Strain differences in central nervous system neurotensin content between normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Regional brain concentrations of neurotensin (NT) were measured in age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats. The relative distribution of NT was similar in the two strains with the hypothalamus having the highest concentration (55-75 pmol/g) and the cerebellum the lowest (3-6 pmol/g). In comparison to the WKY rats, the SH rats had significantly lower NT levels in the hypothalamus (-17%), medulla oblongata-pons (-18%), pituitary (-52%) and spinal cord (-44%). In view of the putative role of NT as a neurotransmitter and its cardiovascular effects following central and peripheral administration, the reduced levels of this peptide may be of importance in the higher blood pressure of the SH rat.
D000818:Animals; D001923:Brain Chemistry; D005260:Female; D006973:Hypertension / Q000378:metabolism; D009496:Neurotensin / Q000032:analysis*; D010902:Pituitary Gland / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011918:Rats, Inbred SHR; D011921:Rats, Inbred WKY; D013045:Species Specificity; D013116:Spinal Cord / Q000032:analysis
D009496:Neurotensin