Normotensive Wistar Rats Research Articles

Vascular effects of cardiotrophin-1: a role in hypertension?

To investigate cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) effects and regulation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro and in aortic tunica media ex vivo in normotensive Wistar rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). CT-1 expression was quantified by real-time reverse-transcription PCR and western blotting. CT-1-activated intracellular pathways were assessed by western bloting analysis. Proliferation was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and ki67 immunodetection, and cell hypertrophy by planimetry. Extracellular matrix components were quantified by real-time reverse-transcription PCR and western blot, and metalloproteinases activities by zymography. VSMCs from Wistar rats and SHRs expressed spontaneously CT-1 at the mRNA and the protein level, with a two-fold more increase in SHRs. CT-1 phosphorylated p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, Akt and Stat-3 in both strains. CT-1 stimulated VSMCs proliferation and hypertrophy in both strains, with an enhanced stimulation in SHRs. CT-1 increased the secretion of collagen type I and fibronectin in VSMCs and aortic tunica media of Wistar rats and SHRs, with greater magnitude in SHRs. In SHRs VSMCs in vitro and ex vivo, CT-1 increased the secretion of collagen type III and elastin and the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, without altering metalloproteinase activity. These effects were blocked by CT-1 receptor antibodies. Aldosterone treatment increased CT-1 expression in VSMCs and aortic tunica media from both strains, with a greater magnitude in SHRs. CT-1 induces VSMCs proliferation, hypertrophy and extracellular matrix production, and is upregulated in hypertension and by aldosterone. CT-1 may represent a new target of vascular wall remodeling in hypertension.

Proteomic Profiling of Perturbed Protein Sulfenation in Renal Medulla of the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Protein sulfenic acids have been proposed as potential biochemical switches for redox signaling. This post-translational modification (PTM) is readily reversible, in contrast to some other types of oxidative PTM. Enhanced oxidative stress has been reported as a feature of hypertension, and renal function has been implicated in the development and progression of the disease in animal models such as the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). However, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also signaling molecules and may play a role in vascular function. To investigate protein sulfenation under hypertensive conditions, we examined protein extracts of SHR kidney medulla in comparison to medulla from normotensive Wistar rats. Total free thiol content of the SHR medulla was significantly lower than that of Wistar medulla, indicating enhanced oxidation of sulfhydryls. Protein sulfenation was also significantly greater in the medulla of hypertensive animals. Thioredoxin reductase activity was also reduced in SHR medulla and this may account, in part, for enhanced protein sulfenation. Purification of sulfenated proteins from SHR medulla revealed several proteins involved in processes such as metabolism, antioxidant defense, and regulation of nitric oxide synthase. Enhanced sulfenation may represent perturbed redox signaling in SHR medulla, or simply enhanced ROS generation.

Evaluation of exercise and potassium chloride supplementation on blood pressure and nociceptive threshold in hypertensive rats

Hypertensive subjects present an increased nociceptive threshold, and the lack or delay of pain perception may impede detection of angina and myocardial infarction. Nutritional interventions, like potassium chloride (KCl) diet supplementation, and exercises are common nonpharmacological indications for treating hypertension. Spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive male Wistar rats were submitted to a combination of exercise and KCl diet supplementation. Exercise reduced the nociceptive threshold in SHR; however, this effect was inhibited by KCl supplementation. Exercise and KCl supplementation did not alter systolic blood pressure. Reduction of the nociceptive threshold by exercise may be important for the detection of angina and myocardial infarction in hypertensive individuals.

Greater cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium transients in adrenal medullary slices of hypertensive, compared with normotensive rats

Pronounced differences in the kinetics of single-vesicle catecholamine release from adrenal chromaffin cells stimulated with acetylcholine or high potassium (K +) have been recently found between normotensive Wistar rats (NWRs) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Such differences could be explained on the basis of distinct mechanisms of calcium (Ca 2+) handling by chromaffin cells of NWRs and SHRs. We have explored here this hypothesis in adrenal medullary slices loaded with calcium fluorescent probes to measure the changes in Ca 2+ concentration in the cytosol ([Ca 2+] c), endoplasmic reticulum ([Ca 2+] er), and mitochondria ([Ca 2+] m). We found the following differences on calcium handling in SHRs, as compared with NWR: (i) higher basal [Ca 2+] c and basal [Ca 2+] m; (ii) greater [Ca 2+] c elevations elicited by acetylcholine and K +, with faster activation but slower inactivation; (iii) greater [Ca 2+] c elevations elicited by CRT (a mixture of caffeine, ryanodine, and thapsigargin) and by the mitochondrial protonophore FCCP (carbonylcyanide p-(trifluoromethoxy) phenylhydrazone). The higher basal [Ca 2+] c and [Ca 2+] m suggest an enhanced mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake, and the greater [Ca 2+] c elevations produced by FCCP indicates a higher mitochondrial Ca 2+ release into the cytosol. This alteration of intracellular Ca 2+ movements could explain the greater quantal catecholamine release responses seen in SHRs, as compared with NWRs in previous studies. Furthermore, enhanced mitochondrial Ca 2+ cycling may be the basis for the dysfunction of mitochondrial bioenergetics, reported to be present in hypertensive states.

Effect of purified saponin mixture from Astragalus corniculatus on enzyme- and non-enzyme-induced lipid peroxidation in liver microsomes from spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive rats

The aim of the following study was to evaluate the effect of a purified saponin mixture (PSM), isolated from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. (Fabaceae), on enzyme-induced and non-enzyme-induced lipid peroxidation (LPO), in liver microsomes from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) - strain Okamoto Aoki, as compared to normotensive Wistar rats (NTRs). The enzyme-induced lipid peroxidation was performed by incubating rat liver microsomes with carbonetetrachloride (CCl(4)) in the presence of NADPH. In nonenzyme-induced LPO, the microsomes were incubated with a solution of iron sulphate and ascorbinic acid (Fe(2+)/AA). The effect of PSM (196.5 microg/ml) was assessed at 20 minutes' incubation time. MDA, a product of LPO, was measured spectrophotometrically. The results of our study showed that the initial MDA quantity in SHRs was significantly higher, than in NTRs. The incubation of the microsomes from both strains with PSM (196.5 microg/ml), resulted in significant reduction of MDA level, by 25% in SHRs. In NTRs, the formation of MDA was unchanged. In enzyme-induced LPO model, PSM significantly decreased the formation of MDA, by 55% in NTRs and by 35% in SHRs, compared to the respective control groups. In the model of non-enzyme induced LPO, PSM significantly decreased the formation of MDA by 95% in NTRs and practically restored it to the control level. The MDA quantity in SHR's microsomes was reduced by 25%. According to the results of this experiment we could conclude that PSM, isolated from Astragalus corniculatus, shows antioxidant activity both in SHRs and NTRs and the effect in NTRs is more pronounced.

Renal effects of Mammea africana Sabine (Guttiferae) stem bark methanol/methylene chloride extract on L-NAME hypertensive rats

Objective:The present study aims at evaluating the effects of methanol/methylene chloride extract of the stem bark of Mammea africana on the renal function of L-NAME treated rats.Material and Methods:Normotensive male Wistar rats were divided into five groups respectively treated with distilled water, L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day), L-NAME + L-arginine (100 mg/kg/day), L-NAME + captopril (20 mg/kg/day) or L-NAME + M. africana extract (200 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. Systolic blood pressure was measured before and at the end of treatment. Body weight was measured at the end of each week. Urine was collected 6 and 24 h after the first administration and further on day 15 and 30 of treatment for creatinine, sodium and potassium quantification, while plasma was collected at the end of treatment for the creatinine assay. ANOVA two way followed by Bonferonni or one way followed by Tukey were used for statistical analysis.Results:M. africana successfully prevented the rise in blood pressure and the acute natriuresis and diuresis induced by L-NAME. When given chronically, the extract produced a sustained antinatriuretic effect, a non-significant increase in urine excretion and reduced the glomerular hyperfiltration induced by L-NAME.Conclusions:The above results suggest that the methanol/methylene chloride extract of the stem bark of M. africana may protect kidney against renal dysfunction and further demonstrate that its antihypertensive effect does not depend on a diuretic or natriuretic activity.

Diurnal rhythms of spontaneous recurrent seizures and behavioral alterations of Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats in the kainate model of epilepsy

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can coexist with epilepsy. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) are considered to model ADHD with overactivity, impulsiveness, deficient sustained attention, and alterations in circadian autonomic profiles. The present study explored spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) and behavioral diurnal activity rhythms in normotensive Wistar rats and SHRs in the kainate model of epilepsy. Rats were video monitored (24 h/3 months) to detect SRSs. SHRs manifested a lower seizure frequency during the light phase in the 8th and 10th weeks and a lower frequency of SRSs during the night phase accompanied by attenuated responses in hyperexcitability tests. Both epileptic strains were hyperactive, with lower anxiety levels, and their diurnal rhythms were abolished. Epileptic Wistar rats and SHRs exhibited less exploration during the dark phase. This study suggests that SHRs may be useful in modeling some aspects (particularly hypertension-related diurnal rhythm disturbance) of behavior associated with epilepsy.

Regulation of Renal LAT2 and 4F2hc Expression by Aldosterone

In the spontaneous hypertensive rat, overexpression of the renal Na + -independent L-amino acid transporter LAT2 is organ specific, precedes the onset of hypertension, correlates negatively with plasma aldosterone, and parallels the enhanced ability to take up L-DOPA and form renal dopamine. The present study evaluated the role of aldosterone on transcript and protein abundance of Na + -independent and Na + -dependent amino acid transporters. Na + -independent het- erodimeric amino acid transporters LAT1/4F2hc, LAT2/4F2hc and a Na + -dependent transporter ASCT2 transcript and protein abundance was determined in the renal cortex of normotensive Wistar rats chronically treated with aldosterone (1.5 mg), spironolactone (200 mg) or aldosterone plus spironolactone. Aldosterone significantly increased renal cortical LAT2 mRNA levels (45 % increase), with no changes in LAT1, 4F2hc and ASCT2 transcript levels. The effect of aldos- terone upon LAT2 mRNA levels was completely prevented by spironolactone. At the protein level, aldosterone treatment did not significantly affect LAT1 and LAT2 expression, but markedly reduced (51 % decrease) the abundance of 4F2hc and the urinary excretion of dopamine and DOPAC. The effect of aldosterone upon 4F2hc protein abundance was not re- versed by spironolactone. Increases in renal LAT2 transcript during chronic treatment with aldosterone occur through a spironolactone-sensitive genomic mechanism. This effect parallels with a decrease in LAT2 functionality, resulting from decreases in 4F2hc protein abundance, which appears to be either a non-genomic effect or an indirect effect of aldoster- one. The decrease in LAT2 functionality by aldosterone correlates well with the reduction in urinary dopamine.

Long term treatment with ACE inhibitor enalapril decreases body weight gain and increases life span in rats

Renin–angiotensin system is involved in homeostasis processes linked to renal and cardiovascular system and recently has been linked to metabolic syndrome. We analyzed the influence of long term angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril treatment in normotensive adult Wistar rats fed with standard or palatable hyperlipidic diets. Our results show that long term enalapril treatment decreases absolute food intake, serum leptin concentration and body weight gain. Moreover, in adipose tissue, enalapril treatment led to decreased ACE activity, enhanced the expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma, adiponectin, hormone-sensitive lipase, fatty acid synthase, catalase and superoxide dismutase resulting in prolonged life span. On the other hand, the ACE inhibitor was not able to improve the transport of leptin through the blood brain barrier or to alter the sensitivity of this hormone in the central nervous system. The effect of enalapril in decreasing body weight gain was also observed in older rats. In summary, these results extend our previous findings and corroborate data from the literature regarding the beneficial metabolic effects of enalapril and show for the first time that this ACE inhibitor prolongs life span in rats also fed with palatable hyperlipidic diet, an action probably correlated with adipose tissue metabolic modulation and body weight reduction.

Cardiovascular and hematologic effects produced by chronic treatment with etoricoxib in normotensive rats

Evaluate the cardiovascular and hematological effects produced by chronic treatment with two dosis of etoricoxib in Wistar normotensive rats. Thirty rats have been used and divided into one control group and two etoricoxib (10mg/kg and 30mg/kg) treatments groups for 60 days. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) was taken during the whole experimental period and at the end of this period, under anesthesia blood samples were taken, and further the withdrawn of the aorta, heart, brain, liver, and kidneys for the anatomopathologic study. The treatment with etoricoxib (30mg/Kg) produced a significant increase of the MAP from the 28th day of the experiment and from the platelets when compared to the control group and to the group treated with 10mg/Kg, besides producing a highly significant difference in hematocrit and in the red blood cells in relation to the control group. On the other hand the treatment with etoricoxib has not caused histopathological changes when compared to the control. These data show that the chronic treatment with etoricoxib leads to increase of the MAP, and to important hematological changes which seem to be associated to the hemoconcentration although not producing anatomopathological significant changes.

Global upregulation of gene expression associated with renal dysfunction in DOCA–salt-induced hypertensive rats occurs via signaling cascades involving epidermal growth factor receptor: A microarray analysis

Renal dysfunction is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hypertension. In an attempt to understand the molecular mechanisms leading to renal dysfunction and in particular that of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and RasGTPase signaling, we analyzed global gene expression changes in the kidneys of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)–salt-induced hypertensive rats with and without treatment with AG1478, a selective inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase, or FPTIII, a farnesyl transferase inhibitor known to inhibit RasGTPase. Microarray-based global gene expression analysis was performed in triplicate for each rat kidney taken from normotensive Wistar rats, DOCA–salt hypertensive (DH) rats, DH rats treated with AG1478, or DH rats treated with FPTIII. From the initial data set of 10,163 gene spots per group, upregulation of 2398 genes and downregulation of only 50 genes by more than 2-fold was observed in hypertensive rat kidneys compared to non-diseased controls. Interestingly, treatment of animals with AG1478 or FPTIII prevented upregulation of more than 97% of genes associated with hypertension in the rat kidney. Analysis of proteinuria, renal artery responsiveness and histopathology studies confirmed that DOCA–salt hypertensive rats had developed kidney damage over the study period and that this kidney dysfunction could be significantly prevented upon AG1478 or FPTIII treatment without normalising blood pressure. Taken together, our data imply that signaling cascades involving EGFR and/or RasGTPase pathways are key contributors to the induction of renal damage in hypertension and these and potentially other downstream effector molecules may serve as novel targets for therapeutic intervention.

Pharmacological profile of the inhibition by dihydroergotamine and methysergide on the cardioaccelerator sympathetic outflow in pithed rats

The present study set out to analyse the pharmacological profile of the inhibitory responses induced by the antimigraine agents dihydroergotamine (DHE) and methysergide on the tachycardic responses to preganglionic sympathetic stimulation in pithed rats. For this purpose, 132 male Wistar normotensive rats were pithed and prepared to: (i) selectively stimulate the preganglionic (C 7–T 1) cardiac sympathetic outflow; or (ii) receive intravenous (i.v.) bolus injections of exogenous noradrenaline. Electrical sympathetic stimulation or exogenous noradrenaline produced, respectively, frequency-dependent and dose-dependent tachycardic responses. Moreover, i.v. continuous infusions of DHE (1.8, 3.1 and 5.6 µg/kg.min) or methysergide (100, 300 and 1000 µg/kg.min) dose-dependently inhibited the tachycardic responses to sympathetic stimulation, but not those to exogenous noradrenaline. Using physiological saline or antagonists (given as i.v. bolus injections), the cardiac sympatho-inhibition induced by either DHE (3.1 µg/kg.min) or methysergide (300 µg/kg.min) was: (1) unaffected by saline (1 ml/kg); (2) partially blocked by the antagonists rauwolscine (300 µg/kg; α 2) or N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl) phenyl]-2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) [1,1,-biphenyl]-4-carboxamide hydrochloride monohydrate (GR127935, 300 µg/kg; 5-HT 1B/1D); and (3) completely antagonised by the combination rauwolscine plus GR127935. These antagonists, at doses high enough to completely block their respective receptors, failed to modify the sympathetically-induced tachycardic responses per se. The above results, taken together, suggest that the cardiac sympatho-inhibition induced by DHE (3.1 µg/kg.min) and methysergide (300 µg/kg.min) may be mainly mediated by stimulation of both α 2-adrenoceptors and 5-HT 1B/1D receptors.

I013 Effects of high salt diet on mechanical properties of the middle cerebral artery

A high salt diet (HSD) is a risk factor for stroke. However, little is known about the consequences of a HSD on the mechanical properties of cerebral vessels. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the impact of a HSD on the distensibility of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Normotensive male Wistar rats were given a normal diet (n=11) or HSD (n=10; 1 % NaCl in drinking water) for 1 month. Sodium balance was calculated as the difference between sodium intake and sodium excretion. MCA were mounted and pressurized (60 mmHg, i.e. 60 % of mean blood pressure, BP) in a small vessel arteriograph. Passive (inactivation of smooth muscle cells, EDTA 2 mM) internal diameter (ID) and wall thickness (WT) of MCA were measured during a stepwise increase in intraluminal pressure (IP, 20 to 160 mmHg, 20 mmHg per step). Stress (σ = ID × IP / 2WT) and strain (ɛ = (ID-ID0) / ID0 where ID0 is ID at 20 mmHg) were calculated. Stress—strain data were fitted to an exponential curve σ =σ0.e(ET.ɛ), where σ0 is the stress at 20 mmHg and ET is the slope of the tangential elastic modulus versus stress . HSD produced a positive sodium balance (5±1 mEq/24h/kg, P<0.05 versus -1±1 in controls) but did not modify BP (110±6 mmHg, 109±4 in controls rats). The stress-strain curve was shifted to the left in rats with a HSD (ET: 8.1±0.8, P<0.05 versus 5.8±0.4 in controls). In conclusion, a HSD induces an increase in wall stiffness of the MCA in the absence of any effect on BP. This may (partially) contribute to the cerebrovascular dysfunction linked to stroke in patients on a HSD.

Endurance Training in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

The effect of endurance training (swimming 90 min/d for 5 days a week for 60 days) on cardiac hypertrophy was investigated in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Sedentary SHRs (SHR-Cs) and normotensive Wistar rats were used as controls. Exercise training enhanced myocardial hypertrophy assessed by left ventricular weight/tibial length (228+/-7 versus 251+/-5 mg/cm in SHR-Cs and exercised SHRs [SHR-Es], respectively). Myocyte cross-sectional area increased approximately 40%, collagen volume fraction decreased approximately 50%, and capillary density increased approximately 45% in SHR-Es compared with SHR-Cs. The mRNA abundance of atrial natriuretic factor and myosin light chain 2 was decreased by the swimming routine (100+/-19% versus 41+/-10% and 100+/-8% versus 61+/-9% for atrial natriuretic factor and myosin light chain 2 in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively). The expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump was significantly augmented, whereas that of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger was unchanged (93+/-7% versus 167+/-8% and 158+/-13% versus 157+/-7%, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively; P<0.05). Endurance training inhibited apoptosis, as reflected by a decrease in caspase 3 activation and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 cleavage, and normalized calcineurin activity without inducing significant changes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. The swimming routine improved midventricular shortening determined by echocardiography (32.4+/-0.9% versus 36.9+/-1.1% in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively; P<0.05) and decreased the left ventricular free wall thickness/left ventricular cavity radius toward an eccentric model of cardiac hypertrophy (0.59+/-0.02 versus 0.53+/-0.01 in SHR-Cs and SHR-Es, respectively; P<0.05). In conclusion, we present data demonstrating the effectiveness of endurance training to convert pathological into physiological hypertrophy improving cardiac performance. The reduction of myocardial fibrosis and calcineurin activity plus the increase in capillary density represent factors to be considered in determining this beneficial effect.

The β-lactam antibiotic, ceftriaxone, dramatically improves survival, increases glutamate uptake and induces neurotrophins in stroke

Ceftriaxone has been reported to reduce neuronal damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in an in-vitro model of neuronal ischaemia through increased expression and activity of the glutamate transporter, GLT1. We tested the effects of ceftriaxone on mortality, neurological outcome, and infarct size in experimental stroke in rats and looked for underlying mechanisms. Male normotensive Wistar rats received ceftriaxone (200 mg/kg intraperitoneal) as a single injection 90 min after middle cerebral artery occlusion (90 min with reperfusion). Forty-eight hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion, infarct size (MRI) and neurological deficits were estimated. GLT1 expression was determined by real time RT-PCR, immunoblotting and promoter reporter assay, astrocyte GLT1 activity by measuring glutamate uptake. Bacterial load in various organs was measured by real time RT-PCR, neurotrophins and IL-6 by immunoblotting. Ceftriaxone dramatically reduced early (24-h) mortality from 34.5% (vehicle treatment, n = 29) to 0% (P < 0.01, n = 19). In a subgroup, followed up for 4 weeks, mortality persisted at 0%. Ceftriaxone strongly tended to reduce infarct size, it significantly improved neuronal survival within the penumbra, reduced neurological deficits (P < 0.001) and led to an upregulation of neurotrophins (P < 0.01) in the peri-infarct zone. Ceftriaxone did not increase GLT1 expression, but increased GLT1 activity (P < 0.05). Ceftriaxone causes a significant reduction in acute stroke mortality in a poststroke treatment regimen in animal studies. Improved neurological performance and survival may be due to neuroprotection by activation of GLT1 and a stimulation of neurotrophins resulting in an increased number of surviving neurons in the penumbra.

In vitro toxicity of d-amphetamine and cocaine in hepatocytes, isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar rats (NTR)

In vitro toxicity of d-amphetamine and cocaine in hepatocytes, isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar rats (NTR)

Area-Specific Differences in Transmitter Release in Central Catecholaminergic Neurons of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

The link among blood pressure, sympathetic output, and brain neurons producing catecholamines is well documented. Nevertheless, their intrinsic properties and any alterations in signaling characteristics between normotensive and hypertensive phenotypes remain unknown. Here, we directly compared neurophysiological properties of catecholamine release of C1 and A2 neurons of the spontaneously hypertensive rat and Wistar rat in organotypic slices. C1 and A2 areas were studied because both are widely implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension. Catecholaminergic neurons were visualized using viral vectors to express green fluorescent protein. Microamperometry revealed that C1 axonal varicosities of spontaneously hypertensive but not normotensive Wistar rats release a transmitter predominantly (approximately 86%) in very large quanta, comparable in catecholamine load to adrenal chromaffin granules. Because quantal size affects the spread of transmitter in the extracellular space, this may enhance the impact of C1 varicosities on their downstream targets and increase sympathetic drive in the hypertensive rat. Electrophysiological properties and Ca2+ handling were studied using patch clamp and confocal imaging. Although overall electrophysiological characteristics of C1 and A2 neurons were comparable between strains, the characteristic angiotensin-II-induced Ca2+ mobilization was reduced in A2 neurons of the spontaneously hypertensive rat. Because A2 neurons are a part of a homeostatic antihypertensive circuit, this could reduce their restraining influence on blood pressure. Thus, we have revealed an increased quantal size in C1 varicosities and a reduced responsiveness of A2 neurons of the spontaneously hypertensive rat to angiotensin II. Both effects could contribute to elevated sympathetic activity and blood pressure in the spontaneously hypertensive rat.

Selective increase of angiotensin(1–7) and its receptor in hearts of spontaneously hypertensive rats subjected to physical training

In the present study we investigated the effects of physical training on plasma and cardiac angiotensin(1–7) [Ang(1–7)] levels. In addition, possible changes in expression of the Ang(1–7) Mas receptor in the heart were also evaluated. Normotensive Wistar rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were subjected to an 8 week period of 5% overload swimming training. Blood pressure was determined by a tail‐cuff system. Heart and left ventricle weights and cardiomyocyte diameter were analysed to evaluate cardiac hypertrophy. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure angiotensin levels. Expression of Mas was determined by semi‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Physical training induced cardiac hypertrophy in Wistar rats and SHR. A significant decrease of plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) levels in both strains was also observed. Strikingly, trained SHR, but not trained Wistar rats, showed a twofold increase in left ventricular Ang(1–7) levels. No significant changes were observed in plasma Ang(1–7) and left ventricular Ang II concentrations in either strain. Furthermore, Mas mRNA and protein expression in left ventricle were substantially increased in trained SHR. The physical training protocol used did not change blood pressure in either strain. These results suggest that the beneficial effects induced by swimming training in hypertensive rats might include an augmentation of Ang(1–7) and its receptor in the heart.

Discrepancy between increased left ventricular mass and “normal” QRS voltage is associated with decreased connexin 43 expression in early stage of left ventricular hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Background and Purpose On the basis of our previous results of animal and human studies, we assume that the discrepancies between increased left ventricular mass (LVM) and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings not exceeding the upper normal limits in left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are conditioned by the electrical remodeling of hypertrophied myocardium. We assumed that these discrepancies observed in the early stage of LVH in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are associated with a decreased expression of connexin 43. Methods Standard 12-lead ECG was recorded in 20-week-old male SHR and age-matched and sex-matched normotensive Wistar rats (Institute of Experimental Pharmacology SAV, Dobra Voda, Slovakia). The approximated maximum QRS spatial vector magnitude (QRSmax) was calculated from leads V 2, aVF, and V 5. Left ventricular mass was weighed, and the specific potential (SP) of myocardium was calculated as the QRSmax-to-LVM ratio. Left ventricular protein levels of connexin 43 were analyzed with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Results The LVM values were significantly higher in SHR than in normotensive controls (0.96 ± 0.03 g and 0.680 ± 0.07 g, respectively; P < .001). The QRSmax values in SHR did not follow the increase either in systolic blood pressure or in LVM. The SP values in SHR were significantly lower than those in control rats (0.92 ± 0.11 mV/g and 1.358 ± 0.06 mV/g, respectively; P < .01). A 37% decrease in connexin 43 level was observed in SHR. Conclusions The QRS voltage did not follow the increase in the LVM in 20-week-old SHR, and the values of connexin 43 were lower in SHR than in normotensive controls. We believe that the discrepant findings between ECG voltage and LVM can be caused by the electrical remodeling in the early stages of LVH.

Genomic regulation of intestinal amino acid transporters by aldosterone

Overexpression of renal LAT2, a Na+ -independent L-amino acid transporter, in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) is organ specific and precedes the onset of hypertension (Pinho et al., Hypertension, 42:613-618, 2003). However, the expression of LAT2 correlates negatively with plasma aldosterone levels after high sodium intake (Pinho et al., Am J Physiol Ren Physiol 292:F1452-F1463, 2007). The present study evaluated the expression of Na+ -independent LAT1, LAT2, and 4F2hc and Na+ -dependent ASCT2 amino acid transporters in the intestine of normotensive Wistar rats chronically treated with aldosterone. In conditions of high salt intake, to keep endogenous aldosterone to a minimum, rats were implanted with aldosterone or spironolactone tablets. In aldosterone-treated and aldosterone + spironolactone-treated rats, aldosterone plasma levels were increased by fourfold. At the protein level, aldosterone treatment significantly increased LAT1 (62%), LAT2 (49%), 4F2hc (48%), and ASCT2 (65%) expression. The effect of aldosterone upon LAT1, LAT2, 4F2hc, and ASCT2 protein abundance was completely reversed by spironolactone. Aldosterone significantly increased intestinal LAT2 and 4F2hc mRNA levels (27% and 35% increase, respectively), with no changes in LAT1 and ASCT2 transcript levels. In conclusion, increases in intestinal Na+ -independent LAT1 and LAT2 and Na+ -dependent ASCT2 transcript and protein abundance during chronic treatment with aldosterone occur through a spironolactone-sensitive genomic mechanism.