Effects of inverted photoperiods on the blood pressure and carotid artery of spontaneously hypertensive rats and Wistar–Kyoto rats

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of inverted photoperiods on the blood pressure and carotid arteries in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (homologous control group). Methods and results This study used two inverted photoperiods [inverted light:dark (ILD)16 : 8 and ILD12 : 12] to create the model. A total of 27 male SHR and 27 male WKY rats were randomly divided into six groups (nine rats per group): SHR (LD12 : 12), SHR (ILD16 : 8), SHR (ILD12 : 12), WKY (LD12 : 12), WKY (ILD16 : 8) and WKY (ILD12 : 12). We recorded the trajectory of the activity rhythm of the rats and performed carotid vascular ultrasound examination, MRI (arterial spin labelling) analysis and carotid biopsy. The results showed that inverted photoperiods increased the blood pressure, carotid intima-media thickness, resistance index and blood flow velocity. In addition, inverted photoperiods led to the development of carotid arterial thrombosis, significantly reduced cerebral blood flow and increased the number of collagen fibres. Moreover, it increased the expression of angiotensin receptor and low-density lipoprotein receptor in the carotid arteries, leading to decreased expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-Coenzyme A reductase and nitric oxide synthase. Inverted photoperiods induced the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Multiple results of SHR were worse than those of WKY rats. Conclusion Taken together, inverted photoperiods can produce a series of adverse consequences on blood pressure and carotid arteries. Hypertension can aggravate the adverse effects of inverted photoperiods.