Mechanisms of angiotensin II-induced expression of B2 kinin receptors

Although the primary roles of the kallikreinkinin system and the renin-angiotensin system are quite divergent, they are often intertwined under pathophysiological conditions. We examined the effect of ANG II on regulation of B(2) kinin receptors (B2KR) in vascular cells. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were treated with ANG II in a concentration (10(-9)-10(-6) M)- and time (0-24 h)-dependent manner, and B2KR protein and mRNA levels were measured by Western blots and PCR, respectively. A threefold increase in B2KR protein levels was observed as early as 6 h, with a peak response at 10(-7) M. ANG II (10(-7) M) also increased B2KR mRNA levels twofold 4 h after stimulation. Actinomycin D suppressed the increase in B2KR mRNA and protein levels induced by ANG II. To elucidate the receptor subtype involved in mediating this regulation, VSMC were pretreated with losartan (AT(1) receptor antagonist) and/or PD-123319 (AT(2) receptor antagonist) at 10 microM for 30 min, followed by ANG II (10(-7) M) stimulation. Losartan completely blocked the ANG II-induced B2KR increase, whereas PD-123319 had no effect. In addition, expression of B2KR mRNA levels was decreased in AT(1A) receptor knockout mice. Finally, to determine whether ANG II stimulates B2KR expression via activation of the MAPK pathway, VSMC were pretreated with an inhibitor of p42/p44(mapk) (PD-98059) and/or an inhibitor of p38(mapk) (SB-202190), followed by ANG II (10(-7) M) for 24 h. Selective inhibition of the p42/p44(mapk) pathway significantly blocked the ANG II-induced increase in B2KR expression. These findings demonstrate that ANG II regulates expression of B2KR in VSMC and provide a rationale for studying the interaction between ANG II and bradykinin in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction.     

NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species regulate angiotensin-II induced adventitial fibroblast phenotypic differentiation

Phenotypic differentiation of adventitial fibroblasts into myofibroblasts is an essential feature of vascular remodeling. The present study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in rat adventitial fibroblast differentiation to myofibroblast. Activation of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) was used as a marker of myofibroblast. Angiotensin II increased intracellular ROS in adventitial fibroblasts that was completely inhibited by the free radical scavenger NAC, the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor DPI, and transfection of antisense gp91phox oligonucleotides. Myofibroblast differentiation was prevented by inhibition of ROS generation with DPI, NAC, and antisense gp91phox as shown by decreased expression of alpha-SMA. Angiotensin II rapidly induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and JNK, both of which were inhibited by DPI, NAC, antisense gp91phox, and the selective AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan. Inhibiting p38MAPK with SB202190 or JNK with SP600125 also reduced angiotensin II-induced alpha-SMA expression. These findings demonstrate that angiotensin II induces adventitial fibroblast differentiation to myofibroblast via a pathway that involves NADPH oxidase generation of ROS and activation of p38MAPK and JNK pathways.     

Role of pp60(c-src) and p(44/42) MAPK in ANG II-induced contraction of rat tonic gastrointestinal smooth muscles

We examined the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (p(44/42) MAPK) in ANG II-induced contraction of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and internal anal sphincter (IAS) smooth muscles. Studies were performed in the isolated smooth muscles and cells (SMC). ANG II-induced changes in the levels of phosphorylation of different signal transduction and effector proteins were determined before and after selective inhibitors. ANG II-induced contraction of the rat LES and IAS SMC was inhibited by genistein, PD-98059 [a specific inhibitor of MAPK kinases (MEK 1/2)], herbimycin A (a pp60(c-src) inhibitor), and antibodies to pp60(c-src) and p(120) ras GTPase-activating protein (p(120) rasGAP). ANG II-induced contraction of the tonic smooth muscles was accompanied by an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of p(120) rasGAP. These were attenuated by genistein but not by PD-98059. ANG II-induced increase in phosphorylations of p(44/42) MAPKs and caldesmon was attenuated by both genistein and PD-98059. We conclude that pp60(c-src) and p(44/42) MAPKs play an important role in ANG II-induced contraction of LES and IAS smooth muscles.     

Aldosterone-induced brain MAPK signaling and sympathetic excitation are angiotensin II type-1 receptor dependent

Angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling upregulates angiotensin II type-1 receptors (AT(1)R) in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and contributes to AT(1)R-mediated sympathetic excitation in heart failure. Aldosterone has similar effects to increase AT(1)R expression in the PVN and sympathetic drive. The present study was undertaken to determine whether aldosterone also activates the sympathetic nervous system via MAPK signaling and, if so, whether its effect is independent of ANG II and AT(1)R. In anesthetized rats, a 4-h intravenous infusion of aldosterone induced increases (P < 0.05) in phosphorylated (p-) p44/42 MAPK in PVN, PVN neuronal excitation, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), mean blood pressure (MBP), and heart rate (HR). Intracerebroventricular or bilateral PVN microinjection of the p44/42 MAPK inhibitor PD-98059 reduced the aldosterone-induced RSNA, HR, and MBP responses. Intracerebroventricular pretreatment (5 days earlier) with pooled small interfering RNAs targeting p44/42 MAPK reduced total and p-p44/42 MAPK, aldosterone-induced c-Fos expression in the PVN, and the aldosterone-induced increases in RSNA, HR, and MBP. Intracerebroventricular infusion of either the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist RU-28318 or the AT(1)R antagonist losartan blocked aldosterone-induced phosphorylation of p44/42 MAPK and prevented the increases in RSNA, HR, and MBP. These data suggest that aldosterone-induced sympathetic excitation depends upon that AT(1)R-induced MAPK signaling in the brain. The short time course of this interaction suggests a nongenomic mechanism, perhaps via an aldosterone-induced transactivation of the AT(1)R as described in peripheral tissues.     

Animal model for angiotensin II effects in the internal anal sphincter smooth muscle: mechanism of action

Effect of ANG II was investigated in in vitro smooth muscle strips and in isolated smooth muscle cells (SMC). Among different species, rat internal and sphincter (IAS) smooth muscle showed significant and reproducible contraction that remained unmodified by different neurohumoral inhibitors. The AT(1) antagonist losartan but not AT(2) antagonist PD-123319 antagonized ANG II-induced contraction of the IAS smooth muscle and SMC. ANG II-induced contraction of rat IAS smooth muscle and SMC was attenuated by tyrosine kinase inhibitors genistein and tyrphostin, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor H-7, Ca(2+) channel blocker nicardipine, Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 or p(44/42) mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK(44/42)) inhibitor PD-98059. Combinations of nicardipine and H-7, Y-27632, and PD-98059 caused further attenuation of the ANG II effects. Western blot analyses revealed the presence of both AT(1) and AT(2) receptors. We conclude that ANG II causes contraction of rat IAS smooth muscle by the activation of AT(1) receptors at the SMC and involves multiple intracellular pathways, influx of Ca(2+), and activation of PKC, Rho kinase, and MAPK(44/42).     

MKP—1在血管紧张素Ⅱ导致心肌肥大反应中的调控作用

本研究主要从丝裂原活化蛋白激酶磷酸酶－１（ＭＫＰ－１）角度,研究丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（ＭＡＰＫ）信号途径在血管紧张素Ⅱ介导的新生大鼠心肌细胞肥大反应中的作用及调控机制。实验以心肌细胞蛋白合成速率、蛋白含量及细胞表面积作为心肌肥大反应的指标,以凝胶内ＭＢＰ原位磷酸化测定ＭＡＰＫ活性,以免疫印迹法（Ｗｅｓｔｅｒｎ ｂｏｌｔｔｉｎｇ）分别测定ＭＫＰ－１及磷酸化ｐ４４ＭＡＰＫ、ｐ４２ＭＡＰＫ蛋白表达。结果发     

Angiotensin II-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction through RhoA/Rho kinase/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase/arginase pathway

Enhanced vascular arginase activity impairs endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation by decreasing l-arginine availability to endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase, thereby reducing NO production. Elevated angiotensin II (ANG II) is a key component of endothelial dysfunction in many cardiovascular diseases and has been linked to elevated arginase activity. We determined signaling mechanisms by which ANG II increases endothelial arginase function. Results show that ANG II (0.1 μM, 24 h) elevates arginase activity and arginase I expression in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) and decreases NO production. These effects are prevented by the arginase inhibitor BEC (100 μM). Blockade of ANG II AT(1) receptors or transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA) for Gα12 and Gα13 also prevents ANG II-induced elevation of arginase activity, but siRNA for Gαq does not. ANG II also elevates active RhoA levels and induces phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Inhibitors of RhoA activation (simvastatin, 0.1 μM) or Rho kinase (ROCK) (Y-27632, 10 μM; H1152, 0.5 μM) block both ANG II-induced elevation of arginase activity and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Furthermore, pretreatment of BAECs with p38 inhibitor SB-202190 (2 μM) or transfection with p38 MAPK siRNA prevents ANG II-induced increased arginase activity/expression and maintains NO production. Additionally, inhibitors of p38 MAPK (SB-203580, 5 μg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) or arginase (ABH, 8 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) or arginase gene knockout in mice prevents ANG II-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction and associated enhancement of arginase. These results indicate that ANG II increases endothelial arginase activity/expression through Gα12/13 G proteins coupled to AT(1) receptors and subsequent activation of RhoA/ROCK/p38 MAPK pathways leading to endothelial dysfunction.     

ANG II-stimulated DNA synthesis is mediated by ANG II receptor-dependent Ca(2+)/PKC as well as EGF receptor-dependent PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K1 signal pathways in mouse embryonic stem cells

Effect of angiotensin II (ANG II) on mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell proliferation was examined. ANG II increased [(3)H] thymidine incorporation in a time- (>4 h) and dose- (>10(-9) M) dependent manner. The ANG II-induced increase in [(3)H] thymidine incorporation was blocked by inhibition of ANG II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor but not by ANG II type 2 (AT(2)) receptor, and AT(1) receptor was expressed. ANG II increased inositol phosphates formation and [Ca(2+)](i), and translocated PKC alpha, delta, and zeta to the membrane fraction. Consequently, the inhibition of PLC/PKC suppressed ANG II-induced increase in [(3)H] thymidine incorporation. The inhibition of EGF receptor kinase or tyrosine kinase prevented ANG II-induced increase in [(3)H] thymidine incorporation. ANG II phosphorylated EGF receptor and increased Akt, mTOR, and p70S6K1 phosphorylation blocked by AG 1478 (EGF receptor kinase blocker). ANG II-induced increase in [(3)H] thymidine incorporation was blocked by the inhibition of p44/42 MAPKs but not by p38 MAPK inhibition. Indeed, ANG II phosphorylated p44/42 MAPKs, which was prevented by the inhibition of the PKC and AT(1) receptor. ANG II increased c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc levels. ANG II also increased the protein levels of cyclin D1, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2, and CDK4 but decreased the p21(cip1/waf1) and p27(kip1), CDK inhibitory proteins. These proteins were blocked by the inhibition of AT(1) receptor, PLC/PKC, p44/42 MAPKs, EGF receptor, or tyrosine kinase. In conclusion, ANG II-stimulated DNA synthesis is mediated by ANG II receptor-dependent Ca(2+)/PKC and EGF receptor-dependent PI3K/Akt/mTOR/p70S6K1 signal pathways in mouse ES cells.     

Angiopoietin-1-induced angiogenesis is modulated by endothelial NADPH oxidase

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a central role in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Endothelial NADPH oxidase is the major source of intracellular ROS. The present study investigated the role of endothelial NADPH oxidase-derived ROS in angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1)-induced angiogenesis. Exposure of porcine coronary artery endothelial cells (PCAECs) to Ang-1 (250 ng/ml) for periods up to 30 min led to a transient and dose-dependent increase in intracellular ROS. Thirty minutes of pretreatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitors diphenylene iodinium (DPI, 10 microM) and apocynin (200 microM) suppressed Ang-1-stimulated ROS. Pretreatment with either DPI or apocynin also significantly attenuated Ang-1-induced Akt and p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation. In addition, inhibition of NADPH oxidase significantly suppressed Ang-1-induced endothelial cell migration and sprouting from endothelial spheroids. Using mouse heart microvascular endothelial cells from wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient in the p47(phox) component of NADPH oxidase (p47(phox-/-)), we found that although Ang-1 stimulated intracellular ROS, Akt and p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation, and cell migration in WT cells, the responses were strikingly suppressed in cells from the p47(phox-/-) mice. Furthermore, exposure of aortic rings from p47(phox-/-) mice to Ang-1 demonstrated fewer vessel sprouts than WT mice. Inhibition of the Tie-2 receptor inhibited Ang-1-induced endothelial migration and vessel sprouting. Together, our data strongly suggest that endothelial NADPH oxidase-derived ROS play a critical role in Ang-1-induced angiogenesis.     

Role of Ras in ethanol modulation of angiotensin II activated p42/p44 MAP kinase in rat hepatocytes

Angiotensin II plays a role in both liver cell proliferation and liver injury but the effects of ethanol on angiotensin II signaling in liver are not clearly understood. We have investigated the role of Ras in ethanol modulation of p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) stimulated by angiotensin II (Ang II) in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were incubated with ethanol (100 mM) for 24 h, then stimulated with Ang II (100 nM). The level of p42/p44 MAPK phosphorylation was measured by Western blot analysis and Ras activation was assessed by specific binding of Ras-GTP (activated form) to a GST-RBD fusion protein containing Ras-binding domain (RBD) of Raf-1. Ethanol potentiated p42/p44 MAPK activation by Ang II, whereas ethanol alone did not significantly affect phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAPK. Ang II increased Ras activity by about 2 fold. Ethanol exposure increased Ang II stimulated Ras activity by an additional about 2 fold. Ethanol alone elicited a small increase in basal Ras activity. Pretreatment with manumycin A (10 microM), a Ras farnesylation inhibitor, partially blocked both Ang II-activated and ethanol-potentiated MAPK activities. These data provided the first evidence that ethanol potentiation of Ang II stimulated p42/p44 MAPK is mediated, in part, by Ras in hepatocytes.     

Activation and induction of cytosolic phospholipase A2 by TNF-α mediated through Nox2, MAPKs, NF-κB, and p300 in human tracheal smooth muscle cells

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) plays a pivotal role in mediating agonist-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release for prostaglandin (PG) synthesis during inflammation triggered by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). However, the mechanisms underlying TNF-α-induced cPLA(2) expression and PGE(2) synthesis in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs) remain unknown. Here, we report that TNF-α-induced cPLA(2) protein and mRNA expression, PGE(2) production, and phosphorylation of p42/p44 MAPK, p38 MAPK, and JNK1/2, which were attenuated by pretreatment with a ROS scavenger [N-acetyl-L-cysteine, (NAC)] and the inhibitors of NADPH oxidase [apocynin (APO) and diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI)], MEK1/2 (U0126), p38 MAPK (SB202190), and JNK1/2 (SP600125) or transfection with siRNA of Nox2, p47(phox) , MEK1, p42, p38, or JNK2. TNF-α-induced cPLA(2) expression was also inhibited by pretreatment with a selective NF-κB inhibitor [helenalin (HLN)] or transfection with dominant negative mutants of NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK) or IκB kinase (IKK)α/β. TNF-α-induced NF-κB translocation was blocked by pretreatment with NAC, DPI, APO, or HLN, but not by U0126, SB202190, or SP600125. In addition, pretreatment with curcumin (a p300 inhibitor) or transfection with p300 siRNA blocked cPLA(2) expression and PGE(2) synthesis induced by TNF-α. We further confirmed that p300 was associated with the cPLA(2) promoter which was dynamically linked to histone H4 acetylation stimulated by TNF-α, determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Association of p300 and histone H4 to cPLA(2) promoter was inhibited by U0126, SB202190, and SP600125. These results suggested that in HTSMCs, activation of p47(phox) , MAPKs, NF-κB, and p300 is essential for TNF-α-induced cPLA(2) expression and PGE(2) release.     

Cigarette smoke extract regulates cytosolic phospholipase A2 expression via NADPH oxidase/MAPKs/AP-1 and p300 in human tracheal smooth muscle cells

Up-regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) may play a critical role in airway inflammatory diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying CSE-induced cPLA(2) expression in human tracheal smooth muscle cells (HTSMCs) were not completely understood. Here, we demonstrated that CSE-induced cPLA(2) protein and mRNA expression was inhibited by pretreatment with the inhibitors of AP-1 (tanshinone IIA) and p300 (garcinol) or transfection with siRNAs of c-Jun, c-Fos, and p300. Moreover, CSE also induced c-Jun and c-Fos expression, which were inhibited by pretreatment with the inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (diphenyleneiodonium chloride and apocynin) and the ROS scavenger (N-acetyl-L-cysteine) or transfection with siRNAs of p47(phox) and NADPH oxidase (NOX)2. CSE-induced c-Fos expression was inhibited by pretreatment with the inhibitors of MEK1 (U0126) and p38 MAPK (SB202190) or transfection with siRNAs of p42 and p38. CSE-induced c-Jun expression and phosphorylation were inhibited by pretreatment with the inhibitor of JNK1/2 (SP600125) or transfection with JNK2 siRNA. CSE-stimulated p300 phosphorylation was inhibited by pretreatment with the inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and JNK1/2. Furthermore, CSE-induced p300 and c-Jun complex formation was inhibited by pretreatment with diphenyleneiodonium chloride, apocynin, N-acetyl-L-cysteine or SP600125. These results demonstrated that CSE-induced cPLA(2) expression was mediated through NOX2-dependent p42/p44 MAPK and p38 MAPK/c-Fos and JNK1/2/c-Jun/p300 pathways in HTSMCs.     

Involvement of cytochrome P-450 1B1 in renal dysfunction, injury, and inflammation associated with angiotensin II-induced hypertension in rats

We investigated the contribution of cytochrome P-450 1B1 (CYP1B1) to renal dysfunction and organ damage associated with ANG II-induced hypertension in rats. ANG II (300 ng·kg(-1)·min(-1)) or vehicle were infused for 2 wk, with daily injections of a selective CYP1B1 inhibitor, 2,4,3',5'-tetramethoxystilbene (TMS; 300 μg/kg ip), or its vehicle. ANG II increased blood pressure and renal CYP1B1 activity that were prevented by TMS. ANG II also increased water intake and urine output, decreased glomerular filtration rate, increased urinary Na(+) and K(+) excretion, and caused proteinuria, all of which were prevented by TMS. ANG II infusion caused hypertrophy, endothelial dysfunction, and increased reactivity of renal and interlobar arteries to vasoconstrictor agents and renal vascular resistance and interstitial fibrosis as indicated by accumulation of α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and collagen, and inflammation as indicated by increased infiltration of CD-3(+) cells; these effects were inhibited by TMS. ANG II infusion also increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activities of NADPH oxidase, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and c-Src that were prevented by TMS. TMS alone had no effect on any of the above parameters. These data suggest that CYP1B1 contributes to the renal pathophysiological changes associated with ANG II-induced hypertension, most likely via increased ROS production and activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and c-Src and that CYP1B1 could serve as a novel target for treating renal disease associated with hypertension.     

Role of mitogen-activated protein kinases and tyrosine kinases on IL-1-Induced NF-kappaB activation and iNOS expression in bovine articular chondrocytes.

Nitric oxide (NO), produced by the inducible isoform of the NO synthase (iNOS), plays an important role in the pathophysiology of arthritic diseases. This work aimed at elucidating the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), p38MAPK and p42/44MAPK, and of protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) on interleukin-1beta (IL-1)-induced iNOS expression in bovine articular chondrocytes. The specific inhibitor of the p38MAPK, SB 203580, effectively inhibited IL-1-induced iNOS mRNA and protein synthesis, as well as NO production, while the specific inhibitor of the p42/44MAPK, PD 98059, had no effect. These responses to IL-1 were also inhibited by treatment of the cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein and tyrphostin B42, which also prevented IL-1-induced NF-kappaB activation. The p38MAPK inhibitor, SB 203580, had no effect on IL-1-induced NF-kappaB activation. Finally, the p42/44MAPK inhibitor, PD 98059, prevented IL-1-induced AP-1 activation in a concentration that did not inhibit iNOS expression. In conclusion, this study shows that (1) PTK are part of the signaling pathway that leads to IL-1-induced NF-kappaB activation and iNOS expression; (2) the p38MAPK cascade is required for IL-1-induced iNOS expression; (3) the p42/44MAPK and AP-1 are not involved in IL-1-induced iNOS expression; and (4) NF-kappaB and the p38MAPK lie on two distinct pathways that seem to be independently required for IL-1-induced iNOS expression. Hence, inhibition of any of these two signaling cascades is sufficient to prevent iNOS expression and the subsequent production of NO in articular chondrocytes.     

Cardioprotective effects of rosiglitazone are associated with selective overexpression of type 2 angiotensin receptors and inhibition of p42/44 MAPK

Current evidence points to renin-angiotensin system as a key mediator in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rosiglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) ligand, has recently been shown to confer cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion in animal models. We sought to examine the expression of ANG II receptors during PPAR-gamma-mediated cardioprotection. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (nondiabetic) were fed either regular rat chow (control diet group, n = 9) or rosiglitazone-rich diet (rosiglitazone-rich diet group, n = 9) and were subjected to 1 h of myocardial ischemia followed by 1 h of reperfusion. A third group of rats had only thoracotomy and pericardiotomy and served as a sham control group (n = 9). Hemodynamics, infarct size, and expression of ANG II type 1 and type 2 receptors (AT1 and AT2) were measured in all groups. There was a 58% reduction of infarct size in the rosiglitazone-rich diet group (P < 0.01 vs. control diet group). Increased myocardial expression of AT(1) receptors in the ischemic-reperfused myocardium was attenuated in the rosiglitazone-rich diet group (P < 0.05 vs. control diet group). Importantly, myocardial AT2 mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased (by >100-fold) in the rosiglitazone-rich diet group (P < 0.05). These changes were accompanied by inhibition of p42/44 MAPK in the rosiglitazone-rich diet group, while the Akt1 expression, believed to mediate insulin sensitization, remained similar in all three groups. The cardioprotective effects of rosiglitazone against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury are independent of its insulin-sensitizing properties and are associated with significant overexpression of AT2 receptors along with inhibition of p42/44 MAPK.     

Interleukin-10 counteracts impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by ANG II in murine aortic rings

ANG II stimulates the production of reactive oxygen species and activates proinflammatory cytokines leading to endothelial dysfunction. We hypothesized that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 counteracts the impairment in endothelium-dependent ACh relaxation caused by ANG II. Aortic rings of C57BL/6 mice were incubated in DMEM in the presence of vehicle (deionized H(2)O), ANG II (100 nmol/l), recombinant mouse IL-10 (300 ng/ml), or both ANG II and IL-10 for 22 h at 37 degrees C. After incubation, rings were mounted in a wire myograph to assess endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation to cumulative concentrations of ACh. Overnight exposure of aortic rings to ANG II resulted in blunted ACh-induced vasorelaxation compared with that shown in untreated rings (maximal response = 44 +/- 3% vs. 64 +/- 3%, respectively; P<0.05). IL-10 treatment significantly restored this impairment in relaxation (63 +/- 2%). In addition, the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin restored the impairment in relaxation (maximal response = 76 +/- 3%). Western blotting showed increased gp91(phox) expression (a subunit of NADPH oxidase) in response to ANG II. Vessels treated with a combination of ANG II and IL-10 showed decreased expression of gp91(phox). Immunohistochemical analysis showed increased gp91(phox) expression in ANG II-treated vessels compared with those treated with combined ANG II and IL-10. We found that the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 prevents impairment in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in response to long-term incubation with ANG II via decreasing NADPH oxidase expression.     

Role of cAMP inhibition of p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase in potentiation of protein secretion in rat lacrimal gland

We previously found that addition of cAMP and a Ca(2+)/PKC-dependent agonist causes synergism or potentiation of protein secretion from rat lacrimal gland acini. In the present study we determined whether cAMP decreases p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity in the lacrimal gland. Since we know that activation of MAPK attenuates protein secretion stimulated by Ca(2+)- and PKC-dependent agonists, we also determined whether this activation causes potentiation of secretion. Freshly prepared rat lacrimal gland acinar cells were incubated with dibutyryl cAMP (DBcAMP), carbachol (a cholinergic agonist), phenylephrine (an alpha(1)-adrenergic agonist), or epidermal growth factor (EGF). The latter three agonists are known to activate p44/p42 MAPK. p44/p42 MAPK activity and protein secretion were measured. As measured by Western blot analysis, DBcAMP inhibited both basal and agonist-stimulated p44/p42 MAPK activity. Cellular cAMP levels were increased by 1) using two different cell-permeant cAMP analogs, 2) activating adenylyl cyclase (L-858051), or 3) activation of G(s)-coupled receptors (VIP). The cell-permeant cAMP analogs, L-858051, and VIP inhibited basal p44/p42 MAPK activity by 50, 40, and 40%, respectively. DBcAMP and VIP inhibited carbachol- and EGF-stimulated MAPK activity. cAMP, but not VIP, inhibited phenylephrine-stimulated MAPK activity. Potentiation of secretion was detected when carbachol, phenylephrine, or EGF was simultaneously added with DBcAMP. We conclude that increasing cellular cAMP levels inhibits p44/p42 MAPK activity and that this could account for potentiation of secretion obtained when cAMP was elevated and Ca(2+) and PKC were increased by agonists.     

Angiotensin II-induced JNK activation is mediated by NAD(P)H oxidase in isolated rat pancreatic islets

Angiotensin II (AII), the active component of the renin angiotensin system (RAS), plays a vital role in the regulation of physiological processes of the cardiovascular system, but also has autocrine and paracrine actions in various tissues and organs. Many studies have shown the existence of RAS in the pancreas of humans and rodents. The aim of this study was to evaluate potential signaling pathways mediated by AII in isolated pancreatic islets of rats. Phosphorylation of MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK and p38MAPK), and the interaction between proteins JAK/STAT were evaluated. AII increased JAK2/STAT1 (42%) and JAK2/STAT3 (100%) interaction without altering the total content of JAK2. Analyzing the activation of MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK and p38MAPK) in isolated pancreatic islets from rats we observed that AII rapidly (3 min) promoted a significant increase in the phosphorylation degree of these proteins after incubation with the hormone. Curiously JNK protein phosphorylation was inhibited by DPI, suggesting the involvement of NAD(P)H oxidase in the activation of protein.