Altered cardiac tissue and plasma kininogen levels in hypertensive and diabetic rats

The present investigation was aimed at evaluating the cardiac and total pla sma kininogen levels, as well as LVWT in hypertensive and diabetic rats. ST Z-induced diabetes produced a significant (P < 0.001) rise in mean arterial blood pressure (BP). The LVWT increased (P < 0.001) in SHR with and withou t diabetes) and diabetic WKYR. The cardiac tissue, as well as total plasma kininogen levels fell significantly (P < 0.001) in diabetic WKYR and SHR wi th and without diabetes compared to the control WKYR. These findings sugges t that reduced kininogen levels may indicate a deficiency in kinin generati on in the heart and in the peripheral circulation in diabetic and hypertens ive rats. This effect may contribute to the development of LVH, (C) 1999 El sevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.