Platelet-derived growth factor gene expression in the kidney of malignant hypertension

To examine the pathogenetic role of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in hypertensive kidney damage, we studied the gene expression of PDGF A-chain and B-chain in an animal model of malignant hypertension. Experimental malignant hypertension induced by unilateral nephrectomy combined with deoxycorticosterone and salt loading in the spontaneously hypertensive rat resulted in severely elevated blood pressure and renal histological damage, characterized by necrotizing vasculitis. Using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis followed by Southern blot analysis, we observed that PDGF B-chain gene expression was increased in the kidney of experimental malignant hypertension and was correlated with the severity of glomerular damage, while PDGF A-chain gene expression was unaffected. Antihypertensive treatment with manidipine reduced glomerular damage and a decreased gene expression of PDGF B-chain. These results suggest that PDGF B-chain may have a role in mediating hypertensive kidney damage.