Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

The Dimethylnitrosamine Induced Liver Fibrosis Model in the Rat
Published on: June 17, 2016
Protective Effect of Angiotensin (1-7) on Silicotic Fibrosis in Rats
Bo Nan Zhang1, Hong Xu2, Xue Min Gao3
1School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis, Medical Research Center, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, Tangshan Key Laboratory for Clinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, Hebei, China.
Objective:
Silicosis, caused by inhalation of silica dust, is the most serious occupational disease in China and the aim of present study was to explore the protective effect of Ang (1-7) on silicotic fibrosis and myofibroblast differentiation induced by Ang II.
Methods:
HOPE-MED 8050 exposure control apparatus was used to establish the rat silicosis model. Pathological changes and collagen deposition of the lung tissue were examined by H.E. and VG staining, respectively. The localizations of ACE2 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the lung were detected by immunohistochemistry. Expression levels of collagen type I, α-SMA, ACE2, and Mas in the lung tissue and fibroblasts were examined by western blot. Levels of ACE2, Ang (1-7), and Ang II in serum were determined by ELISA. Co-localization of ACE2 and α-SMA in fibroblasts was detected by immunofluorescence.
Results:
Ang (1-7) induced pathological changes and enhanced collagen deposition in vivo. Ang (1-7) decreased the expressions of collagen type I and α-SMA and increased the expressions of ACE2 and Mas in the silicotic rat lung tissue and fibroblasts stimulated by Ang II. Ang (1-7) increased the levels of ACE2 and Ang (1-7) and decreased the level of Ang II in silicotic rat serum. A779 enhanced the protective effect of Ang (1-7) in fibroblasts stimulated by Ang II.
Conclusion:
Ang (1-7) exerted protective effect on silicotic fibrosis and myofibroblast differentiation induced by Ang II by regulating ACE2-Ang (1-7)-Mas axis.
Related Concept Videos
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
Zones of Protection
Protective zones are defined by closed dashed lines, containing one or more components. A key characteristic of these zones is the strategic placement of...
Protection of Alcohols
Protection
It defines a protecting group as the masking agent to make the more reactive species inert to a given set of conditions. This concept is depicted via the illustration of liquid flow through different outlets in an assembly of pipes. The analogy helps to understand the role...
Protecting Self-Esteem
Radial System Protection
In a radial system with a fault downstream of the third breaker, ideally, only the third breaker will open, isolating the fault and interrupting the load connected beyond it. The second breaker has a longer delay setting,...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers

