Na+/H+ exchanger blockade inhibits the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in SGC7901 cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) overexpression is critically involved in tumor formation. Na+/H+ exchanger isoform (NHE) is elevated in cancer cells. We explored the effect of NHE inhibition on VEGF expression in human gastric cancer SGC7901 cells. VEGF mRNA expression was detected by real-time RT-PCR. VEGF protein expression was measured by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. For determination of viable cells the MTT colorimetric assay was used. Treatment of SGC7901 cells with NHE inhibitors resulted in significant decrease of VEGF mRNA and protein expression. NHE inhibition decreased intracellular pH (pHi) values and VEGF mRNA expression. These data demonstrate that NHE blockade inhibits VEGF expression in SGC7901 cells.