mRNA expression of apoptosis genes in spleen and peripheral blood of guinea pigs treated with trichloroethylene

OBJECTIVE:To study mRNA expression of apoptosis genes Bcl-2,BAX,BAD in spleen and peripheral blood of guinea pigs after treatment with trichloroethylene (TCE). METHODS: Guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) was applied in this study,18 guinea pigs were randomly divided into 3 groups,namely negative control,positive control and TCE treatment. Animals of the 3 groups were treated with olive oil,2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB),and TCE,respectively,by intradermal injection. Spleens and peripheral blood were collected from the animals for mRNA expression assay,Bcl-2,BAX,BAD in lymphocytes of spleen and peripheral blood were measured by real-time fluorescent PCR assay. RESULTS: Obvious skin damage was observed in the groups of positive control and TCE treatment,the skin damage included erythema and edema. The levels of Bcl-2,BAX and BAD mRNA expression increased significantly in spleen lymphocytes in positive control and TCE treatment groups. However,the levels of Bcl-2,BAX and BAD mRNA did not elevate significantly in peripheral blood lymphocytes in positive control and TCE treatment groups,when compared with negative control. CONCLUSION: Trichloroethylene could induce skin allergic reaction in guinea pigs,it also had effects on mRNA expressions of Bcl-2,BAX,BAD in spleen lymphocytes of guinea pigs.