VDM Brett, A: TH Gene Expression RegulationFemale Rats by Clonid

The study of the expression of the Tyrosine hydroxylase gene was important to analyze its role in the development of hypertension.In WKY and SHR/y female rats there was no difference in the level of expression of Th gene either in brainstem or adrenal gland.Even in treated and control groups no difference was observed.The adrenal gland showed significantly higher levels of mRNA compared with brainstem.Both strains responded similarly to clonidine treatment.When comparing levels of Th gene with BP, Th gene showed no difference between strains or between control and treated groups, while BP was significantly lower in treated groups than in controls groups.Finally we did not see that clonidine regulates Th gene expression in either strain of rats. Four conclusions were made 1)SHR/y and WKY female rats had similar level of expression of Th gene either in brainstem or adrenal gland 2) Adrenal gland showed higher levels of Th gene expression than brainstem 3)Clonidine does not affect one strain more than another, both strains respond similarly to clonidine treatment 4)Clonidine does not regulate the level of Th gene transcription.