Protein kinase C activity in blood vessels from normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

This study investigates the effects of phorbol dibutyrate (PDB) on protein kinase C (PKC) activation, as assessed by the translocation of PKC activity from the cytosolic to the particulate fraction, in aortas and mesenteric arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The basal distribution of PKC activity between the cytosolic and particulate fractions of SHR and WKY aortas, and mesenteric arteries, was not significantly different. PDB induced a concentration-dependent decrease in cytosolic PKC activity in SHR and WKY aortas. PDB (0.01 microM) decreased cytosolic PKC activity to a greater magnitude in SHR aorta as compared to WKY aorta, while 1.0 microM PDB decreased cytosolic PKC activities to similar magnitudes in SHR and WKY aortas, and mesenteric arteries. These results suggest that the increased sensitivity of SHR vessels to contraction by phorbol esters may be due, at least in part, to the greater sensitivity of PKC in these vessels to phorbol ester activation.     

Vascular protein kinase C in Wistar-Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Phorbol esters which activate protein kinase C (PKC) produced concentration-related force development in aorta from spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rat (WKY); all were 2-7 x more potent in SHR. However, total PKC activity in aortas, as well as carotid, caudal and renal arteries, was not different, when SHR was compared with WKY. Binding of phorbol dibutyrate to particulate aortic PKC was similar in SHR and WKY (same apparent Kd and Bmax values), as was potency for displacement of phorbol dibutyrate by phorbol myristate acetate. Furthermore, there was no difference in potency with staurosporine, H-7, and calmidazolium in inhibiting SHR and WKY aortic PKC. These data demonstrate enhanced contractile sensitivity to PKC-activating phorbol esters in SHR aortic smooth muscle that is not related to activity, phorbol ester binding, or sensitivity to inhibitors when SHR PKC is compared with WKY PKC. Thus, signal transduction events distal to PKC activation may be responsible for enhanced vascular contractile sensitivity to phorbol esters in SHR.     

Vascular mitogen-activated protein kinase activity is enhanced via angiotensin system in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The vascular structural remodeling function may be altered in genetically hypertensive animals, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). To examine this possibility, we measured the activity of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, enzymes believed to be involved in the pathway for cell proliferation, in rat aorta strips, and examined whether the endothelium removal-induced MAP kinase activation function is altered in SHR and whether vascular angiotensin and endothelin systems are responsible for the alteration of MAP kinase activation in SHR. Male 4-week-old SHR and age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) supplied by Charles River Japan were used. Endothelium-denuded aorta strips were incubated at 37 degrees C in medium. MAP kinase activity after incubation was time-dependently increased in strips from SHR and WKY. MAP kinase activation was greater in SHR than in WKY aorta strips. Similarly, MAP kinase activation was enhanced in aorta strips from 4-week-old SHR and stroke prone SHR supplied by the Diseases Model Cooperative Research Association (Kyoto, Japan). In aorta strips from SHR and WKY, the angiotensin receptor antagonist, losartan, and the endothelin receptor antagonist, cyclo (D-alpha-aspartyl-L-prolyl-D-valyl-L-leucyl-D-tryptophyl)(BQ123), caused concentration-dependent inhibition of MAP kinase activation. The losartan-induced but not BQ123-induced inhibition of MAP kinase activation was greater in SHR than in WKY aorta strips. Angiotensin II caused a concentration-dependent increase in MAP kinase activity and the angiotensin II-induced MAP kinase activation was greater in SHR than in WKY aorta strips. These results indicate that endothelium removal-induced MAP kinase activation is enhanced in aorta strips from young SHR, suggesting that vascular structural remodeling function may be enhanced in SHR. It appears that the enhancement of MAP kinase activation results, at least in part, from enhanced function of vascular angiotensin system in SHR.     

Differences in the mechanisms for relaxation of aorta induced by 17beta-estradiol or progesterone between normotensive and hypertensive rats

The tension in isolated ring preparations of the thoracic aorta from Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was measured isometrically to study if there are any differences in the mechanisms of 17beta-estradiol- or progesterone-induced relaxation between WKY and SHR aortic rings. 17beta-Estradiol and progesterone caused dose-dependent vascular relaxation of the thoracic aorta precontracted with norepinephrine in both WKY and SHR, and the relaxation induced by 17beta-estradiol was greater in SHR than WKY. However, no difference was observed in progesterone-induced relaxation between SHR and WKY. With the exception of tetraethylammonium, an inhibitor of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels, glibenclamide, a selective inhibitor of ATP-sensitive K(+) channels, or 4-aminopyridine, a selective inhibitor of voltage-dependent K(+) channels, significantly reduced 17beta-estradiol-induced relaxation only in SHR, but not in WKY. Both 17beta-estradiol and progesterone inhibited Ca(2+)-induced vasocontraction of the thoracic aorta in K(+) depolarization medium in WKY and SHR. These results suggest that the mechanisms of 17beta-estradiol-induced relaxation in SHR aorta are at least partially mediated via ATP-sensitive and voltage-sensitive K(+) channels in addition to the inhibition of Ca(2+) channels, although those of progesterone-induced relaxation in both WKY and SHR are mainly concerned with the inhibition of Ca(2+) channels rather than the operation of K(+) channels. Moreover, a difference in 17beta-estradiol-induced relaxation between WKY and SHR aorta suggests a possibility that vascular response in SHR is modified by hypertension.     

Influence of hypertension on acetaldehyde-induced vasorelaxation in rat thoracic aorta.

Ethanol causes vasoconstriction and contributes to the development of hypertension. Acetaldehyde (ACA), the primary metabolite of ethanol, elevates blood pressure by releasing endogenous catecholamines. In vitro, ACA leads to vasorelaxation, although the response may vary among various vascular beds. This study examined the influence of hypertensive state on the ACA-induced vasorelaxant responsiveness. Ring segments of thoracic aorta were isolated from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and isometric tension development was measured. In aorta with or without intact endothelium, the contractile responses to KCl and norepinephrine were greatly attenuated, whereas vasoconstrictive response to 5-HT was enhanced, by hypertension. Vasorelaxant response to histamine was similar between WKY and SHR groups. ACA (1-30 mM) elicited endothelium-intact as well as -denuded vasorelaxation in a dose-dependent manner in aorta from both WKY and SHR groups. Interestingly, the ACA-induced endothelium-intact vasorelaxation was significantly diminished, whereas the ACA-induced endothelium-denuded vasorelaxation was significantly augmented, by hypertension. These data indicated that the ACA-induced vasorelaxant response, either endothelium-intact or-denuded, is altered by the hypertensive state.     

CONTRACTILE RESPONSES TO α1-ADRENOCEPTOR STIMULATION DURING MATURATION IN THE AORTA OF THE NORMOTENSIVE AND SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RAT: RELATION TO STRUCTURE

1. The significantly greater rise in blood pressure during the first 20 weeks of life in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) when compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) may be related to increased vasoconstrictor responses caused by enhanced transmitter release or post-junctional receptor changes. 2. The reactivity of rat isolated aorta to post-junctional alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation by methoxamine and to transmural sympathetic nerve stimulation was studied in ring segments suspended at equivalent transmural pressures in organ baths. 3. Wall stress in the SHR aorta was significantly higher at 4 weeks, but lower at 9 and 20 weeks when compared with the WKY aorta, a possible adaptation to the higher pressures seen in the SHR at the latter ages. 4. The sensitivity (location of EC50) to methoxamine was similar at all ages in both strains, but the SHR aortae at 9 and 20 weeks generated higher maximal contractile force to this agent compared with the WKY aorta. 5. The increase in force to methoxamine parallelled the medial hypertrophy of the SHR aorta, determined from computerized morphometric analysis. 6. There was an enhanced response to transmural field stimulation in the SHR aortae at 9 weeks, that was not accounted for by medial hypertrophy or altered neuronal uptake of noradrenaline. 7. These studies suggest that enhanced maximal contractile force in the SHR aorta to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation is accounted for by medial hypertrophy. However, there is an additional enhanced reactivity at 9 weeks in response to nerve stimulation in the SHR aorta that may be related to increased innervation density.     

Ouabain-induced contraction of vascular smooth muscle in spontaneously hypertensive rats and the effect of hydralazine

The effect of ouabain (10(-3) M) on contractile responses of SHR (spontaneously hypertensive rat) and WKY (Wistar-Kyoto rat) aortas and mesenteric arteries was studied. Ouabain addition caused a rapid contraction of aortic strips with a steeper rate of rise and a larger maximal force development in strips from SHR than WKY. This difference in contractile response is known to occur in the prehypertensive period of SHR (4-week-old). Phentolamine (10(-6) M) pretreatment had no effect on the ouabain-induced contraction but partially suppressed it in both SHR and WKY aortas when diltiazem (10(-5) M) was also added. The difference in the ouabain-induced contractions of SHR and WKY aortas was more apparent in the residual contraction during suppression by diltiazem. The 45Ca uptake in the presence of ouabain was significantly larger in the early period of incubation in SHR aorta than in WKY aorta. The ouabain-induced contraction of hydralazine-treated SHR aorta from the prehypertensive period was very similar to that of non-treated WKY aorta. These results suggested that the abnormality of the ouabain-induced contraction in SHR arterial smooth muscle could have arisen from an increased Ca2+ movement due to Ca2+ leakage when ouabain inhibited the Na+-pump in the membrane. This abnormality seems to start during the prehypertensive period and continue in the hypertensive stage.     

Differential effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on contraction and relaxation of the aortas of normotensive and hypertensive rats.

The contribution of tyrosine kinase activity to vasoreactivity in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats was investigated on isolated aortic preparations by the use of two tyrosine kinase inhibitors: methyl-2,5-dihydroxycinnamate (30 microM) and genistein (30 microM). The pretreatment of endothelium denuded aorta with methyl-2,5-dihydroxycinnamate reduced the sensitivity of the rings to noradrenaline to a larger extent in SHR than in WKY. The relaxing effects evoked by methyl-2,5-dihydroxycinnamate and genistein on the sustained contraction induced by endothelin-1 were also more pronounced in SHR denuded rings. Furthermore, in presence of methyl-2,5-dihydroxycinnamate, the endothelium-independent contractile responses to equipotent doses of cyclopiazonic acid were more depressed in SHR than in WKY. In WKY and SHR endothelium-intact aortas contracted with either phenylephrine or endothelin-1, carbachol and cyclopiazonic acid evoked endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF)/nitric oxide (NO)-dependent relaxations which were reduced by pretreatment of the rings with methyl-2,5-dihydroxycinnamate or genistein. These inhibitory effects were larger in WKY rings and more important on the cyclopiazonic acid response. In addition, sodium orthovanadate (30 microM) potentiated the noradrenaline-mediated contractions of endothelium-denuded SHR rings and reduced the cyclopiazonic acid-induced relaxation of endothelium-intact WKY rings. The present study suggests a regulatory role for tyrosine kinase in the smooth muscle contraction and the endothelium-dependent relaxation in WKY and SHR aortas and demonstrates the existence of a different relationship in the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on vasoreactivity between SHR and WKY. We propose that an increase in the tyrosine kinase activity in SHR could lead to an enhanced reactivity of Ca2+-linked contractile mechanisms. In addition, our results suggest a link between the loss of tyrosine kinase activity and the altered endothelium-dependent relaxation associated with hypertension.     

Effect of angiotensin III (des-Asp1-angiotensin II) on the vascular adrenergic neurotransmission in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The effects of angiotensin III (des-Asp1-angiotensin II) on the pressor responses of the perfused mesenteric vascular bed to periarterial nerve stimulation (PNS) and exogenously administered noradrenaline (NA) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were compared. Angiotensin III (10, 20, 30 and 50 ng/ml) induced a marked potentiation of the pressor response to PNS (8 Hz) in a concentration-dependent manner with a slight elevation of the basal perfusion pressure in both SHR and WKY. The facilitatory effect of angiotensin III was blocked by [Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin II (200 ng/ml) and did not significantly differ for SHR and WKY. Angiotensin III also potentiated the pressor response to infusion of NA (50 ng) to the same extent in SHR and WKY. The degree of potentiation of the response to NA was similar to that to PNS in both WKY and SHR. Perfusion of angiotensin III (50 ng/ml) did not alter the increase in the 3H-efflux evoked by PNS (8 Hz) in the perfused mesenteric vascular bed prelabelled with [3H]NA, whereas the peptide potentiated significantly the pressor response to PNS in WKY and SHR to the same extent. These results suggest that angiotensin III postsynaptically facilitates the adrenergic neurotransmission of the mesenteric vascular bed to the same extent in WKY and SHR.     

硫化氢对自发性高血压大鼠胸主动脉舒张反应的影响

目的 探讨内源性及外源性硫化氢(H_2S)对自发性高血压大鼠(SHR)离体胸主动脉舒张反应的影响。方法 4wb WKY大鼠24只,随机分为WKY对照组(n=8)、WKY+H_2S组(n=8)及WKY+PPG组(n=8)。同样周龄SHR大鼠24只,随机分为高血压对照组(n=8)、高血压+H_2S组(n=8)及高血压+PPG组(n=8),高血压对照组及WKY对照组大鼠每日腹腔注射生理盐水,WKY+H_2S组及高血压+H_2S组每日腹腔注射硫氢化钠(NaHS),WKY+PPG组及高血压+PPG组每日腹腔注射PPG,5 wk后处死,取胸主动脉,观察其对乙酰胆碱(ACh)、硝普钠(SNP)及NaHS的舒张反应。结果 WKY+PPG组及高血压对照组、高血压+PPG组对ACh及SNP的舒张率较WKY组降低(P<0.05),而高血压+H_2S组较高血压对照组升高(P<0.05),与WKY对照组相似;各组大鼠血管环对SNP的舒 张反应均高于ACh(P<0.05);WKY对照组及高血压对照组对不同浓度的NaHS呈现剂量依赖性舒张反应,对于同样浓度的NaHS,高血压对照组较WKY对照组的舒张率高。结论 H_2S可以独立及与一氧化氮协同发挥舒张血管效应,在自发性高血压血管舒张功能异常的形成机制中占据重要地位。     

Different activation of vascular mitogen-activated protein kinases in spontaneously and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

Regulation mechanisms of the activity of vascular mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, enzymes believed to be involved in the pathway for cell proliferation, may be altered in hypertension. To examine whether vascular MAP kinase activation mechanisms are altered in hypertension, we measured the activity of MAP kinases in rat aorta strips from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats, and examined whether vascular angiotensin and endothelin systems are responsible for the alteration of MAP kinase activation in these hypertensive models. Endothelium-denuded aorta strips were incubated at 37 degrees C in medium. MAP kinase activity after incubation was increased in rat aorta strips. The MAP kinase activation was greater in 9- and 15-week-old SHR aorta strips than in age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) aorta strips. Similarly, MAP kinase activation was enhanced in aorta strips from DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. In aorta strips from these kinds of rats, the angiotensin receptor antagonist, losartan, and the endothelin receptor antagonist, cyclo (D-alpha-aspartyl-L-prolyl-D-valyl-L-leucyl-D-tryptophyl) (BQ123), inhibited the MAP kinase activation. The losartan-induced, but not BQ123-induced, inhibition of MAP kinase activation was enhanced in 15-week-old SHR aorta strips, whereas the BQ123-induced, but not losartan-induced, inhibition of MAP kinase activation was enhanced in DOCA-salt hypertensive rat aorta strips. Angiotensin II-induced MAP kinase activation was enhanced in 15-week-old SHR aorta strips, whereas it was depressed in DOCA-salt hypertensive rat aorta strips. These results indicate that MAP kinase activation function is enhanced in aorta strips from both kinds of hypertensive rats. It appears that the enhancement of MAP kinase activation results partly from enhanced vascular angiotensin system in SHR and from enhanced vascular endothelin system in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats.     

Responsiveness, affinity constants and receptor reserves for serotonin on aortae of aged normotensive and hypertensive rats.

We have previously shown that the potency and affinity constants (K(A) values) for serotonin (5-HT) are greater, and the 5-HT2A-receptor reserve is lesser, on the aorta of 6-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared with age-matched Wistar Kyoto normotensive (WKY) rats. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether these parameters are altered on the aorta with ageing and as hypertension progresses to heart failure. The effects of phenoxybenzamine on the serotonergic responses of the aortae of 24-month-old WKY rats and SHRs were determined. On WKY rat aorta, ageing from 6 to 24 months was associated with an increase in sensitivity and affinity for serotonin, and a loss of 5-HT2A-receptor reserve. On SHR aorta, ageing from 6 to 24 months was also associated with an increase in sensitivity and affinity for serotonin, but a loss of 5-HT2A-receptor reserve. The sensitivity to serotonin was greater on the 24-month-old SHR aorta (pD2 6.53) than age-matched WKY rat aorta (pD2 5.89). On the aorta of the 24-month-old WKY rats, the K(A) value for serotonin was 4.5 x 10(-6) M, and the receptor occupancies required for 20 and 50 % maximum responses were 12 and 29%, respectively. There was a similar affinity, but greater receptor reserves, for serotonin on the aorta of age-matched SHRs. In summary, we have shown changes in sensitivity, affinity and 5-HT2A-receptor reserves for serotonin on the aorta with ageing and in hypertension/heart failure.     

Alpha 1-adrenoceptor reserve and effects of a Ca2+ entry blocker (Ro 18-3981) on aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The relationship between alpha 1-adrenoceptor reserve and the sensitivity of vasoconstrictor responses to Ca2+ entry blockade was investigated in isolated aortas from age-matched (13-15 weeks) spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Noradrenaline (NA) elicited contractile responses with a greater potency (log EC50) in aorta from WKY (-8.7) than in those from SHR (-8.05). The dihydropyridine Ca2+ entry blocker, Ro 18-3981 (10(-6) M), suppressed the maximal NA responses more in aorta of SHR (-54%) than WKY (-14%). The dissociation constant (KA) of NA was similar in aortas of both strains. However, the difference between KA and EC50 values was greater in aorta of WKY (7.2 X) than in those from SHR (1.4 X). Pretreatment of WKY aorta with the irreversible alpha-blocker phenoxybenzamine (10(-9) M) enhanced the inhibitory effect of Ro 18-3981 (10(-6) M) against NA-induced contractions (-14 to -47%). Thus, a smaller alpha 1-adrenoceptor reserve could explain the greater sensitivity of NA-induced contractions in SHR aorta to Ca2+ entry blockade.     

Increased 45Ca influx in response to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation in spontaneously hypertensive rat caudal artery

The isometric tension development and 45Ca influx in response to norepinephrine (NE) and methoxamine stimulation were investigated in caudal arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto normotensive rats (WKY). The maximum isometric tension developed as well as 45Ca influx in response to NE and methoxamine stimulation were significantly increased (p less than 0.05) in SHR caudal arteries as compared with WKY. On the other hand, neither the isometric tension developed nor the 45Ca influx in response to K+ depolarization were different between WKY and SHR caudal arteries. Estimation of [3H]prazosin binding to the membranes isolated from caudal artery of WKY and SHR showed a single class of high-affinity binding sites with Kd values for SHR 128 +/- 14 pM and for WKY 141 +/- 19 pM, and Bmax values for SHR 108 +/- 14 fmol/mg protein and for WKY 113 +/- 21 fmol/mg protein. From these results, we conclude: (a) Increased contractile response of SHR caudal artery rings to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation appears at least in part to be due to an increased Ca2+ influx through receptor-operated Ca2+ channels; (b) the affinity or density of alpha 1-adrenoceptors estimated by [3H]prazosin binding is not altered in the SHR caudal artery.     

Responsiveness, affinity constants and beta-adrenoceptor reserves for isoprenaline on aortae from normo-, pre- and hypertensive rats

The objective of this study was to determine the responsiveness, affinity constants and beta-adrenoceptor reserves for isoprenaline on the isolated aorta in the maturation of normotensive and hypertensive rats. The effects of a very slowly reversible antagonist, bromoacetylal-prenololmenthane (BAAM), on the relaxant responses of the aortae of 5- and 14-week-old Wistar Kyoto normotensive rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) to isoprenaline were determined. Five-week-old SHRs are pre-hypertensive and the aortic rings are less responsive to isoprenalinethan age-matched WKY (pD2 values: WKY, 8.40; SHRs, 8.03). Similar relaxant responses to forskol in were obtained on the aortae of 5- and 14-week-old WKY and SHRs. The K(A) value for isoprenaline at the aortic beta2-adrenoceptors of the 5-week-old WKY was 2.1 x 10(-7) M, and similar values were obtained on the aortae of 5-week-old SHR and 14-week-old WKY and SHRs. In the maturation of the WKY aortae from 5 to 14 weeks, there was a reduction in the maximum response, a major loss of sensitivity and a loss of beta2-adrenoceptor reserve for isoprenaline. On 5-week-old SHR aorta, the sensitivity to isoprenaline was 2.5-fold lower, and the beta2-adrenoceptor reserve was less than on age-matched WKY. In the development of hypertension on the SHR aorta from 5 to 14 weeks, there was a reduction in the maximum response to isoprenaline. At 14 weeks, the sensitivity and the beta-adrenoceptor reserve to isoprenaline were similar, but the maximum responses were lower on the SHR than WKY. As there are differences in pre-hypertensive SHR and age-matched WKY aortic responses to isoprenaline, it is no longer valid to consider that the loss of responsiveness to isoprenaline in hypertension is solely owing to the hypertension. There are no changes in affinity, but major changes in the sensitivity, maximum responses and aortic beta2-adrenoceptor reserves to isoprenaline in the maturation of normotensive and pre-hypertensive aortae.     

Altered responsiveness of adenylate cyclase to adenosine and other agents in the myocardial sarcolemma and aorta of spontaneously-hypertensive rats

Adenylate cyclase activity was studied in the myocardial sarcolemma and aorta of spontaneously-hypertensive rats (SHR) and their respectively Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls. Basal enzyme activity was decreased in the SHR as compared to the WKY group. Adenylate cyclase stimulation by N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine (NECA) was significantly lower in the myocardial sarcolemma and aorta of SHR, and this decreased responsiveness was associated with a reduction in the Vmax. Other agonists, such as isoproterenol (ISO), epinephrine, dopamine (DA), and glucagon, also enhanced myocardial adenylate cyclase activity to various degrees in SHR and WKY, but stimulation (Vagonists/Vbasal) was always lower in the SHR. NaF and forskolin (FSK), which activate adenylate cyclase via receptor-independent mechanisms, augmented it in the myocardial sarcolemma of SHR to a lesser extent than in WKY. While the guanine nucleotides GTP and GMP-P(NH)P elevated adenylate cyclase in a concentration-dependent manner in both SHR and WKY, the magnitude of stimulation was significantly lower in the former group. Decreased basal adenylate cyclase activity and responsiveness to adenosine, various hormones, NaF and FSK were observed in SHR of all ages, i.e. from 4 to 24 weeks of age. In addition, basal, hormone-, NaF- and FSK-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was diminished markedly in the aorta of SHR. These results suggest that, in SHR, not only is basal adenylate cyclase activity decreased but the abilities of adenosine, other hormones and agonists, such as NaF and FSK, to stimulate adenylate cyclase, guanine nucleotide regulatory protein and the catalytic subunit of the cyclase system are also impaired in the myocardial sarcolemma and aorta.     

Evidence for the presence of A(1) adenosine receptors in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

1. Isolated aortic rings (endothelium-intact and -denuded) from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used in this study to examine the vasoactive effects of various adenosine analogues. 2. In phenylephrine contracted aortic rings, concentration-response curves were constructed by cumulative additions (10(-11) - 10(-5) M) of (2S)-N(6)-[2-endo-Norbornyl] adenosine (ENBA), N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), R-N(6)-(2-phenylisopropyl) adenosine (R-PIA), 2-p-(-2-carboxyethyl) phenethylamino-5'-N-thylcarboxamido adenosine (CGS-21680). 3. A non-specific adenosine receptor agonist 2-chloroadenosine (CAD) resulted in biphasic response with a small contraction at lower concentrations (10(-9) - 10(-8) M) followed by a significant relaxation at higher concentration in endothelium-intact SHR tissues, suggesting presence of both A(1) and A(2) adenosine receptors in SHR aorta. However, only relaxation was observed in WKY. 4. Contractile response in SHR had the following rank order of potency: ENBA>CPA>R-PIA>CAD. The relaxation response in SHR and WKY had the following rank order of potency: CGS 21680>CAD>R-PIA>CPA>ENBA. 5. Removal of endothelium abolished the adenosine analogue induced contractions in SHR aorta and attenuated the vasorelaxation responses in the WKY and SHR. 6. The contractile response in SHR was abolished by A(1) adenosine receptor antagonist N(6)-endonorbornan-2-yl-9-methyladenine (N-0861). A(2) adenosine receptor antagonist, 3,7-dimethyl-1-proparglyxanthine (DMPX) did not affect the contraction response of adenosine analogues. 7. Endothelium-dependent contractions elicited by A(1) receptor agonists were blocked by indomethacin and by free radical scavengers. 8. These data suggest that the contractile response to adenosine analogues in SHR aorta is probably mediated by free radicals which are generated through the increased cyclo-oxygenase activity occurring in the vascular endothelium of SHR but not the WKY rats.     

Study of in vivo and in vitro resting vasodilator nitric oxide tone in normotensive and genetically hypertensive rats

The effects of N^G-nitro- -arginine ( -NNA) on mean arterial pressure and the effects of both -NNA and methylene blue on isolated aorta tone, were studied in order to elucidate potential alterations in vasodilator resting nitric oxide (NO) tone in genetic hypertension. -NNA produced a significantly greater increase of mean arterial pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) than in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats; in both cases, -arginine completely inhibited the -NNA hypertensive effect. Neither ganglion blockade with hexamethonium nor cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin significantly modified the effect of -NNA in both rat strains. In intact aorta rings, after submaximally contraction with KCl (25 mM), both -NNA and methylene blue induced strong dose-dependent contractions. The maximum contractions were, however, significantly greater in WKY rats than in SHR. The mechanical elimination of endothelium markedly inhibited both -NNA and methylene blue maximum contractions. In intact rings, -arginine completely inhibited the -NNA effects in both rat strains; in rubbed rings, the -arginine inhibitory effects were strong in WKY rats but not important and erratic in SHR. -Arginine had no effect on the contractions induced only by KCl in any of the preparations. In WKY rat-rubbed rings, sodium nitroprusside was significantly more effective in relaxing the contractions in response to 25 mM KCl than the contractions in response to methylene blue. These results indicate that contractions induced by -NNA and methylene blue in isolated aorta are principally due to the inhibition of an important endothelial resting vasodilator NO tone. They also show that hypertension reduces the resting vasodilator NO tone in isolated rat aorta, in spite of enhancing the total vasodilator NO tone in anaesthetized rat.     

Differential response to chloroethylclonidine in blood vessels of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats: role of alpha 1D- and alpha 1A-adrenoceptors in contraction

The effects of chloroethylclonidine on alpha(1)-adrenoceptor-mediated contraction in endothelium-denuded caudal arteries and aorta from normotensive Wistar and Wistar Kyoto (WKY), and from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats were evaluated. Chloroethylclonidine elicited concentration-dependent contractions. Maximal contraction was similar in caudal arteries among strains ( approximately 40% of noradrenaline effect). However, chloroethylclonidine elicited a higher contraction in aorta from SHR than from normotensive rats. In Wistar aorta chloroethylclonidine produced the smallest contractile response. In SHR aorta, BMY 7378 and 5-methylurapidil blocked chloroethylclonidine-elicited contraction, while (+)-cyclazocine did not inhibit it; while in caudal arteries, 5-methylurapidil blocked chloroethylclonidine action; the other antagonists had no effect. In chloroethylclonidine-treated aorta noradrenaline elicited biphasic contraction-response curves, indicating a high affinity (pD(2), 8.5 - 7.5) chloroethylclonidine-sensitive component and a low affinity (pD(2), 6.3 - 5.2) chloroethylclonidine-insensitive component. The high affinity component was blocked by chloroethylclonidine; while in caudal arteries noradrenaline elicited monophasic contraction-response curves with pD(2) values (6.5 - 5.7) similar to the low affinity component in aorta. Chloroethylclonidine inhibition of noradrenaline response was greater in aorta than in caudal arteries. Chloroethylclonidine increased the EC(50) values of noradrenaline approximately 1000 fold in aorta and approximately 10 fold in caudal arteries. In SHR aorta BMY 7378 protected alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors and in caudal arteries 5-methylurapidil protected alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors from chloroethylclonidine alkylation, allowing noradrenaline to elicit contraction. These results show marked strain-dependent differences in the ability of chloroethylclonidine to contract aorta; moreover, chloroethylclonidine stimulates alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors in aorta and alpha(1A)-adrenoceptors in caudal arteries. The higher contraction observed in aorta from SHR and WKY suggests an augmented number of alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors in these strains.