Genetic Factors Underlying Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Vasorelaxation in the Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Background: Impaired endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation (IEDV) precedes the development of cerebrovascular lesions in an experimental animal model of inherited stroke, the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP). We have previously shown that in this experimental model IEDV segregates...

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Published in:High blood pressure & cardiovascular prevention 2003-07, Vol.10 (2), p.69-73
Main Authors: Gigante, Bruna, Rubattu, Speranza, Stanzione, Rosita, Lombardi, Alessia, Schiavoni, Marzia, Tarasi, David, Volpe, Massimo
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Blood pressure
Cardiovascular disease
Cerebrovascular disease
Chromosomes
Disease prevention
Endothelium
Genomes
Genotype & phenotype
Hypertension
Metabolism
Pathogenesis
Stroke
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Summary:Background: Impaired endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation (IEDV) precedes the development of cerebrovascular lesions in an experimental animal model of inherited stroke, the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP). We have previously shown that in this experimental model IEDV segregates in the SHRSP/stroke-resistant spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) F2 generation independently of blood pressure levels, thus suggesting the existence of a specific genetic basis for this trait.Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the genetic determinants of the occurrence of IEDV in the SHRSP by random marker genome screening.Method: One-hundred and thirty-seven SHR/SHRSP F2 rats (64 males, 73 females) were studied (age 10 weeks). The quantitative phenotypes used for the study were: fractional vasorelaxation to acetylcholine on thoracic aorta rings pre-constricted with norepinephrine, and the integer of the total area under the vasoconstriction and vasodilatation curves.Result: None of the markers tested showed a significant linkage to the phenotype under investigation. A trend toward significance was found for only five of the genetic markers.Conclusion: These results do not allow us to identify specific genetic determinants of IEDV in our experimental model. On a more general perspective, the analysis of genetic factors involved in the pathogenesis of intermediate phenotypes may represent an interesting strategy to gain further insight in to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
ISSN:1120-9879
1179-1985
DOI:10.2165/00151642-200310020-00002