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Abstract
Background/Aims Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays an important role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this study it was found that expression of the GABA^sub B^ receptor was elevated in HSCs treated with Ang II. We attempted to elucidate the mechanism of the GABA^sub B^ receptor in HSCs activation. Methods First, the target gene (GABA^sub B^ receptor) was screened by gene chip in HSCs treated with Ang II. Second, the biological function of the GABA^sub B^ receptor was analyzed by MTT, cell-cycle assay, real-time PCR, and western blot. The methods of MTT and cell-cycle assay were used to evaluate the effect of the GABA^sub B^ receptor on proliferation and DNA synthesis of HSCs. Expression of ECM, TGF-β1, and α-SMA was analyzed by real-time PCR and western blot. Results The GABA^sub B^ receptor's specific agonist CGP35348 inhibited the activation of HSCs, which could be partially reversed by the GABA^sub B^ receptor's antagonist. Conclusions Our in-vitro results demonstrated that the GABA^sub B^ receptor could inhibit HSCs activation.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]