Effect of Qufeng Tongluo Recipe on the Expressions of Connexin 36 Protein and Gene in Rat Mesangial Cells

【Abstract】 Objective To determine the effect of Qufeng Tongluo Recipe (QFTLR) on the expressions of connexin 36 (Cx36) protein and gene in rat mesangial cells (MCs) and the proliferation of the MCs. Methods Serum samples containing Benazepril (Bena) and QFTLR were prepared in line with serum pharmacology methodology. The MCs culturedin vitro were divided into normal control and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Bena and QFTLR treated groups. The expressions of Cx36 protein and gene were detected by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM), Western blot, immunohistochemical assay and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) respectively. Results Compared with the control, higher level of Cx36 protein expression was found in the MCs than treated with LPS (P<0.01). Both Bena and QFTLR lowered the level of Cx36 protein expression in the MCs treated with LPS significantly (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Similar results were found with the expression of Cx36mRNA. Conclusion QFTLR inhibits the proliferation of rat MCs, possibly through down-regulating the expressions of Cx36 protein and gene.