Lead-induced hypertension has previously been shown to be closely associate
d with an increase in reactive oxygen species in low lead (100 ppm)-treated
rats. The present study has attempted to define the specific moiety involv
ed by noting the blood pressure (BP), reactive oxygen species (MDA-TBA), hy
droxyl radical, and nitrotyrosine responses to infusion of the reactive oxy
gen species scavenger dimethylthiourea. Dimethylthiourea, a reputed scaveng
er of hydroxyl radical, normalized BP and MDA-TBA in the lead-treated rats
but had no effect in normal control animals. MDA-TBA, hydroxyl radical, and
nitrotyrosine, the tissue end product of peroxynitrite, were reduced to or
toward normal by dimethylthiourea. The results, therefore, are consistent
with the suggestion that either hydroxyl radical or peroxynitrite may be th
e reactive species affected by lead. Am J Hypertens 2001;14:169-173 (C) 200
1 American Journal of Hypertension. Ltd.