不同鼠龄的人多巴胺D5^F173L突变基因转基因高血压小鼠血压及心脏结构与功能分析

目的通过对不同年龄多巴胺D5^F173L突变基因及D5正常基因转基因小鼠的血压和心脏结构与功能进行分析,了解多巴胺D5受体在高血压发生发展过程中的作用。方法利用无创血压测量仪和高分辨率小动物超声系统检测两种转基因小鼠的血压和左心室壁厚度、左心室内径、左心室容积、射血分数、短轴缩短率和左心室质量等心脏功能指标。结果 D5^F173L转基因小鼠4月龄、6月龄、16月龄时收缩压、舒张压都明显高于D5转基因小鼠;4月龄、6月龄的D5F173L转基因小鼠与D5转基因小鼠相比舒张期和收缩期左室壁厚度均明显增大、左室内容积均明显变小、左心室重量增加;16月龄的D5^F173L转基因小鼠与D5转基因小鼠相比左心室前壁增厚、心腔内径缩短,心腔容积下降、心室重量增加、射血分数提高、短轴缩短率提高;在18月龄时D5^F173L转基因小鼠相比于D5转基因小鼠左心室收缩期前壁厚度增加,后壁厚度减少,舒张期前壁厚度增加,后壁厚度减少;另外在18月龄时D5^F173L转基因小鼠与其16月龄时相比,射血分数、短轴缩短率明显降低,收缩期左心室容积明显增大。结论 D5^F173L转基因小鼠的血压及心脏功能与结构的分析结果符合原发性高血压的特征。D5^F173L转基因小鼠可作为原发性高血压动物模型。     

人β_2m转基因小鼠的制备及鉴定(英文)

制备人 β2m转基因小鼠 ,研究HLA B2 70 4基因的表达 .应用显微注射将人 β2m基因注入C5 7BL 6×昆明鼠和昆明鼠×昆明鼠F1代受精卵 .出生动物及其后代经PCR筛选 ,采用斑点杂交和Southern杂交对阳性鼠基因组DNA标本进行进一步鉴定和测定整合拷贝数 ,利用RT PCR检测阳性鼠中人 β2m转基因的表达 .6只原代仔鼠及 7只它们的下一代鼠 (F1)带有人 β2m基因 .由微注射基因后移卵出生的 86只小鼠中 ,C5 7BL 6×昆明鼠杂交仔鼠 35只 ,其中 4只阳性 (11 4 % ) ,昆明鼠×昆明鼠杂交仔鼠 5 1只 ,其中 2只阳性 (3 9% ) ,含有人 β2m基因的原代鼠×昆明鼠杂交仔鼠 2 0只 ,其中 7只阳性 .整合的转基因均为单拷贝 .Southern杂交证实上述阳性鼠确有转基因整合 .阳性鼠的皮肤、结肠、睾丸和脾脏组织中均有人β2m转基因mRNA的表达 .在转基因动物制备中 ,C5 7BL 6×昆明鼠F1代明显优于昆明鼠×昆明鼠F1代 .与人HLA B2 70 4基因相比 ,人 β2m基因不易整合 ,其整合率与整合拷贝数均较低 .得到的人 β2m转基因小鼠能够将人 β2m基困传给下一代 ,并可与人HLA B2 70 4转基因鼠交配 ,研究它的致病性     

人β_2m转基因小鼠的制备及鉴定(英文)

 制备人 β2m转基因小鼠 ,研究HLA B2 70 4基因的表达 .应用显微注射将人 β2m基因注入C5 7BL 6×昆明鼠和昆明鼠×昆明鼠F1代受精卵 .出生动物及其后代经PCR筛选 ,采用斑点杂交和Southern杂交对阳性鼠基因组DNA标本进行进一步鉴定和测定整合拷贝数 ,利用RT PCR检测阳性鼠中人 β2m转基因的表达 .6只原代仔鼠及 7只它们的下一代鼠 (F1)带有人 β2m基因 .由微注射基因后移卵出生的 86只小鼠中 ,C5 7BL 6×昆明鼠杂交仔鼠 35只 ,其中 4只阳性 (11 4 % ) ,昆明鼠×昆明鼠杂交仔鼠 5 1只 ,其中 2只阳性 (3 9% ) ,含有人 β2m基因的原代鼠×昆明鼠杂交仔鼠 2 0只 ,其中 7只阳性 .整合的转基因均为单拷贝 .Southern杂交证实上述阳性鼠确有转基因整合 .阳性鼠的皮肤、结肠、睾丸和脾脏组织中均有人β2m转基因mRNA的表达 .在转基因动物制备中 ,C5 7BL 6×昆明鼠F1代明显优于昆明鼠×昆明鼠F1代 .与人HLA B2 70 4基因相比 ,人 β2m基因不易整合 ,其整合率与整合拷贝数均较低 .得到的人 β2m转基因小鼠能够将人 β2m基困传给下一代 ,并可与人HLA B2 70 4转基因鼠交配 ,研究它的致病性     

cDNA微阵列分析人apoE4转基因鼠肾脏基因表达谱的变化

目的研究人apoE4转基因鼠肾脏的基因表达谱变化.方法分别提取人apoE4转基因鼠和正常C57BL/6J小鼠的肾脏总RNA,经逆转录合成cDNA探针后分别与鼠cDNA表达点阵杂交,再用ESTblot软件进行分析,并用Northern印迹证明基因表达的改变.结果人apoE4转基因鼠肾脏中有38个基因的mRNA表达升高,22个基因的mRNA表达降低.其中血浆谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶前体、视黄酸γ受体和白介素5受体等基因的表达明显增加.B-raf原癌基因、促红细胞生成素受体、整联蛋白α4的基因表达显著降低.Northern杂交证明转基因鼠肾脏的c-Jun基因表达升高.结论人apoE4转基因鼠肾脏的c-Jun、血浆谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶前体、白介素5受体等基因的表达增加;促红细胞生成素受体、整联蛋白α4等基因的表达减少.     

钙蛋白酶抑制蛋白转基因小鼠的构建和鉴定

目的：将人的钙蛋白酶抑制蛋白（ calpastatin, CAST）外源基因整合到C57BL/6J小鼠中,构建高表达CAST的转基因小鼠模型。方法利用Gateway技术构建pRP．EX3d-EF1A-CAST-IRES-eGFP载体,回收片段后通过显微注射法将目的基因片段注入到C57 BL/6 J小鼠受精卵中,将其胚胎移植至同期发情的假孕受体母鼠输卵管内获得子代小鼠。采用PCR方法鉴定出阳性的转基因小鼠,确定首建鼠,通过与C57BL/6J小鼠回交后互交数代建系。利用RT-PCR和Western blotting方法检测CAST基因和蛋白在各组织中的表达情况。结果将90枚注射受精卵移植到3只假孕鼠中,3只均怀孕,移植成功率100％,产下23只子鼠,经PCR鉴定得到2只转基因阳性首建鼠,阳性率为9％。子代小鼠进行RT-PCR检查显示,CAST基因在转基因小鼠的心、肝、脾、肺、肾、脑和骨骼肌中均有表达;Western blotting检查显示,CAST蛋白表达在转基因小鼠中显著高于同窝阴性小鼠。结论通过显微注射法成功构建CAST高表达的转基因小鼠,为进一步研究CAST奠定了良好的模型基础。     

转基因人源化ACE2裸小鼠模型的建立

目的 建立BALB/c-Nude裸小鼠为背景的人源化ACE2(hACE2)转基因裸小鼠动物模型。方法 利用hACE2转基因小鼠与雄性BALB/c-Nude裸小鼠杂交获得F1代,将F1代hACE2小鼠与BALB/c-Nude裸小鼠回交获得F2代,再将F2代hACE2小鼠互交获得F3代hACE2转基因裸小鼠。对F3代中hACE2转基因裸小鼠的生长发育、生理指标及免疫指标与C57BL/6J野生型小鼠、hACE2小鼠和BALB/c-Nude裸小鼠对比分析。结果 (1)hACE2转基因裸小鼠生长发育指标与C57BL/6J野生型小鼠、hACE2小鼠和BALB/c-Nude裸小鼠无明显差异。(2)hACE2转基因裸小鼠生理指标中,建立的hACE2转基因裸小鼠与BALB/c-Nude裸小鼠相似,病理解剖观察发现,小鼠体内均无胸腺。脏器系数结果与BALB/c-Nude裸小鼠比较,脾系数和肝系数出现显著性差异(P<0.05)。血常规检测指标与C57BL/6J野生型小鼠、hACE2小鼠比较,中性粒细胞百分比(NEU)、淋巴细胞百分比(LYM)和单核细胞百分比(MONO)均出现显著性差异(P<0....     

C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠血清生化指标与性别年龄的关系

目的观察C57BL/6J-HBV乙型肝炎病毒转基因小鼠血清总胆红素（T-BIL）、丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）、总蛋白（TP）和白蛋白（ALB）与性别和年龄的关系,以及与遗传背景相同的C57BL／6J小鼠的差异。方法选取8周龄和24周龄的C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠及C57BL／6J小鼠的血清测定T-BIL、ALT、AST、TP和ALB值。结果C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠与同周龄同性别的C57BL／6J小鼠相比,T-BIL、ALT、AST、TP和ALB均存在显著差异（P〈0．05）;24周龄的C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠ALT和AST与其8周龄鼠相比均存在显著差异（P〈0．05）。结论C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠T-BIL、ALT、AST、TP和ALB值显著高于C57BL／6J小鼠;且C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠ALT和AST值与年龄有关,与性别无关。     

siRNA干扰MMP-9和FAK双基因抑制小鼠黑色素瘤生长和在体迁移

目的:观察干扰MMP-9和FAK双基因对恶性黑色素瘤高转移细胞B16F10体内转移的影响。方法:构建PGV102-MMP9-siRNA、PGV102-FAK-siRNA重组质粒载体,脂质体^TM2000介导转染小鼠黑色素瘤B16F10细胞,RT-PCR检测基因的干扰效果;建立C57BL/6小鼠皮下移植瘤模型观察细胞在体成瘤和肿瘤的生长情况,常规组织切片,H&E染色观察肿瘤组织病理学特征;经C57BL/6小鼠尾静脉注射细胞5×10⁵个/只,24天后计数小鼠肺转移结节数评价肿瘤细胞在体迁移能力。结果:RT-PCR结果表明,重组质粒转染细胞组的MMP-9和FAK的mRNA水平显著低于正常细胞组(P<0.01),转染细胞组C57BL/6小鼠皮下成瘤的肿瘤生长速率、黑色素瘤肺转移结节数明显低于正常细胞组(P<0.01)。结论:干扰B16F10细胞MMP-9和FAK双基因可明显抑制小鼠体内恶性肿瘤的生长和迁移。     

心脏特异表达Dhcr24转基因小鼠的建立和表型分析

目的建立心脏特异表达小鼠24-脱氢胆固醇还原酶基因（Dhcr24）转基因小鼠,研究该基因在心脏中表达对小鼠心脏发育,形态和功能维持中的作用。方法RT-PCR法克隆小鼠24-脱氢胆固醇还原酶基因,把Dhcr24基因插入-αMHC启动子下游,构建转基因表达载体,通过显微注射法建立Dhcr24 C57BL/6J转基因小鼠。并利用特异引物PCR法鉴定转基因小鼠的基因型,RT-PCR和Western Blotting检测基因表达水平,光学显微镜和超声检测不同月龄Dhcr24转基因小鼠心脏的组织结构改变。结果建立了2个品系的心脏特异表达Dhcr24转基因小鼠。转入的Dhcr24基因在心脏组织的表达水平超过内源性Dhcr24的3倍。心脏组织学和超声检查证实：Dhcr24转基因小鼠的心室壁变厚,心腔变小,但心脏功能保持正常。结论成功建立了心脏特异表达Dhcr24转基因小鼠,Dhcr24基因在心脏组织的过度表达对小鼠心脏发育和功能维持中的作用需要进一步探讨。     

体内GRK5缺陷加剧Tg2576小鼠海马内的病理改变

目的研究体内G蛋白偶联受体激酶5（GRK5）缺陷是否会加剧转瑞典突变淀粉样肽前体蛋白基因（TgAPPsw,Tg2576）小鼠海马内的病理改变。方法将具有C57／BL6遗传背景的GRK5缺陷／敲除（GRK5KO）杂合子与具有相同遗传背景的Tg2576小鼠杂交,以产生野生型（WT）、GRK5KO杂合子型、转淀粉样肽前体蛋白（APP）基因型以及转基因＆敲除（Double）型4种基因型小鼠。用免疫荧光（IF）染色方法来观察这些动物海马内肿胀轴突丛（SACs）和A8沉积量变化。结果IF染色结果定量分析显示,Tg2576小鼠被灭活一个拷贝的GRK5基因后导致海马内SACs和A8沉积量均显著增加。结论体内GRK5缺陷加剧了AD动物海马内的病理改变。     

The elevated blood pressure of human GRK4gamma A142V transgenic mice is not associated with increased ROS production

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs) regulate the sensitivity of GPCRs, including dopamine receptors. The GRK4 locus is linked to, and some of its polymorphisms are associated with, human essential hypertension. Transgenic mice overexpressing human (h) GRK4gamma A142V on a mixed genetic background (C57BL/6J and SJL/J) have impaired renal D(1)-dopamine receptor (D(1)R) function and increased blood pressure. We now report that hGRK4gamma A142V transgenic mice, in C57BL/6J background, are hypertensive and have higher blood pressures than hGRK4gamma wild-type transgenic and nontransgenic mice. The hypertensive phenotype is stable because blood pressures in transgenic founders and F6 offspring are similarly increased. To determine whether the hypertension is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), we measured renal NADPH oxidase (Nox2 and Nox4) and heme oxygenase (HO-1 and HO-2) protein expressions and urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane and compared the effect of Tempol on blood pressure in hGRK4gamma A142V transgenic mice and D(5)R knockout (D(5)(-/-)) mice in which hypertension is mediated by increased ROS. The expressions of Nox isoforms and HO-2 and the urinary excretion of 8-isoprostane were similar in hGRK4gamma A142V transgenic mice and their controls. HO-1 expression was increased in hGRK4gamma A142V relative to hGRK4gamma wild-type transgenic mice. In contrast with the hypotensive effect of Tempol in D(5)(-/-) mice, it had no effect in hGRK4gamma A142V transgenic mice. We conclude that the elevated blood pressure of hGRK4gamma A142V transgenic mice is due mainly to the effect of hGRK4gamma A142V transgene acting via D(1)R and increased ROS production is not a contributor.     

D5 dopamine receptor knockout mice and hypertension

Abnormalities in dopamine production and receptor function have been described in human essential hypertension and rodent models of genetic hypertension. All of the five dopamine receptor genes (D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5) expressed in mammals and some of their regulators are in loci linked to hypertension in humans and in rodents. Under normal conditions, D1-like receptors (D1 and D5) inhibit sodium transport in the kidney and the intestine. However, in the Dahl salt-sensitive and spontaneously hypertensive rats, and humans with essential hypertension, the D1-like receptor-mediated inhibition of sodium transport is impaired because of an uncoupling of the D1-like receptor from its G protein/effector complex. The uncoupling is genetic, and receptor-, organ-, and nephron segment-specific. In human essential hypertension, the uncoupling of the D1 receptor from its G protein/effector complex is caused by an agonist-independent serine phosphorylation/desensitization by constitutively active variants of the G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4. The D5 receptor is also important in blood pressure regulation. Disruption of the D5 or the D1 receptor gene in mice increases blood pressure. However, unlike the D1 receptor, the hypertension in D5 receptor null mice is caused by increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, apparently due to activation of oxytocin, V1 vasopressin, and non-N-methyl D-aspartate receptors in the central nervous system. The cause of the activation of these receptors remains to be determined.     

Dopamine and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 4 in the kidney: Role in blood pressure regulation

Complex interactions between genes and environment result in a sodium-induced elevation in blood pressure (salt sensitivity) and/or hypertension that lead to significant morbidity and mortality affecting up to 25% of the middle-aged adult population worldwide. Determining the etiology of genetic and/or environmentally-induced high blood pressure has been difficult because of the many interacting systems involved. Two main pathways have been implicated as principal determinants of blood pressure since they are located in the kidney (the key organ responsible for blood pressure regulation), and have profound effects on sodium balance: the dopaminergic and renin–angiotensin systems. These systems counteract or modulate each other, in concert with a host of intracellular second messenger pathways to regulate sodium and water balance. In particular, the G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4 (GRK4) appears to play a key role in regulating dopaminergic-mediated natriuresis. Constitutively activated GRK4 gene variants (R65L, A142V, and A486V), by themselves or by their interaction with other genes involved in blood pressure regulation, are associated with essential hypertension and/or salt-sensitive hypertension in several ethnic groups. GRK4γ ?142V?transgenic mice are hypertensive on normal salt intake while GRK4γ? 486V? transgenic mice develop hypertension only with an increase in salt intake. GRK4 gene variants have been shown to hyperphosphorylate, desensitize, and internalize two members of the dopamine receptor family, the D₁ (D₁R) and D₃ (D₃R) dopamine receptors, but also increase the expression of a key receptor of the renin–angiotensin system, the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT₁R). Knowledge of the numerous blood pressure regulatory pathways involving angiotensin and dopamine may provide new therapeutic approaches to the pharmacological regulation of sodium excretion and ultimately blood pressure control.     

Parkin Expression Profile in Dopamine D3 Receptor Knock-Out Mice Brains

Patients affected by autosomic recessive juvenile parkinsonism (ARJP) exhibit parkin gene mutations with brain decrease in dopamine D2/D3 binding sites. To date, there are no data indicating whether the reduction in dopamine D3 receptors (DRD3) may be associated with the expression of specific parkin variants. In the present study we investigated parkin expression profile in DRD3 knock-out mice brains. RT-PCR analysis was performed to assess qualitative changes in parkin isoforms’ distribution pattern and in exons’ expression both in wild type controls and dopamine D3 receptor’s knock-out mice. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify single exons mRNA. Results demonstrated that exons 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, were more expressed in wild type compared to dopamine D3 receptor KO mice brains while some other (3, 9, 10) were lower expressed. The expression levels of exons 5, 11 and 12 did not change in both animal groups. Our analysis was confirmed by western blot, which showed that parkin protein levels were influenced by the absence of DRD3.     

Decreased c-fos responses to dopamine D(1) receptor agonist stimulation in mice deficient for D(3) receptors.

The acute administration of dopamine D(1) receptor agonists induces the expression of the immediate early gene c-fos. In wild type mice, this induction is completely abolished by pretreatment with the D(1)-selective antagonist SCH23390, and pretreatment with the D(2)-like receptor antagonist eticlopride reduces the levels of c-fos expressed in response to D(1) receptor stimulation. Mice deficient for the dopamine D(3) receptor express levels of D(1) agonist-stimulated c-fos immunoreactivity that are lower than c-fos levels of their wild type littermates. Moreover, the acute blockade of D(2) receptors in D(3) mutant mice further reduces c-fos expression levels. These data indicate that the basal activity of both D(2) and D(3) receptors contributes to D(1) agonist-stimulated c-fos responses. The findings therefore indicate that not only D(2) but also D(3) receptors play a role in dopamine-regulated gene expression.     

三种突变GRK4转基因小鼠的血压动态分析

目的建立GRK4γ野生型和三种GRK4γ基因突变的转基因小鼠,并对其血压进行动态分析,建立高血压模型。方法把人GRK4γ野生型、GRK4γR 65L、GRK4γA142V和GRK4γA486V三个突变基因分别插入鸡β-肌动蛋白启动子下游,构建转基因表达载体,显微注射法建立C57BL/6J GRK4野生型和突变的转基因小鼠,PCR鉴定转基因小鼠基因型。采用Western Blot鉴定GRK4在心脏、肾脏和肾上腺中的表达筛选高表达转基因品系。用无创血压测量仪分析转基因小鼠动态血压。结果建立了在心脏、肾脏和肾上腺均高表达GRK4基因的转基因小鼠。转基因表达人GRK4γ野生型和GRK4γR 65L突变的小鼠血压正常,转基因表达人GRK4γA142V突变的小鼠在正常的钠盐摄入情况下即可发生高血压,而转基因表达人GRK4γA486V突变的小鼠只有在增加钠盐摄入情况下才发生高血压。结论 GRK4γA142V转基因小鼠可作为自发性高血压动物模型,GRK4γA486V转基因小鼠可作为盐敏感性高血压动物模型。     

内脂素对转基因小鼠血糖和运动性的影响

目的建立内脂素转基因小鼠动物模型,研究内脂素在转基因表达的情况下对小鼠的影响。方法把内脂素基因插入CMV启动子下游,构建转基因表达载体,通过显微注射法建立内脂素转基因小鼠。PCR鉴定内脂素转基因小鼠的基因型,Western Blot检测基因表达,通过血糖测定、血生化检测、转轮实验以及旷场观察,检测转基因小鼠在血糖和行为等方面的改变。结果建立了2个不同表达水平的内脂素转基因小鼠品系,转入的内脂素基因在骨骼肌和内脏脂肪组织中的表达高于内源性内脂素。血糖、血生化、代谢、疲劳度、协调性和旷场检查证实：内脂素转基因小鼠机体血糖降低,谷丙转氨酶降低,尿素氮升高,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇降低,低密度脂蛋白胆固醇升高,抗疲劳性和和协调性增高。结论成功建立了内脂素转基因小鼠,并证实内脂素对小鼠血糖和运动行为具有明显的影响,为研究脂肪细胞因子的作用机制提供了有价值的动物模型。     

Analysis of tissue-specific expression of human type II collagen cDNA driven by different sizes of the upstream region of the beta-casein promoter

To investigate the ability of 1.8 kb or 3.1 kb bovine beta-casein promoter sequences for the expression regulation of transgene in vivo, transgenic mice were produced with human type II collagen gene fused to 1.8 kb and 3.1 kb of bovine beta-casein promoter by DNA microinjection. Five and three transgenic founder mice were produced using transgene constructs with 1.8 kb and 3.1 kb of bovine beta-casein promoters respectively. Founder mice were outbred with the wild type to produce F1 and F2 progenies. Total RNAs were extracted from four tissues (mammary gland, liver, kidney, and muscle) of female F1 transgenic mice of each transgenic line following parturition. RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis revealed that the expression level of transgene was variable among the transgenic lines, but transgenic mice containing 1.8 kb of promoter sequences exhibited more leaky expression of transgene in other tissues compared to those with 3.1 kb promoter. Moreover, Western blot analysis of transgenic mouse milk showed that human type II collagen proteins secreted into the milk of lactating transgenic mice contained 1.8 kb and 3.1 kb of bovine beta-casein promoter. These results suggest that promoter sequences of 3.1 kb bovine beta-casein gene can be used for induction of mammary gland-specific expression of transgenes in transgenic animals.     

Deficient dopamine D2 receptor function causes renal inflammation independently of high blood pressure

Renal dopamine receptors participate in the regulation of blood pressure. Genetic factors, including polymorphisms of the dopamine D(2) receptor gene (DRD2) are associated with essential hypertension, but the mechanisms of their contribution are incompletely understood. Mice lacking Drd2 (D(2)-/-) have elevated blood pressure, increased renal expression of inflammatory factors, and renal injury. We tested the hypothesis that decreased dopamine D(2) receptor (D(2)R) function increases vulnerability to renal inflammation independently of blood pressure, is an immediate cause of renal injury, and contributes to the subsequent development of hypertension. In D(2)-/- mice, treatment with apocynin normalized blood pressure and decreased oxidative stress, but did not affect the expression of inflammatory factors. In mouse RPTCs Drd2 silencing increased the expression of TNFα and MCP-1, while treatment with a D(2)R agonist abolished the angiotensin II-induced increase in TNF-α and MCP-1. In uni-nephrectomized wild-type mice, selective Drd2 silencing by subcapsular infusion of Drd2 siRNA into the remaining kidney produced the same increase in renal cytokines/chemokines that occurs after Drd2 deletion, increased the expression of markers of renal injury, and increased blood pressure. Moreover, in mice with two intact kidneys, short-term Drd2 silencing in one kidney, leaving the other kidney undisturbed, induced inflammatory factors and markers of renal injury in the treated kidney without increasing blood pressure. Our results demonstrate that the impact of decreased D(2)R function on renal inflammation is a primary effect, not necessarily associated with enhanced oxidant activity, or blood pressure; renal damage is the cause, not the result, of hypertension. Deficient renal D(2)R function may be of clinical relevance since common polymorphisms of the human DRD2 gene result in decreased D(2)R expression and function.