Selenoneine-inspired selenohydantoins with glutathione peroxidase-like activity.

Chronic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular illness have been linked to a decrease in selenium levels and an increase in oxidative stress. Selenium is an essential trace element that exhibits antioxidant properties, with selenocysteine enzymes like glutathione peroxidase being particularly effective at reducing peroxides. In this study, a series of synthetic organoselenium compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their potential antioxidant activities. The new selenohydantoin molecules were inspired by selenoneine and synthesized using straightforward methods. Their antioxidant potential was evaluated and proven using classical radical scavenging and metal-reducing methods. The selenohydantoin derivatives exhibited glutathione peroxidase-like activity, reducing hydroperoxides. Theoretical calculations using Density Functional Theory (DFT) revealed the selenone isomer to be the only one occurring in solution, with selenolate as a possible tautomeric form in the presence of a basic species. Cytocompatibility assays indicated that the selenohydantoin derivatives were non-toxic to primary human aortic smooth muscle cells, paving the way for further biological evaluations of their antioxidant activity. The results suggest that selenohydantoin derivatives with trifluoro-methyl (-CF3) and chlorine (-Cl) substituents have significant activities and could be potential candidates for further biological trials. These compounds may contribute to the development of effective therapies for chronic diseases such cardiovascular diseases.

In vivo and in silico evaluation of a new nitric oxide donor, S,S'-dinitrosobucillamine.

PURPOSE: In a previous work, we have synthetized a new dinitrosothiol, i.e. S,S'-dinitrosobucillamine BUC(NO)2 combining S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (NACNO) in its structure. When exposed to isolated aorta, we observed a 1.5-fold increase of •NO content and a more potent vasorelaxation (1 log higher pD2) compared to NACNO and SNAP alone or combined (Dahboul et al., 2014). In the present study, we analyzed the thermodynamics and kinetics for the release of •NO through computational modeling techniques and correlated it to plasma assays. Then BUC(NO)2 was administered in vivo to rats, assuming it will induce higher and/or longer hypotensive effects than its two constitutive S-mononitrosothiols. METHODS: Free energies for the release of •NO entities have been computed at the density functional theory level assuming an implicit model for the aqueous environment. Degradation products of BUC(NO)2 were evaluated in vitro under heating and oxidizing conditions using HPLC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Plasma from rats were spiked with RSNO and kinetics of RSNO degradation was measured using the classical Griess-Saville method. Blood pressure was measured in awake male Wistar rats using telemetry (n = 5, each as its own control, 48 h wash-out periods between subcutaneous injections under transient isoflurane anesthesia, random order: 7 mL/kg vehicle, 3.5, 7, 14 µmol/kg SNAP, NACNO, BUC(NO)2 and an equimolar mixture of SNAP + NACNO in order to mimic the number of •NO contained in BUC(NO)2). Variations of mean (ΔMAP, reflecting arterial dilation) and pulse arterial pressures (ΔPAP, indirectly reflecting venodilation, used to determine effect duration) vs. baseline were recorded for 4 h. RESULTS: Computational modeling highlights the fact that the release of the first •NO radical in BUC(NO)2 requires a free energy which is intermediate between the values obtained for SNAP and NACNO. However, the release of the second •NO radical is significantly favored by the concerted formation of an intramolecular disulfide bond. The corresponding oxidized compound was also characterized as related substance obtained under degradation conditions. The in vitro degradation rate of BUC(NO)2 was significantly greater than for the other RSNO. For equivalent low and medium •NO-load, BUC(NO)2 produced a hypotension identical to NACNO, SNAP and the equimolar mixture of SNAP + NACNO, but its effect was greater at higher doses (-62 ± 8 and -47 ± 14 mmHg, maximum ΔMAP for BUC(NO)2 and SNAP + NACNO, respectively). Its duration of effect on PAP (-50%) lasted from 35 to 95 min, i.e. shorter than for the other RSNO (from 90 to 135 min for the mixture SNAP + NACNO). CONCLUSION: A faster metabolism explains the abilities of BUC(NO)2 to release higher amounts of •NO and to induce larger hypotension but shorter-lasting effects than those induced by the SNAP + NACNO mixture, despite an equivalent •NO-load.

Polymer nanocomposites enhance S-nitrosoglutathione intestinal absorption and promote the formation of releasable nitric oxide stores in rat aorta.

Alginate/chitosan nanocomposite particles (GSNO-acNCPs), i.e. S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) loaded polymeric nanoparticles incorporated into an alginate and chitosan matrix, were developed to increase the effective GSNO loading capacity, a nitric oxide (NO) donor, and to sustain its release from the intestine following oral administration. Compared with free GSNO and GSNO loaded nanoparticles, GSNO-acNCPs promoted 2.7-fold GSNO permeation through a model of intestinal barrier (Caco-2 cells). After oral administration to Wistar rats, GSNO-acNCPs promoted NO storage into the aorta during at least 17h, as highlighted by (i) a long-lasting hyporeactivity to phenylephrine (decrease in maximum vasoconstrictive effect of aortic rings) and (ii) N-acetylcysteine (a thiol which can displace NO from tissues)-induced vasodilation of aorxxtic rings preconstricted with phenylephrine. In conclusion, GSNO-acNCPs enhance GSNO intestinal absorption and promote the formation of releasable NO stores into the rat aorta. GSNO-acNCPs are promising carriers for chronic oral application devoted to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

S-Nitrosothiols as potential therapeutics to induce a mobilizable vascular store of nitric oxide to counteract endothelial dysfunction.

Endothelial dysfunction predisposing to cardiovascular diseases is defined as an imbalance in the production of vasodilating factors, such as nitric oxide (NO), and vasoconstrictive factors. To insure its physiological role, NO, a radical with very short half-life, requires to be stored and transported to its action site. S-nitrosothiols (RSNOs) like S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) represent the main form of NO storage within the vasculature. The NO store formed by RSNOs is still bioavailable to trigger vasorelaxation. In this way, RSNOs are an emerging class of NO donors with a potential to restore NO bioavailability within cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to compare S-nitrosothiols ability, formed of peptide (glutathione) like the physiologic GSNO or derived from amino acids (cysteine, valine) like the synthetics S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (NACNO) and S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), respectively, to produce a vascular store of NO either in endothelium-intact or endothelium-removed aortae in order to evaluate whether RSNOs can be used as therapeutics to compensate endothelial dysfunction. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a marketed drug already in clinics, was used as a non-RSNO NO-donor. Endothelium-intact or endothelium-removed aortae, isolated from normotensive Wistar rats, were exposed to RSNOs or SNP. Then, NO-derived (NOx) species, representing the NO store inside the vascular wall, were quantified using the diaminonaphthalene probe coupled to mercuric ions. The bioavailability of the NO store and its ability to induce vasodilation was tested using N-acetylcysteine, then its ability to counteract vasoconstriction was challenged using phenylephrine (PHE). All the studied RSNOs were able to generate a NO store materialized by a three to five times increase in NOx species inside aortae. NACNO was the most potent RSNO to produce a vascular NO store bioavailable for vasorelaxation and the most efficient to induce vascular hyporeactivity to PHE in endothelium-removed aortae. GSNO and SNAP were equivalent and more efficient than SNP. In endothelium-intact aortae, the NO store was also formed whereas it seemed less available for vasorelaxation and did not influence PHE-induced vasoconstriction. In conclusion, RSNOs - NACNO in a better extent - are able to restore NO bioavailability as a functional NO store within the vessel wall, especially when the endothelium is removed. This was associated with a hyporeactivity to the vasoconstrictive agent phenylephrine. Treatment with RSNOs could present a benefit to restore NO-dependent functions in pathological states associated with injured endothelium.

S-nitrosoglutathione inhibits cerebrovascular angiotensin II-dependent and -independent AT1 receptor responses: A possible role of S-nitrosation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Angiotensin II (AngII) and NO regulate the cerebral circulation. AngII AT1 receptors exert ligand-dependent and ligand-independent (myogenic tone [MT]) vasoconstriction of cerebral vessels. NO induces post-translational modifications of proteins such as S-nitrosation (redox modification of cysteine residues). In cultured cells, S-nitrosation decreases AngII's affinity for the AT1 receptor. The present work evaluated the functional consequences of S-nitrosation on both AngII-dependent and AngII-independent cerebrovascular responses. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: S-Nitrosation was induced in rat isolated middle cerebral arteries by pretreatment with the NO donors, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Agonist-dependent activation of AT1 receptors was evaluated by obtaining concentration-response curves to AngII. Ligand-independent activation of AT1 receptors was evaluated by calculating MT (active vs. passive diameter) at pressures ranging from 20 to 200 mmHg in the presence or not of a selective AT1 receptor inverse agonist. KEY RESULTS: GSNO or SNP completely abolished the AngII-dependent AT1 receptor-mediated vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries. GSNO had no impact on responses to other vasoconstrictors sharing (phenylephrine, U46619) or not (5-HT) the same signalling pathway. MT was reduced by GSNO, and the addition of losartan did not further decrease MT, suggesting that GSNO blocks AT1 receptor-dependent MT. Ascorbate (which reduces S-nitrosated compounds) restored the response to AngII but not the soluble GC inhibitor ODQ, suggesting that these effects are mediated by S-nitrosation rather than by S-nitrosylation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In rat middle cerebral arteries, GSNO pretreatment specifically affects the AT1 receptor and reduces both AngII-dependent and AngII-independent activation, most likely through AT1 receptor S-nitrosation.

Aging and hypertension decrease endothelial NO-related dilating function and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity but not S-nitrosoglutathione-induced aortic vasodilation.

S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), which is involved in the transport and the storage of NO, induces vasorelaxation. It requires gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), an enzyme present on the endothelium, to transfer NO into the cell. We evaluated whether aging and hypertension, which induce NO-related dilating dysfunction, are associated with decreased vascular GGT activity and modify the vasorelaxant effect of GSNO. Thoracic aortic rings isolated from male spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) aged 20-22 (adult) or 57-60 weeks (mature) were preconstricted with phenylephrine, then submitted to concentration-vasorelaxant response curves (maximal response: Emax ; pD2 ) to GSNO and carbachol (the latter to measure NO-related dilating function). GGT activity was measured using chromogenic substrate. Both aging and hypertension lowered Emax values for carbachol (Emax -8% in adult SHR, -42% in mature SHR vs. age-matched WKY, page and phypertension  < 0.05) demonstrating NO-related dilating dysfunction. Aortic GGT activity also decreased with aging and hypertension (-22% in adult and -75%, reaching 3 nmol/min/g of tissue, in mature SHR vs. 12 in age-matched WKY and 23 in adult WKY, page and phypertension  < 0.05). The pD2 values of GSNO were similar in mature SHR and WKY but higher in adult SHR (pinteraction  < 0.05). Aging in hypertensive rats decreased NO-related vasorelaxant function and vascular GGT activity, but did not lower the vasorelaxant response to GSNO. This opens perspectives for GSNO-based therapeutics restoring nitric oxide bioavailability and vascular protection in a context of endothelial dysfunction.

Reduced Activity of the Aortic Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Does Not Decrease S-Nitrosoglutathione Induced Vasorelaxation of Rat Aortic Rings.

Aims: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), an enzyme present on the endothelium, is involved in the release of nitric oxide (NO) from S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and in the GSNO-induced vasodilation. Endogenous GSNO is a physiological storage form of NO in tissues while exogenous GSNO is an interesting candidate for compensating for the decreased NO bioavailability occurring during cardiovascular diseases. We investigated in a rat model of human hypertension, the spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR), submitted or not to high salt diet, whether a decreased vascular GGT activity modifies the vasorelaxant effect of GSNO. Methods: Thoracic aortic rings isolated from male SHR and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) aged 20-22 weeks-submitted or not for 8 weeks to a high salt diet (1% w/v NaCl in drinking water) were pre-constricted with phenylephrine then submitted to concentration-vasorelaxant response curves (maximal response: Emax; pD2) to carbachol or sodium nitroprusside to evaluate endothelial dependent or independent NO-induced vasodilation, or GSNO (exogenous NO vasodilation depending from the endothelial GGT activity). GGT activity was measured using a chromogenic substrate in aortic homogenates. Its role in GSNO-induced relaxation was assessed following inhibition of the enzyme activity (serine-borate complex). That of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), another redox sensitive enzyme involved in GSNO metabolism, was assessed following inhibition with bacitracin. Results: Aortic GGT activity (18-23 µmol/min/mg of tissue in adult WKY) decreased by 33% in SHR and 45% in SHR with high salt diet. Emax and pD2 for sodium nitroprusside were similar in all groups. Emax for carbachol decreased by -14%, reflecting slight endothelial NO-dependent dysfunction. The GSNO curve was slightly shifted to the left in SHR and in SHR with high salt diet, showing a small enhanced sensitivity to GSNO. Involvements of GGT, as that of PDI, in the GSNO effects were similar in all groups (pD2 for GSNO -0.5 to -1.5 following enzymatic inhibition). Conclusion: Hypertension is associated with a decreased aortic GGT activity without decreasing the vasorelaxant effects of GSNO, whose bioactivity may be supplemented through the alternative enzymatic activity of PDI.

Constrictor and dilator effects of angiotensin II on cerebral arterioles.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In light of the equivocal data on the cerebral vasoconstrictor and vasodilator actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) and the potential clinical importance of this, we investigated the effects of Ang II on rat pial arterioles. METHODS: We determined the effect of Ang I (3.10(-6) mol/L) in the absence and presence of the converting enzyme inhibitor, captopril (10(-5) mol/L) in cerebral arterioles of male Wistar rats (open-skull preparation), and those of Ang II (3.10(-12) to 3.10(-6) mol/L) in the absence and presence of the Ang II receptor (AT1) antagonist, telmisartan (10(-5) mol/L) or the AT2 antagonist, PD123319 (10(-5) mol/L). We examined the effect of PD123319 (10(-5) mol/L) and the Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (10(-4) mol/L) on the Ang II responses in the presence of telmisartan (10(-5) mol/L). RESULTS: Ang II-induced dose-dependent constriction with a maximum decrease of -20.1+/-1.0% at 10(-6) mol/L. Captopril significantly decreased Ang I-induced vasoconstriction (-4.0+/-0.9 versus -21.3+/-2.5%; n=4). Telmisartan reversed Ang II-induced vasoconstriction (9.5+/-2.5 versus -20.1+/-1% at 10(-6) mol/L; n=5). PD123319 significantly increased Ang II-induced vasoconstriction (-12.9+/-0.8 versus -10.2+/-0.4% at 10(-6) mol/L; n=5). PD123319 abolished (-2.6+/-0.7 versus 9.3+/-1.1% at 10(-6) mol/L; n=5) whereas tetraethylammonium reversed (-12.1+/-1.6 versus 9.9+/-1.0% at 10(-6) mol/L; n=4) Ang II-induced vasodilatation in the presence of telmisartan. CONCLUSIONS: Angiotensin is converted locally into Ang II; the overall effect of Ang II is vasoconstrictor following stimulation of the AT1 receptor, but a vasodilator response can be evoked following stimulation of the AT2 receptor and activation of BKCa.

Effect of two new PBN-derived phosphorylated nitrones against postischaemic ventricular dysrhythmias.

Spin traps might exert antioxidant cardioprotective effects during myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion where free radicals are thought to be responsible for the occurrence of reperfusion injury. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of two new alpha-phenyl N-tert-butylnitrone (PBN)-derived beta-phosphorylated nitrones: 2-N-oxy-N-[benzylidène amino] diéthyl propyl-2-phosphate (PPN) and 1-diethoxyphosphoryl-1-methyl-N-[(1-oxido-pyridin-1-ium-4-yl) methylidene] ethylamine N-oxide (4-PyOPN) compared with PBN on (1) the evolution of cardiovascular parameters and (2) the postischaemic recovery. Anaesthetized rats were injected with 120 micro mol/kg of the nitrones or 14 micro mol/kg of amiodarone, used as a reference antidysrhythmic drug. Ischaemia was induced in vivo through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 5 min followed by 15 min of reperfusion after release. Cardiovascular parameters and occurrence of ventricular premature beats (VPB), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and fibrillation (VF) were recorded throughout the experiment. Under nonischaemic conditions, none of the three spin traps was shown to modify cardiovascular parameters during the 25-min measurement period. Solvent-treated (NaCl 0.9%) animals challenged with ischaemia-reperfusion exhibited 39 +/- 10 VPB, 156 +/- 39 s of VT and 60% mortality caused by sustained VF. Nitrones improved slightly postischaemic recovery, reducing the occurrence of VF and mortality to 33% whereas amiodarone injection totally suppressed rhythm disturbances and mortality. Our study has shown only limited antidysrhythmic cardioprotective effects of PBN-derived beta-phosphorylated nitrones during reperfusion after a regional myocardial ischaemia but also minor antioxidant properties of these spin trapping agents.

S,S'-dinitrosobucillamine, a new nitric oxide donor, induces a better vasorelaxation than other S-nitrosothiols.

S-nitrosothiols (RSNO) are considered as potential drugs for delivering nitric oxide (NO) or related species in cardiovascular disorders associated with decrease in NO bioavailability. We have synthesized a new RSNO, i.e. S,S'-dinitrosobucillamine (BUC(NO)2), which combines in its structure two S-mononitrosothiols, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (NACNO). Synthesized BUC(NO)2 was structurally characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS), (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR), infrared (IR) and UV-visible spectroscopies, and thermal analysis; resulting data are consistent with the expected structure. The vasorelaxant effect of BUC(NO)2 was evaluated using isolated rat aortic rings and compared to SNAP, NACNO, and to an equimolar mixture of NACNO plus SNAP in order to mimic the number of NO contained in a BUC(NO)2 molecule. BUC(NO)2 (pD2=7.8±0.1) was more potent in vasorelaxation than NACNO (pD2=6.4±0.2), SNAP (pD2=6.7±0.1) and the mixture of SNAP plus NACNO (pD2=6.7±0.2). The release of NO from BUC(NO)2 was 6-fold that of the basal value and significantly higher than the release of NO from the SNAP plus NACNO mixture (4-fold increase versus basal value). Finally, the role of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in BUC(NO)2 metabolism was investigated. Vasorelaxant effect (pD2=6.8±0.2) and NO release decreased in the presence of a PDI inhibitor (both P<0.05 versus BUC(NO)2). In conclusion, BUC(NO)2 releases a larger amount of NO into the aorta, partially through PDI activation, and induces vasorelaxation at lower concentrations than other RSNO previously reported.

Endothelial γ-glutamyltransferase contributes to the vasorelaxant effect of S-nitrosoglutathione in rat aorta.

S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) involved in storage and transport of nitric oxide ((•)NO) plays an important role in vascular homeostasis. Breakdown of GSNO can be catalyzed by γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT). We investigated whether vascular GGT influences the vasorelaxant effect of GSNO in isolated rat aorta. Histochemical localization of GGT and measurement of its activity were performed by using chromogenic substrates in sections and in aorta homogenates, respectively. The role of GGT in GSNO metabolism was evaluated by measuring GSNO consumption rate (absorbance decay at 334 nm), (•)NO release was visualized and quantified with the fluorescent probe 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate. The vasorelaxant effect of GSNO was assayed using isolated rat aortic rings (in the presence or absence of endothelium). The role of GGT was assessed by stimulating enzyme activity with cosubstrate glycylglycine, as well as using two independent inhibitors, competitive serine borate complex and non-competitive acivicin. Specific GGT activity was histochemically localized in the endothelium. Consumption of GSNO and release of free (•)NO decreased and increased in presence of serine borate complex and glycylglycine, respectively. In vasorelaxation experiments with endothelium-intact aorta, the half maximal effective concentration of GSNO (EC50 = 3.2 ± 0.5.10(-7) M) increased in the presence of the two distinct GGT inhibitors, serine borate complex (1.6 ± 0.2.10(-6) M) and acivicin (8.3 ± 0.6.10(-7) M), while it decreased with glycylglycine (4.7 ± 0.9.10(-8) M). In endothelium-denuded aorta, EC(50) for GSNO alone increased to 2.3 ± 0.3.10(-6) M, with no change in the presence of serine borate complex. These data demonstrate the important role of endothelial GGT activity in mediating the vasorelaxant effect of GSNO in rat aorta under physiological conditions. Because therapeutic treatments based on GSNO are presently under development, this endothelium-dependent mechanism involved in the vascular effects of GSNO should be taken into account in a pharmacological perspective.

Differential effects of short-term treatment with two AT1 receptor blockers on diameter of pial arterioles in SHR.

Chronic treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers is largely accepted for protecting cerebral circulation during hypertension, but beneficial effects of short-term treatments are questionable, as highlighted by the recent SCAST trial. We compared the impact of 10 days treatment with candesartan (as SCAST) versus telmisartan (previously described to reverse arteriolar remodeling, chronic treatment) on pial arterioles of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We explored whether PPAR-gamma agonist activity or AT(1) receptor blockade are involved in their differential effects. In the first study, 4-month-old male SHR were treated with telmisartan (TELMI, 2 mg/kg per day) or candesartan cilexetil (CANDE, 10 mg/kg per day) and compared to vehicle treated SHR and normotensive WKY. In a second study, SHR were treated with CANDE, pioglitazone (a PPAR-gamma agonist, PIO 2.5 mg/kg per day) or CANDE+PIO, compared to TELMI. Internal diameter of pial arterioles (ID, cranial window) was measured at baseline, during hemorrhage-induced hypotension, or following suffusion of Ang II (10(-6) mol/L) or EDTA inactivation of smooth muscle cells (passive ID). PPAR-gamma and eNOS (target gene of PPAR-gamma) mRNA were evaluated in brain microvessels. For similar antihypertensive effects, TELMI (+44% versus SHR), but not CANDE, increased baseline ID. During hemorrhage, ID in TELMI group was similar to WKY, while ID in SHR and CANDE remained lower. In the second study, TELMI (+36%, versus SHR) and CANDE+PIO (+43%) increased baseline ID, but not CANDE or PIO alone. TELMI (-66%) and CANDE+PIO (-69%), but neither CANDE nor PIO alone, decreased Ang II-induced vasoconstriction. CANDE+PIO, but not CANDE, increased passive ID. In both studies, PPAR-gamma and eNOS expressions were higher in TELMI than CANDE. Short-term treatment with TELMI, but not with CANDE, reverses narrowing of pial arteriolar ID in SHR. This may involve PPAR-gamma related mechanisms, since CANDE+PIO treatment induced similar effects, and a better blockade of AT(1) receptors.

High salt intake abolishes AT(2)-mediated vasodilation of pial arterioles in rats.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces constriction (AT(1)) and dilation (AT(2) receptors) of cerebral arterioles. High sodium intake induces changes in receptors expression and loss of AT(2)-mediated vasodilation in extracerebral vessels. We investigated whether high salt modifies the AT(2)-mediated response of cerebral arterioles. METHODS: Three-month-old male Wistar rats received drinking water supplemented or not with 1% NaCl. We measured at day 4 or 30 plasma aldosterone concentration, AT receptors expression (brain microvessels, western blot, RT-qPCR), internal diameter of pial arterioles (cranial window) following suffusion with Ang II (10(-6) mol/l, or 10(-8) mol/l + losartan 10(-5) mol/l), serotonin (5-HT, 10(-6) mol/l), sodium nitroprusside (10(-5) mol/l) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP, 10(-4) mol/l). RESULTS: High salt did not modify arterial pressure, baseline arteriolar diameter, vasoconstriction to Ang II or 5-HT, nor vasodilation to SNP. High salt lowered plasma aldosterone concentration (d4 138 ± 71 not significant vs. control 338 ± 73; d30 150 ± 21 P < 0.05 vs. control 517 ± 79 µmol/l). AT receptors mRNA did not change while protein level of AT(2) receptors decreased at d4 (64 ± 9% of control, P < 0.05). AT(2)-mediated vasodilation (control d4; d30 8 ± 2; 5 ± 2%) was abolished at d4 (-2 ± 2%, P < 0.05) and reversed to vasoconstriction at d30 (-7 ± 2%, P < 0.05). ADP-induced vasodilation is abolished at d30 (2 ± 2, P < 0.05 vs. control 19 ± 4%). CONCLUSION: High salt specifically abolishes AT(2)-mediated vasodilation, immediately, via decreased level of AT(2) receptor protein, and after 30 days, in association with abolition of endothelial vasodilation. Such loss of AT(2)-mediated vasodilation may be deleterious in case of stroke.

Impact of chronic treatment with red wine polyphenols (RWP) on cerebral arterioles in the spontaneous hypertensive rat.

Several reports suggest that consumption of red wine is associated with a lower risk of stroke. We investigated the chronic effect of red wine polyphenols (RWP) on the functional and structural characteristics of cerebral arterioles in chronic hypertension, which is an important risk factor of stroke. Spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) were treated with RWP extract (100 mg/kg/day in drinking water) for 10 weeks. We measured the effect of agonist- and hypotension-induced changes in internal diameter of cerebral arterioles using an open cranial window technique. Wall mechanical parameters were determined in deactivated cerebral arterioles. The activity of antioxidant enzymes in plasma was determined. Adenosine diphosphate-induced vasodilatation was decreased by 48% in SHR and normalized in SHR treated with RWP. RWP had no effect on hypotension-induced dilatation. RWP decreased the wall thickness/external diameter ratio by 13% and significantly shifted the stress-strain relationship of the arteriole wall to the left. There was a decrease in glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase after treatment of RWP in SHR. In summary, chronic oral administration of RWP to SHR improved endothelium-dependent dilatation, normalized wall stress and diameter, and altered the systemic antioxidant state. These effects of RWP could be useful in the prevention of stroke in hypertensive patients.

Postischemic recovery and oxidative stress are independent of nitric-oxide synthases modulation in isolated rat heart.

During myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, nitric oxide ((.)NO) was shown to exert either beneficial or detrimental effects. Uncoupled (.)NO synthases (NOS) can generate superoxide anion under suboptimal concentrations of substrate and cofactors. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of NOS modulation on 1) the evolution of functional parameters and 2) the amount of free radicals released during an ischemia-reperfusion sequence. Isolated perfused rat hearts underwent 30 min of total ischemia, followed by 30 min of reperfusion in the presence of N(G)-nitro-D- or L-arginine methyl ester (NAME, 100 microM) or of D- or L-arginine (3 mM). Functional parameters were recorded and coronary effluents were analyzed with electron spin resonance to identify and quantify the amount of alpha-phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone spin adducts produced during reperfusion. The antioxidant capacities of the compounds were determined with the oxygen radical absorbance capacity test. L-NAME-treated hearts showed a reduction of coronary flow and contractile performance, although neither L-NAME nor L-arginine improved the recovery of coronary flow, left end diastolic ventricular pressure, rate pressure product, and duration of reperfusion arrhythmia, compared with their D-specific enantiomers. A large and long-lasting release of alkyl/alkoxyl radicals was detected upon reperfusion, but no differences of free radical release were observed between D- and L-NAME or D- and L-arginine treatment. These results may indicate that, in our experimental conditions, cardiac NOS might not be a major factor implicated in the oxidative burst that follows a global myocardial ischemia.