Ang II-induced contraction is impaired in the aortas of renovascular hypertensive animal model.

Renin-angiotensin system plays a critical role in blood pressure control and the abnormal activation of AT1 receptor contributes to the development of renovascular hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the underlying cellular signaling for AT1 receptor activation by Ang II and to compare this mechanism between aortas from 2K-1C and 2K rats. Effects of antagonists and enzyme inhibitors were investigated on Ang II-induced contractions in denuded or intact-endothelium aortas. AT1 receptor antagonist abolished Ang II-induced contraction in 2K-1C and 2K rat aortas, while AT2 and Mas receptors antagonists had no effect. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase inhibition increased the maximal effect (Emax) of Ang II in 2K, which was not changed in 2K-1C aortas. It was associated with lower eNOS mRNA levels in 2K-1C. Endothelium removal increased the Emax of Ang II in 2K-1C and mainly in of 2K rat aortas. The Nox and COX inhibition did not alter Ang II-induced contraction in 2K and 2K-1C rat aortas. Otherwise, AT1 expression was higher in 2K-1C as compared to 2K rat aortic rings, whereas expression of phosphorylated (active) IP3 receptors was lower in 2K-1C than in 2K rats. These results demonstrate that the endothelium removal impairs Ang II-stimulated contraction in the aorta of 2K-1C rats, which is associated with the reduction of IP3 receptor phosphorylation and activation. In addition, eNOS plays a critical role in Ang II-induced contraction in 2K rat aortas. It is possible that the high Ang II plasma levels could desensitize AT1 receptor in 2K-1C rats leading to impaired IP3 receptors activation.

Reduced caveolae density in arteries of SHR contributes to endothelial dysfunction and ROS production.

Caveolae are plasma membrane invaginations enriched with high cholesterol and sphingolipid content; they also contain caveolin proteins in their structure. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), an enzyme that synthesizes nitric oxide (NO) by converting L-arginine to L-citrulline, is highly concentrated in plasma membrane caveolae. Hypertension is associated with decreased NO production and impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that follow hypertension is important. For this study, we hypothesized that spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) vessels should have a smaller number of caveolae, and that the caveolae structure should be disrupted in these vessels. This should impair the eNOS function and diminish NO bioavailability. Therefore, we aimed to investigate caveolae integrity and density in SHR aortas and mesenteric arteries and the role played by caveolae in endothelium-dependent relaxation. We have been able to show the presence of caveolae-like structures in SHR aortas and mesenteric arteries. Increased phenylephrine-induced contractile response after treatment with dextrin was related to lower NO release. In addition, impaired acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation could be related to decreased caveolae density in SHR vessels. The most important finding of this study was that cholesterol depletion with dextrin induced eNOS phosphorylation at Serine1177 (Ser1177) and boosted reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in normotensive rat and SHR vessels, which suggested eNOS uncoupling. Dextrin plus L-NAME or BH4 decreased ROS production in aorta and mesenteric arteries supernatant's of both SHR and normotensive groups. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) treated with dextrin confirmed eNOS uncoupling, as verified by the reduced eNOS dimer/monomer ratio. BH4, L-arginine, or BH4 plus L-arginine inhibited eNOS monomerization. All these results showed that caveolae structure and integrity are essential for endothelium-dependent relaxation. Additionally, a smaller number of caveolae is associated with hypertension. Finally, caveolae disruption promotes eNOS uncoupling in normotensive and hypertensive rat vessels and in HUVECs.

Endothelial modulation of a nitric oxide donor complex-induced relaxation in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

We hypothesized that endothelium modulates relaxation induced by a nitric oxide (NO) donor ruthenium complex (TERPY, [Ru(terpy)(bdq)NO]3+) in mesenteric arteries of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats in different ways. We analyzed the mechanism involved in TERPY-induced relaxation in the second and third branches of mesenteric arteries and investigated how endothelium contributes to the TERPY vasodilator effect on SHR blood vessels. TERPY induced concentration-dependent relaxation in endothelium-denuded (E-) and endothelium-intact (E+) mesenteric arteries of normotensive rats and SHR. Pretreatment with ODQ (which inhibits soluble guanylyl cyclase) or TEA (tetraethylammonium, which blocks potassium channels) significantly reduced the TERPY vasodilator effect on E- mesenteric arteries of normotensive rats and SHR. The presence of endothelium shifted the concentration-effect curves for TERPY in E+ mesenteric arteries of normotensive rats to the right. Conversely, the presence of endothelium shifted the concentration-effect curves for TERPY in the case of SHR E+ mesenteric arteries to the left, which suggested increased potency. L-NNA, a more selective endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) inhibitor, reduced TERPY potency in SHR. The presence of endothelium and notably of NOS contributed to the TERPY vasodilator action in SHR: TERPY promoted eNOS Ser1177 phosphorylation with consequent NO production and increased soluble guanylyl cyclase activity, which may have directly activated potassium channels.

Vascular activation of K+ channels and Na+-K+ ATPase activity of estrogen-deficient female rats.

The goal of the present study was to evaluate vascular potassium channels and Na+-K+-ATPase activity in estrogen deficient female rats. Female rats that underwent ovariectomy were assigned to receive daily treatment with placebo (OVX) or estrogen replacement (OVX+E2, 1mg/kg, once a week, i.m.). Aortic rings were used to examine the involvement of K+ channels and Na+-K+-ATPase in vascular reactivity. Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation was analyzed in the presence of L-NAME (100µM) and K+ channels blockers: tetraethylammonium (TEA, 5mM), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 5mM), iberiotoxin (IbTX, 30nM), apamin (0.5mM), charybdotoxin (ChTX, 0.1mM) and iberiotoxin plus apamin. When aortic rings were pre-contracted with KCl (60mM) or pre-incubated with TEA (5mM), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 5mM) and iberiotoxin (IbTX, 30nM) plus apamin (0.5µM), the ACh-induced relaxation was less effective in the ovariectomized group. Additionally, 4-AP and IbTX decreased the relaxation by sodium nitroprusside in all groups but this reduction was greater in the ovariectomized group. Estrogen deficiency also increased aortic functional Na+-K+ ATPase activity evaluated by K+-induced relaxation. L-NAME or endothelium removal were not able to block the increase in aortic functional Na+-K+ ATPase activity, however, TEA (5mM) restored this increase to the control level. We also found that estrogen deficiency increased superoxide anion production and reduced nitric oxide release in aortic ring from ovariectomized animals. In summary, our results emphasize that the process underlying ACh-induced relaxation is preserved in ovariectomized animals due to the activation of K+ channels and increased Na+-K+ ATPase activity.

The nitric oxide donor RuBPY does not induce in vitro cross-tolerance with acetylcholine.

PURPOSE: We have demonstrated that RuBPY induces hypotensive effect in hypertensive rats, promotes vasodilation at low concentrations, and presents low cytotoxicity. This study aimed to verify whether the NO donor RuBPY synthesized in our laboratory induces in vitro tolerance and cross-tolerance to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in rat cava vein. METHODS: We compared the maximum relaxing effect (ME) and potency (pD2) of RuBPY and nitroglycerin (GTN) in cava vein rings. Exposure to RuBPY or GTN induced in vitro tolerance. Western Blotting helped to evaluate phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3/eNOS) at the Ser1177 activation site and at the Thr495 inactivation site and to determine the ratio between active eNOS dimers and inactive eNOS monomers. The NO and ROS ratio was assessed by flow citometry. RESULTS: RuBPY did not induce cross-tolerance with ACh, and this NO donor took longer to induce tolerance than GTN. Only GTN elicited phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1177 and Thr495. In contrast to results obtained with pre-exposure to GTN, pre-exposure to RuBPY did not reduce the formation of NO. The O2- ratio increased in cells incubated with GTN. CONCLUSIONS: A major contribution of this work has been to evaluate the phenomenon of tolerance induced by GTN and by the new ruthenium complex RuBPY in a venous bed. RuBPY is more advantageous than GTN: RuBPY takes longer to induce tolerance, does not induce endothelial dysfunction or cross-tolerance to ACh, and generates lower amount of ROS.

Phenylephrine activates eNOS Ser 1177 phosphorylation and nitric oxide signaling in renal hypertensive rat aorta.

The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays an important role in the control of the vascular tone. This work aimed to evaluate the role of an α1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) on eNOS activity and downstream signaling pathway activation in normotensive (2K) and renal hypertensive (2K-1C) intact-endothelium rat aortas. Concentration-effect curves were performed for PE in intact-endothelium aortas from 2K and 2K-1C rats, in the absence of or in the presence of NOS or soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor. Intact endothelium aortas were stimulated with PE in organ chambers and eNOS Ser(1177)/Thr(495) phosphorylation expression was evaluated by western blot. Nitric Oxide (NO) production was evaluated in isolated endothelial cells from 2K and 2K-1C rat aortas by flow-cytometry using NO selective fluorescent probe, DAF-2DA. The sGC activity/expression was also evaluated. PE-induced contractile response is lower in 2K-1C than in 2K intact-endothelium rat aorta. This is due to higher eNOS Ser(1177) phosphorylation in 2K-1C, which induces the eNOS overactivation. It was abolished by NOS or sGC inhibition. Phenylephrine reduces NO production in 2K as compared to the basal level, but it is not modified in 2K-1C. In PE-stimulated endothelial cells, the NO production is higher in 2K-1C than in 2K. Phenylephrine induces higher cGMP production in 2K-1C than in 2K, despite the lower expression of sGC in 2K-1C. Our results suggest that alpha1-adrenoceptor activation contributes to the increased activity of the enzyme eNOS by Ser(1177) phosphorylation in 2K-1C intact-endothelium aorta, which consequently decreases PE-induced contractile response.

Vascular relaxation induced by C-type natriuretic peptide involves the ca2+/NO-synthase/NO pathway.

AIMS: C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and nitric oxide (NO) are endothelium-derived factors that play important roles in the regulation of vascular tone and arterial blood pressure. We hypothesized that NO produced by the endothelial NO-synthase (NOS-3) contributes to the relaxation induced by CNP in isolated rat aorta via activation of endothelial NPR-C receptor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the putative contribution of NO through NPR-C activation in the CNP induced relaxation in isolated conductance artery. MAIN METHODS: Concentration-effect curves for CNP were constructed in aortic rings isolated from rats. Confocal microscopy was used to analyze the cytosolic calcium mobilization induced by CNP. The phosphorylation of the residue Ser1177 of NOS was analyzed by Western blot and the expression and localization of NPR-C receptors was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. KEY FINDINGS: CNP was less potent in inducing relaxation in denuded endothelium aortic rings than in intact ones. L-NAME attenuated the potency of CNP and similar results were obtained in the presence of hydroxocobalamin, an intracellular NO0 scavenger. CNP did not change the phosphorylation of Ser1177, the activation site of NOS-3, when compared with control. The addition of CNP produced an increase in [Ca2+]c in endothelial cells and a decrease in [Ca2+]c in vascular smooth muscle cells. The NPR-C-receptors are expressed in endothelial and adventitial rat aortas. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that CNP-induced relaxation in intact aorta isolated from rats involves NO production due to [Ca2+]c increase in endothelial cells possibly through NPR-C activation expressed in these cells. The present study provides a breakthrough in the understanding of the close relationship between the vascular actions of nitric oxide and CNP.

Hydrogen peroxide modulates phenylephrine-induced contractile response in renal hypertensive rat aorta.

Endothelium-derived factors play an important role in vascular tone control. This study aimed to evaluate how endothelium and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to phenylephrine (PE)-induced contraction in renovascular hypertensive (2K-1C) and normotensive (2K) rats aortas. The effects of the superoxide scavenger Tiron (0.1mM and 1mM) or catalase (30 U/ml, 90 U/ml, 150 U/ml and 300 U/ml) on the PE-induced contraction were evaluated in both intact endothelium (E+) and denuded (E-) aortas. Endothelium removal increased the PE-induced contractions. The maximum contractile response decreased only in 2K-1C rat E+ aorta, and catalase (30 U/ml, 90 U/ml, 150 U/ml) partially reversed this effect. Endothelium increased the basal hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in 2K and 2K-1C rats aortas. PE-stimulated H2O2 production was higher in 2K-1C (E+/E-) than in 2K (E+/E-). Inhibition of the enzymes cyclooxygenase, NADPH-oxidase, xanthine-oxidase, and superoxide dismutase reduced the PE-stimulated H2O2 production in 2K-1C rat aorta. The decreased contraction to PE in 2K-1C rat aorta is partially due to endothelial H2O2 production; however, in denuded aorta, it contributes to maintaining the contractile response. Superoxide plays an important role on the PE-induced contraction in 2K rat denuded aorta, whereas in 2K-1C rat aorta, it is H2O2 that plays an important role in this effect.

The new NO donor Terpy induces similar relaxation in mesenteric resistance arteries of renal hypertensive and normotensive rats.

The present work aimed to investigate the cellular mechanisms involved on the vasorelaxation induced by the new nitric oxide donor [Ru(terpy)(bdq)NO](3+) (Terpy) in isolated mesenteric resistance artery and to compare the vascular responses in isolated vessels from 2K and 2K-1C hypertensive rats. We have used this artery because it is important to the control of vascular resistance and consequently to the blood pressure control. The NO donor Terpy induced relaxation in a concentration-dependent way in mesenteric resistance arteries. There were no differences between renal hypertensive (2K-1C) and normotensive (2K) in Terpy-induced relaxation neither in NO released. The relaxation induced by Terpy was inhibited by the soluble guanylyl-cyclase (sGC) inhibitor ODQ both in 2K and in 2K-1C with similar amplitude. In agreement with these data, the protein expression of the subunits α1 and ß1 of the enzyme sGC was not different between 2K-1C and 2K mesenteric bed. The relaxation induced by Terpy was inhibited by the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (G kinase) inhibitor or by the non-selective K(+) channel blocker tetraethylamonium (TEA), but with no difference between 2K-1C and 2K arteries. The relaxation induced by Terpy was also inhibited by the SERCA inhibitor thapsigargin in both groups. Taken together, these results show that the vascular relaxation induced by the NO donor [Ru(terpy)(bdq)NO](3+) involves the activation of NO/sGC/cGMP/GK pathway, activation of K(+) channels sensitive to TEA and SERCA in normotensive and renal hypertensive rat mesenteric resistance arteries. Surprisingly, Terpy-induced vasorelaxation is similar in mesenteric resistance arteries of renal hypertensive and normotensive rats.

Augmented nitric oxide production and up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase during cecal ligation and perforation.

Nitric oxide (NO) has been pointed out as being the main mediator involved in the hypotension and tissue injury taking place during sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the cellular mechanisms implicated in the acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation detected in aortic rings isolated from rats submitted to cecal ligation and perforation (CLP group), 6h post-CLP. The mean arterial pressure was recorded, and the concentration-effect curves for ACh were constructed for endothelium-intact aortic rings in the absence (control) or after incubation with one of the following NO synthase inhibitors: L-NAME (non-selective), L-NNA (more selective for eNOS), 7-nitroindazole (more selective for nNOS), or 1400W (selective for iNOS). The NO concentration was determined by using confocal microscopy. The protein expression of the NOS isoforms was quantified by Western blot analysis. The prostacyclin concentration was indirectly analyzed on the basis of 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1α) (6-keto-PGF(1α)) levels measured by enzyme immunoassay. There were no differences between Sham- and CLP-operated rats in terms of the relaxation induced by acetylcholine. However, the NOS inhibitors reduced this relaxation in both groups, but this effect remained more pronounced in the CLP group as compared to the Sham group. The acetylcholine-induced NO production was higher in the rat aortic endothelial cells of the CLP group than in those of the Sham group. eNOS protein expression was larger in the CLP group, but the iNOS protein was not verified in any of the groups. The basal 6-keto-PGF(1α) levels were higher in the CLP group, but the acetylcholine-stimulated levels did not increase in CLP as much as they did in the Sham group. Taken together, our results show that the augmented NO production in sepsis syndrome elicited by cecal ligation and perforation is due to eNOS up-regulation and not to iNOS.

Prostacyclin, not only nitric oxide, is a mediator of the vasorelaxation induced by acetylcholine in aortas from rats submitted to cecal ligation and perforation (CLP).

Nitric oxide has been pointed out as the main agent involved in the vasodilatation, which is the major symptom of septic shock. However, there must be another mediator contributing to the circulatory failure observed in sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine and the factors involved in this relaxation, using aortic rings isolated from rats submitted to cecal ligation and perforation (CLP), 2h after induction of sepsis, which characterizes the hyperdynamic phase of sepsis. Under inhibition of constitutive NO-synthases (cNOS), the relaxation induced by acetylcholine was greater in the aortic rings of rats submitted to CLP compared with sham-operated rat aortic rings. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin normalized this response, and the concentration of the stable metabolite of prostacyclin in the aorta of CLP rats increased in basal conditions and after stimulation with acetylcholine. Acetylcholine-induced NO production was lower in the endothelial cells from the aorta of CLP rats compared with sham rat aorta, but the protein expression of the cNOS was not altered. Moreover, iNOS protein expression could not be detected. Therefore, prostacyclin, and not only nitric oxide, is a mediator of the vasorelaxation induced by acetylcholine in aortas from rats submitted to CLP.

Exposição ambiental a desreguladores endócrinos: alterações na homeostase dos hormônios esteroidais e tireoideanos / Environmental exposure to endocrine disrupters: alterations in steroidal and thyroid hormones homeostasis

Endocrine disruptors, exogenous compounds that alter the endogenous hormone homeostasis, have been systematically discharged in the environment during the last 60 years. These contaminants have been related to the decrease of human sperm number and increased of the incidence of testicular, breast and thyroid cancer. During the same period, developmental and reproductive effects have also been documented in wildlife species. This work presents a review of the effects and mechanisms of action of steroidal and thyroid disruptors. Several studies from 1950 until 2008 were reviewed in PubMed, ScienceDirect databases and text books. Our findings showed that endocrine disruptors can act by the following mechanisms: i) inhibition of enzymes related to hormone synthesis; ii) alteration of free concentration of hormones by interaction with plasmatic globulins; iii) alteration in expression of hormone metabolism enzymes; iv) interaction with hormone receptors, acting as agonists or antagonists; v) alteration of signal transduction resulting from hormone action. The importance of the identification of endocrine disruptors involves characterization of environmental contaminants and inquiry of new substances discharged in the environment. The minimization of exposure and/or rationalization of the use of these compounds are related to the preservation of some species, in order to prevent extinction process.

Desreguladores endócrinos, substâncias exógenas que alteram a homeostase de hormônios endógenos, têm sido constantemente lançados no ambiente durante os últimos 60 anos. Esses contaminantes têm sido relacionados à diminuição da contagem espermática humana e ao aumento da incidência de câncer de testículo, mama e tireóide. No mesmo período, alterações no desenvolvimento e reprodução foram documentadas em espécies de animais selvagens. O objetivo do trabalho foi revisar os efeitos e mecanismos de ação dos desreguladores endócrinos que alteram a homeostase dos hormônios esteroidais e tireoideanos. Foi realizado um levantamento de artigos do período de 1950 a 2008 através das bases de dados PUBMED e ScienceDirect, além de livros da área. Os resultados mostram que os desreguladores endócrinos podem agir pelos seguintes mecanismos: i) inibição de enzimas relacionadas com a síntese de hormônios; ii) alteração da concentração livre de hormônios através da interação com globulinas plasmáticas; iii) alteração da expressão de enzimas relacionadas ao metabolismo hormonal; iv) interação com receptores hormonais, agindo como agonistas ou antagonistas; v) alteração da transdução de sinais resultante da ação hormonal. A importância da identificação dos desreguladores endócrinos envolve o estudo dos contaminantes ambientais e a investigação de novas substâncias lançadas no meio ambiente. A minimização da exposição e/ou a racionalização do uso desses compostos está relacionada a preservação de espécies, para previnir processos de extinção.

Trypanocidal activity of (-)-cubebin derivatives against free amastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Five (-)-cubebin derivative compounds, (-)-O-acetyl cubebin (3), (-)-O-benzyl cubebin (4), (-)-O-(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl)-cubebin (5), (-)-hinokinin (6) and (-)-6,6'-dinitrohinokinin (7), previously synthesised by our research group, were evaluated on in vitro assay against free amastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, the asogic agent of Chagas' disease. It was observed that 6 was the most active compound (IC(50)=0.7 microM), and that 4 and 5 displayed moderate activity against the parasite, giving IC(50) values of 5.7 and 4.7 microM, respectively. In contrast, it was observed that compound 3 was inactive and that 7 displayed low activity with IC(50) values of congruent with 1.5 x 10(4) and 95.3 microM, respectively.