Renal corticosterone 6 beta-hydroxylase in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

Excess 6 beta-OH-corticosterone production by family 3A cytochromes P-450 may play a role in genesis of hypertension in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), by producing a renal defect in Na+ excretion. Renal cytochromes P-450 may be a causal factor in this genetic model. Since family 3A P-450 is present in rat kidney (collecting duct), the renal family 3A catalytic (6 beta-OHase) and immunoreactive activities were compared in SHR and normotensive control (Wistar-Kyoto; WKY) rats. Corticosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation is markedly higher in SHR than in WKY renal microsomal preparations. Western blot analysis with antibodies to rat and rabbit liver family 3A isoforms demonstrated related proteins. Densitometry revealed greater relative intensity of staining in SHR compared to WKY with both antibodies. Both antibodies inhibited corticosterone 6 beta-hydroxylation by SHR renal microsomes. Increased renal 6 beta-OH-corticosterone production by increased renal family 3A cytochromes P-450 may play a role in the blood pressure elevation in SHR.