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[Effect of stressful stimulations on hypothalamic vasopressin mRNA level of rats]
Abstract:
Experiments were carried out in stressful foot shock and noise stimulated male Sprague Dawlay rats. 3'-end digoxigenin-labeled 26 mer oligonucliotide probe was used to detect the vasopressin (AVP) mRNA in hypothalamic tissues. Dot blotting technique was used in the assessment of AVP mRNA level. The results showed that the tail systolic arterial pressure of rats increased gradually after stressful stimulations of foot shock in combination with noise. The difference in tail systolic blood pressure between control and stimulated rats was statistically significant after 5-day stimulation. By the ninth day, the systolic blood pressure of the stressed rats reached the highest level and maintained thereafter for several days. No significant difference was observed in the AVP-mRNA level between control and stressed rats by the time when stimulated for 4 days, but it significantly increases when stimulated for 6 days or longer (by the 6th day: P < 0.005; by the 15th day: P < 0.001). No difference was found in plasma osmolalities between control and stressed animals. These results indicate that the stressful foot shocks in combination with noise stimulations may cause an increase in AVP-mRNA level in the hypothalamus, which was accompanied by an increase in systolic arterial pressure. The mechanism of increase in AVP-mRNA level upon stress stimulation remains to be elucidated.
Insights
Stressful stimuli, including foot shock and noise, elevated systolic blood pressure in rats. Vasopressin (AVP) mRNA levels in the hypothalamus also increased with prolonged stress, suggesting a link between stress, blood pressure, and AVP.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Stress Physiology
Context:
- Stress response involves complex neuroendocrine pathways.
- Vasopressin (AVP) plays a role in cardiovascular regulation and stress.
- Understanding AVP mRNA regulation under stress is crucial for physiological insights.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of combined foot shock and noise stress on systolic arterial pressure and hypothalamic vasopressin (AVP) mRNA levels in rats.
- To determine the temporal relationship between stress-induced hypertension and AVP mRNA expression.
Summary:
- Combined foot shock and noise stress significantly elevated tail systolic arterial pressure in Sprague Dawley rats.
- Hypothalamic AVP mRNA levels showed a significant increase after 6 days of stress, correlating with elevated blood pressure.
- No significant changes in plasma osmolality were observed, indicating a stress-specific effect on AVP mRNA.
Impact:
- This study reveals a correlation between chronic stress, elevated blood pressure, and increased AVP mRNA in the hypothalamus.
- Findings suggest AVP may be involved in the hypertensive response to prolonged stress.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying stress-induced AVP mRNA upregulation.