Intrarenal aminopeptidase N inhibition augments natriuretic responses to angiotensin III in angiotensin type 1 receptor-blocked rats

The renal angiotensin angiotensin type 2 receptor has been shown to mediate natriuresis, and angiotensin III, not angiotensin II, may be the preferential angiotensin type 2 receptor activator of this response. Angiotensin III is metabolized to angiotensin IV by aminopeptidase N. The present study hypothesizes that inhibition of aminopeptidase N will augment natriuretic responses to intrarenal angiotensin III in angiotension type 1 receptor-blocked rats. Rats received systemic candesartan for 24 hours before the experiment. After a 1-hour control, cumulative renal interstitial infusion of angiotensin III at 3.5, 7, 14, and 28 nmol/kg per minute (each dose for 30 minutes) or angiotensin III combined with aminopeptidase N inhibitor PC-18 was administered into 1 kidney. The contralateral control kidney received renal interstitial infusion of vehicle. In kidneys infused with angiotensin III alone, renal sodium excretion rate increased from 0.05+/-0.01 micromol/min in stepwise fashion to 0.11+/-0.01 micromol/min at 28 nmol/kg per minute of angiotensin III (overall ANOVA F=3.68; P<0.01). In angiotensin III combined with PC-18, the renal sodium excretion rate increased from 0.05+/-0.01 to 0.32+/-0.08 mumol/min at 28 nmol/kg per minute of angiotensin III (overall ANOVA F=6.2; P<0.001). The addition of intrarenal PD-123319, an angiotensin type 2 receptor antagonist, to renal interstitial angiotensin III plus PC-18 inhibited the natriuretic response. Mean arterial blood pressure and renal sodium excretion rate from control kidneys were unchanged by angiotensin III +/- PC-18 + PD-123319. Angiotensin III plus PC-18 induced a greater natriuretic response than Ang III alone (overall ANOVA F=16.9; P=0.0001). Aminopeptidase N inhibition augmented the natriuretic response to angiotensin III, suggesting that angiotensin III is a major agonist of angiotensin type 2 receptor-induced natriuresis.     

Conversion of renal angiotensin II to angiotensin III is critical for AT2 receptor-mediated natriuresis in rats

In the kidney, angiotensin II (Ang II) is metabolized to angiotensin III (Ang III) by aminopeptidase A (APA). In turn, Ang III is metabolized to angiotensin IV by aminopeptidase N (APN). Renal interstitial (RI) infusion of Ang III, but not Ang II, results in angiotensin type-2 receptor (AT(2)R)-mediated natriuresis. This response is augmented by coinfusion of PC-18, a specific inhibitor of APN. The present study addresses the hypotheses that Ang II conversion to Ang III is critical for the natriuretic response. Sprague-Dawley rats received systemic angiotensin type-1 receptor (AT(1)R) blockade with candesartan (CAND; 0.01 mg/kg/min) for 24 hours before and during the experiment. After a control period, rats received either RI infusion of Ang II or Ang II+PC-18. The contralateral kidney received a RI infusion of vehicle in all rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored, and urinary sodium excretion rate (U(Na)V) was calculated separately from experimental and control kidneys for each period. In contrast to Ang II-infused kidneys, U(Na)V from Ang II+PC-18-infused kidneys increased from a baseline of 0.03+/-0.01 to 0.09+/-0.02 micromol/min (P<0.05). MAP was unchanged by either infusion. RI addition of PD-123319, an AT(2)R antagonist, inhibited the natriuretic response. Furthermore, RI addition of EC-33, a selective APA inhibitor, abolished the natriuretic response to Ang II+PC-18. These data demonstrate that RI addition of PC-18 to Ang II enables natriuresis mediated by the AT(2)R, and that conversion of Ang II to Ang III is critical for this response.     

Renal angiotensin type 2 receptors mediate natriuresis via angiotensin III in the angiotensin II type 1 receptor-blocked rat

Whereas angiotensin (Ang) II is the major effector peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, its metabolite, des-aspartyl1-Ang II (Ang III), may also have biologic activity. We investigated the effects of renal interstitial (RI) administration of candesartan (CAND), a specific Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1) blocker, with and without coinfusion of PD-123319 (PD), a specific Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2) blocker, on Na+ excretion (UNaV) in uninephrectomized rats. We also studied the effects of unilateral RI infusion of Ang II or Ang III on UNaV with and without systemic infusion of CAND with the noninfused kidney as control. In rats receiving normal Na+ intake, RI CAND increased UNaV from 0.07+/-0.08 to 0.82+/-0.17 micromol/min (P<0.01); this response was abolished by PD. During Na+ restriction, CAND increased UNaV from 0.06+/-0.02 to 0.1+/-0.02 micromol/min (P<0.05); this response also was blocked by PD. In rats with both kidneys intact, in the absence of CAND, unilateral RI infusion of Ang III did not significantly alter UNaV. However, with systemic CAND infusion, RI Ang III increased U(Na)V from 0.08+/-0.01 micromol/min to 0.18+/-0.04 micromol/min (P<0.01) at 3.5 nmol/kg per minute, and UNaV remained elevated throughout the infusion; this response was abolished by PD. However, RI infusion of Ang II did not significantly alter UNaV at any infusion rate (3.5 to 80 nmol/kg per minute) with or without systemic CAND infusion. These results suggest that intrarenal AT1 receptor blockade engenders natriuresis by activation of AT2 receptors. AT2 receptor activation via Ang III, but not via Ang II, mediates the natriuretic response in the presence of systemic AT1 receptor blockade.     

Mechanisms of dopamine D(1) and angiotensin type 2 receptor interaction in natriuresis

Renal dopamine D(1)-like receptors (D(1)Rs) and angiotensin type 2 receptors (AT(2)Rs) are important natriuretic receptors counterbalancing angiotensin type 1 receptor-mediated tubular sodium reabsorption. Here we explore the mechanisms of D(1)R and AT(2)R interactions in natriuresis. In uninephrectomized, sodium-loaded Sprague-Dawley rats, direct renal interstitial infusion of the highly selective D(1)R agonist fenoldopam induced a natriuretic response that was abolished by the AT(2)R-specific antagonist PD-123319 or by microtubule polymerization inhibitor nocodazole but not by actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin D. By confocal microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy, fenoldopam translocated AT(2)Rs from intracellular sites to the apical plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells, and this translocation was abolished by nocodazole. Because D(1)R activation induces natriuresis via an adenylyl cyclase/cAMP signaling pathway, we explored whether this pathway is responsible for AT(2)R recruitment and AT(2)R-mediated natriuresis. Renal interstitial coinfusion of the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin and 3-isobutly-1-methylxanthine induced natriuresis that was abolished either by PD-123319 or nocodazole but was unaffected by specific the D(1)R antagonist SCH-23390. Coadministration of forskolin and 3-isobutly-1-methylxanthine also translocated AT(2)Rs to the apical plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells; this translocation was abolished by nocodazole but was unaffected by SCH-23390. The results demonstrate that D(1)R-induced natriuresis requires AT(2)R recruitment to the apical plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells in a microtubule-dependent manner involving an adenylyl cyclase/cAMP signaling pathway. These studies provide novel insights regarding the mechanisms whereby renal D(1)Rs and AT(2)Rs act in concert to promote sodium excretion in vivo.     

Angiotensin III stimulates aldosterone secretion from adrenal gland partially via angiotensin II type 2 receptor but not angiotensin II type 1 receptor

Angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang III stimulate aldosterone secretion by adrenal glomerulosa, but the angiotensin receptor subtypes involved and the effects of Ang IV and Ang (1-7) are not clear. In vitro, different angiotensins were added to rat adrenal glomerulosa, and aldosterone concentration in the medium was measured. Ang II-induced aldosterone release was blocked (30.3 ± 7.1%) by an Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonist, PD123319. Candesartan, an Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist, also blocked Ang II-induced aldosterone release (42.9 ± 4.8%). Coadministration of candesartan and PD123319 almost abolished the Ang II-induced aldosterone release. A selective AT2R agonist, CGP42112, was used to confirm the effects of AT2R. CGP42112 increased aldosterone secretion, which was almost completely inhibited by PD123319. In addition to Ang II, Ang III also induced aldosterone release, which was not blocked by candesartan. However, PD123319 blocked 22.4 ± 10.5% of the Ang III-induced aldosterone secretion. Ang IV and Ang (1-7) did not induce adrenal aldosterone secretion. In vivo, both Ang II and Ang III infusion increased plasma aldosterone concentration, but only Ang II elevated blood pressure. Ang IV and Ang (1-7) infusion did not affect blood pressure or aldosterone concentration. In conclusion, this report showed for the first time that AT2R partially mediates Ang III-induced aldosterone release, but not AT1R. Also, over 60% of Ang III-induced aldosterone release may be independent of both AT1R and AT2R. Ang III and AT2R signaling may have a role in the pathophysiology of aldosterone breakthrough.     

Loss of biphasic effect on Na/K-ATPase activity by angiotensin II involves defective angiotensin type 1 receptor-nitric oxide signaling

Oxidative stress causes changes in angiotensin (Ang) type 1 receptor (AT1R) function, which contributes to hypertension. Ang II affects blood pressure via maintenance of sodium homeostasis by regulating renal Na(+) absorption through its effects on Na/K-ATPase (NKA). At low concentrations, Ang II stimulates NKA; higher concentrations inhibit the enzyme. We examined the effect of oxidative stress on renal AT1R function involved in biphasic regulation of NKA. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received tap water (control) and 30 mmol/L of L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an oxidant, with and without 1 mmol/L of Tempol (antioxidant) for 2 weeks. BSO-treated rats exhibited increased oxidative stress, AT1R upregulation, and hypertension. In proximal tubules from control rats, Ang II exerted a biphasic effect on NKA activity, causing stimulation of the enzyme at picomolar and inhibition at micromolar concentrations. However, in BSO-treated rats, Ang II caused stimulation of NKA at both of the concentrations. The effect of Ang II was abolished by the AT1R antagonist candesartan and the mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor UO126, whereas the Ang type 2 receptor antagonist PD-123319 and NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester had no effect. The inhibitory effect of Ang II was sensitive to candesartan and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, whereas PD-123319 and UO126 had no effect. In BSO-treated rats, Ang II showed exaggerated stimulation of NKA, mitogen-activated protein kinase, proline-rich-tyrosine kinase 2, and NADPH oxidase but failed to activate NO signaling. Tempol reduced oxidative stress, normalized AT1R signaling, unmasked the biphasic effect on NKA, and reduced blood pressure in BSO-treated rats. In conclusion, oxidative stress-mediated AT1R upregulation caused a loss of NKA biphasic response and hypertension. Tempol normalized AT1R signaling and blood pressure.     

Intrarenal dopamine D1-like receptor stimulation induces natriuresis via an angiotensin type-2 receptor mechanism

We explored the effects of direct renal interstitial stimulation of dopamine D(1)-like receptors with fenoldopam, a selective D(1)-like receptor agonist, on renal sodium excretion and angiotensin type-2 (AT(2)) receptor expression and cellular distribution in rats on a high-sodium intake. In contrast to vehicle-infused rats, sodium excretion increased in fenoldopam-infused rats during each of three 1-hour experimental periods (<0.001). Blood pressure was unaffected by vehicle or fenoldopam. In plasma membranes of renal cortical cells, fenoldopam increased D(1) receptor expression by 38% (P<0.05) and AT(2) receptor expression by 69% (P<0.01). In plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells, fenoldopam increased AT(2) receptor expression by 108% (P<0.01). In outer apical membranes of proximal tubule cells, fenoldopam increased AT(2) receptor expression by 59% (P<0.01). No significant change in total AT(2) receptor protein expression was detectable in response to fenoldopam. Fenoldopam-induced natriuresis was abolished when either PD-123319, a specific AT(2) receptor antagonist, or SCH-23390, a potent D(1)-like receptor antagonist, was coinfused with F (P<0.001). In summary, direct renal D(1)-like receptor activation increased urinary sodium excretion and the plasma membrane expression of AT(2) receptors in renal cortical and proximal tubule cells. D(1)-like receptor-induced natriuresis was abolished by intrarenal AT(2) receptor inhibition. These findings suggest that dopaminergic regulation of sodium excretion involves recruitment of AT(2) receptors to the outer plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells and that dopamine-induced natriuresis requires AT(2) receptor activation.     

Brain and peripheral angiotensin II type 1 receptors mediate renal vasoconstrictor and blood pressure responses to angiotensin IV in the rat

OBJECTIVES: Angiotensin (Ang) IV was reported to increase renal cortical blood flow (CBF) via putative angiotensin IV receptor (AT4) stimulation but reduce total renal blood flow (RBF) via angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors. We investigated the effect of Ang IV on simultaneously measured mean arterial pressure (MAP), RBF, and CBF. The possible involvement of AT1 or AT4 receptors, the possible natriuretic effect, and responses to central administration were also explored. METHODS AND RESULTS: Intravenous injections of Ang IV dose dependently increased MAP and decreased CBF and RBF; these effects were abolished by AT1 receptor blockade. These reductions in CBF and RBF highly correlated as did renal vascular responses to Ang II and fenoldopam. Ang IV did not induce renal vasodilation even following AT1 receptor blockade. Intrarenal Ang IV infusion reduced CBF and RBF but had no natriuretic effect. Central Ang IV administration induced an AT1-mediated immediate increase in MAP and renal vascular resistance and a secondary increase in RBF. AT4 selective ligands, LVV-hemorphin-7 and AT4-16 (intravenous, intrarenal or intracerebroventricular), had no effects on MAP, RBF or urinary sodium excretion. Additional in-vitro experiments indicated that the majority of the Ang IV-sensitive aminopeptidase activity in kidney membranes is attributed to aminopeptidase-N. CONCLUSION: Insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP)/AT4 receptors are involved in neither the regulation of RBF or CBF nor in the handling of renal sodium. Ang IV increases MAP and induces renal vasoconstriction via stimulation of brain and peripheral AT1 receptors and may be involved in the regulation of renal blood flow and blood pressure.     

Extracellular renal guanosine cyclic 3'5'-monophosphate modulates nitric oxide and pressure-induced natriuresis

This study addresses the hypothesis that NO- and pressure-induced natriuresis are inhibited when guanosine cyclic 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP) is prevented from being transported outside its renal synthesizing cells in vivo. Rats received a renal interstitial (RI) infusion of NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) or SNAP+organic anion transporter inhibitor probenecid (PB) or SNAP+PB+cGMP. SNAP alone increased U(Na)V (P<0.05 at 1 hour and P<0.005 at 2 hours). In contrast, SNAP failed to increase U(Na)V when coinfused with PB, but cGMP coinfused with SNAP+probenecid restored the natriuretic response. SNAP alone increased RI cGMP (P<0.05) during the second experimental period. PB abolished the increase in RI cGMP in response to SNAP (P<0.01), but cGMP levels were restored by coinfusion with cGMP. PB also abolished SNAP-induced increases in fractional excretion of Na(+) (FE(Na)) and lithium (FE(Li)) (both P<0.01). PB also abolished the rise in RI cGMP and natriuresis induced by raising renal perfusion pressure (RPP) from 100 to 160 mm Hg in rats subjected to a standard pressure-natriuresis protocol and the natriuretic response was rescued by coinfusion with cGMP. RI administration of phosphodiesterase type V (PDE V) reduced both RIcGMP and U(Na)V in parallel (both P<0.01) without altering RIcAMP. The data demonstrate that export of cGMP from its renal synthesizing cells into the extracellular RI compartment is critical for the natriuretic action of NO donor SNAP or increased RPP and that RI cGMP controls basal Na(+) excretion. Extracellular cGMP modulates NO- and pressure-induced natriuresis.     

Local renin angiotensin expression regulates human mesenchymal stem cell differentiation to adipocytes

Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a role in metabolic syndrome. Adipogenesis is suggested to modulate obesity and obesity-related consequences, such as metabolic syndrome. Although mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a major source of adipocyte generation, the influence of RAS on MSC differentiation to adipocyte is unknown. We evaluated the expression of endogenous RAS in human MSCs during its differentiation to adipocytes and studied the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II), Ang II type 1 receptor blocker Valsartan, and type 2 (AT(2)) receptor blocker PD123319. Our data showed that differentiation was associated with an increase in cellular renin and AT(2) receptor expression and a concomitant decrease in angiotensinogen and angiotensin-converting enzyme expression. The net effect is an increase in endogenous cellular angiotensin II production. Incubation with Ang II (exogenous) inhibited adipogenesis. Combined treatment of exogenous Ang II and Valsartan further inhibited adipogenesis, whereas combined treatment of Ang II and PD123319 completely abolished the inhibition of adipogenesis, suggesting an important role for the AT(2) receptor. Blockade of endogenous angiotensin II effect by incubation with Valsartan alone inhibited adipogenesis, whereas PD123319 alone promoted adipogenesis, confirming the data using exogenous Ang II. The combination of Valsartan and PD123319 had no net effect. Our data demonstrate an important role of the expression of the local RAS in the regulation of human MSC differentiation to adipocytes. Elucidation of the molecular mechanism should provide important insight into the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome and the development of future therapeutics.     

Effects of angiotensin II on nitric oxide generation in growing and resting rat aortic endothelial cells

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of angiotensin II (ang II) and its receptors on nitric oxide (NO) production and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity and expression with respect to rat aortic endothelial cell (RAEC) growth. To also assess whether an intact endothelium is required for ang II activity. METHODS: RAEC were treated with different doses of ang II, Ca(2+) ionophore A23187, valsartan (an AT(1) receptor inhibitor) or PD-123319 (an AT(2) receptor inhibitor) alone or in combination for 24 h before measuring nitrite levels by Griess reaction as an index of NO production and eNOS activity by L-[3H]-arginine to L-[3H]-citrulline conversion assay. eNOS mRNA and protein expressions were determined by Northern and Western analyses, respectively. The requirement of endothelium for ang II-mediated relaxant/contractile effects was investigated by isometric tension studies. RESULTS: NO production and eNOS activity/expression were almost two-fold greater in proliferating RAEC. Ang II or Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 enhanced NO production in proliferating and confluent RAEC without altering the fold-difference in basal NO release. Both valsartan and PD-123319 significantly diminished NO production in RAEC treated with ang II but not Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 while NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 10 micromol/l) equally decreased NO generation in response to both stimulators. L-NNA, valsartan and PD-123319 also abolished endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant responses to ACh and Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 in the presence of ang II. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, increased endothelium-independent vasorelaxant responses that were augmented by valsartan but not L-NNA or PD-123319 in the presence of ang II. CONCLUSIONS: Ang II induces vascular NO production through endothelial AT(1) and AT(2)-receptors. This may be beneficial in counterbalancing its vasoconstrictor effect on vascular smooth muscle cells.     

Role of angiotensin II in the neural control of renal function

The aim of the present study was to distinguish between the direct effects of the renal nerves on renal function and indirect effects via neurally mediated increased systemic angiotensin II. We applied low-level electrical stimulation (1 Hz) to the left renal nerves in pentobarbitone-anesthetized rabbits for 180 minutes and measured renal blood flow, sodium excretion, and urine flow rate from both the stimulated and the nonstimulated contralateral kidney in the presence and the absence of ACE inhibition (enalaprilat). Stimulation resulted in an angiotensin II-mediated rise in arterial pressure and decreases in renal blood flow, urine flow rate, and sodium excretion on the stimulated side. On the nonstimulated denervated side, we found no change in renal blood flow, but found a decrease in urine flow rate. With ACE inhibition, renal stimulation no longer caused an increase in arterial pressure, the antidiuretic responses of the stimulated kidney were attenuated, and, importantly, the decrease in urine flow rate on the nonstimulated kidney was completely abolished. We therefore propose that although a direct effect of the renal nerves on sodium excretion is clearly present, the antidiuresis and antinatriuresis observed during renal activation is further supported by a neurally mediated increase in systemic angiotensin II.     

Effects of angiotensin II on nitric oxide generation in proliferating and quiescent rat coronary microvascular endothelial cells.

Nitric oxide (NO) and the mitogenic peptide angiotensin II (Ang II) have been implicated in endothelial cell growth. However, the putative relationship between these two opposing agents with respect to endothelial cell growth remains unknown. In this study, proliferating and confluent rat coronary microvascular endothelial cells (CMEC) were treated with different doses of Ang II, Ca2+ ionophore A23187, or valsartan (an Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor inhibitor) alone or in combination for 24 h before measuring the nitrite levels as an index of NO generation. NO production and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) mRNA/protein expression were found to be 3-fold greater in proliferating vs. quiescent CMEC. Treatments of CMEC with Ang II or Ca2+ ionophore A23187 equally increased NO production without altering the fold-difference in the basal release of NO from proliferating vs. confluent CMEC. Valsartan abolished NO production in CMEC treated with Ang II but not Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Treatments of endothelium-intact vascular rings with Ang II (1 nmol/l to 10 micromol/l) plus valsartan or PD-123319, an Ang II type 2 (AT2) receptor inhibitor, attenuated vascular responses to acetylcholine in an Ang II dose-dependent manner. In these rings, phenylephrine produced significant increases in contractile responses only at nmol/l concentrations of Ang II. In contrast, pharmacological and mechanical inactivation of endothelium enhanced contractile responses to phenylephrine at micromol/I concentrations of Ang II. These data demonstrate that Ang II stimulates NO production in CMEC in both an AT1- and an AT2 receptor-regulated manner, and that this stimulation of NO may be beneficial in counterbalancing the direct vasoconstrictor effect of Ang II on underlying smooth muscle cells.     

Renal angiotensin II type-2 receptors are upregulated and mediate the candesartan-induced natriuresis/diuresis in obese Zucker rats

Recently, there has been a growing interest in studying the role of angiotensin II type-2 (AT(2)) receptor in renal/cardiovascular function in pathological conditions. The present study was designed to determine the functional role of the AT(2) receptors on natriuresis/diuresis and compare the level of the tubular AT(2) receptor expression in obese and lean Zucker rats (12 weeks old). Under anesthesia, candesartan (angiotensin II type 1 [AT(1)]-specific antagonist; 100 microg/kg bolus) produced natriuresis/diuresis to a greater degree in obese than in lean rats. The specific AT(2) antagonist PD123319 (50 microg/kg per minute) after candesartan administration abolished the natriuretic/diuretic effects of candesartan in obese rats but not in lean rats. Infusion of AT(2) receptor agonist, CGP-42112A (1 microg/kg per minute), produced greater increase in sodium and urine excretion over basal in obese than in lean rats. The presence of the AT(2) receptor expression in the brush-border and basolateral membranes was confirmed by Western blotting using specific antibody and antigen-blocking peptide. Densitometric analysis of the bands revealed approximately 1.5- to 2.0-fold increase in the AT(2) receptor proteins in both membranes of obese compared with lean rats. Our results suggest upregulation of the AT(2) receptors, which play a role in mediating the natriuretic/diuretic effects of AT(1) receptor blockers in obese Zucker rats. We speculate that AT(2) receptors, by promoting sodium excretion, may protect obese Zucker rats against blood pressure increase associated with sodium and water retention.     

Intrarenal angiotensin II and hypertension

Elevations in intrarenal angiotensin II (Ang II) cause reductions in renal function and sodium excretion that contribute to progressive hypertension and lead to renal and vascular injury. Augmentation of intrarenal Ang II occurs by several processes, leading to levels much greater than can be explained from the circulating levels. In Ang II-dependent hypertension, Ang II is internalized via an AT1 receptor mechanism, but there is also sustained intrarenal production of Ang II. Ang II exerts a positive feedback action on intrarenal angiotensinogen (AGT) mRNA and protein. The increased intrarenal AGT production is associated with increased intrarenal and intracellular Ang II contents and urinary AGT excretion rates. The increased urinary AGT indicates spillover of AGT into distal nephron segments supporting enhanced distal Ang II formation and sodium reabsorption. The augmentation of intrarenal Ang II provides the basis for sustained actions on renal function, sodium excretion, and maintenance of hypertension.     

Pressor and renal hemodynamic effects of the novel angiotensin A peptide are angiotensin II type 1A receptor dependent

Recently, a new derivative of angiotensin (Ang) II, called "Ang A," has been discovered to be present in plasma of healthy humans and, in increased concentrations, in end-stage renal failure patients. The objectives of the study were to investigate the blood pressure and renal hemodynamic responses to Ang A in normotensive and hypertensive rats and in genetically modified mice and the binding properties of Ang A to Ang II type 1 (AT(1)) or Ang II type 2 (AT(2)) receptors. Intravenous and intrarenal administration of Ang A induced dose-dependent pressor and renal vasoconstrictor responses in normotensive rats, which were blocked by the AT(1) receptor antagonist candesartan but were not altered by the AT(2) receptor ligands PD123319, CGP42112A, or compound 21. Similar responses were observed after intravenous administration in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Deletion of AT(1a) receptors in mice almost completely abolished the pressor and renal vasoconstrictor responses to Ang A, indicating that its effects are mediated via AT(1a) receptors. Ang A was less potent than Ang II in vivo. The in vitro study demonstrated that Ang A is a full agonist for AT(1) receptors, with similar affinity for AT(1) and AT(2) receptors as Ang II. Overall, the responses to Ang A and Ang II were similar. Ang A has no physiological role to modulate the pressor and renal hemodynamic effects of Ang II.     

Demonstration of different contractile mechanisms for angiotensin II and des-Asp1-angiotensin II in rabbit aortic strips.

Evidence of selective inhibition, differences in dose-response relationships, and cross-tachyphylaxis studies suggest that separate receptors and/or mechanisms may be involved in responses to angiotensin (Ang), [Sar1]Ang II, and Ang III (= des-Asp1-Ang II). The extracellular Ca2+ requirement for contractile responses induced by angiotensin peptides and norepinephrine was determined in rabbit aortic strips. Responses to K+ and [Sar1]Ang II were attenuated markedly by treatment with SKF-525A, verapamil, or Ca2+-free buffer. The response to Ang II was not impaired by verapamil, was blocked partially by SKF-525A, and was reduced markedly in Ca2+-free medium. Norepinephrine- and Ang III-induced contractions were not dependent on extracellular Ca2+. K+, Ang II, and [Sar1]Ang II required extracellular Ca2+ to induce contraction of the rabbit aorta. The data indicate that Ang III may have a mechanism of action that differs from that of [Sar1]Ang II and Ang II.     

Angiotensin subtype-2 receptors inhibit renin biosynthesis and angiotensin II formation

Renin is regulated by angiotensin subtype 1 (AT1) receptor, but it is unknown whether angiotensin subtype 2 (AT2) receptor contributes to this regulation. We hypothesized that AT2 receptors inhibit angiotensin II (Ang II) through inhibition of renin biosynthesis. We monitored changes in renal Ang II, renin mRNA and protein expression, and plasma renin concentration (PRC) in response to renal cortical administration of the AT1 receptor blocker valsartan or the AT2 receptor blocker PD 123319 (PD) in conscious rats administered low sodium intake (LS). Renal interstitial Ang II increased by 47-fold in response to LS and increased further in response to valsartan or PD by 67-fold and 61-fold from normal sodium diet (NS) and by 41% and 29% from LS, respectively. Renin mRNA increased 63% during LS, and either valsartan or PD increased it further by 600% and 250% from NS and 538% and 187% from LS, respectively. Similarly, renal renin content and PRC increased in response to LS and increased further in response to combined LS and valsartan or PD administration. Immunostaining for renal renin protein demonstrated an increase in its expression in juxtaglomular and tubular cells during LS and increased further during AT1 or AT2 receptor blockade. These data demonstrate for the first time to our knowledge that AT2 receptors regulate the renin-angiotensin system activity via inhibition of renin synthesis.     

Sex differences in renal medullary endothelin receptor function in angiotensin II hypertensive rats

We hypothesized that angiotensin (Ang) II hypertensive rats have impaired natriuresis after renal medullary endothelin (ET) B receptor stimulation that would be more evident in male versus female rats. Acute intramedullary infusion of the ET(B) agonist sarafotoxin 6c in normotensive male rats increased sodium excretion from 0.51±0.11 μmol/min during baseline to 1.64±0.19 μmol/min (P<0.05) after S6c. After 2 weeks of Ang II infusion (260 ng/kg per minute SC), male rats had an attenuated natriuretic response to S6c of 0.62±0.16 μmol/min during baseline versus 0.95±0.07 μmol/min after S6c. In contrast, ET(B)-dependent natriuresis was similar in female hypertensive rats (0.48±0.07 versus 1.5±0.18 μmol/min; P<0.05) compared with normotensive controls (1.05±0.07 versus 2.14±0.24 μmol/min; P<0.05). Because ET(A) receptors also mediate natriuresis in normotensive female rats, we examined ET(A) receptor function in female Ang II hypertensive rats. Intramedullary infusion of ET-1 increased sodium excretion in both hypertensive and normotensive female rats, which was partially blocked by the ET(A) antagonist BQ-123. Maximum ET(B) receptor binding in inner medullary membrane preparations was comparable between vehicle and Ang II hypertensive females; however, maximum ET(B) binding was significantly lower in male hypertensive rats (1952±251 versus 985±176 fmol/mg; P<0.05). These results indicate that renal ET(B) function is impaired in male Ang II hypertension attributed, at least in part, to a reduced number of ET(B) binding sites. Furthermore, renal ET receptor function is preserved in female rats during chronic Ang II infusion, suggesting that renal ET receptor function could serve to limit hypertension in females compared with males.