Chronic inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation prevents ischaemia-induced vascular pathology in type II diabetic mice

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation are important mechanisms that underlie many of the serious consequences of type II diabetes. However, the role of ER stress and inflammation in impaired ischaemia-induced neovascularization in type II diabetes is unknown. We studied ischaemia-induced neovascularization in the hind-limb of 4-week-old db - /db- mice and their controls treated with or without the ER stress inhibitor (tauroursodeoxycholic acid, TUDCA, 150 mg/kg per day) and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (anakinra, 0.5 μg/mouse per day) for 4 weeks. Blood pressure was similar in all groups of mice. Blood glucose, insulin levels, and body weight were reduced in db - /db- mice treated with TUDCA. Increased cholesterol and reduced adiponectin in db - /db- mice were restored by TUDCA and anakinra treatment. ER stress and inflammation in the ischaemic hind-limb in db - /db- mice were attenuated by TUDCA and anakinra treatment. Ischaemia-induced neovascularization and blood flow recovery were significantly reduced in db - /db- mice compared to control. Interestingly, neovascularization and blood flow recovery were restored in db - /db- mice treated with TUDCA or anakinra compared to non-treated db - /db- mice. TUDCA and anakinra enhanced eNOS-cGMP, VEGFR2, and reduced ERK1/2 MAP-kinase signalling, while endothelial progenitor cell number was similar in all groups of mice. Our findings demonstrate that the inhibition of ER stress and inflammation prevents impaired ischaemia-induced neovascularization in type II diabetic mice. Thus, ER stress and inflammation could be potential targets for a novel therapeutic approach to prevent impaired ischaemia-induced vascular pathology in type II diabetes.     

Salt-Sensitive Hypertension Resulting From Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition is Associated with Loss of Regulation of Angiotensin II in the Rat

In the Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rat, a diet containing L-arginine, the natural substrate for nitric oxide synthase, abrogates the hypertension. We postulated that nitric oxide synthase inhibition might induce a salt-sensitive form of hypertension and that this salt sensitivity might be linked to a loss of the regulatory effect of sodium ingestion on angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensinogen. Male Wistar-Kyoto rats were randomised to a diet containing 0.008 %, 2.2 % or 4.4 % sodium chloride and to treatment with the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (10 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) in the drinking water, or drinking water alone (Controls) for 4 weeks. Blood pressure was measured by tail cuff plethysmography twice weekly. After 4 weeks, the rats were anaesthetised and truncal blood collected for determination of angiotensinogen, renin, angiotensin I (Ang I), Ang II and aldosterone concentrations as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity. Systolic blood pressure increased with increasing dietary sodium intake in the L-NAME-treated rats (P < 0.05). Plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations decreased with increasing dietary sodium intake in both Control and L-NAME-treated rats. Ang I and ACE activity were unchanged by increasing dietary sodium intake. In contrast, the plasma concentration of Ang II and angiotensinogen increased with increasing dietary sodium (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, respectively). Treatment with the Ang II receptor blocker, losartan, reversed the blood pressure increase. We conclude that treatment with L-NAME induces an increase in blood pressure that is at least in part salt sensitive. Further, the salt-sensitive component appears to be Ang II-dependent, as it was associated with increasing plasma Ang II levels and could be reversed by treatment with an Ang II receptor antagonist.     

一氧化氮对肾性高血压大鼠主动脉收缩功能的影响

目的:探讨二肾一夹（2K1C）肾性高血压大鼠主动脉收缩功能的改变及其与一氧化氮的关系。 方法:实验分为假手术组、2K1C组、卡托普利组、NAME组和精氨酸组等5组，利用术后4周的肾性高血压大鼠的胸主动脉进行离体血管环实验，并测定主动脉环一磷酸鸟苷（cGMP）的含量。 结果:2K1C肾性高血压大鼠离体主动脉环对苯肾上腺素、血管紧张素Ⅱ、ACh、KCl的收缩反应显著高于假手术组，主动脉cGMP含量明显少于假手术组。卡托普利可逆转2K1C大鼠的上述改变。L-精氨酸可使上述异常的主动脉收缩功能部分恢复，并增加主动脉cGMP含量。一氧化氮合酶抑制剂L-NAME使主动脉cGMP含量进一步减少，主动脉对缩血管物质的收缩反应无进一步增强。各组大鼠的胸主动脉用L-NAME抑制一氧化氮生成后，对硝普钠的最大舒张反应无明显差别。 结论:2K1C肾性高血压大鼠主动脉收缩功能的改变可能与NO合成、释放减少和缩血管物质产生增多有关。     

Regulator of G protein signalling 2 ameliorates angiotensin II-induced hypertension in mice

Angiotensin II (Ang II) activates signalling pathways predominantly through the G-protein-coupled Ang II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R). The regulator of G protein signalling 2 (RGS2) is a negative G protein regulator. We hypothesized that RGS2 deletion changes blood pressure regulation by increasing the response to Ang II. To address this issue, we infused Ang II (0.5 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) chronically into conscious RGS2-deleted (RGS2(-/-)) and wild-type (RGS2(+/+)) mice, measured mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR) with telemetry and assessed vasoreactivity and gene expression of AT(1A), AT(1B) and AT(2) receptors. Angiotensin II infusion increased blood pressure more in RGS2(-/-) than in RGS2(+/+) mice, while HR was not different between the groups, indicating a resetting of the baroreceptor reflex. Urinary catecholamine excretion was similar in Ang II-infused RGS2(-/-) and RGS2(+/+) mice, indicating a minor role of sympathetic tone for blood pressure differences. Myogenic tone and vasoreactivity in response to Ang II, endothelin-1 and phenylephrine were increased in isolated renal interlobar arterioles of RGS2(-/-) mice compared with RGS2(+/+) mice. The AT(1A), AT(1B) and AT(2) receptor gene expression was not different between RGS2(-/-) and RGS2(+/+) mice. Our findings suggest that RGS2 deletion promotes Ang II-dependent hypertension primarily through an increase of myogenic tone and vasoreactivity, probably by sensitization of AT(1) receptors.     

Pregnancy protects against antiangiogenic and fibrogenic effects of angiotensin II in rat hearts

Aim: To investigate the difference between physiological and pathological cardiac remodelling induced, respectively, by pregnancy and angiotensin (Ang) II, and to test the hypothesis that pregnancy protects against Ang II effects. Methods: Female Wistar rats, pregnant (n = 12) and non‐pregnant (n = 12), were implanted with mini‐pumps containing saline (sham) or 150 ng kg^?1 min^?1 Ang II. Ten days later echocardiography and blood pressure measurement were performed. Expression of 22 genes was assessed using RT‐PCR. Microscopic sections of LV were prepared to determine collagen content (Sirius Red staining), vessel density (β‐actin immunolabelling) and myocytes diameter (Toluidine Blue). Results: Heart weight (HW) was increased in Ang II treated groups compared with their controls. Furthermore, HW of Ang II treated pregnant rats (1.0 ± 0.03 g) was higher than that in non‐pregnant sham (0.7 ± 0.02 g), pregnant (0.8 ± 0.01 g) and Ang II treated non‐pregnant (0.8 ± 0.02 g) rats. Relative LV wall thickness showed similar pattern. Aortic pressure was significantly increased in Ang II groups. Collagen content was increased in Ang II (4.0 ± 0.5%) compared with sham (1.5 ± 0.1%) but reduced again when treated rats were pregnant (2.8 ± 0.4%). Vessel density was reduced by 47.8% after Ang II treatment in non‐pregnant and by only 13.9% in pregnant rats. Gene expression analysis showed increased expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), anykrin repeat domain‐containing protein 1 (Ankrd‐1), protein kinase C‐α and ‐δ and tumour suppressor gene TP53 (p53) in Ang II treated groups and upregulation of ANF, BNP and Ankrd‐1 remained when pregnancy was combined with Ang II. Pregnancy reduced expression of: α‐myosin heavy chain, tumour necrosis factor‐α, p53, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Conclusion: Pregnancy seems to counteract the detrimental effects of Ang II on fibrosis and angiogenesis in heart. In addition, pregnancy and Ang II lead to partly opposite changes in the expression of some genes important for heart function.     

高血压与2型糖尿病协同作用导致小鼠心功能障碍和心肌重塑

目的:研究高血压与2型糖尿病联合作用是否能导致小鼠心功能障碍和心肌重塑。方法:将14周龄的2型糖尿病和非糖尿病小鼠经血管紧张素Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ)给药4周诱导小鼠形成轻度高血压。运用超声波心动描记术和多巴酚丁胺负荷试验评价小鼠左心室功能;HE染色分析左心室心肌细胞的肥大作用;Western blotting测定心肌组织中磷酸化腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶(p-AMPK)的表达水平。结果:与非糖尿病小鼠比较,糖尿病小鼠(DM组)的心脏功能和心肌结构无明显变化;Ang Ⅱ给药不影响2型糖尿病小鼠和非糖尿病小鼠的体重和血糖含量,但血压明显增高;左心室重量和心肌细胞表面积结果分析显示,Ang Ⅱ诱导2型糖尿病小鼠的左心室肥大程度显著大于Ang Ⅱ组;Ang Ⅱ给药的2型糖尿病小鼠左心室的缩短分数和射血分数显著降低,而Ang Ⅱ组小鼠无明显变化;Western blotting结果显示Ang Ⅱ组、DM组和DM+Ang Ⅱ组小鼠左心室组织中p-AMPK的表达量显著降低。结论:2型糖尿病小鼠心脏功能和心肌结构无明显变化,当高血压存在时2型糖尿病小鼠容易发生心脏功能障碍和心肌重塑,提示高血压是2型糖尿病小鼠心脏功能障碍和心肌重塑的关键因子。     

Effects of angiotensin II blockade on the development of autoimmune thyroiditis in nonobese diabetic mice

We evaluated the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) blockers, losartan, an Ang II receptor blocker, and enalapril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, on the development of autoimmune thyroiditis in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, an animal model of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Mice were assigned into three groups, untreated, losartan-treated (30 mg/kg/day), and enalapril-treated (10 mg/kg/day) groups. Thyroiditis was induced by iodide ingestion (experiment 1) or mouse thyroglobulin (Tg) immunization (experiment 2). Both procedures effectively induced thyroiditis. While iodide ingestion failed to induce anti-mouse Tg antibody (TgAb) production, Tg immunization resulted in a significant increase in serum TgAb levels. In both experiments, neither losartan nor enalapril interfered with the development of thyroiditis and TgAb production. These results suggest that Ang II may not be associated with the development of autoimmune thyroiditis in NOD mice. Thus, the Ang II blockade may not have therapeutic potential in HT.     

Exercise aggravates cardiovascular risks and mortality in rats with disrupted nitric oxide pathway and treated with recombinant human erythropoietin

Chronic administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) can generate serious cardiovascular side effects such as arterial hypertension (HTA) in clinical and sport fields. It is hypothesized that nitric oxide (NO) can protect from noxious cardiovascular effects induced by chronic administration of rHuEPO. On this base, we studied the cardiovascular effects of chronic administration of rHuEPO in exercise-trained rats treated with an inhibitor of NO synthesis (L-NAME). Rats were treated or not with rHuEPO and/or L-NAME during 6 weeks. During the same period, rats were subjected to treadmill exercise. The blood pressure was measured weekly. Endothelial function of isolated aorta and small mesenteric arteries were studied and the morphology of the latter was investigated. L-NAME induced hypertension (197 ± 6 mmHg, at the end of the protocol). Exercise prevented the rise in blood pressure induced by L-NAME (170 ± 5 mmHg). However, exercise-trained rats treated with both rHuEPO and L-NAME developed severe hypertension (228 ± 9 mmHg). Furthermore, in these exercise-trained rats treated with rHuEPO/L-NAME, the acetylcholine-induced relaxation was markedly impaired in isolated aorta (60% of maximal relaxation) and small mesenteric arteries (53%). L-NAME hypertension induced an internal remodeling of small mesenteric arteries that was not modified by exercise, rHuEPO or both. Vascular ET-1 production was not increased in rHuEPO/L-NAME/training hypertensive rats. Furthermore, we observed that rHuEPO/L-NAME/training hypertensive rats died during the exercise or the recovery period (mortality 51%). Our findings suggest that the use of rHuEPO in sport, in order to improve physical performance, represents a high and fatal risk factor, especially with pre-existing cardiovascular risk.     

Angiotensin II angiogenic effect in vivo involves vascular endothelial growth factor- and inflammation-related pathways

Although accumulating lines of evidence indicate the proangiogenic role of angiotensin II (Ang II), little is known about the molecular mechanisms associated with such an effect. This study aimed to identify molecular events involved in Ang II-induced angiogenesis in the Matrigel model in mice. C57Bl/6 female mice received a subcutaneous injection of either Matrigel or Matrigel with Ang II (10(-7) M) alone, with Ang II and an AT1 receptor antagonist (candesartan, 10(-6) M), or with Ang II and AT2 receptor antagonist (PD123319, 10(-6) M). After 14 days, angiogenesis was assessed in the Matrigel-plug by histological evaluation and cellular counting. Ang II increased by 1.9-fold the number of cells within the Matrigel (p < 0.01 versus control). Immunohistological analysis revealed the presence of macrophages, endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and the development of vascular-like structure. Such an angiogenic effect was associated with an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (1.5-fold, p < 0.01), endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) (1.7-fold, p < 0.01), and cyclooxygenase-2 (1.4-fold, p < 0.05) protein levels measured by Western blotting. Conversely, Ang II treatment did not affect MMP-9 and MMP-2 activity, assessed by zymography. Blockade of AT1 receptor completely prevented the Ang II-induced angiogenesis and protein regulations, whereas that of AT2 was ineffective. Administration of VEGF neutralizing antibody (2.5 microg ip twice a week) and cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor (nimesulide, 30 mg/L) also hampered Ang II proangiogenic effect. In addition, Ang II-induced cell ingrowth was impaired by treatment with nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg/day) and in eNOS-deficient mice. Therefore, in an in vivo model, Ang II induced angiogenesis through AT1 receptor, which involved activation of VEGF/eNOS-related pathway and of the inflammatory process.     

血管紧张素II通过细胞外信号调节激酶1/2通路调控过氧化氢酶的表达及促进成纤维细胞表型转化*

 目的： 探讨细胞外信号调节激酶1/2(ERK1/2)在高血压大鼠模型动脉外膜血管重塑中的作用。方法: 利用血管紧张素II (Ang II)微泵灌注制备高血压大鼠模型,随机分为未处理组、生理盐水灌注组和Ang II灌注组。分别检测各组大鼠尾动脉收缩压及血管形态学改变;Western blotting技术检测外膜成纤维细胞过氧化氢酶(CAT)蛋白在未处理组、单纯Ang II、ERK1/2抑制剂PD98059和Ang II+PD98059培养下的表达。结果: 大鼠颈动脉HE染色和收缩压结果显示,与未处理组及生理盐水灌注组相比,Ang II组大鼠颈动脉中膜厚度和收缩压明显增加(P<0.01),动脉形态结构有明显改变,并且有显著的病理性血管重塑发生。Western blotting检测结果显示,PD98059作用下CAT比单纯Ang II明显增高(P<0.05),表明ERK1/2信号通路能够恢复Ang II诱导的CAT表达下调。结论: Ang II可能通过ERK1/2信号通路下调血管外膜CAT的表达,进而促进血管细胞表型转化,导致血管病理性重塑发生。     

Angiotensin II-induced dilated cardiomyopathy in Balb/c but not C57BL/6J mice

Balb/c mice, which are T-helper lymphocyte 2 (Th2) responders, are highly susceptible to infectious and non-infectious heart diseases, whereas C57BL/6 mice (Th1 responders) are not. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is not only a vasopressor but also a pro-inflammatory factor that leads to cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction. We hypothesized that Ang II exacerbates cardiac damage in Balb/c but not in C57BL/6 mice even though both strains have a similar level of hypertension. Twelve-week-old male C57BL/6J and Balb/c mice received either vehicle or Ang II (1.4 mg kg(-1) day(-1), s.c. via osmotic minipump) for 8 weeks. At baseline, Balb/c mice exhibited the following: (1) a lower heart rate; (2) an enlarged left ventricular chamber; (3) a lower ejection fraction and shortening fraction; and (4) twice the left ventricular collagen deposition of age-matched C57BL/6J mice. Angiotensin II raised systolic blood pressure (to ～150 mmHg) and induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in a similar manner in both strains. While C57BL/6J mice developed compensatory concentric hypertrophy and fibrosis in response to Ang II, Balb/c mice demonstrated severe left ventricular chamber dilatation, wall thinning and fibrosis, leading to congestive heart failure as evidenced by dramatically decreased ejection fraction and lung congestion (significant increase in lung weight), which are both characteristic of dilated cardiomyopathy. Our study suggests that the Th phenotype plays an active role in cardiac remodelling and function both in basal conditions and in hypertension. Angiotensin II-induced dilated cardiomyopathy in Balb/c mice is an ideal animal model for studying the impact of the adaptive immune system on cardiac remodelling and function and for testing strategies to prevent or treat hypertension-associated heart failure.     

Time course analysis of tyrosine hydroxylase and angiotensinogen mRNA expression in central nervous system of rats submitted to experimental hypertension

Catecholaminergic and angiotensinergic systems are involved in the neural control of blood pressure. The present study analysed the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a key enzyme for catecholamine synthesis and of angiotensinogen (AGT), the precursor of angiotensin II (Ang II), in areas of the central nervous system (CNS) involved with cardiovascular regulation such as nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), ventrolateral medulla (VLM), locus coeruleus (LC) and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) 2 h, 3 and 7 days after aortic coarctated hypertensive rats. In situ hybridization, was employed for the analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression with anatomical resolution. No changes were seen in TH and AGT mRNA expression in the analysed areas 2 h and 3 days after aortic coarctation when compared to the respective sham group. TH mRNA expression was increased in the NTS and LC of rats 7 days after coarctation hypertension when compared to sham rats. Time course analysis, showed an increase in TH mRNA expression in the NTS 7 days after aortic coarctation when compared to 2 h and 3 days groups, as well as an increase in LC 3 days and 7 days following coarctation hypertension in comparison with the 2 h group. Analysis of AGT mRNA in the NTS expression revealed a decrease at 3 days, followed by an increase in mRNA expression 7 days following coarctation hypertension when compared to the sham group. Time course analysis, showed an increase in AGT mRNA expression in the NTS 7 days after coarctation when compared to 2 h and 3 days groups. The results show that TH and AGT mRNA expression changes during the different phases of experimental hypertension, suggesting that the noradrenaline (NOR) and angiotensin II (Ang II) might participate in the modulation/maintenance of coarctation hypertension.     

Cardiovascular functional phenotypes and pharmacological responses in apolipoprotein E deficient mice

This is an overview of recent findings, mainly from our laboratory, describing the cardiovascular functional phenotypes and pharmacological responses in mice genetically deficient in apolipoprotein E (apoE-KO). ApoE-KO mice are hyperlipidemic and spontaneously develop atherosclerosis. We have detected several new cardiovascular functional phenotypes in apoE-KO mice: hyperglycemia, age-dependent aortic stiffening, cardiac hypertrophy and increased cardiac output. Angiotensin II (Ang II) promoted vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis, increased vascular stiffness, and induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in apoE-KO mice, in which activation of NF-kappaB mediated pro-inflammatory genes plays an important role. Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis with N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) significantly inhibited NO-mediated vascular responses and accelerated atherosclerosis in apoE-KO mice, supporting a protective role of NO against atherosclerosis. Estrogen attenuated atherosclerosis in apoE-KO mice, even in those with atherosclerosis being accelerated by Ang II, hyperglycemia, or L-NAME, demonstrating an anti-atherosclerotic effect of estrogen. Simvastatin paradoxically increased lipid and atherosclerosis in apoE-KO mice, but it decreased lipid and atherosclerosis in LDLR-KO mice, indicating that anti-atherosclerotic effect of simvastatin requires the presence of an intact apoE.     

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells during normal pregnancy and pre-eclampsia

PROBLEM: Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC), which mediates neovascularization of uterine endometrium may be involved in the neovascularization in the utero-placental circulation. We evaluated whether EPC proliferation in pre-eclampsia (PE) differed from that in normal pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY: EPC number in peripheral blood (20 non-pregnancy, 36 normal pregnancy, 10 PE) was measured using flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell was cultured for 7 days and EPC proliferation was assessed based on detection of the uptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein and lectin. Furthermore, the proliferative activity induced by angiotensin II (Ang II) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was measured by BrdU assay. RESULTS: EPC number in peripheral blood did not differ significantly between PE and normal pregnancy; however, EPC proliferation was significantly increased in PE. Furthermore, Ang II and TNF-alpha induced the proliferation of EPC derived from patients with PE. CONCLUSIONS: In PE, some factors including Ang II and TNF-alpha stimulated EPC proliferation; however, the impairment of EPC mobilization into systemic circulation by serum factors may contribute to insufficient regeneration of EC in disturbed utero-placental circulation of PE.     

Dysregulation of angiotensin II synthesis is associated with salt sensitivity in the spontaneous hypertensive rat

(1) Salt sensitive hypertension, which occurs as a result of treatment with nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, is associated with a loss of the usual down-regulatory effect of dietary sodium on angiotensin II (Ang II) synthesis. In the spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR), which suffers a relative NO deficiency, the hypertension is in part salt sensitive. We sought to determine therefore whether the salt sensitive component to the hypertension was associated with a loss of the regulatory effect of dietary sodium on Ang II synthesis. (2) Male SHR were placed on low, intermediate or high salt diets for 4 weeks and their blood pressure recorded. After 4 weeks, blood was collected for determination of renin, angiotensinogen, Ang I, Ang II and aldosterone concentrations, as well as ACE activity. (3) The increase in systolic blood pressure in rats on the high salt diet was significantly greater than in those on the low (P < 0.005) and intermediate salt diets (P < 0.0005). Plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations and ACE activity decreased with increasing dietary sodium. However, the concentrations of Ang II and angiotensinogen both increased in the rats on the high salt diet (Ang II: P < 0.05; angiotensinogen: P < 0.05). (4) We conclude that the hypertension in the SHR is in part salt sensitive and that this salt sensitive component is associated with a loss of the normal down-regulatory effect of dietary sodium on Ang II and angiotensinogen synthesis.     

Nitric oxide counteracts angiotensin II induced contraction in efferent arterioles in mice

AIM: Efferent arterioles (Ef) are one of the final control elements in glomerular haemodynamics. The influence of nitric oxide (NO) on Ef remains ambiguous. METHODS: To test the hypothesis that endothelial NO plays an important role in this context, afferent arterioles (Af) and Ef of wild-type mice (WT), and Ef of mice lacking the endothelial NO synthetase [eNOS(-/-)] were perfused. Perfusion was performed in Ef via Af (orthograde) as well as from the distal end of Ef (retrograde), which provides an estimate for the importance of substances derived from the glomerulus. Angiotensin II (Ang II) was added in doses ranging from 10(-12) to 10(-6) mol L(-1) to the bath solution. RESULTS: Ang II reduced the luminal diameter of Af to 68 +/- 7 and in Ef to 55 +/- 8% during orthograde, and to 35 +/- 6% during retrograde perfusion (10(-6) mol L(-1) Ang II) in WT. Pre-treatment with N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine-methylester (l-NAME) (10(-4) mol L(-1)) increased the Ang II sensitivity in retrograde (17 +/- 9%) and orthograde perfused Ef (19 +/- 9%). The Ang II sensitivity was enhanced in eNOS(-/-) mice compared with WT, too. Already at a dose of Ang II 10(-9) mol L(-1), luminal diameters diminished to 8 +/- 7 and 7 +/- 4%. CONCLUSION: The increased Ang II sensitivity during L-NAME pre-treatment and in eNOS(-/-) mice indicates a strong counteraction of endothelial derived NO on Ang II induced contraction in Ef. Moreover, Ef are similarly sensitive to Ang II during either retrograde or orthograde perfusion in the absence of NO effects, suggesting that NO mediates, at least in part, the action of potential vasodilatory substances from the glomerulus.     

Influence of forebrain lesions and isoflurane anaesthesia,respectively, on responses to the intracarotid infusion of angiotensin II in sheep

In conscious sheep, lesions involving the anterior wall of the third cerebral ventricle extinguished the dipsogenic and cortisol releasing effects of 10 min intracarotid (i. c.) infusions of angiotensin II (Ang II) (20 pmol kg^-1 min^-1). The sustained hypertension obtained in response to i. c. Ang II in the intact animal was not significantly changed by the forebrain lesions. Pronounced, but short-lasting tachycardia immediately developed in response to i. c. Ang II in control animals. After a 1 min return to initial values the heart rate (HR) rose to about 20 beats min^-1 above pre-infusion level during the remaining infusion period. After a brief post-infusion fall, HR retook that level. It then gradually declined but did not return to initial level until about 25 min later. During isoflurane anaesthesia in the latter animals carotid blood pressure (cBP) was reduced by ? 30% while the HR was more than doubled. The cBP rise in response to i. c. Ang II infusion was < 50% of that seen in awake animals and the pressure returned to initial level within ? 5 min after the end of the infusion. The infusion did not influence the HR. This study provides support for the idea that blood borne Ang II, bound at cerebral sites posterior to the hypothalamic reion, continues to have cardiovascular effects for ? 20 min after the concentration in the blood has returned to pre-infusion level.     

Loss of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 enhances TGF-β/Smad-mediated renal fibrosis and NF-κB-driven renal inflammation in a mouse model of obstructive nephropathy

It is known that angiotensin (Ang)-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 catalyzes Ang II to Ang 1-7 to prevent the detrimental effect of Ang II on blood pressure, renal fibrosis, and inflammation. However, mechanisms of renoprotective role of Ace2 remain largely unclear. The present study tested the hypothesis that deficiency of Ace2 may accelerate intrarenal Ang II-mediated fibrosis and inflammation independent of blood pressure in a model of unilateral ureteral obstructive (UUO) nephropathy induced in Ace2(+/y) and Ace2(-/y) mice. Results showed that both Ace2(+/y) and Ace2(-/y) mice had normal levels of blood pressure and plasma Ang II/Ang 1-7. In contrast, deletion of ACE2 resulted in a fourfold increase in the ratio of intrarenal Ang II/Ang 1-7 in the UUO nephropathy. These changes were associated with the development of more intensive tubulointerstitial fibrosis (α-SMA, collagen I) and inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, F4/80(+) cells, and CD3(+)T cells) in Ace2(-/y) mice at day 3 (all P<0.05) after UUO, becoming more profound at day 7 (all P<0.01). Enhanced renal fibrosis and inflammation in the UUO kidney of Ace2(-/y) mice were largely attributed to a marked increase in the intrarenal Ang II signaling (AT1-ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase), TGF-β/Smad2/3, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Further studies revealed that enhanced TGF-β/Smad and NF-κB signaling in the UUO kidney of Ace2(-/y) mice was associated with upregulation of an E3 ligase Smurf2 and a loss of renal Smad7. In conclusion, enhanced Ang II-mediated TGF-β/Smad and NF-κB signaling may be the mechanisms by which loss of Ace2 enhances renal fibrosis and inflammation. Smad7 ubiquitin degradation mediated by Smurf2 may be a central mechanism by which Ace2(-/y) mice promote TGF-β/Smad2/3-mediated renal fibrosis and NF-κB-driven renal inflammation in a mouse model of UUO nephropathy.