Transmural distribution of biochemical markers of total protein and collagen synthesis, myocardial contraction speed and capillary density in the rat left ventricle in angiotensin II-induced hypertension.

The effect of angiotensin II-induced hypertension on selected biochemical parameters was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. Angiotensin II infusion at rates of 41.7 micrograms h-1 kg-1 and 12.5 micrograms h-1 kg-1 for 2, 5, 10 and 15 days elevated the systolic blood pressure from 143 +/- 7 mmHg to 215-230 mmHg (P less than 0.001) and 185-195 mmHg (P less than 0.001), respectively. The left ventricular weight/body weight ratio increased 10-14% (P less than 0.05) and 23-32% (P less than 0.001) after 2-15 days in rats treated at the lower and higher infusion rates, respectively. Prolyl 4-hydroxylase (PH) activity, a marker of collagen synthesis, was evenly distributed in the left ventricle. PH ac…