THE ROLE OF ENDOTHELINE ON THE REMODELING OF THE RENAL ARTERIOLES IN SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS

Objective To investigate the role of endothelins on remodeling of renal arterioles in hypertension. Methods ET\|A receptor antagonist BMS\|182874 was given orally to 4 week old spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR) for 12 weeks. The geographic parameters of renal arterioles, and the widths of vascular smooth muscle cells(SMC) and intercellular space were studied on kidney slices respectively by light microscope and electromicroscope combining computer assistant image analysis system. The minimal renal vascular resistance was studied by isolated kidney perfusion system. Results BMS 182874 decreases markedly the wall thickness, wall area, ratio of wall thickness to inner diameter and width of SMC of renal arterioles in 100 to 200μm outer diameter. Conclusion Endogenous endothelins take part in remodeling of renal arterioles in SHR in some extent.