Over-expression of LC3 in ventricular muscle of rats after exposure to +Gz

Objective To study the expression of autophagy-related marker LC3 in ventricular muscle of rats after exposure to +Gz. Methods Eighteen male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and +10 Gz/5 min group. Their ventricular muscle tissue samples were taken at 6 and 24 h after exposure to +10 Gz. Expressions of LC3 mRNA and protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results The expression levels of LC3 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in +10 Gz/5 min group than in control group at 6 and 24 h after exposure to +Gz (P< 0.05). Conclusion Exposure to +10 Gz can induce overexpression of LC3 in ventricular muscle of rats by activating the autophagocytic function of their ventricular muscle.