RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed to determine the pathophysiological implications of local atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) system in the kidney in two- kidney, one clip (2K1C) hypertension. METHODS: Rats were made 2K1C hypertensive, and their mRNA expressions of ANP and natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR) were determined in the clipped and contralateral kidneys by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The expression of ANP was decreased in the clipped kidney and increased in the contralateral kidney. Similarly, the expression of both NPR-A and NPR-C was decreased in the clipped kidney and increased in the contralateral kidney. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate a differentially-altered ANP system in the clipped and the contralateral kidneys in 2K1C hypertension.