Norepinephrine promotes the proliferation, migration, and phenotypic transformation of renal artery vascular smooth muscle cells via ROCK۱

Objective(s): This study investigated the role of norepinephrine (NE) and ROCK۱ in regulating renal artery vascular smooth muscle cells (rVSMCs).Materials and Methods: rVSMCs were treated with NE, and ROCK۱ expression was assessed. Cell proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching were evaluated using EdU incorporation and wound-healing assays. ROCK۱ was silenced by siRNA. Mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology were analyzed to determine NE-induced mitochondrial alterations.Results: NE significantly up-regulated ROCK۱ expression in rVSMCs. It promoted proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching, as indicated by increased expression of proliferative and migratory markers, whereas ROCK۱ silencing attenuated these effects. NE also reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and induced mitochondrial fission, suggesting an additional mechanism contributing to vascular remodeling.Conclusion: NE promotes rVSMCs proliferation, migration, and phenotypic switching through ROCK۱ activation and alters mitochondrial dynamics. These findings identify the NE–ROCK۱ axis as a critical mediator of vascular remodeling in hypertensive nephropathy and suggest it may serve as a promising therapeutic target.

کلیدواژه ها:

Hypertensive nephropathy ، Mitochondrial fission ، Norepinephrine ، Rho-associated kinase ، Vascular smooth muscle- cells