Intracardiac expression of neutral endopeptidase

Neutral endopeptidase (NEP), a proteolytic enzyme, is known to degrade several peptides which control cardiovascular homeostasis. This is a preliminary study of the pattern of the intracardiac regional expression of the NEP gene in the normal heart, and the age-related changes in this expression in the cardiac regions. The relative abundance of NEP mRNA was determined by RT-PCR in the right atrium (RA), right ventricle (RV), left atrium (LA), left ventricle (LV) and interventricular septum (IVS) in 2-month-old (young) and 12-month-old (advanced-age adult) Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. The NEP gene was expressed in all 5 cardiac regions in both age groups. In young rats, the NEP expression level was lowest in the RA; this level was significantly lower than in the septum (p > 0.05). In the advanced-age adult rats, the level was lowest in the LA; this level also was significantly lower than in the septum (p > 0.05). The level in the RA in advanced-age rats was higher than that in the young rats (p < 0.01), but the levels in other regions were not significantly different between the young rats and advanced-age adult rats. Our study showed that the NEP gene was expressed in all cardiac regions of both young rats and advanced-age adult rats. However, the regional distribution of the gene was different in each age group. The region-specific expression of the NEP gene and the age-related regional changes in the expression may be due to the structural and functional characteristics of the various regions.     

Myocardial fibrosis, impaired coronary hemodynamics, and biventricular dysfunction in salt-loaded SHR

Arterial pressure in most experimental and clinical hypertensions is exacerbated by salt. The effects of salt excess on right and left ventricular (RV and LV, respectively) functions and their respective coronary vasodilatory responses have been less explored. We therefore examined the effects of 8 wk of NaCl excess (8% in food) on arterial pressure, RV and LV functions (maximal rate of increase and decrease of ventricular pressure; dP/dt(max) and dP/dt(min)), coronary hemodynamics (microspheres), and collagen content (hydroxyproline assay and collagen volume fraction) in young adult normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), aged 16 wk by the end of the study. Prolonged salt excess in WKY and SHR elevated pressure only modestly, but it markedly increased LV mass, especially in SHR. Moreover, salt excess significantly impaired RV and LV diastolic function in SHR but only LV diastolic function in WKY rats. However, salt loading affected neither RV nor LV contractile function in both strains. Interstitial and perivascular collagen deposition was increased, whereas coronary vasodilatory responses to dipyridamole diminished in both ventricles in the salt-loaded SHR but not in WKY rats. Therefore, accumulation of ventricular collagen as well as altered myocardial perfusion importantly contributed to the development of salt-related RV and LV dysfunctions in this model of naturally occurring hypertension. The unique effects of salt loading on both ventricles in SHR, but not WKY rats, strongly suggest that nonhemodynamic mechanisms in hypertensive disease participate pathophysiologically with salt-loading hypertension. These findings point to the conclusion that the concept of "salt sensitivity" in hypertension is far more complex than simply its effects on arterial pressure or the LV.     

Gene Expression of ANP,BNP and ET-1 in the Heart of Rats during Pulmonary Embolism

Aims

Atrial natriuretic petide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) may reflect the severity of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE). The exact nature and source of BNP, ANP and ET-1 expression and secretion following PE has not previously been studied.

Methods and Results

Polystyrene microparticles were injected to induce PE in rats. Gene expression of BNP, ANP and ET-1 were determined in the 4 cardiac chambers by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (QPCR). Plasma levels of ANP, BNP, ET-1 and cardiac troponin I (TNI) were measured in plasma. PE dose-dependently increased gene expression of ANP and BNP in the right ventricle (RV) and increased gene expression of ANP in the right atrium (RA). In contrast PE dose-dependently decreased BNP gene expression in both the left ventricle (LV) and the left atrium (LA). Plasma levels of BNP, TNI and ET-1 levels dose-dependently increased with the degree of PE.

Conclusion

We found a close correlation between PE degree and gene-expression of ANP, and BNP in the cardiac chambers with a selective increase in the right chambers of the heart.The present data supports the idea of natriuretic peptides as valuable biomarkers of RVD in PE.     

Natriuretic and hypotensive effects of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Effects of four doses (0.1, 0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 nmol/kg) of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on natriuresis and blood pressure were investigated in anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). An intravenous injection of 1.0 and 2.0 nmol/kg of BNP caused a significant increase of natriuresis and reduction of blood pressure in SHR and WKY. These effects were essentially identical to the effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Remarkable bioactivity elicited by BNP rasises the possibility that BNP has a role in the regulation of blood pressure and water-electrolyte balance. On the other hand, when the effects of BNP on both strains of rats were compared with those of alpha-human ANP reported previously, the hypotensive effect of BNP was less than those of alpha-human ANP only in SHR. It is suggested that BNP might have different bioactivity than that of ANP in SHR.     

Effect of exercise training on cardiac oxytocin and natriuretic peptide systems in ovariectomized rats

Exercise training results in cardiovascular and metabolic adaptations that may be beneficial in menopausal women by reducing blood pressure, insulin resistance, and cholesterol level. The adaptation of the cardiac hormonal systems oxytocin (OT), natriuretic peptides (NPs), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in response to exercise training was investigated in intact and ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Ovariectomy significantly augmented body weight (BW), left ventricle (LV) mass, and intra-abdominal fat pad weight and decreased the expression of oxytocin receptor (OTR), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and guanylyl cyclase-A (GC-A), in the right atrium (RA) and LV, indicating estrogenic control of these genes. These effects of ovariectomy were counteracted by 8-wk-long exercise training which decreased fat pad weight (33.4 +/- 2.3 to 23.4 +/- 3.1 g, n = 8, P < 0.05), plasma free fatty acids (0.124 +/- 0.033 to 0.057 +/- 0.010 mM, n = 8, P < 0.01), and plasma triacylglycerol (0.978 +/- 0.174 to 0.588 +/- 0.115 mM, n = 8, P < 0.05). Chronic exercise tended to decrease BW and stimulated ANP (4- to 5-fold) and OTR gene expression in the LV and RA and BNP and inducible NOS (iNOS) mRNA in the LV. In sham-operated rats, exercise augmented ANP expression in the RA, downregulated GC-A mRNA in the LV and RA, but increased its expression threefold in the RA of OVX animals. Endothelial NOS and iNOS expression was enhanced in the left atrium of sham-operated rats. Altogether, these data indicate that in OVX animals, chronic exercise significantly enhances cardiac OT, NPs, and NOS, thus implicating all three hormonal systems in the beneficial effects of exercise training.     

Hypoxia reduces atrial natriuretic peptide clearance receptor gene expression in ANP knockout mice

We tested the hypotheses that hypoxic exposure is associated with exacerbated pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular (RV) enlargement, reduced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) clearance receptor (NPR-C) expression, and enhanced B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression in the absence of ANP. Male wild-type [ANP(+/+)], heterozygous [ANP(+/-)], and homozygous [ANP(-/-)] mice were studied after a 5-wk hypoxic exposure (10% O(2)). Hypoxia increased RV ANP mRNA and plasma ANP levels only in ANP(+/+) and ANP(+/-) mice. Hypoxia-induced increases in RV pressure were significantly greater in ANP(-/-) than in ANP(+/+) or ANP(+/-) mice (104 +/- 17 vs. 45 +/- 10 and 63 +/- 7%, respectively) as were increases in RV mass (38 +/- 4 vs. 26 +/- 5 and 29 +/- 4%, respectively). NPR-C mRNA levels were greatly reduced in the kidney, lung, and brain by hypoxia in all three genotypes. RV BNP mRNA and lung and kidney cGMP levels were increased in hypoxic mice. These findings indicate that disrupted ANP expression worsens hypoxic pulmonary hypertension and RV enlargement but does not alter hypoxia-induced decreases in NPR-C and suggest that compensatory increases in BNP expression occur in the absence of ANP.     

Gene Expression Profiling of Cultured Cells From Brainstem of Newborn Spontaneously Hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto Rats

The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is a good model to study several diseases such as the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, cardiopulmonary impairment, nephropathy, as well as hypertension, which is a multifactor disease that possibly involves alterations in gene expression in hypertensive relative to normotensive subjects. In this study, we used high-density oligoarrays to compare gene expression profiles in cultured neurons and glia from brainstem of newborn normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) and SHR rats. We found 376 genes differentially expressed between SHR and WKY brainstem cells that preferentially map to 17 metabolic/signaling pathways. Some of the pathways and regulated genes identified herein are obviously related to cardiovascular regulation; in addition there are several genes differentially expressed in SHR not yet associated to hypertension, which may be attributed to other differences between SHR and WKY strains. This constitute a rich resource for the identification and characterization of novel genes associated to phenotypic differences observed in SHR relative to WKY, including hypertension. In conclusion, this study describes for the first time the gene profiling pattern of brainstem cells from SHR and WKY rats, which opens up new possibilities and strategies of investigation and possible therapeutics to hypertension, as well as for the understanding of the brain contribution to phenotypic differences between SHR and WKY rats.     

自发性高血压大鼠右心耳肌细胞特殊颗粒的形态分析和ANP免疫反应强度的观察

本研究运用透射电镜及形态计量学方法结合免疫组织化学技术对成年自发性高血压大鼠（ＳＨＲ）的右心耳肌细胞心房特殊颗粒（ＡＳＧ）和心房利钠肽（ＡＮＰ）的免疫反应强度进行了观察和定量研究。成年自发性高血压大鼠的心肌细胞内,ＡＳＧ数目增加,直径增大,高尔基复合体发达;线粒体轻度肿胀,部分嵴溶解断裂,部分内质网扩张,糖原颗粒增多。ＡＮＰ免疫反应增强与ＡＳＧ数目的增加一致。提示自发性高血压大鼠ＡＮＰ的合成和释放均增加,以维持机体在高血压状态下血压的平衡和内环境的稳定。     

Natriuretic peptides in cardiovascular diseases

The natriuretic peptide family comprises atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP), and urodilatin. The activities of natriuretic peptides and endothelins are strictly associated with each other. ANP and BNP inhibit endothelin-1 (ET-1) production. ET-1 stimulates natriuretic peptide synthesis. All natriuretic peptides are synthesized from polypeptide precursors. Changes in natriuretic peptides and endothelin release were observed in many cardiovascular diseases: e.g. chronic heart failure, left ventricular dysfunction and coronary artery disease.     

Difference of gene expression profiles in spontaneous hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto rats from two sources

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are a well-known animal model for hypertension. We have previously identified eleven differentially expressed genes in the kidneys between SHR/Hos and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY/Hos) using an oligonucleotide microarray and analyzed the correlation between these genes and hypertension. In the present study, we analyzed the differentially expressed genes in the kidneys between SHR/NCrj and WKY/NCrj obtained from an other source to clarify the common and/or specific gene expression between the different sources. Furthermore, expression changes in the representative genes were characterized by Northern blot analysis using samples prepared from a third source, the Izm strain. The comparison revealed quite different changes in the differentially expressed genes among them. Sequence analysis of one of the differentially expressed genes, cytosolic epoxide hydrolase, revealed that two haplotypes could in part explain the expression level. Our study showed the complex nature of the genetic heterogeneity between SHR and WKY from different sources.     

Expression of C-type natriuretic peptide and of its receptor NPR-B in normal and failing heart

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) was recently found in the myocardium, but possible insights into differences between atrium and ventricle production are so far lacking. Our aim was to evaluate, in an experimental model of pacing-induced heart failure (HF), plasma and tissue levels of CNP and mRNA expression of the peptide and of its specific receptor, NPR-B. Cardiac tissue was collected from male adult minipigs without (control, n=5) and with pacing-induced HF (n=5). Blood samples were collected at baseline and after pacing (10 min, 1, 2, 3 weeks). CNP in plasma and in cardiac extracts was determined by a radioimmunoassay, while the expression of mRNA by real time PCR. Compared to control, plasma CNP was increased after 1 week of pacing stress (36.9+/-10.4 pg/ml vs.16.7+/-1.1, p=0.013, mean+/-S.E.M.). As to myocardial extract, at baseline, CNP was found in all cardiac chambers and its content was 10-fold higher in atria than in ventricles (RA: 13.7+/-1.9 pg/mg protein; LA: 8.7+/-3.8; RV: 1.07+/-0.33; LV: 0.93+/-0.17). At 3 weeks of pacing, myocardial levels of CNP in left ventricle were higher than in controls (15.8+/-9.9 pg/mg protein vs. 0.9+/-0.17, p=0.01). CNP gene expression was observed in controls and at 3 weeks of pacing. NPR-B gene expression was found in all cardiac regions analyzed, and a down-regulation was observed in ventricles after HF. The co-localization of the CNP system and NPR-B suggests a possible role of CNP in HF and may prompt novel therapeutical strategies.     

Kallikrein gene delivery attenuates cardiac remodeling and promotes neovascularization in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Hypertension that results in left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and/or fibrosis can lead to cardiac dysfunction. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) develop high blood pressure and LV hypertrophy at an early age and are a popular model of human essential hypertension. To investigate the role of the tissue kallikrein-kinin system in cardiac remodeling, an adenovirus containing the human tissue kallikrein gene was injected intravenously into adult SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The blood pressure of WKY rats remained unchanged throughout the experiment. Alternatively, kallikrein gene transfer reduced blood pressure in SHR for the first 2 wk, but had no effect from 3 to 5 wk. Five weeks after kallikrein gene delivery, SHR showed significant reductions in LV-to-heart weight ratio, LV long axis, and cardiomyocyte size; however, these parameters were unaffected in WKY rats. Interestingly, cardiac collagen density was decreased in both SHR and WKY rats receiving the kallikrein gene. Kallikrein gene transfer also increased cardiac capillary density in SHR, but not in WKY rats. The morphological changes after kallikrein gene transfer were associated with decreases in JNK activation as well as transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta 1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels in the heart. In addition, kallikrein gene delivery elevated LV nitric oxide and cGMP levels in both rat strains. These results indicate that kallikrein-kinin attenuates cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and enhances capillary growth in SHR through the suppression of JNK, TGF-beta 1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 via the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway.     

Coronary vasodilator reserve, capillarity, and mitochondria in trained hypertensive rats

To test the hypothesis that exercise training can reverse the decrements in coronary reserve, capillary density, and mitochondrial volume density evident during established hypertension, we trained spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive (WKY) rats on a treadmill over a 3-mo period. At 7 mo of age we used microspheres to evaluate myocardial perfusion in conscious rats. Exercise training did not alter hypertension or left ventricular hypertrophy but did increase maximal O2 consumption in both SHR and WKY. A decrement in left and right ventricular coronary reserve in SHR, compared with WKY, was indicated by 1) a smaller increment in myocardial perfusion during maximal vasodilation with dipyridamole and 2) a higher minimal coronary vascular resistance per unit mass. Exercise training had no significant effect on any index of myocardial perfusion in SHR or WKY. A 12% decrement in capillary numerical density in the endomyocardium of SHR was not reversed by exercise training. We estimated the volume densities of mitochondria, myofibrils, and sarcoplasm using electron microscopy and point-counting stereology on perfusion-fixed hearts. None of the parameters in either SHR or WKY was changed by exercise training. It is concluded that exercise training does not reverse the decrements in coronary reserve and capillary numerical density associated with hypertension in adult rats. Moreover the previously observed enhancement of mitochondrial volume density due to exercise in young hypertensive rats was not observed in adult SHR.     

Gestational hypertension and the developmental origins of cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction

The developmental origins of health and disease refer to the theory that adverse maternal environments influence fetal development and the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. We used the chronically hypertensive atrial natriuretic peptide knockout (ANP?/?) mouse as a model of gestational hypertension, and attempted to determine the effect of gestational hypertension on left ventricular (LV) structure and function in adult offspring. We crossed normotensive ANP+/+ females with ANP?/? males (yielding ANP+/?^WT offspring) and hypertensive ANP?/? females with ANP+/+ males (yielding ANP+/?^KO offspring). Cardiac gene expression was measured using real-time quantitative PCR. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography. Daily injections of isoproterenol (ISO) were used to induce cardiac stress. Collagen deposition was assessed using picrosirius red staining. All mice were 10 weeks of age. Gestational hypertension resulted in significant LV hypertrophy in offspring, with no change in LV function. Treatment with ISO resulted in significant LV diastolic dysfunction with a restrictive filling pattern (increased E/A ratio and E/e′) and interstitial myocardial fibrosis only in ANP+/?^KO and not ANP+/?^WT offspring. Gestational hypertension programs adverse LV structural and functional remodeling in offspring. These data suggest that adverse maternal environments may increase the risk of heart failure in offspring later in life.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide receptors in sympathetic ganglia: biochemical response and alterations in genetically hypertensive rats

High concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (99-126) (ANP) receptors were localized by quantitative autoradiography in superior cervical and stellate ganglia from young and adult Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. ANP increased cyclic GMP formation in stellate ganglia from adult rats. Both young and adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) had a much lower number of ANP receptors in the sympathetic ganglia. In spite of low receptor concentration, the cyclic GMP response to ANP in SHR was unchanged. These results suggest the existence of physiologically active ANP receptors in the rat sympathetic ganglia. These receptors may also be involved in the pathophysiology of spontaneous hypertension.     

Hypertension in normotensive and hypertensive rats by spermine ingestion

Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) play an important role in the development of hypertension and in the expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a cardiac hormone involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Wistar Kyoto normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were given spermine in drinking water (0.5%) for 15 days. The spermine intake elevated the blood pressures of both SHR and WKY rats and reduced the expression of ANP (Northern blotting) in the ventricles. ANP levels in the plasma determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) showed no changes in the levels of plasma ANP after spermine intake. An analysis of polyamines by high-pressure liquid chromatography showed that the levels of spermine and spermidine were elevated in SHR hearts. It was in SHR hearts alone that spermine intake was associated with increases in the levels of putrescine. The results suggest that spermine-induced increases in blood pressure may involve mechanisms other than ANP.     

利钠肽家族基因与心血管疾病研究新进展

利钠肽家族是一组由心肌细胞分泌的激素, 主要包括A型、B型和C型利钠肽, 具有相似的基因结构和生理学效应, 可对心血管系统产生血压调节、抗心肌肥厚、抗心肌纤维化和抗心肌弛缓等保护作用。利钠肽受体A、B和C亦介导多种生理活性, 调节心血管稳态。利钠肽受体A选择性结合A型、B型利钠肽。利钠肽受体B结合C型利钠肽。利钠肽受体C结合各型利钠肽, 通过受体介导的内化和退化作用清除血液循环中利钠肽。对利钠肽家族及其受体基因单核甘酸多态性及功能研究显示, 其与多种心血管疾病(房颤、高血压、心力衰竭等)的易感性相关。利钠肽家族及其受体基因缺失的转基因小鼠表现为心肌肥厚、心肌纤维化, 与高血压、心肌病及心力衰竭的发生发展相关。各种导致心肌肥厚和缺血性损伤的刺激均参与利钠肽及其受体基因的表达调控。临床将脑钠肽作为左室功能障碍和心力衰竭失代偿的一个预测指标。静脉注射重组脑钠肽已经成为治疗急性心力衰竭的有效手段。深入了解利钠肽家族基因变异及其信号调控有助于探索心血管疾病的病理生理机制, 为临床诊疗开辟新思路。     

Simultaneous measurement of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) messenger RNA and ANP in rat heart--evidence for a preferentially increased synthesis and secretion of ANP in left atrium of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

Tissue levels of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) messenger RNA (ANPmRNA) and ANP in the rat heart were measured simultaneously. In Wistar rats, ANPmRNA of the same size (approximately 0.95 kbp) was detected in all four chambers of the rat heart. The ANPmRNA level was the highest in the right atrium, and the left atrial level was slightly lower than the right atrial level. Ventricular levels were more than two orders of magnitude lower than atrial levels. Tissue ANP concentrations of four chambers were roughly parallel to ANPmRNA levels. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with the elevated plasma ANP level, the ANPmRNA level in the left atrium was substantially increased. The left/right ratio of atrial ANPmRNA level in SHR (150%) was higher than that in control Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) (90%). In contrast, the left/right ratio of atrial ANP concentration was decreased in SHR (44%) compared with that in WKY (84%). The ratio of ANP to ANPmRNA levels in the left atrium of SHR was about three times smaller than that in the right atrium of SHR, and those in bilateral atria of WKY. These results indicate that the biosynthesis and secretion of ANP from the left atrium is preferentially increased in SHR. Thus, simultaneous determination of ANPmRNA and ANP levels is a refined strategy of investigation for the biosynthesis, storage and secretion of ANP.     

利钠肽家族基因与心血管疾病研究新进展

利钠肽家族是一组由心肌细胞分泌的激素,主要包括A型、B型和C型利钠肽,具有相似的基因结构和生理学效应,可对心血管系统产生血压调节、抗心肌肥厚、抗心肌纤维化和抗心肌弛缓等保护作用。利钠肽受体A、B和C亦介导多种生理活性,调节心血管稳态。利钠肽受体A选择性结合A型、B型利钠肽。利钠肽受体B结合C型利钠肽。利钠肽受体C结合各型利钠肽,通过受体介导的内化和退化作用清除血液循环中利钠肽。对利钠肽家族及其受体基因单核甘酸多态性及功能研究显示,其与多种心血管疾病(房颤、高血压、心力衰竭等)的易感性相关。利钠肽家族及其受体基因缺失的转基因小鼠表现为心肌肥厚、心肌纤维化,与高血压、心肌病及心力衰竭的发生发展相关。各种导致心肌肥厚和缺血性损伤的刺激均参与利钠肽及其受体基因的表达调控。临床将脑钠肽作为左室功能障碍和心力衰竭失代偿的一个预测指标。静脉注射重组脑钠肽已经成为治疗急性心力衰竭的有效手段。深入了解利钠肽家族基因变异及其信号调控有助于探索心血管疾病的病理生理机制,为临床诊疗开辟新思路。     

微小RNA在自发性高血压大鼠主动脉的差异表达

微小RNAs(microRNAs,miRNAs)是一类基因组编码、非蛋白质编码的小RNA,在转录后水平负性调节靶基因表达.本研究探讨miRNAs在自发性高血压大(spontaneously hypertensive rats,SHR)主动脉的表达特征及其与高血压的关系.取4、8、16和24周龄雄性SHR大鼠及同龄正常血压对照(Wistar-Kyoto,WKY)大鼠.MiRanda、TargetScan和PicTar用于候选miRNAs及靶基因预测分析.通过实时定量RT-PCR检测大鼠主动脉miR-1、miR-133a、miR-155及miR-208的表达,并进一步通过实时定量RT-PCR检测呈差异表达的miR-155和miR-208的预测靶基因mRNA表达.结果显示,SHR大鼠主动脉miR-155表达在4、8、24周时与同龄WKY大鼠无显著差异,但在16周时明显低于同龄WKY大鼠(P<0.05),且大鼠主动脉miR-155表达量与血压呈负相关(r=-0.525,P<0.05).MiR-208表达在4周龄时最高,随年龄增长明显下降(P<0.05),其表达水平与血压和年龄呈负相关(r=-0.400,P<0.05;r=-0.684,P<0.0001),但在SHR和WKY大鼠之间无显著差异.miR-1和miR-133a在各年龄组SHR和WKY大鼠间未呈现差异表达.MiR-155和miR-208表达与相应预测靶基因mRNA表达无显著负相关性.以上结果表明,miR-155表达在成年SHR大鼠主动脉明显低于WKY,并与血压呈负相关,提示miR-155可能参与高血压的发生发展,主动脉miR-155表达异常可能是SHR大鼠血压升高的原因之一.大鼠主动脉miR-208表达在幼年时最高,随年龄增长而明显下降,提示其可能与血管发育有关.