Abstract:Objective To investigate the impact of different dosages' heparin on the expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) induced by high concentration glucose (2.5 % W/W). Methods HPMCs were separated from patients and sub-cultured, and induced by high concentration glucose for 4, 8, 12, and 24 h respectively. This is to determinate the time when the mRNA of AQP1 reaches the maximum level. Heparin of different dosages and 2.5% glucose were added into the cell culture medium. The expression levels of AQP1 were detected by using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry in both control and experimental groups. Results Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression level of AQP1 was up-regulated in an time-dependant manner, with the maximum expression at 24 h induced by high concentration glucose. The protein expression level of AQP1 was also up-regulated in all experimental groups, particularly by 2.5 % glucose and 1.5 × 10-2 mg/ml heparin. The difference was of statistical significance (P < 0.05). The result of RT-PCR is consistent with that of immunohistochemistry. By using immunohistochemistry, vacuolation was observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm treated by 2.5 % glucose and 1.5 × 10-2 mg/ml heparin. Conclusion The mRNA and protein expression of AQP1 can be up-regulated by 2.5 % glucose and heparin. Vacuolation can be observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm treated by glucose and heparin of high concentration.