Abstract: Objective To explore GPC3 expression in cranial suture tissues and cells of different stages, and to provide reference for later research in disease models. Methods The cranial suture tissues and cells of 1 d, 3 d, 7 d SD rats were observed. The expression level of GPC3 were analyzed by immune-histofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR and Western Blot to judge the relationship between GPC3 expression and calvarial osteogenesis/fusion of cranial sutures. Results GPC3 was ex-pressed in all stages of unfused rat cranial suture tissues by immune-histofluorescence staining. Results of RT-qPCR and Western Blot showed a descending trend of GPC3 expression with the age increasing. Conclusion In SD rats, GPC3 has a close relationship with fusion of cranial sutures.

Key words: Cranial suture cells, SD rats, GPC3