Superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and NADPH oxidase in lead-induced hypertension

Background. Earlier studies from this laboratory have revealed the presence of oxidative stress and its role in the pathogenesis of lead-induced hypertension (HTN). We have further shown evidence of increased hydroxyl radical (.OH) and superoxide production in lead-treated rats and cultured endothelial cells. This study was designed to determine whether oxidative stress in animals with lead-induced HTN is associated with dysregulation of the main antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) or increased superoxide producing enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) oxidase [NAD(P)H]. Methods. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to lead-exposed and control groups. Animals in the lead-exposed group were provided with drinking water containing 100 ppm lead acetate for 12 weeks. The control group was provided with regular drinking water. At the conclusion of the experiment, immunodetectable Cu Zn SOD, Mn SOD, CAT, GPX and gp(91) phox subunit of NAD(P)H oxidase were determined by Western analysis in the kidney, brain and left ventricle of control and lead-exposed rats. Subgroups of the study animals were treated with IV infusion (180 mumol/kg/h) of the superoxide trapping agent, tempol, and arterial pressure and urinary nitric oxide (NO) metabolite (NOx ) excretion were determined. Results. Lead exposure for 12 weeks resulted in a marked rise in systolic blood pressure, a significant reduction in urinary NOx excretion, a significant increase in kidney and brain Cu, Zn SOD, a significant increase in brain and insignificant increase in kidney and heart gp(91) phox. In contrast, Mn SOD, CAT and GPX in the kidney, brain and left ventricle were unchanged. Incubation with lead acetate did not alter SOD activity in vitro. Infusion of tempol significantly lowered arterial pressure and raised urinary NOx excretion in the lead-exposed group (but had no effect in the control group) pointing to increased superoxide production in the lead-exposed animals. Conclusion. Animals with lead-induced hypertension exhibited oxidative stress which was associated with mild up-regulation of superoxide-generating enzyme, NAD(P)H oxidase, with no evidence of quantitative SOD, CAT or GPX deficiencies.