血管紧张素Ⅱ对血管平滑肌细胞中大电导钙激活钾通道的多重调节作用（英文）

肾素-血管紧张素系统(renin-angiotensin system, RAS)是影响血管平滑肌细胞张力的重要因素。RAS主要活性物质血管紧张素Ⅱ (angiotensin Ⅱ, Ang Ⅱ)可通过激活血管紧张素Ⅱ-1型受体(angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor, AT1R)升高胞内Ca~(2+)浓度,收缩平滑肌细胞。大电导钙激活钾(large-conductance Ca~(2+)-and voltage-activated potassium, BK)通道是血管平滑肌细胞中分布最广、表达最多的钾离子通道,在维持细胞膜电位和胞内钾钙平衡中发挥重要作用。血管平滑肌细胞上的BK通道主要包含α与β1两种亚基。其中功能亚基BKα上分布有膜电位及Ca~(2+)感受器。因此当膜电位或细胞内Ca~(2+)浓度升高时会反馈性引起BK通道开放。然而,越来越多的研究显示,尽管Ang Ⅱ可升高胞内Ca~(2+)浓度,但却通过激活PKC通路、促进AT1R与BKα通道形成的异源二聚体内吞、加快α与β1亚基解离等途径抑制BK通道的表达和功能。在一些情况下,Ang Ⅱ对BK通道也可表现出激活作用,但机制尚不完全明确。该综述总结了Ang Ⅱ对BK通道抑制或激活两方面效应的可能原因,为改善细胞内离子失衡提供理论依据。     

蛋白激酶C 在血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的肾小球系膜细胞收缩中的作用

目的:研究蛋白激酶C(pkc)在血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的肾小球系膜细胞(GMC)收缩中的作用。方法:人肾小球系膜细胞系用于全部实验。应用血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)刺激蛋白激酶C抑制剂白屈菜红碱(CHE)处理或未处理的系膜细胞。利用激光扫描共聚焦显微镜测细胞内钙离子浓度。结果:①膜细胞经AngⅡ诱导后,细胞出现明显的大幅度起始钙离子浓度升高(vs.control,p<0.05,n=16)②膜细胞经CHE预处理后减少AngⅡ诱导的GMC钙离子浓度(vs AngⅡ,p<0.05,n=16)。结论:①血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导系膜细胞收缩。②蛋白激酶C参与血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的肾小球系膜细胞的收缩过程。     

肾素血管紧张素系统对糖尿病内皮细胞损伤机制的研究

肾素血管紧张素系统(RASS)的效应分子为血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ),对内皮细胞及平滑肌细胞的功能具有重要的影响。血管紧张素II不仅影响血流动力学效应,还通过其血管紧张素1受体(AT1R)发挥强大的促氧化和促炎症反应的效应。在内皮细胞和白细胞中血管紧张素Ⅱ通过烟酰胺腺嘌呤二核苷酸磷酸盐(NADPH)氧化酶的激活和细胞内氧化还远信号传导系统从而促进脉管系统炎症反应的形成,血管紧张素Ⅱ和葡萄糖在内皮细胞和炎性细胞中还共享氧化还原信号传导通路,可见血管紧张素Ⅱ参与了炎症的反应、血栓的形成,通过刺激细胞因子和生长因子进行细胞的增值,血管紧张素Ⅱ的这些效应与胰岛素抵抗、氧化应激以及血管内皮细胞的损伤有着密切的联系,并且有研究显示应用RASS抑制剂可以有效地延缓心脑血管疾病的进展,这些证据显示抑制RASS系统在保护血管病变的重要性。     

血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导培养的成年大鼠心肌细胞凋亡

研究血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)诱导培养的成年大鼠心肌细胞(adult rat ventricular myocytes,ARVMs)凋亡.酶灌流消化法分离培养ARVMs,不同处理后,光镜观察形态改变,琼脂糖凝胶电泳定性分析DNA降解程度.结果发现培养的ARVMs经AngⅡ10μmol/L处理48 h后,大部分细胞变圆,胞浆浓缩;电泳显示核酸断裂片段"梯形"结构,上述改变在72 h更为明显.上述作用可被氯沙坦、维拉帕米和staurosporine所取消.这表明AngⅡ由AT1受体介导诱导培养的ARVMs凋亡,细胞内钙升高和PKC激活起重要作用.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ通过其1型受体诱导胰岛β细胞TXNIP的表达

本研究旨在探讨血管紧张素Ⅱ(angiotensin Ⅱ,Ang Ⅱ)对INS-1胰岛细胞凋亡及硫氧还蛋白相互作用蛋白(thioredoxin-interacting protein,TXNIP)表达的影响,并分析其可能的作用机制。体外常规培养大鼠胰岛细胞株INS-1,使用CCK-8试剂盒检测不同浓度和不同作用时间的Ang Ⅱ对细胞存活率的影响,确定最佳作用浓度及作用时间为1×10~(-6) mol/L和24 h;在上述浓度及作用时间条件下,使用流式细胞术及Western blot检测细胞凋亡;Western blot检测Ang Ⅱ对TXNIP、碳水化合物反应元件结合蛋白(carbohydrate response element-binding protein,ChREBP)及血管紧张素Ⅱ 1型受体(angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor,AT1R)蛋白表达的影响;Real-time PCR检测TXNIP及ChREBP mRNA表达;IF/ICC法观察TXNIP、ChREBP及AT1R的表达变化。结果显示Ang Ⅱ可浓度依赖性及时间依赖性地降低细胞活力(P0.05,n=6)并上调TXNIP的表达(P0.05,n=6);与对照组相比,Ang Ⅱ组细胞凋亡率、ChREBP及AT1R的表达均明显增高(P0.05,n=6)。使用AT1R受体抑制剂替米沙坦(telmisartan,TM)后,Ang Ⅱ对INS-1细胞TXNIP及ChREBP的诱导作用被抑制(P0.05,n=6),Ang Ⅱ诱导的细胞活力降低及细胞凋亡升高被逆转。上述结果表明,Ang Ⅱ可通过AT1R增加ChREBP活化而上调TXNIP的表达,促进细胞凋亡,提示TXNIP可能在糖尿病时Ang Ⅱ诱发胰岛细胞凋亡中发挥作用,并有望成为糖尿病新的治疗靶点。     

动态检测血管紧张素Ⅱ刺激后STAT3信号核转位及其与衰老的关系

为了动态观察复制性衰老细胞中血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)激活人信号转导与转录活化因子3(hSTAT3)信号转导途径的核转位情况及该途径在细胞衰老过程中的变化。将载体pMS1-hSTAT3上的目的基因STAT3序列亚克隆到pEGFP-C3报告载体中,构建出pEGFP-hSTAT3质粒选择人胚肺二倍体成纤维细胞WI-38细胞株进行细胞培养,通过脂质体(Effectene)转染的方法,将pEGFP-STAT3质粒分别转染至19代,42代WI-38细胞中;在激光共聚焦显微镜下动态观察血管紧张素Ⅱ激活STAT3的核转位的变化及不同代数的差别．结果显示AngⅡ刺激细胞后,出现活化的STAT3在胞核内聚集现象,并且在19代细胞中15分钟开始出现,30—45分钟左右时达到高峰;42代细胞中30分钟左右开始出现,50—60分钟左右达到高峰。因此我们认为AngⅡ刺激WI-38细胞,能出现hSTAT3信号转导的核内集聚现象;并且随着WI-38细胞传代数的增加,STAT3信号转导入核时间延迟。说明随着细胞的复制性衰老,通过STAT3通路转导的信号活性逐渐降低,最终影响细胞的增殖,可能是促进细胞衰老的原因之一。     

蛋白激酶C在血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的肾小球系膜细胞收缩中的作用

目的：研究蛋白激酶C（pkc）在血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的肾小球系膜细胞（GMC）收缩中的作用。方法：人肾小球系膜细胞系用于全部实验。应用血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）刺激蛋白激酶C抑制剂白屈菜红碱（CHE）处理或来处理的系膜细胞。利用激光扫描共聚焦显微镜测细胞内钙离子浓度。结果：①膜细胞经AngⅡ诱导后,细胞出现明显的大幅度起始钙离子浓度升高（vs．control,p〈0．05,n=16）⑦膜细胞经CHE预处理后减少AngⅡ诱导的GMC钙离子浓度（vsAngⅡ,p〈O．05,n=16）。结论：①血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导系膜细胞收缩。②蛋白激酶C参与血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的肾小球系膜细胞的收缩过程。     

利用FM4-64FX标记大鼠血管平滑肌细胞的囊泡运输

囊泡运输是大分子物质进入细胞的途径,血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs)与外界存在频繁的信息和物质交换,该研究通过标识内吞囊泡来研究VSMCs的囊泡运输。体外培养大鼠胸主动脉VSMCs,用血管紧张素II(angiotensin II,Ang II)刺激,加入FM4-64FX短暂孵育后固定。通过免疫组化方法标记VSMCs血管紧张素II 1型受体(angiotensin II receptor type 1,AT1R),检测内吞囊泡和AR1R转运之间的关系。受到Ang II的激活后,VSMC快速形成内吞囊泡,将AT1R转运至胞质;存在血管紧张素受体阻断剂(angiotensin receptor blocker,ARB)时,内吞囊泡数量少,AT1R较少进入胞质。通过FM4-64 FX对胞内囊泡进行标识可以显示VSMCs的大分子物质运输,可观察特定的分子在内吞囊泡上的分布和运输情况。     

血管紧张素II 1型受体相关蛋白研究进展

血管紧张素Ⅱ(angiotensin Ⅱ,AngⅡ)作为肾素-血管紧张素系统(renin-angiotensin system,RAS)的关键效应因子,与血管紧张素Ⅱ1型受体(angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor,AT1R)结合后,在体内发挥维持体液及电解质平衡、收缩血管、调节血压,促进心肌、肾近端小管以及血管平滑肌细胞增殖,参与肿瘤的发生发展、血管形成和转移等重要作用。最新研究发现,AT1R相关蛋白特异性作用于AT1R蛋白的碳末端,通过调节受体的内化、细胞膜的再通和受体的敏感性对其表达进行控制,发挥相应的生物学作用。本文的重点在于对AT1R相关蛋白的研究进展进行综述,阐述不同AT1R相关蛋白在RAS系统中所起的作用,为RAS系统的进一步研究提供依据。     

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 (Westernboltting)分别测定MKP 1及磷酸化p44MAPK、p42MAPK蛋白表达。结果发现 :(1)AngⅡ (10 -7mol/L)处理 48h ,心肌细胞 3H 亮氨酸掺入率、蛋白含量及细胞表面积明显增加 ,AngⅡ增加 3H 亮氨酸掺入的作用可被血管紧张素Ⅱ 1型受体 (AT1受体 )拮抗剂CV11974(10 -6mol/L)明显抑制 (抑制 85 % ) ,被MAPK激酶 (MEK)特异性抑制剂PD0 980 5 9(5× 10 -5mol/L)部分抑制 (抑制 32 5 % ) ;(2 )CV11974或PD0 980 5 9可明显抑制AngⅡ介导的磷酸化MAPK蛋白表达及MAPK酶活性 (以γ 32 P ATP掺入表示 ) ;(3)以磷酸化MAPK蛋白表达反映MAPK活性 ,可见AngⅡ处理心肌细胞5min ,MAPK活性即开始增加 ,30min左右达到高峰 ,2h后基本恢复正常 ;而MKP 1蛋白表达 30min即见增加 ,持续 2h以上 ;(4 )用放线菌素D (actinomycinD)处理心肌细胞 30min可明显抑制MKP 1的表达 ,同时使AngⅡ致磷酸化MAPK蛋白表达时间延长至 2h以上。以上结果     

肠淋巴液引流对失血性休克小鼠心肌组织ACE/ACE2的作用

目的：观察失血性休克后小鼠心肌组织血管紧张素转换酶（ACE）/ACE2平衡的变化及肠淋巴液引流（PHSML）的作用。方法：BALB/c雄性小鼠24只,随机分为对照组、假手术组、休克组、休克+引流组（n=6）。建立失血性休克模型,行液体复苏;休克+引流组液体复苏后,引流肠淋巴液。在液体复苏后6 h或假手术组相应时间点、对照组于麻醉后,留取心肌组织,qRT-PCR法检测ACE、ACE2、血管紧张素Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ）1型受体（AT1R）、Mas相关G蛋白偶联受体（Mas1R）的mRNA表达,ELISA方法检测Ang Ⅱ和Ang （1-7）含量。结果：休克组小鼠心肌组织ACE与AT1R mRNA表达、Ang Ⅱ水平均显著高于对照组与假手术组,ACE2与Mas1R mRNA表达显著低于对照组与假手术组、Ang （1-7）含量显著低于对照组,ACE/ACE2、Ang Ⅱ/Ang （1-7）、AT1R/Mas1R显著高于对照组与假手术组;PHSML引流显著抑制了失血性休克对这些指标的作用。结论：失血性休克上调心肌ACE-Ang Ⅱ-AT1R轴、下调ACE2-Ang （1-7）-Mas1R轴表达,引起ACE/ACE2失衡;PHSML引流下调ACE-Ang Ⅱ-AT1R轴、上调ACE2-Ang （1-7）-Mas1R轴表达,在一定程度上维持了ACE/ACE2平衡。     

Effect of angiotensin II on proliferation and differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells into mesodermal progenitor cells

Previous studies suggest that angiotensin receptor stimulation may enhance not only proliferation but also differentiation of undifferentiated stem/progenitor cells. Therefore, in the present study, we determined the involvement of the angiotensin receptor in the proliferation and differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Stimulation with angiotensin II (Ang II) significantly increased DNA synthesis in mouse iPS cells cultured in a medium with leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF). Pretreatment of the cells with either candesartan (a selective Ang II type 1 receptor [AT(1)R] antagonist) or Tempol (a cell-permeable superoxide scavenger) significantly inhibited Ang II-induced DNA synthesis. Treatment with Ang II significantly increased JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation. Pretreatment with candesartan significantly inhibited Ang II- induced JAK/STAT3 phosphorylation. In contrast, induction of mouse iPS cell differentiation into Flk-1-positive mesodermal progenitor cells was performed in type IV collagen (Col IV)- coated dishes in a differentiation medium without LIF. When Col IV-exposed iPS cells were treated with Ang II for 5days, the expression of Flk-1 was significantly increased compared with that in the cells treated with the vehicle alone. Pretreatment of the cells with both candesartan and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) significantly inhibited the Ang II- induced increase in Flk-1 expression. Treatment with Ang II enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in Col IV- exposed iPS cells. These results suggest that the stimulation of mouse iPS cells with AT(1)R may enhance LIF-induced DNA synthesis, by augmenting the generation of superoxide and activating JAK/STAT3, and that AT(1)R stimulation may enhance Col IV-induced differentiation into mesodermal progenitor cells via p38 MAPK activation.     

Oxidative stress increases angiotensin receptor type I responsiveness by increasing receptor degree of aggregation using image correlation spectroscopy

Oxidative stress and hyper-functioning of angiotensin II receptor type I (AT(1)R) are commonly observed in hypertensive patients but the relationship between oxidative stress and AT(1)R function is still unclear. We investigated the effects of H(2)O(2) treatment on AT(1)R-mediated intracellular calcium [Ca(2+)](i) signaling and its cell surface distribution pattern in HEK cells stably expressing EGFP-tagged rat AT(1)R using image correlation spectroscopy (ICS). Following H(2)O(2) treatment (50-800μM), [Ca(2+)](i) was significantly increased upon angiotensin II stimulation. Similarly ICS revealed a significant increase in degree of AT(1)R aggregation in H(2)O(2) treated group during Ang II activation but no difference in cluster density compared with untreated control cells or those with N-acetyl cysteine pretreatment. Thus, oxidative stress-induced AT(1)R hyper-responsiveness can be attributed by an increase in cell surface receptor aggregation state, possibly stemming in part from oxidant-related increase receptor-receptor interactions.     

Estrogen prevents intestinal inflammation after trauma-hemorrhage via downregulation of angiotensin II and angiotensin II subtype I receptor

Although angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a key role in development of organ ischemia-reperfusion injury, it remains unclear whether it is involved in development of intestinal injury following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H). Studies have shown that 17beta-estradiol (E2) administration following T-H improves small intestinal blood flow; however, it is unclear whether Ang II plays a role in this E2-mediated salutary effect. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent laparotomy and hemorrhagic shock (removal of 60% total blood volume, fluid resuscitation after 90 min). At onset of resuscitation, rats were treated with vehicle, E2, or E2 and estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI). A separate group of rats was treated with Ang II subtype I receptor (AT1R) antagonist losartan. At 24 h after T-H, plasma Ang II, IL-6, TNF-alpha, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC)-1 and CINC-3 levels, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and AT1R expression were determined. T-H significantly increased plasma and intestinal Ang II, IL-6, TNF-alpha levels, intestinal ICAM-1, CINC-1, CINC-3 levels, MPO activity, and AT1R protein compared with shams. E2 treatment following T-H attenuated increased intestinal MPO activity, Ang II level, and AT1R protein expression. ICI administration abolished the salutary effects of E2. In contrast, losartan administration attenuated increased MPO activity without affecting Ang II and AT1R levels. Thus Ang II plays a role in producing small intestine inflammation following T-H, and the salutary effects of E2 on intestinal inflammation are mediated in part by Ang II and AT1R downregulation.     

The mechanism of angiotensin II-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 activation is independent of angiotensin AT(1A) receptor internalisation

The aim of this study was to determine whether internalisation of the angiotensin II (Ang II) AT(1A) receptor (AT(1A)R) was a prerequisite for Ang II-induced activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinases, ERK-1/2. The human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cell line stably transfected with either the wild-type rat AT(1A)R or an internalisation-deficient C-terminal truncated mutant of the AT(1A)R (AT(1A)T318R) was used as a model for these studies. Inhibition of AT(1A)R internalisation by treatment with an inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, Concanavalin A (Con A), did not inhibit Ang II-induced ERK-1/2 activation. Furthermore, cells transfected with the internalisation-deficient AT(1A)T318R mutant readily activated ERK-1/2 in response to Ang II. Ang II activated ERK-1/2 via two distinct signalling pathways in HEK-AT(1A)R cells. Approximately half of Ang II-induced ERK-1/2 activation was protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent, and the remainder was calcium- and c-Src-dependent and involved transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In summary, Ang II-induced activation of ERK-1/2 occurs via two distinct pathways in HEK293 cells, neither of which requires AT(1A)R internalisation.     

Heparin recovers AT1 receptor and its intracellular signal transduction in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

Although vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are widely used in cardiovascular research, their phenotypic change under various culture conditions is problematic to evaluate the experimental results obtained. The levels of angiotensin (Ang) type 1/2 (AT1/AT2) receptors as well as contractile and structural proteins are degraded through culture passages. The present study demonstrated that heparin recovered Ang receptors and differentiation markers, such as desmin, SM-22 and smooth muscle alpha-actin in VSMCs at the ninth passage. Heparin also potenciated Ang II-induced activation for ERK1/2 and p38. These results suggest a potential value of heparin-treated VSMCs as the model for analysis of Ang-mediated signal transduction under physiological condition.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ在胚胎干细胞向心肌细胞分化中的作用

为检测血管紧张素Ⅱ（angiotensin Ⅱ,AⅡ）对小鼠胚胎干细胞（embryonic stem cells,ESCs）向心肌细胞方向分化的作用,采用10-4 mol/L维生素C诱导小鼠R1胚胎干细胞分化为心肌细胞. Western印记检测胚胎干细胞诱导分化的心肌细胞中表达血管紧张素Ⅱ1 型受体(angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor,AT1R).诱导分化期间用1 μmol/L AⅡ刺激胚胎干细胞,计数搏动拟胚体的比例;诱导分化第14 d用real-time RT-PCR 和Western 印记检测心肌标志物的表达确定其作用. 结果显示,与对照组相比,1 μmol/L AⅡ处理组可显著增加搏动拟胚体的比例,上调心肌标志物mRNA的表达. 预先用1 μmol/L洛沙坦处理1 h后可显著阻碍这种上调作用. 本实验结果表明,AⅡ通过AT1R可促进小鼠R1胚胎干细胞向心肌细胞分化.     

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.     

Mechanism of angiotensin II-induced superoxide production in cells reconstituted with angiotensin type 1 receptor and the components of NADPH oxidase

The mechanism of angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced superoxide production was investigated with HEK293 or Chinese hamster ovary cells reconstituted with the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) and NADPH oxidase (either Nox1 or Nox2) along with a pair of adaptor subunits (either NOXO1 with NOXA1 or p47(phox) with p67(phox)). Ang II enhanced the activity of both Nox1 and Nox2 supported by either adaptor pair, with more effective activation of Nox1 in the presence of NOXO1 and NOXA1 and of Nox2 in the presence of p47(phox) and p67(phox). Expression of several AT(1)R mutants showed that interaction of the receptor with G proteins but not that with beta-arrestin or with other proteins (Jak2, phospholipase C-gamma1, SH2 domain-containing phosphatase 2) that bind to the COOH-terminal region of AT(1)R, was necessary for Ang II-induced superoxide production. The effects of constitutively active alpha subunits of G proteins and of various pharmacological agents implicated signaling by a pathway comprising AT(1)R, Galpha(q/11), phospholipase C-beta, and protein kinase C as largely, but not exclusively, responsible for Ang II-induced activation of Nox1 and Nox2 in the reconstituted cells. A contribution of Galpha(12/13), phospholipase D, and phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase to Ang II-induced superoxide generation was also suggested, whereas Src and the epidermal growth factor receptor did not appear to participate in this effect of Ang II. In reconstituted cells stimulated with Ang II, Nox2 exhibited a more sensitive response than Nox1 to the perturbation of protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, or the small GTPase Rac1.