Induction of the expression of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) by clofibrate in jerboa tissues

AbstractPeroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily that can be activated by natural fatty acids and various xenobiotics, including clofibrate. This transcription factor primarily regulates genes involved in lipid metabolism and homeostasis. We present the expression pattern of the PPARα subtype in the adult jerboa Jaculus orientalis, determined by RT‐PCR and Western blotting using specific probes and a polyclonal antibody for PPARα, respectively. PPARα is highly expressed in liver and kidney, and to a lesser extent in duodenum and colon. PPARα expression is increased at the mRNA and protein levels in liver and duodenum of jerboa treated for 2 weeks with the peroxisome proliferator (PP) clofibrate. The induction is tissue‐specific as no significant changes are observed in kidney and colon. The present data indicate that the PP‐induced PPARα gene expression is not dependent on the PPARα content in target cells. Microsc. Res. Tech. 61:185–190, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.