[Study on molecular mechanism of ganyang shangkang syndrome in hypertension]

To investigate the molecular mechanism of Ganyang Shangkang (Liver Yang ascending, GYSK) syndrome in hypertension.

The plasma norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E) contents in patients with GYSK syndrome or Ganshen Yinxu (Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency, GSYX) syndrome who were suffered from hypertension, and normal controls were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detector (HPLC-ECD). The polymorphism of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene in the three groups were analyzed by Southern Blot assay. The polymorphism of TH and MAOA, MAOB gene microsatellite in these groups were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-SSCP; meanwhile, the GYSK model by administration of single TCM preparation, Radix Aconiti preparate (RAP) in spontaneous hypertension rats (SHR). The adrenal gland medulla were examined for their TH expression at the protein level after ABC immuno histochemical staining with the TH monoclonal antibody (McAb). The adrenal TH gene mRNA expression was demonstrated by in situ hybridization with the synthesized TH oligonucleic acid probe. The results of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization were analyzed with the image analysis system (IAS).

The plasma NE, E contents in patients with GYSK were more significantly increased than that in GSYX and normal controls. The TH gene amplified and the type A1 TH microsatellite D11S4046 was increased more remarkably than other groups. The TH mRNA protein expression in their adrenal tissue of the single TCM preparation RAP induced GYSK model in SHR were elevated.

The GYSK syndrome of hypertension possesses the character as amplified TH gene and increased TH mRNA and protein. It suggested that the hyperexpression of TH is probably the mechanism of GYSK syndrome in hypertension.