Homologous rat hepatic protease inhibitor genes show divergent functional responses to inflammation

S. J. Schwarzenberg, J. B. Yoon, H. L. Sharp, S. Seelig

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The genes encoding three distinct serine protease inhibitors (Spi) have been cloned from rat liver. These inhibitors are highly homologous with each other and are similar to α1-antitrypsin at the nucleic and amino acid sequence level. Although previous investigators have examined the regulation of the Spi 2 locus by inflammation, the use of various techniques and the complexity of this genetic locus have led to incomplete and somewhat confusing results. Oligonucleotide probes specific for Spi 2.1, Spi 2.2, Spi 2.3, and a 3' mouse cDNA probe for α1-antitrypsin mRNA were used to measure these mRNA after induction of inflammation with subcutaneous turpentine in Fischer rats. α1-Antitrypsin mRNA increased 1.8-fold, and Spi 2.2 increased 7-fold. In contrast, Spi 2.1 and 2.3 mRNA sequences decreased fourfold. The maximal changes occurred between 24 and 48 h after inflammation, with a gradual return toward normal over the next 4 days. Since Spi 2.1, Spi 2.3, and α1-antitrypsin mRNA sequences are responsive to growth hormone, two other growth hormone-reponsive mRNA sequences, α(2u)-globin and insulin-like growth factor I, were measured, and they also decreased after induction of inflammation. The results of this study show that, despite a marked similarity of nucleotide sequence, Spi 2.1 and 2.3 genes respond very differently from Spi 2.2 and α1-antitrypsin to both growth hormone and inflammation. We speculate that the functions of Spi 2.1 and 2.3 products are different from those of Spi 2.2 and α1-antitrypsin and may involve the regulation of growth.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)25/2
JournalAmerican Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology
Volume256
Issue number2
StatePublished - 1989

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Homologous rat hepatic protease inhibitor genes show divergent functional responses to inflammation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this