Objective      To investigate the expression profile of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) in lung fibroblasts under hypoxia exposure.       Methods      Fibroblasts were isolated from rat lung tissues and cultured in vitro

and then incubated under either normoxia (5%CO

2

21%O

2

37 ℃) or hypoxia (1%O

2

5%CO

2

94% N

2

37 ℃) condition for 12

24 and

48 h

respectively. The expression of GLUT-1 protein was observed by Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining

while the mRNA level was assayed by reverse transcription PCR

and the content of glucose in the supernatant was determined with a GOD-PAP Glucose reagent kit.       Results      Compared with the normoxic group

the expression of GLUT-1 was significantly higher in 12

24 and 48 h after hypoxia exposure (P0.05). There was no difference in the level between the groups under hypoxia for 24 and 12 h (P0.05)

but that of the 48 h hypoxic group was significantly higher than the groups under hypoxia for 24 and 12 h (P0.05). The results of immunohistochemical assay were consistent with those of Western blotting

GLUT-1 protein were increased in the fibroblasts after hypoxic exposure for 12

24 and 48 h. The mRNA expression levels were gradually increased after hypoxia challenge in a time-dependent manner. There was a significant difference in the mRNA level of GLUT-1 between hypoxic 24 h and 48 h groups (P0.05)

as well as the hypoxic 24 h and 12 h groups (P0.05)

but not between the hypoxia 12 h group and the normoxic group (P0.05). Moreover

the level of glucose in the supernatant was significantly decreased in the groups after hypoxia exposure for 12

24 and 48 h than the normoxia group (P0.05).       Conclusion      Hypoxia up-regulates the expression of GLUT-1

which is beneficial to glucose uptaking in rat lung fibroblasts under hypoxic condition.