Fibroblast growth factor-2 expression is up-regulated after denervation in rat lung tissue

To understand the role of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) during the denervation-reinnervation processes which occur after lung transplantation, we studied FGF-2 gene expression in a rat lung denervation model. The temporal profile of FGF-2 mRNA in denervated rat lungs was quantitatively assessed by competitive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. The level of FGF-2 mRNA was consistently higher in denervated lungs, showing a peak value on the 5th post-operative day. Immunohistochemical analysis with an anti-FGF-2 monoclonal antibody disclosed immunoreactivity in Schwann cells at the distal severed end of the nerve fascicle located at the lung hilus, 1 week post-surgery. This study indicates that FGF-2 gene expression is up-regulated following denervation and suggests possible roles of FGF-2 in the reinnervation process of lung tissue.