Upregulation of AT1R and iNOS in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) is essential for the sympathetic hyperactivity and hypertension in the 2K-1C Wistar rat model.

Am J Hypertens. 2010 Jul;23(7):708-15. Epub 2010 Apr 1.

de Oliveira-Sales EB, Nishi EE, Boim MA, Dolnikoff MS, Bergamaschi CT, Campos RR.

In this study, the role of iNOS and AT1R in the RVLM in the development of hypertension in the 2 kidney 1 clip rat model has been studied. After 6 weeks of renal surgery, the rats were divided into sham and hypertensive rats. iNOS and AT1R receptor expression was studied in the RVLM punches of both the groups of rats. iNOS mRNA and the protein levels of iNOS and AT1R receptor in the RVLM of rats that underwent renal surgery were higher than the sham operated rats. Also injection of losartan (AT1Rantagonist) and aminoguanidine (iNOS inhibitor) in the RVLM of 2K-1C hypertensive rats resulted in a decrease in the mean arterial pressure and renal sympathetic activity. On the other hand, no difference in any of the parameters was observed in the sham operated animals without hypertension. This study demonstrates that AT1R and iNOS are important in maintaining arterial hypertension in 2K-1C model hypertension.

- Madhan