Contribution of Ras GTPase/MAP kinase and cytochrome P450 metabolites to deoxycorticosterone-salt-induced hypertension

We recently reported that norepinephrine and angiotensin II activate the Ras/mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway through generation of a cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and lipoxygenase metabolites. The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of Ras/MAP kinase to deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced hypertension in rats. Administration of DOCA and 1% saline drinking water to uninephrectomized rats for 6 weeks significantly elevated mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) (166 ± 5 mmHg, n = 19) compared with that of normotensive controls (95 ± 5 mm Hg, n = 7) (P < 0.05). The activity of Ras and MAP kinase measured in the heart was increased in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Infusion of the Ras famesyl transferase inhibitors FPT III (138 ng/min) and BMS- 191563 (694 ng/min) significantly (P < 0.05) attenuated MABP to 139 ± 4 mm Hg (n = 14) and 126 ± 1 mm Hg (n = 4), respectively. Moreover, infusion of MAP kinase kinase inhibitor PD-98059 (694 ng/min) also reduced MABP in hypertensive rats. Morphological studies of the kidney showed that treatment of rats with FPT III, which reduced Ras activity, minimized the hyperplastic occlusive arteriosclerosis and fibrinoid vasculitis observed in untreated hypertensive rats. In addition, the rise in CYP450 activity and MABP in hypertensive rats was prevented by the CYP450 inhibitor aminobenzotriazole (50 mg/kg) and was associated with a decrease in Ras and MAP kinase activity in the heart. These data suggest that the Ras/MAP kinase pathway contributes to DOCA-salt-induced hypertension and associated vascular pathology consequent to activation of CYP450.