Abstract: AIM: To observe the local expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) kidney and effects of AT₁ receptor contagonist valsartan.METHODS: 16 SHRs were randomly divided into two groups:SHR control group and valsartan group.Another 8WKY rats act as normal control group.Systolic blood pressure (SBP) of SHR was measured at the beginning and the end of 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of intervention treatment.Radioimmunoassay was used to determine the activities of rennin and angiotensin II (AngII).The renal tissue NF-κB protein expression was detected by immunobiochemistry.RESULTS: SBP of SHR was remarkably decreased after valsartan intervention.However, the rennin activities and AngII level in plasma increased in valsartan group. In the renal tissue of SHR, there was remarkably increased in expression of NF-κB protein.Valsartan could significantly reduced NF-κB expression.CONCLUSION: Valsartan can depress NF-κB renal expression in protein level and might benefit hypotension renal function.

Key words: spontaneouslyhypertensiverat, nuclearfactor-κB, valsartan