Related Experiment Videos
In vitro effects of Habu snake venom on cultured mesangial cells
Atsushi Kubo1, Masayuki Iwano, Yoshiyuki Kobayashi
1Department of Public Health, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.
Background:
Habu snake venom (HSV)-induced glomerulonephritis is a unique model showing a progressive course of mesangial proliferation. To elucidate the in vitro effects of HSV, we examined whether HSV itself could have direct effects on the cultured mesangial cells, such as cell proliferation and activation of chemokine gene expression.
Methods:
The incorporation of 5-[(125)I]iodo-2'-deoxyuridine was measured with a gamma-counter, and gene expressions of growth factors, chemokines and cytokines were evaluated by a real time quantitative PCR.
Results:
We demonstrated that excessive or continuous HSV stimulation decreased a mesangial cell viability. However, adequate and temporary HSV stimulation induced proliferation of mesangial cells in vitro along with a significant elevation of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA levels. In addition to these in vitro results, we showed that MCP-1 mRNA levels increased in renal cortices of glomerulonephritis induced by HSV. Immunohistochemistry also showed a positive staining for MCP-1 in the marginal area of glomerulus with mesangiolysis.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that HSV itself may elicit direct biological effects on mesangial cells which may participate in pathophysiology of glomerulonephritis induced by HSV.
Insights
Habu snake venom (HSV) directly stimulates mesangial cell proliferation and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression, contributing to glomerulonephritis development. This research clarifies HSV
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Habu snake venom (HSV)-induced glomerulonephritis presents a unique progressive mesangial proliferation model.
- Investigating direct effects of HSV on mesangial cells is crucial for understanding disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if Habu snake venom (HSV) directly affects cultured mesangial cell proliferation.
- To assess HSV's role in activating chemokine gene expression in mesangial cells.
Main Methods:
- Quantified 5-[(125)I]iodo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation using a gamma-counter.
- Evaluated gene expressions of growth factors, chemokines, and cytokines via real-time quantitative PCR.
- Utilized immunohistochemistry to detect MCP-1 expression in renal tissues.
Main Results:
- Excessive or continuous HSV stimulation reduced mesangial cell viability.
- Adequate, temporary HSV stimulation induced mesangial cell proliferation and elevated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA.
- Elevated MCP-1 mRNA levels were observed in renal cortices of HSV-induced glomerulonephritis and in glomeruli with mesangiolysis.
Conclusions:
- Habu snake venom (HSV) exerts direct biological effects on mesangial cells.
- These direct effects likely contribute to the pathophysiology of HSV-induced glomerulonephritis.