Expression of p53 and mRNA in rats with osteoarthritis

Objective: To detect the expression of p53 protein and mRNA in articular cartilage of rats with experimental osteoarthritis(OA) in different periods and to determine their functions in osteoarthritis.Methods:The animal models of rat with knee joint experimental osteoarthritis were established with Hulth method.The expression of p53 protein was detected by using immunohistochemical method.The expression of p53 mRNA was detected by using RT-PCR techniques.(Results):The cartilages of osteoarthritis models were slightly white-yellow and rough.HE staining showed that the chondrocytes were sparse and some assembled into clusters.Immunohistochemical results showed the expression of p53 protein increased in osteoarthritis models.The RT-PCR showed the expression of p53 mRNA increased.Moreover,the increase was directly correlated with time.Conclusion:The increase of p53 protein and mRNA expression in articular cartilage of osteoarthritis is closely correlated with the disease process,which may be the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.