Angiotensin receptors contribute to blood pressure homeostasis in salt-depleted SHR

This study evaluated the contribution of angiotensin peptides acting at various receptor subtypes to the arterial pressure and heart rate of adult 9-wk-old male conscious salt-depleted spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Plasma ANG II and ANG I in salt-depleted SHR were elevated sevenfold compared with peptide levels measured in sodium-replete SHR, whereas plasma ANG-(1-7) was twofold greater in salt-depleted SHR compared with salt-replete SHR. Losartan (32.5 micromol/kg), PD-123319 (0.12 micromol. kg(-1). min(-1)), [d-Ala(7)]ANG-(1-7) (10 and 100 pmol/min), and a polyclonal ANG II antibody (0.08 mg/min) were infused intravenously alone or in combination. Combined blockade of AT(2) and AT((1-7)) receptors significantly increased the blood pressure of losartan-treated SHR (+15 +/- 1 mmHg; P < 0.01); this change did not differ from the blood pressure elevation produced by the sole blockade of AT((1-7)) receptors (15 +/- 4 mmHg). On the other hand, sole blockade of AT(2) receptors in losartan-treated SHR increased mean arterial pressure by 8 +/- 1 mmHg (P < 0.05 vs. 5% dextrose in water as vehicle), and this increase was less than the pressor response produced by blockade of AT((1-7)) receptors alone or combined blockade of AT((1-7)) and AT(2) receptors. The ANG II antibody increased blood pressure to the greatest extent in salt-depleted SHR pretreated with only losartan (+11 +/- 2 mmHg) and to the least extent in salt-depleted SHR previously treated with the combination of losartan, PD-123319, and [d-Ala(7)]ANG-(1-7) (+7 +/- 1 mmHg; P < 0.01). Losartan significantly increased heart rate, whereas other combinations of receptor antagonists or the ANG II antibody did not alter heart rate. Our results demonstrate that ANG II and ANG-(1-7) act through non-AT(1) receptors to oppose the vasoconstrictor actions of ANG II in salt-depleted SHR. Combined blockade of AT(2) and AT((1-7)) receptors and ANG II neutralization by the ANG II antibody reversed as much as 67% of the blood pressure-lowering effect of losartan.     

Involvement of AT(1) angiotensin receptors in the vasomodulatory effect of des-aspartate-angiotensin I in the rat renal vasculature

Angiotensin II is known to act primarily on the angiotensin AT(1) receptors to mediate its physiological and pathological actions. Des-aspartate-angiotensin I (DAA-I) is a bioactive angiotensin peptide and have been shown to have contrasting vascular actions to angiotensin II. Previous work in this laboratory has demonstrated an overwhelming vasodepressor modulation on angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction by DAA-I. The present study investigated the involvement of the AT(1) receptor in the actions of DAA-I on angiotensin II-induced vascular actions in the renal vasculature of normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The findings revealed that the angiotensin receptor in rat kidney homogenate was mainly of the AT(1) subtype. The AT(1) receptor density was significantly higher in the kidney of the SHR. The increase in AT(1) receptor density was also confirmed by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. In contrast, AT(1) receptor density was significantly reduced in the kidney of the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Perfusion with 10(-9)M DAA-I reduced the AT(1) receptor density in the kidneys of WKY and SHR rats suggesting that the previously observed vasodepressor modulation of the nonapeptide could be due to down-regulation or internalization of AT(1) receptors. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed no significant changes in the content of AT(1) receptor mRNA and protein. This supports the suggestion that DAA-I causes internalization of AT(1) receptors. In the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat, no significant changes in renal AT(1) receptor density and expression were seen when its kidneys were similarly perfused with DAA-I.     

Antibodies against AT1 Receptors Are Associated with Vascular Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Function Impairment: Protective Effects of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A

Ample evidence has shown that autoantibodies against AT1 receptors (AT1-AA) are closely associated with human cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to investigate mechanisms underlying AT1-AA-induced vascular structural and functional impairments in the formation of hypertension, and explore ways for preventive treatment. We used synthetic peptide corresponding to the sequence of the second extracellular loop of the AT1 receptor (165–191) to immunize rats and establish an active immunization model. Part of the model received preventive therapy by losartan (20 mg/kg/day) and hyroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) (10 mg/kg/day). The result show that systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) of immunized rats was significantly higher, and closely correlated with the plasma AT1-Ab titer. The systolic response of thoracic aortic was increased, but diastolic effects were attenuated markedly. Histological observation showed that the thoracic aortic endothelium of the immunized rats became thinner or ruptured, inflammatory cell infiltration, medial smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, the vascular wall became thicker. There was no significant difference in serum antibody titer between losartan and HSYA groups and the immunized group. The vascular structure and function were reversed, and plasma biochemical parameters were also improved significantly in the two treatment groups. These results suggest that AT1-Ab could induce injury to vascular endothelial cells, and proliferation of smooth muscle cells. These changes were involved in the formation of hypertension. Treatment with AT1 receptor antagonists and anti oxidative therapy could block the pathogenic effect of AT1-Ab on vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells.     

Changes in cardiac structure and function in rats immunized by angiotensin type 1 receptor peptides

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by activating the Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor. Some studies have demonstrated that the autoantibodies against angiotensin AT1 receptor (AT1-AAs) cause functional effects, which is similar to those observed for the natural agonist Ang II. In this study, we investigated the effects of AT1-AAs on cardiomyocytes' structure and function. Male Wistar rats were immunized with synthetic peptides corresponding to the second extracellular loop of AT1 receptor and Freund's adjuvant. The titers of AT1-AAs in rat serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay every week. Hemodynamic analysis and heart weight (HW) indices were measured on the 4th and 8th months after initial immunization, respectively. Cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used to observe the hypertrophic effects of AT1-AAs. Results showed that systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly increased, the titers of AT1-AAs were also increased after 4 weeks of initial immunization. Compared with control group, the HW/body weight (BW) and left ventricular weight/BW of immunized rats were increased significantly and cardiac function was enhanced compensatively. The cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes respond to AT1-AAs stimulation with increased (3)H-leucine incorporation and cell surface area in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the AT1-AAs have an agonist effect similar to Ang II in hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes in vivo and in vitro. AT1-AAs are involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.     

Angiotensin II AT2 receptor localization in cardiovascular tissues by its antibody developed in AT2 gene-deleted mice

In contrast to well-established physiological roles of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1), the significance of the type 2 receptor (AT2) remains largely unclear. AT2-knockout (AT2KO) mice have a phenotype associated with mild hypertension. This implies that AT2 has a role for the regulation of blood pressure. To gain insight into the mechanism by which AT2 regulates systemic blood pressure, we have investigated the expression of the AT2 receptor protein in adult rat cardiovascular tissues, using a newly developed polyclonal anti-AT2 antiserum that was successfully obtained in the AT2KO mice by immunizing with a peptide fragment of the receptor protein. In blood vessels, a stronger immunoreactivity was observed in endothelial cells than in the muscular media of resistant arteries. In the thoracic aorta, AT2 was observed only in muscular media. Abundant AT2 immunoreactivity was detected in perivascular nerve fibers. In the heart, positive immunostaining for AT2 was restricted to the coronary blood vessels. These data suggest that AT2 expressed in the vascular endothelial cells and muscular media in resistant arteries may play a pivotal role in systemic blood pressure regulation. AT2 was observed for the first time in the perivascular nerve fibers and may also play a role in neuronal blood pressure regulation.     

AT2 receptors contribute to acute blood pressure-lowering and vasodilator effects of AT1 receptor antagonism in conscious normotensive but not hypertensive rats

The aims of this study were to determine the contribution of the AT2 receptor to the antihypertensive and regional vasodilatory effects of AT1 receptor blockade in adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), 2-kidney, 1-clip hypertensive (2K1C) rats, and sham-operated normotensive rats. Several studies have provided evidence to support the notion that the AT2 receptor may have opposing effects to those mediated by the AT1 receptor. We therefore tested the hypothesis that the depressor and vasodilator effects of acute AT1 receptor blockade are dependent on AT2 receptor activation. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and regional hemodynamics were measured over a 4-day protocol in rats that received the following treatments in randomized order: saline vehicle, the AT1 receptor antagonist candesartan (0.1 mg/kg iv bolus), the AT2 receptor antagonist PD-123319 (50 microg.kg(-1).min(-1)), or both antagonists. Intravenous candesartan reduced mean arterial pressure in all groups of rats, and this was accompanied by renal and mesenteric vasodilation. Neither saline nor PD-123319 significantly affected these variables. Concomitant PD-123319 administration partially reversed the depressor and mesenteric vasodilator effects of candesartan in sham-operated normotensive rats but not in SHR or 2K1C rats. These data indicate that the AT2 receptor contributes to the blood pressure-lowering and mesenteric vasodilator effects of AT1 receptor blockade in the acute setting in conscious normotensive but not hypertensive rats.     

Role of AT₁ receptor-mediated salt retention in angiotensin II-dependent hypertension

Activation of type 1 angiotensin II (AT(1)) receptors in the kidney promotes blood pressure elevation and target organ damage, but whether renal AT(1) receptors influence the level of hypertension by stimulating sodium retention or by raising systemic vascular resistance has not been established. In the current studies, we used a kidney cross-transplantation strategy to determine whether increased sodium reabsorption by AT(1) receptors in the kidney mediates the chronic hypertensive response to angiotensin II. We found this to be true. In addition, we also identified a second, nontrivial component of blood pressure elevation induced by activation of renal AT(1) receptors that is sodium-independent. As the kidney has the capacity to limit the transmission of elevated systemic blood pressure into the renal microcirculation, prior studies struggled to clearly discriminate the relative contributions of blood pressure elevation vs. activation of AT(1) receptors to hypertensive kidney injury. In our model, we found that rapid surges in blood pressure, which may overcome the kidney's capacity to prevent perturbations in renal hemodynamics, correlate closely with kidney damage in hypertension. Moreover, maximal kidney injury in hypertension may require activation of a pool of nonrenal, systemic AT(1) receptors. These studies provide insight into precise mechanisms through which AT(1) receptor blockade influences the progression of hypertensive kidney disease.     

Losartan improved respiratory function and coenzyme Q content in brain mitochondria of young spontaneously hypertensive rats

Increased production of free radicals and impairment of mitochondrial function are important factors in the pathogenesis of hypertension. This study examined the impact of hypertension on mitochondrial respiratory chain function, coenzyme Q₉ (CoQ₉), coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀), and α-tocopherol content in brain mitochondria, and the effect of blockade of angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) in the prehypertensive period on these parameters. In addition, blood pressure, heart and brain weight to body weight ratios, and the geometry of the basilar artery supplying the brain were evaluated. In the 9th week blood pressure and heart weight/body weight ratio were significantly increased and brain weight/body weight ratio was significantly decreased in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) when compared to Wistar rats (WR). The cross-sectional area of the basilar artery was increased in SHR. Glutamate-supported respiration, the rate of ATP production, and concentrations of CoQ₉, CoQ₁₀, and α-tocopherol were decreased in SHR. The succinate-supported function and cytochrome oxidase activity were not changed. The treatment of SHR with losartan (20 mg/kg/day) from 4th to 9th week of age exerted preventive effect against hypertension, heart and arterial wall hypertrophy, and brain weight/body weight decline. After the therapy, the rate of ATP production and the concentration of CoQ increased in comparison to untreated SHR. The impairment of energy production and decreased level of lipid-soluble antioxidants in brain mitochondria as well as structural alterations in the basilar artery may contribute to increased vulnerability of brain tissue in hypertension. Long-term treatment with AT1R blockers may prevent brain dysfunction in hypertension.     

Hypotensive effect of angiotensin II after AT1-receptor blockade with losartan.

Recent data suggest that hypotensive effect of losartan may not be attributed solely to AT1-receptor blockade, but also to excessive AT2 or other receptors stimulation by elevated angiotensin II and its derivative peptides. Therefore in the present study we examined the effect of angiotensin II on mean blood pressure after AT -receptor blockade with losartan. Male Wistar rats were anaesthetised and received injection of either losartan (30 mg/kg, 1 ml/kg, i.v.) or saline (the same volume and route) followed by bolus injection of angiotensin II (100, 300 or 1,000 ng/kg; 1 ml/kg, i.v.) or 1-hour infusion of angiotensin II (200 ng/kg/min; 2.5 ml/kg/h, i.v.). Control animals received saline instead. Angiotensin II, given either as the injection or the infusion, caused an evident increase in mean blood pressure (p ranged from 0.05 to 0.001 depending on the experimental group). Losartan caused a rapid drop in mean blood pressure and blunted the hypertensive effect of angiotensin II (p < 0.01). Moreover, in the losartan-pretreated animals the hypotensive phase was enhanced by the infusion, but not single injection of angiotensin II, which was most evident from the 30 th minute of observation (p < 0.05 vs control). In conclusion, hypotensive effect of losartan may be amplified by simultaneous increase in angiotensin II level, the situation observed during chronic AT1-receptor blockade.     

Changes in angiotensin receptors expression play a pivotal role in the renal damage observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The renal renin-angiotensin system plays a central role in the development of hypertension. The aim of this work was to verify the expression of angiotensin II receptors AT(1)R and AT(2)R in the microsomal fraction of renal cortex and correlate this with the development of hypertension and renal damage in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) using Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) as controls. AT(1)R expression increased (126%) and AT(2)R expression decreased (66%) in 4-wk-old SHR; AT(2) expression decreased in 14-wk-old SHR (61%) compared with respective age-matched WKY. These modifications were correlated to the increase in protein kinase C activity and decrease in protein kinase A activity. Four-week-old SHR showed large accumulations of macrophages in kidney glomerulus and the tubulointerstitial area, dense cortical collagen deposition, and arterial proliferative changes in the walls of arterioles and medium-sized vessels. Similar modifications were also observed in 14-wk-old SHR. Four-week-old SHR treated with losartan (30 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) or hydralazine (15 and 30 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) by gavage for 10 wk did not develop hypertension. The decrease in AT(2)R expression and renal damage observed in SHR remained even after treatment with hydralazine. On the other hand, losartan treatment prevented the modifications observed in 14-wk-old SHR, indicating that renal injuries are caused specifically by AT(1) rather than an increase in blood pressure. Our results indicate that the imbalance in AT(1)R and AT(2)R expression is associated with an inflammatory process that contributes to renal injury in adult SHR and to the development of hypertension.     

Angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1) selective nonpeptidic antagonists--a perspective

Hypertension is a major risk factor for human morbidity and mortality through its effects on target organs like heart, brain and kidneys. More intensive treatment for the effective control of blood pressure significantly reduces the morbidity and mortality. The renin angiotensin system (RAS) is a coordinated hormonal cascade of major clinical importance in the regulation of blood pressure. The principal effector peptide of RAS is angiotensin II, which acts by binding to one of the two major angiotensin II receptors AT(1) and AT(2). Angiotensin II through AT(1) receptor mediates vast majority of biologically detrimental actions. Nonpeptidic angiotensin II (AT(1)) antagonists are the most specific means to block the renin angiotensin enzymatic cascade available presently. Majority of AT(1) antagonists are based on modifications of losartan structure, the first clinically used AT(1) antagonist. In this review, a comprehensive presentation of the literature on AT(1) receptor antagonists has been given.     

Sexual dimorphism in the renin-angiotensin system in aging spontaneously hypertensive rats

In young adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) is higher in males than in females and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) eliminates this sex difference. After cessation of estrous cycling in female SHR, MAP is similar to that in male SHR. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of the RAS in maintenance of hypertension in aging male and female SHR. At 16 mo of age, MAP was similar in male and female SHR (183+/-5 vs. 193+/-8 mmHg), and chronic losartan (40 mg.kg-1.day-1 po for 3 wk) reduced MAP by 52% (to 90+/-8 mmHg, P<0.05 vs. control) in males and 37% (to 123+/-11 mmHg, P<0.05 vs. control) in females (P<0.05, females vs. males). The effect of losartan on angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor blockade was similar: MAP responses to acute doses of ANG II (62.5-250 ng/kg) were blocked to a similar extent in losartan-treated males and females. F2-isoprostane excretion was reduced with losartan more in males than in females. There were no sex differences in plasma renin activity, plasma angiotensinogen or ANG II, or renal expression of AT1 receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme, or renin. However, renal angiotensinogen mRNA and protein expression was higher in old males than females, whereas renal ANG II was higher in old females than males. The data show that, in aging SHR, when blood pressures are similar, there remains a sexual dimorphism in the response to AT1 receptor antagonism, and the differences may involve sex differences in mechanisms responsible for oxidative stress with aging.     

Increased maternal cortisol in late-gestation ewes decreases fetal cardiac expression of 11beta-HSD2 mRNA and the ratio of AT1 to AT2 receptor mRNA

Moderately elevated maternal cortisol levels late in gestation cause enlargement of the fetal sheep heart. We have used quantitative real-time PCR to examine expression of candidate genes in fetal hearts from mothers in whom cortisol levels were increased (by infusion of 1 mg cortisol.kg(-1).day(-1)) or decreased (by adrenalectomy and replacement to 0.5 mg cortisol.kg(-1).day(-1)) from 115 to 130 days gestation. Control ewes were not treated with steroid. Expression of mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases 1 and 2 (11beta-HSD1 and -2), IGF I and II, IGF receptors 1 and 2 (IGF-1R and IGF-2R), endothelial nitric oxide synthase, VEGF, myotrophin, angiotensinogen, the angiotensin receptors 1 and 2 (AT1R and AT2R), and the angiotensin converting enzymes 1 and 2 were measured. MR mRNA abundance in fetal hearts was found to be similar to that in adult kidney and hippocampus. Although there were no significant changes in most genes, 11beta-HSD2 and IGF-1R expression were significantly decreased in the high cortisol group and 11beta-HSD2 expression negatively correlated to left ventricular wall thickness. There was also a significant change in the ratio of AT receptor expression, with increased AT2R and decreased AT1R in the high cortisol group. MR, GR, and 11beta-HSD1 immunoreactivity was found in cardiomyocytes and cardiac blood vessels in 126-128 day fetal sheep; in contrast 11beta-HSD2 staining was predominantly in blood vessels. These results indicate that cortisol could indeed act in the fetal heart to induce enlargement and suggest that the renin-angiotensin system may play a role.     

Expression of angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor in the rostral ventrolateral medulla in rats.

In the present study, the changes of amino acids release in the spinal cord after the application of angiotensin II (ANG II) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the distribution of ANG receptors on neurons of the RVLM were investigated. A microdialysis experiment showed that microinjection of angiotensin II into the RVLM significantly (P < 0.01) increased the release of aspartate and glutamate in the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord. Immunofluorescence technique combined with confocal microscopy demonstrated that most of the glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the RVLM of both Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were double labeled with ANG type 1 (AT1) receptor. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated that the mean optic density of AT1 receptor of the cell surface as well as the whole cell was higher (P < 0.05) in SHR than that in Wistar rats, indicating that the higher expression of AT1 receptors in the RVLM may contribute to the higher responsiveness of SHR to ANG II stimulation. Immunogold staining and electronmicroscopic study demonstrated that AT1 receptor in the RVLM was distributed on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, cell membrane, and nerve processes. The results suggest that effects evoked by ANG II in the RVLM are closely related to glutamatergic and GABAergic pathways. These results indirectly support the hypothesis that ANG II in the RVLM may activate vasomotor sympathetic glutamatergic neurons, leading to an increase in sympathetic nerve activity and arterial blood pressure.     

Factor XIIIA (cross)links AT1 receptors to atherosclerosis

Angiotensin II, a small peptide hormone that plays key roles in the regulation of blood pressure, also contributes to inflammatory processes that promote the development of atherosclerosis. In this issue of Cell, AbdAlla et al. (2004) provide evidence that pathogenic actions of angiotensin II involve covalent crosslinking of angiotensin AT1 receptors by factor XIIIA transglutaminase, resulting in stable receptor dimers with enhanced signaling properties.     

Role of Musclin in the Pathogenesis of Hypertension in Rat

Musclin is a novel skeletal muscle-derived secretory factor found in the signal sequence trap of mouse skeletal muscle cDNAs. Musclin possesses a region homologous to the natriuretic peptide family. Thus, musclin is found to bind with the natriuretic peptide clearance receptors. However, the role of musclin in vascular regulation remains unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the direct effect of musclin on vascular tone and to analyze its role in hypertension using the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In aortic strips isolated from SHR, musclin induced contractions in a dose-dependent manner. We found that the musclin-induced vasoconstriction was more marked in SHR than in normal rats (WKY). Moreover, this contraction was reduced by blockade of natriuretic peptide receptor C using the ab14355 antibody. Therefore, mediation of the natriuretic peptide receptor in musclin-induced vasoconstriction can be considered. In addition, similar to the natriuretic peptide receptor, expression of the musclin gene in blood vessels was higher in SHR than in WKY. Injection of musclin markedly increased the blood pressure in rats that can be inhibited by anti-musclin antibodies. Musclin-induced vasoconstriction was more pronounced in SHR than in WKY as in its expression. Taken together, these results suggest that musclin is involved in blood pressure regulation. The higher expression of musclin in hypertension indicates that musclin could be used as a new target for the treatment of hypertension in the future.     

不同年龄白发性高血压大鼠肾脏AT1R和AT2R的表达

目的本研究观察不同月龄自发性高血压大鼠（SHR）肾脏ALR和ALR表达,初步探讨AT1R和AT2R在高血压发生、发展过程中的可能作用。方法1月龄组（S1）、2月龄组（S2）、3月龄组（S3）、6月龄组（S6）和9月龄组（墨）雄性SHR共5组,每组各6只,各组均有相应月龄匹配的Wistar-Kyoto大鼠（WKY）作对照。采用RBP-I型大鼠血压心率测定仪测量大鼠尾动脉收缩压（SBP）;放免法测定血浆血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）;免疫组化染色结合计算机图像分析方法测定肾脏AT1R和ALR表达水平。结果（1）SHR SBP随着月龄的增加而上升,S6后趋于稳定。（2）1个月后SHR血浆AngⅡ浓度均高于S1（P〈0.05）,而S2、S3、S6和S9之间无明显差别（P〉0.05）;1个月后SHR血浆AngⅡ浓度均高于相应配对的WKY组（P〈0.05）;而WKY各月龄组均无明显差别（P〉0.05）。（3）SHR肾脏AT1R随着月份的增加而增加（P〈0.05）,且高于相应配对的WKY组（P〈0.05）。SHR肾脏ABR随着月份的增加而降低,S6明显降低（P〈0.05）,S6和S9比较无明显差别（P〉0.05）;且均低于相应配对的WKY组（P〈0.05）。WKY各月龄组AT1R和AT2R无明显差别（P〉0.05）。结论SHR肾脏AT1R表达水平比WKY高,并随着年龄的增加而递增;AT2R表达水平比WKY低,并随着年龄的增加而降低。     

Erythropoiesis and Blood Pressure Are Regulated via AT1 Receptor by Distinctive Pathways

The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in blood pressure regulation. Although clinical and experimental studies have suggested that inhibition of RAS is associated with progression of anemia, little evidence is available to support this claim. Here we report that knockout mice that lack angiotensin II, including angiotensinogen and renin knockout mice, exhibit anemia. The anemia of angiotensinogen knockout mice was rescued by angiotensin II infusion, and rescue was completely blocked by simultaneous administration of AT1 receptor blocker. To genetically determine the responsible receptor subtype, we examined AT1a, AT1b, and AT2 knockout mice, but did not observe anemia in any of them. To investigate whether pharmacological AT1 receptor inhibition recapitulates the anemic phenotype, we administered AT1 receptor antagonist in hypotensive AT1a receptor knockout mice to inhibit the remaining AT1b receptor. In these animals, hematocrit levels barely decreased, but blood pressure further decreased to the level observed in angiotensinogen knockout mice. We then generated AT1a and AT1b double-knockout mice to completely ablate the AT1 receptors; the mice finally exhibited the anemic phenotype. These results provide clear evidence that although erythropoiesis and blood pressure are negatively controlled through the AT1 receptor inhibition in vivo, the pathways involved are complex and distinct, because erythropoiesis is more resistant to AT1 receptor inhibition than blood pressure control.     

Angiotensin II receptors-antagonists, molecular biology, and signal transduction

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays an important role in both the short-term and long-term regulation of arterial blood pressure, and fluid and electrolyte balance. The RAAS is a dual hormone system, serving as both a circulating and a local tissue hormone system (i.e., local mediator) as well as neurotransmitter or neuromediator functions in CNS. Control of blood pressure by the RAAS is exerted through multiple actions of angiotensin II, a small peptide which is a potent vasoconstrictor hormone implicated in the genesis and maintenance of hypertension. Hypertension is a primary risk factor associated with cardiovascular, cerebral and renal vascular disease. One of the approaches to the treatment of hypertension, which may be considered as a major scientific advancement, involves the use of drugs affecting the RAAS. Pharmacological interruption of the RAAS was initially employed in the late 1970s with the advent of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, captopril. ACE inhibitors have since gained widespread use in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, and diabetic nephropathy. As the roles of the RAAS in the pathophysiology of several diseases was explored, so did the realization of the importance of inhibiting the actions of angiotensin II. Although ACE inhibitors are well tolerated, they are also involved in the activation of bradykinin, enkephalins, and other biologically active peptides. These actions result in adverse effects such as cough, increased bronchial reactivity, and angioedema. Thus, the goal of achieving a more specific blockade of the effects of angiotensin II than is possible with ACE inhibition. The introduction of the nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan in 1995 marked the achievement of this objective and has opened new vistas in understanding and controlling the additional biological effects of angiotensin II. Complementary investigations into the cloning and sequencing of angiotensin II receptors have demonstrated the existence of a family of angiotensin II receptor subtypes. Two major types of angiotensin II receptors have been identified in humans. The type 1 receptor (AT1) mediates most known effects of angiotensin II. The type 2 receptor (AT2), for which no precise function was known in the past, has gained importance recently and new mechanisms of intracellular signalling have been proposed. This review presents recent advances in angiotensin II receptor pharmacology, molecular biology, and signal transduction, with particular reference to the AT1 receptor. Excellent reviews have appeared recently on this subject.