Atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) in the development of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP)

In order to investigate the pathophysiological role of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) in genetic hypertensive rats, the atrial content and plasma concentration of ANP were measured by a sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for rat ANP in 5-, 10- and 20-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP) and compared to age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Atrial content of immunoreactive ANP (ir-ANP) tended to be higher in SHR and was already significantly higher in SHRSP than in WKY at 5 weeks of age. Atrial content in the hypertensive strains became significantly higher than in WKY when hypertension developed at 10 and 20 weeks. On the other hand, plasma ir-ANP in SHR was significantly lower than in WKY at 5 weeks, however, it became significantly higher in both SHR and SHRSP than in WKY at 10 and 20 weeks. These findings suggest that ANP release may increase to compensate for the elevation of blood pressure in SHR and SHRSP and that biosynthesis of ANP may be concomitantly stimulated, resulting in an increase in atrial ANP.     

Decreased content in left atrium and increased plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic polypeptide in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and SHR stroke-prone

The atrial contents and concentrations, and the plasma concentrations of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and SHR stroke-prone (SHRSP) were measured and compared with those of age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) using a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for alpha-rat ANP (alpha-rANP). The contents of alpha-rANP-LI in the atria of SHR (19.0 +/- 0.9 micrograms, mean +/- SEM) and SHRSP (19.3 +/- 0.6 micrograms) were significantly lower than that of WKY (22.8 +/- 1.4 micrograms) (p less than 0.05). The atrial concentration of alpha-rANP-LI was also significantly lower in SHR (248.2 +/- 11.3 ng/mg, p less than 0.05) and tended to be lower in SHRSP (272.2 +/- 12.4 ng/mg) than that of WKY (300.0 +/- 14.2 ng/mg). Furthermore, the concentrations in the left auricles of SHR and SHRSP were significantly lower than that of WKY (p less than 0.01 and p less than 0.05, respectively). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the alpha-rANP-LI concentrations in the right auricles of WKY, SHR and SHRSP. Gel filtration studies coupled with RIA showed that gel filtration profiles of the extracts from the right and left auricles of WKY, SHR and SHRSP were essentially identical. The plasma alpha-rANP-LI levels in SHR (260 +/- 34 pg/ml) and SHRSP (319 +/- 19 pg/ml) were significantly higher than that in WKY (170 +/- 17 pg/ml) (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.01, respectively). These results suggest that the secretion of ANP from the heart is increased in SHR and SHRSP compared with WKY.     

Simultaneous measurement of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) messenger RNA and ANP in rat heart--evidence for a preferentially increased synthesis and secretion of ANP in left atrium of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

Tissue levels of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) messenger RNA (ANPmRNA) and ANP in the rat heart were measured simultaneously. In Wistar rats, ANPmRNA of the same size (approximately 0.95 kbp) was detected in all four chambers of the rat heart. The ANPmRNA level was the highest in the right atrium, and the left atrial level was slightly lower than the right atrial level. Ventricular levels were more than two orders of magnitude lower than atrial levels. Tissue ANP concentrations of four chambers were roughly parallel to ANPmRNA levels. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with the elevated plasma ANP level, the ANPmRNA level in the left atrium was substantially increased. The left/right ratio of atrial ANPmRNA level in SHR (150%) was higher than that in control Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) (90%). In contrast, the left/right ratio of atrial ANP concentration was decreased in SHR (44%) compared with that in WKY (84%). The ratio of ANP to ANPmRNA levels in the left atrium of SHR was about three times smaller than that in the right atrium of SHR, and those in bilateral atria of WKY. These results indicate that the biosynthesis and secretion of ANP from the left atrium is preferentially increased in SHR. Thus, simultaneous determination of ANPmRNA and ANP levels is a refined strategy of investigation for the biosynthesis, storage and secretion of ANP.     

Effect of vasopressin and V1 receptors blockade on hypotensive action of ANP in normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The aim of the study was to find out whether vasopressin (AVP) modifies hypotensive and heart rate accelerating effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) conscious rats. The effect of i.v. administration of 1; 2 and 4 micrograms of ANP on blood pressure (MP) and heart rate (HR) was compared during i.v. infusion of 0.9% NaCl (NaCl), NaCl+AVP (1.2 ng kg-1 min-1) and NaCl+dEt2AVP (V1 receptors antagonist, 0.5 microgram kg-1 min-1). AVP increased MP in SHR and WKY and decreased HR in SHR. V1 antagonist decreased MP and increased HR only in SHR. In SHR ANP decreased MP and increased HR during NaCl, AVP and V1 antagonist infusion. In WKY these effects were observed only during AVP administration. In each experimental situation hypotension and tachycardia induced by ANP were greater in SHR than in WKY. In both strains ANP induced changes in MP and HR were enhanced during AVP in comparison to NaCl infusion. V1 antagonist did not modify effects of ANP in WKY and SHR. The results indicate that ANP abolishes hypertensive response induced by blood AVP elevation and that the basal levels of endogenous vasopressin acting through V1 receptors does not interfere with hypotensive action of ANP neither in WKY nor in SHR.     

A missense mutation in the Abcg5 gene causes phytosterolemia in SHR,stroke-prone SHR,and WKY rats

Sitosterolemia is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the ABCG5 or ABCG8 half-transporter genes. These mutations disrupt the mechanism that distinguishes between absorbed sterols and is most prominently characterized by hyperabsorption and impaired biliary elimination of dietary plant sterols. Sitosterolemia patients retain 15-20% of dietary plant sterols, whereas normal individuals absorb less than 1-5%. Normotensive Wistar Kyoto inbred (WKY inbred), spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) strains also display increased absorption and decreased elimination of dietary plant sterols. To determine if the genes responsible for sitosterolemia in humans are also responsible for phytosterolemia in rats, we sequenced the Abcg5 and Abcg8 genes in WKY inbred, SHR, and SHRSP rat strains. All three strains possessed a homozygous guanine-to-thymine transversion in exon 12 of the Abcg5 gene that results in the substitution of a conserved glycine residue for a cysteine amino acid in the extracellular loop between the fifth and sixth membrane-spanning domains of the ATP binding cassette half-transporter, sterolin-1. The identification of this naturally occurring mutation confirms that these rat strains are important animal models of sitosterolemia in which to study the mechanisms of sterol trafficking.     

Atrial natriuretic peptide receptors in sympathetic ganglia: biochemical response and alterations in genetically hypertensive rats

High concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (99-126) (ANP) receptors were localized by quantitative autoradiography in superior cervical and stellate ganglia from young and adult Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. ANP increased cyclic GMP formation in stellate ganglia from adult rats. Both young and adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) had a much lower number of ANP receptors in the sympathetic ganglia. In spite of low receptor concentration, the cyclic GMP response to ANP in SHR was unchanged. These results suggest the existence of physiologically active ANP receptors in the rat sympathetic ganglia. These receptors may also be involved in the pathophysiology of spontaneous hypertension.     

The lung as a possible target organ for atrial natriuretic polypeptide secreted from the heart

Using a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for alpha-rat atrial natriuretic polypeptide (alpha-rANP), we have demonstrated the presence of a considerable amount (6.10 +/- 0.38 ng/g) (mean +/- SE) of alpha-rANP-like immunoreactivity (alpha-rANP-LI) in the rat lung, the first organ through which atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) released from the heart passes. High performance gel permeation chromatography coupled with the RIA revealed that most of alpha-rANP-LI eluted at the position of a low molecular weight form corresponding to synthetic alpha-rANP. In 2- or 5-day water-deprived rats, the concentration and content of alpha-rANP-LI in the lung decreased significantly compared with those of control rats. In addition, water-deprivation induced a significant decrease in the plasma concentration of alpha-rANP-LI simultaneously determined. There was a significant positive correlation between the concentrations of alpha-rANP-LI in the lung and plasma (r = 0.591, P less than 0.01). These results indicate the presence of ANP in the lung and suggest physiological roles of ANP in pulmonary function.     

Differential changes in atrial natriuretic peptide and vasopressin receptor bindings in kidney of spontaneously hypertensive rat

To elucidate the role of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and vasopressin (VP) in a hypertensive state, ANP and VP receptor bindings in spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) kidney were analyzed using the radiolabeled receptor assay (RRA) technique. Systolic blood pressure of SHR aged 12 weeks was statistically higher than that of age-matched Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Maximum binding capacity (Bmax) of [125I]-ANP binding to the SHR kidney membrane preparations was statistically lower than that of WKY rats, but dissociation constant (Kd) was not significantly different. On the other hand, Bmax of [3H]-VP binding to the SHR kidney membrane preparations was statistically higher than that of WKY rats, but Kd were similar. Since the physiological action of ANP is natriuresis and VP is the most important antidiuretic hormone in mammalia, these opposite changes of ANP and VP receptor bindings in SHR kidney suggested that these peptides may play an important role in the pathophysiology of the hypertensive state, although it has not been confirmed as yet.     

Chronic infusion of low doses of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF Arg 101-Tyr 126) reduces blood pressure in conscious SHR without apparent changes in sodium excretion

Conscious SHR and WKY rats were infused during 7 days with synthetic ANF (Arg 101-Tyr 126), 100 ng/hr/rat (35 pmol/hr/rat) by means of miniosmotic pumps. The SHR initial blood pressure of 177 +/- 5 mmHg gradually dropped to 133 +/- 3 and 142 +/- 4 mmHg the last two days of infusion. No significant change in blood pressure was observed in the ANF-infused WKY group. No apparent difference in natriuresis or diuresis was observed in ANF-infused SHR and WKY when compared with non-infused control groups. A slight but significant lower immunoreactive ANF concentration was found in the atria of SHR than in their normotensive controls. No difference in cardiac weight was found between infused and non-infused rats. It is suggested that the hypotensive response observed in SHR and not in WKY is due to a decrease in vascular peripheral resistance. Whether ANF is involved in the development and maintenance of high blood pressure in SHR remains to be elucidated.     

Increased sympathetic innervation in the cerebral and mesenteric arteries of hypertensive rats

The density of catecholamine-containing nerve fibers was studied in the cerebral and mesenteric arteries from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP) in the growing (SHR, WKY) and adult (SHR, SHRSP, WKY) animals. Cerebral arteries from SHR showed an increased adrenergic innervation from day 1. The nerve plexuses reached an adult pattern earlier in SHR than in WKY. The arteries from adult SHR and SHRSP (22 weeks old) showed a markedly higher nerve density than WKY. There was a positive linear correlation between blood pressure and nerve density for four cerebral arteries. The mesenteric arteries were not innervated at birth. However, hyperinnervation of these arteries in the SHR was already present at 10 days of age as compared with WKY. Sympathectomy with anti-nerve growth factor and guanethidine caused a complete disappearance of fluorescent fibers in the mesenteric arteries from SHR and WKY, and in the cerebral arteries of WKY. The same procedure caused only partial denervation of the cerebral arteries from hypertensive animals. We postulate that the increase in nerve density in the cerebral arteries from the hypertensive rats may contribute to the development of arterial hypertrophy in chronic hypertension through the trophic effect of the sympathetic innervation on vascular structure.     

Existence of atrial natriuretic polypeptide in kidney

Using a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for alpha-atrial natriuretic polypeptide (alpha-ANP), we have demonstrated the presence of alpha-rat ANP-like immunoreactivity (alpha-rANP-LI) in the rat kidney which is considered to be a target organ for atrial natriuretic polypeptides released from the heart. Most of alpha-rANP-LI was localized in the cortex. High performance gel permeation chromatography coupled with the RIA revealed that renal alpha-rANP-LI was eluted at the position of a low molecular weight form corresponding to alpha-rANP without detectable amounts of high molecular weight forms. This is in contrast to the observation that gamma-rANP, a high molecular weight form of 13k daltons, is the dominant form of alpha-rANP-LI in the rat atrium. In water-deprived rats, the concentration and content of alpha-rANP-LI in the kidney showed a significant decrease compared with control rats. In addition, the alpha-rANP-LI concentration and content in this organ revealed a substantial decrease after perfusion with physiological saline. These results indicate the existence of atrial natriuretic polypeptide (ANP) in the kidney and suggest that part of renal ANP may originate from the heart.     

Elevated production of 20-HETE in the cerebral vasculature contributes to severity of ischemic stroke and oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, but the factors that contribute to the increased incidence and severity of ischemic stroke in hypertension remain to be determined. 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) has been reported to be a potent constrictor of cerebral arteries, and inhibitors of 20-HETE formation reduce infarct size following cerebral ischemia. The present study examined whether elevated production of 20-HETE in the cerebral vasculature could contribute to the larger infarct size previously reported after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in hypertensive strains of rat [spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone rat (SHRSP)]. The synthesis of 20-HETE in the cerebral vasculature of SHRSP measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was about twice that seen in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. This was associated with the elevated expression of cytochrome P-450 (CYP)4A protein and CYP4A1 and CYP4A8 mRNA. Infarct volume after transient MCAO was greater in SHRSP (36+/-4% of hemisphere volume) than in SHR (19+/-5%) or WKY rats (5+/-2%). This was associated with a significantly greater reduction in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in SHR and SHRSP than in WKY rats during the ischemic period (78% vs. 62%). In WKY rats, rCBF returned to 75% of control following reperfusion. In contrast, SHR and SHRSP exhibited a large (166+/-18% of baseline) and sustained (1 h) postischemic hyperperfusion. Acute blockade of the synthesis of 20-HETE with N-hydroxy-N'-(4-butyl-2-methylphenyl)-formamidine (HET0016; 1 mg/kg) reduced infarct size by 59% in SHR and 87% in SHRSP. HET0016 had no effect on the fall in rCBF during MCAO but eliminated the hyperemic response. HET0016 also attenuated vascular O2*- formation and restored endothelium-dependent dilation in cerebral arteries of SHRSP. These results indicate the production of 20-HETE is elevated in the cerebral vasculature of SHRSP and contributes to oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and the enhanced sensitivity to ischemic stroke in this hypertensive model.     

Coexisting independent sodium-sensitive and sodium-insensitive mechanisms of genetic hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)

Some essential hypertensive patients and genetic hypertensive rat strains have less than the normal levels of Mg2+ tightly bound to the plasma membranes of their erythrocytes and other cells, i.e., the magnesium binding defect (MgBD). This binding defect appears to cause increased passive permeability of the membrane to Na+ and thereby its increased intracellular concentration, particularly if the Na+-extrusion enzyme systems of the cell are also defective. The Na+-Ca2+ exchange system in the cell membrane exports Na+ and imports Ca2+, increasing the tone of the smooth muscle cell and thus producing hypertension (HTn). This HTn is Na+-sensitive. Evidence supporting this postulate was obtained by determining the intraerythrocyte total concentrations of Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Mg2+ in two strains of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR and SS/Jr rats, having the MgBD together with the other requisites of the Na+-sensitive pathway) and their respective controls (WKY and SR/Jr rats, in which this complete pathway is absent). The Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations in the hypertensive rats were increased, and that of K+ was decreased. The concentrations of these cations were very similar in the two hypertensive strains. The level of membrane tightly bound Ca2+ in SHR erythrocyte membranes was significantly higher than those in the other three rat strains, which were not statistically different from each other. These results support previously reported evidence of the existence of a novel HTn-generating mechanism in the SHR rat, in which the intracellular Ca2+ concentration is increased as the result of the enhanced diffusion of this ion into the cell and the accompanying deficiency of the Ca2+ extrusion enzyme systems. This pathway is therefore Na+-insensitive, i.e., Ca2+-sensitive.     

Alterations of the cerebrospinal fluid proteins and subcommissural organ secretion in the arterial hypertension and ventricular dilatation. A study in SHR rats

The aim of this work was to analyze the proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of spontaneously hypertensive rats, to study their possible role in the relationship between hydrocephalus, arterial hypertension and alterations in the subcommissural organ. Brains from control Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) sacrificed with chloral hydrate were used. Antiserums against some cerebrospinal fluid protein bands and Reissner's fiber (RF) were used for immunohistochemical study of the SCO. Ventricular dilation was observed in the lateral and third ventricle of the SHR. Third ventricle ependyma showed immunoreactive material (IRM) for antibody against 141 kDa protein band anti-B1 and 117 protein band anti-B2 and the SCO of the SHR showed a decrease of the IRM when compared with WKY rats. An alteration in the expression of anti-RF was found to compare the SCO of the WKY and SHR groups. Our results demonstrate that hydrocephalus and hypertension are interconnected in this kind of rat which produce alterations in SCO secretions and some proteins of the CSF.     

Endothelin-1 binding sites and inositol-monophosphate formation in kidney medulla from adult and juvenile SHR and WKY rats

High resolution autoradiography at the cellular level localized endothelin-1 binding sites to the collecting ducts in the rat renal papilla. These receptors were functionally coupled to the phosphatidyl-inositol system since endothelin-1 stimulated the accumulation of IP₁ in a concentration-dependent manner in cross chopped slices from renal papillae. The concentration-effect curves in 4 week old normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) lay to the right of curves from 4 week old and adult spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and adult WKY (20–24 week old) animals; the EC₅₀ values in the 4 week old animals were 17 ± 5 and 8 ± 1 nM (P < 0.05, N = 5; mean ± SE) for the normotensive and hypertensive animals, respectively. Autoradiographic studies showed that the density and distribution of binding sites for [¹²⁵I]endothelin-1 in the kidneys did not differ between the groups; receptor densities in the renal papillae were 461 ± 37 (fmol/mg protein) in the 4 week old WKY, and 443 ± 27 (fmol/mg protein) in the 4 week old SHR. The plasma levels of immunoreactive endothelin-1 were also similar between groups; 4 week old SHR (39 ± 3 pg/ml) and 4 week old WKY (36 ± 1 pg/ml). The increased response to endothelin-1 may be related to the development of the hypertensive state in the SHR.     

Effect of the arterial hypertension and captopril treatment on the angiotensin II content in the subfornical organ. A study in SHR rats

We studied the effects of spontaneous high blood pressure and the captopril treatment on the subfornical organ (SFO) of rats. The brains of control Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), WKY rats treated with captopril (WKY-T), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and SHR rats treated with captopril (SHR-T) were processed immunohistochemically using anti-angiotensin II as primary antibody. Immunorective material (IRM) for angiotensin II was observed in a group of neurons and some cells of the ependymal layer of the SFO in WKY rats. The angiotensin II immunoreactive (AGII-ir) in the SHR rats was decreased, showing positive reaction only in a few neurons, while captopril treatment induced an increase in immunoreactive material in hypertensive rats, but contrarily, the expression of AGII-ir in the WKY-T group was scarce. The variations of the angiotensin II observed in the SFO could be owing to an interaction between the hypertension and its captopril treatment.     

Hypertension in normotensive and hypertensive rats by spermine ingestion

Polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine) play an important role in the development of hypertension and in the expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a cardiac hormone involved in the regulation of blood pressure. Wistar Kyoto normotensive (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were given spermine in drinking water (0.5%) for 15 days. The spermine intake elevated the blood pressures of both SHR and WKY rats and reduced the expression of ANP (Northern blotting) in the ventricles. ANP levels in the plasma determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) showed no changes in the levels of plasma ANP after spermine intake. An analysis of polyamines by high-pressure liquid chromatography showed that the levels of spermine and spermidine were elevated in SHR hearts. It was in SHR hearts alone that spermine intake was associated with increases in the levels of putrescine. The results suggest that spermine-induced increases in blood pressure may involve mechanisms other than ANP.     

Natriuretic and hypotensive effects of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Effects of four doses (0.1, 0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 nmol/kg) of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) on natriuresis and blood pressure were investigated in anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). An intravenous injection of 1.0 and 2.0 nmol/kg of BNP caused a significant increase of natriuresis and reduction of blood pressure in SHR and WKY. These effects were essentially identical to the effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Remarkable bioactivity elicited by BNP rasises the possibility that BNP has a role in the regulation of blood pressure and water-electrolyte balance. On the other hand, when the effects of BNP on both strains of rats were compared with those of alpha-human ANP reported previously, the hypotensive effect of BNP was less than those of alpha-human ANP only in SHR. It is suggested that BNP might have different bioactivity than that of ANP in SHR.     

Characterization of the molecular forms of ANP released by perfused neonatal rat heart

Although cultures of neonatal rat atria and ventricles have been widely used to study ANP biosynthesis and secretion, little is known regarding the circulating form of ANP in neonatal animals. To begin to address this issue, we have developed a method for perfusing isolated neonatal rat hearts. Reversed phase-HPLC analysis of the heart effluents coupled with ANP RIA demonstrated that the predominant form of ANP released was chromatographically identical to ANP(99-126). Size exclusion-HPLC confirmed that the secreted ANP was indistinguishable from ANP(99-126). This demonstrated that the neonatal rat heart can efficiently generate and secrete a peptide similar to the circulating form of ANP found in adult rats, and further justifies the use of neonatal rat atria as a source of primary cells for studies of ANP biosynthesis and secretion.     

正常大鼠植入高血压大鼠肾脏后动脉血压的变化

本实验对12周龄的自发性高血压大鼠(spontaneouslyhypertensiverat,SHR)及其对照组WistarKyoto(WKY)大鼠进行了肾脏移植的研究,并观察受肾移植大鼠动脉血压的变化以及免疫抑制剂对动脉血压的影响。用尾套法对接受同窝另一同胞WKY大鼠肾脏移植且存活5周的6只WKY大鼠(A组)及接受SHR肾脏移植且存活5周的6只WKY大鼠(B组)的尾动脉收缩压进行检测,移植前A、B两组受肾移植大鼠的尾动脉收缩压分别为180±093和183±068kPa,无统计学显著差异(P>005);移植后3、4、5周时,B组大鼠的尾动脉收缩压显著高于A组大鼠,移植后5周时,A,B两组大鼠的收缩压分别为190±071和230±069kPa(P<0001);所用剂量的免疫抑制剂CsA对双侧肾脏完整以及右侧肾脏切除的SHR、WKY大鼠的动脉血压无显著影响。以上结果表明,SHR的肾脏在高血压的形成中可能起重要作用