Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor in Rat Model of Emphysema

Purpose To detect the expression and significance of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2(VEGFR?2) in rat model of emphysema. Methods The rat model of emphysema was established by intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharides and cigarette smoke exposure.The localization of VEGF in lungs was detected by immunohistochemistry,the concentration of VEGF in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was measured by ELISA and the expression of VEGFR?2 protein was measured by Western blot. Results VEGF was localized in the alveolar epithelial cells, bronchial mucosal epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells.The level of VEGF in BALF of model group was significantly decreased(1 102±460.1)pg/mL than that of control group(2 017±840.6)pg/mL(P0.05).Compared with the control group,the expression of VEGFR?2 protein in model group was significantly reduced(P0.05). Conclusions The reduction of VEGF and VEGFR?2 may be related to the pathogenesis of emphysema.