Angiotensin II-dependent hypertension causes reversible changes in the platelet proteome.

Objective Hypertension is a risk factor for arterial thrombosis. We investigated the effects of angiotensin II (ANG II)-dependent hypertension on the platelet proteome. Methods and results Hypertension was induced in cyp1a1ren-2 transgenic rats by feeding indole-3-carbinol (n = 10) and in Fischer 344 rats by subcutaneously infusing ANG II (n = 7). After 14 days of hypertension (SBP 180 mmHg) and 10 days after normalization of blood pressure, changes in the platelet proteome were assessed by two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis. In a subset of animals (n = 4), repeated blood withdrawals were performed. Of 1040 protein spots, 45 displayed hypertension-associated changes (>1.5-fold, P  Conclusion ANG II-dependent hypertension is associated with enhanced protein degradation in platelets. As these changes are reversible, the proteins identified might be used to develop a biomarker for monitoring recent blood pressure history.