Time course involvement of matrix metalloproteinases in the vascular alterations of renovascular hypertension

• Published in: Matrix biology Vol. 31; no. 4; pp. 261 - 270
• Main Authors: Ceron, Carla S., Rizzi, Elen, Guimaraes, Danielle A., Martins-Oliveira, Alisson, Cau, Stefany B., Ramos, Junia, Gerlach, Raquel F., Tanus-Santos, Jose E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.05.2012
• Subjects: Angiotensin II - metabolism; Animals; Aorta, Thoracic - enzymology; Aorta, Thoracic - physiopathology; Blood Pressure; Collagen; Collagen - metabolism; Elastin; Elastin - metabolism; Enzyme Activation; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Hypertension, Renovascular - metabolism; Hypertension, Renovascular - pathology; Immunohistochemistry; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 - metabolism; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 - metabolism; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Matrix metalloproteinases; NADPH Oxidases - metabolism; Oxidative Stress; Protease Inhibitors - pharmacology; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Reactive Oxygen Species - metabolism; Renal Artery - metabolism; Renal Artery - physiopathology; Time Factors; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 - metabolism; Vascular remodeling; Vascular remodeling; Oxidative stress; Matrix metalloproteinases; Collagen; Elastin
• ISSN: 0945-053X; 1569-1802
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2012.01.009

Increased vascular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels play a role in late phases of hypertensive vascular remodeling. However, no previous study has examined the time course of MMPs in the various phases of two-kidney, one-clip hypertension (2K1C). We examined structural vascular changes, collagen and elastin content, vascular oxidative stress, and MMPs levels/activities during the development of 2K1C hypertension. Plasma angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity was measured to assess renin-angiotensin system activation. Sham or 2K1C hypertensive rats were studied after 2, 4, 6, and 10weeks of hypertension. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was monitored weekly. Morphometry of structural changes in the aortic wall was studied in hematoxylin/eosin, orcein and picrosirius red sections. Aortic NADPH activity and superoxide production was evaluated. Aortic gelatinolytic activity was determined by in situ zymography, and MMP-2, MMP-14, and tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP)-2 levels were determined by gelatin zymography, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. 2K1C hypertension was associated with increased ACE activity, which decreased to normal after 10weeks. We found increased aortic collagen and elastin content in the early phase of hypertension, which were associated with vascular hypertrophy, increased vascular MMP-2 and MMP-14 (but not TIMP-2) levels, and increased gelatinolytic activity, possibly as a result of increased vascular NADPH oxidase activity and oxidative stress. These results indicate that vascular remodeling of renovascular hypertension is an early process associated with early increases in MMPs activities, enhanced matrix deposition and oxidative stress. Using antioxidants or MMPs inhibitors in the early phase of hypertension may prevent the vascular alterations of hypertension. ► Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in hypertensive vascular remodeling. ► We examined the time course of MMPs in two-kidney, one-clip hypertension (2K1C). ► Increased vascular MMP-2 and MMP-14 were associated with increased oxidative stress. ► 2K1C vascular remodeling is an early process with early MMP upregulation.