替米沙坦和血管紧张素Ⅱ调节胸主动脉血管紧张素转化酶2的表达

目的探讨替米沙坦和血管紧张素Ⅱ对乳鼠胸主动脉平滑肌血管紧张素转化酶2表达的影响。方法应用蛋白免疫印迹法检测血管紧张素转化酶2蛋白的表达,以逆转录聚合酶链反应法检测血管紧张素转化酶2mRNA表达。结果在10-8～10-5mol/L浓度范围内,替米沙坦呈浓度依赖性上调血管紧张素转化酶2蛋白的表达,在0～24h时间内,10-6mol/L替米沙坦呈时间依赖性促进血管紧张素转化酶2的蛋白表达,并促进血管紧张素转化酶2mRNA的表达;在10-8～10-5mol/L浓度范围内,血管紧张素Ⅱ呈浓度依赖性下调血管紧张素转化酶2蛋白的表达;10-6mol/L替米沙坦能明显地拮抗10-6mol/L血管紧张素Ⅱ对血管紧张素转化酶2蛋白和mRNA表达的抑制作用。结论替米沙坦能促进胸主动脉平滑肌血管紧张素转化酶2蛋白和mRNA的表达,并能明显拮抗血管紧张素Ⅱ对血管紧张素转化酶2蛋白和mRNA表达的抑制作用。     

血管紧张素转换酶2过度表达增加兔动脉粥样硬化模型斑块稳定性

该研究是要验证这样的假设：即血管紧张素转换酶2（ACE2）过度表达，通过拮抗ACE的活性和促进血管紧张素Ⅱ转换为血管紧张素1～7，可以提高动脉粥样硬化斑块的稳定性。方法和结果：兔114只通过损伤血管内皮细胞并给予动脉粥样硬化饮食来制作腹主动脉粥样硬化斑块。A组基因治疗4周，B组基因治疗12周，每组再随机分为3个亚组，分别接受重组ACE2表达载体（AdACE2），AdEGFP对照载体和AdACE2＋A779（一种血管紧张素1～7受体拮抗剂）的治疗。     

血管紧张素转化酶2--一种新的肾素-血管紧张素系统的重要调节剂

血管紧张素转化酶-2是新发现的血管紧张素转化酶的同源物,主要分布于心脏、肾脏和睾丸,能降解血管紧张素Ⅰ为血管紧张素1-9,也能降解血管紧张素Ⅱ为有生物活性的舒血管肽血管紧张素1-7。血管紧张素转化酶2在生理和病理生理状态中的重要性目前还不清楚,但初步的研究认为它在调节心血管和肾脏功能中起一定的作用。     

动脉粥样硬化大鼠B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体与肾素-血管紧张素系统的表达变化

目的 研究动脉粥样硬化大鼠主动脉B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体、血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体和2型受体表达、血管紧张素Ⅱ水平的变化及其相互作用,探讨动脉粥样硬化的发生机制.方法 将18只大鼠随机分为对照组和动脉粥样硬化组,通过高脂喂养12周、主动脉内皮损伤和维生素D3肌肉注射建立大鼠主动脉粥样硬化模型.HE染色和Masson染色观察主动脉管壁结构和粥样硬化斑块的形成情况,放射免疫法检测血管紧张素Ⅱ的水平,免疫组织化学、Western Blot检测B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体、血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体和2型受体的蛋白表达,实时定量逆转录聚合酶链反应检测B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体、血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体和2型受体的mRNA表达,B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体与血管紧张素Ⅱ、血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体和2型受体的相关性分析用直线相关分析法.结果 HE染色和Masson染色结果发现动脉粥样硬化组大鼠主动脉内粥样硬化斑块形成.动脉粥样硬化组大鼠主动脉血管紧张素Ⅱ水平较对照组明显升高(210.80±31.56 ng/L比121.26±25.32 ng/L,P<0.01).与对照组比较,动脉粥样硬化组主动脉B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体(0.83±0.19比0.16±0.03)、血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体(1.02±0.12比0.48±0.11)和2型受体(0.97±0.24比0.13±0.03)的蛋白表达明显升高(均P<0.01),且均主要存在于胞膜和胞浆中.动脉粥样硬化组主动脉B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体(0.76±0.17比0.16±0.04)、血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体(0.83±0.20比0.33±0.08)和2型受体(0.78±0.13比0.12±0.03)的mRNA表达较对照组明显升高(均P<0.01).动脉粥样硬化组的B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体蛋白表达与血管紧张素Ⅱ水平及血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体表达呈显著正相关(r=0.717和r=0.711).结论 动脉粥样硬化大鼠主动脉B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体、血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体和2型受体表达升高,且B族Ⅰ型清道夫受体表达的增高与血管紧张素Ⅱ产生增加和血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体激活有关.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ对载脂蛋白E敲除小鼠主动脉粥样硬化斑块细胞外基质金属蛋白酶诱导因子表达影响

目的探讨血管紧张素Ⅱ对载脂蛋白E敲除小鼠主动脉粥样硬化斑块细胞外基质金属蛋白酶诱导因子表达的影响。方法载脂蛋白E基因敲除小鼠经高脂饮食饲养建立动脉粥样硬化模型,用血管紧张素Ⅱ干预。用免疫组织化学法观察粥样硬化斑块内细胞外基质金属蛋白酶诱导因子表达,用RT-PCR及Western blotting检测主动脉内细胞外基质金属蛋白酶诱导因子表达。结果血管紧张素Ⅱ干预组细胞外基质金属蛋白酶诱导因子在动脉粥样硬化斑块内阳性表达较对照组明显增加;血管紧张素Ⅱ干预组主动脉内细胞外基质金属蛋白酶诱导因子mRNA及蛋白表达较对照组明显增加。结论血管紧张素Ⅱ能诱导主动脉粥样硬化斑块内细胞外基质金属蛋白酶诱导因子的表达。     

脑梗死患者血管紧张素转化酶基因多态性与血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ水平研究

探讨脑梗死患者血管紧张素转化酶基因多态性与血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ水平的关系。应用聚合酶链反应测定 173例高血压脑梗死患者血管紧张素转化酶基因插入 /缺失 (D/I)多态性以及用酶联免疫吸附测定法测定血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ水平 ,并与正常对照组比较。结果发现 ,脑梗死组血管紧张素转化酶DD基因型频率为 0 .39,明显高于对照组的 0 .2 4 (P <0 .0 1)。进一步分析发现这种异常与发病年龄≤ 6 0岁组血管紧张素转化酶DD基因型频率明显增高有关。脑梗死组中血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ水平为 2 9.8± 10 .2ng/L ,与对照相比差异无显著性意义 (P >0 .0 5 ) ,但血管紧张素转化酶DD基因型者血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ水平显著高于对照组和同组DI基因型和Ⅱ基因型者 (P <0 .0 1)。发病年龄≤ 6 0岁血管紧张素转化酶DD基因型者血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ水平增高最明显。结果提示 ,血管紧张素转化酶DD基因型是脑梗死发病危险因素 ,发病年龄小于 6 0岁的脑梗死者可能与血管紧张素转化酶D等位基因频率增高、血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ水平增高有关。     

肾素-血管紧张素系统与卒中

肾素 -血管紧张素系统是生理功能颇为复杂的内分泌系统 ,广泛存在于机体各个组织。血管紧张素Ⅱ通过其受体而发挥调节作用。该系统亢进时促使动脉粥样硬化、狭窄 ,导致缺血性卒中。血管紧张素转化酶及血管紧张素受体拮抗剂有预防、治疗缺血性卒中及促进神经功能恢复的保护作用。     

血管紧张素Ⅱ对巨噬细胞表达肿瘤坏死因子转化酶的影响

目的 研究血管紧张素Ⅱ对经佛波酯分化的人急性白血病单核细胞表达肿瘤坏死因子转化酶mRNA的影响,探讨两者之间的联系,以进一步了解它们在动脉粥样硬化中的地位.方法 将不同浓度血管紧张素Ⅱ(10-10～10-7 mol/L)与经佛波酯(40 nmol/L)分化后的人急性白血病单核细胞共孵育24 h,以及将血管紧张素Ⅱ(10-7 mol/L)与细胞作用不同时间(0、6、12、24和48 h),采用半定量逆转录-聚合酶链反应法检测肿瘤坏死因子转化酶mRNA表达的情况.结果 经佛波酯诱导后,人急性白血病单核细胞分化为巨噬细胞并表达肿瘤坏死因子转化酶mRNA.不同浓度的血管紧张素Ⅱ作用细胞24 h,肿瘤坏死因子转化酶mRNA的表达呈浓度依赖性增加,差异具有显著性.血管紧张素Ⅱ(10-7 mol/L)作用于细胞,呈时间依赖性诱导肿瘤坏死因子转化酶 mRNA的表达,6 h开始增加,24 h达峰,之后逐渐减低,差异具有显著性.结论 经佛波酯诱导分化后的人急性白血病单核细胞表达肿瘤坏死因子转化酶;血管紧张素Ⅱ呈浓度和时间依赖性上调巨噬细胞肿瘤坏死因子转化酶mRNA表达.血管紧张素Ⅱ与肿瘤坏死因子转化酶可能共同参与了血管壁炎症和动脉粥样硬化进展.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ及其受体拮抗剂在动脉粥样硬化中的研究进展

动脉粥样硬化(AS)是一种炎症性疾病。血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)是肾素-血管紧张素系统中最重要的炎症递质,AngⅡ可以诱导动脉粥样硬化斑块中多种细胞表达多种炎症因子,参与AS发生和发展的过程。相应的药物干预(血管紧张素1型受体拮抗剂)可能是抗AS治疗的新靶点。     

血管紧张素(1-7)对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导脐静脉内皮细胞表达E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1的影响

目的 研究血管紧张素(1-7)对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的脐静脉内皮细胞E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1表达的影响,并初步探讨血管紧张素(1-7)的作用机制,阐明血管紧张素(1-7)对血管紧张素Ⅱ在炎症方面的拮抗作用.方法 经形态学及抗VⅢ因子抗体免疫荧光染色鉴定的人脐静脉内皮细胞,按以下分组加入不同干扰因素进行实验.实验分组:①对照组:不加干预因素;②血管紧张素Ⅱ组:加入血管紧张素Ⅱ100 nmol/L;③血管紧张素(1-7)组:加入血管紧张素(1-7)1 000 nmol/L;④血管紧张素Ⅱ+血管紧张素(1-7)组:分别用血管紧张素(1-7)10、100、1 000、10 000 nmol/L预处理30 min后,再加入血管紧张素Ⅱ100 nmol/L;⑤血管紧张素Ⅱ+血管紧张素(1-7)+血管紧张素(1-7)受体拮抗剂A-779组:先用1 000 nmol/L A-779预处理30 min后,再用终浓度为1 000 nmol/L血管紧张素(1-7)预处理30 min,最后加入终浓度100 nmol/L血管紧张素Ⅱ.各组用酶联免疫吸附法和逆转录聚合酶链反应从蛋白和mRNA水平检测E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1的表达情况.结果 正常细胞生长良好,呈鹅卵石样镶嵌排列,细胞透明度大,轮廓不清.荧光免疫组化染色法,可检测到培养的人脐静脉内皮细胞的VⅢ因子相关抗原为阳性.①与对照组比,血管紧张素Ⅱ(100 nmol/L)使E-选择素(25.39±1.97μg/L)和单核细胞趋化蛋白1(238.71±5.51 ng/L)的蛋白分泌量明显增加, E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1 mRNA的表达显著升高(均P<0.01);②血管紧张素(1-7)(1 000 nmol/L)使E-选择素(3.72±0.95μg/L)和单核细胞趋化蛋白1(90.24±9.82 ng/L)的蛋白分泌量降低,E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1 mRNA表达亦降低(均P<0.01);③混合刺激组中血管紧张素(1-7)(10～10 000 nmol/L)减少E-选择素蛋白合成,分别为21.15±1.31、17.41±1.94、12.71±1.84、9.46±1.40μg/L,均低于血管紧张素Ⅱ组(均P<0.01);同时也减少单核细胞趋化蛋白1蛋白合成,分别为214.57±7.16、196.83±8.20、176.63±8.93、155.52±8.19 ng/L,均低于血管紧张素Ⅱ组(均P<0.01);④混合刺激组中,与AngⅡ组比较,血管紧张素(1-7)(10～10 000 nmol/L)呈剂量依赖性的抑制AngⅡ刺激E-选择素、单核细胞趋化蛋白1 mRNA的表达(均P<0.01);⑤加入血管紧张素(1-7)受体拮抗剂A-779后,血管紧张素(1-7)的作用消失.结论 血管紧张素(1-7)通过其特异性受体Mas拮抗血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的人脐静脉内皮细胞E-选择素和单核细胞趋化蛋白1的表达,并呈浓度依赖性.     

Enhanced renal immunocytochemical expression of ANG-(1-7) and ACE2 during pregnancy

Previously we demonstrated that kidney concentration and urinary excretion of angiotensin-(1-7) are increased during normal pregnancy in rats. Since this finding may reflect local kidney production of angiotensin-(1-7), we determined the immunocytochemical distribution of angiotensin-(1-7) and its newly described processing enzyme, ACE2, in kidneys of virgin and 19-day-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were killed at the 19th day of pregnancy, and tissues were prepared for immunocytochemical by using a polyclonal antibody to angiotensin- (1-7) or a monoclonal antibody to ACE2. Angiotensin-(1-7) immunostaining was predominantly localized to the renal tubules traversing both the inner cortex and outer medulla. ACE2 immunostaining was localized throughout the cortex and outer medulla and was visualized in the renal tubules of both virgin and pregnant rats. The quantification of angiotensin-(1-7) and ACE2 immunocytochemical staining showed that in pregnant animals, the intensity of the staining increased by 56% and 117%, respectively (P<0.05). This first demonstration of the immunocytochemical distribution of angiotensin-(1-7) and ACE2 in kidneys of pregnant rats shows that pregnancy increases angiotensin-(1-7) immunocytochemical expression in association with increased ACE2 intensity of staining. The findings suggest that ACE2 may contribute to the local production and overexpression of angiotensin-(1-7) in the kidney during pregnancy.     

Angiotensin-(1-7) is a modulator of the human renin-angiotensin system.

The renin-angiotensin system is important for cardiovascular homeostasis. Currently, therapies for different cardiovascular diseases are based on inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) or angiotensin II receptor blockade. Inhibition of ACE blocks metabolism of angiotensin-(1-7) to angiotensin-(1-5) and can lead to elevation of angiotensin-(1-7) levels in plasma and tissue. In animal models, angiotensin-(1-7) itself causes or enhances vasodilation and inhibits vascular contractions to angiotensin II. The function of angiotensin-(1-5) is unknown. We investigated whether angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin-(1-5) inhibit ACE or antagonize angiotensin-induced vasoconstrictions in humans. ACE activity in plasma and atrial tissue was inhibited by angiotensin-(1-7) up to 100%, with an IC(50) of 3.0 and 4.0 micromol/L, respectively. In human internal mammary arteries, contractions induced by angiotensin I and II and the non-ACE-specific substrate [Pro(11),D-Ala(12)]-angiotensin I were antagonized by angiotensin-(1-7) (10(-5) mol/L) in a noncompetitive way, with a 60% inhibition of the maximal response to angiotensin II. Contractions to ACE-specific substrate [Pro(10)]-angiotensin I were also inhibited, an effect only partly accounted for by antagonism of angiotensin II. Angiotensin-(1-5) inhibited plasma ACE activity with a potency equal to that of angiotensin I but had no effect on arterial contractions. In conclusion, angiotensin-(1-7) blocks angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction and inhibits ACE in human cardiovascular tissues. Angiotensin-(1-5) only inhibits ACE. These results show that angiotensin-(1-7) may be an important modulator of the human renin-angiotensin system.     

Increased chymase-dependent angiotensin II formation in human atherosclerotic aorta.

Locally formed angiotensin II (Ang II) and mast cells may participate in the development of atherosclerosis. Chymase, which originates from mast cells, is the major Ang II-forming enzyme in the human heart and aorta in vitro. The aim of the present study was to investigate aortic Ang II-forming activity (AIIFA) and the histochemical localization of each Ang II-forming enzyme in the atheromatous human aorta. Specimens of normal (n=9), atherosclerotic (n=8), and aneurysmal (n=6) human aortas were obtained at autopsy or cardiovascular surgery from 23 subjects (16 men, 7 women). The total, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-dependent, and chymase-dependent AIIFAs in aortic specimens were determined. The histologic and cellular localization of chymase and ACE were determined by immunocytochemistry. Total AIIFA was significantly higher in atherosclerotic and aneurysmal lesions than in normal aortas. Most of AIIFA in the human aorta in vitro was chymase-dependent in both normal (82%) and atherosclerotic aortas (90%). Immunocytochemical staining of the corresponding aortic sections with antichymase, antitryptase or anti-ACE antibodies showed that chymase-positive mast cells were located in the tunica adventitia of normal and atheromatous aortas, whereas ACE-positive cells were localized in endothelial cells of normal aorta and in macrophages of atheromatous neointima. The density of chymase- and tryptase-positive mast cells in the atherosclerotic lesions was slightly but not significantly higher than that in the normal aortas, and the number of activated mast cells in the aneurysmal lesions (18%) was significantly higher than in atherosclerotic (5%) and normal (1%) aortas. Our results suggest that local Ang II formation is increased in atherosclerotic lesions and that chymase is primarily responsible for this increase. The histologic localization and potential roles of chymase in the development of atherosclerotic lesions appear to be different from those of ACE.     

Transgenic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 overexpression in vessels of SHRSP rats reduces blood pressure and improves endothelial function

Rat models of hypertension, eg, spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rats (SHRSP), display reduced angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) mRNA and protein expression compared with control animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ACE2 in the pathogenesis of hypertension in these models. Therefore, we generated transgenic rats on a SHRSP genetic background expressing the human ACE2 in vascular smooth muscle cells by the use of the SM22 promoter, called SHRSP-ACE2. In these transgenic rats vascular smooth muscle expression of human ACE2 was confirmed by RNase protection, real-time RT-PCR, and ACE2 activity assays. Transgene expression leads to significantly increased circulating levels of angiotensin-(1-7), a prominent product of ACE2. Mean arterial blood pressure was reduced in SHRSP-ACE2 compared to SHRSP rats, and the vasoconstrictive response to intraarterial administration of angiotensin II was attenuated. The latter effect was abolished by previous administration of an ACE2 inhibitor. To evaluate the endothelial function in vivo, endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent agents such as acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside, respectively, were applied to the descending thoracic aorta and blood pressure was monitored. Endothelial function turned out to be significantly improved in SHRSP-ACE2 rats compared to SHRSP. These data demonstrate that vascular ACE2 overexpression in SHRSP reduces hypertension probably by locally degrading angiotensin II and improving endothelial function. Thus, activation of the ACE2/angiotensin-(1-7) axis may be a novel therapeutic strategy in hypertension.     

Upregulation of hepatic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and angiotensin-(1-7) levels in experimental biliary fibrosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), its product, angiotensin-(1-7) and its receptor, Mas, may moderate the adverse effects of angiotensin II in liver disease. We examined the expression of these novel components of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) and the production and vasoactive effects of angiotensin-(1-7) in the bile duct ligated (BDL) rat. METHODS: BDL or sham-operated rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks. Tissue and blood were collected for gene expression, enzyme activity and peptide measurements. In situ perfused livers were used to assess angiotensin peptide production and their effects on portal resistance. RESULTS: Hepatic ACE2 gene and activity (P<0.0005), plasma angiotensin-(1-7) (P<0.0005) and Mas receptor expression (P<0.01) were increased following BDL compared to shams. Perfusion experiments confirmed that BDL livers produced increased angiotensin-(1-7) (P<0.05) from angiotensin II and this was augmented (P<0.01) by ACE inhibition. Whilst angiotensin II increased vasoconstriction in cirrhotic livers, angiotensin-(1-7) had no effect on portal resistance. CONCLUSIONS: RAS activation in chronic liver injury is associated with upregulation of ACE2, Mas and hepatic conversion of angiotensin II to angiotensin-(1-7) leading to increased circulating angiotensin-(1-7). These results support the presence of an ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis in liver injury which may counteract the effects of angiotensin II.     

Evidence against a major role for angiotensin converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase (ACE2) in angiotensin peptide metabolism in the human coronary circulation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme-related carboxypeptidase (ACE2) in angiotensin peptide metabolism in the human coronary circulation. METHODS: Angiotensin I and angiotensin II, and their respective carboxypeptidase metabolites, angiotensin-(1-9) and angiotensin-(1-7), were measured in arterial and coronary sinus blood of heart failure subjects receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy and in normal subjects not receiving ACE inhibitor therapy. In addition, angiotensin I, angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) were measured in arterial and coronary sinus blood of subjects with coronary artery disease before, and at 2, 5 and 10 min after, intravenous administration of ACE inhibitor. RESULTS: In comparison with normal subjects, heart failure subjects receiving ACE inhibitor therapy had a greater than 40-fold increase in angiotensin I levels, but angiotensin-(1-9) levels were low (1-2 fmol/ml), and similar to those of normal subjects. Moreover, angiotensin-(1-7) levels increased in parallel with angiotensin I levels and the angiotensin-(1-7)/angiotensin II ratio increased by 7.5-fold in coronary sinus blood. Intravenous administration of ACE inhibitor to subjects with coronary artery disease rapidly decreased angiotensin II levels by 54-58% and increased angiotensin I levels by 2.4- to 2.8-fold, but did not alter angiotensin-(1-7) levels or net angiotensin-(1-7) production across the myocardial vascular bed. CONCLUSIONS: The failure of angiotensin-(1-9) levels to increase in response to increased angiotensin I levels indicated little role for ACE2 in angiotensin I metabolism. Additionally, the levels of angiotensin-(1-7) were more linked to those of angiotensin I than angiotensin II, consistent with its formation by endopeptidase-mediated metabolism of angiotensin I, rather than by ACE2-mediated metabolism of angiotensin II.     

Enhancement of bradykinin and resensitization of its B2 receptor

We studied the enhancement of the effects of bradykinin B2 receptor agonists by agents that react with active centers of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) independent of enzymatic inactivation. The potentiation and the desensitization and resensitization of B2 receptor were assessed by measuring [3H]arachidonic acid release and [Ca2+]i mobilization in Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected to express human ACE and B2 receptor, or in endothelial cells with constitutively expressed ACE and receptor. Administration of bradykinin or its ACE-resistant analogue desensitized the receptor, but it was resensitized (arachidonic acid release or [Ca2+]i mobilization) by agents such as enalaprilat (1 micromol/L). Enalaprilat was inactive in the absence of ACE expression. La3+ (100 micromol/L) inhibited the apparent resensitization, probably by blocking the entry of extracellular calcium. Enalaprilat resensitized the receptor via ACE to release arachidonic acid by bradykinin at a lower concentration (5 nmol/L) than required to mobilize [Ca2+]i (1 micromol/L). Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting the ACE N-domain active center and polyclonal antiserum potentiated bradykinin. The snake venom peptide BPP5a and metabolites of angiotensin and bradykinin (angiotensin-[1-9], angiotensin-[1-7], bradykinin-[1-8]; 1 micromol/L) enhanced arachidonic acid release by bradykinin. Angiotensin-(1-9) and -(1-7) also resensitized the receptor. Enalaprilat potentiated the bradykinin effect in cells expressing a mutant ACE with a single N-domain active site. Agents that reacted with a single active site, on the N-domain or on the C-domain, potentiated bradykinin not by blocking its inactivation but by inducing crosstalk between ACE and the receptor. Enalaprilat enhanced signaling via ACE by Galphai in lower concentration than by Galphaq-coupled receptor.     

Severe acute pancreatitis is associated with upregulation of the ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis and promotes increased circulating angiotensin-(1-7)

Background/objectivesAngiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), its product angiotensin-(1-7) and its receptor Mas may counteract the adverse effects of the ACE-angiotensin receptor II-AT₁ axis in many diseases. We examined the expression of these novel components of the rennin-angiotensin system in an experimental mouse model of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).MethodsSAP was induced by six intraperitoneal injections of caerulein, and mice were sacrificed at 2, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h post disease-induction (normal control group mice were sacrificed at 2 h post disease-induction). Tissue and blood were collected for biochemical detection, gene and protein expression by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunohistology detection.ResultsPancreatic ACE2 gene and protein expression, plasma and pancreatic angiotensin-(1-7) levels and Mas receptor gene and protein expression were significantly increased (p < 0.05) following SAP induction compared with the normal control group.ConclusionsSevere acute pancreatitis is associated with upregulation of the ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis and promotes increased circulating angiotensin-(1-7). These results support the presence of an ACE2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis in pancreatitis.     

Increased expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in conjunction with reduction of neointima by angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade.

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a newly recognized homolog of ACE that converts angiotensin II (Ang II) to angiotensin-1-7 (Ang-(1-7)), is found in vascular smooth muscle cells. Expression of ACE2 may be a local determinant of vascular Ang-(1-7) production and, when increased, may augment the increasingly recognized protective effects of this peptide within injured tissues. We previously showed that treatment with the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB) olmesartan increased aortic ACE2 and Ang-(1-7) in conjunction with improved vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present study, we investigated balloon injury-related ACE2 in the vasculature by determining the effect of sustained AT1 blockade on ACE2 protein expression in the carotid arteries of 12-week-old male SHR treated with either vehicle (n=5) or 10 mg/kg olmesartan (n=5) in drinking water for 14 days. Olmesartan treatment caused a 61% reduction in the cross-sectional area of the neointima, from 0.27+/-0.01 mm2 in vehicle-treated rats to 0.11+/-0.01 mm2 in olmesartan-treated rats. In contrast, olmesartan treatment had no effect on the medial area of injured or uninjured carotid arteries compared to that in vehicle-treated rats. Quantitative analysis of ACE2 immunostaining intensity in the carotid artery of SHR was significantly greater (p<0.05) in the neointima of olmesartan-treated SHR compared to that in vehicle-treated animals. In contrast, ACE2 immunostaining intensity was not quantitatively different in uninjured carotid arteries of olmesartan and vehicle-treated animals. These studies suggest that changes in ACE2 within the vascular system of SHR are regulated by a factor other than arterial pressure.