Effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade on experimental hepatic fibrogenesis

Abstract

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate whether in the liver, as in other tissues, there is evidence that angiotensin II, acting via the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1-R), plays a role in fibrogenesis. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups; sham, bile duct ligated (BDL) and BDL + AT1-R antagonist, irbesartan. Real time RT-PCR was utilised to assess gene expression of the AT1 receptor, TGF-β1 and α1 (I) collagen in the liver. TGF-β1 and α1 (I) collagen mRNA expression and localisation were also assessed by in situ hybridisation. TGF-β1 activity was assessed by using the TGF-β inducible gene product βig-h3. Fibrosis was assessed by the Knodell scori..