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.     

Vasoactive intestinal peptide regulates angiotensin II catabolism in the rabbit

Although vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is natriuretic it stimulates renin and aldosterone secretion. Therefore, to effect a natriuresis, VIP may need to modulate the sodium conserving actions of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) by another means. One possibility is that it alters the rate of disappearance from the circulation of one or more components of the RAS. We sought to determine whether VIP regulates the rate of catabolism of angiotensin II (Ang II). Steady state metabolic clearance studies of Ang II were undertaken with and without simultaneous VIP infusion. These studies were performed in rabbits on low, normal and high sodium diets, as dietary sodium has been shown to affect the metabolism of both VIP and Ang 11. The effects of VIP on plasma Ang 11 concentration and secretion were also studied. VIP decreased Ang II catabolism in rabbits on low (P < 0.05) and normal sodium diets (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of Ang II increased significantly in response to VIP in rabbits on these diets (low, P < 0.04; normal, P < 0.05). In contrast, in rabbits on a high sodium diet VIP increased the rate of catabolism of Ang II (P < 0.001). Thus we conclude that the effect of VIP on sodium excretion may be modulated by its effects on Ang II metabolism. The decrease in Ang II catabolism seen in rabbit on low and normal sodium diets may prevent or ameliorate any natriuresis while the more rapid degradation of Ang II which occurs in dietary sodium excess may enhance the natriuretic effect of VIP.     

Perinatal dietary NaCl level: effect on angiotensin-induced thermal and dipsogenic responses in adult rats

We have shown previously that administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) produces an apparent decrease in thermoregulatory set point. Exposure to high salt diets either perinatally or later in life has been shown to increase pressor responsiveness to administration of Ang II, so in the present studies we examine whether high dietary NaCl would also increase the thermal responsiveness to Ang II. In the first study, we show that exposure to a basal NaCl diet (0.12%) during gestation through 4 weeks postnatally produced very large elevations in plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone concentrations in the offspring. Exposure to high salt diet (3%) did not decrease the levels of these parameters below those fed mid salt diet (1%). In the second study, we show that rats raised through 4 weeks of age on basal diet, but then fed standard chow until adulthood, showed greater changes in tail skin (T(sk)) and colonic (T(c)) temperatures following administration of Ang II (200 microg/kg sc) than either mid- or high-salt-raised groups. In the third study, we confirmed this finding and extended it to show that rats raised on a very high salt diet (6%) also did not differ from the mid-salt group. In both studies, acute water intake measured in a separate test following administration of Ang II did not differ as a function of perinatal salt diet. In a fourth study, the period of exposure to the diets was extended from the perinatal period through adulthood and, surprisingly, there was no longer an enhanced thermal response to Ang II in basal diet rats compared with rats fed the very high salt diet. In the final study, rats raised on a regular diet but exposed only as adults to the test diets showed a nonsignificant trend toward a decreased thermal response in the basal group. Thus, dietary salt level may have opposite effects on Ang II effects on adult thermoregulation, depending on the age at the exposure.     

Evolving concepts on regulation and function of renin in distal nephron

Sustained stimulation of the intrarenal/intratubular renin–angiotensin system in a setting of elevated arterial pressure elicits renal vasoconstriction, increased sodium reabsorption, proliferation, fibrosis, and eventual renal injury. Activation of luminal AT₁ receptors in proximal and distal nephron segments by local Ang II formation stimulates various transport systems. Augmented angiotensinogen (AGT) production by proximal tubule cells increases AGT secretion contributing to increased proximal Ang II levels and leading to spillover of AGT into the distal nephron segments, as reflected by increased urinary AGT excretion. The increased distal delivery of AGT provides substrate for renin, which is expressed in principal cells of the collecting tubule and collecting ducts, and is also stimulated by AT₁ receptor activation. Renin and prorenin are secreted into the tubular lumen and act on the AGT delivered from the proximal tubule to form more Ang I. The catalytic actions of renin and or prorenin may be enhanced by binding to prorenin receptors on the intercalated cells or soluble prorenin receptor secreted into the tubular fluid. There is also increased luminal angiotensin converting enzyme in collecting ducts facilitating Ang II formation leading to stimulation of sodium reabsorption via sodium channel and sodium/chloride co-transporter. Thus, increased collecting duct renin contributes to Ang II-dependent hypertension by augmenting distal nephron intratubular Ang II formation leading to sustained stimulation of sodium reabsorption and progression of hypertension.     

Should we restrict chloride rather than sodium?

Low-salt diets have potential for prevention and treatment of hypertension, and may also reduce risk for stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy, osteoporosis, renal stones, asthma, cataract, gastric pathology, and possibly even senile dementia. Nonetheless, the fact that salt restriction evokes certain counter-regulatory metabolic responses-- increased production of renin and angiotensin II, as well as increased sympathetic activity--that are potentially inimical to vascular health, has suggested to some observers that salt restriction might not be of unalloyed benefit, and might in fact be contraindicated in some "salt-resistant" subjects. Current epidemiology indicates that lower-salt diets tend to reduce coronary risk quite markedly in obese subjects, whereas the impact of such diets on leaner subjects (who are less likely to be salt sensitive) is equivocal--seemingly consistent with the possibility that salt restriction can exert countervailing effects on vascular health. There is considerable evidence that sodium chloride, rather than sodium per se, is responsible for the known adverse effects of dietary salt. Other non-halide sodium salts, such as sodium citrate or bicarbonate, do not raise plasma volume, increase blood pressure, boost urinary calcium loss, or promote stroke in stroke-prone rats. Nonetheless, these compounds have been shown to blunt the impact of salt restriction on renin, angiotensin II, and sympathetic activity in humans. This may rationalize limited clinical evidence that organic sodium salts can decrease blood pressure in salt-restricted hypertensives. Furthermore, organic sodium salts have an alkalinizing metabolic impact favorable to bone health. These considerations suggest that restricting dietary salt to the extent feasible, while encouraging consumption of organic sodium salts in mineral waters, soft drinks, or other nutraceuticals--preferably in conjunction with organic potassium salts and taurine--may represent a superior strategy for controlling blood pressure, promoting vascular health, and preserving bone density. Further clinical studies should determine whether a moderately salt-restricted diet supplemented with organic sodium salts has a better and more uniform impact on hypertension than salt restriction alone, while rodent studies should examine the comparative impact of these regimens on rodents prone to vascular disease.     

The renin angiotensin system and hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis

Components of the renin angiotensin system, namely renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin I and II and aldosterone were measured in plasma of patients with hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis (n = 50) and healthy non-allergic controls (n = 25). Patients with a history of anaphylactic reactions to hymenoptera venom who did not undergo immunotherapy showed significantly reduced renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin I and angiotensin II in plasma as compared with controls (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the aldosterone concentration between patients and controls. Angiotensin I, angiotensin II, renin and angiotensinogen levels were the same in male and female patients. There was also no difference in the angiotensin I, II, renin or angiotensinogen levels between young and older patients. A significant inverse correlation between the severity of clinical symptoms and the plasma levels of renin (r = -0.382, P < 0.001), angiotensinogen (r = -0.567, P < 0.0001), angiotensin I (r = -0.656, P < 0.0001) and angiotensin II (r = 0.0762, P < 0.0001) was found: the lower the levels the more severe the clinical symptoms. No correlation was found for aldosterone. Hymenoptera venom allergic patients with repeated anaphylactic reactions during hyposensitization did not tolerate the sting of a living insect (n = 6). In these patients, renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin I and II remained significantly lower than in healthy non-allergic controls. Patients with successful immunotherapy (n = 27) who tolerated the sting of a living insect had renin, angiotensin I and II significantly higher than patients without immunotherapy. These findings suggest a possible role of the renin angiotensin system in hymenoptera venom anaphylaxis.     

Increased glomerular angiotensin II binding in rats exposed to a maternal low protein diet in utero

In the rat, protein restriction during pregnancy increases offspring blood pressure by 20–30 mmHg. We have shown in an earlier study that this is associated with a reduction in nephron number and increased glomerular sensitivity to angiotensin II (Ang II) in vivo . Hence, we hypothesized that exposure to a maternal low-protein diet increases glomerular Ang II AT₁ receptor expression and decreases AT₂ receptor expression. To test this hypothesis, pregnant Wistar rats were fed isocalorific diets containing either 18% (control) or 9% (LP) protein from conception until birth. At 4 weeks of age, the kidneys of male offspring were harvested to measure cortical AT₁ and AT₂ receptor expression, ¹²⁵I-Ang II glomerular binding, tissue renin activity, tissue Ang II and plasma aldosterone concentrations. AT₁ receptor expression was increased (62%) and AT₂ expression was decreased (35%) in LP rats. Maximum ¹²⁵I-Ang II (¹²⁵I-Ang II) binding ( B _max) was increased in LP rats (control n = 9, 291.6 ± 27.4 versus LP n = 7, 445.7 ± 27.4 fmol (mg glomerular protein)⁻¹, P < 0.01), but affinity ( K _D) was not statistically different from controls (control 2.87 ± 0.85 versus LP 0.84 ± 0.20 pmol ¹²⁵I-Ang II, P = 0.059). Renal renin activity, tissue Ang II and plasma aldosterone concentrations did not differ between control and LP rats. Increased AT₁ receptor expression in LP rat kidneys is consistent with greater haemodynamic sensitivity to Ang II in vivo . This may result in an inappropriate reduction in glomerular filtration rate, salt and water retention, and an increase in blood pressure.     

Polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin system and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in normotensive subjects.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to test the hypothesis that genes encoding components in the renin-angiotensin system influence endothelial vasodilatory function. METHODS: In 59 apparently healthy, normotensive individuals, endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV) and endothelial-independent vasodilation (EIDV) was evaluated by infusing metacholine and sodium nitroprusside into the brachial artery. Forearm blood flow was measured by venous occlusion plethysmography. The ACE insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism, the T174M and M235T angiotensinogen restriction fragments length polymorphisms, the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) A1166C, and the aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2) C-344T polymorphisms were analysed. RESULTS: When analysing the ACE, the two angiotensinogen and the aldosterone synthase CYP11B2 genotypes independently, no significant association with endothelial vasodilatory function was found. However, a significant reduction in endothelium-dependent vasodilation was observed in the subjects (n=9) with the ACE D allele and the angiotensinogen T174M genotype (P<0.05). Subjects with the AT1R genotype AC showed a reduction in both EDV (P=0.05) and EIDV (P=0.04) when compared with those with the AA genotype. CONCLUSIONS: The subjects with the ACE D allele in combination with the angiotensinogen T174M genotype are associated with a reduced EDV. This together with the observation that the AC AT1R genotype is associated with a reduction in both EDV and EIDV, supports the hypothesis that endothelial vasodilatory function is influenced by genes in the renin-angiotensinogen system.     

自发性高血压大鼠肾动脉的零应力状态

通过观察动脉主干张开角的大小,研究了自发性高血压大鼠（Ｓｐｏｎｔａｎｅｏｕｓｌｙ ｈｙｐｅｒｔｅｎｓｉｖｅ,ｒａｔ,ＳＨＲ）高血压建立后肾动脉零应力状态的变化,并于ＳＨＲ高血压形成前,分别给予口服型ＡｎｇⅡ Ⅰ型受体拮抗剂Ｌｏｓａｒｔａｎ和ＥＴ Ａ型受体拮抗剂ＢＭＳ－１８２８７４,研究内源性ＡｎｇⅡ和ＥＴ在ＳＨＲ肾动脉零应力状态变化中的作用。 现,在高血压已建立的ＳＨＲ,肾动脉主干张开角（１１４．     

Effect of angiotensin II and sodium depletion on angiotensinogen production

An in vitro preparation of liver slices was used to study the effect of angiotensin II and sodium depletion on the synthesis of angiotensinogen in rats. Two other treatments known to increase plasma angiotensinogen concentration in vivo, viz., intraperitoneal administration of dexamethasone or ethinyl estradiol, resulted in an increase in the rate of release of angiotensinogen by liver slices; this increase was inhibited by adding actinomycin D or vincristine to the incubation medium. Intravenous infusion of angiotensin II (33 ng/min for 3 days) also produced a marked increase in the release of angiotensinogen concentration and a decrease in plasma renin activity. In contrast, no change in the rate of release of angiotensinogen was observed in rats depleted of sodium for 7--14 days, even though these animals exhibited a marked increase in plasma angiotensin II concentration. Plasma angiotensinogen concentration decreased by 30%, presumably as a consequence of the accompanying increase in renin secretion. These results provide further evidence that the synthesis of angiotensinogen may be increased by angiotensin II, but indicate that the circulating level of angiotensin II in sodium-deficient animals is not sufficiently high to produce this response.     

Tissue renin-angiotensin systems: new insights from experimental animal models in hypertension research

Renin was first isolated in the kidney by Tigerstedt and Bergman over 100 years ago. Almost 50 additional years were necessary to isolate the renin substrate angiotensinogen and to show its cleavage to angiotensin (Ang). Further studies were then needed to demonstrate that Ang I is converted via an angiotensin-converting enzyme to Ang II. The circulating renin-angiotensin system, with blood pressure regulatory and aldosterone stimulatory roles, served well for decades. However, more recent information on Ang II and its action in terms of cell proliferation, hypertrophy, and hyperplasia as well as immune-modulatory and even intracellular functions, have focused attention on local Ang II generation and effects. These investigations necessarily began in the kidney, but quickly moved to other organs including the brain, heart, adrenal gland, and vessel wall and formed the basis for the concept of independent tissue renin-angiotensin systems. Both renin and Ang II have even been implicated in intracellular activities. This review presents some selected aspects of the historical development of this concept and summarizes discoveries relying primarily on animal models which demonstrate that Ang II is generated locally and acts in tissues as a local peptidergic system. Comprehensiveness in such an endeavor is not possible. We focus largely on work from our own group, not because the work is necessarily worthy of such scrutiny but rather because of our own familiarity with the contents.     

Dietary sodium deprivation evokes activation of brain regional neurons and down-regulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and angiotensin-convertion enzyme mRNA expression

Previous studies have indicated that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is implicated in the induction of sodium appetite in rats and that different dietary sodium intakes influence the mRNA expression of central and peripheral RAAS components. To determine whether dietary sodium deprivation activates regional brain neurons related to sodium appetite, and changes their gene expression of RAAS components of rats, the present study examined the c-Fos expression after chronic exposure to low sodium diet, and determined the relationship between plasma and brain angiotensin I (ANG I), angiotensin II (ANG II) and aldosterone (ALD) levels and the sodium ingestive behavior variations, as well as the effects of prolonged dietary sodium deprivation on ANG II type 1 (AT1) and ANG II type 2 (AT2) receptors and angiotensin-convertion enzyme (ACE) mRNA levels in the involved brain regions using the method of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that the Fos immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) expression in forebrain areas such as subfornical organ (SFO), paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei (PVN), supraoptic nucleus (SON) and organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) all increased significantly and that the levels of ANG I, ANG II and ALD also increased in plasma and forebrain in rats fed with low sodium diet. In contrast, AT1, ACE mRNA in PVN, SON and OVLT decreased significantly in dietary sodium depleted rats, while AT2 mRNA expression did not change in the examined areas. These results suggest that many brain areas are activated by increased levels of plasma and/or brain ANG II and ALD, which underlies the elevated preference for hypertonic salt solution after prolonged exposure to low sodium diet, and that the regional AT1 and ACE mRNA are down-regulated after dietary sodium deprivation, which may be mediated by increased ANG II in plasma and/or brain tissue.     

Studies on the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in patients with cirrhosis of the liver

Summary Plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma renin concentration (PRC), angiotensinogen, angiotensin II (AT II) and plasma aldosterone were determined by radioimmunoassay in 77 patients with cirrhosis of the liver [group I: with ascites, untreated (n=23); group II: patients with ascites during treatment (n=32); group III: after removal of fluids, but under further spironolactone therapy (n=10); group IV: untreated subjects without ascites (n=12)]. With the exception of decreased angiotensinogen values in all groups ranging between 39% (group IV) and 73% (group III) no significant changes of the other parameters of the RAAS were found in untreated patients. A highly significant increase of PRA, PRC, AT II and plasma aldosterone was observed in treated cirrhotics with (group II) or without (group III) ascites. In the total series of patients AT II was closely related to PRA, PRC and aldosterone emphasizing again the predominant role of AT II to stimulate aldosterone secretion. Plasma sodium was inversely correlated to PRA, PRC, AT II and aldosterone, but no relationship was detected between these parameters of the RAAS and plasma potassium.Our results indicate that hyperaldosteronism in cirrhosis appears unlikely to be the major determinant of avid renal sodium retention and ascites formation. An increased activity of the RAAS is most often initiated by therapeutic factors and/or markedly altered electrolyte metabolism. Therefore, basal conditions of the patients to be studied must be well defined to exclude any artificially induced stimulation of the RAAS.     

Effects of sodium intake on plasma potassium and renin angiotensin aldosterone system in conscious dogs

AIMS: The operating range of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is ill-defined. This study quantifies renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity as a function of sodium intake. METHODS: Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system variables were measured daily after a sudden reduction in sodium intake (3.0-0.5 mmol kg(-1) day(-1)) or at steady states generated by eight levels of sodium intake (0.5-8.0 mmol kg(-1) day(-1)). Potassium intake was 2.79 +/- 0.03 mmol kg(-1) day(-1). Arterial blood pressure was measured invasively. Hormone concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassays. Glomerular filtration rate and plasma volume were determined by standard methods. RESULTS: Sudden sodium intake reduction doubled plasma renin activity and angiotensin II, and tripled aldosterone on day 1 with only small non-significant additional changes on the following days. Different levels of sodium intake did not affect arterial blood pressure, heart rate, and plasma concentrations of sodium, angiotensinogen, atrial natriuretic peptide, vasopressin, glomerular filtration rate and diuresis. With increasing sodium intake, plasma volume increased by 0.47 +/- 0.04 mL (kg body mass)(-1) (unit increase in Na intake)(-1) (P < 0.01), and plasma potassium decreased with the slope -0.038 mm [(mmol Na+ intake) (kg body mass)(-1) day(-1)](-1) (P = 0.001) while plasma renin-activity, angiotensin II, and aldosterone decreased systematically as expected. CONCLUSIONS: A step reduction in sodium intake alters renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity on day 1 with little further change the subsequent 4 days. Week-long increases in sodium intake decreases renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system activity, increases plasma volume, and decreases plasma potassium. Isolated decreases in sodium intake increase aldosterone secretion via volume-mediated action on the renin-angiotensin system and via increases in plasma potassium.     

Maternal renal dysfunction in sheep is associated with salt insensitivity in female offspring

To examine the programming effects of maternal renal dysfunction (created by subtotal nephrectomy in ewes prior to mating; STNx), renal and cardiovascular function were studied in 6-month-old male and female offspring of STNx and control pregnancies. After studies were conducted on a low salt diet (LSD) some female offspring underwent salt loading (0.17 m NaCl in the drinking water for 5–7 days; HSD). On LSD both male and female offspring of STNx had similar mean arterial pressures (MAP), heart rates, cardiac outputs and renal function to those measured in offspring of control ewes. In female STNx offspring on a HSD, plasma sodium levels increased and haematocrits fell, indicating volume expansion ( P < 0.05). Plasma renin levels were not suppressed despite the increases in plasma sodium concentrations, but aldosterone levels were reduced. In control animals plasma renin levels fell ( P < 0.05) but there was no change in plasma aldosterone concentrations. There was a positive relationship between GFR and MAP which was present only in female STNx offspring. In conclusion, in STNx offspring there was an impaired ability to regulate glomerular filtration independent of arterial pressure, renin release was insensitive to a high salt intake and control of aldosterone secretion was abnormal. This study provides evidence of abnormal programming of the renin–angiotensin system and glomerular function in offspring of pregnancies in which there is impaired maternal renal function.     

The role of the subfornical organ in angiotensin II-salt hypertension in the rat

Hypertension caused by chronic infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) in experimental animals is dependent, in part, on increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This chronic sympathoexcitatory response is amplified by a high-salt diet, suggesting an interaction of circulating Ang II and dietary salt on sympathetic regulatory pathways in the brain. The present study tested the hypothesis that the subfornical organ (SFO), a forebrain circumventricular organ known to be activated by circulating Ang II, is crucial to the pathogenesis of hypertension induced by chronic Ang II administration in rats on a high-salt diet (Ang II-salt model). Rats were randomly selected to undergo either subfornical organ lesion (SFOx) or sham surgery (Sham) and then placed on a high-salt (2% NaCl) diet. One week later, rats were instrumented for radiotelemetric measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) and placed in metabolic cages to measure sodium and water balance. Baseline MAP was slightly (but not statistically) lower in SFOx compared with Sham rats during the 5 day control period. During the subsequent 10 days of Ang II administration, MAP was statistically lower in SFOx rats. However, when MAP responses to Ang II were analysed by comparing the change from the 5 day baseline period, only on the fifth day of Ang II was MAP significantly different between groups. There were no differences between groups for water or sodium balance throughout the protocol. We conclude that, although the SFO is required for the complete expression of Ang II-salt hypertension in the rat, other brain sites are also involved.     

运动训练激活中枢ACE2-Ang(1-7)-MAS轴延缓高血压进展

目的:观察运动训练对高血压前期的血压进展、血压调节以及中枢血管紧张素转换酶2(ACE2)-血管紧张素(Ang)(1-7)-MAS轴的影响,探讨运动训练延缓高血压进展的中枢机制。方法:5周龄雄性自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)和正常血压WKY大鼠各20只,随机分成安静组和运动训练组,每组10只。运动组大鼠进行20周中低强度跑台运动。采用尾套法测定大鼠尾动脉收缩压,药物法检测动脉压力反射敏感性(BRS)。Real-time PCR和Western blot分别检测压力反射中枢ACE2和MAS的mRNA和蛋白表达。侧脑室注射MAS受体激动剂Ang(1-7)及拮抗剂A779,检测注药前后的BRS变化。结果:始于高血压前期的运动训练可推迟高血压发生、延缓高血压进展,明显降低SHR和WKY大鼠血压(P0.05),并改善SHR血压调节功能,提高其BRS(P0.01);此处,运动训练可上调SHR压力反射中枢(孤束核、延髓头端腹外侧区和室旁核中)ACE2和MAS的mRNA和蛋白表达(P0.05);中枢给予A779抵消了运动对SHR BRS的改善作用(P0.01),相反,注射Ang(1-7)则增强安静组和运动组SHR的BRS(P0.05)。结论:运动训练延缓高血压前期进展到高血压的进程及改善血压调节作用可能与运动增强中枢ACE2-Ang(1-7)-MAS轴功能有关。     

ACE2在高血压大鼠左心室重构中的作用及缬沙坦干预的作用

目的观察血管紧张素转换酶2(ACE2)在自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)左心室中的表达以及缬沙坦干预后对ACE2表达水平的影响。方法 24只12周龄雄性SHR随机分为SHR组、缬沙坦组,12只同龄雄性血压正常的Wistar大鼠作为正常对照组。10周后处死,测定心脏重量指数(HWI)、左心室重量指数(LVWI);酶联免疫法测定血浆中AngⅡ的浓度;碱水解法测定心肌中羟脯氨酸的含量;反转录-聚合酶链反应检测心肌中ACE2的表达。结果与正常对照组比较,SHR组LVWI、血浆中AngⅡ的浓度以及心肌羟脯氨酸的含量均增高(P<0.05),心肌组织中ACE2的表达显著降低(P<0.05);与SHR组比较,缬沙坦组LVWI、血浆中AngⅡ的浓度以及心肌羟脯氨酸的含量均降低(P<0.05),心肌组织中ACE2表达显著增高(P<0.05)。结论缬沙坦可逆转高血压左心室重构,机制可能与增加心肌中ACE2的表达有关。     

"Salt-sensitive" essential hypertension in men. Is the sodium ion alone important?

We investigated whether the anionic component of an orally administered sodium salt can influence the salt's capacity to increase blood pressure. In five men with essential hypertension in whom blood pressure was normal with restriction of dietary sodium chloride to 10 mmol per day (0.23 g of sodium per day), oral administration of sodium chloride for seven days, 240 mmol per day (5.52 g of sodium per day), induced significant increases in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, of 16 +/- 2 and 8 +/- 2 mm Hg (mean +/- SEM), respectively (P less than 0.05). An equimolar amount of sodium given as sodium citrate induced no change in blood pressure. Replacing supplemental sodium chloride with an equimolar amount of sodium as sodium citrate abolished the increase in blood pressure induced by sodium chloride. Both salts induced substantial and comparable sodium retention, weight gain, and suppression of plasma renin activity and plasma aldosterone, but supplemental sodium chloride increased plasma volume and urinary excretion of calcium, whereas sodium citrate did not. These preliminary findings demonstrate that the anionic component of an orally administered sodium salt can influence the ability of that salt to increase blood pressure, possibly by determining whether the salt induces an increase in plasma volume. Our observations in a small group of men with salt-sensitive hypertension will require confirmation in larger numbers of patients of both sexes.     

局部肾素-血管紧张素系统在反搏治疗心肌缺血时的改变及其机制

目的:探讨局部肾素-血管紧张素系统(RAS)在心肌缺血与体外反搏(ECP)治疗时的改变及其改变机制。方法:利用冠状动脉结扎法造成急性心肌缺血犬模型,观察缺血与ECP治疗时缺血心肌和主动脉壁肾素活性、血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)水平的改变,应用反转录-聚合酶链式反应观察血管紧张素原与肾素mRNA的表达。结果:反搏组缺血心肌肾素活性、AngⅡ水平和主动脉壁AngⅡ水平都明显低于缺血组。反搏组缺血心肌中血管紧张素原、肾素以及主动脉肾素mRNA也明显低于缺血组,其中,除缺血心肌肾素mRNA外,均降至正常水平。结论:ECP能通过抑制心血管肾素mRNA的表达来抑制肾素活性,还对血管紧张素原mRNA有抑制作用,造成心血管局部AngⅡ的降低,这可能是ECP保护缺血心肌的机制之一。