Apocynin attenuates oxidative stress and hypertension in young spontaneously hypertensive rats independent of ADMA/NO pathway

Both NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are increased in hypertension. Apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, could inhibit ROS, thus we tested whether apocynin can block NADPH oxidase and prevent increases of ADMA and blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). SHRs and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, aged 4 weeks, were assigned to four groups: untreated SHRs and WKY rats, SHRs and WKY rats that received 2.5 mM apocynin for 8 weeks. BP was significantly higher in SHRs compared to WKY rats, which was attenuated by apocynin. Apocynin prevented p47phox translocation in SHR kidneys, but not the increase of superoxide and H ₂O ₂. Additionally, apocynin did not protect SHRs against increased ADMA. Apocynin blocks NADPH oxidase to attenuate hypertension, but has little effect on the ADMA/nitric oxide (NO) pathway in young SHRs. The reduction of ROS and the preservation of NO simultaneously might be a better approach to restoring ROSNO balance to prevent hypertension.