Subtype NOS gene expression of NOS and SOD activity in spontaneously hypertensive rat brain

Objective To investigate the possible role of central NO and superoxide anion alteration in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR).Method The expression of two nitric oxide synthase subtypes and the activity of superoxide dismutase were measured by RT PCR in cerebral cortex of 20 week old SHR male rat. Results No markly difference of NOS activity was showed between SHR cerebral cortex and control group. NOS expressed down regulation(P0.01). NOS expressed up regulation(P0.05). At mean time SOD activity was enhanced. The different alteration of NOS subtype in SHR cerebral cortex demonstrated their different biological effects and their different significances in the etiology of SHR. However the activity of NOS can not reflect the alteration of local NOS subtype and superoxide anion involves in NO metabolism. Conclusion The regulation of different NOS subtypes and anti oxide therapy may be beneficial to antihypertension and cerebral complication prevention.