Abstract: Abstract：Objective To investigate the expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in the SHR，and the effect of valsartan on the expression of ACE2 mRNA.Methods Twenty-four Twelve-week-old male SHR were randomly divided to SHR group and valsartan group；Twelve -week-old male Wistar rats were served as control group．After 10 weeks，determine the heart weight index and the 1eft ventricular weight index; determine the concentration of AngⅡ in plasma by ELISA; determine the hydroxyproline content in myocardium by buck solution; The expression of ACE2mRNA in myocardium was measured by RT-PCR. Results Compared with the control group，the LVWI、the hydroxyproline content and the concentration of AngⅡ were significantly increased in the SHR group,but the ACE2 expression was markedly decreased; Compared with SHR group, the above indexes were decreased except for ACE2 was increased in valsartan group.Conclusions Valsartan can reverse left ventricular remoding in hypertension. The possible mechanism is that valsartan can incerease the expression of ACE2.

Key words: angiotensin converting enzyme 2, vascular remoding, valsartan, spontaneously hypertensive rats