Calcium channel activation in arterioles from genetically hypertensive rats

Excitation-Contraction Coupling and Excitation-Transcription Coupling in Blood Vessels: Their Possible Interactions in Hypertensive Vascular Remodeling

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) display considerable phenotype plasticity which can be studied in vivo on vascular remodeling which occurs during acute or chronic vascular injury. In differentiated cells, which represent contractile phenotype, there are characteristic rapid transient changes of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), while the resting cytosolic [Ca2+]i concentration is low. It is mainly caused by two components of the Ca2+ signaling pathways: Ca2+ entry via L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and dynamic involvement of intracellular stores. Proliferative VSMC phenotype is characterized by long-lasting [Ca2+]i oscillations accompanied by sustained elevation of basal [Ca2+]i. During the switch from contractile to proliferative phenotype there is a general transition from voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry to voltage-independent Ca2+ entry into the cell. These changes are due to the altered gene expression which is dependent on specific transcription factors activated by various stimuli. It is an open question whether abnormal VSMC phenotype reported in rats with genetic hypertension (such as spontaneously hypertensive rats) might be partially caused by a shift from contractile to proliferative VSMC phenotype.

Effects of total flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides L. on intracellular free calcium in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar-Kyoto rats

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of total flavonoids of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (TFH), quercetin (Que) and isorhamnetin (Isor) on the intracellular free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY).

METHODS

Fluo 3-acetoxymethylester (Fluo-3/AM) was used to observe the effects of TFH (100 mg/L) and its essential monomers, namely Que (10(-4) mol/L) and Isor (10(-4) mol/L) on changes of [Ca(2+)](i) in cultured SHR and WKY VSMC (abbr. to Ca-SHR & Ca-WKY) following exposure to high K(+), norepinephrine (NE) and angiotensin II (Ang II), and to compare with the effects of verapamil (Ver).

RESULTS

(1) TFH, Que and Isor had inhibitory effects on resting Ca-SHR (P < 0.05), but had no significant effects on Ca-WKY (P > 0.05). (2) High K(+) could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY (P < 0.05); TFH, Que and Isor could inhibit the elevation of [Ca(2+)](i) induced by high K(+)-depolarization, with the effects similar to that of Ver, and the effect on Ca-SHR was more significant than that on Ca-WKY (P < 0.05). (3) NE and Ang II could increase Ca-SHR more significantly than Ca-WKY (P < 0.05), TFH, Que and Isor had remarkably inhibitory effect on the elevation of Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE or Ang II. (4) In the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), TFH, Que and Isor also had certain inhibitory effect on Ca-SHR and Ca-WKY induced by NE, and the effect on the former was more significant than that on the latter (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

TFH, Que and Isor might decrease the levels of [Ca(2+)](i) in VSMCs by blocking both voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDC) and receptor-operated calcium channels (ROC) in physiological or pathological state, which may be one of the important mechanisms of their hypotensive and protective effects on target organs in patients with hypertension.

Long-acting Ca2+ blockers prevent myocardial remodeling induced by chronic NO inhibition in rats

Chronic inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis induces cardiac remodeling independent of systemic hemodynamic changes in rats. We examined whether long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers block myocardial remodeling and whether the activation of 70-kDa S6 kinase (p70S6K) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) are involved. Ten groups of Wistar-Kyoto rats underwent 8 weeks of drug treatment consisting of a combination of NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inactive isomer (D-NAME), amlodipine (1 or 3 mg/kg per day), or benidipine (3 or 10 mg/kg per day). In other groups, L-NAME was also used in combination with a p70S6K inhibitor (rapamycin), a MEK inhibitor (PD98059), and hydralazine. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate, and left ventricular weight (LVW) were measured, together with histological examinations and kinase assay. L-NAME increased SBP and LVW (1048+/-22 versus 780+/-18 mg, P<0.01) compared with the control, showing a significant increase in cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes after 8 weeks. Amlodipine, benidipine, or hydralazine equally attenuated the increase in SBP induced by L-NAME. However, both amlodipine and benidipine but not hydralazine attenuated the increase in LVW by L-NAME (789+/-27, 825+/-20 mg, P<0.01, and 1118+/-29 mg, NS, respectively), also confirmed by histological analysis. L-NAME caused a 2.2-fold/1.8-fold increase in p70S6K/ERK activity in myocardium compared with the control, both of which were attenuated by both amlodipine and benidipine but not hydralazine. Both rapamycin and PD98059 attenuated cardiac hypertrophy in this model. Thus, long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers inhibited cardiac hypertrophy induced by chronic inhibition of NO synthesis by inhibiting both p70S6K and ERK in vivo.

Differential subcellular actions of ACE inhibitors and AT(1) receptor antagonists on cardiac remodeling induced by chronic inhibition of NO synthesis in rats

Chronic inhibition of NO synthesis induces cardiac hypertrophy independent of systemic blood pressure (SBP) by increasing protein synthesis in vivo. We examined whether ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) enalapril and temocapril and angiotensin II type-I receptor antagonists (angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs]) losartan and CS-866 can block cardiac hypertrophy and whether changes in activation of 70-kDa S6 kinase (p70S6K) or extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) are involved. The following 13 groups were studied: untreated Wistar-Kyoto rats and rats treated with NO synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), D-NAME (the inactive isomer of L-NAME), L-NAME plus hydralazine, L-NAME plus enalapril (3 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)) or temocapril (1 or 10 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)), L-NAME plus losartan (10 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)) or CS-866 (1 or 10 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)), L-NAME plus temocapril-CS866 in combination (1 or 10 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)), and L-NAME plus rapamycin (0.5 mg. kg(-1). d(-1)). After 8 weeks of each experiment, ratios of coronary wall to lumen (wall/lumen) and left ventricular weight to body weight (LVW/BW) were quantified. L-NAME increased SBP, wall/lumen, and LVW/BW compared with that of control. ACEIs, ARBs, and hydralazine equally canceled the increase in SBP induced by L-NAME. However, ACEIs and ARBs equally (but not hydralazine) attenuated increase in wall/lumen and LVW/BW induced by L-NAME. The L-NAME group showed both p70S6K and ERK activation in myocardium (2.2-fold and 1.8-fold versus control, respectively). ACEIs inactivated p70S6K and ARBs inactivated ERK in myocardium, but hydralazine did not change activation of either kinase. Thus, ACEIs and ARBs modulate different intracellular signaling pathways, inhibiting p70S6K or ERK, respectively, to elicit equal reduction of cardiac hypertrophy induced by chronic inhibition of NO synthesis in vivo.

Norepinephrine-induced calcium signaling pathways in afferent arterioles of genetically hypertensive rats

This study provides new information about the relative importance of calcium mobilization and entry in the renal vascular response to adrenoceptor activation in afferent arterioles isolated from 7- to 8-wk-old Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was measured in microdissected arterioles utilizing ratiometric photometry of fura 2 fluorescence. There was no significant strain difference in baseline [Ca(2+)](i). Norepinephrine (NE; 10(-6) and 10(-7) M) elicited immediate, sustained increases in [Ca(2+)](i). The general temporal pattern of response to 10(-6) M NE consisted of an initial peak and a maintained plateau phase. The response to NE was partially blocked by nifedipine (10(-6) M) or 8-(N,N-diethylamino) octyl-3,4,5-trimetoxybenzoate (TMB-8; 10(-5) M). A calcium-free external solution abolished the sustained [Ca(2+)](i) plateau response to NE, with less influence on the peak response. In the absence of calcium entry, TMB-8 (10(-5) M) completely blocked the calcium response to NE in WKY but not SHR, suggesting strain differences in mobilization. A higher concentration of TMB-8 (10(-4) M), however, blocked all discernible mobilization in both strains. We conclude that there are differences in Ca(2+) handling in renal resistance vessels between young WKY and SHR with respect to mobilization stimulated by alpha-adrenoceptors. Afferent arterioles of young SHR appear to have a larger inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive pool or release from a site less accessible to TMB-8.

Relations of vascular calcium channels with blood pressure and endothelium in hypertension and with aging

To investigate the relationships between the activity in potential operated Ca2+ channels (POC), blood pressure, and endothelium in hypertension, we tested the contractile responses to a Ca2+ channel agonist Bay K 8644 (BAY K) in aorta from deoxycorticosterone-acetate-saline (DOCA-S) and reduced renal mass-saline (RRM-S) hypertensive rats. The effects of mechanical rubbing, N omega-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester (l-NAME) and indomethacin were also examined. Sensitivity to BAY K increased in experimental rats before they became hypertensive and contractile responses were enhanced as hypertension developed. Force development to BAY K was correlated with blood pressure levels. Endothelium removal enhanced the contractile response to BAY K. L-NAME, but not indomethacin, potentiated the response to BAY K. Contractile response to BAY K was negatively correlated with relaxation to acetylcholine. An enhanced contractile response to BAY K was observed also in aged rats. Enhanced activation of vascular POC in hypertension results from elevated blood pressure and partly from diminished inhibitory action of endothelium. Senescence also enhances vascular POC activity.

Calcium handling by vascular myocytes in hypertension

Calcium ions (Ca2+) trigger the contraction of vascular myocytes and the level of free intracellular Ca2+ within the myocyte is precisely regulated by sequestration and extrusion mechanisms. Extensive evidence indicates that a defect in the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ plays a role in the augmented vascular reactivity characteristic of clinical and experimental hypertension. For example, arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have an increased contractile sensitivity to extracellular Ca2+ and intracellular Ca2+ levels are elevated in aortic smooth muscle cells of SHR. We hypothesize that these changes are due to an increase in membrane Ca2+ channel density and possibly function in vascular myocytes from hypertensive animals. Several observations using various experimental approaches support this hypothesis: 1) the contractile activity in response to depolarizing stimuli is increased in arteries from hypertensive animals demonstrating increased voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel activity in hypertension; 2) Ca2+ channel agonists such as Bay K 8644 produce contractions in isolated arterial segments from hypertensive rats and minimal contraction in those from normotensive rats; 3) intracellular Ca2+ concentration is abnormally increased in vascular myocytes from hypertensive animals following treatment with Ca2+ channel agonists and depolarizing interventions, and 4) using the voltage-clamp technique, the inward Ca2+ current in arterial myocytes from hypertensive rats is nearly twice as large as that from myocytes of normotensive rats. We suggest that an alteration in Ca2+ channel function and/or an increase in Ca2+ channel density, resulting from increased channel synthesis or reduced turnover, underlies the increased vascular reactivity characteristic of hypertension.

Alterations in rat interlobar artery membrane potential and K+ channels in genetic and nongenetic hypertension

The renal vasculature plays an important role in the control of blood pressure. K+ channels have been demonstrated to regulate smooth muscle membrane potential and thereby control smooth muscle tone. However, few data are available on K+ channel function in the renal vasculature of hypertensive animals. This study details changes in K+ currents and membrane potential in genetic and nongenetic models of hypertension. The patch-clamp technique and Ca(2+)-imaging fluorescence were used to examine the differences in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY), Sprague-Dawley (SD), spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) hypertensive single cells of rat kidney interlobar arteries. In current-clamp experiments, SHR and DOCA hypertensive cells were approximately 20 mV more depolarized than the control cells. In voltage-clamp experiments with 4-amino-pyridine and niflumic acid present to inhibit voltage-dependent K+ (K(v)) and Ca(2+)-activated CI- (CI(Ca)) currents, SHR and DOCA hypertensive Ca(2+)-activated K+ (K(Ca)) currents were significantly larger and activated at more negative potentials than the control. Conversely, with charybdotoxin and niflumic acid present to inhibit K(Ca) and CI(Ca) currents, SHR and DOCA hypertensive K(v) current was significantly smaller than the control. Finally, basal and angiotensin II-stimulated peak intracellular free [Ca2+] was greater in the SHR and DOCA hypertensive cells compared with control cells. These results suggest that membrane potential and the activity of K(Ca) and K(v) channels are altered in hypertensive rat renal interlobar arteries and may play a role in the regulation of renal blood flow under physiological and patho-physiological conditions.

Antihypertensive therapy and arterial function in experimental hypertension

1. Alterations in the function of the endothelium and arterial smooth muscle may be important in the establishment of hypertension. Thus, the possible favorable influences of blood pressure-lowering agents on vascular responsiveness may be important in the chronic antihypertensive actions of these compounds. 2. A number of reports have suggested that ACE inhibitors can improve arterial function in hypertension, whereas the knowledge about the vascular effects of other antihypertensive drugs, like beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics remains rather limited. 3. In this article, the effects of antihypertensive therapy on arterial function in human and experimental hypertension are reviewed.

Modulation of vascular calcium channel activity in response to acute volume expansion in rats

The mechanisms of the increased resistance in hypertension are still unclear. Several studies have indicated that the potential-sensitive Ca2+ channels (PSC) are altered in arteries isolated from hypertensive patients or animals. An expansion of body fluid volume may trigger local autoregulatory responses or may induce the release of humoral factors, either of which could increase systemic vascular resistance and cause volume-dependent forms of hypertension. We tested the hypothesis that volume expansion per se may cause the alterations of PSC similar to those seen in hypertension. For this, we examined the alterations of PSC in aortas from volume-expanded rats with the use of dihydropyridine-type Ca2+ channel activator, BayK 8644, in parallel with the changes in endothelium-dependent relaxation. Volume expansion was produced by a rapid intravenous infusion of saline (10% of body weight) over 30 min in rats. At the end of infusion, rats were killed and aorta removed for in vitro measurement of isometric tension. Relaxation to acetylcholine (10(-7)-10(-5) mol/L, % relaxation to 10(-7) mmol/L norepinephrine contraction) was not significantly changed. In contrast, contractile response to BayK 8644 (10(-9)-10(-6) mol/L, % response to 50 mmol/L KCl) was significantly enhanced in rats with volume expansion (12 control rats: 11.6 +/- 4.9%; 18 volume-expanded rats: 40.9 +/- 10.4% at 10(-6) mol/L, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that acute volume expansion could induce a similar enhanced vascular Ca2+ channel activity to that seen in hypertension in rats.

Effects of Bay K 8644 in aorta from spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats of different ages

1. The Ca(2+)-channel agonist, Bay K 8644, induced small contractions in aortae from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats of 5-week-, 3-month-, 1-year- and 1.5-year-old, which were unaltered with age. These contractions were increased by partial depolarization with 15 mM K+. 2. In segments from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the contractions obtained in both situations were similar and equivalent to those observed in segments from normotensive animals partially depolarized. Responses to Bay K 8644 were modified by age only in tissues from the SHR, the responses to this agent in basal conditions being increased in tissues from 3-month- and 1-year-old animals and depressed in those from 1.5-year SHR. 3. A reduction of the response to Bay K 8644 was observed in partial depolarized endothelium denuded segments from WKY of all ages, and no modification in basal situation. However, the direct contractions induced by Bay K 8644 in aortae from 3-month- and 1.5-year-old SHR were reduced by endothelium removal. 4. These results suggest that: (a) in the hypertensive strain the voltage-gated Ca2+ channels seem to be partially activated; (b) the direct contractions induced by Bay K 8644 were unaltered by age in aortae from WKY but increased in tissues from SHR of 3-month-and-1-year old and depressed in those from 1.5 years, and (c) the contractions evoked by Bay K 8644 seem to involve an endothelium-derived contracting factor in aortae from both strains, or the endothelium produces a partial depolarization of vascular smooth muscle that increases the responsiveness to Bay K 8644.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 modulates angiotensin II-induced calcium influx in vascular smooth muscle

The modulatory effects of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) on the angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced increase in cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were investigated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). [Ca2+]i in VSMC was measured using the fluorescent dye fura-2. When TGF beta 1 was applied 30s prior to Ang II, the Ang II-induced [Ca2+]i increase was significantly enhanced in VSMC from SHR (P < 0.05 compared to control), whereas after the preincubation with TGF beta 1 for 30 min, the Ang II-induced [Ca2+]i increase was significantly reduced in VSMC from both strains. Using the manganese-quenching technique, it was confirmed that short-term exposure to TGF beta 1 enhanced the Ang II-induced trans-plasma-membrane calcium influx in SHR. The inhibition of protein kinase C by calphostin C abolished the stimulatory effect of TGF beta 1 on the Ang II-induced [Ca2+]i increase. It is concluded that TGF beta 1 modulates the Ang II-induced calcium handling in VSMC.

Calcium current in smooth muscle cells from normotensive and genetically hypertensive rats

Genetic hypertension results from numerous phenotypic expressions. We hypothesized that increased calcium current in vascular smooth muscle of genetically hypertensive animals is partly responsible for observed increases in agonist sensitivity, contractility, and calcium influx. Using adult, spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHRSP) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls from an inbred colony, we characterized calcium current in smooth muscle cells isolated from cerebral arteries. Calcium current in WKY cells reached a maximum of -27.7 +/- 2.7 pA (n = 32) at +20 mV. Peak inward current at +20 mV in SHRSP cells had a mean amplitude of -44.4 +/- 3.0 pA (n = 72, P < .05). SHRSP cells exhibited a higher calcium current density. Maximal inward current normalized to cell capacitance yielded mean values of 2.07 +/- 0.11 pA/pF for WKY (n = 32) and 2.80 +/- 0.12 pA/pF (n = 79) for SHRSP (P < .05) cells. Transient-type Ca2+ channel current had the same magnitude and current-voltage relation in both cell types, giving an L-type/T-type ratio of 3.85 for WKY and 6.25 for SHRSP cells. The voltage-dependent inactivation curve for SHRSP calcium current was shifted to the right only over the range of -50 to -30 mV, but the half-maximal inactivation voltages and Boltzmann coefficients were not significantly different between cell types. Increased calcium inward current in this model of genetic hypertension could account in part for altered calcium homeostasis and increased vascular reactivity, contributing to hypertension and vasospasm.

Effect of inhibition of sarcoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase on vasoconstriction and cytosolic Ca2+ in aortic smooth muscle from spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats

To evaluate the influence of the sarcoplasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase, isometric vasoconstrictions of aortic strips from spontaneously hypertensive rats from the Münster strain (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were measured after inhibition of Ca(2+)-ATPase by thapsigargin. Inhibition of Ca(2+)-ATPase by thapsigargin caused a biphasic contractile response of the aorta in both SHR and WKY (maximum increase of tension: 1.7 +/- 0.3 x 10(-3) Newton and 2.1 +/- 0.3 x 10(-3) Newton, respectively; mean +/- SE). The second peak of the contractile response was abolished in the absence of external calcium or by inhibition of transplasmamembrane calcium influx by nifedipine, indicating that the second peak occurs as a consequence of calcium influx from the extracellular space. The initial peak of the contractile response after thapsigargin administration was abolished in the presence of an intracellular calcium antagonist, 8-(diethylamino-)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), indicating that the initial response was due to calcium release from intracellular stores. Measurements using the fluorescent dye fura2 showed that thapsigargin increased the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in SHR by 72.6 +/- 7.3 nmol/l (n = 34) and in WKY by 53.3 +/- 6.6 nmol/l (n = 39), showing no significant differences between the two strains. The inhibition of Ca(2+)-ATPase increases [Ca2+]i and causes vasoconstriction. The vasoconstriction produced by thapsigargin is not significantly different between SHR and WKY.

Increased barium influx and potassium current in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

Arterial potassium permeability is increased in hypertension. In this study we conducted voltage-clamp experiments to determine whether the whole-cell K+ current is increased in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner in aortic smooth muscle cells from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP). Aortic cells from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHRSP demonstrated an outward rectifying current elicited by depolarization. The current was carried primarily by K+, because intracellular Cs+ replacement eliminated more than 97% of the current. The current density was higher (P < .05) in SHRSP cells at positive potentials. In the presence of LaCl3 (200 mumol/L) or tetraethylammonium (10 mmol/L), the residual current was similar in WKY and SHRSP cells. Also, the current density did not differ between WKY and SHRSP cells in which the intracellular Ca2+ concentration was clamped at zero. Fura 2 ratio measurement showed similar resting myoplasmic Ca2+ concentration (Ca2+m) in WKY and SHRSP cells (100 +/- 10 versus 117 +/- 9 nmol/L, P = .2). Under low extracellular Na+ conditions, which had a minimal effect on Ca2+m, Ba2+ replacement of Ca2+ caused a continuous and approximately linear increase in the fura 2 ratio, which was twofold faster in SHRSP cells. Because Ca2+ pumps do not transport Ba2+ and Na(+)-Ca2+ exchange was inhibited by low extracellular Na+, this increase reflected unidirectional Ba2+ influx.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Measurement of Ca2+ pump-mediated efflux in hypertension

Ca2+ homeostasis has been a prominent research area in the study of hypertension. There is convincing evidence that hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats is characterized by enhanced Ca2+ influx in various cell types. It is, however, still unclear whether hypertension is associated with reduced or enhanced Ca2+ efflux. Reduced Ca2+ efflux would augment the effects of enhanced Ca2+ influx. However, enhanced Ca2+ extrusion may occur as an adaptive process to minimize the effects of Ca2+ overload. This question remains unanswered because of inconsistent results obtained using a variety of experimental techniques. In this article we have reviewed the research findings and discuss existing and possible new techniques to assess Ca2+ efflux in hypertension, with particular attention to vascular smooth muscle. We have focused mainly on studies using the spontaneously hypertensive rat and discuss its appropriateness as a model for essential hypertension.

Voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in resistance arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Alterations in voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in the arterial smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were investigated using the whole-cell voltage clamp and compared with Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Single cells were freshly isolated from resistance mesenteric arteries from 4- to 5-week-old (young) and 16- to 18-week-old (adult) SHR. Elevated blood pressure was only evident in adult SHR, not in young SHR. In young rats, the Ca2+ channel current density (current amplitude normalized by cell capacitance) was significantly higher (P < .01) in SHR than in WKY rats at the command potential of -10 mV or higher (with 50 mmol/L Ba2+): The current density at 20 mV was -16.8 +/- 1.1 pA/pF in SHR (n = 38 cells) and -11.0 +/- 0.8 pA/pF in WKY rats (n = 30 cells). In adult rats, the difference in current densities disappeared: -15.9 +/- 1.3 pA/pF in SHR (n = 25 cells) and -15.6 +/- 1.5 pA/pF in WKY rats (n = 29 cells). The ratio of maximal amplitude of T-type current to that of L-type current was low in young SHR (0.10 +/- 0.01) compared with the other three groups (0.16 to 0.20). Neither the activation curve nor the steady-state inactivation curve of SHR was different from that of age-matched WKY rats. However, the activation curves in adult rats were shifted to a hyperpolarized direction compared with those of young rats in both strains. These results suggest that the increased activity of voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels of resistance arteries in young SHR may be related to the development of hypertension. The changes observed in adult rats may be due to a secondary modification of the channel during maturation and the presence of hypertension.