Reduced Expression of Perlecan in the Aorta of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Model Rats with Medial Calcification

Background. Vascular calcification is an important complication that worsens the prognosis for dialysis patients, although its detailed molecular mechanisms are still unknown. Methods. We produced a rat model for vascular calcification with hyperphosphatasemia and hyperparathyroidism, performing a 5/6 nephrectomy and providing a high-phosphorus, low-calcium diet for eight weeks. We examined mRNA obtained from the calcified aortae using microarray analysis, and searched for alterations in gene expression specifically in the calcified lesions. Results. Medial calcification was demonstrated in the abdominal aorta of 12 out of 42 hyperparathyroidism rats. In the aortae of hyperparathyroid rats with vascular calcification, the genes for heparan sulfate proteoglycans, including perlecan, were found to be down-regulated using microarray analysis and real time PCR. Immunohistochemistry also demonstrated reduced production of perlecan in the aortae of hyperparathyroid rats. Discussion. Perlecan is a major componen...