Improvement of Vascular Remodeling in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Qin-Dan-Jiang-Ya-Tang (QDJYT) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of hypertension. The effect of QDJYT on blood pressure (BP) and vascular remodeling in hypertension was investigated in the model of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR). Sixteen SHRs were divided into two groups: the SHR group and the SHR+ QDJYT group. Eight Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were in the normal control group. QDJYT (750mg/kg) was orally administered daily for 12 weeks to the SHR+QDJYT group. After 12 weeks, thoracic aortas were segregated. The media thickness (MT) and the lumen diameter (LD) of the aortic wall, the ratios of MT to LD, the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mRNA, and the level of its proteinic production were examined by histology, real-time PCR, and Western blot analysis, respectively. It was observed in our study that MT, MT/LD, the expression of bFGF mRNA, and the level of its proteinic production in aortic walls were higher in SHRs than in WKY rats. However, in the SHRs treated with QDJYT, we found MT, MT/LD, the expression of bFGF mRNA and the level of its proteinic production were lower than SHRs. These results suggest that QDJYT can improve the vascular remodeling in SHRs, and the mechanisms may be related to the suppressive effect of QDJYT on bFGF mRNA and its proteic productions in the aortic walls of SHRs.     

自发性高血压大鼠心脏重构与ACE2 mRNA的表达

目的:观察不同月龄的自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)的心脏血管紧张素转换酶2(ACE2)mRNA表达水平,探讨心脏重构与ACE2的内在联系。方法:将12周龄雄性SHR 18只和12周龄WKY Wistar-Kyoto rats大鼠18只随机分为两组,从WKY大鼠组和SHR组中各抽取9只处死,剩余的9只再喂养12周后处死。测量大鼠心脏的质量(HW)与体质量(BW)并计算HW/BW的比值。以实时定量RT-PCR法检测ACE2 mRNA的表达。结果:①与同周龄WKY大鼠组比较,SHR组HW/BW的比值显著增加(P0.01);与12周龄SHR组比较,24周龄SHR组的HW/BW显著增加(P0.05)。②与同周龄的WKY大鼠组比较,SHR组ACE2 mRNA的表达显著降低(P0.01);与12周龄的SHR组比较,24周龄的SHR组ACE2 mRNA的表达显著降低(P0.01)。结论:自发性高血压大鼠心脏重构伴随着心脏中ACE2 mRNA的表达下调。     

Reduction of plasma angiotensin II to normal levels by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against liver angiotensinogen cannot completely attenuate vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE: The exact role of angiotensinogen (AGT) in vascular remodeling has yet to be determined. In the present study, we examined the effects of reducing plasma AGT by intravenous injections with antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) against AGT targeted to the liver on vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). DESIGN AND METHODS: The ODNs against rat AGT were coupled to asialoglycoprotein (ASOR) carrier molecules, which serve as an important method for regulating liver gene expression. Male SHRs (n = 18) and age-matched male Wistar- Kyoto (WKY) rats (n = 4) were used for this study. All animals were fed a standard rat diet throughout the experiment At 10 weeks of age, the SHRs were divided into three groups (n = 6); systolic blood pressure (SBP) was similar in each group. The control group received saline, the sense group was injected with the sense ODN complex and the antisense group was injected with the antisense ODN complex. WKY rats were fed for the same period of time. The ASOR-poly(L)lysine-ODN complex was injected into the tail veins twice a week. RESULTS: At the end of the treatment, a reduction in AGT mRNA levels in the liver and plasma AGT was observed only in the animals injected with antisense ODNs. Antisense ODNs significantly reduced the plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) concentrations to levels similar to those observed in WKY rats. Antisense ODNs significantly reduced the SBP (180.7 +/- 4.4 mmHg) and media cross-sectional areas of the aorta (1.11 +/- 0.02 mm2), which were still larger than those seen in WKY rats (140.3 +/- 2.1 mmHg, 0.84 +/- 0.02 mm2), compared with the SHRs injected with sense ODNs (225.2 +/- 4.4 mmHg, 1.24 +/- 0.02 mm2) and control SHRs (223.7 +/- 4.8 mmHg, 1.25 +/- 0.02 mm2). The aortic angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and collagen concentrations, which were significantly higher than those seen in WKY rats, did not significantly change among the SHR groups. The aortic AGT, ACE, angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor and angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor mRNA also did not significantly change among the SHR groups. CONCLUSION: On the basis of these findings, plasma AGT is thus considered to play a role in the development of hypertrophy of smooth muscle in the aorta of SHRs, it is thought to have only a slight effect, however, on the remodeling of the matrix tissue when the suppression of hypertension is insufficient.     

The effects of Xuezhikang on vascular remodeling and aortic fibers in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background Xuezhikang is a traditional Chinese medicine for the therapy of patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of Xuezhikang on vascular remodeling and aortic fibers in spontaneously hypertensive rats remains unclear. Methods Thirty spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs) aged 8 weeks were randomized into three groups: SHRs control group(SHRs group, n = 10), group treated with low dose Xuezhikang(XZK-L,20 mg/kg/d, n = 10) and group treated with high dose Xuezhikang(XZK-H, 200 mg/kg/d, n = 10). The normal group was comprised of ten Wistar-Kyoto(WKY) rats of the same age. While under pentobarbital anesthesia, in vivo aortic stiffness was determined by a pulse wave velocity(PWV) technique and measured locally in the descending thoracic aorta by Doppler ultrasound echocardiography. Fixed tissues were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, masson trichrome, aldehyde-fuchsin and Gordon-Sweets stain. Results The PWV, thicknesses of the aortic wall, wall-to-lumen(W/L) ratio, elastic fibers thicknesses and collagen volume fraction were measured. XZK-L and XZK-H groups were observed to be significantly greater than those in the normal group(P 0.01). The levels of PWV, W/L ratio and collagen fibers were observed to be significantly reduced in the XZK-H group when compared with the control group(P 0.05). There was no significance in reticular fiber distributing between the XZK-treated group and SHR group. The reticular fibers in SHR rats were obviously more than those of WKY rats. Conclusion The hypertensive vascular remodeling is associated with changes of elastic fibers and collagen and reticular fibers. Xuezhikang improves hypertensive vascular remodeling by repairing the elastic fibers and inhibiting the levels of collagen.     

厄贝沙坦和咪哒普利对自发性高血压大鼠左室肥厚和c-Jun表达的影响

目的探讨厄贝沙坦和咪哒普利对自发性高血压大鼠（SHR）左室肥厚和c-Jun表达的影响。方法选用13周龄的SHR 30只,雌性9只,雄性21只,体质量（229±39）g,随机分为3组:SHR组,厄贝沙坦组,咪哒普利组,每组雌性3只,雄性7只。另选同源同系、血压正常的Wistar-Kyoto大鼠（WKY）10只,雌性5只,雄性5只,体质量（206±49）g,作为正常对照组（WKY组）。实验期14周。观察指标:血压、左室质量/体质量（LVW/BW）、左室厚度/体质量、左心室肌c-Jun蛋白及mRNA水平。结果26周龄SHR组血压、LVW/BW与左室厚度/体质量均增高,左心室肌c-Jun蛋白和mRNA的表达明显增加;咪哒普利组、厄贝沙坦组血压、LVW/BW、左室厚度/体质量、左心室肌c-Jun蛋白和mRNA的表达均降低。结论自发性高血压可明显导致心肌肥厚,而咪哒普利、厄贝沙坦可明显降低血压、抑制心肌肥厚的发生。     

自发性高血压大鼠肾上腺髓质素含量与中性内肽酶分布的关系

目的 测定自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)与WKY大鼠组织肾上腺髓质素(ADM)含量和中性内肽酶(NEP)活性及其表达水平，以探讨NEP的变化在高血压时组织ADM水平升高中的意义。方法 采用放射免疫分析方法和荧光分光光度法分别检测血浆和组织的ADM含量和NEP的活性，同时用半定量RT-PCR和免疫组织化学染色法分别检测组织NEP mRNA和NEP蛋白的表达和分布。结果 ADM和NEP广泛分布于大鼠的血浆和组织，SHR的ADM含量在各组织普遍高于WKY大鼠。SHR心脏和小肠NEP的活性和mRNA表达均显著低于WKY大鼠，ADM含量与NEP活性呈负相关。反之，SHR血浆和肾脏NEP活性、肾脏NEP mRNA水平与蛋白量均高于WKY大鼠，ADM含量与NEP活性呈正相关。在肺脏和主动脉，NEP的活性无明显变化。结论 NEP在自发性高血压大鼠各组织器官中的变化与ADM含量的变化不一致，提示高血压时组织局部的NEP对ADM含量的影响不同。     

通心络对高血压大鼠血管内皮功能的保护作用

目的探讨通心络对高血压大鼠血管内皮的保护作用。方法实验动物分为3组,自发性高血压大鼠（SHR）组,SHR服用通心络（TXL）组和正常血压大鼠（WKY）组。通过放免及聚合酶链反应检测主动脉一氧化氮（NO）、内皮素（ET-1）、血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）基因表达。结果SHR组NO水平低于WKY组（P<0.05）,TXL组NO水平高于SHR组（P<0.05）。SHR组ET-1含量及mRNA均高于WKY组（P<0.05）,TXL组ET-1含量及mRNA表达低于SHR组（P<0.05）,SHR组及TXL组的mRNA表达均高于WKY组（P<0.05）,以SHR组为最高。结论通心络可能对高血压大鼠的内皮功能有保护作用。     

Favorable cardiac and aortic remodeling in olmesartan-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats

Cardiovascular remodeling contributes to the progression of cardiovascular disease. Thus, our aim was to evaluate the action of long-term treatment with olmesartan on cardiac and aortic adverse remodeling and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) and tensile forces acting on the aortic wall. Five-month-old male rats were divided in: WKY group (n = 6), SHR group (n = 6), and SHRs treated with hydralazine 30 mg/kg/day (SHR-H, n = 8) or olmesartan 10 mg/kg/day (SHR-O, n = 8). Medications were administered for 16 weeks. The SHR group showed hypertension (189 ± 4 mmHg), cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (+107%), interstitial fibrosis (5.7% vs 1.9% in WKY), and reduced intramyocardial vascularization (9.1% vs 22.8% in WKY). In aorta, the SHRs showed outward hypertrophic remodeling, increased elastic fibers content (+36%), and increased circumferential wall tension (CWT, 2.79 × 10⁴ dyne/cm) and tensile stress (TS, 261.4 × 10⁴ dyne/cm²). Hydralazine and olmesartan decreased BP (−45% approximately) and likewise CWT and TS (−45% and −35% approximately). Both medications prevented left ventricle remodeling, but olmesartan improved cardiomyocyte hypertrophy better than hydralazine. Hydralazine did not alter media hypertrophy, but it enlarged lumen diameter and increased elastic fibers. It is unlikely that olmesartan prevented all aortic alterations. Taken together, long-term control of BP alone is not sufficient to prevent aortic remodeling due to hypertension, but in myocardium it seems to be enough, except for cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The differential action of olmesartan suggests that it is essential to block growth stimulation by angiotensin II in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells in order to better prevent cardiovascular adverse remodeling due to arterial hypertension.     

The Mechanism of Distinct Diurnal Variations of Renin-Angiotensin System in Aorta and Heart of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Diurnal variations in plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 mRNA expression are different between the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, and between the aorta and the heart. To elucidate the mechanisms, we examined diurnal changes in the circulating renin-angiotensin system in the SHR and WKY rats. Diurnal variations in plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma angiotensin I, and aldosterone concentrations were similar between the SHR and WKY rats. On the other hand, plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) concentration in the SHR was lower than that in the WKY rats at most time points, but increased to the level of the WKY rats in the late light phase. Treatment with AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan increased plasma Ang II concentration except at ZT 8 and lessened its diurnal variation in the SHR. At the peak in plasma Ang II in the SHR, Ang II regulated genes such as transforming growth factor-β1 and p22phox were upregulated in the aorta. On the other hand, these genes were upregulated throughout the day in the heart of SHR. Candesartan treatment increased AT1a receptor mRNA expression in the heart but not in the aorta of SHR. These findings suggest that an AT1 receptor-mediated mechanism might cause a surge in plasma Ang II concentration at the late light phase in the SHR. Homologous down-regulation of AT1a receptor by Ang II may dampen the effect of a surge in plasma Ang II concentration in the heart of SHR.     

Reversal of endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling and up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression lowers blood pressure in hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine the hypothesis that a pharmacologic up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) combined with a reversal of eNOS uncoupling provides a protective effect against cardiovascular disease. BACKGROUND: Many cardiovascular diseases are associated with oxidant stress involving protein kinase C (PKC) and uncoupling of eNOS. METHODS: Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was analyzed with RNase protection assay or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, vascular nitric oxide (NO) with spin trapping, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) with dihydroethidium fluorescence. RESULTS: Aortas of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) showed an elevated production of ROS when compared with aortas of Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The aortic expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunits (Nox1, Nox2, Nox4, and p22phox) was higher in SHR compared with WKY. In SHR, aortic production of ROS was reduced by the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), indicating eNOS "uncoupling" in hypertension. Oral treatment with the PKC inhibitor midostaurin reduced aortic Nox1 expression, diminished ROS production, and reversed eNOS uncoupling in SHR. Aortic levels of (6R)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin (BH4) were significantly reduced in SHR compared with WKY. Midostaurin normalized BH4 levels in SHR. In both WKY and SHR, midostaurin increased aortic expression of eNOS mRNA and protein, stimulated bioactive NO production, and enhanced relaxation of the aorta to acetylcholine. Midostaurin lowered blood pressure in SHR and, to a lesser extent, in WKY; the compound did not change blood pressure in WKY made hypertensive with L-NAME. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacologic interventions that combine eNOS up-regulation and reversal of eNOS uncoupling can markedly increase bioactive NO in the vasculature and produce beneficial hemodynamic effects such as a reduction of blood pressure.     

自发性高血压大鼠心肌fas基因表达与左室肥厚关系探讨

目的 探讨自发性高血压大鼠（SHR）心肌fas表达及其与左室肥厚的关系。方法 自发性高血压大鼠（SHR）与正常血压大鼠各16号，尾套法测收缩压，逆转录-聚合酶边反应（RT-PCR）法测心肌fas mRNA表达。结果 与WKY相比，SHR心肌fas表达、左室重量指数(LVMI)均显著升高，且二者呈正相关。结论 自发性高血压大鼠早期心肌肥厚时心肌fas表达已经升高，可能参与后期心衰的发生。     

Early short-term treatment with exogenous hydrogen sulfide postpones the transition from prehypertension to hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rat

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), nitric oxide (NO), and renin–angiotensin system (RAS) are involved in hypertension. We examined whether early treatment with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), an exogenous H₂S donor, can regulate H₂S-generating pathway, NO pathway, and the RAS, to prevent the transition from prehypertension to hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Four-week-old SHRs and control normotensive Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) rats were assigned into three groups: WKY, SHRs, and SHR + NaHS; SHRs were injected intraperitoneally with sodium hydrosulfide (14 μmol/kg/day) for 4 weeks. SHRs exhibited hypertension at 12 weeks of age, which was blocked by early sodium hydrosulfide administration. Concentrations of H₂S were increased in the kidney in SHR + NaHS group versus WKY. Sodium hydrosulfide reduces mRNA expression of four H₂S-generating enzymes and decreased 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase protein level in SHRs. Early administration of sodium hydrosulfide decreases plasma N^G monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA, an inhibitor of NO synthase) level and increases plasma NO level in SHRs. Next, sodium hydrosulfide administration reduces renal mRNA expression of Ren, Atp6ap2, Agt, Ace, and Agtr1a in SHRs. We conclude that early short-term sodium hydrosulfide treatment increases renal H₂S concentrations, restores NO bioavailability, and blocks the RAS in the kidney, in favor of vasodilatation to prevent the development of hypertension in adult SHRs.     

厄贝沙坦对自发性高血压大鼠心肌Janus激酶-信号转导和转录活化因子信号通路的影响

目的 探讨厄贝沙坦对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)心肌组织Janus激酶-信号转导蛋白和转录激活蛋白(JAK-STAT)信号转导通路及细胞凋亡的影响. 方法 30周龄WKY大鼠13只,设为WKY对照组;30周龄SHR 26只,随机分为SHR对照组和厄贝沙坦组.反转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法检测血管紧张素Ⅱ1型(AT1)与2型(AT2)受体mRNA在心肌中的表达,免疫组化法检测心肌组织STAT1、STAT3表达,TUNEL细胞凋亡显色法进行细胞凋亡检测. 结果 (1)厄贝沙坦组与SHR对照组比较,AT1 mRNA表达水平显著降低(0.72±0.55对1.08±0.13,P<0.01),AT2 mRNA表达水平显著增高(0.30±0.32对0.25±0.35,P<0.01);(2)与SHR对照组比较,厄贝沙坦能降低STAT1表达(7.27±0.53对13.16±0.35,P<0.01),升高STAT3表达(5.41±0.37对4.82±0.34,P<0.01);(3)厄贝沙坦组心肌细胞凋亡率显著低于SHR对照组(P<0.01). 结论厄贝沙坦能调节心肌组织JAK-STAT信号转导通路,抑制细胞凋亡,从而发挥其心脏保护作用.     

Role of complement 3a in the growth of mesangial cells from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) derived from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) show exaggerated growth with a synthetic phenotype and angiotensin II (Ang II) production associated with increased production of complement (C3). We hypothesized that C3 is involved in the growth of mesangial cells (MCs) from hypertensive rats. We examined the effects of a C3a receptor inhibitor on proliferation, phenotype and Ang II generation in MCs from stroke prone-spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)-SP, SHR and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Expression of C3 and C3a receptor were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of the renal cortex. We examined the effects of the C3a inhibitor, SB290157, on proliferation, the expression of phenotype-marker mRNAs and Ang II production in cells from SHR-SP, SHR and WKY rats. Immunostaining of C3 was stronger in SHR and SHRSP glomeruli. MCs from SHR-SP and SHR abundantly express pre-pro C3 mRNA. SB290157 significantly inhibited basal DNA synthesis and proliferation of MCs from SHR-SP and SHR. Expression of osteopontin mRNA in MCs from SHR-SP and SHR was decreased with SB290157 treatment, whereas MC basal expression of α-SMA mRNA was decreased. SB290157 significantly decreased the production of Ang II in MCs from SHR-SP and SHR. Endogenous C3a promotes exaggerated growth with a synthetic phenotype and the production of Ang II in MCs from SHR-SP and SHR. The C3 and C3a receptor system may primarily be involved in the pathogenesis of renal remodeling in hypertensive rats.     

氯沙坦调节瞬间外向钾电流的分子学研究

目的 观察氯沙坦对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)心室肌细胞编码瞬间外向钾电流(Ito)关键钾通道α亚基(Kv4.2、Kv4.3)、β亚基(KChIP2)mRNA和蛋白水平变化的影响,探讨氯沙坦抗室性心律失常效应的分子基础.方法 SHR随机分成2组:氯沙坦组(10 mg·d-1·kg-1灌胃)和SHR对照组各12只大鼠.鼠龄、体质量匹配的WKY大鼠12只为WKY对照组.用药8周后采用膜片钳技术记录左心室心肌细胞动作电位、Ito,并采用反转录聚合酶链反应及免疫印迹反应(Western blot)方法测定Kv4.2、Kv4.3、KChIP2 mRNA及蛋白水平.结果 氯沙坦组左心室细胞的动作电位复极至50%及90%时程分别为(16.82±3.79)ms和(68.49±13.25)ms,短于SHR对照组的(24.56±4.59)ms和(73.26±15.47)ms,二者差异有统计学意义(均P<0.01).氯沙坦组的Ito电流密度高于SHR对照组(从+40 mV到+70 mV,均P<0.01).氯沙坦组Kv4.2、Kv4.3 mRNA及蛋白水平高于SHR对照组(均P<0.01).氯沙坦组KChIP2 mRNA及蛋白水平低于SHR对照组(均P<0.01).结论 氯沙坦慢性阻滞血管紧张素受体,逆转SHR左心室的电重构,缩短单个心肌细胞动作电位时程,增加Ito电流密度,这与Kv4.2、Kv4.3表达增加及KChIP2表达降低相关.