Abstract OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of valsatan (angiotensin II receptor antagonist, AT1) on hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in the airways and airway remodeling in asthmatic rats. METHODS: Thirty-two rats were randomly assigned into A-D four groups. Group A was normal control without treatment. Groups B-D were challenged by ovalbumin (OVA) for 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 4 weeks respectively to induce asthma. Group D received intragastric administration of valsatan (30 μg/kg daily for 4 weeks) after OVA challenge. The expressions of HGF, angiotonin II (AngII) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β_1) in the airways were detected by immunihistochemical staining. The pathological changes of airways were observed by Haematoxylin & Eosin staining. RESULTS: The HGF expression of Group B was significantly higher than that of Group A (10.69±0.96% vs 5.49±1.34%; P<0.05). Group C also showed an increased HGF level (11.85±0.87%) compared with Group A (P<0.05). The HGF level in Group D (15.58±1.06%) was significantly higer than that of both Group B and Group C (P<0.05). The expressions of TGF-β_1 and AngII increased with the challenged time, while valsatan treatment decreased significantly the levels of both. Valsatan treatment attenuated airway injuries of asthmatic rats induced by OVA sensitization/challenge. CONCLUSIONS: HGF has protective effects on airways and anti-fibrotic effects. Valsatan can improve airway remodeling possibly by increasing HGF levels in asthmatic rats.
