Sevoflurane inhibits angiotensin II-induced Rho kinase-mediated contraction of vascular smooth muscle from spontaneously hypertensive rat

Purpose Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vasoconstriction is mediated by changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity. Protein kinase C- and Rho kinase-mediated signaling pathways are proposed for the regulation of the Ca2+ sensitization mechanisms. We have demonstrated that sevoflurane inhibits Rho kinase-mediated contraction of isolated rat aortic smooth muscle. A recent study demonstrated that Rho-kinase mediated Ca2+ sensitization was involved in the pathophysiology of hypertension. This study was designed to investigate the effects of sevoflurane on Ang II-induced Rho kinase-mediated vascular contraction in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).