INDUCTION OF IMMEDIATE-EARLY, ORNITHINE DECARBOXYLASE AND ANTIZYME GENE-EXPRESSION IN THE RAT SMALL-INTESTINE AFTER TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC

The expression of the immediate early genes (IEG)s c-fos, c-jun and zi f/268, and the genes coding for ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and its regulatory protein antizyme (AZ), was studied in rat small intestine f ollowing transient ischemia. The ischemic stimulus for 10 min alone di d not alter the expression of these genes. A rapid and transitory indu ction of all IEG mRNAs occurred in a coordinated manner peaking at 30 min following recirculation and returned to basal levels 3 hr after re circulation. Protein products of the IEGs accumulated in the smooth mu scle layer of the intestine by 2-3 hr after recirculation. Expression of both ODC and AZ, mRNAs initially decreased to 70% of control levels 1 hr after recirculation but markedly increased at 2 to 4 hr after re circulation. The functional significance of these changes in gene expr ession in relation to tissue integrity and function after the ischaemi a/reperfusion is discussed.