Objective: To observe the expression of the apoptosis genes in calcified vessels.
Methods: Vascular calcification model was established in rats by using vitamin D3 and nicotine. Vascular calcium content, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, 45Ca uptake and the content of osteocalcin in vessels were measured. Apoptosis was measured by TUNEL method, DNA ladder, and immunochemistry for the expression of apoptotic genes. Morphological changes were examined under microscope. Proliferation was measured by immunochemistry for PCNA and 3H-TdR incorporation.
Results: Compared with those of control rats, the aortic calcium content, vascular ALP activity, 45Ca uptake and the content of osteocalcin in rats of calcified group were obviously increased, TUNEL stainings were positive. The apoptosis index increased by 36% and the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax and Bcl-2 increased markedly, but the expression of NF-kappa B was decreased. There was clear DNA ladder in calcified group, but not in the control group. The proliferation index was also increased in calcified group, and 3H-TdR incorporation was increased by 2.5 times.
Conclusion: The expression of apoptotic and proliferative genes were increased in calcified vessels.