[Effect on expression of vascular smooth muscle cell calcium channel in rats exposed in low temperature]

To observe the expression of vascular smooth muscle cells calcium channel α1C subunit (LTCCα1C) in rats exposed in low temperature.

Cold-induced hypertension was established and blood pressure was measured every two weeks. The mRNA expression of L type calcium channel α1C was determined by RT-PCR.

The blood pressure of the rats exposed to cold environment increased. The blood pressure of experimental groups [(102.8 ± 2.25) mm Hg] began to increase from the first two weeks, compared with the control group [(89.2 ± 3.73) mm Hg], there were significant difference (P < 0.05). The blood pressure of experimental groups were (114.5 ± 4.21), (121.9 ± 3.03) mm Hg respectively at 4, 6 weeks. Compared with the control group, the expression of LTCCα1C mRNA of the cold exposure group increased significantly (P < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between the expression of LTCCα1C mRNA and the blood pressure of the rats (r = 0.86, P < 0.01).

Repeated cold exposure can establish cold-induced hypertension, and the level of vascular smooth muscle cells LTCCα1C expression increase.