Alamandine, a protective component of the renin-angiotensin system, reduces cellular proliferation and interleukin-6 secretion in human macrophages through MasR-MrgDR heteromerization.

Alamandine (ALA) exerts protective effects similar to angiotensin (Ang) (1-7) through Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor type D receptor (MrgDR) activation, distinct from Mas receptor (MasR). ALA induces anti-inflammatory effects in mice but its impact in human macrophages remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ALA in human macrophages. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1ß were measured by ELISA in human THP-1 macrophages and human monocyte-derived macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Consequences of MasR-MrgDR heteromerization were investigated in transfected HEK293T cells. ALA decreased IL-6 and IL-1ß secretion in LPS-activated THP-1 macrophages. The ALA-induced decrease in IL-6 but not in IL-1ß was prevented by MasR blockade and MasR downregulation, suggesting MasR-MrgDR interaction. In human monocyte-derived M1 macrophages, ALA decreased IL-1ß secretion independently of MasR. MasR-MrgDR interaction was confirmed in THP-1 macrophages, human monocyte-derived macrophages, and transfected HEK293T cells. MasR and MrgDR formed a constitutive heteromer that was not influenced by ALA. ALA promoted Akt and ERK1/2 activation only in cells expressing MasR-MrgDR heteromers, and this effect was prevented by MasR blockade. While Ang-(1-7) reduced cellular proliferation in MasR -but not MrgDR- expressing cells, ALA antiproliferative effect was elicited in cells expressing MasR-MrgDR heteromers. ALA also induced an antiproliferative response in THP-1 cells and this effect was abolished by MasR blockade, reinforcing MasR-MrgDR interaction. MasR-MrgDR heteromerization is crucial for ALA-induced anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative responses in human macrophages. This study broaden our knowledge of the protective axis of the RAS, thus enabling novel therapeutic approaches in inflammatory-associated diseases.

Mas receptor endocytosis and signaling in health and disease.

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a major role in blood pressure regulation and electrolyte homeostasis and is mainly composed by two axes mediating opposite effects. The pressor axis, constituted by angiotensin (Ang) II and the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), exerts vasoconstrictor, proliferative, hypertensive, oxidative and pro-inflammatory actions, while the depressor/protective axis, represented by Ang-(1-7), its Mas receptor (MasR) and the Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R), opposes the actions elicited by the pressor arm. The MasR belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. To avoid receptor overstimulation, GPCRs undergo internalization and trafficking into the cell after being stimulated. Then, the receptor may induce other signaling cascades or it may even interact with other receptors, generating distinct biological responses. Thus, control of a GPCR regarding space and time affects the specificity of the signals transduced by the receptor and the ultimate cellular response. The present chapter is focused on the signaling and trafficking pathways of MasR under physiological conditions and its participation in the pathogenesis of numerous brain diseases.

Renin-angiotensin system blockade on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and TMPRSS2 in human type II pneumocytes.

AIMS: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is the receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Viral cellular entry requires ACE2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2). ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin (Ang) receptor blockers (ARBs) influence ACE2 in animals, though evidence in human lungs is lacking. We investigated ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in type II pneumocytes, the key cells that maintain lung homeostasis, in lung parenchymal of ACEI/ARB-treated subjects compared to untreated control subjects. MAIN METHODS: Ang II and Ang-(1-7) levels and ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein expression were measured by radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: We found that the ratio Ang-(1-7)/Ang II, a surrogate marker of ACE2 activity, as well as the amount of ACE2-expressing type II pneumocytes were not different between ACEI/ARB-treated and untreated subjects. ACE2 protein content correlated positively with smoking habit and age. The percentage of TMPRSS2-expressing type II pneumocytes was higher in males than females and in subjects under 60 years of age but it was not different between ACEI/ARB-treated and untreated subjects. However, there was a positive association of TMPRSS2 protein content with age and smoking in ACEI/ARB-treated subjects, with high TMPRSS2 protein levels most evident in ACEI/ARB-treated older adults and smokers. SIGNIFICANCE: ACEI/ARB treatment influences human lung TMPRSS2 but not ACE2 protein content and this effect is dependent on age and smoking habit. This finding may help explain the increased susceptibility to COVID-19 seen in smokers and older patients with treated cardiovascular-related pathologies.

Interaction Between the Angiotensin-(1-7) Mas Receptor and the Dopamine D2 Receptor: Implications in Inflammation.

[Figure: see text].

Mas receptor is translocated to the nucleus upon agonist stimulation in brainstem neurons from spontaneously hypertensive rats but not normotensive rats.

AIMS: Activation of the angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7)/Mas receptor (R) axis protects from sympathetic overactivity. Endocytic trafficking is an essential process that regulates receptor (R) function and its ultimate cellular responses. We investigated whether the blunted responses to Ang-(1-7) in hypertensive rats are associated to an alteration in MasR trafficking. METHODS AND RESULTS: Brainstem neurons from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) or spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were investigated for (i) Ang-(1-7) levels and binding and MasR expression, (ii) Ang-(1-7) responses (arachidonic acid and nitric oxide release and Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation), and (iii) MasR trafficking. Ang-(1-7) was determined by radioimmunoassay. MasR expression and functionality were evaluated by western blot and binding assays. MasR trafficking was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Ang-(1-7) treatment induced an increase in nitric oxide and arachidonic acid release and ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation in WKY neurons but did not have an effect in SHR neurons. Although SHR neurons showed greater MasR expression, Ang-(1-7)-elicited responses were substantially diminished presumably due to decreased Ang-(1-7) endogenous levels concomitant with impaired binding to its receptor. Through immunocolocalization studies, we evidenced that upon Ang-(1-7) stimulation MasRs were internalized through clathrin-coated pits and caveolae into early endosomes and slowly recycled back to the plasma membrane. However, the fraction of internalized MasRs into early endosomes was larger and the fraction of MasRs recycled back to the plasma membrane was smaller in SHR than in WKY neurons. Surprisingly, in SHR neurons but not in WKY neurons, Ang-(1-7) induced MasR translocation to the nucleus. Nuclear MasR expression and Ang-(1-7) levels were significantly greater in the nuclei of Ang-(1-7)-stimulated SHR neurons, indicating that the MasR is translocated with its ligand bound to it. CONCLUSION: MasRs display differential trafficking in brainstem neurons from SHRs, which may contribute to the impaired responses to Ang-(1-7).

Neuroimmune crosstalk in the pathophysiology of hypertension.

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and for events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure and chronic kidney disease and is a major determinant of disability-adjusted life-years. Despite the importance of hypertension, the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, which involves the complex interaction of several mechanisms, is still poorly understood. Evidence suggests that interplay between bone marrow, microglia and immune mediators underlies the development of arterial hypertension, in particular through mechanisms involving cytokines and peptides, such as neuropeptide Y, substance P, angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7). Chronic psychological stress also seems to have a role in increasing the risk of hypertension, probably through the activation of neuroimmune pathways. In this Review, we summarize the available data on the possible role of neuroimmune crosstalk in the origin and maintenance of arterial hypertension and discuss the implications of this crosstalk for recovery and rehabilitation after cardiac and cerebral injuries.

Alteration of Renal Natriuretic Systems Is Associated with the Development of Hypertension and Precedes the Presence of Renal Damage in a Model of Metabolic Syndrome / La alteración de sistemas natriuréticos renales se asocia con el desarrollo de hipertensión arterial y precede en el tiempo a la aparición de daño renal en un modelo de síndrome metabólico

ABSTRACT: Background: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of alterations in the natriuretic systems of atrial natriuretic peptide and renal dopamine in a model of metabolic syndrome induced by fructose overload and to associate them with changes in systolic blood pressure, renal function, Na+/K+-ATPase status and microalbuminuria. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (C) and fructose (F) groups receiving drinking water or a fructose so-lution (10% W/V), respectively, for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. L-dopa and dopamine, sodium, creatinine and albumin were measured in urine and ANP, insulin, sodium and creatinine in plasma. Systolic blood pressure was measured by indirect method and the renal activity and expression of Na+/K+-ATPase as well as the renal expression of A- and C-type natriuretic peptide receptors were assessed. results: Fructose overload was associated with a significant increase in insulinemia and systolic blood pressure levels and a decrease in urinary sodium excretion since week 4. A significant increase in L-dopa excretion and a decrease in dopamine excretion (increased urinary L-dopa/dopamine ratio) due to fructose overload were observed since week 4 with a decrease in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide at weeks 8 and 12. These changes were accompanied by increased activity and expression of Na+/ K+-ATPase, decreased A-type natriuretic peptide receptor and increased C-type natriuretic peptide receptor expression. Microalbuminuria was observed at week 12 of fructose overload.

RESUMEN: Objetivos: El objetivo del trabajo consistió en determinar la existencia de alteraciones en los sistemas natriuréticos del péptido natriurético atrial y dopamina renal en un modelo de síndrome metabólico por sobrecarga de fructosa y asociarlas con cambios en la presión arterial sistólica, función renal, estado de la Na+, K+-ATPasa y microalbuminuria. Material y Métodos: Ratas macho Sprague-Dawley fueron divididas en grupos control (C) y fructosa (F) con agua o solución de F (10%P/V) para beber durante 4, 8 y 12 semanas. En orina, se midió L-dopa y dopamina, sodio, creatinina y albúmina; y en plasma péptido natriurético atrial, insulina, sodio y creatinina. La presión arterial sistólica fue medida por método indirecto. Se midió la actividad y expresión de la Na+, K+-ATPasa así como la expresión del receptor de péptidos natriuréticos A y C renales. resultados: La sobrecarga de fructosa se asoció con el aumento de la insulinemia y la presión arterial sistólica, y con la disminución en la excreción urinaria de sodio desde la semana 4. La excreción urinaria de L-dopa se incrementó y la de dopamina disminuyó (cociente L-dopa/dopamina incrementado) por sobrecarga de fructosa desde la semana 4 y el péptido natriurético atrial plasmático se redujo en las semanas 8 y 12. Estos cambios fueron acompañados por un incremento de la actividad y expresión de la Na+, K+-ATPasa, disminución del receptor de péptidos natriuréticos A y aumento del C. La microalbuminuria se observó en la semana 12 de sobrecarga de fructosa. Conclusiones: Las alteraciones del péptido natriurético atrial y de la dopamina renal se asociaron con el desarrollo de hipertensión arterial y precedieron a la aparición de microalbuminuria, por lo que se pudo establecer una asociación temporal entre la alteración de ambos sistemas y el desarrollo de daño renal.

Effects of chronic fructose overload on renal dopaminergic system: alteration of urinary L-dopa/dopamine index correlates to hypertension and precedes kidney structural damage.

Insulin resistance induced by a high-fructose diet has been associated to hypertension and renal damage. The aim of this work was to assess alterations in the urinary L-dopa/dopamine ratio over three time periods in rats with insulin resistance induced by fructose overload and its correlation with blood pressure levels and the presence of microalbuminuria and reduced nephrin expression as markers of renal structural damage. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: control (C) (C4, C8 and C12) with tap water to drink and fructose-overloaded (FO) rats (FO4, FO8 and FO12) with a fructose solution (10% w/v) to drink for 4, 8 and 12 weeks. A significant increase of the urinary L-dopa/dopamine ratio was found in FO rats since week 4, which positively correlated to the development of hypertension and preceded in time the onset of microalbuminuria and reduced nephrin expression observed on week 12 of treatment. The alteration of this ratio was associated to an impairment of the renal dopaminergic system, evidenced by a reduction in renal dopamine transporters and dopamine D1 receptor expression, leading to an overexpression and overactivation of the enzyme Na+, K+-ATPase with sodium retention. In conclusion, urinary L-dopa/dopamine ratio alteration in rats with fructose overload positively correlated to the development of hypertension and preceded in time the onset of renal structural damage. This is the first study to propose the use of the urinary L-dopa/dopamine index as marker of renal dysfunction that temporarily precedes kidney structural damage induced by fructose overload.

MAS1 Receptor Trafficking Involves ERK1/2 Activation Through a ß-Arrestin2-Dependent Pathway.

The MAS1 receptor (R) exerts protective effects in the brain, heart, vessels, and kidney. R trafficking plays a critical function in signal termination and propagation and in R resensitization. We examined MAS1R internalization and trafficking on agonist stimulation and the role of ß-arrestin2 in the activation of ERK1/2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2) and Akt after MAS1R stimulation. Human embryonic kidney 293T cells were transfected with the coding sequence for MAS1R-YFP (MAS1R fused to yellow fluorescent protein). MAS1R internalization was evaluated by measuring the MAS1R present in the plasma membrane after agonist stimulation using a ligand-binding assay. MAS1R trafficking was evaluated by its colocalization with trafficking markers. MAS1R internalization was blocked in the presence of shRNAcaveolin-1 and with dominant negatives for Eps15 (a protein involved in endocytosed Rs by clathrin-coated pits) and for dynamin. After stimulation, MAS1R colocalized with Rab11-a slow recycling vesicle marker-and not with Rab4-a fast recycling vesicle marker-or LysoTracker-a lysosome marker. Cells transfected with MAS1R showed an increase in Akt and ERK1/2 activation on angiotensin-(1-7) stimulation, which was blocked when the clathrin-coated pits pathway was blocked. Suppression of ß-arrestin2 by shRNA reduced the angiotensin-(1-7)-induced ERK1/2 activation, whereas Akt activation was not modified. We conclude that on agonist stimulation, MAS1R is internalized through clathrin-coated pits and caveolae in a dynamin-dependent manner and is then slowly recycled back to the plasma membrane. MAS1R induced Akt and ERK1/2 activation from early endosomes, and the activation of ERK1/2 was mediated by ß-arrestin2. Thus, MAS1R activity and density may be tightly controlled by the cell.

Heteromerization Between the Bradykinin B2 Receptor and the Angiotensin-(1-7) Mas Receptor: Functional Consequences.

Bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R) and angiotensin-(1-7) Mas receptor (MasR)-mediated effects are physiologically interconnected. The molecular basis for such cross talk is unknown. It is hypothesized that the cross talk occurs at the receptor level. We investigated B2R-MasR heteromerization and the functional consequences of such interaction. B2R fused to the cyan fluorescent protein and MasR fused to the yellow fluorescent protein were transiently coexpressed in human embryonic kidney293T cells. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis showed that B2R and MasR formed a constitutive heteromer, which was not modified by their agonists. B2R or MasR antagonists decreased fluorescence resonance energy transfer efficiency, suggesting that the antagonist promoted heteromer dissociation. B2R-MasR heteromerization induced an 8-fold increase in the MasR ligand-binding affinity. On agonist stimulation, the heteromer was internalized into early endosomes with a slower sequestration rate from the plasma membrane, compared with single receptors. B2R-MasR heteromerization induced a greater increase in arachidonic acid release and extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation after angiotensin-(1-7) stimulation, and this effect was blocked by the B2R antagonist. Concerning serine/threonine kinase Akt activity, a significant bradykinin-promoted activation was detected in B2R-MasR but not in B2R-expressing cells. Angiotensin-(1-7) and bradykinin elicited antiproliferative effects only in cells expressing B2R-MasR heteromers, but not in cells expressing each receptor alone. Proximity ligation assay confirmed B2R-MasR interaction in human glomerular endothelial cells supporting the interaction between both receptors in vivo. Our findings provide an explanation for the cross talk between bradykinin B2R and angiotensin-(1-7) MasR-mediated effects. B2R-MasR heteromerization induces functional changes in the receptor that may lead to long-lasting protective properties.

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Stimulates Dopamine Tubular Transport by Organic Cation Transporters: A Novel Mechanism to Enhance Renal Sodium Excretion.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on organic cation transporters (OCTs) expression and activity, and its consequences on dopamine urinary levels, Na+, K+-ATPase activity and renal function. Male Sprague Dawley rats were infused with isotonic saline solution during 120 minutes and randomized in nine different groups: control, pargyline plus tolcapone (P+T), ANP, dopamine (DA), D-22, DA+D-22, ANP+D-22, ANP+DA and ANP+DA+D-22. Renal functional parameters were determined and urinary dopamine concentration was quantified by HPLC. Expression of OCTs and D1-receptor in membrane preparations from renal cortex tissues were determined by western blot and Na+, K+-ATPase activity was determined using in vitro enzyme assay. 3H-DA renal uptake was determined in vitro. Compared to P+T group, ANP and dopamine infusion increased diuresis, urinary sodium and dopamine excretion significantly. These effects were more pronounced in ANP+DA group and reversed by OCTs blockade by D-22, demonstrating that OCTs are implied in ANP stimulated-DA uptake and transport in renal tissues. The activity of Na+, K+-ATPase exhibited a similar fashion when it was measured in the same experimental groups. Although OCTs and D1-receptor protein expression were not modified by ANP, OCTs-dependent-dopamine tubular uptake was increased by ANP through activation of NPR-A receptor and protein kinase G as signaling pathway. This effect was reflected by an increase in urinary dopamine excretion, natriuresis, diuresis and decreased Na+, K+-ATPase activity. OCTs represent a novel target that links the activity of ANP and dopamine together in a common mechanism to enhance their natriuretic and diuretic effects.

Estradiol, acting through ERα, induces endothelial non-classic renin-angiotensin system increasing angiotensin 1-7 production.

Intracellular renin-angiotensin system (RAS) can operate independently of the circulating RAS. Estrogens provide protective effects by modulating the RAS. Our aim was to investigate the effect of estradiol (E2) on angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) 1 and ACE2 expression and activities in human endothelial cells (HUVEC), and the role of estrogen receptors (ER). The results confirmed the presence of active intracellular RAS in HUVEC. Physiological concentrations of E2 induced a concentration-dependent increase of ACE1 and ACE2 mRNA expression and ACE1, but not ACE2, protein levels. ACE1 and ACE2 enzymatic activities were also induced with E2. These effects were mediated through ERα activation, since ER antagonists ICI 182780 and MPP completely abolished the effect of E2. Moreover, the ERα agonist PPT mirrored the E2 effects on ACE1 and ACE2 protein expression and activity. Exposure of endothelial cells to E2 significantly increased Ang-(1-7) production. In conclusion, E2 increases Ang-(1-7) production, through ERα, involving increased ACE1 and ACE2 mRNA expression and activity and ACE1 protein levels.

Tyrosine hydroxylase is short-term regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system in PC12 cells and hypothalamic and brainstem neurons from spontaneously hypertensive rats: possible implications in hypertension.

Aberrations in the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamines biosynthesis, is involved in hypertension development. In this study we investigated whether UPS regulated TH turnover in PC12 cells and hypothalamic and brainstem neurons from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and whether this system was impaired in hypertension. PC12 cells were exposed to proteasome or lysosome inhibitors and TH protein level evaluated by Western blot. Lactacystin, a proteasome inhibitor, induced an increase of 86 ± 15% in TH levels after 30 min of incubation, then it started to decrease up to 6 h to reach control levels and finally it rose up to 35.2 ± 8.5% after 24 h. Bafilomycin, a lysosome inhibitor, did not alter TH protein levels during short times, but it increased TH by 92 ± 22% above basal after 6 h treatment. Before degradation proteasome substrates are labeled by conjugation with ubiquitin. Efficacy of proteasome inhibition on TH turnover was evidenced by accumulation of ubiquitinylated TH after 30 min. Further, the inhibition of proteasome increased the quantity of TH phosphorylated at Ser40, which is essential for TH activity, by 2.7 ± 0.3 fold above basal. TH protein level was upregulated in neurons from hypothalami and brainstem of SHR when the proteasome was inhibited during 30 min, supporting that neuronal TH is also short-term regulated by the proteasome. Since the increased TH levels reported in hypertension may result from proteasome dysfunction, we evaluate proteasome activity. Proteasome activity was significantly reduced by 67 ± 4% in hypothalamic and brainstem neurons from SHR while its protein levels did not change. Present findings show that TH is regulated by the UPS. The impairment in proteasome activity observed in SHR neurons may be one of the causes of the increased TH protein levels reported in hypertension.

Protective axis of the renin-angiotensin system in the brain.

The RAS (renin-angiotensin system) is composed of two arms: the pressor arm containing AngII (angiotensin II)/ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme)/AT1Rs (AngII type 1 receptors), and the depressor arm represented by Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)]/ACE2/Mas receptors. All of the components of the RAS are present in the brain. Within the brain, Ang-(1-7) contributes to the regulation of BP (blood pressure) by acting at regions that control cardiovascular function such that, when Ang-(1-7) is injected into the nucleus of the solitary tract, caudal ventrolateral medulla, paraventricular nucleus or anterior hypothalamic area, a reduction in BP occurs; however, when injected into the rostral ventrolateral medulla, Ang-(1-7) stimulates an increase in BP. In contrast with AngII, Ang-(1-7) improves baroreflex sensitivity and has an inhibitory neuromodulatory role in hypothalamic noradrenergic neurotransmission. Ang-(1-7) not only exerts effects related to BP regulation, but also acts as a cerebroprotective component of the RAS by reducing cerebral infarct size and neuronal apoptosis. In the present review, we provide an overview of effects elicited by Ang-(1-7) in the brain, which suggest a potential role for Ang-(1-7) in controlling the central development of hypertension.

Neuromodulatory role of angiotensin-(1-7) in the central nervous system.

Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)] constitutes an important functional end-product of the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) endogenously formed from AngI (angiotensin I) or AngII (angiotensin II) through the catalytic activity of ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2), prolyl carboxypeptidase, neutral endopeptidase or other endopeptidases. Ang-(1-7) lacks the pressor, dipsogenic or stimulatory effect on aldosterone release characteristic of AngII. In contrast, it produces vasodilation, natriuresis and diuresis, and inhibits angiogenesis and cell growth. At the central level, Ang-(1-7) acts at sites involved in the control of cardiovascular function, thus contributing to blood pressure regulation. This action may result from its inhibitory neuromodulatory action on NE [noradrenaline (norepinephrine)] levels at the synaptic cleft, i.e. Ang-(1-7) reduces NE release and synthesis, whereas it causes an increase in NE transporter expression, contributing in this way to central NE neuromodulation. Thus, by selective neurotransmitter release, Ang-(1-7) may contribute to the overall central cardiovascular effects. In the present review, we summarize the central effects of Ang-(1-7) and the mechanism by which the peptide modulates NE levels in the synaptic cleft. We also provide new evidences of its cerebroprotective role.

Angiotensin-(1-7) through Mas receptor up-regulates neuronal norepinephrine transporter via Akt and Erk1/2-dependent pathways.

As angiotensin (Ang) (1-7) decreases norepinephrine (NE) content in the synaptic cleft, we investigated the effect of Ang-(1-7) on NE neuronal uptake in spontaneously hypertensive rats. [(3)H]-NE neuronal uptake was measured in isolated hypothalami. NE transporter (NET) expression was evaluated in hypothalamic neuronal cultures by western-blot. Ang-(1-7) lacked an acute effect on neuronal NE uptake. Conversely, Ang-(1-7) caused an increase in NET expression after 3 h incubation (40 ± 7%), which was blocked by the Mas receptor antagonist, a PI3-kinase inhibitor or a MEK1/2 inhibitor suggesting the involvement of Mas receptor and the PI3-kinase/Akt and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathways in the Ang-(1-7)-stimulated NET expression. Ang-(1-7) through Mas receptors stimulated Akt and ERK1/2 activities in spontaneously hypertensive rat neurons. Cycloheximide attenuated Ang-(1-7) stimulation of NET expression suggesting that Ang-(1-7) stimulates NET synthesis. In fact, Ang-(1-7) increased NET mRNA levels. Thus, we evaluated the long-term effect of Ang-(1-7) on neuronal NE uptake after 3 h incubation. Under this condition, Ang-(1-7) increased neuronal NE uptake by 60 ± 14% which was blocked by cycloheximide and the Mas receptor antagonist. Neuronal NE uptake and NET expression were decreased after 3 h incubation with an anti-Ang-(1-7) antibody. Ang-(1-7) induces a chronic stimulatory effect on NET expression. In this way, Ang-(1-7) may regulate a pre-synaptic mechanism in maintaining appropriate synaptic NE levels during hypertensive conditions.

Angiotensin (1-7) induces MAS receptor internalization.

Angiotensin (Ang) (1-7) is the endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor Mas, a receptor associated with cardiac, renal, and cerebral protective responses. Physiological evidence suggests that Mas receptor (MasR) undergoes agonist-dependent desensitization, but the underlying molecular mechanism regulating receptor activity is unknown. We investigated the hypothesis that MasR desensitizes and internalizes on stimulation with Ang-(1-7). For this purpose, we generated a chimera between the MasR and the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP; MasR-YFP). MasR-YFP-transfected HEK 293T cells were incubated with Ang-(1-7), and the relative cellular distribution of MasR-YFP was observed by confocal microscopy. In resting cells, MasR-YFP was mostly localized to the cell membrane. Ang-(1-7) induced a redistribution of MasR-YFP to intracellular vesicles of various sizes after 5 minutes. Following the time course of [(125)I]Ang-(1-7) endocytosis, we observed that half of MasR-YFP underwent endocytosis after 10 minutes, and this was blocked by a MasR antagonist. MasR-YFP colocalized with Rab5, the early endosome antigen 1, and the adaptor protein complex 2, indicating that the R is internalized through a clathrin-mediated pathway and targeted to early endosomes after Ang-(1-7) stimulation. A fraction of MasR-YFP also colocalized with caveolin 1, suggesting that at some point MasR-YFP traverses caveolin 1-positive compartments. In conclusion, MasR undergoes endocytosis on stimulation with Ang-(1-7), and this event may explain the desensitization of MasR responsiveness. In this way, MasR activity and density may be tightly controlled by the cell.

Effect of early versus late AT(1) receptor blockade with losartan on postmyocardial infarction ventricular remodeling in rabbits.

To characterize the temporal activation of the renin-angiotensin system after myocardial infarction (MI) in rabbits, we examined cardiac ANG II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R) expression and ANG II levels from 3 h to 35 days. The effects of losartan (12.5 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)) on functional and histomorphometric parameters when treatment was initiated early (3 h) and late (day 15) post-MI and maintained for different periods of time [short term (4 days), midterm (20 days), and long term (35 days)] were also studied. AT(1)R expression increased in the MI zone at 15 and 35 days (P < 0.05). ANG II levels increased (P < 0.05) in the non-MI zone at 24 h and in the MI zone as well as in plasma at 4 days and then progressively decreased until 35 days. The survival rate was significantly lower in untreated MI and early long-term-treated animals. Diastolic pressure-volume curves in MI at 35 and 56 days shifted to the right (P < 0.05). This shift was even more pronounced in long-term-treated groups (P < 0.05). Contractility decreased (P < 0.05 vs. sham) in the untreated and long-term-treated groups and was attenuated in the midterm-treated group. The early administration of losartan reduced RAM 11-positive macrophages from 4.15 +/- 0.05 to 3.05 +/- 0.02 cells/high-power field (HPF; P < 0.05) and CD45 RO-positive lymphocytes from 2.23 +/- 0.05 to 1.48 +/- 0.01 cells/HPF (P < 0.05) in the MI zone at 4 days. Long-term treatment reduced the scar collagen (MI: 70.50 +/- 2.35% and MI + losartan: 57.50 +/- 2.48, P < 0.05), determined the persistency of RAM 11-positive macrophages (3.02 +/- 0.13 cells/HPF) and CD45 RO-positive lymphocytes (2.77 +/- 0.58 cells/HPF, P < 0.05 vs. MI), and reduced the scar thinning ratio at 35 days (P < 0.05). Consequently, the temporal expressions of cardiac AT(1)R and ANG II post-MI in rabbits are different from those described in other species. Long-term treatment unfavorably modified post-MI remodeling, whereas midterm treatment attenuated this harmful effect. The delay in wound healing (early reduction and late persistency of inflammatory infiltrate) and adverse remodeling observed in long-term-treated animals might explain the unfavorable effect observed in rabbits.

Angiotensin II regulation of renal dopamine uptake and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Angiotensin II (ANG II) decreases dopamine (DA) uptake in renal cortex activating AT(1) receptors. We investigated the signaling pathways that mediate this action and the incidence of DA-ANG II interaction on renal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity. METHODS: ANG II effects on [(3)H]-DA uptake and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase were measured in samples from the outer renal cortex of Sprague-Dawley rats. RESULTS: Inhibition of the phospholipase C (PLC) pathway blunted ANG II inhibitory effects on [(3)H]-DA uptake, since U-73122, 2-APB, TMB-8, chelerythrine and KN-93 (PLC, IP(3)-dependent Ca(2+) release channels, IP(3) receptors, protein kinase C and CaM kinase II inhibitors, respectively) each one blocked ANG II effects. Inhibition of adenylate cyclase pathway did not modify ANG II inhibitory effects on DA uptake. ANG II effects on [(3)H]-DA uptake were able to modify Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in carbidopa-treated rats. Exogenous DA decreased while ANG II increased the enzyme activity. Neither the addition of DA together with ANG II, nor the extraneuronal DA uptake blocker hydrocortisone altered ANG II stimulatory effects on Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity, but hydrocortisone blocked the inhibitory effects of exogenous DA. CONCLUSION: Stimulation of renal AT(1) receptors by ANG II signals through the PLC pathway to inhibit extraneuronal DA uptake. DA and ANG II act through a common pathway involving reversible renal tubular Na(+),K(+)-ATPase deactivation and activation, respectively. In addition, ANG II by itself is able to stimulate renal Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity.

Chronic infusion of angiotensin-(1-7) improves insulin resistance and hypertension induced by a high-fructose diet in rats.

The current study was undertaken to determine whether Ang-(1-7) is effective in improving metabolic parameters in fructose-fed rats (FFR), a model of metabolic syndrome. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either normal rat chow (control) or the same diet plus 10% fructose in drinking water. For the last 2 wk of a 6-wk period of either diet, control and FFR were implanted with subcutaneous osmotic pumps that delivered Ang-(1-7) (100 ng.kg(-1).min(-1)). A subgroup of each group of animals (control or FFR) underwent a sham surgery. We measured systolic blood pressure (SBP) together with plasma levels of insulin, triglycerides, and glucose. A glucose tolerance test (GTT) was performed, with plasma insulin levels determined before and 15 and 120 min after glucose administration. In addition, we evaluated insulin signaling through the IR/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway as well as the phosphorylation levels of IRS-1 at inhibitory site Ser(307) in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. FFR displayed hypertriglyceridemia, hyperinsulinemia, increased SBP, and an exaggerated release of insulin during a GTT, together with decreased activation of insulin signaling through the IR/IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue, as well as increased levels of IRS-1 phospho-Ser(307) in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, alterations that correlated with increased activation of the kinases mTOR and JNK. Chronic Ang-(1-7) treatment resulted in normalization of all alterations. These results show that Ang-(1-7) ameliorates insulin resistance in a model of metabolic syndrome via a mechanism that could involve the modulation of insulin signaling.