Urea and urine concentrating ability in mice lacking AQP3

AIM: Aquaporin 3 (AQP3) water channel expressed in the kidney plays a critical role in the urine concentrating mechanism. Mice with AQP3 deletion show a urinary concentrating defect. To better characterize this defect, we studied the influence and mechanism of an acute urea load in conscious AQP3-null and wild-type mice.METHODS: Urine was collected and assayed every 2 h, from 2 h before (baseline) to 8 h after the urea load. Urine volume, urine osmolality and urea concentration were measured. RNA was isolated from the whole kidney and real-time PCR was carried out using a LightCycler. Total protein of UTs was assayed from kidney tissue by Western blotting.RESULTS: Mice of both genotypes excreted the urea loaded in ~4 h with the same time course. Despite their low baseline, the AQP3-null mice raised their urine osmolality and urea concentration progressively after the urea load to the values almost equal to those in wild-type mice at 8 h. In contrast, urine non-urea solute concentration did not change. Urine volume fell in the last 4 h to about one-fourth of basal values. The urea load strongly upregulated urea transporter UT-A3 expression in both genotype mice. CONCLUSION: These observations show that lack of AQP3 does not interfere with the ability of the kidney to concentrate urea but impairs its ability to concentrate other solutes. This solute-selective response results from the capacity of AQP3 to transport not only water but also urea, suggesting a novel role for AQP3 in non-urea solute concentration in the urine.     

Downregulated transient outward potassium channel protein Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 expression in PVN contributes to sympathoexcitation in rats with chronic heart failure

AIM: To investigate the transient outward potassium channel protein expression in paraventricular nucleus(PVN) and its contribution to renal sympathetic nerve activity(RSNA) in rats with chronic heart failure(CHF).METHODS: A rat model of CHF was prepared by acute myocardial infarction that was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Four weeks after heart failure, echocardiogram was applied to identify the CHF model and plasma norepinephrine(NE), serum NH₂-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) were detected by ELISA. The expression of ransient outward potassium channel proteins Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 at mRNA and protein levels was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot. The mean arterial pressure(MAP), heart rate(HR) and RSNA were measured in anesthetized rats with PVN microinjection of potassium channel blockers 4-AP. RESULTS: In CHF group, the rat cardiac function and Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 expression in PVN were obviously lower while plasma NE and serum NT-proBNP were obviously higher than those in sham group. Microinjection of 4-AP into PVN induced an increase in MAP, HR and RSNA in both sham and CHF rats, while the CHF rats exhibited smaller responses to 4-AP than sham-operated rats.CONCLUSION: Downregulation of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 expression in the PVN may be a potential mechanism for sympathoexciation in the rats with chronic heart failure.     

Upregulated FAAH expression in PVN contributes to sympathoexcitation in rat with chronic heart failure

AIM: To investigate the expression of fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and its contribution to renal sympathetic nerve activity in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS: A rat model of CHF was established by ligation of the left coronary artery to induce acute myocardial infarction. Eight weeks after ischemia, the rat model of CHF was identified by echocardiogram and histopathological observation. The plasma level of norepinephrine (NE) was detected by ELISA. The protein expression levels of FAAH in the PVN were determined by Western blot. The N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) generation in PVN was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. After microinjection of AEA, PF3845 (an FAAH inhibitor) or rAAV2-FAAH shRNA virus in PVN, the sympathetic drive indexes were recorded in different experiment groups. RESULTS: Compared with the rats in sham group, the cardiac function and AEA concentration in PVN were significantly reduced, while the plasma NE level and FAAH expression in PVN were obviously increased in the CHF rats (P<0.05). After microinjecion of PF3845, AEA or rAAV2-FAAH shRNA virus in PVN, the sympathetic drive indexes were decreased significantly and the cardiac function were improved in the CHF rats. CONCLUSION: Upregulated FAAH expression in PVN may result in sympathoexcitation in the rat with CHF.     

Effect of arachidonylethanolamide in paraventricular nucleus on cardiac function and sympathetic nerve activity in rats with heart failure

AIM:To determine the roles of the arachidonylethanolamide (AEA) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in cardiac function and sympathetic activity in the rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS:Chronic heart failure was induced by left coronary ligation in Wistar rats and was confirmed using echocardiography. The rats with CHF and the sham-operated controls (sham group) were treated for 4 weeks with a continuous PVN infusion of AEA, cal-cium-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱ (CaMKⅡ) selective inhibitor KN-93, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel blocker capsazepine (CPZ), intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK channel) blocker apamin and artificial cerebrospinal fluid (vehicle). Sympathetic drive indexes and cardiac function were detected. NG108 cells were incubated with AEA, and then the intracellular cal-cium concentration was measured by fluorometry. The protein expression levels of CaMKⅡ, SK₂ and phosphorylated TRPV1 were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with sham group, the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) increased significantly, while peak rate of rise/decline of left ventricular pressure (±dp/dt_max) and ejection fraction (EF) decreased significantly in the CHF group. The concentrations of AEA and intracellular calcium, and the protein levels of CaMKⅡ, SK₂ and phosphorylated TRPV1 in PVN were significantly lower in CHF rats. Compared with the vehicle group, the mortality and sympathetic drive were decreased significantly and cardiac function was improved after treatment with AEA in CHF group. However, PVN perfusion of KN-93, CPZ, BAPTA-AM or apamin contributed to the sympathetic drive and deteriorated the cardiac function. AEA dose-dependently increased intracellular calcium ion concentration, and the protein levels of CaMKⅡ, SK₂ and phosphorylated TRPV1 in NG108 cells. CONCLUSION:AEA in the PVN may be involved in the improvement of cardiac function and sympathetic overdrive via CaMKⅡ/TRPV1/Ca²⁺/SK₂ pathway in rats with CHF.     

Over-expression of SK2 channel in PVN reduces renal sympathetic nerve activity in chronic heart failure rats

AIM：To investigate the effect of over-expression of small-conductance calcium-activated potassium channel subtype 2 (SK2) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of hypothalamus on heart rate(HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) of the rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS：Adenovirus vector encoding SK2 (pDC316-mCMV-EGFP-rKCNN2) was constructed.The CHF model of the male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats was established by the ligation of anterior descending coronary artery. Echocardiogram was used at the 6th week after the operation to identify the CHF model. Adenovirus vector encoding SK2 (pDC316-mCMV-EGFP-rKCNN2) or control adenovirus vector (pDC316-mCMV-EGFP) were transfected into the PVN in vivo. The cardiac function was monitored by echocardiogram. The expression of SK2 at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. The HR, MAP and RSNA were measured by PowerLab 8/30 in anesthetized rats with bilateral PVN microinjection of SK channel blocker apamin. RESULTS：Treatment with pDC316-mCMV-EGFP-rKCNN2 significantly decreased the renal sympathetic nerve activity in the rat with CHF. Injection of pDC316-mCMV-EGFP did not change the renal sympathetic nerve activity in the rats in sham group. CONCLUSION：The expression and function of SK channels in PVN in the heart failure rats were decreased, suggesting a reduced negative regulation of sympathetic activity in central neural system. Increased expression of SK2 in the PVN leads to a reduction in sympathetic outflow under the condition of CHF, which may provide a new target for the treatment of heart failure.     

Effect of atorvastatin on progression of heart failure and association with sodium-calcium exchanger expression

AIM: To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on the development of heart failure after myocardial infarction and the association with sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) expression.METHODS: The model of heart failure was established by ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery for 8 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into control group, heart failure group, and atorvastatin group. Either atorvastatin (10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) or vehicle was orally administered to the rats on the next day after the surgery. The left ventricular function and NCX expression were analyzed 8 weeks after ligation. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were cultured to investigate the effect of atorvastatin on the changes of calcium concentration induced by hypoxemia.RESULTS: A decrease in left ventricular diastolic dimension, an increase in left ventricular fractional shortening, and reductions of BNP level and NCX expression were observed in atorvastatin group. The hypoxemia-induced calcium overload in cultured cardiomyocytes was inhibited by atorvastatin, and it was inhibited by the inhibitor of NCX.CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin treatment improves cardiac function, which may be related to the expression and function of sodium calcium exchanger in heart failure.     

Stress induced expression of the angiotensinogen gene in rat anterior pituitary

AIM:To observe the effects of sodium restricted or supplemented on atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) and cardiac function of rats with congestive heart failure (CHF).METHODS:CHF rats were divided into three groups with sham operation rats group as control. Radioimmunassay was used to determine the ANP contents of plasma and myocardium, at the same time cardiac function was measured. RESULTS:In sodium restricted group, the plasma sodium and atrial ANP and left ventricular systolic pressure and artery pressure were obviously lower than those in CHF group, while the plasma and ventricular ANP and the right atrial pressure were remarkably higher; In sodium supplemented group, the plasma sodium and arterial pressure had no obvious change compared with the control, the plasma and myocardium ANP and the right atrial pressure had no difference as compared with CHF group, while the left ventricular end diastolic pressure was remarkably lower and the left ventricular systolic pressure were obviously higher. CONCLUSION:Keeping the balance of plasma sodium by an appropriate supplement of sodium intake after CHF might be beneficial to the ANP biological effects and the cardiac function.     

Effects of diabetes on the development of heart failure in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model with acute myocardial infarction

AIM: To evaluate the time course and effect of diabetes on the development of heart failure (HF) in poorly controlled streptozotocin (STZ) -induced diabetic rat model for 70 d with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in vivo. METHODS: All SD rats were randomized into four groups. Diabetes were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (65 mg/kg), and 70 d later after the induction, AMI models were made with the ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery. The time course of diabetic effects on the development of heart failure in rats before and after AMI was observed. The survival rate of the rats and ultrastructure change of myocardium, the hemodynamics, the extent of the myocardial fibrosis, and the cardiac hypertrophy were also determined. RESULTS: After the ligation of left anterior descending coronary artery, the diabetic rats showed worse LV function and accelerated left ventricular (LV) remodeling compared with the non-diabetic ones. Myocardial fibrosis in both diabetic and non-diabetic rats subjected to AMI was similar in the early phase, while it was quite different after 1 month. CONCLUSION: Heart failure progression is accelerated in diabetic rat with AMI.     

Effects of dietary sodium on the expression of angiotensinogen mRNA in myocardium of rats with congestive heart failure

AIM:This study was designed to investigate the effects of sodium restriction and sodium supplementation on the expression of angiotensinogen mRNA in myocardium of rats with congestive heart failure(CHF).METHODS:Radioimmunassay and in situ hybridization techniques were used to determine the angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ)contents and the expression of angiotensinogen(ANG)mRNA in myocardium, respectively.RESULTS: In sodium restricted group, the plasma sodium was obviously lower than that in CHF group(P＜0.05), while the contents of AngⅡ,the expression of ANG mRNA in myocardium and the ratio of heart weight/body weight(HW/BW)were significantly higher than those in CHF group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). It was also found that the AngⅡ, the mRNA contents in rat myocardium and the ratio of HW/BW were not significantly changed in case of sodium supplementation. CONCLUSION:Restriction of sodium intake can further activate the local renin-angiotensin system in CHF heart.     

The changes of intrarenal endothelin system in the course of congestive heart failure induced by rapid right ventricular pacing in dogs

AIM: To investigate the changes of intrarenal endothelin system in the course of congestive heart failure. METHODS: A canine congestive heart failure model induced by rapid right ventricular pacing was used in the present study. Twenty-one mongrel dogs divided randomly into 3 groups: control, congestive heart failure 2 weeks (CHF2) and congestive heart failure 4 weeks (CHF4). The severity of heart failure was evaluated by means of hemodynamic measurement. The concentration of plasma endothelin was detected via RIA, and the expression of endothelin was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The concentration of plasma endothelin in both of CHF2 and CHF4 elevated significantly. In CHF2, the expression of endothelin receptor B(ETB) in renal medulla increased significantly. And in CHF4, the expression of preproendothelin, endothelin receptor A (ETA) and ETB increased both in renal cortex and medulla. Furthermore, in cortex, the expression of ETA increased more significantly than ETB, while in medulla, ETB expressed much more than ETA. CONCLUSION: The changes of renal endothelin system expression plays a role in the regulation of water and electrolyte balance during the progress of congestive heart failure.     

Effect of valsartan on calcium channel current and sodium-calcium exchanger current in heart failure rats

AIM: To determine the effects of valsartan on calcium channel and sodium-calcium exchanger current in isolated ventricular myocytes of congestive heart failure (CHF) rats. METHODS: Eight weeks after coronary ligation, the rats with heart failure were confirmed by measuring the hemodynamic parameters and divided randomly into the group treating with valsartan (CHF-T, 20 mg/kg) and placebo (CHF-C). Sham-operated group rats served as negative controls (PS). Twelve weeks later, 6 rats were selected randomly for the study of ion channel. Single ventricular myocytes of rats were isolated by enzymatic dissociation. The whole-cell patch-clamp recording technique was used to record calcium channel current and sodium-calcium exchanger current. RESULTS: (1) In the hemodynamic variables, HR and blood pressure were not significantly different in three groups. Compared CHF-C with PS group, LVEDP and Cm increased, LVSP and ±dp/dtmax decreased (P<005). Compared CHF-T group with CHF-C group, LVEDP and Cm decreased, LVSP and ±dp/dtmax increased (P<005). (2) Calcium channel current in CHF-C decreased significantly (P<005). Calcium channel current in CHF-T group was larger significantly than that in CHF-C group (P<005). (3) The activation, inactivation and recovery curves were not altered in 3 groups (P>005). (4) Na+-Ca2+ exchanger current in CHF-C group increased significantly. Na+-Ca2+ exchanger current in CHF-T group was smaller significantly than that in CHF-C group. However, CHF-T group and PS group were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Administration of valsartan is effective in preventing from cardiac function deterioration, increases calcium channel current and decreases Na+-Ca2+ exchanger current in ventricular myocytes of heat failure rats.     

Changes in the expression of endothelin system in rats with chronic heart failing

AIM: To study the changes of endothelin system during chronic heart failure (CHF) and imply the relationship between endothelin system and the course of CHF by observing the mRNA expression of endothelin receptors (ET_AR and ET_BR) and PreproET₁ in early stage and later stage of CHF caused by left coronary artery ligation. METHODS: The mRNA expression of ET_A, ET_B receptors and PreproET₁ were detected by RT-PCR technique. The plasma concentrations of ET₁ and ANP were determined by RIA method. RESULTS: The plasma concentrations of ET₁ and ANP, and the mRNA expression of ET receptors and PreproET₁ in the lefe ventricle increased significantly in early stage (myocardial infarction 10 d). While the plasma concentrations of ET₁ and ANP in later stage (myocardial infarction 70 d) were higher than those in the early stage. However, the mRNA expression of ET_AR, ET_BR and PreproET₁ decreased significantly. The mRNA expression of ET_AR in myocardial infarction (MI) 70 d rats had no difference with those in sham-operated rats and the mRNA expression of ET_BR and PreproET₁ in MI 70 d rats was lower significantly than those in MI 10 d rats, but significantly higher than those in sham-operated rats. CONCLUSION: The changes of ET receptors and PreproET₁ mRNA expression are involved in the cardiac function modulation during the different stages in chronic heart failure.     

Effects of left renal vein partial ligation on rat renal aquaporin 1 and aquaporin 2 mRNA expression

AIM:Changes of rat renal aquaporin (AQP1) and AQP2 mRNA expression after partially ligating left renal vein were observed to explore molecular mechanism of renal tubular reabsorption decrease resulted by increasing renal vein pressure.METHODS: Adult male rats were randomly divided into left renal vein partial ligation group(ie. VCG, varicocele group)and sham operation group(SOG), left renal mRNA expression was analyed Northen blot two months later. RESULTS:Intensity of left renal AQP1 mRNA expression in VCG was weaker than that in SOG, there was not any difference in left renal AQP2 mRNA expression between two groups, no hybridization signal was found in testes.CONCLUSION:Decrease of renal tubular reabsorption resulted by partially ligating renal vein might be related to decrease of AQP1 mRNA expression; "hormone escape" might occur in collecting tubules.     

Effect of microcapsulated catechin on expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in rats with adriamycin induced-nephrotic syndrome

AIM: To study the effect of microcapsulated catechin on vascular endothelial grower factor (VEGF) expression in rats with adriamycin induced-nephrotic syndrome.METHODS: 120 female SD rats were randomly distributed in control group,nephrotic group,dexamethason group,vitamin E group,catechin group and microcapsule group.Rat with nephrotic syndrome were induced by injection of adriblastine (5 mg/kg BW).VEGF concentrations in serum and urine were detected by ELISA assay.VEGF expression in kidney was measured by immunohistochemistry assay.RESULTS: At the end of 4th week and 6th week,VEGF concentration in other groups in kidney,serum and urine were higher than that in control (all P<0.01),and were lower than that in nephritic group (exclude Vit E group,all P<0.01).Serum and urine VEGF concentrations in microcapsule group were lower than those in catechin group (P<0.01,P<0.05,respectively).VEGF expression in microcapsule group in kidney was lower than that in catechin group,but it was not significant different.Urinary protein excretion at 24 h in microcapsule group was lower than that in catechin group (P<0.05),there was positive correlation among urine protein,serum VEGF level,urine VEGF concentration and renal VEGF expression at 24 h (all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Catechin decreases urinary protein excretion in the rats with nephrotic syndrome through reducing the expression and secretion of VEGF.Microcapusulated catechin is benefit in decreasing the expression and secretion of VEGF.     

Increased central reactive oxygen species mediate the attenuated baroreflex function in heart failure

AIM: To determine the effect of reactive oxygen species on the baroreflex and to investigate the intracellular mechanism responsible for baroreflex dysfunction in the heart failure state.METHODS: In the rat model of cardiomyocytes infarct induced heart failure, baroreflex function was evaluated by measuring the relationship between renal sympathetic nerve activity(RSNA)responses and change of blood pressure by intravenous injection of nitroglycerin and phenylephrine. Alteration in baroreflex function was measured under the different reactive oxygen species(ROS)level induced by intracerebroventricular administration of several chemicals. RESULTS: (1)The range of RSNA response, average slope and maximum gain of baroreflex function curve were(92.2±9.9) mmHg,(0.07%±0.01%)/mmHg and(1.20%±0.10%)/mmHg, respectively, in CHF rats, which were significantly lower than those in sham rats(65.6±7.4) mmHg,(0.13%±0.02%)/mmHg and(3.00%± 0.20%)/mmHg(P<0.01).The minimum RSNA of baroreflex curve was higher in CHF rats than that in sham rat［(21.6%±4.8%)vs(7.5%±2.1%), P<0.01］.(2)Intracerebroventricular(icv)infusion of superoxide scavenger tempol and NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin significantly improved the blunted baroreflex in CHF rats. On contrast, icv administration of superoxide dismutase inhibitor diethyldithiocarbamate(DETC)decreased baroreflex function in sham rats.(3)The superoxide production in the hypothalamus of CHF rats was higher than that in sham rats［(73.9±9.8)RLU·5min-1·mg-1vs(40.6±7.1)RLU·5min-1·mg-1, P<0.01］.(4)Protein expression of NADPH oxidase subunits gp91phox in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus were increased by 1.3 fold in CHF rats than that in sham rats. CONCLUSION: Elevated intracellular ROS in the hypothalamus plays an important role in the attenuation of baroreflex function in the heart failure state and results from upregulation of NADPH oxidase protein expression.     

Level of copeptin for early prediction of cardiorenal syndrome in rats

AIM: To study the value of copeptin (CPP) level for the prediction of cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) in the rats with subtotal nephrectomy (SNX) combined with myocardial infarction (MI).METHODS: Male SD rats (n=60) were divided into blank control group (Con group), renal failure group (SNX group), heart failure group (MI group) and heart failure+renal failure group (CRS group). The concentrations of CPP in the serum and urine, hemodynamic indexes, blood pressure and renal function indexes were measured 1~5 weeks after modeling. The predictive value of CPP for CRS in the rats was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.RESULTS: Compared with Con group, left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) at 9 d in CRS group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) at 9 d in CRS group was significantly increased (P<0.05), and the difference of blood pressure at each time point was not statistically significant. The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urinary creatinine (UCr) in CRS group were significantly increased at 1 and 3 weeks (P<0.05). Compared with Con group, serum CPP level was significantly increased at 1, 3 and 5 weeks (P<0.05), and urine CPP level was significantly increased at 3 weeks in CRS group. Serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was significantly increased at 1 and 3 weeks, while urine BNP level was significantly increased at 5 weeks after modeling in CRS group (P<0.05). No correlation between serum or urine CPP and BNP or BUN levels at 1 week in CRS group was observed. The results of ROC curve analysis indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) of serum CPP was 0.908 (95% CI:0.789~1.028), and the cut-off value was 56.59 ng/L (sensitivity 0.875, specificity 0.800).CONCLUSION: The combination of SNX and MI establishes a CRS rat model with both heart and kidney injury, and serum CPP can be used as a sensitive and specific biomarker for early prediction of CRS.     

Therapeutic effects of losartan and astragalus membranaceus on diabetic nephropathy

AIM: To observe the protective effects of losartan and astragalus membranace on the kidney of diabetic rats, and to study their possible mechanisms. METHODS: The diabetic rats were induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. At the end of 12th week,changes in urinary albumin excretion, urinary β₂-MG excretion, Ccr,NO,ET-1 levels in blood, urinary and renal tissue were observed. Serum and urinary TGF-β₁ concentration,average volume of glomeruler,average thickness of glomerular basement membrane were also measured. RESULTS: In the treated diabetic rats, urinary albumin excretion, urinary β₂-MG excretion, Ccr, urinary and renal tissue NO, urinary TGF-β₁, average volume of glomeruler, average thickness of glomerular basement membrane decreased obviously as compared with diabetic untreated rats. These effects were enhanced when losartan was combined with astragalus membranace. CONCLUSION: Losartan or astragalus membranace reversed the injury of renal structure and function in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The protective effects were enhanced when losartan was combined with astragalus membranace. The decrease in NO,ET,TGF-β₁ concentration in renal tissue may be one of mechanisms for this action.     

Role of central PGE2 on sympathetic excitation in chronic heart failure

AIM: To observe the effect of central prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) on sympathetic activation in chronic heart failure (CHF) and to explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Male SD rats were subjected to coronary artery ligation to induce heart failure (HF), and the intracerebroventricular infusion was performed by osmotic pump continuously. The rats in sham group and HF group were given artificial cerebrospinal fluid (0.25 μL/h). The rats in HF plus treatment group was given celecoxib (CLB; 20 mg/h). After 4 weeks, the levels of PGE₂ in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the sympathetic nerve excitability and cardiac function were measured, and the changes of corticotropin-hormone releasing hormone (CRH)-containing neurons activation and neurotransmitter contents in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were also determined. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operated rats, the HF rats had raised level of PGE₂ in CSF, up-regulated renal sympathetic nerve activity and plasma norepinephrine, increased left ventricular end diastolic pressure, lung-to-body weight and right ventricular-to-body weight ratios, and decreased maximal increase and decreased rate of left ventricular pressure (P<0.05). In addition, the number of CRH positive neurons in PVN and the level of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone were higher in HF rats than those in sham-operated rats (P<0.05). After administration of CLB into the lateral ventricle of HF rats, the contents of PGE₂ in CSF were significantly reduced, the number of activation CRH neurons in PVN was decreased, the excitability of sympathetic nerves was down-regulated and cardiac function was improved (P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operated rats, the content of glutamic acid in PVN of HF rats was increased, the content of γ-aminobutyric acid and the number of glutamate decarboxylase 67-positive neurons were decreased (P<0.05). After the CLB was given, the above indexes were reversed (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that in CHF, the increased central PGE₂ may activate CRH-containing PVN neurons and contribute to the augmented sympathetic drive possibly by modulating the neurotransmitters within the PVN.