Heritable Virus-Induced Genome Editing (VIGE) in Nicotiana attenuata.

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is an extremely powerful tool for targeted mutagenesis in plants. However, plant genome editing relies on the labor-intensive plant regeneration method for generating gene-edited plants. To overcome this bottleneck, several virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) techniques have been developed. The VIGE system aims to induce targeted mutations in germ cells without plant regeneration. However, due to the delivery issues of a large Cas9 protein, scientists focus on developing a virus-mediated delivery system for guide RNA into Cas9-overproducing plants. Here, we describe how to induce heritable targeted mutations in a non-model plant, Nicotiana attenuata, using VIGE system. This method will be applied for manipulating the target genes in any plants that scientists are interested in.

Adolescent Parvalbumin Expression in the Left Orbitofrontal Cortex Shapes Sociability in Female Mice.

The adolescent social experience is essential for the maturation of the prefrontal cortex in mammalian species. However, it still needs to be determined which cortical circuits mature with such experience and how it shapes adult social behaviors in a sex-specific manner. Here, we examined social-approaching behaviors in male and female mice after postweaning social isolation (PWSI), which deprives social experience during adolescence. We found that the PWSI, particularly isolation during late adolescence, caused an abnormal increase in social approaches (hypersociability) only in female mice. We further found that the PWSI female mice showed reduced parvalbumin (PV) expression in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFCL). When we measured neural activity in the female OFCL, a substantial number of neurons showed higher activity when mice sniffed other mice (social sniffing) than when they sniffed an object (object sniffing). Interestingly, the PWSI significantly reduced both the number of activated neurons and the activity level during social sniffing in female mice. Similarly, the CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockdown of PV in the OFCL during late adolescence enhanced sociability and reduced the social sniffing-induced activity in adult female mice via decreased excitability of PV+ neurons and reduced synaptic inhibition in the OFCL Moreover, optogenetic activation of excitatory neurons or optogenetic inhibition of PV+ neurons in the OFCL enhanced sociability in female mice. Our data demonstrate that the adolescent social experience is critical for the maturation of PV+ inhibitory circuits in the OFCL; this maturation shapes female social behavior via enhancing social representation in the OFCL SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Adolescent social isolation often changes adult social behaviors in mammals. Yet, we do not fully understand the sex-specific effects of social isolation and the brain areas and circuits that mediate such changes. Here, we found that adolescent social isolation causes three abnormal phenotypes in female but not male mice: hypersociability, decreased PV+ neurons in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFCL), and decreased socially evoked activity in the OFCL Moreover, parvalbumin (PV) deletion in the OFCL in vivo caused the same phenotypes in female mice by increasing excitation compared with inhibition within the OFCL Our data suggest that adolescent social experience is required for PV maturation in the OFCL, which is critical for evoking OFCL activity that shapes social behaviors in female mice.

Ribozyme-processed guide RNA enhances virus-mediated plant genome editing.

In virus-induced gene-editing system, subgenomic promoters have been used to express guide RNAs (gRNAs). However, the transcription initiation site of the subgenomic promoters remains elusive. Here, we examined the sequence of gRNAs expressed by subgenomic promoters and found the variable length of overhangs at 5'-end of gRNAs. The overhangs at 5'-end of gRNA decrease the cleavage activity of SpCas9. To overcome this problem, we inserted hammerhead ribozyme between the subgenomic promoter and gRNA and confirmed that gRNAs with a precise 5'-end increase the editing efficacy in wild tobacco. This system will be widely used for editing target genes in plants with high efficiency.

RPS5A Promoter-Driven Cas9 Produces Heritable Virus-Induced Genome Editing in Nicotiana attenuata.

The virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) system aims to induce targeted mutations in seeds without requiring any tissue culture. Here, we show that tobacco rattle virus (TRV) harboring guide RNA (gRNA) edits germ cells in a wild tobacco, Nicotiana attenuata, that expresses Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 (SpCas9). We first generated N. attenuata transgenic plants expressing SpCas9 under the control of 35S promoter and infected rosette leaves with TRV carrying gRNA. Gene-edited seeds were not found in the progeny of the infected N. attenuata. Next, the N. attenuata ribosomal protein S5 A (RPS5A) promoter fused to SpCas9 was employed to induce the heritable gene editing with TRV. The RPS5A promoter-driven SpCas9 successfully produced monoallelic mutations at three target genes in N. attenuata seeds with TRV-delivered guide RNA. These monoallelic mutations were found in 2%-6% seeds among M1 progenies. This editing method provides an alternative way to increase the heritable editing efficacy of VIGE.

Diagnosis and Simultaneous Treatment of Musculoskeletal Injury Using H2O2-Triggered Echogenic Antioxidant Polymer Nanoparticles in a Rat Model of Contusion Injury.

Ultrasound is clinically used for diagnosis and interventions for musculoskeletal injuries like muscle contusion, but contrast of ultrasonography still remains a challenge in the field of the musculoskeletal system. A level of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is known to be elevated during mechanical tissue damage and therefore H2O2 can be exploited as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for mechanical injuries in the musculoskeletal system. We previously developed poly(vanillin-oxalate) (PVO) as an inflammation-responsive polymeric prodrug of vanillin, which is designed to rapidly respond to H2O2 and exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The primary aim of this study is to verify whether PVO nanoparticles could serve as contrast agents as well as therapeutic agents for musculoskeletal injuries simultaneously. In a rat model of contusion-induced muscle injury, PVO nanoparticles generated CO2 bubbles to enhance the ultrasound contrast in the injury site. A single intramuscular injection of PVO nanoparticles also suppressed contusion-induced muscle damages by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cell infiltration. We, therefore, anticipate that PVO nanoparticles have great translational potential as not only ultrasound imaging agents but also therapeutic agents for the musculoskeletal disorders such as contusion.

Virus-induced plant genome editing.

Plant viruses have been engineered to express heterologous proteins and RNAs in plants for several decades. This viral system can now be applied to editing plant genomes. Virus vectors can deliver Cas proteins and guide RNAs, two key components of the CRISPR gene-editing system, into a plant cell without a complicated experimental procedure. In some cases, plant viruses move to meristematic cells and express gene-editing components in the cell, which results in the production of mutant seeds. Here, we focus on three main issues of the virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) technology in plants: (1) how to express the relatively large size of Cas proteins, (2) how to express guide RNA, and (3) how to increase the efficiency with which viruses are delivered into meristematic cells. We highlight recent advances in how plant virus vectors can be used efficiently in plant-genome editing.

A multiplex guide RNA expression system and its efficacy for plant genome engineering.

BACKGROUND: The Streptococcus pyogenes CRISPR system is composed of a Cas9 endonuclease (SpCas9) and a single-stranded guide RNA (gRNA) harboring a target-specific sequence. Theoretically, SpCas9 proteins could cleave as many targeted loci as gRNAs bind in a genome. RESULTS: We introduce a PCR-free multiple gRNA cloning system for editing plant genomes. This method consists of two steps: (1) cloning the annealed products of two single-stranded oligonucleotide fragments harboring a complimentary target-binding sequence on each strand between tRNA and gRNA scaffold sequences in a pGRNA vector; and (2) assembling tRNA-gRNA units from several pGRNA vectors with a plant binary vector containing a SpCas9 expression cassette using the Golden Gate assembly method. We validated the editing efficiency and patterns of the multiplex gRNA expression system in wild tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) protoplasts and in transformed plants by performing targeted deep sequencing. Two proximal cleavages by SpCas9-gRNA largely increased the editing efficiency and induced large deletions between two cleavage sites. CONCLUSIONS: This multiplex gRNA expression system enables high-throughput production of a single binary vector and increases the efficiency of plant genome editing.

Oncogenic KRAS Sensitizes Lung Adenocarcinoma to GSK-J4-Induced Metabolic and Oxidative Stress.

Genetic and epigenetic changes (e.g., histone methylation) contribute to cancer development and progression, but our understanding of whether and how specific mutations affect a cancer's sensitivity to histone demethylase (KDM) inhibitors is limited. Here, we evaluated the effects of a panel of KDM inhibitors on lung adenocarcinomas (LuAC) with various mutations. Notably, LuAC lines harboring KRAS mutations showed hypersensitivity to the histone H3K27 demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4. Specifically, GSK-J4 treatment of KRAS mutant-containing LuAC downregulated cell-cycle progression genes with increased H3K27me3. In addition, GSK-J4 upregulated expression of genes involved in glutamine/glutamate transport and metabolism. In line with this, GSK-J4 reduced cellular levels of glutamate, a key source of the TCA cycle intermediate α-ketoglutarate (αKG) and of the antioxidant glutathione, leading to reduced cell viability. Supplementation with an αKG analogue or glutathione protected KRAS-mutant LuAC cells from GSK-J4-mediated reductions in viability, suggesting GSK-J4 exerts its anticancer effects by inducing metabolic and oxidative stress. Importantly, KRAS knockdown in mutant LuAC lines prevented GSK-J4-induced decrease in glutamate levels and reduced their susceptibility to GSK-J4, whereas overexpression of oncogenic KRAS in wild-type LuAC lines sensitized them to GSK-J4. Collectively, our study uncovers a novel association between a genetic mutation and KDM inhibitor sensitivity and identifies the underlying mechanisms. This suggests GSK-J4 as a potential treatment option for cancer patients with KRAS mutations. SIGNIFICANCE: This study not only provides a novel association between KRAS mutation and GSK-J4 sensitivity but also demonstrates the underlying mechanisms, suggesting a potential use of GSK-J4 in cancer patients with KRAS mutations.

Efficacy of Virtual Reality Combined With Real Instrument Training for Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of real instrument training in virtual reality (VR) environment for improving upper-extremity and cognitive function after stroke. DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized trial. SETTING: Medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Enrolled subjects (N=31) were first-episode stroke, assessed for a period of 6 months after stroke onset; age between 20 and 85 years; patients with unilateral paralysis and a Fugl-Meyer assessment upper-extremity scale score >18. INTERVENTIONS: Both groups were trained 30 minutes per day, 3 days a week, for 6 weeks, with the experimental group performing the VR combined real instrument training and the control group performing conventional occupational therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Manual Muscle Test, modified Ashworth scale, Fugl-Meyer upper motor scale, hand grip, Box and Block, 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), Korean Mini-Mental State Examination, and Korean-Montreal Cognitive Assessment. RESULTS: The experimental group showed greater therapeutic effects in a time-dependent manner than the control group, especially on the motor power of wrist extension, spasticity of elbow flexion and wrist extension, and Box and Block Tests. Patients in the experimental group, but not the control group, also showed significant improvements on the lateral, palmar, and tip pinch power, Box and Block, and 9-HPTs from before to immediately after training. Significantly greater improvements in the tip pinch power immediately after training and spasticity of elbow flexion 4 weeks after training completion were noted in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: VR combined real instrument training was effective at promoting recovery of patients' upper-extremity and cognitive function, and thus may be an innovative translational neurorehabilitation strategy after stroke.

Ultrasonographic Imaging and Anti-inflammatory Therapy of Muscle and Tendon Injuries Using Polymer Nanoparticles.

Ultrasonography is a reliable diagnostic modality for muscle and tendon injuries, but it has been challenging to find right diagnosis of minor musculoskeletal injuries by conventional ultrasonographic imaging. A large amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are known to be generated during tissue damages such as mechanical injury and therefore H2O2 holds great potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic marker for mechanical injuries in the musculoskeletal system. We previously developed poly(vanillyl alcohol-co-oxalate) (PVAX), which rapidly scavenges H2O2 and exerts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in H2O2-associated diseases. Based on the notion that PVAX nanoparticles generate CO2 bubbles through H2O2-triggered hydrolysis, we postulated that PVAX nanoparticles could serve as ultrasonographic contrast agents and therapeutic agents for musculoskeletal injuries associated with overproduction of H2O2. In the agarose gel phantom study, PVAX nanoparticles continuously generated CO2 bubbles to enhance ultrasonographic echogenicity significantly. Contusion injury significantly elevated the level of H2O2 in skeletal muscles and Achilles tendons. Upon intramuscular injection, PVAX nanoparticles significantly elevated the ultrasound contrast and suppressed inflammation and apoptosis in the contusion injury of musculoskeletal systems. We anticipate that PVAX nanoparticles hold great translational potential as theranostic agents for musculoskeletal injuries.

Inhibition of Janus activated kinase-3 protects against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury in mice.

Recent studies have documented that Janus-activated kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway can modulate the apoptotic program in a myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model. To date, however, limited studies have examined the role of JAK3 on myocardial I/R injury. Here, we investigated the potential effects of pharmacological JAK3 inhibition with JANEX-1 in a myocardial I/R model. Mice were subjected to 45 min of ischemia followed by varying periods of reperfusion. JANEX-1 was injected 1 h before ischemia by intraperitoneal injection. Treatment with JANEX-1 significantly decreased plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities, reduced infarct size, reversed I/R-induced functional deterioration of the myocardium and reduced myocardial apoptosis. Histological analysis revealed an increase in neutrophil and macrophage infiltration within the infarcted area, which was markedly reduced by JANEX-1 treatment. In parallel, in in vitro studies where neutrophils and macrophages were treated with JANEX-1 or isolated from JAK3 knockout mice, there was an impairment in the migration potential toward interleukin-8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), respectively. Of note, however, JANEX-1 did not affect the expression of IL-8 and MCP-1 in the myocardium. The pharmacological inhibition of JAK3 might represent an effective approach to reduce inflammation-mediated apoptotic damage initiated by myocardial I/R injury.

Angiotensin III stimulates high stretch-induced ANP secretion via angiotensin type 2 receptor.

Angiotensin III (Ang III) is metabolized from Ang II by aminopeptidase (AP) A and in turn, Ang III is metabolized to Ang IV by APN. Ang III is known to have a similar effect to Ang II on aldosterone secretion, but the effect of Ang III on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion from cardiac atria is not known. The aim of the present study is to define the effect of Ang III on ANP secretion and its receptor subtype using isolated perfused beating atria. The volume load was achieved by elevating the height of outflow catheter connected with isolated atria from 5 cmH2O to 7.5 cmH2O. Atrial stretch by volume load increased atrial contractility and ANP secretion. Ang III stimulated stretch-induced ANP secretion in a dose-dependent manner without change in atrial contractility. The stimulated effect of Ang III (1 µM) on stretch-induced ANP secretion was blocked by the pretreatment of Ang II type 2 (AT2) receptor antagonist but not by AT1 or Mas receptor antagonist. Pretreatment with inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, nitric oxide synthase, soluble guanylyl cyclase, or protein kinase G (PKG) attenuated Ang III-stimulated ANP secretion. When Ang III (40 nM) or Ang II (4nM) was infused for 10 min into anesthetized rats, mean arterial pressure was increased about 10%. However, Ang III increased plasma ANP level by 35.81±10.19% but Ang II decreased plasma ANP level by 30.41±7.27%. Therefore, we suggest that Ang III, opposite to Ang II, stimulated stretch-induced ANP secretion through AT2 receptor/PI3K/Akt/nitric oxide/PKG pathway.

Captopril intake decreases body weight gain via angiotensin-(1-7).

Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] plays a beneficial role in cardiovascular physiology by providing a counterbalance to the function of angiotensin II (Ang II). Although Ang II has been shown to be an adipokine secreted by adipocyte and affect lipid metabolism, the role of Ang-(1-7) in adipose tissue remains to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether Ang-(1-7) affects lipid metabolism in adipose tissue. Ang-(1-7) increased glycerol release from primary adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. A lipolytic effect of Ang-(1-7) was attenuated by pretreatment with A-779, a Mas receptor blocker and with an inhibitor of phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), or eNOS. However, losartan and PD123319 did not cause any change in Ang-(1-7)-induced lipolysis. Ang-(1-7)-induced lipolysis had an addictive effect with isoproterenol. In normal rats, chronic intake of captopril for 4 wks decreased body weight gain and the amount of adipose tissue and increased plasma Ang-(1-7) level. These effects were attenuated by administration of A-779. The levels of Mas receptor and phosphorylation of hormone-sensitive lipase (p-HSL) were significantly increased by treatment with captopril and these captopril-mediated effects were attenuated by the administration of A-779. There was no difference in diameter of adipocytes among sham, captopril- and captopril+A-779-treated groups. The similar effects of captopril on body weight, expression of Mas receptor, and p-HSL were observed in Ang-(1-7)-treated rats. These results suggest that captopril intake decreased body weight gain partly through Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor/PI3K pathway.

Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates hypertension in exercise-trained renal hypertensive rats.

Angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] plays a counterregulatory role to angiotensin II in the renin-angiotensin system. In trained spontaneous hypertensive rats, Mas expression and protein are upregulated in ventricular tissue. Therefore, we examined the role of ANG-(1-7) on cardiac hemodynamics, cardiac functions, and cardiac remodeling in trained two-kidney one-clip hypertensive (2K1C) rats. For this purpose, rats were divided into sedentary and trained groups. Each group consists of sham and 2K1C rats with and without ANG-(1-7) infusion. Swimming training was performed for 1 h/day, 5 days/wk for 4 wk following 1 wk of swimming training for acclimatization. 2K1C rats showed moderate hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy without changing left ventricular function. Chronic infusion of ANG-(1-7) attenuated hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy only in trained 2K1C rats but not in sedentary 2K1C rats. Chronic ANG-(1-7) treatment significantly attenuated increases in myocyte diameter and cardiac fibrosis induced by hypertension in only trained 2K1C rats. The Mas receptor, ANG II type 2 receptor protein, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation in ventricles were upregulated in trained 2K1C rats. In conclusion, chronic infusion of ANG-(1-7) attenuates hypertension in trained 2K1C rats.

Caveolae are essential for angiotensin II type 1 receptor-mediated ANP secretion.

Caveolae may act as mechanosensors and function as binding sites for calcium ions. The intracaveolar localization of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) derived from the direct interaction of atrial granules with caveolae has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to define the effect of caveolae on ANP secretion induced by stretch and angiotensin II. The isolated perfused beating atria from Sprague-Dawley rats were used. To disrupt caveolae, 10mM methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (MbCD) was applied for 1h and the number of caveoli were markedly decreased. MbCD increased basal ANP secretion and atrial diastolic pressure. The molecular profile of ANP in perfusate from control atria showed mainly one major peak corresponded to synthetic ANP whereas that from MbCD-treated atria showed two major immunoreactive peaks corresponded to synthetic rat ANP and proANP. High atrial stretch induced by elevating the height of outflow catheter from 5 cm H2O to 7.5 cm H2O increased atrial contractility and ANP secretion. The response of ANP secretion to high stretch was attenuated in MbCD-pretreated atria. Pretreatment with MbCD abolished angiotensin II-induced suppression and losartan-induced stimulation of ANP secretion. However, the effect of angiotenisin (1-7) on ANP secretion was not altered by MbCD treatment. The expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor protein was reduced by MbCD treatment. These data suggest that caveolae are essential for angiotensin II type 1 receptor-mediated ANP secretion and relate to the processing of proANP.

Suppression of ANP secretion by somatostatin through somatostatin receptor type 2.

Somatostatin is a cyclic-14 amino acid peptide which mainly distributed in digestive system and brain. Somatostatin receptor (SSTR) is a G-protein coupled receptor and all five SSTR subtypes are expressed in cardiomyocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of somatostatin on atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion and its signaling pathway. Somatostatin (0.01 and 0.1nM) decreased ANP secretion in isolated beating rat atrium in a dose-dependent manner. But atrial contractility and translocation of extracellular fluid were not changed. Somatostatin-induced decrease in ANP secretion was significantly attenuated by the pretreatment with CYN 154806 (SSTR type 2 antagonist; 0.1µM), but not by BIM 23056 (SSTR type 5 antagonist; 0.1µM) and urantide (urotensin II receptor antagonist; 0.1µM). When pretreated with an agonist for SSTR type 2 (Seglitide, 0.1nM) and SSTR type 5 (L 817818, 0.1nM), only Seglitide reduced ANP secretion similar to that of somatostatin. The suppressive effect of somatostatin on ANP secretion was attenuated by the pretreatment with an inhibitor for adenylyl cyclase (MDL-12330A, 5µM) or protein kinase A (KT 5720, 0.1µM). In diabetic rat atria, the suppressive effect of somatostatin on ANP secretion and concentration was attenuated. Real time-PCR and western blot shows the decreased level of SSTR type 2 mRNA and protein in diabetic rat atria. These data suggest that somatostatin decreased ANP secretion through SSTR type 2 and an attenuation of suppressive effect of somatostatin on ANP secretion in diabetic rat atria is due to a down-regulation of SSTR type 2.

Oxidative stress augments the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide in isolated rat atria.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and heart failure. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of endogenous ROS in atrial hemodynamics and ANP secretion in isolated perfused beating rat atria. Pyrogallol (a generator of superoxide anion, 0.1, 1mM) or hydrogen peroxide (0.1, 1, 10, 30mM) was perfused into atria paced at 1.2Hz. Pyrogallol and hydrogen peroxide stimulated ANP secretion and concentration in a dose-dependent manner and dramatically decreased atrial contractility and translocation of extracellular fluid. The stimulatory effect of pyrogallol and hydrogen peroxide on ANP secretion was attenuated by the pretreatment with ascorbic acid (an antioxidant; 1mM) and cariporide (an inhibitor of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger; 1µM) but negative inotropic effect was not changed. U120 (a MAPK(erk) pathway inhibitor; 10µM) attenuated the stimulatory effect of hydrogen peroxide on ANP secretion. However, U120 augmented negative inotropic effect and stimulatory effect of ANP concentration induced by pyrogallol. Antioxidant such as N-acetyl cystein, gallate, propyl gallate, or ellagic acid did not cause any significant changes in atrial parameters. These results suggest that intracellular - formed ROS stimulates ANP secretion partly through activation of MAPK(erk) pathway and Na(+)/H(+) exchanger.

Endogenous angiotensin II suppresses stretch-induced ANP secretion via AT1 receptor pathway.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is released by stretch of cardiac myocytes and has paracrine and autocrine effects on cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. However, the direct effect of Ang II on the secretion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is unclear. The aim of the present study is to test whether Ang II affects stretch-induced ANP secretion. The isolated perfused beating atria were used from control and two-kidney one-clip hypertensive (2K1C) rats. The volume load was achieved by elevating the height of outflow catheter connected with isolated atria from 5cmH(2)O to 7.5cmH(2)O. Atrial stretch by volume load caused increases in atrial contractility by 60% and in ANP secretion by 100%. Ang II suppressed stretch-induced ANP secretion and tended to increase atrial contractility whereas losartan stimulated stretch-induced ANP secretion. Neither PD123319 nor A779 had direct effect on stretch-induced ANP secretion. The suppressive effect of Ang II on stretch-induced ANP secretion was blocked by the pretreatment of losartan but not by the pretreatment of PD123319 or A779. In hypertrophied atria from 2K1C rats, stretch-induced ANP concentration attenuated and atrial contractility augmented. The response of stretch-induced ANP secretion to Ang II and losartan augmented. The expression of AT1 receptor protein and mRNA increased but AT2 and Mas receptor mRNA did not change in 2K1C rat atria. Therefore, we suggest that Ang II generated endogenously by atrial stretch suppresses stretch-induced ANP secretion through the AT1 receptor and alteration of Ang II effect in 2K1C rat may be due to upregulation of AT1 receptor.

Urotensin II receptor antagonist attenuates monocrotaline-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats.

Urotensin II (UII) is a vasoactive peptide with potent cardiovascular effects through a G protein-coupled receptor. Hypoxia stimulates the secretion of UII and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). However, the effect of UII on hypoxia-induced cardiac hypertrophy is still controversial. The present study was conducted to determine whether human UII (hUII)-mediated ANP secretion influences hypoxia-induced cardiac hypertrophy using in vitro and in vivo models. Hypoxia caused an increase in ANP secretion and a decrease in atrial contractility in isolated perfused beating rat atria. hUII (0.01 and 0.1 nM) attenuated hypoxia-induced ANP secretion without changing the atrial contractility, and the hUII effect was mediated by the UII receptor signaling involving phospholipase C, inositol 1,3,4 trisphosphate receptor, and protein kinase C. Rats treated with monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg) showed right ventricular hypertrophy with increases in pulmonary arterial pressure and its diameter and plasma levels of UII and ANP that were attenuated by the pretreatment with an UII receptor antagonist, urantide. An acute administration of hUII (5 µM injection plus 2.5 µM infusion for 15 min) decreased the plasma ANP level in MCT-treated rats but increased the plasma ANP level in MCT plus urantide-treated and sham-operated rats. These results suggest that hUII may deteriorate MCT-induced cardiac hypertrophy mainly through a vasoconstriction of the pulmonary artery and partly through the suppression of ANP secretion.

Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates hyposmolarity-induced ANP secretion via the Na+-K+ pump.

The alteration in osmolarity challenges cell volume regulation, a vital element for cell survival. Hyposmolarity causes an increase in cell volume. Recently, it has been reported that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a role in cell volume regulation. We investigated the effect of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] on hyposmolarity-induced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) secretion in normal and diabetic (DM) rat atria and modulation of the effect of Ang-(1-7) by the Na(+)-K(+) pump. Using isolated control rat atria, we observed that perfusion of hyposmotic solution into the atria increased ANP secretion. When Ang-(1-7) [0.1 microM or 1 microM] was perfused in a hyposmolar solution, it decreased the hyposmolarity-induced ANP secretion in a dose-dependent manner. This effect of Ang-(1-7) could be mediated by the Na(+)-K(+) pump, since ouabain, an Na(+)-K(+) pump inhibitor, significantly decreased the effect of Ang-(1-7) on hyposmolarity-induced ANP secretion. In contrast, N(omega) Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (l-NAME) did not modify the effect of Ang-(1-7) on the hyposmolarity-induced ANP secretion. Interestingly, the ANP secretion was increased robustly by the perfusion of the hyposmolar solution in the DM atria, as compared to the control atria. However, the inhibitory effect of Ang-(1-7) on the hyposmolarity-induced ANP secretion was not observed in the DM atria. In the DM atria, atrial contractility was significantly increased. Taken together, we concluded that Ang-(1-7) attenuated hyposmolarity-induced ANP secretion via the Na(+)-K(+) pump and a lack of Ang-(1-7) response in DM atria may partly relate to change in Na(+)-K(+) pump activity.