Abstract
The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) has increasingly been demonstrated to be an important modulator of inflammation in cases of pulmonary disease. Published reports involving tobacco smoke exposure have demonstrated increased expression of RAGE, its participation in pro-inflammatory signaling and its role in irreversible pulmonary remodeling. The current research evaluated for the first time the in vivo effects of short-term tobacco smoke exposure in RAGE null and control mice compared to identical animals exposed to room air only. Quantitative real time PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry revealed elevated RAGE expression in controls after four weeks of exposure and an anticipated absence of RAGE expression in RAGE null mice regardless of smoke exposure. Inflammatory cell behaviors were confirmed by measuring active Ras, NF-κB, and cytokine synthesis and secretion. Furthermore, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was procured from RAGE null and control animals after exposure for the assessment of total protein in order to indirectly measure vascular permeability, inflammatory cells and chemoattractant molecules involved in the inflammatory response. As a general theme, inflammation induced by tobacco smoke exposure was influenced by the availability of RAGE. These data reveal captivating information suggesting a role for RAGE signaling in lungs exposed to tobacco smoke. Furthermore, research may demonstrate RAGE signaling as an important therapeutic target capable of ameliorating cell level inflammation in those coping with exposure.
Degree
MS
College and Department
Life Sciences; Physiology and Developmental Biology
Rights
http://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/
BYU ScholarsArchive Citation
Wood, Tyler Thomas, "Targeting of Receptors for Advanced Glycation End-Products (RAGE) Diminishes Acute Secondhand Smoke-Induced Inflammation in Mice" (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 4220.
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/4220
Date Submitted
2014-07-10
Document Type
Thesis
Handle
http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd7248
Keywords
RAGE, lung, tobacco smoke
Language
English