Vasopressin V1a, V1b and V2 receptors mRNA in the kidney and heart of the renin transgenic TGR(mRen2)27 and Sprague Dawley rats.

Vasopressin plays significant role in regulation of blood pressure by means of V1 and V2 receptors, however regulation of synthesis of these receptors in hypertension is only poorly recognized. The purpose of the present study was to compare expression of V1a, V1b and V2 vasopressin (R) mRNA in the renal cortex, renal medulla and the heart of hypertensive renin transgenic TGR(mRen2)27 rats (TGR) and of their parent normotensive Sprague Dawley (SD) strain. The study was performed on 12 weeks old TGR and SD rats. Competitive PCR method was used for quantitative analysis of V1a, V1b and V2 receptors mRNA in fragments of renal cortex, renal medulla and apex of the left ventricle of the heart. In both strains expression of V1aR and V2R mRNA was significantly greater in the renal medulla than in the renal cortex. In the renal medulla but not in the cortex expression of V1aR mRNA was significantly greater in TGR than in SD rats. V2R mRNA expression was similar in the renal cortex and renal medulla of both strains. V1aR mRNA was well expressed in the heart of SD and TGR rats, however there was no significant difference between these two strains. V2R mRNA was not present in the heart. V1bR mRNa could not be detected either in the kidney or in the heart. The results provide evidence for specific increase of expression of V1a receptors mRNA in the renal medulla of TGR rats.