肾上腺髓质素加强高糖对自发性高血压大鼠胰岛β细胞的毒性作用

探讨高糖是否对自发性高血压大鼠 (SHR)和 Wistar- Kyoto(WKY)鼠胰岛 β细胞分泌功能具有抑制作用 ,肾上腺髓质素 (adrenomedullin,AM)能否加强此抑制作用。选取 6周龄 SHR鼠及 10周龄 WKY鼠各 10只 ,分离胰岛放入 12孔培养板内 (90个胰岛 /孔 )培养。先以含 5 .6 m mol/ L(m M)葡萄糖的 RPMI16 4 0培养基培养 1h,取出培养液。然后用含 2 0 m M葡萄糖及不同浓度 AM(分别是 0 ,10 - 8,10 - 7,10 - 6 M)的 RPMI 16 4 0培养基培养 1小时 ,取出培养液 ,放射免疫分析 (RIA)方法测定两次培养液的胰岛素含量。 SHR鼠的胰岛细胞经用不加 AM含 2 0m M葡萄糖的 16 4 0培养基培养 1h后 ,与用含 5 .6 m M葡萄糖的 16 4 0培养基培养 1h相比 ,其培养液中胰岛素含量明显降低 (分别是 19.9± 6 .6 vs6 0 .9± 33.6 m U/ L,P<0 .0 5 )。当用含 2 0 m M葡萄糖及不同浓度 AM的 16 4 0培养基培养时 ,随着 AM浓度的增加 ,培养液中的胰岛素含量进一步减少 (19.9± 6 .6 vs2 2 .2± 8.0 vs2 1.5± 5 .6 vs17.9± 3.6 m U/ L)。对照组 WKY鼠的胰岛细胞经上述相同方法处理后得出相似的结果。但 WKY鼠与 SHR鼠相比 ,其胰岛细胞经用含 5 .6 m M及 2 0 m M葡萄糖培养基培养后培养液中的胰岛素含量较高 (P<0 .0 1)。用高糖培养基培养     

Differences between natriuretic peptide receptors in the olfactory bulb and hypothalamus from spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rat brain

Natriuretic peptide receptor-A (NPR-A) functional characteristics in the hypothalamus and olfactory bulb (OB) have been investigated in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Autoradiographic studies demonstrate a decreased number of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) binding sites in the olfactory bulb and hypothalamus in SHR compared to WKY rats. We found that NPR-A showed a lower maximal binding capacity (B(max)) and higher affinity in SHR than in WKY rats both in the olfactory bulb and hypothalamus. However, despite the lower B(max) in SHR, both ANP(1-28) and ANP(5-25) stimulated similar or greater cGMP production than in WKY rats. These differences were found even before the development of hypertension. NPR-A in the olfactory bulb and hypothalamus from 3-week-old SHR showed a lower B(max) and K(d) and a higher cGMP production rate than in WKY rats, suggesting that these characteristics are intrinsic of NPR-A in SHR, instead of being a result of hypertension itself. The present study provides evidences for altered NPR-A receptor properties and function in the olfactory bulb and hypothalamus from SHR, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.     

Interaction between "mental stress" and baroreceptor reflexes concerning effects on heart rate, mean arterial pressure and renal sympathetic activity in conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were compared concerning the interactions between cortico-hypothalamic alerting responses and baroreflex influences on neurogenic cardiovascular control. For this purpose mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were continuously recorded during night time in conscious, otherwise undisturbed rats. Baroreceptor sensitivity was assessed as percentage HR and RSNA reductions per mmHg MAP elevation when a standardized phenylephrine infusion was performed. A state of acute "mental stress" could be induced by a likewise standardized sudden blowing of air. These two opposing influences on neurogenic cardiovascular control were also experimentally superimposed in various ways and the effects on MAP, HR and RSNA followed. During "rest" RSNA was higher in SHR than in WKY and it also increased more during "mental stress". The baroreflex sensitivity was clearly reduced in SHR and WKY concerning HR reduction (0.44 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.78 +/- 0.08%/mmHg; p less than 0.01) but not so concerning RSNA, which was similar in SHR and WKY (2.6 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.9 +/- 0.4%/mmHg). If expressed (HR + 1 +/- 3%; p less than 0.025 vs. SHR and RSNA + 11% +/- 10, p less than 0.01 vs. SHR). These results) (0.10 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.06 +/- 0.01 microV/mmHg; p less than 0.12). Also single fibre recordings in anaesthetized rats showed the same principle difference between SHR and WKY.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Arteriolar closure mediated by hyperresponsiveness to norepinephrine in hypertensive rats.

This study was designed to determine if a mechanism exists to cause abnormally large number of arterioles to be closed to blood flow in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The contributions to vessel closure by neural control and constrictor response to norepinephrine were investigated. Normal rats (WKY) and SHR were studied at age 18--20 wk. Their respective mean arterial blood pressures were 100 +/- 4 (SE) and 154 +/- 7 mmHg when anesthetized with 10% urethan and 2% alpha-chloralose (0.6 mg/100 g ip). The number of arterioles open to blood flow was counted in a large portion of the cremasteric muscle before and after denervation. The percent change in control diameter of denervated arterioles was measured during iontophoretic application (2 min) of norepinephrine at dose currents of 10--300 nA. Following denervation, a 22.2 +/- 6.3% (SE) and 61.8 +/- 12 increase in the number of third-order arterioles open to flow occurred in WKY and SHR. The diameters, wall thicknesses, and cross-sectional areas of vessel walls were not significantly (P less than 0.05) different for comparable types of denervated arterioles in WKY and SHR. The percent changes in diameters of arterioles in SHR were 3--5 times greater at all dose currents than for vessels of WKY. These data indicate arteriolar closure occurs with higher incidence in SHR than WKY and is mediated by hyperresponsiveness of arterioles to norepinephrine.     

Renal sympathetic activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive controls, as studied by three different methods

Recordings of sympathetic activity from multifibre preparations of renal nerves have produced conflicting results concerning the presence or absence of an increased sympathetic discharge in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) compared to normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Therefore, recordings of single fibre activity to the kidney were performed in anesthetized SHR and WKY in comparison with multifibre recordings in conscious, undisturbed rats. A new method of estimating sympathetic discharge by analyzing the variability of "cycle activity" in multifibre nerve recordings was also used. The average nerve activity in a great number of cardiac cycles was then expressed in relation (in per cent) to the nerve activity in a small number of cardiac cycles with the highest and lowest nerve activity in each rat. Single fibre recordings showed a significantly higher sympathetic activity to the kidneys in SHR (3.8 +/- 0.3 Hz) than in WKY (1.7 +/- 0.2 Hz; p less than 0.001). Also average "cycle activity" was significantly higher in conscious SHR (34 +/- 1%) than in WKY (26 +/- 2%, p less than 0.01). This was due to the larger number of cardiac cycles in SHR with high sympathetic activity while WKY showed more of "silent" cardiac cycles which lacked nerve impulses. Further, the recordings of rectified multifibre renal nerve activity also showed an elevated sympathetic activity in conscious SHR rats. The increased renal sympathetic activity appears to reflect the "primary" central nervous "hyperreactivity" characterizing SHR hypertension. It is suggested that the increased renal sympathetic activity may be of particular importance for the development of primary hypertension in SHR and perhaps also in man.     

胰岛素对高血压大鼠血管平滑肌细胞血小板源生长因子A链和转化生长因子β1表达的影响

探讨胰岛素对体外培养的血管平滑肌细胞（VSMC）增生及其长型血小板源生长因子A（PDGF－A）链和转化生长因子β1（TGFβ1）mRNA表达的影响。结果发现：（1）胰岛素促进自发型高血压大鼠的血管平滑肌细胞（SHR－VSMC）增生,且呈浓度依赖性;而对正常血压的Wistar-kyota大鼠的血管平滑肌细胞（WKY－VSMC）增生无影响。（2）定量RT－PCR分析显示,胰岛素加强WKY－VSMC的TGFβ1mRNA的表达（P＜0．01）。但是减少SHR－VSMC的TGFβ1mRNA的表达（P＜0．001）。（3）胰岛素对二株系VSMC的长型PDGF－A上对表达水平无影响。结果表明,胰岛素选择性地加强SHR－VSMC的增殖,而对WKY－VSMC的增殖无影响。这可能和胰岛素能上调WKY－VSMC自分泌TGFβ1有关;而在SHR－VSMC,此反馈抑制失常,结果SHR－VSMC加速生长。     

胰岛素对自发型高血压大鼠血管平滑肌细胞TGF β及其受体的调节作用

目的:从细胞增生、转化生长因子β₁和受体表达等方面,探讨胰岛素对自发型高血压大鼠血管平滑肌细胞(SHR VSMC)和正常血压Wista-Kyoto大鼠血管平滑肌细胞(WKY VSMC)的影响异同。方法:采用组织移植法培养SHR和WKY大鼠胸主动脉VSMC|用细胞计数仪和流式细胞仪分别检测细胞增生情况|TGF β及其受体的mRNA水平利用定量RT-PCR技术进行检测。结果:(1)胰岛素加强SHR VSMC的增生,而不影响WKY VSMC的增生。胰岛素加强SHR VSMC的增生,且呈剂量依赖方式(2)以20%小牛血清培养基培养VSMC, SHR VSMC的S期百分率为31.44%,而WKY VSMC的S期百分率仅为19.86%|以2%小牛血清培养基培养VSMC,SHR VSMC的G₀／G₁和S期百分率分别为73.23%和9.35%,加入胰岛素后,SHR VSMC的G₀／G₁降低为67.58%,S期百分率则增加到15.64%。但是,加入胰岛素前后,WKY VSMC各期百分率无明显变化|(3)RT-PCR分析结果表明,生长静止的SHR VSMC和WKY VSMC均有TGF β₁、Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型TGF β受体的表达,但SHR VSMC的TGFβ₁、Ⅰ型TGF β受体的表达量高于WKY VSMC的TGF β₁、Ⅰ型TGF β受体的表达量,胰岛素加强了WKY VSMC的TGF β₁、Ⅰ型TGF β受体的表达(P＜0.01和P＜0.05),而削弱了SHR VSMC相应分子的表达(P＜0.01和P＜0.05),胰岛素不影响二株系大鼠VSMC Ⅱ型TGF β受体的表达(P＜0.05)。结论:胰岛素对SHR VSMC和WKY VSMC的TGF β和它的受体表达具有不同的调节作用,这种异常调节作用可能和胰岛素加强SHR VSMC的增生密切相关。     

Abnormalities of carbohydrate metabolism in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Summary The present study was performed to investigate as to whether peripheral insulin resistance exists in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). After a 12 h fasting period, SHR had significantly higher serum glucose and higher plasma glucagon values in comparison to normotensive control rats (WKY). There was a tendency for higher serum insulin concentrations as well, but this difference did not reach significance. After oral glucose loading or glucose/insulin administration, serum glucose and insulin levels were also higher in SHR compared to WKY rats. Muscle glycogen and glucose concentrations were identical in fasted SHR and WKY rats. With an oral glucose load or glucose/insulin treatment there was a significant increase in muscle glycogen, whereas glucose values declined in skeletal muscle. Both total (a+b-form) phosphorylase activity as well as the active a-form of the enzyme were similar in skeletal muscle of SHR and WKY rats. Glucose/insulin administration or oral glucose loading induced a considerable reduction of both a+b-form and a-form activities. The decrease in muscle phosphorylase activities was almost identical in both groups of animals. There was also a comparable activity of muscle glycogen synthetase activity in all groups of rats. Despite subtile changes of glucose, glucagon and to a lesser degree insulin levels which would be suggestive of insulin resistance, the data obtained from skeletal muscle argue against peripheral insulin resistance in spontaneously hypertensive rats.     

Pre- and postsynaptic plasticity underlying augmented glutamatergic inputs to hypothalamic presympathetic neurons in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Increased sympathetic outflow plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Glutamatergic inputs in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus maintain resting sympathetic vasomotor tone in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In this study, we determined the synaptic and cellular mechanisms of increased glutamatergic inputs to PVN presympathetic neurons in SHR. The spinally projecting PVN neurons were retrogradely labelled by fluorescent microspheres injected into the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord. Blockade of NMDA and non-NMDA receptors significantly decreased the firing activity of labelled PVN neurons in brain slices in SHR, but not in normotensive Wistar–Kyoto rats (WKY). The basal frequency of glutamatergic spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs and mEPSCs, respectively) of labelled PVN neurons was significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. But the frequency of neither sEPSCs nor mEPSCs stimulated by 4-aminopyridine or capsaicin differed significantly between WKY and SHR. Furthermore, the amplitude of postsynaptic NMDA currents elicited by either electrical stimulation or puff application in labelled PVN neurons was significantly higher in SHRs than in WKY. However, the evoked AMPA current amplitude in PVN neurons was similar in WKY and SHR. This study provides new evidence of how the glutamatergic synaptic inputs to PVN presympathetic neurons are increased and how they contribute to the elevated firing activity of these neurons in SHR. The augmented glutamatergic tone in the PVN is maintained by an increase in presynaptic glutamate release and an up-regulation of postsynaptic NMDA receptor function in SHR.     

Transmural distribution of left ventricular glucose uptake in spontaneously hypertensive rats during rest and exercise

The transmural distribution of glucose uptake was studied in the left ventricle of 6-month-old male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) during rest and swimming (20 min) using the 2-deoxyglucose method. The baseline mean arterial pressure was 128 +/- 8 (n = 8) in the WKY and 188 +/- 22 mmHg (n = 8) in the SHR (P less than 0.001). This pressure remained constant in the resting groups, whereas the product of mean arterial pressure and heart rate was initially 45 x 10(3) +/- 3 x 10(3) and 63 x 10(3) +/- 4 x 10(3) mmHg beats min-1 in the swimming WKY and SHR and increased by 34-48 x 10(3) mmHg beats min-1 during the swimming period. Total glucose uptake was 3.9 +/- 1.2 mumol min-1 g-1 protein in the resting WKY rats and 1.4 +/- 0.4 mumol min-1 g-1 protein (P less than 0.001) in the swimming ones, the corresponding values for the resting and swimming SHR being 4.8 +/- 1.4 mumol min-1 g-1 protein and 3.2 +/- 1.2 mumol min-1 g-1 protein (P less than 0.01). Glucose uptake was 30% greater in the subendocardium (ENDO) of the resting WKY than in the subepicardium (EPI) (P less than 0.01), but this gradient disappeared during swimming. Glucose uptake in the resting SHR was greatest in the middle layer of the ventricular wall, with no difference between ENDO and EPI, whereas during swimming the glucose uptake was distributed evenly across the left ventricular wall. The blood lactate/pyruvate ratio increased only transitorily during the first minutes in the swimming SHR, while their plasma free fatty acid concentration was 1.2-1.3 mM initially and decreased by 32% (P less than 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Circulatory events following spontaneous muscle exercise in normotensive and hypertensive rats

In previous studies we have shown that spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) develop a running behaviour and, secondary to the running behaviour, develop an endorphin-mediated analgesic effect. In the present study the role of the central endorphin system in the cardiovascular responses to spontaneous exercise in normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR was investigated. The experimental design allowed us to record mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) continuously for more than 1 week without interfering with the daily activities of the animals. They were active in running wheels during the dark period (19.00-07.00 h) and the activity was accompanied by a marked rise in HR. In SHR, a clear depression of blood pressure lasting for about for about 50 min was noted following each running period. The MAP during the post-running depression was 131.4 +/- 1.6 mmHg which was significantly lower than the pre-running control value (145.2 +/- 2.3 mmHg, P less than 0.01). In contrast, MAP in the post-running period in WKY was not significantly different from the pre-running values. In addition, the depression period of SHR had a mean post-running length of 49.7 +/- 3.4 min, which is significantly longer than in the WKYs (37.8 +/- 3.5 min, P less than 0.05). In control rats, naloxone infusion had no effect on blood pressure but a marked bradycardia was observed. In nine running SHR receiving a naloxone infusion, their MAP during the depression period was not different from the control pressure. Our study indicates that endorphin systems are involved in the regulating of blood pressure and HR during muscle exercise in SHR. These systems trigger the transient depression of blood pressure observed immediately after a running period in the SHR.     

Lithium chloride stabilizes systolic blood pressure and increases adrenal catecholamines in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

The effects of daily, intraperitoneal injections of LiCl (3 mEq/kg) on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and adrenal catecholamine levels were measured in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Control animals from each strain were injected with equivalent volumes (0.1 ml/100 g b.wt.) of 0.9% saline (0.15 mEq/kg). SBP in LiCl-treated SHR was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) than that of saline-treated SHR (177 +/- 7 vs. 196 +/- 4 mm Hg, respectively) after one week. After two weeks SBP was lower in LiCl SHR than in saline controls, but this difference was not significant. While SBP of both LiCl and saline treated WKY was not significantly different (146 +/- 4 vs. 147 +/- 8 mm Hg, respectively), SBP in both WKY groups remained lower than the SBP for either group of SHR. LiCl induced a significant weight loss in the SHR, but not in the WKY. Adrenal norepinephrine and epinephrine were significantly (p less than 0.05) higher in LiCl-treated rats of both strains; dopamine was also higher in LiCl-treated rats of both strains, but significant only between SHR-LiCl and SHR controls. It appears that LiCl's effect in slowing the development of hypertension is independent of its action on adrenal catecholamines. The SHR's increased sensitivity to LiCl, relative to weight loss and SBP, may reflect differences in genetic or physiological status of the animal compared to WKY. These differences may be associated with alterations in membrane ion transport systems.     

Disposition of biogenic amines and angiotensin I by lungs of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Recent studies have suggested that the lung plays an important role in modifying concentrations of circulating vasoactive compounds. Isolated lungs of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were examined for their ability to modify concentrations of perfused norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, or angiotensin I. Lungs from 4- or 14-wk-old SHR removed significantly more perfused 0.1 microM norepinephrine (NE) than lungs of normotensive controls (Wistar-Kyoto rats, WKY) of the same age. For example, lungs of 14-wk-old WKY removed 18.5 +/- 1.8% of perfused NE in a single pass through the pulmonary vasculature, whereas lungs from SHR removed 31.7 +/- 1.0%. Lungs of 14-wk-old SHR also produced more O-methylated NE metabolite than did lungs of WKY. Conversely, lungs of 14-wk-old SHR removed slightly less perfused 5-hydroxytryptamine and produced less 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid metabolite than those of WKY. Monoamine oxidase activity, determined in 600 g supernatant fractions of lung homogenates, was the same in SHR and WKY. In addition, no difference in the ability of lungs of WKY and SHR to remove perfused angiotensin I was found either in animals 4 or 14 wk of age. These results suggest that lung may contribute to differences in concentrations of circulating biogenic amines observed in SHR and WKY.     

Insulin sensitivity and glucose effectiveness estimated by the minimal model technique in spontaneously hypertensive and normal rats

This study was performed to compare glucose metabolism in anaesthetised spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) in an attempt to clarify whether this animal model of hypertension approximates the insulin-resistant state seen in human hypertension. With this aim the minimal model of glucose kinetics was applied to glucose and insulin data derived from a 12-sample, 120 min intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) performed in ten SHR and nine WKY rats under pentobarbital anaesthesia. This method provided two metabolic indices: the glucose effectiveness, S(G), which quantifies the ability of glucose per se to enhance its rate of disappearance and to inhibit hepatic glucose production, and the insulin sensitivity, S(I), which measures the ability of insulin to enhance plasma glucose disappearance and to inhibit hepatic glucose production. Systolic and diastolic arterial pressures in the SHR group were significantly higher (P < 0.0005) than in the WKY group. Mean S(G) and S(I) estimates from the SHR group (S(G) = 16.2 (+/- 2.0) x 10(-2) dl x min(-1) x kg(-1) and S(I) = 12.5 (+/- 1.9) x 10(-4) dl x min(-1) x kg(-1) (microU ml(-1))(-1)) were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from mean estimates that characterised the WKY group (S(G) = 13.1 (+/- 1.5) x 10(-2) dl x min(-1) x kg(-1) and S(I) = 15.8 (+/- 4.3) x 10(-4) dl x min(-1) x kg(-1) (microU ml(-1))(-1)). This result is in contrast with reported findings from humans in which insulin sensitivity is significantly reduced in the presence of hypertension.     

高血压大鼠红细胞膜钙泵功能障碍机理的初步分析

本工作比较自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)和肾性高血压大鼠(RHR)及对照大鼠红细胞膜Ca~(2+),Mg~(2+)-ATP酶(钙泵)活性及其对CaM、TFP、川芎嗪和硝苯吡啶(Nifedipine、Nif)等的反应,目的是分析高血压时钙泵功能障碍的机理,并寻找能有效提高钙泵活性的药物,为高血压防治提供有效措施。 结果表明SHR及RHR基础钙泵活性明显低于相应对照大鼠钙泵活性;原因之一可能与高血压动物质膜钙泵对钙泵抑制剂TFP的敏感性增加有关,对RHR,川芎嗪作用很类似TFP。提示此药有CaM拮抗作用。Nif除了公认为钙通道阻断剂外,本实验表明对RHR它还有激活钙泵的作用。     

Haemodynamics and plasma ANP (atrial natriuretic peptide) after acute blood volume expansion in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was measured in plasma during acute volume load in conscious, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. During basal conditions immunoreactive ANP were similar in the SHR (630 +/- 56 pmoles l-1) and the WKY (657 +/- 114 pmoles l-1) groups. An acute 10% and 20% whole blood volume expansion resulted in a linear increase in immunoreactive plasma ANP in the WKY. In the SHR the increase in plasma ANP was attenuated during the 20% volume load. During the 10% and 20% volume load central venous pressure (CVP), central blood volume (CBV) and cardiac output increased relatively more in the SHR compared with the WKY group. In contrast, the increase in peripheral blood volume (PBV) and decrease in heart rate (HR) was attenuated in the SH rats. In the SHR group there was a shift of the ANP vs. CVP and ANP vs. CBV curves to the right compared with the WKY. We conclude that acute volume loading is a potent stimulus for ANP release in WKY as well as SHR. However, in the SHR, ANP release was blunted in spite of the increased centralization of the volume load in this rat strain. Thus, the decreased responsiveness of the ANP hormonal system may contribute to the development and maintenance of hypertension in this genetic form of hypertension.     

Comparison of arterial wall mechanics in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Segments of carotid artery from Wistar (NW), Kyoto Wistar (WKY), and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used to compare mechanical properties and connective tissue composition. Pressure-diameter measurements were made under conditions of active (5 microgram/ml norepinephrine) and passive (0 mM Ca2+ and 2 mM EGTA) smooth muscle. Systolic blood pressures averaged NW, 121 +/- 3; WKY, 124 +/- 4; and SHR, 187 +/- 5 MMHg. Passive mechanics were stiffest in SHR and most compliant in NW arteries. No differences in collagen-elastin ratio were found but collagen + elastin was lowest in SHR and highest in NW carotids. These results are not consistent with current concepts of the contribution of connective tissue elements to passive mechanics. Maximum stress development was NW, 561 +/- 49; WKY, 735 +/- 50; and SHR, 944 +/- 79 X 10(3) dyn/cm2. Diameter reductions to NE at 100 mmHg were NW, 17.6 +/- 2.4%; WKY, 16.7 +/- 2.0%; and SHR, 24.8 +/- 2.4%. The former suggests different contractile protein contents or more efficient intercellular force coupling in SHR. The latter suggests a more effective contractile apparatus as a result of stiffer passive muscle elements and/or a relatively larger wall thickness.     

Evidence for an antihypertensive factor from the adrenal medulla of SHR modulating neurogenic vasoconstriction

The aim of this study is to investigate some vasoactive properties of the blood of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Isolated segments of rat tail arteries obtained from normotensive rats (Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and Wistar) were perfused with blood from conscious donor rats (WKY, Wistar or SHR). Alterations of the neurogenic constrictor responses (NCR) of the isolated segments evoked by electrical stimulation were studied. The amplitude of NCR of the isolated arteries was studied during perfusion with blood according to the perfusion scheme WKY1(1)-SHR1(2)-WKY1(3) and WKY1(1)-WKY2(2)-WKY1(3). The release of 3H-noradrenaline ([3H]-NA) from vascular sympathetic fibres was measured. The influence of adrenal demedullation on NCR was estimated. We have shown that NCR of isolated arteries decreased by 28.3 +/- 7.9% (P < 0.05 vs. WKY1(1)) during perfusion with blood from SHR (scheme WKY1(1)-SHR1(2)-WKY1(3)). In these experiments, release of [3H]-NA from sympathetic fibres of the artery segments decreased by 39.9 +/- 9.6% during the perfusion with blood from SHR vs. WKY1(1) (P < 0.05). Adrenal demedullation prevented the decrease of NCR during perfusion of the arteries with blood from SHR. In conclusion, the blood of SHR has some antihypertensive factor(s), which causes decrease of NCR in the tail artery from normotensive rats. This decline is accompanied by the decrease of release in [3H]-NA from the transmural sympathetic fibres and is abolished after adrenal demedullation of blood donor rats.     

PI3-kinase inhibitors abolish the enhanced chronotropic effects of angiotensin II in spontaneously hypertensive rat brain neurons

Angiotensin II (Ang II), acting at Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1Rs), increases the firing rate of neurons from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat brain via protein kinase C (PKC)- and calcium-calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII)-dependent mechanisms. The objectives of this study were twofold; first, to compare the Ang-II-stimulated increase in firing of neurons from WKY and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and second, to elucidate the signaling mechanisms involved. Action potentials were measured in neurons cultured from SHR and WKY rat brains using the whole cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique in the current-clamp mode. Ang II (100 nM) caused three- and sixfold increases in neuronal firing rate in WKY rat and SHR neurons, respectively; effects that were abolished by the AT1R antagonist Losartan (1 microM). Co-administration of calphostin C (10 microM, a PKC inhibitor) and KN-93 (10 microM, a CaMKII inhibitor) completely blocked this Ang II action in WKY rat neurons, while they caused only a approximately 50% attenuation in SHR neurons. The residual increase in firing rate produced by Ang II in SHR neurons was blocked by inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3-kinase), either LY 294002 (10 microM) or wortmannin (100 nM). These observations suggest that a PI3-kinase signaling pathway may be responsible for the enhanced chronotropic effect produced by Ang II in SHR neurons.     

Hypertensive brain damage: comparative evaluation of protective effect of treatment with dihydropyridine derivatives in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Hypertension is the main risk factor for cerebrovascular disease including vascular dementia and control of blood pressure might protect from lesions causing cognitive impairment. The influence of anti-hypertensive treatment on hypertensive brain damage was assessed in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR and age-matched normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated from the 14-26th week of age with the dihydropyridine-type Ca2+ channel blockers lercanidipine, manidipine and nimodipine and as a reference with the non-dihydropyridine-type vasodilator hydralazine. Volume of brain areas, number of nerve cells and glial fibrillary-acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive astrocytes and neurofilament 200 kDa immunoreactivity were investigated in frontal and occipital cortex and in hippocampus. In control SHR, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in comparison with WKY rats. Compounds tested decreased to a similar extent SBP values in SHR, with the exception of nimodipine that caused a smaller reduction of SBP compared with other compounds. Decreased volume and number of nerve cells and loss of neurofilament protein immunoreactivity were observed in SHR. GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes increased in number (hyperplasia) and in size (hypertrophy) in the frontal and occipital cortex of control SHR, and only in number in the hippocampus. Anti-hypertensive treatment countered in part microanatomical changes occurring in SHR. Drugs investigated with the exception of nimodipine exerted an equi-hypotensive effect. In spite of this the best protection was exerted by lercanidipine and, to a lesser extent, by nimodipine. Compared with nimodipine, lercanidipine induced a more effective decrease of SBP. This may represent an advantage in the treatment of hypertension with risk of brain damage.