The gene expression of bFGF and its receptor FGFR-1 in the rat VSMCs

Objective: To investigate the gene expression of basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) and its specific receptor FGFR-1 in the rat VSMCs. Methods: The construction and identification of primary culture of the rat VSMCs. bFGF mRNA and its specific receptor FGFR-1 mRNA were detected by in situ hybridization. bFGF protein was evaluated by immunocytochemistry and Western blot. Results: Morphology of VSMCs was verified routinely by phase-contrast light microscopy.VSMCs were identified by immunocytochemical staining for α-actin. The result demonstrated that rat VSMCs could express bFGF and its relevant receptor FGFR-1 in a high level. The outcome shows that the expression of bFGF protein is positive in both cytosolic and nucleus of VSMCs and there are three bFGF isoforms(18KDa?22KDa?22.5KDa )by Western Blot. Conclusion: The rat VSMCs express mRNA of both bFGF and its receptor FGFR-1. The protein of bFGF is positive in VSMCs. Its isoforms are localized in cytoplasm and nucleus respectively.