Objective: To investigate the effect of somatostatin analogue-octreotide (OCT) on expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene of murine hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro.
Methods: HSCs separated from Sprague Dawley rats by in situ perfusion and Nycodenz gradient were divided into 5 groups. HSCs in 4 out of 5 groups were co-cultured with octreotide at different dosages, and the remaining group served as control. The expression of CTGF and TGF-beta mRNA were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results: OCT down-regulates the expression of CTGF and TGF-beta mRNA in HSCs. The effect is increased with a dose dependent manner.
Conclusions: OCT could exert the inhibitory effect on HSCs by down-regulating the expression of CTGF and TGF-beta. This provides a potential for the prevention and management of hepatic fibrosis.