The role of estrogen receptor subtypes on hepatic neutrophil accumulation following trauma-hemorrhage: direct modulation of CINC-1 production by Kupffer cells

Although 17beta-estradiol (E2) administration following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) reduces liver injury by decreasing neutrophil accumulation via estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha, it remains unclear whether cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1 production by Kupffer cells (KC) is directly modulated by ER-alpha under such condition. Male rats underwent laparotomy and hemorrhagic shock (40 mmHg for 90 min), followed by resuscitation with four times the shed blood volume in the form of Ringer's lactate. ER-alpha agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT; 5 microg/kg), ER-beta agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN; 5 microg/kg), E2 (50 microg/kg), or vehicle (10% DMSO) was administered subcutaneously during resuscitation; rats were sacrificed 24h thereafter. KC were isolated and cultured with ER agonists to examine if they directly affect CINC-1 production. T-H increased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT; hepatic injury) and hepatic myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. E2, PPT and DPN administration reduced increased ALT; however, PPT was more effective than DPN. PPT and E2, but not DPN significantly attenuated increased hepatic MPO activity and CINC-1 levels. PPT addition in vitro (10(-7) and 10(-6)M) significantly reduced KC CINC-1 production. In summary, the salutary effects of E2 against hepatic injury are mediated predominantly via ER-alpha which directly modulates KC CINC-1 production and hepatic neutrophil accumulation following T-H.     

Mechanism of estrogen-mediated intestinal protection following trauma-hemorrhage: p38 MAPK-dependent upregulation of HO-1

p38 MAPK has been reported to regulate the inflammatory response in various cell types via extracellular stimuli. p38 MAPK activation also results in the induction of heme oxygenase (HO)-1, which exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects. Although studies have shown that 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) prevented organ dysfunction following trauma-hemorrhage, it remains unknown whether p38 MAPK/HO-1 plays any role in E(2)-mediated attenuation of intestinal injury under those conditions. To study this, male rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (mean blood pressure approximately 40 mmHg for 90 min) followed by fluid resuscitation. At the onset of resuscitation, rats were treated with vehicle, E(2) (1 mg/kg body wt), the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB-203580 (2 mg/kg body wt) or E(2) plus SB-203580. Two hours thereafter, intestinal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and lactate, TNF-alpha, IL-6, ICAM-1, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 levels were measured. Intestinal p38 MAPK and HO-1 protein levels were also determined. Trauma-hemorrhage led to an increase in intestinal MPO activity and lactate, TNF-alpha, IL-6, ICAM-1, CINC-1, and MIP-2 levels. This was accompanied with a decrease in intestinal p38 MAPK activity and increase in HO-1 expression. Administration of E(2) normalized all the above parameters except HO-1, which was further increased following trauma-hemorrhage. Administration of SB-203580 with E(2) abolished the E(2)-mediated restoration of the above parameters as well as the increase in intestinal HO-1 expression following trauma-hemorrhage. These results suggest that the p38 MAPK/HO-1 pathway plays a critical role in mediating the salutary effects of E(2) on shock-induced intestinal injury.     

Gender differences in small intestinal perfusion following trauma hemorrhage: the role of endothelin-1

Although gender differences in intestinal perfusion exist following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H), it remains unknown whether endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays any role in these dimorphic responses. To study this, male, proestrus female (female), and 17 beta-estradiol (E2)-treated male rats underwent midline laparotomy, hemorrhagic shock (blood pressure 40 mmHg, 90 min), and resuscitation (Ringer lactate, 4X shed blood volume, 1 h). Two hours thereafter, intestinal perfusion flow (IPF) was measured using isolated intestinal perfusion. The IPF in sham-operated males was significantly lower than those in other groups and decreased markedly following T-H. In contrast, no significant decrease in IPF was observed in females and E2 males following T-H. The lower IPF in sham-operated males was significantly elevated by ET(A) receptor antagonist (BQ-123) administration and was similar to that seen in sham-operated females. The decreased IPF in males after T-H was also attenuated by BQ-123 administration. The intestinal ET-1 levels in sham-operated males were significantly higher than in other groups. Although plasma and intestinal ET-1 levels increased significantly after T-H in all groups, they were highest in males. Plasma E2 levels in females and E2 males were significantly higher than in males; however, they were not affected by T-H. There was a negative correlation between plasma ET-1 and E2 following T-H. Thus ET-1 appears to play an important role in intestinal perfusion failure following T-H in males. Because E2 can modulate this vasoconstrictor effect of ET-1, these findings may partially explain the previously observed salutary effect of estrogen in improving intestinal perfusion following T-H in males.     

Androstenediol administration after trauma-hemorrhage attenuates inflammatory response, reduces organ damage, and improves survival following sepsis

Although androstenediol (adiol or 5-androstene-3beta,17beta-diol), a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), has protective effects following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H), it remains unknown whether administration of adiol has any salutary effects on the inflammatory response and outcome following a combined insult of T-H and sepsis. Male rats underwent T-H shock [mean arterial pressure (MAP) 40 mmHg for 90 min] followed by resuscitation. Adiol (1 mg/kg body wt) or vehicle was administered at the end of resuscitation. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) at 20 h after T-H or sham operation. Five hours after CLP, plasma and tissue samples were analyzed for cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10), MPO, neutrophil chemotactic factor (CINC-3), and liver injury (alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase). In another group of rats, the gangrenous cecum was removed at 10 h after CLP, the cavity was irrigated with warm saline and closed in layers, and mortality was recorded over 10 days. T-H followed by CLP produced a significant elevation in plasma IL-6 and IL-10 levels, enhanced neutrophil cell activation, and resulted in liver injury. Adiol administration prevented the increase in cytokine production, neutrophil cell activation, and attenuated liver injury. Moreover, rats subjected to the combined insult, receiving vehicle or adiol, had a 50% and 6% mortality, respectively. Since adiol administration suppresses proinflammatory cytokines, reduces liver damage, and decreases mortality after the combined insult of T-H and sepsis, this agent appears to be a novel adjunct to fluid resuscitation for decreasing T-H-induced septic complications and mortality.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ受体阻断对心肌成纤维细胞信号转导相关基因表达谱的影响

为了研究血管紧张素Ⅱ（angiotensinⅡ,AngⅡ）受体在成年大鼠心肌成纤维细胞的信号转导机制,分离及培养成年Sprague-Dawley大鼠心肌成纤维细胞,采用免疫组化染色测定AngⅡ受体的蛋白表达。将细胞随机分为四组进行药物干预48h：AngⅡ组、AngⅡ＋losartan组、AngⅡ＋PD123319组和AngⅡ＋losartan＋PD123319组。抽提mRNA制备cDNA探针,与G蛋白耦联受体信号通路发现者基因芯片杂交,筛选表达差异的基因。发现血管紧张素Ⅱ 1型（angiotensinⅡ type1,AT1）受体被losartan阻断后,AngⅡ刺激的心肌成纤维细胞血管紧张素Ⅱ2型（angiotensinⅡ type2,AT2）受体蛋白高表达;34个基因表达差异在2倍以上,30个下调,4个上调,其最大改变不超过20倍;9条信号通路被活化：cAMP／PKA、Ca^2＋、PKC、PLC、MAPK、PI-3K、NO-cGMP、Rho、NF-κB通路。当AT2受体被PD123319阻断时,64个基因表达差异在2倍以上,48个下调,16个上调;11条途径基础活化,其中7个基因的改变在30倍以上：Cyp19a1（37倍）、I1lr2（42倍）、Cflar（53倍）、Bcl21（31倍）、Pik3cg（278倍）、Cdknla（90倍）、Agt（162倍）。在AT1受体阻断的基础上再阻断AT2受体,46个基因表达差异在2倍以上,36个下调,10个上调;11条信号途径全部活化。其结果与单独阻断AT2受体信号途径基本一致。RT-PCR选取IL-1β和TNF-α进行验证,结果与芯片各组间的变化趋势基本相符。结果表明,在成年大鼠心肌成纤维细胞,AT2受体阻断明显不同于AT1受体阻断,在信号转导通路相关基因表达谱上,两者有显著差异。     

Renal nuclear angiotensin II receptors in normal and hypertensive rats

Accumulation of Angiotensin II (Ang II) in the kidneys of hypertensive rats infused chronically with Ang II occurs by AT1 receptor mediated internalization of Ang II, which may interact with intracellular targets, including nuclear binding sites. The aims of this study were to determine if kidney cell nuclei have specific Ang II binding sites and if chronic infusion of Ang II (70 ng/min; n=9) influences the nuclear Ang II binding capacity. Kidneys were harvested from control and Ang II infused rats and the renal cortexes were homogenized to obtain crude membrane preparations and nuclear fractions. Ang II binding sites were measured with a single point assay by incubating each fraction with 10 nM 125I-Sar-Ile-Ang II in the absence (total binding sites) or presence of either 2.5 M Sar-Leu-Ang II or 25 microM losartan to detect specific AT or AT1 binding sites. Both fractions exhibited specific Ang II binding sites that were displaced by both saralasin and losartan. In control rats, crude membrane preparations had 792 +/- 218 and the nuclear fraction had 543 +/- 222 fmol/mg protein AT1 receptors. AT1 receptor levels in membrane (885 +/- 170 fmol/mg protein) and nuclear fractions (610 +/- 198 fmol/mg protein) were not significantly different in Ang II infused rats. These data support the presence of nuclear Ang II receptors predominantly of the AT1 subtype in renal cells. Chronic Ang II infusion did not alter overall Ang II receptor densities.     

Androstenediol ameliorates alterations in immune cells cytokine production capacity in a two-hit model of trauma-hemorrhage and sepsis

Although administration of androstenediol (a metabolite of dehydroepiandrosterone) following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) produces beneficial effects on inflammatory cytokines and organ function, it remains unknown whether this metabolite has any salutary effects in preventing alterations in immune cell cytokine production following a combined insult of T-H and sepsis. To examine this, male rats underwent laparotomy, hemorrhagic shock (mean BP 40 mmHg for 90 min) and resuscitation or sham operation. Androstenediol (1 mg/kg BW i.v.) or vehicle was administered at the end of resuscitation. Twenty hrs after T-H or sham operation, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Five hours thereafter, plasma cytokine levels and cytokine production of various immune cells were determined. In a separate set of experiments, survival was monitored for 10 days after the induction of sepsis. Administration of androstenediol markedly decreased plasma IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels following T-H and CLP. Furthermore, it prevented the increased production of IL-6 and TNF-alpha by Kupffer cells and alveolar macrophages and attenuated the decrease in IL-6 and TNF-alpha production by splenic macrophages; however, it had no significant effects on the depressed IL-6 and TNF-alpha production by PBMC following T-H and CLP. The depressed IL-2 and IFN-gamma production by splenocytes under those conditions was attenuated by the administration of androstenediol. Furthermore, survival rate following T-H and subsequent sepsis was improved by androstenediol treatment. Since androstenediol administration following T-H attenuated cytokine production and reduced mortality in a double-hit model of T-H and sepsis, this agent appears to be a novel and useful adjunct for maintaining the immune cell functions following T-H and for decreasing the mortality rate from subsequent susceptibility to sepsis.     

Estradiol improves cardiac and hepatic function after trauma-hemorrhage: role of enhanced heat shock protein expression

Although studies indicate that 17beta-estradiol administration after trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) improves cardiac and hepatic functions, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Because the induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) can protect cardiac and hepatic functions, we hypothesized that these proteins contribute to the salutary effects of estradiol after T-H. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague-Dawley rats ( approximately 300 g) underwent laparotomy and hemorrhagic shock (35-40 mmHg for approximately 90 min) followed by resuscitation with four times the shed blood volume in the form of Ringer lactate. 17beta-estradiol (1 mg/kg body wt) was administered at the end of the resuscitation. Five hours after T-H and resuscitation there was a significant decrease in cardiac output, positive and negative maximal rate of left ventricular pressure. Liver function as determined by bile production and indocyanine green clearance was also compromised after T-H and resuscitation. This was accompanied by an increase in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and liver perfusate lactic dehydrogenase levels. Furthermore, circulating levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-10 were also increased. In addition to decreased cardiac and hepatic function, there was an increase in cardiac HSP32 expression and a reduction in HSP60 expression after T-H. In the liver, HSP32 and HSP70 were increased after T-H. There was no change in heart HSP70 and liver HSP60 after T-H and resuscitation. Estradiol administration at the end of T-H and resuscitation increased heart/liver HSPs expression, ameliorated the impairment of heart/liver functions, and significantly prevented the increase in plasma levels of ALT, TNF-alpha, and IL-6. The ability of estradiol to induce HSPs expression in the heart and the liver suggests that HSPs, in part, mediate the salutary effects of 17beta-estradiol on organ functions after T-H.     

Effects of angiotensin II microinjected into medial amygdala on male sexual behavior in rats

Research was undertaken to study the role of central angiotensin in the modulation of male sexual behavior, testing the effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) injections into the medial amygdaloid nucleus (MeA). The sexual behavior of adult male Wistar rats was evaluated, 15 min after bilateral intra-amygdaloid microinjection (0.3 microl) of saline and 5 doses of Ang II: 10; 25; 50; 100, and 150 fmol. The effects of the Ang II receptor blockade were also studied. We tested the effect of coinjection of Ang II (50 fmol) with the AT1 antagonist, losartan (20 pmol) and the AT2 antagonist, CGP 42112 (1 pmol). Ang II inhibited sexual behavior and this inhibition was prevented by the coinjection of AT1 antagonist, losartan, or the AT2 antagonist, CGP 42112. Results show that Ang II has a powerful effect on male sexual behavior, which may be mediated by both AT1 and AT2 receptors.     

Elevated angiotensin II induces platelet apoptosis through promoting oxidative stress in an AT1R-dependent manner during sepsis

Thrombocytopenia is independently related with increased mortality in severe septic patients. Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is elevated in septic subjects; accumulating studies show that angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulate the intrinsic apoptosis pathway by promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship of platelet apoptosis and RAS system in sepsis have not been fully elucidated. The present study aimed to elucidate whether the RAS was involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated thrombocytopenia and explore the underlying mechanisms. We found that elevated plasma Ang II was associated with decreased platelet count in both patients with sepsis and experimental animals exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Besides, Ang II treatment induced platelet apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner in primary isolated platelets, which was blocked by angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) antagonist losartan, but not by angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) antagonist PD123319. Moreover, inhibiting AT1R by losartan attenuated LPS-induced platelet apoptosis and alleviated sepsis-associated thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, Ang II treatment induced oxidative stress level in a concentration-dependent manner in primary isolated platelets, which was partially reversed by the AT1R antagonist losartan. The present study demonstrated that elevated Ang II directly stimulated platelet apoptosis through promoting oxidative stress in an AT1R-dependent manner in sepsis-associated thrombocytopenia. The results would helpful for understanding the role of RAS system in sepsis-associated thrombocytopenia.     

Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) mediates non-genomic pathway of estrogen on T cell cytokine production following trauma-hemorrhage

Although studies have shown 17beta-estradiol (E2) administration following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H) attenuates alterations in T cell cytokine production, it remains unknown whether such effects of E2 are mediated via genomic or non-genomic pathways. In this study, we determined the non-genomic effects of E2 on splenic T cell cytokine production and the role of MAPK following T-H. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent T-H (mean BP 40 mmHg for 90 min, then resuscitation). E2, E2 conjugated with BSA (E2-BSA, 1 mg/kg E2) with or without an estrogen receptor antagonist (ICI 182 780), or vehicle was administered during resuscitation. Two hours thereafter, T cell production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma and activation of MAPK (p38, ERK-1/2 and JNK) were determined. The effect of selective MAPK inhibitors on cytokine production was also examined in vitro. IL-2 and IFN-gamma production capacity and MAPK activation decreased in T cells following T-H. However, E2 administration normalized these parameters. Although E2-BSA administration also attenuated suppression in cytokine production, the values were lower compared to sham. In contrast, E2-BSA prevented T-H-induced suppression in MAPK activation to the same extent as E2. Co-administration of ICI 182 780 abolished E2-BSA effects. These findings suggest E2 effects on T cell cytokine production following T-H are mediated at least in part via non-genomic pathway and these non-genomic effects are likely mediated via MAPK pathways.     

Endogenous angiotensin II suppresses stretch-induced ANP secretion via AT1 receptor pathway

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is released by stretch of cardiac myocytes and has paracrine and autocrine effects on cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. However, the direct effect of Ang II on the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is unclear. The aim of the present study is to test whether Ang II affects stretch-induced ANP secretion. The isolated perfused beating atria were used from control and two-kidney one-clip hypertensive (2K1C) rats. The volume load was achieved by elevating the height of outflow catheter connected with isolated atria from 5 cmH₂O to 7.5 cmH₂O. Atrial stretch by volume load caused increases in atrial contractility by 60% and in ANP secretion by 100%. Ang II suppressed stretch-induced ANP secretion and tended to increase atrial contractility whereas losartan stimulated stretch-induced ANP secretion. Neither PD123319 nor A779 had direct effect on stretch-induced ANP secretion. The suppressive effect of Ang II on stretch-induced ANP secretion was blocked by the pretreatment of losartan but not by the pretreatment of PD123319 or A779. In hypertrophied atria from 2K1C rats, stretch-induced ANP concentration attenuated and atrial contractility augmented. The response of stretch-induced ANP secretion to Ang II and losartan augmented. The expression of AT1 receptor protein and mRNA increased but AT2 and Mas receptor mRNA did not change in 2K1C rat atria. Therefore, we suggest that Ang II generated endogenously by atrial stretch suppresses stretch-induced ANP secretion through the AT1 receptor and alteration of Ang II effect in 2K1C rat may be due to upregulation of AT1 receptor.     

A new transgenic rat model overexpressing the angiotensin II type 2 receptor provides evidence for inhibition of cell proliferation in the outer adrenal cortex

This study aimed to elucidate the role of the AT(2) receptor (AT(2)R), which is expressed and upregulated in the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) under conditions of increased aldosterone production. We developed a novel transgenic rat (TGR; TGRCXmAT(2)R) that overexpresses the AT(2)R in the adrenal gland, heart, kidney, brain, skeletal muscle, testes, lung, spleen, aorta, and vein. As a consequence the total angiotensin II (Ang II) binding sites increased 7.8-fold in the kidney, 25-fold in the heart, and twofold in the adrenals. The AT(2)R number amounted to 82-98% of total Ang II binding sites. In the ZG of TGRCXmAT(2)R, the AT(2)R density was elevated threefold relative to wild-type (WT) littermates, whereas AT(1)R density remained unchanged. TGRCXmAT(2)R rats were viable and exhibited normal reproduction, blood pressure, and kidney function. Notably, a slightly but significantly reduced body weight and a moderate increase in plasma urea were observed. With respect to adrenal function, 24-h urinary and plasma aldosterone concentrations were unaffected in TGRCXmAT(2)R at baseline. Three and 14 days of Ang II infusion (300 ng·min(-1)·kg(-1)) increased plasma aldosterone levels in WT and in TGR. These changes were completely abolished by the AT(1)R blocker losartan. Of note, glomerulosa cell proliferation, as indicated by the number of Ki-67-positive glomerulosa cells, was stimulated by Ang II in TGR and WT rats; however, this increase was significantly attenuated in TGR overexpressing the AT(2)R. In conclusion, AT(2)R in the adrenal ZG inhibits Ang II-induced cell proliferation but has no obvious lasting effect on the regulation of the aldosterone production at the investigated stages.     

Peripheral administration of AT1 receptor blockers and pressor responses to central angiotensin II and sodium.

Central administration of AT1 receptor blockers prevents salt-sensitive hypertension and inhibits progression of CHF. We investigated in Wistar rats the effectiveness of peripheral administration of two AT1 receptor blockers, losartan and embusartan, in exerting central AT1 receptor blockade. Losartan or embusartan at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg were administered subcutaneously (s.c.) as a single dose, or one dose daily for 6 days. The BP responses to intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of Ang II, i.c.v. infusion of Na+-rich aCSF (0.3 M NaCl), and intravenous (i.v.) injection of Ang II were then measured. Losartan or embusartan at 30 and 100 mg/kg both inhibited the BP increases induced by i.c.v. Ang II and, to a lesser extent, by Na+-rich aCSF. After a single dose, this inhibition was more pronounced for losartan. However, after 6 days of treatment, there were no significant differences between the effects of losartan and embusartan. Losartan and embusartan blocked responses to Ang II i.v. to a similar extent. These results indicate that results from single-dose studies may not reflect the chronic steady-state, and that during chronic treatment both AT1 receptor blockers are similarly effective in inhibiting AT1 receptors in the central nervous system, when assessed by pressor responses to acute increases in CSF Na+ or CSF Ang II.     

Angiotensin II downregulates catalase expression and activity in vascular adventitial fibroblasts through an AT1R/ERK1/2-dependent pathway

Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a profound regulatory effect on NADPH oxidase and the functional features of vascular adventitial fibroblasts, but its role in antioxidant enzyme defense remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of Ang II on expressions and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in adventitial fibroblasts and the possible mechanism involved. Ang II decreased the expression and activity of CAT in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but not that of SOD and GPx. The effects were abolished by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker losartan and AT1R small-interfering RNA (siRNA). Incubation with polyethylene glycol-CAT prevented the Ang II-induced effects on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and myofibroblast differentiation. Moreover, Ang II rapidly induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, which was reversed by losartan and AT1R siRNA. Pharmacological blockade of ERK1/2 improved Ang II-induced decrease in CAT protein expression. These in vitro results indicate that Ang II induces ERK1/2 activation, contributing to the downregulation of CAT as well as promoting oxidative stress and adventitial fibroblast phenotypic differentiation in an AT1R-mediated manner.     

The role of MIP-1 alpha in the development of systemic inflammatory response and organ injury following trauma hemorrhage

Although MIP-1alpha is an important chemokine in the recruitment of inflammatory cells, it remains unknown whether MIP-1alpha plays any role in the development of systemic inflammatory response following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H). C57BL/6J wild type (WT) and MIP-1alpha-deficient (KO) mice were used either as control, subjected to sham operation (cannulation or laparotomy only or cannulation plus laparotomy) or T-H (midline laparotomy, mean blood pressure 35 +/- 5 mmHg for 90 min, followed by resuscitation) and sacrificed 2 h thereafter. A marked increase in serum alpha-glutathione transferase, TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-10, MCP-1, and MIP-1alpha and Kupffer cell cytokine production was observed in WT T-H mice compared with shams or control. In addition lung and liver tissue edema and neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase (MPO) content) was also increased following T-H in WT animals. These inflammatory markers were markedly attenuated in the MIP-1alpha KO mice following T-H. Furthermore, compared with 2 h, MPO activities at 24 and 48 h after T-H declined steadily in both WT and KO mice. However, normalization of MPO activities to sham levels within 24 h was seen in KO mice but not in WT mice. Thus, MIP-1alpha plays an important role in mediating the acute inflammatory response following T-H. In the absence of MIP-1alpha, acute inflammatory responses were attenuated; rapidly recovered and less remote organ injury was noted following T-H. Thus, interventions that reduce MIP-1alpha levels following T-H should be useful in decreasing the deleterious inflammatory consequence of trauma.     

Effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade on the oxidative stress in spontaneously hypertensive rat tissues

The aim of this work was to investigate the production of oxidative damage in homogenized kidney, liver and brain of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), as well as the involvement of angiotensin (Ang) II in this process. Groups of 12-week-old SHR and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were given 10 mg/kg/day losartan in the drinking water during 14 days. Other groups of WKY and SHR without treatment were used as controls. The production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) were determined. No significant difference in TBARS was observed between untreated SHR or WKY rats; GSH content was lower in the liver but higher in the brain of SHR compared to WKY rats. In tissues from the SHR group, SOD and Gpx activities were reduced, whereas CAT activity was slightly increased in kidney. TBARS levels did not change in WKY rats after losartan administration, but were reduced in SHR liver and brain. Losartan treatment decreased GSH content in WKY kidney, but increased GSH in SHR liver. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes was not modified by losartan in WKY rats; however, their activities increased in tissues from treated SHR. The lower activity of antioxidant enzymes in tissues from hypertensive rats compared to those detected in normotensive controls, indicates oxidative stress production. Ang II seems to play no role in this process in normotensive animals, although AT1 receptor blockade in SHR enhances the enzymatic activity indicating that Ang II is implicated in oxidative stress generation in the hypertensive animals.     

Sarcosine1,glycine8 angiotensin II is an AT1 angiotensin II receptor subtype selective antagonist

Studies predating the discovery of the two major subtypes of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptors, AT1 and AT2, revealed anomalous characteristics of sarcosine1,glycine8 Ang II (Sar1,Gly8 Ang II). It competed poorly for 125I-Ang II binding in bovine brain but potently antagonized dipsogenic responses to intracerebroventricularly administered Ang II. Subsequent recognition that bovine brain contains AT(2) receptors, while dipsogenic responses to Ang II are mediated by AT1 receptors, suggests that Sar1,Gly(8) Ang II is AT1 selective. Sar1,Gly8 Ang II competed for 125I-sarcosine1,isoleucine8 Ang II binding to AT1 receptors in pituitary, liver and adrenal (the latter with the AT2 selective antagonist PD 123,319) with Ki's of 0.66, 1.40 and 1.36 nM, respectively. In contrast, the Ki of Sar1,Gly8 Ang II for AT2 receptors in rat adrenal (with the selective AT1 antagonist losartan) was 52 nM. 125I-Sar1,Gly8 Ang II (0.5-3 nM) bound to AT1 receptors in pituitary, liver, heart, adrenal, and hypothalamic membranes with high affinity (Kd=0.43, 1.6, 2.3, 0.96 and 1.8 nM, respectively), but showed no saturable binding to the adrenal AT2 receptor. 125I-Sar1,Gly8 Ang II selectively labeled AT1 receptors in sections of adrenal using receptor autoradiography. Thus, binding studies reveal Sar1,Gly8 Ang II to be the first angiotensin peptide analog to show AT1 receptor selectivity. 125I-Sar1,Gly8 Ang II offers a new means to selectively radiolabel AT1 receptors and may help to characterize ligand docking sites and agonist switches for AT1 versus AT2 receptors.     

Losartan, a nonpeptide angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist, inhibits neointima formation following balloon injury to rat carotid arteries.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been shown to inhibit intimal thickening following balloon catheterization of rat carotid arteries. To assess the role of the renin-angiotensin pathway and the angiotensin type-I (AT1) receptor in this effect, the nonpeptide Ang II antagonist losartan (DuP 753) or vehicle was infused continuously i.v. in rats from two days before to two weeks after balloon injury to the left common carotid artery; drug effects upon intimal thickening were examined histologically. Losartan produced a dose-dependent reduction in cross-sectional area of intimal lesions determined two weeks post balloon injury. At 5 mg/kg/day a nonsignificant 23% reduction of intimal area was observed. At the higher dose of 15 mg/kg/day, losartan produced a 48% reduction in intimal area (P less than 0.05) compared to the vehicle-infused group. The cellular density of the neointima was not affected by losartan, indicating a probable effect of the drug upon migration and/or proliferation of smooth muscle cells. In separate groups of non-ballooned rats, losartan infusions of 5 and 15 mg/kg/day produced significant rightward shifts (averaging 6.4- and 55-fold, respectively) in curves relating increases in blood pressure to intravenous Ang II in pithed rats determined between 2 and 16 days following initiation of losartan infusion. Mean arterial blood pressure (determined under alpha-chloralose anesthesia) was reduced following continuous losartan infusion for 6 days from 128 +/- 8 mm Hg (vehicle) to 105 +/- 8 mm Hg at 5 mg/kg/day (P less than 0.05), and 106 +/- 4 mm Hg at 15 mg/kg/day (P less than 0.05). Thus, losartan attenuated the vascular response to balloon catheter injury, and this effect was associated with functional block of vascular AT1 receptors. The results support a role for Ang II, acting via AT1 receptors, in myointimal thickening subsequent to balloon injury of rat carotid arteries.