OBJECTIVETo detect the expression of the plateau adaptablity gene(EPAS1, EGLN1 and PPARα) and proteins(HIF-2, PHD2 and PPARα) in rats blood, heart, liver, lung and kidney tissue after the rats exposed to high altitude.

METHODSThe Wistar rats were randomly divided into plain group(Shanghai, 55 m), acute exposure to high altitude 3400 m group, acute exposure to high altitude 4300 m group. Blood and organs of rats were collected in 1, 3, 5 days after arrival. Real time PCR and ELISA were used to compare the expression of plateau adaptablity gene and related protein between plain group and high altitude exposure groups.

RESULTSThe count of red blood cells, hemoglobin and HCT in high altitude 4300 m were higher than those in plain group. Compared with plain group, the expression of EPAS1 gene in blood, heart, liver and kidney tissue of rats at high altitude increased obviously(all P<0.05); the expression of EGLN1 in the heart, liver, brain and kidney increased, and PPARα gene in the heart, liver and kidney increased(all P<0.05). Compared with plain group, the expression of HIF-2 protein increased significantly at high altitudes in the liver, brain and kidney tissues. PHD2 and PPARα increased in the heart, liver and kidney.

CONCLUSIONPlateau adaptive genes(EPAS1, EGLN1 and PPARα) and protein(HIF-2, PHD2 and PPARα) differed in different altitude and different organizations. They might be used as target markers of plateau hypoxia.