Resistance vessel gene expression of nerve growth factor is elevated in young spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE

In this study we determined whether the enhanced production of nerve growth factor (NGF) and the associated hypernoradrenergic innervation of the vasculature of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) was associated with an increased gene expression of messenger (m)RNA encoding for nerve growth factor.

DESIGN

It has been shown previously that the hypernoradrenergic innervation of the SHR occurs early, as does the enhanced expression for NGF. In this study we analysed the content of NGF mRNA in blood vessels from young SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats.

METHODS

Total RNA was isolated from mesenteric arteries from 2-, 10- and 43-day-old SHR and WKY rats and RNA was also isolated from caudal arteries from 43-day-old rats. The RNA was subjected to Northern transfer or slot blots and the content of NGF mRNA measured after hybridization with a 32P-labelled complementary (c)DNA probe for NGF.

RESULTS

Slot blot analysis indicated a larger concentration of NGF mRNA in mesenteric and caudal arteries from SHR than for tissues from WKY rats.

CONCLUSIONS

In this genetic model of hypertension the results indicate an association between an enhanced level of NGF mRNA and the appearance of vascular hypernoradrenergic hypertension.