The expression of NF-kB and TNF-α in experimental obliterative bronchiolitis in mice

Objective To evaluate the expression of NF-κB during obliterative bronchiolitis （OB） pathological process in heterotopic trachea allograft mouse model. Methods Heterotopic trachea transplantation groups were divided into isografts and allografts. Immunohistochemistry of NF-κB, and TNF-α was performed. DNA binding activity of NF-κB was measured by EMSA. Protein and mRNA levels of NF-κB, and TNF-α were detected by Western blot, and RT-PCR respectively. Results In contrast to the isograft, the immunohistochemistry and HE staining illustrated early change of OB at the 14th day post-transplantation, typical OB pathological finding at the 21st day with positive feature of NF-κB, and TNF-α in allografts, and protein level and DNA binding activity of NF- κB were increased significantly. Conclusion NF-κB is activated in tracheal allograft obliteration in heterotopic trachea allograft mouse model. NF-κB-induced TNF-α activation may play an important role in OB pathological process. Key words: Bronchiolitis obliterans ;  NF-kappa B;  Tumor necrosis factor-alpha ;  Mice