Effect of hypertension and its reverse on serum nitric oxide concentration and vascular permeability in two-kidney one-clip hypertensive rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hypertension and its reverse on serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration and endothelial permeability in two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. 28 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 1) 2K1C for 12 weeks; 2) sham-clipped for 12 weeks; 3) 2K1C for 12 weeks and unclipped for 12 weeks; 4) sham-clipped for 12 weeks and unclipped for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken before experiment, 12th week and 24th week (in groups 3 and 4). Coronary vascular and aortic endothelial permeability were determined by extravasation of Evans blue dye method. Serum NO level was significantly lower in hypertensive group compare with sham group (4.21 ± 1.28 vs. 9.47 ± 1.34 μmol/l, respectively). Reversal of hypertension did not improve serum NO concentration in 2K1C group (4.21 ± 1.28 vs. 4.32 ± 1.34 μmol/l). Coronary vascular and aortic endothelial permeability were not different between hypertensive and normotensive groups and reversal of hypertension did not alter endothelial permeability. Lower serum NO concentration in 2K1C hypertensive rats even after reversal of hypertension suggested that in addition to NO, other mechanisms could be involved in surgical reversal of hypertension. Hypertension and its reverse did not change endothelial permeability at least in this model of hypertension.