Thromboxane A2 receptor contributes to the activation of rat pancreatic stellate cells induced by 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α

Background. Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) activation plays a critical role in the development of chronic pancreatitis. Previous studies confirmed that thromboxane A2 receptor (TxA2r) was overexpressed in activated PSCs in rats. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TxA2r in the activation of PSCs induced by 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α (8-epi-PGF2α). Methods. TxA2r expression in both quiescent and activated PSCs was detected by immunocytochemistry and immunoblot assay. Isolated PSCs were treated with 8-epi-PGF2α (10−6, 10−7, 10−8 mol/L) for 48 h, and SQ29548 (10−4, 10−6, and 10−7 mol/L), a TxA2r-specific antagonist for 48 h, respectively, to identify the drug concentration with the best biological effect and the least cytotoxicity. Then isolated PSCs were treated with SQ29548 (10−4 mol/L) for 2 h, followed by 10−7 mol/L 8-epi-PGF2α for 48 h. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I. Comparisons between the groups were performed using Student's t test. Results. TxA2r was up-regulated in activated PSCs in vitro compared with quiescent PSCs (all P