Objective To compare the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in lung tissue of experimental silicosis rats, and to provide a new way for study on pathogenesis of silicosis.
Methods Twelve healthy male SD rats were divided into an experimental group and a control group which were administered with silica and saline respectively by non-exposed tracheal perfusion. A silicosis rat model was successfully established after 40 days of exposure and confirmed by pathological observation. Gene and protein expressions of CXCL10 and IFN-γ were detected and compared between the two groups by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively.
Results Compared with the control group, the gene expressions of CXCL10 and IFN-γ in the silicosis group showed no significant difference. However, the protein expressions of CXCL10 and IFN-γ of the silicosis group were remarkably higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion CXCL10 and IFN-γ expressions in silicosis tissue are higher than those in normal lung tissue, indicating that these 2 cytokines may play an important role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
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