Expression and location of Smad2, 4 mRNAs during and after liver fibrogenesis of rats.

Aim: To investigate the location alteration of Smad2 and Smad4 mRNAs in the liver during and after fibrogenesis in rats.

Methods: Eighty male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200 g each were used. The rat models of experimental hepatic fibrosis were established by injection with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), normal rats and rats were injected with olive oil and served as control groups. In situ hybridization(ISH) was used to detect the Smad2 and Smad4 mRNA in liver.

Results: In situ hybridization showed Smad2 and Smad4 mRNA expressions in the cytoplasm of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), fibroblasts and myofibroblasts around the central vein and hepatic sinus during and after fibrogenesis. Expression of Smad2, 4 mRNA was higher than that in normal and control rats.

Conclusion: In the process of and after hepatic fibrosis formation, HSC, fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the major cells that express Smad2 and Smad4. The more serious the hepatic fibrosis is in the injured liver, the higher the level of Smad2 and Smad4 gene expression is during and after fibrogenesis respectively.