Objective: The effect of 2% hypoxia on the proliferation and alpha 1(I) procollagen gene expression by human fetal lung fibroblast was studied.
Methods: Cell proliferation was determined by cell counting and nonradioactive cell proliferation assay method. alpha 1(I) procollagen gene expression was detected by Northern blot hybridization analysis.
Results: Cell number and 490 nm OD expressing low oxygen values were markedly increased by the 24, 48 and 72 h exposure to 2% hypoxia respectively. An obvious increase of the alpha 1(I) procollagen mRNA expression was detected after 24 h exposure to 2% hypoxia. The increase of gene expression could be inhibited by Ligustrazin (30 micrograms/ml, 10 micrograms/ml).
Conclusions: 2% hypoxia plays an important role in the outcome of wound healing and pulmonary vascular remodeling by affecting the function of human fetal lung fibroblasts.