found. These results suggest that in RASMC, target genes for PPARγ may be activated by specific ligands for PPARγ through PPRE in their promoters. In conclusion, PPARγ is expressed and functional in vascular smooth muscle cells.
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