Downregulation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in two-kidney one-clip hypertensive rats

The 2-kidney 1-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rat model was used. Blood pressure, vagus nerve function, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and both the mRNA and protein levels of α7nAChR in tissues from heart, kidney and aorta were measured at 4, 8 and 20 weeks after surgery.Compared with age-matched control, it was found that vagus nerve function was significantly decreased in 2K1C rats with the development of hypertension. Serum levels of TNF-α were greater in 2K1C rats than in age-matched control at 4, 8 and 20 weeks. α7nAChR mRNA in the heart was not altered in 2K1C rats. In the kidney of 2K1C rats, α7nAChR expression was significantly decreased at 8 and 20 weeks, but markedly increased at 4 weeks. α7nAChR mRNA was less in aorta of 2K1C rats than in age-matched control at 4, 8 and 20 weeks. These findings were confirmed at the protein levels of α7nAChR.Our results suggested that secondary hypertension may induce α7nAChR downregulation, and the decreased expression of α7nAChR may contribute to inflammation in 2K1C hypertension.