AIMTo investigate the protective effect of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on nephropathy in rats with pregnancy induced hypertension and to study its possible mechanism.

METHODSThe levels of the expression of renal ERK1/2 protein and mRNA were detected in PIH rats which were made by injection of L-NAME, normal pregnant rats and rats treated with LMWH by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). The renal tissue was observed by using light microscopy.

RESULTSThe expression level of renal ERK1/2 protein and mRNA in LMWH-treated rats were significantly lower than that in PIH rats, while the expression level of renal ERK1/2 protein and mRNA in PIH rats was significantly higher than that in normal pregnant rats (P < 0.01), the intensity of ERK1/2 expression had no obvious differences among 3 groups. The average arterial pressure and urine protein in LMWH group were decreased, but no decrease was observed in normal rats. Mesangial expansion and basal membrane thickening were obviously retarded in LMWH- treated group.

CONCLUSIONLMWH has renal protective effect on PIH rats, whose mechanism may be associated partly with a down-regulation of ERK expression.