Renin, cyclooxygenase-2 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the kidneys of transgenic Tsukuba hypertensive mouse.

The transgenic Tsukuba hypertensive mouse (THM), which expresses the human renin and angiotensinogen genes, develops hypertension secondary to increased renin-angiotensin system activity. The aim of the present study was to assess expression of the renin, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) proteins in THM kidneys by immunohistochemical stainings. Renin expression was decreased in the THM kidneys when compared to kidneys from heterozygotes or control mice. Although no differences were observed in nNOS expression, overexpression of the COX-2 protein was observed in the macula densa cells in THM kidneys.