Hyperoxia-induced apoptosis of AEC II in premature rats by inhibiting expression of focal adhesion kinase

Objective To explore the role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in hyperoxia-apopto- sis of type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells (AEC Ⅱ s) of premature rats. Methods AEC Ⅱ from prema- ture rat lungs were cultured and randomly assigned to air group and hyperoxia group. After exposed to hyperoxia for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h, apoptosis rate of AEC Ⅱ were analyzed by flow cytometry with an- nexin-Ⅴ/propidium iodine (PI) double staining. FAK mRNA and FAK and fAK-Tyr397 peptide were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results Positive cells of Annexin-Ⅴ+ / PI- in AEC Ⅱ after 6,12,24 and 48 h of hyperoxia exposure were significantly decreased, and the maximal apoptosis rate of AEC Ⅱ (stained of Annexin-Ⅴ+ / PI- ) was found in the hyperoxia group at 12 h (23.83%±4.43%). Compared to the air group, the expression of FAK mRNA and of FAK de- creased markedly and progressively in hyperoxia groups at 12, 24 and 48 h(P<0. 05). Conclusions Decreased expression of FAK induced by hyperoxia is likely to contribute to the apoptosis and neco-z sis of AEC Ⅱ. Key words: Focal adhesion protein-tyrosine kinases;  Pulmonary alveoli;  Epithelial cells;  Apop- tosis;  Hyperoxia;  Infant, premature