INCREASED LYSYL OXIDASE ACTIVITY IN AORTAS OF HYPERTENSIVE RATS AND EFFECT OF BETA-AMINOPROPIONITRILE

Lysyl oxidase activity was measured in aortas of spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt (DOCA-salt) induced hypertensive rats. Lysyl oxidase, the enzyme which catalyzes the initial step in cross-linking of collagen and elastin, was significantly elevated in aortas of both models of hypertension. Aortic collagen synthesis was increased in both models and collagen was significantly elevated in aortas of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Administration of β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), an inhibitor of lysyl oxidase, before the onset of DOCA-hypertension prevented the development of hypertension and reduced lysyl oxidase and collagen content to control values. These results suggest that lysyl oxidase is instrumental in determining levels of aortic collagen content and that inhibitors of collagen and elastin crosslinking may be effective antihypertensive agents. © 1979.