Development of smooth muscle hypertrophy is closely associated with increased gene expression of insulin-like growth...

The aim of the present investigation was to study the role of the IGF system in the development of smooth muscle hypertrophy. Hypertrophy was initiated by partial ligation of the urethra in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The solution hybridization assay was used to analyse the mRNA levels. Ligation of the urethra induced a sustained increase in bladder wet weight during the following 6-week period studied. IGF-I mRNA increased from 1 to 3 amol/micrograms DNA 1-day after ligation, peaked at 3-days (4-fold), and normalized 6-weeks after ligation. In hypertrophying bladder, IGFBP-2 and -4 mRNA increased sharply during the first 10 days (5-fold) and remained elevated during the 6-week period. The IGF-I receptor mRNA did not change significantly. Removal of the obstruction 10 days after ligation caused a regression of bladder wet weight, and resulted in normalization of IGF-I, IGFBP-2 and -4 mRNA. The results show a close correlation between progression or regression of smooth muscle hypertrophy and differential regulation of IGF-I, IGFBP-2 and -4 mRNA, indicating that the IGF system may play a role in smooth muscle hypertrophy.