Jelinic, M.Jackson, K.L.O'Sullivan, K.Singh, J.Giddy, T.Deo, M.Parry, L.J.Ritchie, R.H.Woodman, O.L.Head, G.A.Leo, C.H.Qin, C.X.2023-05-022023-05-022023Life Sciences, 2023; 3200024-32051879-0631https://hdl.handle.net/2440/138176Aims: 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 mechanical wall properties were assessed using wire and pressure myography, qPCR and histology. Key findings: Mean arterial blood pressure was elevated in BPH/2J mice compared to BPN/3J controls. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine was attenuated in both the aorta and mesenteric arteries of BPH/2J mice, but through different mechanisms. In the aorta, hypertension reduced the contribution of prostanoids. Conversely, in the mesenteric arteries, hypertension reduced the contribution of both nitric oxide and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization. Hypertension reduced volume compliance in both femoral and mesenteric arteries, but hypertrophic inward remodelling was only observed in the mesenteric arteries of BPH/2J mice. Significance: This is the first comprehensive investigation of vascular function and structural remodelling in BPH/ 2J mice. Overall, hypertensive BPH/2J mice exhibited endothelial dysfunction and adverse vascular remodelling in the macro- and microvasculature, underpinned by distinct region-specific mechanisms. This highlights BPH/ 2J mice as a highly suitable model for evaluating novel therapeutics to treat hypertension-associated vascular dysfunction.en© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Endothelial dysfunctionHypertensionNitric oxidePassive mechanicsProstanoidsVascular complianceArteriesMesenteric ArteriesEndothelium, VascularSympathetic Nervous SystemEndotheliumAnimalsHumansMiceProstatic HyperplasiaHypertensionBlood PressureVasodilationMaleJournal article10.1016/j.lfs.2023.1215422023-05-02636024Parry, L.J. [0000-0002-6883-3418]