Endothelium-dependent relaxation is impaired in Schlager hypertensive (BPH/2J) mice by region-specific mechanisms in conductance and resistance arteries

Abstract

Aims: Endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness are hallmarks of hypertension, and major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. BPH/2J (Schlager) mice are a genetic model of spontaneous hypertension, but little is known about the vascular pathophysiology of these mice and the region-specific differences between vascular beds. Therefore, this study compared the vascular function and structure of large conductance (aorta and femoral) and resistance (mesenteric) arteries of BPH/2J mice with their normotensive BPN/2J counterparts. Main methods: Blood pressure was measured in BPH/2J and BPN/3J mice via pre-implanted radiotelemetry probes. At endpoint, vascular function and passive mechanic..