Hypertension in transgenic (mREN2)27 rats is not associated with the presence of B1 receptors

B1 receptors are inducible receptors expressed only in stressful conditions. The aim of this study was to determine if, in (mREN2)27 transgenic rats, hypertension is associated with the presence of B1 receptors in the cardiovascular system and if a heat stress inducible effect is preserved during hypertension. Age-matched (16 weeks old) heterozygous hypertensive transgenic (mREN2)27 rats (HT rats) and the normotensive control animals (homozygous Sprague-Dawley rats, NT rats) were used. The study was conducted in two parts: in the first part the responsiveness of B1 receptors was studied in rats submitted to heat stress (42 degrees C rectal temperature, 20 min) or sham anaesthesia 24 h before, by recording changes in isometric tension in aortic rings in response to [des-Arg9]-bradykinin, a B1 receptor agonist. In the second part, we studied whether B1 receptor mRNA was present in aorta, heart and kidneys, using a semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique. [des-Arg9]-Bradykinin induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of aortic rings only from animals submitted to prior heat stress. This response was significantly higher in aortic rings from heat stressed HT rats than from heat stressed NT ones. B1 receptor mRNA was undetectable in organs from rats not submitted to heat stress but they were present 5 h after heat stress in aorta, heart and kidneys from both NT and HT rats. In conclusion, arterial hypertension observed in (mREN2)27 rats is not associated with the presence of B1 receptors. However, after heat stress, we observed an increase in responsiveness from HT rat aortas compared to NT ones.     

Presence of renin secretory granules in rat adrenal gland and stimulation of renin secretion by angiotensin II but not by adrenocorticotropin.

Renin has been identified biochemically and immunohistochemically in the adrenal gland. We examined the subcellular distribution and behavior of adrenal renin. By differential centrifugation of adrenal capsules, we found renin mainly in mitochondrial fractions. By Percoll density gradient centrifugation of this fraction, dense granules were separated from mitochondria and microsomes. The renin activity in the dense granules from the capsules of nephrectomized rats was 15 times greater than that of the intact rat. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that the dense granules increased in number after bilateral nephrectomy. Immunogold staining of these granules showed unequivocally the presence of renin in these granules. Adrenal capsules in organ culture were found to release renin at a steady rate. Renin release from bilaterally nephrectomized rat adrenals was 46 times faster than from the organs of intact animals. The mechanism of the control of renin secretion from the adrenal gland was different from the kidney in that the secretion was stimulated by potassium chloride (10 mM) or angiotensin II (10(-9)-10(-7) M) but not by ACTH (10(-9)-10(-7) M), suggesting stimulation by intracellular calcium. These results provide evidence that the adrenal synthesizes renin, stores it in specific secretory granules and secretes it in a regulated manner.     

Mechanism of adrenal angiotensin II receptor changes after nephrectomy in rats.

At 48 h after bilateral nephrectomy in rats there is a two- to threefold increase in the number of adrenal angiotensin II receptors and a decrease in Kd of smooth muscle angiotensin II receptors. These changes have been attributed to the absence of circulating angiotensin II. Serum K+, which increases after nephrectomy may be an important and overlooked modulator. Therefore, the present experiments were designed to assess the role of K+ as a regulator of angiotensin II receptors after nephrectomy. Serum K+ was controlled with Na polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate), a resin designed to exchange Na+ for K+ in the gastrointestinal tract. Acutely nephrectomized rats were divided into two groups: experimental animals received Kayexalate resin every 12 h for four doses, and controls received Kayexalate exchanged with KCl in vitro before gavage. There was a significant positive correlation serum K+ and aldosterone (r = 0.78, P less than 0.001). Kayexalate maintained a normal serum K+ of 5.9 +/- 0.2 meq/liter (n = 27), aldosterone 25 +/- 3 ng/dl (n = 27) and adrenal receptor concentration of 934 +/- 156 fmol/mg protein (n = 4). Control animals had significantly higher serum K+ of 10.5 +/- 0.4 meq/liter (n = 23), aldosterone 435 +/- 32 (n = 23), and adrenal receptors of 2726 +/- 235 fmol/mg protein (n = 4). There was a linear relationship between serum K+ and number of adrenal receptors (r = 0.87). No such relationship was present in uterine smooth muscle. Therefore, these studies demonstrate that K+ modulates the number of adrenal but not smooth muscle angiotensin II receptors after nephrectomy. This is the first evidence that potassium modulates angiotensin II receptors independently of changes in angiotensin II blood levels.     

Influence of plasma renin content, intrarenal angiotensin II, captopril, and calcium channel blockers on the vasoconstriction and renin release promoted by adenosine in the kidney

Our study was undertaken to assess whether the effect of intrarenal infusion of adenosine on renal blood flow and renin release in dogs is modified by the degree of stimulation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system. This system was modified by sodium deprivation, extracellular volume expansion, beta-adrenergic blockade and stimulation, angiotensin II infusion, and inhibition of converting enzyme by captopril. In addition, the effect of blocking slow calcium channels with verapamil on the vasoconstrictor effect of adenosine was also studied. Results demonstrate that the vasoconstrictor effect of adenosine was not modified by the status of stimulation or inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system or by the status of expansion of the extracellular volume. In all cases adenosine inhibited the renal secretion of renin. Verapamil abolished the vascular actions of adenosine, but it had no effect on the inhibition of renin release. We conclude that plasma renin or angiotensin II levels are not a necessary determinant of the renal vasoconstriction induced by adenosine. This effect seems to be mediated by the entry of calcium into the cell.     

Both subtype 1 and 2 receptors of angiotensin II participate in regulation of intracellular calcium in glomerular epithelial cells.

We have documented that both receptors of angiotensin II (ANG II) (AT1 and AT2) are involved in regulation of intracellular signals in glomerular epithelial cells (GECs). We studied the role of these receptors in regulation of intracellular ionized calcium [Ca2(+)]i in GECs. Cells were loaded with Indo-1 (Ca2(+)) and SNARF-1 (pH) fluorescent dyes and then incubated with or without ANG II for 1 hour at 37 degrees C. In some experiments AT(1) and AT(2) receptor blockers (Losartan and PD 12339, respectively) were added. In additional experiments cells were incubated with thapsigargin (Tg) and bradykinin (BK) as well as ANG II. A four-channel fluorescence videomicroscope system was used to measure real-time [Ca2(+) ]i in individual cells. Levels of inositol triphosphate (IP(3)) were measured with radioimmunoassay. An amount of 100 nmol/L of ANG II caused a maximal increase in [Ca2(+)]i in calcium-containing buffer. ANG II had no effect on intracellular pH of GECs. Increase in [Ca2(+)]i by ANG II was prevented by the concurrent use of Losartan and PD 123319. BK caused a transient increase in [Ca2(+)]i, which was significantly decreased by ANG II; concurrent addition of Losartan and PD 123319 prevented ANG II effect. ANG II prevented the accumulation of Ca2(+) in intracellular stores. ANG II caused a significant but transient increase in levels of IP(3). In summary, ANG II increases extracellular/intracellular calcium dependent bidirectional Ca2(+) transport in GECs, inhibits BK induced release of Ca2(+) from IP(3) sensitive stores, and, in addition, reduces refilling of endoplasmic reticulum [Ca2(+)] depleted by repeated BK stimulation. Both receptor subtypes appear to be important in ANG II mediated physiologic responses of GECs and may participate in modulation of glomerular function in vivo.     

The effect of captopril on catecholamines, renin activity, angiotensin II and aldosterone in plasma during physical exercise in hypertensive patients

Abstract. The studies were designed to explore the effect of the converting enzyme inhibitor captopril on the activity of the sympathetic nervous system during basal conditions and following graded physical exercise in patients with essential hypertension. Seven males and two females, aged 36–59 years, were hospitalized under metabolic ward conditions and treated for 7 days with captopril given orally in increasing dosages, the final dose being 600 mg daily. The patients were subjected to an individual, graded submaximal work test (bicycling) for 20 min before medication and then again in an identical manner during medication with 600 mg captopril. Blood samples were drawn before exercise and then after 10 and 20 min of work for the determination of plasma angiotensin II (PA II), plasma aldosterone (PAC), plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma noradrenaline (PNA) and plasma adrenaline (PA). Before medication blood pressure (mmHg) was 195/133 immediately before exercise, 230/129 after 10 min of moderate exercise and 263/105 following 20 min of nearly maximal work. During treatment with captopril the respective blood pressure values were 154/110, 200/100 and 245/98. Captopril had no significant effect on the changes in heart rate following physical exercise. PA II and PAC were substantially reduced and PRA considerably increased by captopril. PA II, PAC and PRA increased in response to exercise both before and following captopril. The exercise stimulated increase in PNA and PA was almost identical before and during captopril. Thus, captopril had no major effect on the activity of the sympathetic nervous system in patients with essential hypertension, neither during basic conditions nor during heavy physical exercise in spite of a profound decrease in PA II.     

Plasma renin activity, angiotensin II, prostacyclin and thromboxane A2 concentrations in 139 preeclamptic patients

Plasma renin activity, plasma concentrations of angiotensin II (AngII), stable metabolites (6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha: 6-keto-PGF1 alpha) of prostacyclin (PGI2) and a metabolite (thromboxane B2: TXB2) of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) were measured with radioimmunoassay(RIA) in 107 normal pregnancy (control) and 139 preeclamptic patients in 28-41 gestational weeks. PRA and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were significantly higher and AngII was slightly higher in preeclampsia than in control, and TXB2 was significantly lower in preeclampsia in control. The ratio of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/TXB2 was significantly lower in preeclampsia than in control. These data suggest that the changes in the renin-angiotensin system may not be primary alterations in preeclampsia. It can be speculated that in preeclampsia the changes in absolute concentrations of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha and TXB2 are less important than the decrease in the ratio of the 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/TXB2.     

Brain angiotensin II binding and central [Sar1,Ala8]angiotensin responses in normal rats and the New Zealand strain of genetically hypertensive rats.

1. Specific angiotensin II (ANGII) receptor binding was measured in regions of the brains of the New Zealand gentically hypertensive and normal rats. 2. ANGII receptor binding was consistently lower in the septum, midbrain, thalamus and posterior medulla of the genetically hypertensive rats than in normal rats. 3. Blood pressure responses to intraventricular injections of ANGII and an ANGII antagonist [Sar1,Ala8]angiotensin were studied in conscious and pentobarbitone-anaesthetized genetically hypertensive and normal rats. In conscious rats no significant difference between the two strains of rat was detected. 4. In pentobarbitone-anaesthetized rats intraventricular injection of 40 microgram of [Sar1,Ala8]angiotensin had a hypotensive effect which was three times greater in the genetically hypertensive rats than that observed in normal rats. The latency of this hypotensive effect was longer than the latency of the hypertensive effect of ANGII. 5. The drinking responses to intraventricular injections of ANGII were similar in genetically hypertensive and normal rats. 6. The physiological role of the ANGII system is discussed and it is concluded that an abnormality of this system in the brain may well be responsible for the hypertension found in the genetically hypertensive rat.     

Subtype 2 of angiotensin II receptors controls pressure-natriuresis in rats.

Angiotensin II recognizes two receptor subtypes, AT1 and AT2, both of them having been recently cloned. Although AT2 receptors represent 5-10% of angiotensin II receptors in the kidneys of adult rats, their function remains unknown. In the present work, we examined the possible contribution of AT2 receptors to the regulation of pressure-natriuresis in anesthetized rats infused either with the specific AT2 antagonist PD 123319, or with CGP 42112B, an AT2 ligand with agonistic properties. The effects of PD 123319 were examined in a preparation with stable levels of angiotensin II, and in which AT1 receptors were blocked by the specific antagonist losartan. The effects of CGP 42112B were studied in rats deprived of endogenous angiotensin II. AT2 receptor blockade with PD 123319 did not change the renal blood flow while it increased the diuresis and natriuresis. These effects persisted even after full AT1 receptor blockade with losarfan. CGP 42112B did not modify the renal blood flow, but dose-dependently decreased urine flow and natriuresis. These results show that, contrary to AT1 receptors, renal AT2 receptors have no effect on total renal blood flow, but blunt the pressure-natriuresis, thus demonstrating that this receptor subtype is involved in a function of importance for body fluid and blood pressure regulation.     

Blockade and stimulation of renal, adrenal, and vascular angiotensin II receptors with 1-Sar, 8-Ala angiotensin II in normal man.

We have assessed the capacity of an analogue of angiotensin II (A II), 1-Sar, 8-Ala A II (P113) in normal man to stimulate and block responses to A II in four systems: blood pressure was monitored directly from an arterial catheter, and renal blood flow was measured with 133Xe and arterial renin and aldosterone concentrations by radioimmunoassay. The 31 normal subjects were in balance on a daily intake of 200 meg sodium and 100 meq potassium to suppress endogenous renin. P113 administered intravenously induced a dose-related renal blood flow reduction, with a threshold dose of 0.1 mug/kg/min. This dose also induced a small but significant increase in arterial blood pressure and plasma aldosterone as well as a reduction in plasma renin activity. In contrast to its effect on the renal vasculature, no tendency to a progressive response in the latter three parameters was noted as the P113 dose was increased 30-fold, to 3.0 mug/kg/min. P113 also reduced the clearance of para-aminohippurate, creatinine, sodium, and potassium, a pattern similar to that induced by A II. P113 at 0.1 mug/kg/min reduced significantly the blood pressure and renal vascular and aldosterone responses to graded doses of A II. Higher P113 doses totally obliterated all three responses to A II infused at 10 ng/kg/min, a dose that provides arterial A II concentrations in the range found in angiotensin-mediated hypertension. When A II was infused first, to induce a pressor, renal vascular, and aldosterone response, P113 induced a dose-related reversal of the response in each system. In conclusion, P113 is a partial agonist in normal man, inducing an angiotensin-like response in settings in which endogenous A II is not playing a tonic role, and displaying dominant antagonist activity in settings in which A II is active. Moreover, the studies suggest that the receptors mediating the responses to A II are different in the renal vasculature and other systemic vascular beds. The adrenal receptor must also differ. This agent should be useful in dissecting the role of A II in diseases characterized by hypertension or abnormalities of renal and adrenal function.     

Effects of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist Losartan (DuP 753/MK 954) on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, plasma concentrations of angiotensin II and renin and the pressor response to infused angiotensin II in the salt-deplete dog.

1. The blood pressure, heart rate, hormonal and pressor responses to constant rate infusion of various doses of the angiotensin (type 1) receptor antagonist Losartan (DuP 753/MK 954) were studied in the conscious salt-deplete dog. 2. Doses in the range 0.1-3 micrograms min-1 kg-1 caused no change in blood pressure, heart rate or pressor response to angiotensin II (54 ng min-1 kg-1), and a dose of 10 micrograms min-1 kg-1 had no effect on blood pressure, but caused a small fall in the pressor response to angiotensin II. Infusion of Losartan at 30 micrograms min-1 kg-1 for 3 h caused a fall in mean blood arterial pressure from baseline (110.9 +/- 11.2 to 95.0 +/- 12.8 mmHg) and a rise in heart rate (from 84.6 +/- 15.1 to 103 +/- 15.2 beats/min). Baseline plasma angiotensin II (42.5 +/- 11.8 pg/ml) and renin (64.5 +/- 92.7 mu-units/ml) concentrations were already elevated in response to salt depletion and rose significantly after Losartan infusion to reach a plateau by 70 min. The rise in mean arterial blood pressure after a test infusion of angiotensin II (35.3 +/- 11.6 mmHg) was reduced at 15 min (11.8 +/- 6.8 mmHg) by Losartan and fell progressively with continued infusion (3 h, 4.3 +/- 3.3 mmHg). The peak plasma angiotensin II concentration during infusion of angiotensin II was unaffected by Losartan, but the rise in plasma angiotensin II concentration during infusion was reduced because of the elevated background concentration. Noradrenaline infusion caused a dose-related rise in mean blood arterial pressure (1000 ng min-1 kg-1, +19.9 +/- 8 mmHg; 2000 ng min-1 kg-1, +52.8 +/- 13.9 mmHg) with a fall in heart rate (1000 ng min-1 kg-1, -27.9 +/- 11.5 beats/min; 2000 ng min-1 kg-1, -31.2 +/- 17.3 beats/min).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Glandular kallikrein, renin and tonin in tissues of diabetic and hypertensive rats

The submaxillary gland and kidney of diabetic and hypertensive rats were compared for their content of glandular kallikrein and the activities of tonin and renin. The submaxillary glands and the kidneys of both diabetic Wistar strain and hypertensive rats contained significantly less glandular kallikrein than non-diabetic Wistar strain and hypertensive rats (reduction fron 40 to 76%). The renin activity of the kidney showed only a slight change in spite of diabetes, whereas the activity of the submaxillary gland decreased in parallel with the reduction of the kallikrein content when diabetes was induced. On the other hand, the tonin of the submaxillary gland, which has a potent hypertensive activity like renin, was not affected by induction of diabetes. However, the tonin activity in hypertensive rats was significantly higher (p less than 0.001) than that in the normotensive rats (His-Leu, 168.7 +/- 10.1 vs. 131.5 +/- 17.3 nmol/min X mg protein).     

Regulation of angiotensin II receptors in the rat adrenal cortex by dietary electrolytes.

The binding affinity and concentration of specific angiotensin II receptor sites of rat adrenal cortical cells and homogenates were determined after 1 and 6 wk of altered sodium and potassium intake. Sodium deprivation caused marked increases in plasma renin, blood angiotensin II, and plasma aldosterone, and was accompanied by a significant increase (+74%) in the number of specific angiotensin II receptor sites per adrenal cortical cell. High potassium intake was followed by increased serum potassium and markedly elevated plasma aldosterone, with subnormal levels of renin and angiotensin II and a 170% increase in the number of angiotensin II receptors per cell after 1 wk. Sodium loading and potassium deprivation were followed by the opposite effect upon adrenal receptors, with reduction of the angiotensin II-binding capacity. None of the dietary electrolyte changes were accompanied by an ancrease in receptor affinity above the control value of 2 nM-1. A decrease in receptor affinity was noted after 6 wk of either low sodium or low potassium intake, when the renin and angiotensin II levels were increased by 104-129%. The adrenals of normal rats infused acutely with synthetic angiotensin II, or anesthetized with ether or sodium pentobarbital, which markedly increased plasma renin activity, contained fewer angiotensin receptors. These reductions in binding site concentration were not accompanied by changes in affinity and were attributed to occupancy by angiotensin II. These studies have demonstrated that chronic changes in sodium or potassium balance and acute changes in blood angiotensin II levels can exert modulating effects upon the adrenal content and/or affinity of specific receptor sites for angiotensin II.     

Differences in glomerular binding and response to angiotensin II between normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats

1. Angiotensin II (ANG II) binding and the physiological response to exogenous ANG II have been studied in isolated glomerular preparations from normotensive (NTR) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. 2. The binding of 125I-labelled ANG II by glomeruli from SHR was significantly greater than that by glomeruli from NTR, whereas the binding affinity constant (Ka) showed that the SHR ANG II glomerular receptor had a lower affinity for the hormone than the NTR glomerular receptor. 3. Glomeruli from SHR were significantly less responsive to exogenous ANG II than those from NTR. 4. Sodium loading resulted in a significant increase in ANG II binding by glomeruli from NTR, whereas a decrease in binding occurred in glomeruli from SHR. 5. Although a high sodium intake caused a reduction in the response of glomeruli from both NTR and SHR to exogenous ANG II, these changes were not statistically significant. In NTR this was associated with a decrease in the concentration of agonist required to cause half-maximal response (EC50), whereas an increase in EC50 was shown by glomeruli from SHR.     

Antihypertensive mechanism of captopril in renal hypertensive rats: studies with a nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist and an angiotensin II monoclonal antibody

The validity of using EXP6803, a nonpeptide angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonist, and KAA8, an AII monoclonal antibody, as specific tools for studying the physiology of AII has been established previously. In this study, we used these specific probes to examine the role of blocking AII formation in the antihypertensive effect of captopril in conscious renal artery-ligated rats (RALRs), a high renin, renal hypertensive model. Mean arterial pressure and plasma renin activity in a typical group of RALRs averaged 175 +/- 5 mm Hg and 28.2 +/- 6.2 ng of angiotensin 1 per ml/hr (n = 6), respectively. The antihypertensive effect of captopril (3 mg/kg i.v.) was determined in RALRs given either EXP6803 (30 mg/kg + 2 mg/kg/min i.v.) or KAA8 (10 mg + 1 mg/min i.v. per rat) with the corresponding vehicle-treated RALRs. These doses of EXP6803 and KAA8 were very effective in blocking the pressor response to AII but not to norepinephrine or vasopressin in RALRs. Captopril decreased mean arterial pressure by 44 +/- 2 and 53 +/- 8 mm Hg in the groups treated with the vehicles of EXP6803 (n = 5) and KAA8 (n = 5), respectively. In the presence of EXP6803 (n = 5) or KAA8 (n = 5), the antihypertensive effect of captopril was almost or totally abolished. Indomethacin did not alter the antihypertensive effect of captopril. These results suggest that the antihypertensive effect of captopril in conscious RALRs is due mainly to the blockade of AII formation. Furthermore, circulating AII rather than locally formed AII appears to play a major role in maintaining hypertension in hypertension in RALRs.     

Protective effects of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockade in low-renin deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-treated spontaneously hypertensive rats

The present study evaluates the participation of oxidative stress, tissue angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin (ET) in the effects of losartan on blood pressure (BP), ventricular hypertrophy and renal injury in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and explores how these effects are modified when spontaneous hypertension is transformed in a low-renin model by the administration of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA). The following groups were used: SHR-control, SHR+DOCA, SHR+losartan and SHR+DOCA+losartan. Tail systolic BP was measured once a week. After 9 weeks of treatment, direct BP and metabolic, morphological, biochemical and renal variables were measured. DOCA administration to SHRs produced an increase in BP, ventricular hypertrophy, renal weight, proteinuria, renal histopathological lesions, urinary excretion of isoprostane F2alpha and ET levels in the renal cortex. Losartan reduced BP, plasma malondialdehyde levels, urinary excretion of isoprostane F2alpha, renal Ang II and renal and urinary levels of ET in the SHR and DOCA-treated SHR groups. Losartan increased plasma nitrite/nitrate in SHRs, but not in low-renin DOCA-treated SHRs. Losartan reduced ventricular hypertrophy and ventricular Ang II in SHRs, but not in DOCA-treated SHRs. Losartan significantly decreased proteinuria and renal injury in DOCA-treated SHRs. We conclude that (i) the DOCA-induced aggravation of hypertension, ventricular hypertrophy and renal injury in SHRs is accompanied by augmented oxidative stress and increased levels of ET in the renal cortex, which could contribute to their development; and (ii) losartan reduced oxidative stress and renal Ang II and ET in SHRs and DOCA-treated SHRs, which might contribute to its antihypertensive and renoprotective effects, regardless of renin status.