Modulation of α‐tropomyosin expression by α‐tocopherol in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Abstract

The effect of α‐tocopherol (vitamin E) on gene expression in rat vascular smooth muscle cells was studied by the differential display technique. One gene out of about 1000 genes analyzed, identified as α‐tropomyosin, showed an increased transcription level caused by α‐tocopherol treatment. Northern and Western blot analysis revealed a time‐dependent transient up‐regulation of the amount of mRNA (peak between 2 and 3 h) and protein (peak at 5 h) in α‐tocopherol‐treated cells. No effect was observed in cells treated with β‐tocopherol.