Imatinib atenua a fibrose miocárdica em associação com a inibição da atividade do PDGFRα / Imatinib attenuates myocardial fibrosis in association with inhibition of the PDGFRα activity

FUNDAMENTO: O Imatinib é um inibidor do receptor tirosina-quinase que foi confirmada como exercendo um efeito inibidor sobre a atividade do receptor do PDGF, fator de crescimento plaquetário (PDGFRα e PDGFRβ). OBJETIVO: Investigar o efeito protetor do Imatinib na fibrose miocárdica em acetato de deoxicorticosterona (DOCA)/ratos com hipertensão induzida por sal. MÉTODOS: Sessenta ratos Sprague-Dawley machos, uninefrectomizados foram distribuídos em três grupos: ratos controles (grupo CON): grupo deoxicorticosterona (grupo DOCA); grupo deoxicorticosterona e Imatinib (grupo DOCA IMA). A Pressão Arterial Sistólica (PAS) foi medida quinzenalmente. Foi estudada a porção apical do ventrículo esquerdo. Foram empregados: coloração vermelho sirius, coloração de hematoxilina-eosina, imuno-histoquímica e ensaio de western blot. RESULTADOS: A PAS nos grupos DOCA e IMA+DOCA foi maior que no grupo CON nos dias 14 e 28. Os animais do grupo DOCA apresentaram fibrose intersticial e perivascular grave no dia 28, e as expressões de PI, PIII, tenascina-C e fibronectina foram significativamente maiores que nos grupos DOCA+IMA e CON. Quando comparados com o grupo CON, os grupos DOCA e DOCA+IMA apresentaram resposta inflamatória de tecido miocárdico e infiltração de monócitos/macrófagos de diferentes graus. As expressões proteicas do PDGF-A, PDGF-C e PDGFRα foram significativamente maiores nos grupos DOCA e DOCA+IMA que no grupo CON, mas a expressão proteica do p-PDGFRα no grupo DOCA+IMA foi menor que no DOCA. CONCLUSÃO: O Imatinib pode exercer efeitos inibitórios sobre a fibrose miocárdica em ratos com hipertensão induzida por DOCA/sal, os quais podem ser atribuídos à inibição da atividade do PDGFR-α.

BACKGROUND: Imatinib is a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor that has been confirmed to exert inhibitory effect on the platelet derived growth factor PDGF receptor (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ) activity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of imatinib on the myocardial fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone-acetate (DOCA)/salt induced hypertensive rats. METHODS: Sixty male uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to three groups: control rats (CON group); deoxycorticosterone group (DOCA group); deoxycorticosterone and imatinib group (DOCA+IMA group). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured biweekly. The apical portion of the left ventricle was studied. Sirius-Red staining, Hematoxylin-Eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay were employed. RESULTS: SBP in the DOCA group and DOCA+IMA group was higher than that in the CON group on day 14 and 28. Animals in the DOCA group showed severe interstitial and perivascular fibrosis on day 28, and the expressions of PI, PIII, tenascin-C and fibronectin were significantly higher than those in the DOCA+IMA group and CON group. When compared with the CON group, myocardial tissue inflammatory response and monocyte/macrophage infiltration of different degrees were observed in the DOCA group and DOCA+IMA group. Protein expressions of PDGF-A, PDGF-C and PDGFRα were signiflcantly higher in the DOCA and DOCA+IMA groups than those in the CON group, but the p-PDGFRα protein expression in the DOCA+IMA group was lower than that in the DOCA group. CONCLUSION: Imatinib can exert inhibitory effects on myocardial fibrosis in DOCA/salt induced hypertensive rats, which may be attributed to the inhibition of PDGFR-α activity.

Tension cost correlates with mechanical and biochemical parameters in different myocardial contractility conditions

OBJECTIVES: Tension cost, the ratio of myosin ATPase activity to tension, reflects the economy of tension development in the myocardium. To evaluate the mechanical advantage represented by the tension cost, we studied papillary muscle contractility and the activity of myosin ATPase in the left ventricles in normal and pathophysiological conditions. METHODS: Experimental protocols were performed using rat left ventricles from: (1) streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control Wistar rats; (2) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertensive and untreated Wistar rats; (3) deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt-treated, nephrectomized and salt- and DOCA-treated rats; (4) spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats; (5) rats with myocardial infarction and shamoperated rats. The isometric force, tetanic tension, and the activity of myosin ATPase were measured. RESULTS: The results obtained from infarcted, diabetic, and deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-treated rats showed reductions in twitch and tetanic tension compared to the control and sham-operated groups. Twitch and tetanic tension increased in the N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-treated rats compared with the Wistar rats. Myosin ATPase activity was depressed in the infarcted, diabetic, and deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-treated rats compared with control and sham-operated rats and was increased in N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-treated rats. These parameters did not differ between SHR and WKY rats. In the studied conditions (e.g., post-myocardial infarction, deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-induced hypertension, chronic N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester treatment, and streptozotocin-induced diabetes), a positive correlation between force or plateau tetanic tension and myosin ATPase activity was observed. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the myocardium adapts to force generation by increasing or reducing the tension cost to maintain myocardial contractility with a better mechanical advantage.

Influence of epipregnanolone on the modulation of rapid tolerance to ethanol by neurosteroids

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of epipregnanolone on the influence of neurosteroids on the development of rapid tolerance to the motor impairing and hypothermic effects of ethanol. METHOD: Experiment 1: on Day 1 groups of mice were pretreated with saline or with epipregnanolone. After 30 min each group was further divided in subgroups that received ethanol or saline. Thirty, 60 and 90 min after the injections the animals were tested on the rota-rod or the body temperature was measured. On Day 2 all groups received ethanol and a similar procedure was followed to evaluate rapid tolerance. Experiment 2 and 3: On Day 1 groups of mice were treated with epipregnanolone and after 15 min each group was divided into three groups in order to receive pregnenolone sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or saline. Thirty minutes later, each group was further divided into two subgroups in order to receive ethanol or saline, respectively, and 30, 60 and 90 min later the animals were tested as in the experiment 1. On Day 2 all groups received ethanol and a similar procedure was followed to evaluate rapid tolerance. RESULTS: Pretreatment with epipregnanolone (0.10-0.30 mg/kg) significantly blocked the development of tolerance to the motor impairing and hypothermic effects induced by ethanol in mice. Considering tolerance to ethanol-induced motor impairment, epipregnanolone (0.15 mg/kg) reversed the stimulatory action of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (0.15 mg/kg), but did not affect the actions of pregnenolone sulfate (0.08 mg/kg). Moreover, epipregnanolone prevented the inhibitory action of allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (0.10 mg/kg). In relation to ethanol-induced hypothermia, the results showed that pretreatment with epipregnanolone (0.30 mg/kg) significantly prevented the stimulatory action of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and pregnenolone sulfate, as well as the inhibitory action of...

OBJETIVO: O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de investigar o efeito da epipregnanolona sobre a influência de neuroesteróides no desenvolvimento da tolerância rápida aos efeitos de incoordenação motora e hipotermia induzidos pelo etanol. MÉTODO: Experimento 1: no Dia 1, grupos de camundongos foram pré-tratados com salina ou com epipregnanolona. Após 30 min, cada grupo foi subdividido recebendo etanol ou salina. Aos 30, 60 e 90 min após as injeções, os animais foram testados no rota-rod ou a temperatura corporal foi avaliada. No Dia 2, todos os grupos receberam etanol e um procedimento similar foi seguido para avaliar a tolerância rápida. O pré-tratamento com a epipregnanolona (0,10-0,30 mg/kg) bloqueou significantemente o desenvolvimento da tolerância aos efeitos de incoordenação motora e hipotermia induzidos pelo etanol em camundongos. Experimento 2 e 3: no Dia 1, grupos de animais foram tratados com epipregnanolona e, após 15 min, cada grupo foi dividido em três grupos para receber sulfato de pregnanolona, sulfato de dehidroepiandrosterona ou salina. Após 30 min, cada grupo foi dividido em dois subgrupos para receber etanol ou salina, respectivamente, e após 30, 60 e 90 min os animais foram testados como no experimento 1. No Dia 2, todos os grupos receberam etanol e 30 min após foram testados como mencionado no experimento 1. RESULTADOS: Considerando a tolerância ao prejuízo motor induzido pelo etanol, a epipregnanolona (0,15 mg/kg) bloqueou a ação estimulatória do sulfato de dehidroepiandrosterona (0,15 mg/kg), mas não afetou a ação do sulfato de pregnanolona (0,08 mg/kg). Entretanto, a epipregnanolona bloqueou a ação inibitória da alotetrahidrodeoxicorticosterona (0,10 mg/kg). Em relação à hipotermia induzida pelo etanol, os resultados demonstraram que o pré-tratamento com epipregnanolona (0,30 mg/kg) bloqueou significantemente a ação estimulatória do sulfato de dehidroepiandrosterona e do sulfato de pregnanolona, bem como a ação...

Role of sensory nervous system vasoactive peptides in hypertension

The goal of the present research was to elucidate the roles and mechanisms by which the sensory nervous system, through the actions of potent vasodilator neuropeptides, regulates cardiovascular function in both the normal state and in the pathophysiology of hypertension. The animal models of acquired hypertension studied were deoxycorticosterone-salt (DOC-salt), subtotal nephrectomy-salt (SN-salt), and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertension during pregnancy in rats. The genetic model was the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) are potent vasodilating neuropeptides. In the acquired models of hypertension, CGRP and SP play compensatory roles to buffer the blood pressure (BP) increase. Their synthesis and release are increased in the DOC-salt model but not in the SN-salt model. This suggests that the mechanism by which both models lower BP in SN-salt rats is by increased vascular sensitivity. CGRP functions in a similar manner in the L-NAME model. In the SHR, synthesis of CGRP and SP is decreased. This could contribute to the BP elevation in this model. The CGRP gene knockout mouse has increased baseline mean arterial pressure. The long-term synthesis and release of CGRP is increased by nerve growth factor, bradykinin, and prostaglandins and is decreased by alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonists and glucocorticoids. In several animal models, sensory nervous system vasoactive peptides play a role in chronic BP elevation. In the acquired models, they play a compensatory role. In the genetic model, their decreased levels may contribute to the elevated BP. The roles of CGRP and SP in human hypertension are yet to be clarified

Gender differences in vascular expression of endothelin and ET A/ET B receptors, but not in calcium handling mechanisms, in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertension

We determined if the increased vascular responsiveness to endothelin-1 (ET-1) observed in male, but not in female, DOCA-salt rats is associated with differential vascular mRNA expression of ET-1 and/or ET A/ET B receptors or with functional differences in Ca2+ handling mechanisms by vascular myocytes. Uninephrectomized male and female Wistar rats received DOCA and drinking water containing NaCl/KCl. Control rats received vehicle and tap water. Blood pressure and contractile responses of endothelium-denuded aortic rings to agents which induce Ca2+ influx and/or its release from internal stores were measured using standard procedures. Expression of mRNA for ET-1 and ET A/ET B receptors was evaluated by RT-PCR after isolation of total cell RNA from both aorta and mesenteric arteries. Systolic blood pressure was higher in male than in female DOCA rats. Contractions induced by Bay K8644 (which activates Ca2+ influx through voltage-operated L-type channels), and by caffeine, serotonin or ET-1 in Ca2+-free buffer (which reflect Ca2+ release from internal stores) were significantly increased in aortas from male and female DOCA-salt compared to control aortas. DOCA-salt treatment of male, but not female, rats statistically increased vascular mRNA expression of ET-1 and ET B receptors, but decreased the expression of ET A receptors. Molecular up-regulation of vascular ET B receptors, rather than differential changes in smooth muscle Ca2+ handling mechanisms, seems to account for the increased vascular reactivity to ET-1/ET B receptor agonists and higher blood pressure levels observed in male DOCA-salt rats

Effects of small doses of ouabain on the arterial blood pressure of anesthetized hypertensive and normotensive rats

Ouabain increases vascular resistance and may induce hypertension by inhibiting the Na+ pump. The effects of 0.18 and 18 æg/kg, and 1.8 mg/kg ouabain pretreatment on the phenylephrine (PHE; 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 æg, in bolus)-evoked pressor responses were investigated using anesthetized normotensive (control and uninephrectomized) and hypertensive (1K1C and DOCA-salt treated) rats. Treatment with 18 æg/kg ouabain increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in all groups studied. However, the magnitude of this increase was larger for the hypertensive 1K1C and DOCA-salt rats than for normotensive animals, while the pressor effect of 0.18 æg/kg ouabain was greater only in DOCA-salt rats. A very large dose (1.8 mg/kg) produced toxic effects on the normotensive control but not on uninephrectomized or 1K1C rats. Rat tail vascular beds were perfused to analyze the effects of 10 nM ouabain on the pressor response to PHE. In all animals, 10 nM ouabain increased the PHE pressor response, but this increase was larger in hypertensive DOCA-salt rats than in normotensive and 1K1C rats. Results suggested that a) increases in diastolic blood pressure induced by 18 æg/kg ouabain were larger in hypertensive than normotensive rats; b) in DOCA-salt rats, smaller ouabain doses had a stronger effect than in other groups; c) hypertensive and uninephrectomized rats were less sensitive to toxic doses of ouabain, and d) after treatment with 10 nM ouabain isolated tail vascular beds from DOCA-salt rats were more sensitive to the pressor effect of PHE than those from normotensive and 1K1C hypertensive rats. These data suggest that very small doses of ouabain, which might produce nanomolar plasma concentrations, enhance pressor reactivity in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, supporting the idea that endogenous ouabain may contribute to the increase and maintenance of vascular tone in hypertension

Modelos de hipertensäo arterial / Experimental models of arterial hypertension

Existe uma busca extenuante, por parte dos pesquisadores, de um modelo experimental que possa melhor caracterizar uma patologia täo importante para o ser humano como a hipertensäo essencial. Dentre os modelos genéticos de hipertensäo säo analisados os ratos com hipertensäo espontânea (SHR) e a cepa de ratos sensíveis à ingestäo de sódio (Dahl). Entre os modelos de hipertensäo neurogênica säo discutidos aqueles que envolvem a lesäo do núcleo do trato solitário (NTS), e o da deaferentaçäo sino-aórtica, associada, ou näo, à desnervaçäo das aferências cardiopulmonares. Entre as hipertensöes renais foram destacadas: a renovascular que decorre da oclusäo parcial da artéria renal; a renopriva, como o próprio nome indica; a perinefrítica que decorre da induçäo de fibrose renal pelo envolvimento do rim com um abrasivo contido por um tecido; e liberaçäo do pedículo renal após algumas horas de oclusäo total. O modelo de constriçäo (parcial ou total) da aorta abdominal examina os fatores mecânico e heurohumorais na elevaçäo da pressäo arterial. Um modelo descrito mais recentemente, que é examinado, é o do bloqueio da formaçäo de óxido nítrico (NO) com o L-NAME. E, finalmente, é apresentado o modelo de hipertensäo induzida pelo tratamento com deoxicorticosterona associado à ingestäo alta de sódio.

Diverse effects of renal denervation on ventricular hypertrophy and blood pressure in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

Cardiac hypertrophy that accompanies hypertension seems to be a phenomenon of multifactorial origin whose development does not seem to depend on an increased pressure load alone, but also on local growth factores and cardioadrenergic activity. The aim of the present study was to determine if sympathetic renal denervation and its effects on arterial pressure level can prevent cardiac hypertrophy and if it can also delay the onset and attenuate the severity of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension. DOCA-salt treatment was initiated in rats seven days after uninephrectomy and contralateral renal denervation or sham renal denervation. DOCA (15 mg/kg, sc) or vehicle (soybean oil, 0.25 ml per animal) was administered twice a week for two weeks. Rats treated with DOCA or vehicle (control) were provided drinking water containing 1 percent NaCl and 0.03 percent KCl. At the end of the treatment period, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate measurements were made in conscious animals. Under ether anesthesia, the heart was removed and the right and left ventricles (including the septum) were separated and weighed. DOCA-salt treatment produced a significant increase in left ventricular weight/body weight (LVW/BW) ratio (2.44 + 0.09 mg/g) and right ventricular weight/body weight (RVW/BW) ratio (0.53 + 0.01 mg/g) compared to control (1.92 + 0.04 and 0.48 + 0.01 mg/g, respectively) rats. MAP was significantly higher (39 percent) in DOCA-salt rats. Renal denervation prevented (P>0.05) the development of hypertension in DOCA-salt rats but did not prevent the increase in LVW/BW (2.27 + 0.03 mg/g) and RVW/BW (0.52 + 0.01 mg/g). We have shown that the increase in arterial pressure level is not responsible for cardiac hypertrophy, which may be more related to other events associated with DOCA-salt hypertension, such as an increase in cardiac sympathetic activity.

The effects of cyclopiazonic acid on intracellular Ca2+ in aortic smooth muscle cells from DOCA-hypertensive rats

We tested the hypothesis that cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ -ATPase, increases intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in aortic myocytes and that the increase in [Ca2+]i is higher in aortic cells from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-hypertensive rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats, 250-300 g, underwent uninephrectomy, received a silastic implant containing DOCA (200 mg/kg) and had free access to water supplemented with 1.0 per cent NaCl and 0.2 per cent KCl. Control rats were also uninephrectomized, received normal tap water, but no implant. Intracellular Ca2+ measurements were performed in aortic myocytes isolated from normotensive (Systolic blood pressure = 120 + 3 mmHg; body weight = 478 ñ 7 g, N = 7) and DOCA-hypertensive rats (195 ñ 1O mmHg; 358 ñ 16 g, N = 7). The effects of CPA on resting [Ca2+]i and on caffeine-induced increase in [Ca2+]i after [Ca2+]i depletion and reloading were compared in aortic cells from DOCA and normotensive rats. The phasic increase in [Ca2+]i induced by 20 mM caffeine in Ca2+ -free buffer was significantly higher in DOCA aortic cells (329 ñ 36 nM, N = 5) compared to that in normotensive cells (249 ñ 16 nM, N = 7, P<0.05). CPA (3 muM) inhibited caffeine-induced increases in [Ca2+]i in both groups. When the cells were placed in normal buffer (1.6 mM Ca2+, loading period), after treatment with Ca2+ -free buffer (depletion period), an increase in [Ca2+]i was observed in DOCA aortic cells (45 ñ 11 nM, N = 5) while no changes were observed in normotensive cells. CPA (3 muM) potentiated the increase in [Ca2+]i (l22 ñ 3O nM, N = 5) observed in DOCA cells during the loading period while only a modest increase in [Ca2+]i, (23 ñ 10 nM, N = 5) was observed in normotensive cells. CPA-induced increase in [Ca2+]i did not occur in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ or in the presence of nifedipine. These data show that CPA induces Ca2+ influx in aorta from both normotensive and DOCA-hypertensive rats. However, the increase in [Ca2+]i is higher in DOCA aortic cells possibly due to an impairment in the mechanisms that control [Ca2+]i. The large increase in [Ca2+]i in response to caffeine in DOCA cells probably reflects a greater storage of Ca2+ in the SR.

Evaluation of protein and peptide hydrolases in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats treated with chlorthalidone

We have reported that chlorthalidone (Chlor) prevents the development of heart hypertrophy in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats. The present study was carried out to determine whether Chlor (8 mg/day per animal, added to the food, for 20 days) affects kidney and heart hypertrophy in DOCA-salt (8 mg/kg, sc, twice a week) rats by causing alterations in protein and peptide hydrolysis Heart (left ventricle) and kidney enzyme activities were measured i tissue homogenates from normal-control, salt-control, DOCA-sa salt and DOCA-salt-Chlor male Wistar rats (N = 6 for each group), using azocasein as the substrate for proteolytic enzymes and specific peptides for prolylendopeptidase (PEP) and multicatalytic proteinase (MCP). The tissue weight/body weight ratio increased in parallel to elevation of blood pressure. The left ventricular muscle hypertrophy (26 per cent, P<0.05) present in the DOCA-salt hypertensive group was completely prevented by simultaneous Chlor treatment. Chlor treatment did not change the kidney hypertrophy (+79 per cent, P<0.05) observe in the salt-control (+57 per cent, P<0.05) and DOCA-salt (+74 per cent, P<0.05) groups. The hydrolysis of peptides by PEP and MCP was similar in the normal and salt-control groups. The heart PEP activity was 24 per cent higher (P<0.01) in DOCA-salt rats, whereas MCP activity was not different when compared to control groups. DOCA-salt treatment increased MCP activity in the kidney by 44 per cent while PEP activity did not differ from that of control groups. The hydrolysis of proteins by heart enzymes was increased by salt by 47 per cent. Chlor treatment restored the reduction in protein hydrolysis induced by DOCA-salt (a 21 per cent decrease, P<0.05) to a level similar to that of the normal-control group. Similarly, Chlor coadministration prevented the 30 per cent reduction in renal proteolytic activity elicited by DOCA-salt treatment. Although Chlor treatment prevented the DOCA-salt-induced reduction in protein hydrolysis, this response did not interfere with kidney hypertrophy. The mechanism by which hypertension produces hypertrophy is unclear, but our results suggest that this structural modification is not related to the activities of some peptidases, e.g. protein and peptide hydrolases.

Calpain activity of hypertrophic hearts from hypertensive rats

Heart tissue contains large amounts of the Ca²+ -activated protein-ase calpain which has been assigned a specific function in the turnover of muscle protein. The objective of the present study was to determine calpain (E.C. 3.4.22.17)-like activity in homogenates of left ventricle from hypertensive rats that developed ventricular hypertrophy. Calpain activity was assayed using heat-denaturated azocasein as a substrate in the presence of 1 mM calcium and corrected by subtraction of the Ca²+ -independent activities. Tha latter were measured in the presence of 1 mM EGTA and the products read at 440nm. Male Wistar rats (225g) were assgned to control (N=8, normal drinking water), salt (N=6, drinking water containing 1 percent NaCl) and DOCA-salt (N=6, deoxycorticosterone acetate, 8 mg/Kg, sc, twice a week for 20 days plus drinking water containing 1 percent NaCl) groups. SHR (N =6, spontaneously hypertensive rats) were also used. The calpain activity of the control group was at 3.90 ñ 0.22 mU/g wet weight tissue. Hypertension induced significant left ventricular hypertrophy in DOCA-salt rats (26 percent) and in SHR (54 percent) and a 30 percent decrease in calpain activity in both groups (P < 0.01). In the high salt load (salt group) calpain activity was also decreased, but this was not accompanied by hypertrophy...

11-Deoxycorticosterone, an inducer of a factor stimulating delta 9 desaturase activity in liver microsomes

Se estudió el efecto de la 11-desoxicorticosterona sobre la desaturación oxidativa del ácido palmítico en microsomas hepáticos de rata. La hormona incrementó en microsomas hepáticos de rata. La hormona incrementó significativamente la actividad de delta 9 desaturasa 24 h después de la inyección intraperitoneal (1 * mol/Kg peso). De la solución de lavado de microsomas hepáticos de animales tratados con hormona se obtuvo un factor proteico que, agregado a suspensiones microsomales de animales controles, fue capaz de reproducir el efecto estimulatorio sobre la delta 9 desaturasa. El factor inducido por tratamiento con desoxicorticosterona se encontró también en el citosol hepático de ratas tratadas con la hormona. Los resultados demuestran que la presencia de un hidroxilo en posición 11-ß, característico de hormonas esteroides con acción glucocorticoide, no es imprescindible para la inducción del factor proteico que regula la actividad delta 9 desaturante

Chlorthalidone alters the vascular reactivity of doc-salt hypertensive rats to norepinephrine

Hypertension caused by deoxycorticosterone-salt (DOC-salt) may involve enhanced sympathetic tone and some diuretics may exert their antihypertensive action by modulating presynaptic adrenergic sensitivity. This study analyzes the noradrenergic sensitivity of the perfused mesentery isolated from DOC-salt hypertensive rats treated or not with chlorthalidone. Chlorthalidone treatment reduced arterial hypertension in DOC-salt treated rats (from 160 ñ 7 to 127 ñ 5 mmHg). The diuretic completely prevented the increase in sympathetic tone and blunted the decreased vagal tone observed in DOC-salt rats. Norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction was wnhanced in perfused mesenteries isolated from DOC-salt rats. This alteration was attenuated in preparations from chlorthalidone-treated DOC-salt animals. Blockade of neuronal catecholamine uptake using cocaine did not change these responses. These data suggest that chlorthalidone reduces the vascular hyperresponsiveness to catecholamines observed in DOC-salt treated hypertensive rats

Suprapontine ablation in normal and Doc-salt or one-kidney, one-clip hypertensive rats

Se estududió, en ratas no anestesiadas, el papel de las áreas supraprotuberanciales en el mantenimiento agudo de la hipertensión producida por tratamiento con Doca-sal (4 semanas) o en el modelo 1 riñon, 1-clip (1R-1C) (4 semanas post-cirugia). Se midió la presión arterial media (PA) y la fecuencia cardíaca (FC) 15 minutos antes y 2 horas después de aspirar todos los tejidos rostrales a la protuberancia. Este procedimiento no modificó la PA de las ratas normales o 1R-1C. En las ratas tratadas con Doca-sal la PA cayo (154 ñ 4 vs. 110 ñ 5 mmHg; p < 0.001). La FC aumentó en las ratas normales (351 ñ 10 a 446, ñ20 1pm; p < 0.01) y en las 1R-1C. (350 ñ 10 a (351 ñ 12 1 pm; p < 0.001). Las clonidinas inyectada en la cisterna magna de las ratas 1R-1C luego de la aspiración de las áreas supraprotuberanciales baja la PA (146 ñ6 a 118 ñ 11 mmHg; p < 0.05) y la FC (515 ñ17 a 400 ñ 33; p < 0.05). El pentolinium, luego de la aspiración supraprotuberancial, baja la PA de las ratas normales (116 ñ 4 a 63 ñ 5 mmHg; p < 0.001), Doca-sal (111 ñ 5; p < 0.001) y 1R-1C (163 ñ 8 a 59 ñ 6 mmHg; P < 0.001). Estos resultados sugieren que las estructuras supraprotuberanciales tienen un papel importante en el mantenimiento agudo de la hipertensión por Doca-sal. En las ratas 1R-1C el mantenimiento agudo de la hipertensión depende de una actividad simpática originada en áeas caudales a la ablación

Effects of intracerebroventricular infusion of angiotensin II and related peptides on water and sodium ingestion and excretion

The objetive of the present study was to investigate the effects of an angiotensin II (AII) analogue, Des-Asp1-AII and of two competitive blockers, [Leu8]-AII and [octanoyl-Leu8]-AII, infused intracerebroventriculary on the ingestion of water and of a 3% NaCl solution, as well as on diuresis and natriuresis in normal rats and in adrenalectomized and deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-treated rats. Both AII and Des-Asp1-AII increased water and 3% NaCl intake and increased urine and Na+ excretion, the effect of AII being more intense. Except for 3% NaCl, the responses of all other parameters were totally or partially reduced by previous treatment with [Leu8]-AII or [octanoyl-Leu8]-AII. Subcytaneous DOCA injection caused water ingestion. Previous treatment with DOCA increased the response to AII for the ingestion of 3% NaCl and inhibited sodium excretion. The results obtained for adrenalectomized rats treated with DOCA, AII and analogous agonists did not differ from those observed in normal rats. These data suggest a possible synergism between the cerebral and renal renin-angiotensin systems in the regulation of the physiological parameters studied

Reactivity of macro-and microvessels of doca-salt hypertensive rats: role of the endothelial cell

The responses to noradrenaline (NA) and acetylcholine (ACh) of aortae and microvessels were cocmpared in control and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats. Macro - and microvessels from hypertensive rats showed an increased response to NA and a decreased response to ACh (an endothelium-dependent vasodilator). Unlike ACh, sodium nitroprusside (an endothelium-independent agent), was equally effective in evoking a vasodilator response from aortae and microvessels of hypertensive rats. These data suggest that the impaired response to ACh and the increased response to NA in DOCA-salt hypertension may result from an alteration of endothelial cell function

Nephritis blunts urinary kallikrein excretion and aggravates DOCA/NaCl hypertension in rats

1. Normal rats and passive Heymann membranous glomerulonephritic rats were chronically treated with DOCA/NaCl for 9 weeks. Normal and untreated nephritic rats were used as controls. Urinary kallikrein excretion (UKE), proteinuria and tail blood pressure (BP) were determined in awake rats. Glomuerular filtration rate (GFR), plasma renin activity (PRA), and plasma potassium (PK) concentration were measured at the end of the experiment. 2. Comparasion between basal and 9th-week measurements indicated that DOCA/NaCl administration significantly increased (P < 0.05) UKE (3.96 ñ 0.30 vs 7.60 ñ 1.51 U/24 h) and 118 ñ 2 vs 135 ñ 6 mmHg) in normal rats, whereas in nephritic DOCA/NaCl-treated rats, UKE was unaltered (3.80 ñ 0.50 vs 3.40 ñ 0.30 U/24 h) and BP increased to higher levels (117 ñ 2 vs 152 ñ 3 mmHg) than in the normal DOCA/NaCl group (P < 0.05). Passive Heymann nephritis alone did not affect UKE (3.56 ñ 0.40 vs 3.60 ñ 0.80 /24 h) or BP (124 ñ 2 vs 125 ñ 2 mmØg). At the end of the study, PK was decrease and PRA totally suppressed in both normal and nephritic DOCA/NaCl - treated rats. Proteinuria was more pronounced in nephritic DOCA/NaCl - treated rats (44.8 ñ 5.2 mg/day) than in control nephritic animals (15.1 ñ 2.4 mg/day) and GFR was increased equally in both DOCA/NaCl-treated groups. 4. The failure of nephritic rats respond to DOCA/NaCl by increasing UKE was not associated with any significant derangement of renal function or structure and may have been related to the aggravation of arterial hypertension in this group

Hiperplasia suprarrenal virilizante: revisión de 23 años 1963-1986 / Virilizing adrenal hyperplasia: revision of 23 years (1963-1986)

Se analiza una casuística de 27 casos de hiperplasia suprarrenal virilizante reunidos entre 1963 y 1986, de los cuales 23 son de sexo femenino y 4 masculinos. El 63% fueron diagnosticados dentro del primer mes de vida y el 22% después del primer año. La principal causa de consulta fue la de sexo ambiguo siendo también frecuente la hipertrofia del clítoris. Los principales exámenes de laboratorio fueron, 17 cetoesteroides y pregnantriol urinarios; 17 hidroxiprogesterona y electrólitos plasmáticos. El tratamiento actual consiste en cortisol 20 a 30 mg por metro cuadrado y por día en 3 dosis más 9 alfa-fluor-hidrocortisona 0,05 a 0,15 mg diario. En casos de descompensación con desequilibrio electrolítico hay que reponer sodio y administrar Doca (1 a 2 mg intramuscular cada 12 horas) e hidrocortisona (50 a 100 mg endovenoso). La letalidad del grupo estudiado fue de 33% destacando las infecciones entre las causas de muerte más frecuentes

Evidences against a primary role for the pituitary neural lobe in the development and maintenance of Doc-salt hipertension

El papel de la hormona antidiurètica(ADH) en el desarrollo y mantenimiento de la hipertensión producida por la desoxicorticosterona y la sal en las ratas está sujeto a discusión. Por ello se estudió el efecto de la lesión del lóbulo neural, la cual prevendria la descarga de la hormona a la circulación, sin modificar la hipotètica descarga desde los nucleos hipotalamicos a otras àreas del sistema nervioso central, sobre la presión arterial de las ratas tratadas con DOC-sal. Se obtuvo un sindrome similar al producido por la diabetes insipida (ausencia de ADH circulante). No obstante, la lesión no modifica ni el intervalo hasta la manifestación de la hipertensión ni su desarrollo. La lesión hecha en animales previamente tratados durante 3-4 semanas con DOC-sal no modificó la hipertensión mantenida al continuar el tratamiento 3 semanas mas. Estos resultados sugieren que en la rata el lóbulo neural no seria esencial para el desarrollo y mantenimiento de la hipertensión por DOC-sal