一种新型抗纤维化小肽AcSDKP的构建及活性初步研究

目的:以D型氨基酸替代的方式构建一种能抵抗血管紧张素转化酶(ACE)降解的异构体小肽AcSDKP,并对其抗纤维化活性进行初步研究,以期为AcSDKP在抗纤维化方面的应用提供依据。方法:用HPLC法检测D型氨基酸替代方式构建的AcSDKP异构体抗ACE降解的能力;用MTT法检测AcSDKP异构体对小鼠成纤维细胞L929和原代培养的心脏成纤维细胞增殖的影响;用流式细胞术检测AcSDKP异构体对骨髓干细胞(BMSC)向巨噬细胞分化的影响。结果:AcSDKP异构体均能抗ACE降解,能抑制L929细胞和心脏成纤维细胞增殖,能抑制BMSC向巨噬细胞分化。结论:构建了能抵抗ACE降解,在体外能抑制成纤维细胞增殖、巨噬细胞分化的AcSDKP异构体小肽,为该小肽进一步的体内研究及应用奠定了基础。     

细胞间粘附分子1特异结合肽的筛选及其生物功能

采用两种方法对噬菌体展示随机十五肽库进行亲和淘选 .ELISA法筛选特异结合高亲和力的阳性噬菌体单克隆 ,测序 ,得到 6个与人细胞间粘附分子 1(ICAM 1)高亲和力的噬菌体展示十五肽单克隆 .再经ELISA法从这 6个噬菌体单克隆中选择与ICAM 1亲和力最高的单克隆 ,同时利用蛋白空间结构位象模拟技术对小肽与ICAM 1的亲和力进行模拟研究 .最终获取目的小肽的氨基酸序列为GRGEFRGRDNSVSVV .目的单克隆噬菌体与ICAM - 1的亲和常数Ka 为 7 87× 10 7L mol .体外合成、纯化并标记目的小肽 .ELISA法验证目的小肽与人ICAM 1的结合呈浓度依赖性 ,抗ICAM 1多抗不能拮抗目的小肽与ICAM 1的结合 .采用免疫组化方法证实 ,此目的小肽具有与炎症组织中高表达的ICAM 1特异性结合的功能 .在动物体内 ,荧光标记的目的小肽具有向高表达ICAM 1的炎症部位特异性聚集的功能 .说明此目的肽可尝试作为以ICAM 1为靶的“肽导向药物”的前导肽 .     

一种特异性识别非小细胞肺癌A549细胞的小分子肽

应用"一个珠子一个化合物"的组合化学肽库,以期筛选得到特异性识别非小细胞肺癌细胞(A549)的小分子肽.初次筛选共得到29个与A549阳性结合的珠子,经氨基酸序列分析后发现含有-NGXG-肽链结构的序列共有10个.选择cNGQGEQc作进一步的细胞特异性研究,发现cNGQGEQc与非小细胞肺癌A549、Calu-1及H178的粘附特异性明显高于其他细胞系,对cNGQGEQc的结构分析显示,-NGXG-及六肽长度对小分子肽与A549细胞的粘附非常重要.标记FITC的小分子肽cNGQGEQc能与A549细胞发生特异性结合.用抗整合素的抗体(!1～6,"v和#1～5)阻断小分子肽与A549细胞表面的相应受体结合,结果显示,α3与$亚单位的任何组合均对cNGQGEQc与A549细胞的粘附有明显的阻断作用.结果表明,小分子肽cNGQGEQc是通过细胞表面整合素α3与非小细胞肺癌A549发生特异性结合.     

血管紧张素转换酶2-血管紧张素1-7-Mas轴对血管作用的研究进展

血管紧张素转换酶2（ACE2）和Mas受体的发现使人们对肾素-血管紧张素（RAS）有了更全面的认识。ACE2可水解血管紧张素Ⅰ和血管紧张素Ⅱ直接或间接生成血管紧张素1-7（Ang 1-7）,并与高血压的形成密切相关。Ang 1-7主要通过Mas受体引起血管舒张、抑制细胞增殖。ACE2-Ang1-7-Mas轴的发现为RAS的研究、高血压等心血管疾病的防治和新药开发提供了新的思路和方向。     

RGD肽对肺癌A549 细胞增殖侵袭能力的影响及其机制研究

目的:研究RGD肽对肺癌A549细胞增殖凋亡及侵袭迁移的影响,并探讨其作用机制。方法:不同浓度RGD肽处理肺癌A549细胞后,MTT检测肺癌细胞的增殖能力,流式细胞仪检测肺癌细胞凋亡及周期分布,Transwell检测其迁移及侵袭能力的变化,Western blot检测RGD肽对肺癌A549细胞MMP2、MMP9的表达水平影响。结果:当RGD肽浓度增加至50 mg/L时,肺癌A549细胞增殖明显受到抑制,且这种抑制作用呈剂量依赖关系;RGD肽组A549细胞G0/G1期细胞比例增高,细胞凋亡率由(6.1±0.1)%增至(15.2±0.5)%;在迁移和侵袭试验中,RGD肽组A549细胞的穿膜细胞数分别由123±10和43±10降至45±5和18±5;RGD肽组A549细胞MMP2、MMP9表达水平显著降低。结论:RGD肽对肺癌A549细胞的增殖有明显抑制作用,并促进其凋亡,可能与RGD肽改变其周期分布有关,RGD肽可明显抑制A549细胞的迁移及侵袭,可能与其下调MMP2、MMP9的表达相关。     

肿瘤血管导向性干扰素IFN-α2a-NGR与5-氟尿嘧啶联合应用对A549细胞增殖的影响

目的:观察重组蛋白肿瘤血管导向性干扰素IFN-α2a-NGR与化疗药物5-氟尿嘧啶联合使用在体外对人非小细胞肺癌细胞株A549的作用,为IFN-α2a-NGR的临床实验设计提供实验依据。方法:不同浓度的肿瘤血管导向性干扰素IFN-α2a-NGR、5-氟尿嘧啶单独及联合作用于细胞株A549,通过MTT法检测单药及联合用药对细胞增殖的影响,经AnnexinⅤ-FITC细胞凋亡检测试剂盒染色、流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况,荧光显微镜观察药物作用的细胞形态。结果:IFN-α2a-NGR与5-氟尿嘧啶联合作用于A549细胞株时,其细胞增殖抑制率、细胞凋亡率均较单独作用时高,具有统计学显著性差异(P<0.05);荧光显微镜观察可见药物作用后细胞形态改变。结论:肿瘤血管导向性干扰素IFN-α2a-NGR与5-氟尿嘧啶联合使用具有协同抑制肿瘤细胞增殖的作用。     

四味镇痛中药对内腓肽降解酶作用的实验研究

目的 :研究四味镇痛中药对内腓肽降解酶的作用。方法 :从大鼠的肾脏制备含有内腓肽降解酶的物质 ,建立内腓肽降解酶活性检测模型 ;并用此模型观察四味镇痛中药提取物对内腓肽降解酶特别是对中性内肽酶活性 (NEP2 4 .11)的抑制作用。结果 :(1)钩藤和羌活的水提物显示很强的NEP2 4 11酶抑制作用 ;(2 )无论是有机提取物还是水提物 ,延胡索和川芎对NEP2 4 11的抑制作用都弱于钩藤和羌活 ;(3)钩藤和羌活不仅是氨肽酶和中性内肽酶的双重抑制剂 ,而且是氨肽酶、中性内肽酶和血管紧张素转化酶的三重抑制剂。结论 :四味镇痛中药具有不同的镇痛机制 ,其中 ,钩藤和羌活通过抑制氨肽酶和中性内肽酶而发挥镇痛作用     

血管舒-缩肽在血管平滑肌细胞中的表达与调控

为探讨血管舒 缩肽表达的调控机制及血管平滑肌细胞 (VSMC)在该网络平衡中的地位 ,以血管紧张素Ⅱ (AngⅡ )为诱发因素刺激培养的大鼠VSMC ,用RT PCR和放射免疫分析观察内皮素 1(ET 1)、AngⅡ、心钠素 (ANF)和肾上腺髓质素 (ADM)在VSMC中的表达与释放及相互关系 ,用电泳迁移率改变分析 (EMSA)和染色质免疫沉淀 (ChIP)分析揭示其分子机制 .在被AngⅡ处理的VSMC中 ,4种血管活性肽的表达活性均升高 ,其中缩血管肽基因表达被迅速诱导 ,而舒血管肽则是先降后升 .但刺激前后舒 缩血管肽之间的平衡关系无明显改变 .放免分析证实 ,AngⅡ可程度不同地促进 4种血管活性肽合成 ,使胞内 4种活性肽水平升高 ;对培养液中 4种活性肽进行检测的结果显示 ,AngⅡ可促进ET 1、AngⅡ释放 ,抑制舒血管肽释放 ,尤以ANF的胞内水平明显高于胞外 .EMSA分析显示 ,在AngⅡ诱导 4种肽表达的同时 ,与细胞增殖有关的转录调控因子转录激活蛋白(AP 1)与 4种活性肽基因启动子的结合活性明显增强 .ChIP结果表明 ,AP 1在染色质靶位点的募集与血管活性肽基因的表达上调有直接关系 .结果提示 ,AP 1与特异DNA顺式作用元件的相互作用参与了血管活性肽的转录激活 .VSMC不仅作为它们的效应器 ,而且还通过调节AP 1与靶基因中的共有顺式元件——     

人源性抗TNFα小分子抗体的改构和分析

在获得人源性抗人TNF α单链抗体 (ScFv)基因序列的基础上 ,对ScFv的连接肽部分进行基因改造 ,并构建了Fab抗体基因。改构前后的ScFv分别重组入表达载体pBV2 2 0 ,经 42℃热诱导 ,在E .coliDH5α中表达了ScFv蛋白 ,得到分子量约为 30kD的重组蛋白质 ,改构前后ScFv的表达量分别占菌体总蛋白质的 6 .5 %和13 .8%。同时构建Fab可溶性表达载体并转化非抑制型菌株HB2 15 1,经IPTG诱导 ,在约 5 0kD分子量处呈现一条新生蛋白质条带。从大肠杆菌裂解液中对ScFv进行了复性和层析纯化 ,对Fab基因的表达产物进行了亲和层析纯化 ,并证实 :(1)改构后ScFv在大肠杆菌中的表达量有所提高 ;(2 )改构前后的ScFv与Fab均具有与hTNF α相结合的活性 ,具有GGGGS连接肽的ScFv与hTNF α的亲和常数为 6 .70× 10 4 (mol/L) -1,而改构后具有(GGGGS) 3 连接肽的ScFv的亲和常数提高为 7.2 7× 10 5(mol/L) -1,Fab与hTNF α的亲和常数为 7.6 1× 10 5(mol/L) -1,Fab与改构后ScFv的亲和力无明显差异 ;(3)ScFv与Fab均有中和hTNF α细胞毒的作用 ,具有(GGGGS) 3 连接肽的ScFv与Fab的中和活性基本相同 ,但均明显低于一株鼠源性单抗     

EGCG对LPS刺激人肺腺癌A549细胞凋亡及CUGBP1蛋白表达的影响

目的：研究表没食子儿茶素-3-没食子酸酯（epigallocatechin-3-gallate,EGCG）对炎性刺激的人肺腺癌A549细胞增殖和凋亡的影响及与CUGBP1表达的关系。方法：MTT法检测EGCG和LPS刺激A549细胞增殖活性的影响;流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡;免疫细胞化学检测EGCG对LPS刺激人肺腺癌A549细胞内CUGBP1蛋白的表达。结果：与对照组相比,LPS体外显著促进A549细胞增殖,其胞核胞质内CUGBP1表达明显增强（P〈0.01）。加入EGCG可拮抗LPS促A549细胞增殖的作用,促进其凋亡,明显抑制LPS刺激的A549细胞内CUGBP1的表达（P〈0.01）。CUGBP1蛋白定量分析可知EGCG和LPS共同孵育A549细胞4h、24h时,细胞中的CUGBP1蛋白表达量较单纯LPS作用时降低。但EGCG和LPS共同孵育A549细胞24h,A549细胞中胞核CUGBP1蛋白表达量（1210.565±3.46）较4h时胞核CUGBP1蛋白表达量（67.344±3.68）高,差异有统计学意义（t=927.164,P〈0.001）。结论：EGCG可能通过干扰CUGBP1基因的表达抑制炎症刺激人肺腺癌细胞A549的增殖,促进其凋亡。     

Cooperation between mast cell carboxypeptidase A and the chymase mouse mast cell protease 4 in the formation and degradation of angiotensin II

The octapeptide angiotensin II (Ang II) exerts a wide range of effects on the cardiovascular system but has also been implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. Ang II is formed by cleavage of Ang I by angiotensin-converting enzyme, but there is also evidence for non-angiotensin-converting enzyme-dependent conversion of Ang I to Ang II. Here we address the role of mast cell proteases in Ang II production by using two different mouse strains lacking mast cell heparin or mouse mast cell protease 4 (mMCP-4), the chymase that may be the functional homologue to human chymase. Ang I was added to ex vivo cultures of peritoneal cells, and the generation of Ang II and other metabolites was analyzed. Activation of mast cells resulted in marked increases in both the formation and subsequent degradation of Ang II, and both of these processes were strongly reduced in heparin-deficient peritoneal cells. In the mMCP-4(-/-) cell cultures no reduction in the rate of Ang II generation was seen, but the formation of Ang-(5-10) was completely abrogated. Addition of a carboxypeptidase A (CPA) inhibitor to wild type cells caused complete inhibition of the formation of Ang-(1-9) and Ang-(1-7) but did not inhibit Ang II formation. However, when the CPA inhibitor was added to the mMCP-4(-/-) cultures, essentially complete inhibition of Ang II formation was obtained. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that mast cell chymase and CPA have key roles in both the generation and degradation of Ang II.     

Reassessment of plasma angiotensins measurement: effects of protease inhibitors and sample handling procedures.

Characterization of C- and N-terminal forms of angiotensin (Ang) peptides mandated assessment of methods to determine plasma levels. 125I-Ang I, 125I-Ang II, and 125I-Ang(1-7) were added to blood samples in the presence of protease inhibitors. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) inhibited the conversion of 125I-Ang I to 125I-Ang II. o-Phenanthroline and EDTA (EDTA + o-Ph) did not eliminate [des-Asp1] fragments or 125I-Ang(1-7). The combination of EDTA + o-Ph and pepstatin A or 4-(chloromercuri) benzoic acid (PCMB) significantly reduced 125I-Ang(1-7) generation. Only PCMB plus EDTA + o-Ph eliminated [des-Asp1] fragments. Authentic plasma values of Ang peptides require the correct choice of protease inhibitors.     

Mass spectrometry for the molecular imaging of angiotensin metabolism in kidney

To better understand the tissue distribution and activity of enzymes involved in angiotensin II (Ang II) processing, we developed a novel molecular imaging method using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Mouse kidney sections (12 μm) were incubated with 10-1,000 μmol/l Ang II for 5-15 min at 37°C. The formed peptides Ang III and Ang-(1-7) were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF. A third metabolite, Ang-(1-4), was generated from further degradation of Ang-(1-7). Enzymatic processing of Ang II was dose and time dependent and absent in heat-treated kidney sections. Distinct spatial distribution patterns (pseudocolor images) were observed for the peptides. Ang III was localized in renal medulla, whereas Ang-(1-7)/Ang-(1-4) was present in cortex. Regional specific peptide formation was confirmed using microdissected cortical and medullary biopsies. In vitro studies with recombinant enzymes confirmed activity of peptidases known to generate Ang III or Ang-(1-7) from Ang II: aminopeptidase A (APA), Ang-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), prolyl carboxypeptidase (PCP), and prolyl endopeptidase (PEP). Renal medullary Ang III generation was blocked by APA inhibitor glutamate phosphonate. The ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 and PCP/PEP inhibitor Z-pro-prolinal reduced cortical Ang-(1-7) formation. Our results establish the power of MALDI imaging as a highly specific and information-rich analytical technique that will further aid our understanding of the role and site of Ang II processing in cardiovascular and renal pathologies.     

黄芪甲苷对血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导肾小球系膜细胞增殖及炎症因子表达的影响

目的：研究黄芪甲苷（As-IV）对血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）诱导大鼠肾小球系膜细胞（GMCs）增殖及炎症因子表达的影响。方法：采用10^-6mol/L的AngⅡ刺激GMCs增殖,同时分别加入25,50,100 μmol/L的As-IV对GMCs作用48 h,运用MTT法检测各组细胞增殖状况;流式细胞术观察GMCs中细胞内活性氧（ROS）水平变化;ELISA法检测细胞上清液中单核细胞趋化蛋白-1（MCP-1）的含量;Western blot法检测细胞中转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）蛋白的表达。结果：与AngⅡ刺激组相比,As-IV干预显著抑制GMCs细胞增殖,减少细胞内ROS水平,抑制MCP-1及TGF-β1的表达。结论：As-IV对于AngⅡ诱导GMCs的增殖具有抑制作用,且能降低相关炎症因子的表达。     

Metabolism of angiotensin I by guinea pig aqueous humor

We investigated the degradation of angiotensin I (Ang I) by guinea pig aqueous humor at physiological pH (pH 7.4) and assessed the activity of responsible enzymes using various enzyme inhibitors. The aqueous humor was incubated with Ang I in the presence or absence of an enzyme inhibitor at 37 degrees C for the appropriate time period. The resulting peptides were analyzed by a Beckman HPLC system with a Waters microBondapak C18 analytical column using a 30-min increasing linear gradient of 10 to 40% acetonitrile containing 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and H2O containing 0.05% TFA at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. Detection was done by absorbance at 214 nm. Angiotensin II (Ang II) was a major product (39.3+/-4.10 nmol x h(-1) mL(-1), n = 5) of Ang I hydrolysis. Traces of angiotensin 1-9, angiotensin IV, and angiotensin 1-7 were also produced. Chymostatin (0.05 mmol/L), EDTA (1 mmol/L), enalaprilat (0.1 mmol/L), and ebelacton B (0.01 mmol/L) inhibited generation of Ang II from Ang I by guinea pig aqueous humor by 89+/-4.6, 56+/-7.6, 33+/-5.1, 20+/-6.5%, respectively. Our findings indicate that guinea pig aqueous humor contains several enzymes that can form Ang II. The chymostatin-sensitive type of enzyme was the most active one found in guinea pig aqueous humor. Angiotensin I converting enzyme, carboxypeptidase A, and deamidase may also contribute to angiotensin II formation in guinea pig ocular fluid.     

Processing of angiotensin peptides by NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cell line

The metabolism of angiotensin (Ang) peptides was studied in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells which express Ang II receptors, renin, dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase A (converting enzyme), as well as Ang I and Ang II. In these experiments, 0.2 nM of either 125I-Ang I or 125I-Ang II was incubated with intact cell monolayers and the medium was analyzed for 125I-products by high performance liquid chromatography. The major product generated from the metabolism of labeled Ang I or Ang II was identified as the amino-terminal heptapeptide Ang-(1-7). N-benzyloxycarbonyl-prolyl-prolinal (ZPP), a specific inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase, inhibited the formation of Ang-(1-7) from Ang I by 35%. Complete inhibition of Ang-(1-7) generation was attained with p-chloromercuriphenyl-sulfonate, which suggests that a sulfhydryl-containing peptidase other than prolyl endopeptidase is also involved in Ang-(1-7) formation. Ang II was observed to be a minor product resulting from Ang I metabolism. Although the converting enzyme inhibitor enalaprilat (MK-422) significantly reduced Ang II formation, it had no effect on the levels of Ang-(1-7). These findings demonstrate a preferential processing of Ang I into Ang-(1-7) which is not dependent on the prior formation of Ang II.     

Huaier suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in human pulmonary cancer cells via upregulation of miR-26b-5p

Various studies have reported that Huaier possesses anti-tumor effects. However, the mechanisms are not completely elucidated. Here, we found 66 differentially expressed miRNAs in Huaier-treated pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 cells, with upregulation of miR-26b-5p. Transfection of A549 cells with miR-26b-5p mimic inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis, while transfection of Huaier-treated A549 cells with a miR-26b-5p inhibitor reversed the effects of Huaier. EZH2 was verified as the target of miR-26b-5p. Thus, our findings indicate that Huaier might suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in lung cancer cells via a miR-26b-5p-EZH2-mediated approach, which provides a new perspective for understanding the anti-tumor effects of Huaier.     

Differential response of angiotensin peptides in the urine of hypertensive animals

Urinary excretion rates of angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II), and angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] were determined in normotensive Sprague Dawley (SD), spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), and mRen-2 transgenic hypertensive animals before and following blockade of Ang II synthesis or activity for two weeks. This study was performed to determine for the first time whether inhibition of Ang II alters the excretion of angiotensin peptides in the urine. Rats were given either tap water or water medicated with lisinopril, losartan or both agents in combination. Blood pressure was monitored at regular intervals during the experiment by the tail-cuff method, and once again at the end of the study with a catheter implant into a carotid artery. Metabolic studies and 24 h urinary excretion variables and angiotensin peptides were determined before and during the procedures. While all three treatments normalized the blood pressure of hypertensive animals, therapy with either lisinopril or the combination of lisinopril and losartan had a greater antihypertensive effect in both SHR and [mRen-2]27 transgenic hypertensive rats. In the urine, the concentration of the angiotensins (normalized by 24-h creatinine excretion) was several-fold higher in the untreated hypertensive animals than in normotensive SD rats. In SD rats, lisinopril or lisinopril and losartan produced a sustained rise in urinary levels of Ang-(1-7) without changes in the excretion of Ang I and Ang II. In contrast, Ang I and Ang-(1-7) were significantly elevated in SHR medicated with lisinopril alone or in combination with losartan. Only losartan, however, augmented urinary levels of Ang II in the SHR. The antihypertensive effects of the three separate regimens had no effect on the urinary excretion of angiotensin peptides in [mRen-2]27 transgenic hypertensive rats. These data show that Ang I and Ang-(1-7) are excreted in large amounts in the urine of SD, SHR and [mRen-2]27 hypertensive rats. The unchanged Ang-(1-7) excretion in transgenic hypertensive (Tg+) rats after inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system agrees with the previous finding of a reduced plasma clearance of the peptide in this model of hypertension. The data suggest that this form of hypertension may be associated with increased activity of an endogenous converting enzyme inhibitor.     

Identification of angiotensin-(1-7) in rat brain. Evidence for differential processing of angiotensin peptides

Tissue and plasma forms of angiotensin (Ang) peptides were characterized by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography and three specific radioimmunoassays. This method allowed resolution of 10 Ang peptides and revealed distinctive distributions for the three principal Ang peptides in the brain, adrenal gland, and plasma. In extracts from the rat hypothalamus, approximately equimolar amounts of Ang-(1-7), Ang-II, and Ang-I were detected (1.10, 1.18, and 1.45 pmol/g of tissue, respectively). A similar profile was observed in the medulla oblongata and amygdala, although the content of these three peptides was 40-70% less than that seen in the hypothalamus. In the adrenal gland, the predominant peptide was Ang-II (1.07 pmol/g); levels of Ang-(1-7) (0.19 pmol/g) and Ang-I (0.14 pmol/g) were approximately 20% that of Ang-II. In plasma, the major angiotensin was Ang-I (0.13 pmol/ml), with lower levels of Ang-(1-7) and Ang-II (0.01-0.02 pmol/ml). This study is the first demonstration of the endogenous presence of Ang-(1-7) in central and peripheral tissues of the rat. Moreover, the data suggest tissue-specific processing of angiotensins, with Ang-(1-7) being a predominant Ang peptide in the central nervous system. In light of the recent biological properties described for this peptide, Ang-(1-7) may represent an active member of Ang peptides in the brain.     

Differential response of human cardiac fibroblasts to angiotensin I and angiotensin II

The vasoactive peptide angiotensin II (Ang II) has been implicated as a mediator of myocardial fibrosis. We carried out a comparative investigation of the effects of Ang II and its precursor Ang I on collagen metabolism and proliferation in cultured human cardiac fibroblasts. Cardiac fibroblasts responded to both Ang I and Ang II with concentration-dependent increases in collagen synthesis but no proliferation. The stimulatory effect of Ang II was abolished by the AT(1) receptor antagonist losartan but not the AT(2) receptor antagonist PD123319. The response to Ang I was not affected by either antagonist, nor by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril. In conclusion, Both Ang I and Ang II stimulate collagen synthesis of human cardiac fibroblasts, the effect of Ang II occurring via the AT(1) receptor whilst Ang I appears to exert a direct effect through non-Ang II-dependent mechanisms. These results suggest distinct roles for angiotensin peptides in the development of cardiac fibrosis.