Role of Reactive Oxygen Species During Hypertension in Response to Chronic Antiangiogenic Factor (sFlt-1) Excess in Pregnant Rats.
Tam, Kiran B. Tam 1; Lamarca, Babbette 1,2; Arany, Marietta 2; Cockrell, Kathy 2; Fournier, Lillian 2; Murphy, Sydney 2; Martin, James N. 1; Granger, Joey P. 2,
[Report] American Journal of Hypertension. 24(1):110-113, January 2011.

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Background: Preeclampsia is associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the antiangiogenic factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1). Moreover, recent studies have indicated that chronic sFlt-1 excess causes hypertension in pregnant animals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of ROS in mediating sFlt-1- induced hypertension in the pregnant rat.

Methods: Mean arterial pressure (MAP), and plasma sFlt-1 and tissue ROS levels were measured in the following groups: (i) pregnant controls; (ii) sFlt-1-treated pregnant rats; (iii) Tempol-treated pregnant rats; (iv) sFlt-1- and Tempol-treated pregnant rats.

Results: MAP increased from 104 /- 2 mm Hg in pregnant control rats to 118 /- 3 mm Hg (P = 0.002) in sFlt-1-infused rats. Basal and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-stimulated levels of tissue ROS were increased in response to excess sFlt-1 during pregnancy. Pretreatment with Tempol attenuated oxidative stress and hypertension in response to sFlt-1.

Conclusion: ROS play an important role in mediating hypertension in response to chronic sFlt-1 excess during pregnancy.

American Journal of Hypertension, advance online publication 19 August 2010; doi:10.1038/ajh.2010.180

(C) 2011 American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd.