Potentiation of damaging effects of angiotensin II on the endothelium of the rabbit aorta by a beta adrenergic receptor agonist, isoproterenol

Beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol potentiates the damaging effect of angiotensin II on rabbit aorta endothelium. Compared to the action of angiotensin II alone the amounts of injured cells, damaged intercellular contacts, cell form change, silver uptake and 125I--LDL uptake are increased under simultaneous action of angiotensin II and isoproterenol. Disturbance in barrier function is associated with the damaged cell contracts and cell death. 125I--LDL uptake increase is due to their accumulation in the adventitia. The simultaneous increase in angiotensin II and beta-adrenoceptor activating agents concentrations can damage endothelium and disturb its barrier function.