Central noradrenergic neurons and vascular non-collagen protein in the initial phase of two-kidney, one-clip renovascular hypertension.

Rats had been given intraventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) before clipping the unilateral renal artery (2K-1C) that caused selective ablation of the central noradrenergic neurons. Central catecholamines and the in vivo incorporation of 3H-proline into vascular non-collagen protein were determined in 2K-1C rats in the acute hypertensive stage. It is suggested that increased non-collagen protein synthesis in the mesenteric artery and the low level of hypothalamic norepinephrine concentration may participate in the development of 2K-1C hypertension in rats.