Tissue-dependent expression of matrix proteins in human endothelin-1 transgenic mice

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent pro-fibrotic growth factor. However, little is known about its specific effects on the synthesis of matrix proteins in vivo. We used male 12-month-old ET-1 transgenic mice characterized by transgene expression in the kidney and (to a lesser extent) in the heart. Global cardiac and renal matrix protein synthesis was analysed after Sirius Red and periodate-Schiff staining. Specific expression of collagen types I, III and IV, laminin and fibronectin was examined using immunohistochemistry followed by computer-aided image analysis. Analysis of blood pressure revealed that mean arterial blood pressure was similar in ET-1 transgenic mice and controls. The total cardiac matrix protein content was increased in the myocardium of ET-1 transgenic mice. Analysis of specific cardiac matrix proteins showed increased cardiac expression of collagen type III (+211%; P<0.001) and laminin (+128%; P<0.01) in transgenic mice. The expression of collagen types I and IV and fibronectin was not altered. Global analysis of renal matrix proteins confirmed earlier studies showing pronounced interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Laminin expression was markedly increased in the glomerula (+152%; P<0.01) and even more so in the interstitium (+211%; P<0.001), whereas expression of collagen type III was reduced in glomerula (-48%; P<0.01) and interstitial tissue (-55%; P<0.01) of ET-1 transgenic mice. In conclusion, a primary overexpression of ET-1 does not cause uniformly enhanced synthesis of matrix proteins. In contrast, the effects of ET-1 on the matrix protein pattern is tissue-specific. The major renal and cardiac alterations in matrix proteins induced by ET-1 is a marked enhancement of laminin expression.