Abstract
Relaxin has antifibrotic effects on the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) responsible for collagen deposition in cirrhosis. The expression of relaxin receptors LGR7 and LGR8 in HSCs and liver disease was examined. Activated and quiescent HSCs expressed LGR7, whereas only activated HSCs expressed LGR8. Relaxin, relaxin-3, or InsL3 treatment increased cAMP, suggesting activation of both receptors. LGR8 and LGR7 were present in cirrhotic rat liver, but were undetectable in normal liver. In conclusion, both LGR7 and LGR8 are expressed in activated HSCs and cirrhotic liver, suggesting that relaxin, InsL3, or relaxin-3 may be useful in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cells, Cultured
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Cyclic AMP / metabolism
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Gene Expression
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Hepatocytes / metabolism*
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Liver Cirrhosis / drug therapy
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Liver Cirrhosis / genetics
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Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism*
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Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
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Rats
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
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Receptors, Peptide / agonists
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Receptors, Peptide / genetics
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Receptors, Peptide / metabolism*
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Relaxin / pharmacology
Substances
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
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Receptors, Peptide
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Rxfp1 protein, rat
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relaxin receptors
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Relaxin
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Cyclic AMP