Underlying anti-hypertensive mechanism of the Mizuhopecten yessoensis derived peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats via widely targeted kidney metabolomics

The angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)inhibitory peptide NCW derived from Mizuhopecten yessoensis has been demonstrated to have significant in vivo anti-hypertensive effects,however,its anti-hypertensive mechanism is still not fully clarified.This study established a UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS-based widely targeted kidney metabolomics approach to explore the changes of kidney metabolic profiles and to clarify the antihypertensive mechanism of peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the kidney metabolic profiles were clearly separated between the SHR-NCW and SHRUntreated groups.A total of 85 metabolites were differentially regulated,and 16 metabolites were identified as potential kidney biomarkers,e.g.,3-hydroxybutyrate,malonic acid,deoxycytidine,and L-aspartic acid.The peptide NCW might regulate kidney metabolic disorder of SHRs to alleviate hypertension by suppressing inflammation and improving nitric oxide production under the regulation of linoleic acid metabolism,folate related pathways,synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies,pyrimidine metabolism,β-alanine metabolism,and retinal metabolism.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate exerts antihypertensive effects and improves endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)on endothelial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR).Methods:Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats and SHR were divided into four groups;WKY control,SHR control and SHR treated with EGCG(50 mg/kg/day)or losartan(10 mg/kg/day).The treatment was given daily for 4 weeks by oral gavage and the blood pressure was monitored by tail-cuff method every 3 days.Acetylcholineinduced endothelium-dependent relaxations were assessed in isolated phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings at the end of treatment.The vascular levels of reactive oxygen species,nitric oxide,tetrahydrobiopterin,and cyclic guanosine monophosphate were also measured.Moreover,the expression of angiotensinⅡtype 1(AT_(1))receptor protein was determined.Results:The systolic blood pressure was significantly decreased in SHR treated with EGCG.The impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly improved in aortic ring isolated from the EGCG-treated SHR group.EGCG also significantly increased the levels of nitric oxide,tetrahydrobiopterin,and cyclic guanosine monophosphate,while decreasing the level of reactive oxygen species and the protein expression of AT_(1)receptor in SHR.Conclusions:EGCG attenuates endothelial dysfunction in SHR by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing vascular nitric oxide bioavailability,which may be modulated partly by inhibition of vascular AT_(1)receptors.An increase in endothelium-dependent relaxation may contribute to a decrease in blood pressure in hypertensive animals.

A hippocampal anti-hypertensive mechanism induced by twirling reinforcing-reducing manipulation in rats

Objective:To investigate a hippocampal anti-hypertensive mechanism induced by twirling reinforcingreducing manipulation(TRRM)using proteomics in rats.Methods:Forty-two male spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into 3 groups,and 14 Wistar-Kyoto rats were served as control group.In the twirling reinforcing(TRF)group,needles were directly inserted into the Taichong(LR 3)point,then thumbs were moved heavily forward and lightly backward for 3 min,while needles remained inserted for 17 min.In the twirling reduction(TRD)group,the same treatment was applied as in the TRF group except that the thumb moved lightly forward and heavily backward.In the model and control groups,only the corresponding grasping and fixation were applied.All interventions were conducted for 14 days.The blood pressure(BP)of all rats was measured one day before intervention and every other day after.Then hematoxylin-eosin(H&E)staining,label-free and parallel reaction monitoring proteomic techniques were used to assess hippocampal samples from each group.Results:Systolic BPs showed a significant decrease in the TRF and TRD groups compared with the model group(P<.01).In the model group,H&E staining showed obvious pathological changes in the hippocampus,while in the TRF and TRD groups,the hippocampal morphology was only slightly altered.Labelfree proteomic analysis revealed 1163 differential protein expressions between groups.Gene Ontology enrichment analysis confirmed that the differentially expressed proteins were enriched in different biological processes,cellular components,and molecular functions.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that TRRM proteins were expressed in the serotonergic synapse pathway,renin-angiotensin system,the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway,and the peroxisome pathway,which were all also related to BP regulation.Conclusion:TRRM can significantly lower the BP of SHRs.The mode of action may be through the activation of various protein pathways in the hippocampus that are related to BP regulation.

Effects of continuous intermedin infusion on blood pressure and hemodynamic function in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective To examine the effects of exogenously administered intermedin （IMD,adrenomedullin-2） on arterial blood pressure,cardiac function and the cardiovascular IMD receptor system in spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHRs） as well as to investigate the associated mechanisms.Methods Thirteen week-old male rats were divided in Wistar Kyoto （WKY） group （n =12）,SHR group （n =12）,IMD group （SHRs infused with IMD 1-47 500 ng/kg per hour,n =12）,and ADM group （SHRs infused with adrenomedullin 500 ng/kg per hour,n =12）.Results A two-week continuous administration of low dose IMD 1-47 via mini-osmotic pumps markedly reduced blood pressure,the maximal rates of increase and decrease of left-ventricle pressure development （LV ± dp/dtmax）,left ventricular systolic pressure and heart rate in SHRs.Furthermore,IMD also inhibited protein over-expression of cardiovascular IMD receptors,myocardial Receptor Activity-Modifying Proteins （RAMP1 and RAMP2）,aortic RAMP1,RAMP2,RAMP3,and calcitonin receptor-like receptor （CRLR）;suppressed up-regulation of aortic RAMP1,RAMP2,RAMP3 and CRLR gene expression; and markedly elevated the mRNA abundance of myocardial atrial natriuretic peptide （ANP） and myocardial brain natriuretic peptide （BNP）.Additionally,IMD 1-47 administration in SHRs increased aortic cAMP concentration and reduced myocardial cAMP concentration.Conclusion These findings support the speculation that IMD,as a cardiovascular active peptide,is involved in blood pressure reduction and cardiac function amelioration during hypertension.The mechanism underlying this effect may involve IMD binding of a receptor complex formed by RAMPs and CRLR,and consequential regulation of cAMP levels and other cardiovascular active factors,such as ANP and BNP.

Effects of Total Flavonoids ofHippophae RhamnoidesL.on Intracellular Free Calciumin Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Wistar-Kyoto Rats

To explore the effects of total flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides L. （TFH） quercetin （Que） and isorhamnetin （Isor） on the intracellular free calcium （[Ca^2＋]） in vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMC） of spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHR） and Wistar-Kyoto rats （WKY）. Metheds： Fluo 3-acetoxymethylester（Fluo-3/AM） was used to observe the effects of TFH （100mg/L） and its essential monomers, namely Que （10^-4mol/L） and Isor （10^-4mol/L） on changes of [Ca^2＋]1 in cultured SHR and WKY VSMC （abbr. to Ca-SHR ＆ Ca-WKY） following exposure to high K^＋, norepinephrine （NE） and angiotensin Ⅱ （AngⅡ）, and to compare with the effects of verapamil （Ver）. Results： （1） TFH, Que and Isor had inhibitory effects on resting Ca-SHR （P〈0.05）, but had no significant effects on Ca-WKY （P〉0.05）. （2） High K^＋ could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）; TFH, Que and Isor could inhibit the elevation of [Ca^2＋]1 induced by high K^＋ -depolarization, with the effects similar to that of Ver, and the effect on Ca-SHR was more significant than that on Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）. （3） NE and Ang Ⅱ could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY （P〈0.05）, TFH, Que and Isor had remarkably inhibitory effect on the elevation of Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE or Ang Ⅱ. （4） In the absence of extracellular Ca^2＋ , TFH, Que and Isor also had certain inhibitory effect on Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE, and the effect on the former was more significant than that on the latter（P〈0.05）. Ceaclusiea： TFH, Que and Isor might decrease the levels of [Ca^2＋], in VSMCs by blocking both voltage-dependent calcium channels （VDC） and receptoroperated calcium channels （ROC） in physiological or pathological state, which may be one of the important mechanisms of their hypotensive and protective effects on target organs in patients with hypertension.

Effect of Hypertension on Hearing Function,LDH and ChE of the Cochlea in Older Rats

The relationship between the hypertension and the aging process of hearing organ was investigated Twenty Wistar 3-month old rats and 20 Wistar 12-month old rats, 20 spontaneously hypertensive rat stroke-prone (SHRSP) 3-month old rats and 20 SHRSP 12-month old rats free of middle ear infections as observed under otomicroscopy, with normal tympanic membrane and auricle reflex, were selected to be divided into two experimental groups and two control groups respectively The tail artery blood pressure was measured non-invasively The threshold of auditory brainstem response (ABR) was measured by Spirit TM evoked potential meter The LDH and ChE staining in the inner ear was performed and the optical density was analyzed by the HPIAS analysis system The results showed that there was no difference in the ABR thresholds, the activities of LDH and ChE between Wistar 3-month old group and SHRSP 3-month old group ( P >0 05) The mean value of ABR threshold and the activities of LDH and ChE in the Wistar 12-month old group at relevant sections were significantly greater than those in the two 3-month old groups ( P< 0 05), whereas the mean value of ABR threshold and the activities of LDH and ChE in the SHRSP 12-month old group at relevant sections were significantly higher than those in the 3-month old control group ( P< 0 01) It was concluded that presbycusis existed in the Wistar 12-month old group rats The glycogenosis and the abnormal secretion of neural transmitter were discerned after hypertension All the above factors may worsen the aging of the hearing system

The Expression of VIP and SP in the Cochlea of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats and Its Implication

To investigate the expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP) in the cochlea of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), and to assess the function of VIP and SP in the cochlea following the damage of hypertension, hearing thresholds of ABR were observed and the fixative (4% paraformaldehyde) was pumped through the circulatory system. Adult Wistar rats (3 months, n=20) served as the control group and SHRs (3 months, n=20) as the hypertension group. Bullas were taken out and cochleas were irrigated in vitro with the same fixative. The number of base turn's spiral ganglions in the sections was counted. The expression of VIP and SP were detected by SABC method and the images of the sections were analyzed. The number of base turn's spiral ganglsons in the hypertension group was significantly less than in the normal group (P<0.01). VIP and SP were expressed in the spiral ganglion cytoplasma and stria vascularis of the two groups. There were no significant difference in the expression of VIP and SP in spiral ganglion cytoplasma (P>0.05) between the two groups. However, in stria vascularis the expression of VIP in the hypertension group was higher than in the normal group (P<0.05), and no significant difference in SP was found between the two groups. It was suggested that VIP not only contributed to the regulation of the cochlea microcirculation, but also made the neurotransmitter in the pathway of the auditory system. However, SP made only the neurotransmitter in the pathway of the auditory system.

Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bge on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and the Expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The effects of salvia miltiorrhiza Bge (SMB) on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the left ventricle of spontaneously hypertensive rats and the action mechanism were investigated. Normal Wistar-kyoto (WKY) rats were used as negative control, and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were randomly assigned to receive pla- cebo or SMB. SMB (1 g/kg·d) was injected intraperitoneally for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were measured. HE, VG and immunohistochemical staining combined with computed morphometry were employed to evaluate the cardiomyocyte size, diameter, the collagen volume fraction (CVF), perivascular circumferential area (PVCA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression in the left ventricular tissue. The results showed, as compared with WKY rats, the SBP, LVMI, cardiomyocyte size, diameter, CVF, PCVA, and TNF-α expression were increased markedly in the 20-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats. SMB decreased LVMI (P<0.01), size of cardiomyocytes (P<0.01), collagen volume fraction (P<0.01), perivascular circum- ferential area (P<0.01), and TNF-α expression (P<0.01), but had no effect on SBP (P>0.05). It was suggested that chronic administration of SMB could inhibit and reverse the development of LVH in spontaneously hypertensive rats independent of BP. TNF-α may be involved in the reversal mecha- nism of LVH by SMB.

Effect of 2-Selenium Bridged β-Cyclodextrin,Glutathione Peroxidase Mimic on Stroke of Stroke-prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

To investigate the treatment effect of 2-selenium bridged β -cyclodextrin(2-SeCD),a GPX mimic,on the stroke of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRSP),fifty-two SHRSP of 8-week old were randomly divided into four groups A,B,C and control group D. The rats of groups A,B,C and D were given 1.0%-1.5% NaCl mass fraction as drinking fluid. After onset of stroke,groups A,B and C were given \{orally\} 16.05,160.5 and 1605 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 of 2-SeCD,respectively,and group D was given water for \{2 weeks.\} The clinical score of stroke,systolic blood pressure(SBP),survival time of rats were recorded and the histopathologic examinations of their brain and carotid artery were made after decapitation. The clinical scores of stroke after treatment with 160.5 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 (Group B) and 1605 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 (Group C) of 2-SeCD are 2.55±0.98 and 1.98±0.79,respectively,those are obviously lower than that of group D(3.41±0.83,p<0.01). The survival days in group B(10.0±8.6) and group C(14.4±7.9) are longer than that for group D(4.7±2.9,p<0.01). The electron microscope study showed that the endothelium of carotid artery was near to normal in group B and group C,while it was seriously injured in control group D and mildly injured in group A. 2-SeCD may effectively be used to treat the stroke for SHRSP.

Telmisartan Attenuates the Growth of Epithelium-like Cells and Glomerular Injury in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The abnormal growth of epithelium-like cells has been noticed in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs)with hypertensive nephropathy.However,the characteristics of abnormal epithelium-like cells and their pathogenesis in hypertensive nephropathy are not fully understood.In the present study,we investigated the correlation of epithelium-like cells with glomerular injury,and the effects of early drug intervention with telmisartan,an anti-hypertensive drug,on the growth of epithelium-like cells.The results showed that the epithelium-like cells were obviously observed lining along the luminal surface of Bowman’s capsule in glomeruli,significantly resulting in the atrophy of the glomerular tuft.Some of the epithelium-like cells strongly expressed proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and vimentin,indicating active cellular proliferation.The incidence of epithelium-like cells varied from 13.6%to 54.4%of glomeruli in 48-week-old SHRs,and from 5.1%to 18.0%of glomeruli in age-matched Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats(P<0.01).The linear regression analysis further confirmed an obvious correlation between the incidence of epithelium-like cells and the glomerular injury.Moreover,early intervention with telmisartan could dramatically attenuate the progression of epithelium-like cells growth.However,no significant effect of telmisartan on the established epithelium-like cells was observed.Taken together,we demonstrated the involvement of abnormal epithelium-like cells growth in glomerular injury during hypertensive nephropathy in SHRs,and firstly showed the positive effects of the anti-hypertensive drug on the progression of epithelium-like cells growth.

AngiotensinⅡor epinephrine hemodynamic and metabolic responses in the liver of L-NAME induced hypertension and spontaneous hypertensive rats

AIM To study hepatic vasoconstriction and glucose release induced by angiotensin(Ang)Ⅱ or Epi in rats with pharmacological hypertension and spontaneously hypertensive rat(SHR).METHODS Isolated liver perfusion was performed following portal vein and vena cava cannulation; AngⅡ or epinephrine(Epi) was injected in bolus and portal pressure monitored; glucose release was measured in perfusate aliquots. RESULTS The portal hypertensive response(PHR) and the glucose release induced by AngⅡ of L-NAME were similar to normal rats(WIS). On the other hand, the PHR inducedby Epi in L-NAME was higher whereas the glucose release was lower compared to WIS. Despite the similar glycogen content, glucose release induced by AngⅡ was lower in SHR compared to Wistar-Kyoto rats although both PHR and glucose release induced by Epi in were similar. CONCLUSION AngⅡ and Epi responses are altered in different ways in these hypertension models. Our results suggest that inhibition of NO production seems to be involved in the hepatic effects induced by Epi but not by AngⅡ; the diminished glucose release induced by AngⅡ in SHR is not related to glycogen content.

Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Cardiac Aldosterone in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Chronic treatment with Salvia Miltiorrhiza preventing left ventricular hypertrophy (L VH) and its possible mechanism- inhibiting the action of cardiac aldosterone in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were investigated.Normotensive Wistar- kyoto (WKY ) rats and SHRs were used.Part of SHRs was treated with Salvia Miltiorrhiza for 12 weeks.Systolic blood pres- sure (SBP) and left ventricular mass index were measured.Sections of heart tissue were stained with HE method and Van Gieson method.Collagen volume fraction was determined in the leftven- tricle by automatically quantitative m orphometry.Cardiac aldosterone concentration was measured by radioimm unoassay.The results indicated thatcom pared with WKY rats,SHRs exhibited high- er SBP,left ventricular collagen volume fraction,and aldosterone concentration (all P<0 .0 5 ) . After the treatm ent with Salvia Miltiorrhiza,SBP,left ventricular collagen volum e fraction,and aldosterone concentration in SHR were decreased as compared with control group (P<0 .0 5 ) ex- cept SBP.It was concluded thatchronic treatment with Salvia Miltiorrhiza could preventleftven- tricular hypertrophy in SHR,significantly inhibit collagen compositions in left ventricle.The m echanism was probably related with the inhibition of the cardiac aldosterone action.

POTENT HYPOTENSIVE EFFECTS OF ORPHANIN FQ IN CONSCIOUS STROKE-PRONE SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

Orphanin FQ（OFQ） or nociceptin is a novel neuropeptide consisting of 17 amino acids. This peptide has a primary structure reminiscent of that of opioid peptide but exhibits an opposite effect to make animals hyperreactive. The effect of this new peptide on cardiovascular function are not completely known. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of intravenous bolus injection of orphanin FQ on mean arterial blood presure （MABP） in conscious stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRsp). Adult male SHRsp and Wistar normotensive rats （250～300 g body weight, 2. 5～3 months old） were used in this study. The MABP was measured in the conscious state by a tail-cuff method. In SHRsp model, intravenous bolus injection of orphanin FQ or Tyr1-orphanin FQ （0. 5 mg/kg） induced a prolonged and marked reduc- tion in MABP. The maximum changes in MABP were -30. 2±4. 2 mmHg by orphanin FQ and -28. 2± 4. 7 mmHg by Tyr1-orphanin FQ at 10 min after administration,and this effect lasted over 30 min. The Phe1→Tyr substitution in orphanin FQ was found to retain almost fully hypotensive activity. Pretreatment of SHRsp with naloxone-HCI（60 μg/kg）, 5 min before the injection of orphanin FQ, did not block the hy- potensive effect of orphanin FQ. Therefore, opioid receptors could not account for the hypotensive effect of orphanin FQ in SHRsp. In Wistar rats, intravenous bolus injection of the same dose of orphanin FQ did not cause a change in MABP. These observations suggest that orphanin FQ is a novel hypotensive peptide and may have some role in the regulation of blood pressure in SHRsp, rather than in normotensive rats. The ex-act underlying mechanisms are waiting to be clarified.

Expression of p-PPARγ in the aging thoracic aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rat and inhibitory effect of rosiglitazone

Objective:To investigate the expression of phosphorylated peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor y(p-PPARY) in the aging thoracic aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rat(SHR) and the inhibitory effect of rosiglitazone on the phosphorylation of PPART.Methods:16,32 and 64 week-old Wistar-Kyoto rats(WKY) and SHR were randomly and respectively divided into WKY,SHR and SHR+rosiglitazone group(9 in each group).The rats in SHR+rosiglitazone group were treated with rosiglitazone(5 mg/kg,intragastrically) for 56 d,whereas normal saline was applied in WKY and SHR groups.Systolic blood pressure(SBP)of rats was measured by tail cuff method.Histopathological damage of thoracic aorta was analyzed using Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE) staining.Immunohistochemical staining and western blot were performed to test the level of p-PPARY protein in the thoracic aorta arising from each group.Results:The SBP in 16,32 and 64 week-old SHR were significantly higher as compared with those in matched WKY rats(P【0.05,respectively).HE staining showed increased content of smooth muscle cell,wrinkled lining endothelium and increased thickness of internal elastic lamina in the thoracic aorta of SHR.Immunohistochemical staining and western blot indicated that the levels of p-PPARY in the thoracic aorta arising from SHR were obviously higher than those in the thoracic aorta arising from WKY rats(P【0.05,respectively).Importantly,the high SBP,histopathological abnormalities of the thoracic aorta and elevated p-PPARY expression were prominently abrogated by rosiglitazone treatment in SHR(P【0.05,respectively).Furthermore,the SBP,histopathological abnormalities of the thoracic aorta and p-PPARY expression were positively correlated with age in SHR(P【0.05,respectively).Conclusions:The PPARY phosphorylation was observed in the thoracic aorta of SHR and its expression was increased by the increase of age.Furthermore,rosiglitazone inhibited the PPARY phosphorylation and suppressed vascular aging in SHR.

Effect of Allocryptopine on Late sodium current of atrial myocytes in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective To explore the effect of allocryptopine （All） on the Late sodium current （INa,Late） of atrial myocytes in spontaneously hyper- tensive rats （SHR）. Method The enzyme digestion method was used to separate single atrial myocytes from SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rat （WKY） rats. INa,Late was record by patch-clamp technique and the effect of All on the current was evaluated. Results Comparing with WKY cells, markedly increasing of INa,Late current in SHR myocytes was found from 0.24 ± 0.02 pA/pF of WKY cells to 1.73± 0.04 pA/pF of SHR cells （P 〈 0.01, n = 15）. After treament with 30 μmol/L All; the current densities was reduced to 0.92 ± 0.03 pA/pF. The ratio of INa,Late/INa,peak of WKY and SHR were 0.09% ± 0.01% and 0.71% ± 0.02%, INa, Late/INa,peak of SHR was reduced to 0.37% ± 0.02% by 30 μmol/L All （P 〈 0.01, n = 15）. We also determined the effect of All on the gating mechanism of the INa,Late in the SHR cells. It was found that All decreased the INa,Late by alleviating the inactivation of the channels and increasing the window current of sodium channel. Conclusion Increased INa,Late in SHR atrial myocytes and the prolonged APD were inhibited by All coming from Chinese herb medicine.

Protective effect of sodium ferulate on cardiac hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of sodium ferulate(SF)on myocardial hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive(SHR).METHODS Forty 14-week-old SHR male rats were randomly divided into model group(SHR,receive distilled water)and SF treatment groups(SF 20,40 and 80 mg·kg^-1 per day,respectively).Age-matched male Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)rats gavaged with distilled water served as controls.After 12 weeks of treatment,the effects of SF on cardiac hypertrophy were evaluated using echocardiographic measurement,pathological analysis and the expression of atrial natriuretic peptide(ANP),myosin heavy chainβ(β-MHC)-a gene related to myocardial hypertrophy.In order to explore the mechanism of SF on myocardial hypertrophy,the calcium-sensing receptor(CaSR),calcineurin(CaN),nuclear factor of activated T cell 3(NFAT3),phosphorylation NFAT3(p-NFAT3),zinc finger transcription factor(GATA4),phosphorylation GATA4(p-GATA4),protein kinase Cβ(PKC-β),Raf-1,extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2(ERK 1/2),phosphorylation ERK1/2(p-ERK 1/2)and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1(MKP-1)were detected.RESULTS The myocardial hypertrophy parameters,myocardial cell cross section area,left ventricular wall thickness and expression of ANP and β-MHC,CaSR,CaN,NFAT3,p-GATA4,PKC-β,Raf-1,and p-ERK 1/2 were significantly increased,while the left ventricular cavity was significantly smaller,expression of p-NFAT3 and MKP-1 were significantly decreased,meanwhile,the ultra⁃structure of cardiomyocytes was significantly damaged in 26-week-old SHR rats.Notably,SF significantly ameliorated myocardial hyper⁃trophy in 26-week-old SHR rats;suppressed the overexpression of ANP,β-MHC,CaSR,CaN,NFAT3,p-GATA4,PKC-β,Raf-1,and p-ERK 1/2 and increased the expression of p-NFAT3 and MKP-1.CONCLUSION SF can inhibit cardiac hypertrophy in SHR rats,and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of CaSR mediated signaling pathway.

PERIPHERAL TISSUE DISTRIBUTION OF ORPHANIN FQ PRECUSOR mRNA IN STROKE-PRONE SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

The heptadecapeptide orphanin FQ (OFQ) is a recently discovered neuropeptide that exhibits structural features reminiscent of the opioid peptides and that is an endogenous ligant to a G protein-coupled receptor sequentially related to the opioid receptors. OFQ was originally isolated from brain, but the presence of OFQ in peripheral tissues, especially in cardiovascular system, has not been clarified. The present study was designed to investigate the peripheral tissue distribution of OFQ precusor mRNA in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and compare the difference of OFQ precusor mRNA expression in aorta or cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) between SHRSP and wistar-Kyoto normotensive (WKY) rats. By using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), OFQ precusor mRNA was detected in aorta and ovary at high levels comparable with the amounts found in brain. Moderate expression was found in testis, while a little OFQ precusor mRNA could be detected in atrium. All other peripheral tissues examined from SHRSP, including ventricle, liver, lung and kidney, showed no expression of OFQ precusor mRNA. In the vascular system, OFQ precusor mRNA was expressed in aorta, pulmonary artery, renal artery and vein at high levels comparable with the amounts found in brain. We also found that OFQ precusor mRNA levels were much higher in aorta or cultured VSMCs from SHRSP than those from WKY rats. In conclusion, the present study has shown that OFQ precusor mRNA is present in some peripheral tissues, especially in cardiovascular and reproductive system, suggesting that OFQ possibly involves in the regulation of cardiovascular and reproductive functions.

Expression of Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate Receptor mRNA in Myocardium of Spontaneous Hypertension Rats and Cultured Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Rats

Objective\ To investigate expression of inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate receptor (IP\-3R) mRNA on sacroplasmic reticular in myocardium of spontaneous hypertension rats (SHRs) and cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) of rats and effects of perindopril and urapidil on them. Methods\ SHRs were orally given perindopril (1.0 mg·kg\+\{ 1\}·d\+\{ 1\}) or urapidil (15 mg·kg\+\{ 1\}·d\+\{ 1\}) for 24 weeks, respectively. Expression of IP\-3R mRNA was examined by semi quantitative reverse transcription polymers chain reaction (RT PCR) using three oligonuclotide primers for each subtype of IP\-3R with β actin as internal label. Results\ All subtypes of IP\-3R were expressed in myocardium of SHR, WKY and cultured VSMC. Expression of IP\-3R mRNA in left ventricle of SHR was markedly enhanced. Urapidil could down regulate expression of IP\-3R Ⅰand IP\-3R Ⅲ, perindopril slightly increased expression of IP\-3R Ⅱ and decreased expression of IP\-3R Ⅰand IP\-3R Ⅲ in myocardium of SHR. Conclusion\ Our results suggest that expression of IP\-3R mRNA in cardiovascular system could be regulated by urapidil and perindopril.

ANGIOTENSIN Ⅱ IMMUNOREACTIVITIES IN CARDIOVASCULAR BRAIN AREAS OF DEVELOPING SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE AND NORMOTENSIVE WISTAR KYOTO RATS:AGE-AND SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES

Angiotensin Ⅱ immunoreactivity (ir-Ang Ⅱ) was measured in brain areas,known to be involved in the control of circulation, in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR) and normotensive, Wistar Kyoto rats as controls (WKY) of 1-]2 weeks old and of both sexes. The systolic pressure (SP), in rats of 4-12 weeks old,increased with age and was signifficantly higher in SHR than WKY. In SHR, the increase was also significantly greater in male than female. The ir-Ang Ⅱ increased with age in all cardiovascular brain areas up to 12 weeks old in SHR, but only up to 4 weeks old in WKY. There was also sex difference in SHR. The changes in ir-Ang Ⅱ, particularly in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM), correlated well with changes in SP. The findings suggest thal interaction between brain Ang Ⅱ and cardiovascular brain areas, particularly the VLM and hypothalamus, may be crucial in the development of hypertension. The results also indicale sexual dimorphism in brain Ang Ⅱ in addition to blood pressure reaction in the developing SHR.

Long-term modifications of blood pressure in normotensive and spontane-ously hypertensive rats by gene delivery of rAAV-mediated cytochrome P450 arachidonic acid hydroxylase

Arachidonic acid cytochrome P-450 （CYP） hydroxylase 4A isoforms, including 4A1, 4A2, 4A3 and 4A8 in the rat kidney, catalyze arachidonic acid to produce 19/20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids （20-HETE）, a biologically active metabolite, which plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure. However, controversial results have been reported regarding the exact role of 20-HETE on blood pressure. In the present study, we used recombinant adenoassociated viral vector （rAAV） to deliver CYP 4A1 cDNA and antisense 4A1 cDNA into Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHR）, respectively, to investigate the effects of long-term modifications of blood pressure and the potential for gene therapy of hyperténsion. The mean systolic pressure increased by 14.2±2.5 mm Hg in rAAV.4A 1-treated SD rats and decreased by 13.7±2.2 mm Hg in rAAV.anti4A l-treated SHR rats 5 weeks after the injection compared with controls and these changes in blood pressure were maintained until the experiments ended at 24 weeks. In 4A1 treated animals CYP4A was overexpressed in various tissues, but preferentially in the kidney at both mRNA and protein levels. In anti-4Al-treated SHR, CYP4A mRNA in various tissues was probed, especially in kidneys, but 4A l protein expression was almost completely inhibited. These results suggest that arachidonic acid CYP hydroxylases contribute not only to the maintenance of normal blood pressure but also to the development of hypertension. rAAV-mediated anti4A administration strategy has the potential to be used as targeted gene therapy in human hypertension by blocking expression of CYP 4A in kidneys.