Dynamics of gene expression of Fas mRNA in hepatocytes of septic rats infected with <I>Vibrio vulnificus</I>

ObjectiveTo determine the dynamic changes in the gene expression of Fas mRNA in hepatocytes of septic rats infected with Vibrio vulnificus. MethodsA Vibrio vulnificus-infected septic rat model was established, RT-PCR used to measure the expression of Fas mRNA in hepatocytes at specific time point after the infection. ResultsNoticeable increase in Fas mRNA expression was shown in the hepatocytes of Vibrio vulnificus-infected rats (P0.05), reaching maximum at 2 h and 6 h after the infection and declining beyond 9 h. However, the expression remained obviously higher than the normal level beyond 16 h (P0.05). ConclusionIt is suggested that Vibrio vulnificus sepsis led to increased expression of Fas mRNA in the liver, which was characterized by an early rapid escalation and a sustainable high level later.