The effect of somatostatin analogue on expression of connective tissue growth factor gene of rat hepatic stellate cells

Abstract

To investigate the effect of somatostatin analogue-octreotide (OCT) on expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene of murine hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. HSCs separated from Sprague Dawley rats by in situ perfusion and Nycodenz gradient were divided into 5 groups. HSCs in 4 out of 5 groups were co-cultured with octreotide at different dosages, and the remaining group served as control. The expression of CTGF and TGF-beta mRNA were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). OCT down-regulates the expression of CTGF and TGF-beta mRNA in HSCs. The effect is increased with a dose dependent manner. OCT could exert the inhibitory effect on HSCs by down-regulating the expression of CTGF and TGF-beta. This provides a potential for the prevention and management of hepatic fibrosis.