Abstract: AIM: To investigate the role of Rhokinase mediated signal pathway on myocardium hypertrophy of two-kidneys-one-clip (2K1C) renal hypertension rats and effects of fasudil.METHODS: 2K1C renal hypertensive model was established in Sprague-Dawley rats by chronic partial occlusion of left renal artery.The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Sham Group, Model Group, Experimental Group(Fasudil 10mg·kg^-1·d^-1, intraperitoneal injection).Left ventricular mass and left ventricular mass to body mass ratio were measured with electronic balance.Myocardial histomorphology was observed by light microscope. The extent of phosphorylation of myosin-binding submet (MBS-P) of myosin phosphatase was quantified by western blotting analysis, and it was used to evaluate the activity of Rho-kinase.The expression of Rho-kinase mRNA was examined by RT-PCR analysis.RESULTS: At 12th week after renovascular constriction, there was noticeable myocardial hypertrophy in Model Group(P<0.01).The Rho-kinase activity and Rho-kinase mRNA expression were significantly increased in Model Group(P<0.01).There was a positive correlation between Rho-kinase activity and myocardial hypertrophy (P<0.05), and there was a positive correlation between Rho-kinase mRNA expression and myocardial hypertrophy in Model Group(P<0.05).Fasudil-a Rho-kinase specific inhibitor, effectively inhibited myocardial hypertrophy and prevented changes of Rho-kinase activity and mRNA expression in renal hypertension rats (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The Rho-kinase mediated signal pathway may play an important role in the development of myocardial hypertrophy in 2K1C renal hypertension rats.

Key words: hypertension, two-kidneys-one-clip, Rho-kinase, rat