Expression of DR1 and DR2 mRNA and protein in rat pathological cardiac hypertrophy

AIM:To observe the expression profile of DR1, DR2 mRNA and protein in rat heart during pathological cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS:Hypertrophy model was established using renal artery coarctation (AC). Hypertrophy coefficient, left ventricular pressure and collagen were determined 35 days after the operation. RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and integrating image analysis system were applied to examine DR1, DR2 mRNA and protein expressions and location in rat heart. RESULTS:mRNA and protein of DR1 and DR2 were detected in normal rat heart. DR2 mRNA in vascular smooth muscle cells was higher than that in ventricular muscle and the atrium muscle cells. Compared with the normal group, DR1, DR2 mRNA and protein were remarkably decreased in AC group than those in control group. CONCLUSION:Dopamine receptor D1, D2 mRNA and protein expresse in the normal rat heart and their expression decreases in cardiac hypertrophy.