Effect of valsartan on the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objective:To investigate the effects of valsartan on ACE2expression in kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)and the role of ACE2in the target organ damage caused by hypertension.Method: Twenty-four 12-week-old male SHR were randomly divideded into SHR group(n=12)and valsartan group(n= 12),another twelve 12-week-old male wistar rats were served as control group.Rats in valsartan group were given 30mg·kg-1·d-1 valsartan for 10weeks and rats in SHR and control group were given equal amounts of 0.9% sodium chloride solution.After 10weeks,the parthological changes of the kidney were observed.ACE2mRNA in kidney were determined by RT-PCR and the expression level of ACE2protein in kidney was measured by immuno- histochemistry.Result:The expression level of ACE2was significantly lower in control group than those in SHR and valsartan group,and was lower in SHR group than that in valsartan group (all P0.05).Compared with control group,the level of AngⅡin plasma and kidney of valsartan and SHR group were markedly enhanced,but the level of Ang(1-7)were lower(all P0.05);Compared with SHR group,the level of AngⅡin valsartan group was higher,and the level of Ang(1-7)was lower(all P0.05).Conclusion:Valsartan may play a role in protecting kidney by increasing the ACE2expression.