Dexamethasone Inhibits Nf-κB, P22phox, and Protects Against Angiotensin Ii-Induced Renal Damage

Abstract

P167 We recently reported that NF-κB activation promotes inflammation in rats harboring both human renin and angiotensinogen genes (dTGR). We now tested the hypothesis that dexamethasone (DEX) inhibits NF-κB and ameliorates renal and cardiac end-organ damage. The dTGR feature moderate hypertension, severe renal, and cardiac damage, as well as over 50% mortality at 7 weeks. Immunohistochemical analysis shows increased infiltration of monocytes and T-cells. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed increased NF-κB DNA binding activity in heart and kidney of dTGR. One-week treatment with DEX (1 mg/kg/d i.p.) initially increased blood pressure at week 5, compared to dTGR (191±2 vs.152±6 mm Hg, p