OBJECTIVETo explore the gene expressions of LTC4 synthase homologs in concanavalin A (Con A)-induced mouse hepatitis and regulation role of cyclosporine A (Cs A) treatment.

METHODSMale Balb/c mouse liver injury model was developed by iv injection of Con A (20 mg/kg) and protected by Cs A pretreatment (150 mg/kg) before Con A administration. Blood samples were collected at indicated times after Con A treatment with or without Cs A pretreatment. Liver damage was assessed by serum transaminase ALT and AST measurement and histological evaluation. Meantime, three LTC4 synthase homolog gene expressions were determined by RT-PCR.

RESULTSSerum ALT and AST upregulation were accompanied with histological damage at 2 h after Con A administration, and further aggravated at 8 h. mGST2 gene expression increased 1.7 fold at 2 h and 1.9 fold at 8 h, while the expression of LTC4 S and mGST3 changed little. Pretreatment with Cs A prevented mouse liver from injury by Con A and partly inhibited the mGST2 gene expression upregulation.

CONCLUSIONSAdministration of Con A in mouse lead to a significant increase of mGST2 gene expression without any significant effect on LTC4 S and mGST3 mRNA levels. Cs A pretreatment results in protection of liver damage, whereas fails to fully inhibit the increase of mGST2 gene expression.