EFFECT OF GUANETHIDINE ON COLLAGEN BIOSYNTHESIS IN BLOOD-VESSELS OF HYPERTENSIVE RATS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 240  (2) , 278-284
Abstract
The effect of guanethidine on collagen biosynthesis in the aorta and mesenteric artery was studied in desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. Prolyl hydroxylase activity (EC 1.14.11.2; proline, 2-oxoglutarate dioxygenase) and 14C-proline incorporation into collagen, 2 markers of collagen biosynthesis, were significantly increased in blood vessels of hypertensive rats compared wth those of controls. When guanethidine (5 mg/kg i.p.) was given daily to the hypertensive rats for 4 wk, the blood pressure was decreased to 150 .+-. 7 mm Hg, but the blood pressure of the untreated hypertensive rats was 218 .+-. 10 mm Hg. Prolyl hydroxylase activity in the aorta and mesenteric artery and 14C-proline incorporation into aortic collagen were significantly reduced concomitant with the decrease in blood pressure. The decrease in vascular collagen biosynthesis in hypertensive rats treated with guanethidine may be related to the lowering of their blood pressure.