Early myocardial fibrosis is associated with depletion of vasoactive intestinal peptide in rat heart

In this study we sought to determine whether early myocardial fibrosis is associated with depletion of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the heart, thereby suggesting a possible pathogenetic role for depletion of myocardial VIP levels in the development of fibrosis in the heart. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive control Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs) were assigned randomly to low, intermediate or high sodium diets and their blood pressure was recorded twice weekly for 4 weeks. At the end of this period the rats were anaesthetised, blood was sampled for plasma VIP concentration and the hearts were harvested for histology and determination of the concentration of VIP in the heart. The degree of myocardial fibrosis increased with increasing dietary sodium intake in both the WKYs (P < 0.001) and the SHRs (P < 0.01). Myocardial VIP concentration decreased with increasing dietary sodium intake in the WKYs (P < 0.01) and in the SHRs (P < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between myocardial VIP concentration and the degree of myocardial fibrosis in both the WKYs (P < 0.0005) and the SHRs (P < 0.005). Dietary sodium intake induces myocardial fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner. Further, in early myocardial fibrosis resulting from increasing dietary sodium intake in both normotensive and hypertensive rats the concentration of VIP in the heart was negatively correlated with the degree of fibrosis. This suggests a possible role for depletion of VIP in the myocardium in the pathogenesis of myocardial fibrosis.     

自发性高血压大鼠心肌组织microRNA-133a与TGF-β1蛋白表达的改变及意义

 目的：观察microRNA-133a（miR-133a）与转化生长因子-β1（transforming growth factor β1,TGF-β1）蛋白在自发性高血压大鼠（spontaneously hypertensive rats,SHR）心肌组织中的表达改变和关系。方法：取12只18周龄雄性自发性高血压大鼠为SHR组,12只18周龄雄性Wistar-Kyoto （WKY）大鼠为对照组,通过无创血压测量分析系统测大鼠尾动脉血压,Masson染色检测心肌胶原容积分数（collagen volume fraction,CVF）和血管周围胶原面积比率（perivascular collagen area ratio, PVCA）,实时荧光定量PCR检测miR-133a表达水平,免疫组化和Western blotting法检测心肌TGF-β1蛋白表达。结果：与对照组比较,SHR组的收缩压和舒张压明显升高（P<0.01）,心肌CVF和PVCA明显升高（P<0.01）,TGF-β1蛋白表达水平明显升高（P＜0.01）,miR-133a表达水平明显降低（P<0.01）,SHR组心肌miR-133a表达水平为对照组的（23.9±4.6）%;SHR组心肌组织miR-133a与TGF-β1蛋白表达水平呈负相关（r=-0.791, P<0.01）。结论：SHR心肌组织miR-133a表达下调,伴随TGF-β1蛋白表达升高和胶原合成增加。miR-133a与TGF-β1可能参与SHR大鼠的心肌纤维化。     

上调miR-133a表达水平对自发性高血压大鼠心肌纤维化的影响

目的:观察上调微小RNA-133a(miR-133a)的表达水平对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)心肌纤维化的影响。方法:以同源正常血压Wistar-Kyoto(WKY)大鼠为正常对照组,另将SHR随机分为SHR组、SHR+腺相关病毒(AAV)组和SHR+携带miR-133a的腺相关病毒(miR-133a-AAV)组。通过冠脉灌注法将miR-133a-AAV转染至SHR大鼠的心脏,监测大鼠的尾动脉压,Masson染色观察心肌胶原沉积情况,real-time PCR检测心肌组织中miR-133a的表达水平,免疫组化法和Western blot法检测心肌组织中转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)和结缔组织生长因子(CTGF)的蛋白表达水平。结果:与WKY大鼠相比,SHR的尾动脉压明显升高,心肌组织中miR133a表达水平降低,TGF-β1和CTGF蛋白表达水平升高,出现心肌纤维化;上调SHR心肌miR-133a的表达水平后,心肌纤维化程度明显减轻,TGF-β1和CTGF蛋白表达水平降低。结论:上调心肌组织中miR-133a的表达水平,对高血压导致的大鼠心肌纤维化有改善作用,其机制可能与抑制心肌组织中TGF-β1和CTGF蛋白表达有关。     

Renal dopamine and noradrenaline excretion during CNS-induced natriuresis in spontaneously hypertensive rats: influence of dietary sodium

Abnormalities in dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) activities and sodium handling may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The present study was designed to investigate whether any differences exist between normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in urinary excretion of DA, NA and sodium after 15 weeks on a low, medium or high sodium diet and during a subsequent elevation of the cerebroventricular fluid sodium concentration (CNS-induced natriuresis). Seven features were noted: (1) Basal sodium and DA excretion after the diet regimen was correlated to the dietary sodium content in both strains, except that sodium and DA excretion in SHR showed no further increase after the high sodium diet over and above that after medium sodium diet. (2) For any given sodium diet, SHR excreted more DA and NA as compared with WKY. (3) Blood pressure in SHR, as opposed to that in WKY, was higher after medium and high sodium diet than after low sodium diet. (4) During CNS-induced natriuresis NA excretion decreased or remained unchanged in WKY, but increased in SHR. (5) The DA/NA excretion ratio during CNS-induced natriuresis increased in WKY while decreased in SHR, which would not favour a natriuretic/vasodilatory response in the latter. (6) The ability of SHR to respond with CNS-induced natriuresis was attenuated after high sodium diet. (7) The magnitude of CNS-induced natriuresis was in both strains correlated to the sodium diet; the higher the dietary sodium content, the greater the natriuretic response. In conclusion, the study shows some clear differences in the catecholamine and sodium handling between WKY and SHR which may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in SHR. Furthermore, increased sodium in the diet sensitizes the brain and kidney to increase the ability to respond with natriuresis for a given sodium stimulus.     

SHR和WKY大鼠心肌细胞凋亡、HSP70、iNOS水平的比较研究

目的:检测自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)和正常血压大鼠(WKY)心肌细胞凋亡和诱导型一氧化氮合成酶、热休克蛋白70水平变化,并探讨其机制。方法:透射电镜、TUNEL法检测SHR和WKY大鼠心肌细胞凋亡;免疫组化检测其iNOS、HSP70蛋白表达。结果:透射电镜示SHR组可见凋亡特征的心肌细胞;TUNEL法示SHR组凋亡明显高于WKY组(P<0.01);免疫组化示SHR组iNOS、HSP70蛋白表达明显高于WKY组(P<0.01)。结论:SHR心肌细胞凋亡在自发性高血压病发病过程中起重要作用;SHR的iNOS、HSP70蛋白表达增加与细胞凋亡同时存在,可能也参与自发性高血压心肌细胞凋亡的调控。     

Renal dopamine and noradrenaline excretion during CNS‐induced natriuresis in spontaneously hypertensive rats: influence of dietary sodium

Abnormalities in dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) activities and sodium handling may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. The present study was designed to investigate whether any differences exist between normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in urinary excretion of DA, NA and sodium after 15 weeks on a low, medium or high sodium diet and during a subsequent elevation of the cerebroventricular fluid sodium concentration (CNS‐induced natriuresis). Seven features were noted: (1) Basal sodium and DA excretion after the diet regimen was correlated to the dietary sodium content in both strains, except that sodium and DA excretion in SHR showed no further increase after the high sodium diet over and above that after medium sodium diet. (2) For any given sodium diet, SHR excreted more DA and NA as compared with WKY. (3) Blood pressure in SHR, as opposed to that in WKY, was higher after medium and high sodium diet than after low sodium diet. (4) During CNS‐induced natriuresis NA excretion decreased or remained unchanged in WKY, but increased in SHR. (5) The DA/NA excretion ratio during CNS‐induced natriuresis increased in WKY while decreased in SHR, which would not favour a natriuretic/vasodilatory response in the latter. (6) The ability of SHR to respond with CNS‐induced natriuresis was attenuated after high sodium diet. (7) The magnitude of CNS‐induced natriuresis was in both strains correlated to the sodium diet; the higher the dietary sodium content, the greater the natriuretic response. In conclusion, the study shows some clear differences in the catecholamine and sodium handling between WKY and SHR which may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension in SHR. Furthermore, increased sodium in the diet sensitizes the brain and kidney to increase the ability to respond with natriuresis for a given sodium stimulus.     

High-phosphorus/zinc-free diet aggravates hypertension and cardiac dysfunction in a rat model of the metabolic syndrome

BackgroundCardiac dysfunction is reported in patients with the metabolic syndrome. We assessed the effects of high-phosphorus and zinc-free diet on cardiovascular system in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)/NDmcr-cp (SHR/cp), a rat model of the metabolic syndrome. We also investigated the effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, on the development of cardiac dysfunction under such conditions.MethodsMale SHR/cp and control [Wistar Kyoto (WKY)] rats were divided into three groups and fed control diet (P 0.3% w/w, Zn 0.2% w/w) or high-phosphorus and zinc-free (P 1.2% w/w, Zn 0.0% w/w) diet. The latter group was treated with either NAC (1.5 mg/g per day) or vehicle from 6 to 18 weeks of age (n=6 or 8 for each group).ResultsHigh-phosphate and zinc-free diet increased systolic blood pressure in both WKY and SHR/cp. Echocardiography showed that high-phosphate and zinc-free diet markedly reduced left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in SHR/cp. Histopathologically, the same diet induced severe myocardial fibrosis in SHR/cp, and this effect was prevented by NAC. Whereas treatment with NAC prevented diastolic dysfunction induced by the same diet in WKY, it only improved systolic function but not diastolic function in SHR/cp.ConclusionsHigh-phosphate and zinc-free diet induced hypertension and cardiac dysfunction. These changes hamper the protective effects of NAC in the metabolic syndrome.SummaryThe present study showed that consumption of high-phosphorus and zinc-free diet increased the myocardial expression of connective tissue growth factor and reduced the expression of metallothionein, which enhanced the development of severe cardiac dysfunction in rats with the metabolic syndrome. The results suggest that the metabolic syndrome seems to aggravate cardiac dysfunction and hamper the protective effects of antioxidant, NAC.     

Age-related changes in the renal dopaminergic system and expression of renal amino acid transporters in WKY and SHR rats

This study examined age-related changes in renal dopaminergic activity and expression of amino acid transporters potentially involved in renal tubular uptake of l-DOPA in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Aging (from 13 to 91 weeks) was accompanied by increases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) in both WKY and SHR. The sum of urinary dopamine and DOPAC and the urinary dopamine/l-DOPA ratio were increased in aged SHR but not in aged WKY. The urinary dopamine/renal delivery of l-DOPA ratio was increased in both rat strains with aging. LAT2 abundance was increased in aged WKY and SHR. The expression of 4F2hc was markedly elevated in aged SHR but not in aged WKY. ASCT2 was upregulated in both aged WKY and SHR. Plasma aldosterone levels and urinary noradrenaline levels were increased in aged WKY and SHR though levels of both entities were more elevated in aged SHR. Activation of the renal dopaminergic system is more pronounced in aged SHR than in aged WKY and is associated with an upregulation of renal cortical ASCT2 in WKY and of LAT2/4F2hc and ASCT2 in SHR. This activation may be the consequence of a counter-regulatory mechanism for stimuli leading to sodium reabsorption.     

The effects of beta adrenoceptor blockade with atenolol on myocardial cellular and subcellular hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats

In this study we investigated the effects of chronic β adrenoreceptor blockade with atenolol on cellular and subcellular hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Atenolol was injected subcutaneously (20 mg/kg) twice daily commencing in four-week-old rats. The treated animals (SHR-A) were compared to their nontreated controls and normotensive, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls at the age of 16 weeks. A group of atenolol-treated WKY was also studied. Chronic drug treatment was effective in attenuating the rise in systolic blood pressure characteristic of SHR, but did not normalize the values to those of WKY. Cardiac hypertrophy, characteristic of SHR, was modified by drug treatment as evidenced by left ventricular weights as well as myocardial cell size. The cells from the subendocardium underwent selective hypertrophy in SHR which was attentuated by about 50% after atenolol treatment. Stereological analysis of electron micrographs showed that while relative mitochondrial volume was not affected by treatment, relative myofibrillar volume (%) decreased in both subepicardium (SHR = 63.28 ± 1.25; SHR-A = 56.72 ± 1.37) and subendocardium (SHR = 66.53 ± 1.27; SHR-A = 58.30 ± 1.51). This change raised the mitochondrial/myofibrillar volume ratio, which is characteristically low in SHR compared to WKY. Sarcoplasm, which included all cell constituents except mitochondria, increased with atenolol treatment, but water concentration remained unchanged. The data suggest that attenuation of hypertrophy in SHR after β blockade is associated with selective effects on the myocardial cell involving primarily the myofibrillar cell compartment.     

血管内皮生长因子及其基因在自发性高血压大鼠心肌中的表达

目的：血管内皮生长因子（ＶＥＧＦ）是新近确定的一种特异作用于血管内皮细胞的活性肽。最近发现正常心肌细胞有ＶＥＧＦ及其基因表达,但对高血压肥大心脏心肌ＶＥＧＦ及其基因表达的变化尚不清楚。方法：本实验采用免疫组化和分子杂交方法,对自发性设备夸大鼠（ＳＨＲ）肥大于心脏心肌ＶＥＧＦ及其基因表达进行研究。结果：免疫组化结果表明：ＳＨＲ心肌细胞浆内特异性ＶＥＧＦ染色颗粒明显多于ＷＫＹ对照大鼠。Ｎｏｔｈｅｒｎ分     

螺内酯和缬沙坦对高血压大鼠心肌细胞外信号调节激酶的影响

目的:观察血管紧张素Ⅱ受体拮抗剂缬沙坦和醛固酮受体拮抗剂螺内酯对SHR心肌中活化的ERK的影响。方法:将18只雄性SHR随机分为三组,每组6只。其中两组分别用缬沙坦30mg/kg/天、螺内酯20mg/kg/天溶于饮水灌胃,连续治疗13周;对照组给正常饮水,并与Wist-ar-kyoto大鼠(WKY)比较。用Western-blot方法检测大鼠心肌磷酸化ERK的表达。结果:SHR对照组心肌磷酸化ERK/actin值高于其余三组(P<0.01),螺内酯和缬沙坦组高于WKY组(P<0.01),两用药组之间无差异。结论:血管紧张素Ⅱ受体拮抗剂缬沙坦和醛固酮受体拮抗剂均能通过抑制ERK途径而抑制左室肥厚和心肌纤维化。     

自发性高血压鼠脑底动脉血管活性肠多肽能神经纤维的分布

目的 探讨肽能神经对高血压鼠脑血管的神经源性调节的形态学基础。方法 应用免疫组织化学ＡＢＣ法和图介分析技术，观察了１０只自发性高血压鼠（ＳＨＲ）和１０只正常血压鼠脑底动脉血管活性肠多肽能神经纤维的分布。结果 在自发性高血压鼠脑的大脑前动脉、中动脉、后动脉和基底动脉及其分支均可见棕褐色的免疫反应性纤维，纤维似细曲线状，多呈网状分布，与正常血压鼠同一部位脑底动脉血管壁上的免疫反应性纤维密度比较，自发性高血压鼠大脑前动脉、中动脉和后动脉的免疫反应性纤维明显减少。结论 高血压鼠脑底动脉血管活性肠多肽能神经纤维密度的减少，提示在ＳＨＲ脑血流的自动调节作用中，由于非交感性血客扩张神经减少，导致神经源性血管扩张作用减弱，交感神经活性相对增加，表明血管活性肠多肽神经在高血压鼠脑血管的神经源性调节中起着重要的作用。     

Activities of hypothalamic angiotensin II-sensitive neurons are greately enhanced even in prehypertensive spontaneously hypertensive rats

We have previously demonstrated that some neurons in the anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) of rats are tonically activated by endogenous angiotensins and that reactivities of these neurons to angiotensin II are enhanced in 15- to 16-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). To investigate whether the enhanced reactivity of SHR AHA neurons to angiotensin II is secondary to raised blood pressure, we examined whether the enhanced reactivity to angiotensin II also occurs in prehypertensive SHR. We also examined whether reactivities of AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons to intracerebroventricular hypertonic saline are enhanced in prehypertensive SHR, since intracerebroventricular injection of hypertonic saline increases the firing rate of AHA neurons via release of angiotensins at AHA neuron levels. Male 4-week-old SHR and age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were used in this study. There was no difference in systolic blood pressure between both rats. They were anesthetized and artificially ventilated. Extracellular potentials were recorded from single neurons in the AHA. Pressure application of angiotensin II onto some AHA neurons increased their firing rate. The basal firing rate of angiotensin II-sensitive neurons was increased in SHR as compared with WKY. The increase of unit firing by angiotenisn II was enhanced in SHR as compared with WKY. Intracerebroventricular injection of hypertonic saline increased the firing rate of AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons. The average threshold sodium concentration for the saline-induced increase of neural firing was lower in SHR than in WKY. These findings demonstrate that basal activities and responsiveness to angiotensin II in AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons are enhanced in prehypertensive SHR as compared with age-matched WKY. In addition, these findings indicate that central saline-induced activation of AHA angiotensin II-sensitive neurons is also enhanced in SHR. It appears that the enhanced reactivity of SHR AHA neurons to angiotensin II occurs primarily in nature but not secondarily to raised blood pressure in SHR.     

原发性高血压与应激性高血压大鼠NO/NOS、ET的变化

目的：探讨强物理因子诱发高血压后，一氧化氮（NO）／一氧化氮合酶（NOS）系统和内皮素（ET）的作用。方法：电击大鼠足底结合噪音刺激制作慢性应激性高血压大鼠（CSHR）模型，采用特异性放射免疫测定技术和化学比色法，检测原发性高血压大鼠（SHR）和正常血压（Wistar-kyoto WKY）大鼠，以及CSHR和正常血压Wistar大鼠心肌ET、NO和NOS的含量。结果：（1）SHR的尾动脉收缩压（CASP），左心室重量指数（LVW／BW）明显高于WKY大鼠（P〈0．01）。SHR的心肌ET水平明显高于WKY大鼠（P〈0．05）。（2）CSHR的CASP明显高于Wistar大鼠（P〈0．01），而LVW／BW及右心室重量指数（RVW／BW）与Wistar大鼠无差异（P〉0．05）。CSHR的心肌ET水平明显高Wistar大鼠（P〈0．01），而心肌NO及NOS水平则低于Wistar大鼠（P〈0．05）。结论：ET的增多以及NO／NOS系统功能低下可能参与了自发性高血压与慢性应激性高血压的发生和发展。NO／NOS系统和ET可能参与了SHR心肌肥厚的发生和发展。在CSHR中，应激四周可以造成血压升高，ET增多以及NO／NOS系统功能低下，但来发生心肌肥厚。     

Functional and stereologic estimations of myocardial capillary exchange capacity in treated and untreated spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Myocardial capillary exchange capacity was investigated by stereologic and functional techniques in parallel during pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy and after long-term antihypertensive therapy with the vasodilator felodipine. In 26-week-old female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) blood pressure increased by 25% and left ventricular weight (LVW/BW) increased by 18% compared to Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Myocardial capillary surface and volume densities normalized for organ weight were similar in both ventricles for both strains. Moreover, capillary surface density was higher sub-epicardially (EPI) than in the subendocardium (ENDO) in the left ventricle of SHR. Thirteen weeks of felodipine-therapy (SHR-Felo) normalized blood pressure without affecting LVW/BW although a transition from concentric to eccentric hypertrophy is known to occur. Myocardial capillary surface and volume densities and the left ventricular ENDO-EPI-gradient in surface density were similar to untreated SHR. However, felodipine-treatment increased right ventricular weight and capillary volume density. Functional capillary exchange was estimated in terms of permeability surface area products (PS) for Cr-EDTA and vitamin B12 and normalized for organ weight. PSCr-EDTA, PSB12 and the ratio PSCr-EDTA/PSB12 (an index of capillary permeability) were similar in SHR and WKY. Furthermore, the relation between functional and stereological indices of exchange capacity was investigated in a multiple linear regression analysis. However, no significant correlation between PS and neither capillary surface nor volume density was found. In conclusion, myocardial capillary exchange capacity was well adapted to the pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy present in female SHR. Despite induction of right ventricular hypertrophy, felodipine-treatment did not affect capillary exchange capacity. Furthermore, when functional and stereologic estimates were performed in parallel, the importance of dynamic factors for myocardial capillary exchange capacity (e.g. heterogeneity) was illustrated.     

卡托普利对SHR心肌VEGF表达及微血管的影响

目的检测卡托普利降压治疗前后自发性高血压(SHR)心肌血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)表达水平与微血管密度的变化,探讨该药物是否具有逆转微血管稀少的作用。方法60只8月龄大鼠均分成正常血压对照组(WKY),SHR组和卡托普利治疗SHR组,用单宁酸-氯化铁组织化学法检测心肌微血管,用免疫组化SP法检测心肌VEGF蛋白表达,并对上述3组心脏切片用计算机图象分析系统进行定量观察分析。结果对照组SHR心肌微血管密度比对照组WKY减少,而VEGF表达水平比WKY组增强(均P<0.05),卡托普利治疗组SHR心肌微血管密度增加,而VEGF表达水平下降,与对照组SHR比较差异具有显著性(P<0.05),而与WKY组相当(P>0.05)。结论卡托普利在降压治疗的同时可下调VEGF表达水平,并逆转微血管减少,从而对靶器官具有保护作用。     

短链酰基辅酶A脱氢酶在大鼠心脏发育中的表达及其与心肌肥厚的关系

 目的：研究大鼠心脏发育过程中短链酰基辅酶A脱氢酶(short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, SCAD)的表达变化规律,并探讨其与高血压大鼠心肌肥厚的关系。方法：观察不同时期Wistar大鼠和不同周龄自发性高血压大鼠心肌组织的SCAD蛋白表达及酶活性变化,检测大鼠的血清和心肌游离脂肪酸含量。结果：与胚胎期19 d Wistar大鼠组比较,出生后1 d、2周、6周及16周龄Wistar大鼠组心肌的SCAD蛋白表达及酶活性增加,血清和心肌游离脂肪酸含量明显减少,二者之间呈负相关,其中,从2周龄Wistar大鼠组开始差异有统计学意义。与周龄匹配的WKY大鼠组比较,2周龄自发性高血压大鼠组收缩压尚未升高,6周龄及16周龄自发性高血压大鼠组收缩压显著增高;各时点自发性高血压大鼠组的左室重量指数均明显增高,提示自发性高血压大鼠在血压升高之前,已经发生了明显的心肌肥厚。与周龄匹配的WKY大鼠组比较,2周、6周及16周龄自发性高血压大鼠组心肌的SCAD蛋白表达及酶活性明显下降,血清和心肌游离脂肪酸含量明显增加,呈显著负相关。结论：(1)SCAD蛋白表达随大鼠心脏的生长发育逐渐上调,可能与心脏对脂肪酸的利用增加密切相关。(2)SCAD的蛋白表达及其酶活性显著下降, 可能是导致自发性高血压大鼠肥厚心肌能量代谢“胚胎型再演”的分子基础。     

Dysregulation of angiotensin II synthesis is associated with salt sensitivity in the spontaneous hypertensive rat

(1) Salt sensitive hypertension, which occurs as a result of treatment with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, is associated with a loss of the usual down-regulatory effect of dietary sodium on angiotensin II (Ang II) synthesis. In the spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR), which suffers a relative NO deficiency, the hypertension is in part salt sensitive. We sought to determine therefore whether the salt sensitive component to the hypertension was associated with a loss of the regulatory effect of dietary sodium on Ang II synthesis. (2) Male SHR were placed on low, intermediate or high salt diets for 4 weeks and their blood pressure recorded. After 4 weeks, blood was collected for determination of renin, angiotensinogen, Ang I, Ang II and aldosterone concentrations, as well as ACE activity. (3) The increase in systolic blood pressure in rats on the high salt diet was significantly greater than in those on the low (P < 0.005) and intermediate salt diets (P < 0.0005). Plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations and ACE activity decreased with increasing dietary sodium. However, the concentrations of Ang II and angiotensinogen both increased in the rats on the high salt diet (Ang II: P < 0.05; angiotensinogen: P < 0.05). (4) We conclude that the hypertension in the SHR is in part salt sensitive and that this salt sensitive component is associated with a loss of the normal down-regulatory effect of dietary sodium on Ang II and angiotensinogen synthesis.     

Functional and stereologic estimations of myocardial capillary exchange capacity in treated and untreated spontaneously hypertensive rats

Myocardial capillary exchange capacity was investigated by stereologic and functional techniques in parallel during pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy and after long-term antihypertensive therapy with the vasodilator felodipine. In 26-week-old female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) blood pressure increased by 25 % and left ventricular weight (LVW/BW) increased by 18% compared to Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Myocardial capillary surface and volume densities normalized for organ weight were similar in both ventricles for both strains. Moreover, capillary surface density was higher sub-epicardially (EPI) than in the subendocardium (ENDO) in the left ventricle of SHR. Thirteen weeks of felodipine-therapy (SHR-Felo) normalized blood pressure without affecting LVW/BW although a transition from concentric to eccentric hypertrophy is known to occur. Myocardial capillary surface and volume densities and the left ventricular ENDO-EPI-gradient in surface density were similar to untreated SHR. However, felodipine-treatment increased right ventricular weight and capillary volume density. Functional capillary exchange was estimated in terms of permeability surface area products (PS) for Cr-EDTA and vitamin B₁₂ and normalized for organ weight. PS_cr-EDTA, PS_B12 and the ratio PS_cr-EDTA/PS_B12 (an index of capillary permeability) were similar in SHR and WKY. Furthermore, the relation between functional and stereological indices of exchange capacity was investigated in a multiple linear regression analysis. However, no significant correlation between PS and neither capillary surface nor volume density was found. In conclusion, myocardial capillary exchange capacity was well adapted to the pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy present in female SHR. Despite induction of right ventricular hypertrophy, felodipine-treatment did not affect capillary exchange capacity. Furthermore, when functional and stereologic estimates were performed in parallel, the importance of dynamic factors for myocardial capillary exchange capacity (e.g. heterogeneity) was illustrated.     

安体舒通改善自发性高血压大鼠心肌纤维化

目的：观察安体舒通对自发性高血压大鼠（spontaneously hypertensive rats,SHR）心肌纤维化的影响及可能机制。方法:将16只14周龄雄性SHR随机分为安体舒通组和对照组,每组8只，分别以安体舒通30 mg·kg-1·d-1 及等量生理盐水灌胃12周，同时取8只同龄雄性SD大鼠作为正常对照组，用免疫组化的方法对结缔组织生长因子（connective tissue growth factor,CTGF）、转化生长因子β1（transforming growth factors beta-1,TGFβ1）、 胶原Ⅰ和 Ⅲ（collagenⅠand Ⅲ）在大鼠左室心肌的分布及表达进行半定量分析；用RT-PCR的方法检测TGFβ1、CTGF mRNA在心肌表达水平；用Masson染色法观察左室心肌胶原形态，图像分析测量胶原容积分数（collagen volume fraction,CVF）；用碱水解法测定左室心肌羟脯氨酸(hydroxyproline,Hypro)含量。结果:（1）SHR对照组左室重量指数（left ventricular index,LVI）、CVF、Hypro、collagenⅠ和Ⅲ、CTGF、TGFβ1蛋白及mRNA表达明显高于SD大鼠组（P<0.01）；相对于SHR对照组，安体舒通组则显著降低（P<0.05）；（2）相关分析表明：CTGF与TGFβ1、CVF、Hypro和LVI呈高度正相关（P<0.01）。结论:安体舒通能明显改善SHR心肌纤维化，其作用可能是通过阻断盐皮质激素受体和抑制CTGF的表达而实现的。