Abstract:

In order to investigate the dynamic alteration of intersitial collagenase(MMP₁)gene expression in the processes of experimental liver fibrosis, CCl₄ and albumin induced two animal models of liver fibrosis were established and MMP₁ gene expression level in the different stages of liver fibrosis was measured by quantitative analysis of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results showed that MMP₁ gene expression could be detected in normal rat liver. In the pathogenesis and development of liver fibrosis, MMP₁ gene expression level increased gradually. At stage of liver cirrhosis, MMP₁ gene expression is lower than that at stage of liver fibrosis. MMP₁ gene expression maintained at relative high level in reversal of liver cirrhosis. These results indicates that the alteration of MMP₁ gene expression was consistent with the change of MMP₁ activity in the processes of liver fibrosis.

Key words: experimental liver fibrosis, interstitial collagenase, gene expression, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)