Objective: To observe the expression of Wnt5a/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in the lung of asthmatic rats.
Methods: The experimental rats were randomly divided into two groups, the model group and the control group. After the rat models of asthma were established, airway pathological changes were observed by HE staining; the expression of Wnt5a mRNA in the lung tissues and peripheral blood cells was examined by real-time quantitative PCR; and the levels of phospho-c-Jun (p-c-Jun) and phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) proteins in the lung tissues were measured by Western blotting.
Results: Compared with the control group, asthmatic rats presented with thickened bronchial mucosa with more obvious chrysanthemum fold, narrower airway, and more inflammatory cells infiltrated around trachea and pulmonary vessels. The inner airway wall and smooth muscle layer were much thicker in rats of asthma group than those of control group. The levels of Wnt5a mRNA, p-c-Jun and p-JNK proteins in the lung and blood of asthmatic rats increased as compared with the control group.
Conclusion: The expressions of Wnt5a mRNA, p-JNK and p-c-Jun proteins were elevated in asthmatic rats.