Gene expression of 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the mesenteric arteries of genetically hypertensive rats.

11 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta-HSD) modulates the access of corticosteroids to their receptors and plays an important role in controlling blood pressure. We determined 11 beta-HSD activity and mRNA levels in the mesenteric arteries of genetically hypertensive rats, the Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rat, and compared them with Dahl salt-resistant and Sprague-Dawley rats. 11 beta-HSD activity was expressed as the percent conversion of [3H]corticosterone to [3H]11-dehydrocorticosterone. 11 beta-HSD activity was significantly decreased in the mesenteric arteries of 8-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats (11.4 +/- 1.4%) compared with Dahl salt-resistant rats (17.4 +/- 1.4%) or Sprague-Dawley rats (18.0 +/- 1.5%) of the same age (P < .05). There were no significant differences in 11 beta-HSD activity between 4-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive and Dahl salt-resistant rats of the same age (15.3 +/- 1.3% and 15.1 +/- 1.9%, respectively). The concentration of 11 beta-HSD mRNA in the mesenteric arteries of 8-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats was significantly lower than in Dahl salt-resistant or Sprague-Dawley rats of the same age (P < .05). There were no significant differences in the concentration of 11 beta-HSD mRNA in the mesenteric arteries of 4-week-old Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats, Dahl salt-resistant rats, and Sprague-Dawley rats. These results indicate that 11 beta-HSD in the vascular wall may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension in this rat model.