DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/GN0Q-1J14
Defense Date
2006
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Anatomy & Neurobiology
First Advisor
Dr. David G. Simpson
Abstract
Administration of small interfering RNA (siRNA) specific for prolyl-4 hydroxylase-2 (PHD2) results in PHD2 inhibition, Hypoxia Inducible Factor-I (HIF-1) activation, and cardioprotection versus Ischemia Reperfusion (IR). This study observes the effects of siRNA-mediated PHD2 inhibition on the distribution of cardioprotective proteins by immunofluorescence and basic histology. Fifteen mice were divided into 5 groups: PHD2 Control, Non-Targeting scramble (NTS) Control, IR Control, PHD2 IR, and NTS IR. Histologically, tissue damage was reduced dramatically in the PHD2 IR group compared to the NTS IR and IR control groups. From confocal images, total fluorescent pixels and intensities were quantified. The PHD2 IR group yielded the highest pixel quantity and intensity for HIF-1 and possessed increased pixels and intensity for Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, another cardioprotective protein. These results further demonstrate the cardioprotection and HIF-1 activation conferred by PHD2 siRNA administration and supports its role as a potential therapy to alleviate cardiac IR injury.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
June 2008