Hacia el esclarecimiento del rol del anión cloruro en la hipertensión arterial: / Towards the Elucidation of the Role of the Chloride Anion in Arterial Hypertension:

RESUMEN Introducción: Se desconoce el papel del anión cloruro en los efectos deletéreos del consumo excesivo de sal (NaCl) y si sus efectos son independientes de la presencia del sodio. Objetivo: Demostrar que tanto una sobrecarga de cloruro como una sobrecarga de sodio en la dieta producen efectos deletéreos, en forma independiente, sobre la presión arterial sistólica (PAS), la función renal y los marcadores de estrés oxidativo en el riñón. Materiales y métodos: Ratas Wistar macho fueron divididas en cuatro grupos (n = 8/grupo) y fueron alimentadas con diferentes dietas durante tres semanas: C: control (dieta estándar), NaCl: hipersódica-hiperclórica, Na: hipersódica sin cloruro, Cl: hiperclórica sin sodio. Se determinaron la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y la función renal y en la corteza renal, se evaluó la producción de especies reactivas del ácido tiobarbitúrico (en inglés: TBARS) y la actividad y la expresión de las enzimas superóxido dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT) y glutatión peroxidasa (GPx). Resultados: Al cabo de tres semanas, la PAS aumentó (*) en los dos grupos alimentados con cloruro. La excreción fraccional de sodio y de cloruro aumentó (*) en los grupos NaCl y Na. La diuresis y los TBARS en la corteza renal aumentaron (*) con las tres dietas, sin cambios en la actividad y en la expresión de SOD y CAT. La actividad de la GPx aumentó (*) en los dos grupos que recibieron cloruro; (*p < 0,05 vs C). Conclusión: Tanto la sobrecarga de sodio como la de cloruro se asocian a mayor estado oxidativo caracterizado por un incremento en la peroxidación lipídica en la corteza renal. Sin embargo, solo el exceso de cloruro se asocia a mayor actividad de la GPx y de la hipertensión, sin cambios en la excreción urinaria de cloruros, sugiriendo un mayor estado prooxidante renal en comparación con el grupo Na.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The role of the chloride anion on the deleterious effects of excessive consumption of salt (NaCl) and whether its effects are independent each other of the presence of sodium remains to date, unknown and unclear. Objective: To demonstrate that both a chloride overload and a sodium overload in the diet produce deleterious effects, by different mechanisms, on systolic blood pressure (SBP), renal function and markers of oxidative stress in the kidney. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 / group) and fed with different diets for three weeks: C: control (standard diet), and diets: NaCl: hypersodic-hyperchloric; Na: hypersodic without chloride and Cl: hyperchloric without sodium. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and renal function were determined, and the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and the activity and expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes were evaluated in renal cortex tissue. Results: SBP increased (*) in the two groups fed with chloride. The fractional excretion of sodium and chloride increased (*) in the NaCl and Na groups. increased (*) in the renal cortex with the three diets. No changes were observed in the activity and expression of SOD and CAT. GPx activity increased (*) in the two groups that received chloride; (* p <0.05 vs C). Conclusion: Both sodium and chloride overload are associated with a higher oxidative state characterized by an increase in lipid peroxidation in the renal cortex. However, compared with Na group, only chloride overload is associated with higher GPx activity and hypertension without any changes in urinary chloride excretion, suggesting a higher renal pro-oxidant state in this experimental group.

Losartan prevents mesenteric vascular bed alterations in high-fat diet fed rats / Losartán previene las alteraciones del lecho vascular mesentérico en ratas alimentadas con dieta alta en grasas

Dysfunction of perivascular adipose tissue of mesenteric bed participates in the pathophysiology of high blood pressure linked to metabolic syndrome. Thus, it might consider a new therapeutic objective to take account in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Besides its antihypertensive effect, there is a growing interest on the pleiotropic actions of losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist. The aim of the study was to analyze the actions of losartan treatment on adiposity index and prostanoids release from mesenteric vascular bed and its relationship with blood pressure as well as homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in Sprague-Dawley rats under a high-fat (HF) diet for 8 weeks. Four groups were used: control (C), HF diet (HF, 50%, w/w bovine fat), losartan-treated (CL8, 30mg/kg/body weight/day in the drinking water) and losartan-treated HF diet (HFL, both treatments). A high-fat diet incremented systolic blood pressure, HOMA-IR, adiposity of mesenteric vascular bed and the release of vasoconstrictor prostanoids such as thromboxane (TX) B2 and prostaglandin (PG) F2α as well as PGE2, an inflammatory prostanoid in a context of insulin resistance and hypertension. We found a positive correlation between adiposity index and systolic blood pressure. Also, both parameters are positive correlated with the HOMA IR index. Moreover, we also found that these prostanoids release correlate with systolic blood pressure as well as with mesenteric vascular bed adiposity index. Losartan treatment prevented all these alterations and normalized the PGI2/TXA2 ratio in high-fat fed rats. We conclude that losartan may play beneficial actions on perivascular adipose tissue alterations and endothelial dysfunction through restoration of normal balance of vasoactive substances in this model

La disfunción del tejido adiposo perivascular del lecho mesentérico posee una participación en la fisiopatología de la hipertensión arterial relacionada con el síndrome metabólico. Por lo tanto, podría considerarse como un nuevo blanco terapéutico en las enfermedades cardiovasculares y metabólicas. Además de su efecto antihipertensivo, existe un interés creciente en las acciones pleiotrópicas de losartán, antagonista del receptor de angiotensina II. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar las acciones de losartán sobre el índice de adiposidad y la liberación de prostanoides del lecho vascular mesentérico y su relación con la presión arterial, así como en el índice HOMA-IR (modelo de evaluación homeostático de la resistencia a la insulina) en ratas con dieta alta en grasas. Observamos que la dieta alta en grasas incrementó la adiposidad del lecho vascular mesentérico y la liberación de prostanoides vasoconstrictores como tromboxano (TX) B2 y prostaglandina (PG) F2α, así como la PGE2, un prostanoide inflamatorio en el contexto de resistencia a la insulina e hipertensión. También encontramos una correlación positiva entre el índice de adiposidad y la presión arterial sistólica y ambos parámetros se correlacionan positivamente con el índice HOMA IR. Adicionalmente observamos que la liberación de estos prostanoides se correlaciona con la presión arterial sistólica, así como con el índice de adiposidad del lecho vascular mesentérico. El tratamiento con losartán previno todas estas alteraciones y normalizó la relación PGI2/TXA2 en ratas alimentadas con una dieta alta en grasa. Concluimos entonces que losartán puede ejercer acciones beneficiosas sobre las alteraciones del tejido adiposo perivascular y la disfunción endotelial a través de la restauración del equilibrio normal de sustancias vasoactivas en este modelo experimental

Losartan prevents mesenteric vascular bed alterations in high-fat diet fed rats.

Dysfunction of perivascular adipose tissue of mesenteric bed participates in the pathophysiology of high blood pressure linked to metabolic syndrome. Thus, it might consider a new therapeutic objective to take account in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Besides its antihypertensive effect, there is a growing interest on the pleiotropic actions of losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist. The aim of the study was to analyze the actions of losartan treatment on adiposity index and prostanoids release from mesenteric vascular bed and its relationship with blood pressure as well as homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in Sprague-Dawley rats under a high-fat (HF) diet for 8 weeks. Four groups were used: control (C), HF diet (HF, 50%, w/w bovine fat), losartan-treated (CL8, 30mg/kg/body weight/day in the drinking water) and losartan-treated HF diet (HFL, both treatments). A high-fat diet incremented systolic blood pressure, HOMA-IR, adiposity of mesenteric vascular bed and the release of vasoconstrictor prostanoids such as thromboxane (TX) B2 and prostaglandin (PG) F2α as well as PGE2, an inflammatory prostanoid in a context of insulin resistance and hypertension. We found a positive correlation between adiposity index and systolic blood pressure. Also, both parameters are positive correlated with the HOMA IR index. Moreover, we also found that these prostanoids release correlate with systolic blood pressure as well as with mesenteric vascular bed adiposity index. Losartan treatment prevented all these alterations and normalized the PGI2/TXA2 ratio in high-fat fed rats. We conclude that losartan may play beneficial actions on perivascular adipose tissue alterations and endothelial dysfunction through restoration of normal balance of vasoactive substances in this model.

Losartán y metformina previenen alteraciones en el tejido adiposo perivascular y en la liberación de prostanoides del lecho vascular mesentérico producidas por una dieta alta en grasa y sobrecarga de fructosa en ratas / Losartan and Metformin Prevent Abnormalities in Perivascular Adipose Tissue and in Mesenteric Vascular Bed Prostanoid Release Induced by High-fat High-fructose Diet in Rats

RESUMEN Objetivo: El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los efectos del losartán (30 mg/kg/día) y de la metformina (500 mg/kg/día) sobre el índice de adiposidad y la liberación de prostanoides del lecho vascular mesentérico, así como su relación con la presión arterial sistólica en un modelo de síndrome metabólico inducido por una dieta alta en grasa y sobrecarga de fructosa en ratas Sprague-Dawley macho durante 9 semanas. Material y métodos: Los lechos vasculares mesentéricos extraídos se incubaron y los prostanoides liberados se midieron por cromatografía líquida de alta eficiencia. La presión arterial sistólica fue medida por método indirecto. Resultados: La dieta alta en grasa y la sobrecarga de fructosa produjo aumentos significativos en la presión arterial sistólica y del índice de adiposidad del lecho vascular mesentérico. Por su parte, la dieta alta en grasa y sobrecarga de fructosa incrementó la liberación de prostanoides vasoconstrictores tanto del tromboxano B2 como de la prostaglandina F2alfa; y del marcador de inflamación, la prostaglandina E2. La relación PGI2/TXA2 se redujo significativamente. La administración de losartán como de metformina previnieron todas estas alteraciones. Conclusión: Ambos fármacos ejercen efectos beneficiosos sobre el tejido adiposo perivascular del lecho mesentérico, lo que mejora la disfunción endotelial inducida por un desbalance de sustancias vasoactivas.

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of losartan (30 mg/kg/day) and metformin (500 mg/kg/day) on the adiposity index and on mesenteric vascular bed prostanoid release, and their relationship with systolic blood pressure in a metabolic syndrome model induced by high-fat high fructose-diet in male Sprague-Dawley rats for 9 weeks. Methods: Mesenteric vascular beds were extracted and incubated and prostanoids were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Systolic blood pressure was measured by an indirect method. Results: High-fat high-fructose diet produced significant increase in systolic blood pressure and mesenteric vascular bed adiposity index and in the release of vasoconstricting prostanoids as thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin F2α and of prosta-glandin E2, a marker of inflammation. The PGI2/TXA2 ratio was significantly reduced. The administration of losartan and metformin prevented all these changes. Conclusion: Both drugs have beneficial effects on mesenteric perivascular adipose tissue by improving endothelial dysfunction induced by an imbalance of vasoactive substances.

Efectos del tungstato de sodio y sulfato de vanadilo sobre la liberación de prostanoides del lecho vascular mesentérico de ratas diabéticas / Effects of sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulphate on the liberation of prostanoids of the mesenteric vascular bed in diabetic rats

La pérdida del rol modulador del endotelio podría estar implicada en la patogénesis de las complicaciones vasculares diabéticas. Los compuestos de metales de transición tales como wolframio y vanadio se han propuesto como posibles agentes en el tratamiento de la diabetes al simular los efectos de la insulina. El lecho vascular mesentérico interviene en la resistencia vascular y constituye una fuente de compuestos vasoactivos como los prostanoides. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar los efectos de los tratamientos con tungstato de sodio y sulfato de vanadilo sobre los parámetros metabólicos y la liberación de prostanoides del lecho vascular mesentérico en un modelo experimental de diabetes inducida por estreptozotocina. En ratas diabéticas se observó un aumento significativo de los niveles plasmáticos de glucosa, triglicéridos y colesterol total. Por su parte, se observó una reducción significativa en la liberación de los prostanoides vasodilatadores como la prostaciclina y la prostaglandina E2 y del vasoconstrictor tromboxano A2 por el lecho vascular mesentérico. Tanto el tungstato de sodio como el sulfato de vanadilo normalizaron la glucemia, la trigliceridemia y la colesterolemia en las ratas diabéticas. Por otra parte, solo el tratamiento con tungstato de sodio revirtió la reducción en la liberación de prostanoides vasodilatadores, mejorando en los animales diabéticos la relación prostaciclina/tromboxano, un indicador de disfunción vascular. En conclusión, a diferencia del sulfato de vanadilo, el tungstato de sodio demuestra ser más eficaz para controlar las alteraciones metabólicas y de la producción de prostanoides vasodilatadores observadas en la diabetes experimental inducida por estreptozotocina

The loss of the modulator role of the endothelium could be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. Transition metal compounds, such as tungsten and vanadium, have been proposed as possible agents in the treatment of diabetes by simulating the effects of insulin. The mesenteric vascular bed intervenes in vascular resistance and is a source of vasoactive compounds, such as prostanoids. The aim of this work was to study the effects of sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulphate treatments on the metabolic parameters and the release of prostanoids of the mesenteric vascular bed in an experimental model of Streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In diabetic rats, a significant increase was observed in plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol. On the other hand, there was a significant reduction in the release of vasodilator prostanoids, such as prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 and vasoconstrictor thromboxane A2 through the mesenteric vascular bed. Both sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulphate normalised glycaemia, triglyceridaemia and cholesterolaemia in rats diabetics. On the other hand, only treatment with sodium tungstate reversed the reduction in the release of vasodilator prostanoids, improving in diabetic animals the prostacyclin/thromboxane ratio, an indicator of vascular dysfunction. In conclusion, unlike vanadyl sulphate, sodium tungstate is shown to be more effective in controlling metabolic changes and the production of vasodilator prostanoids observed in experimental diabetes induced by streptozotocin

Effects of sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulphate on the liberation of prostanoids of the mesenteric vascular bed in diabetic rats. / Efectos del tungstato de sodio y sulfato de vanadilo sobre la liberación de prostanoides del lecho vascular mesentérico de ratas diabéticas.

The loss of the modulator role of the endothelium could be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. Transition metal compounds, such as tungsten and vanadium, have been proposed as possible agents in the treatment of diabetes by simulating the effects of insulin. The mesenteric vascular bed intervenes in vascular resistance and is a source of vasoactive compounds, such as prostanoids. The aim of this work was to study the effects of sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulphate treatments on the metabolic parameters and the release of prostanoids of the mesenteric vascular bed in an experimental model of Streptozotocin-induced diabetes. In diabetic rats, a significant increase was observed in plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol. On the other hand, there was a significant reduction in the release of vasodilator prostanoids, such as prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 and vasoconstrictor thromboxane A2 through the mesenteric vascular bed. Both sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulphate normalised glycaemia, triglyceridaemia and cholesterolaemia in rats diabetics. On the other hand, only treatment with sodium tungstate reversed the reduction in the release of vasodilator prostanoids, improving in diabetic animals the prostacyclin/thromboxane ratio, an indicator of vascular dysfunction. In conclusion, unlike vanadyl sulphate, sodium tungstate is shown to be more effective in controlling metabolic changes and the production of vasodilator prostanoids observed in experimental diabetes induced by streptozotocin.

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.

Sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulfate effects on blood pressure and vascular prostanoids production in fructose-overloaded rats.

This study analyzes the effects of sodium tungstate and vanadyl sulphate in the fructose-overloaded rat, a model of metabolic syndrome. Fructose (9 weeks) increased blood pressure, triglycerydemia, glycemia, and reduced release of vasodilator prostaglandins (prostacyclin and prostaglandin E2 ) in the mesenteric vascular bed. Sodium tungstate prevented those alterations; meanwhile vanadyl sulfate only prevented the increase in glycemia. In conclusion, the present experiments showed that sodium tungstate is more effective than vanadyl sulfate for the treatment of experimental metabolic syndrome in rats.

Centrally administered insulin potentiates the pressor response to angiotensin II.

The aim of the present study was to determine if insulin can modulate the pressor response to angiotensin II at brain level in normotensive rats. Anaesthetized male rats were intracerebroventricularly infused with insulin (12 mU/h, n=15) or Ringer's solution as vehicle (n=15) for 2 h. Immediately, changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP) in response to an intracerebroventricular subpressor dose of angiotensin II (5 pmol, n=10) or vehicle (n=5) were measured for 10 min. Then, hypothalami were removed and Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels were determined. In other subset of animals, PD98059 (MAPK inhibitor) or vehicle were intracerebroventricularly administered previously to insulin perfusion for 2 h and changes in MAP in response to intracerebroventricular angiotensin II (5 pmol) injection were evaluated for 10 min (n=6 for each group). Angiotensin II did not modify MAP in vehicle pre-treated rats, but increased MAP in insulin pre-treated animals. Insulin significantly increased Akt phosphorylation, but no changes were observed after angiotensin II injection in vehicle-pretreated animals. Angiotensin II or insulin infusion increased in more than two fold phospho-ERK 1/2 hypothalamic levels. Animals that received insulin infusion followed by Ang II injection presented 4.5 higher values than those which received vehicle, and nearly twice than those who received Ang II without insulin pre-treatment. PD98059 administration abolished the blood pressure response exerted by angiotensin II in insulin pre-treated rats. In conclusion, centrally administered insulin potentiates the pressor effects to angiotensin II, suggesting a novel mechanism, possibly involving MAPK activation, by which insulin influences blood pressure control at central level.

Ventricular function and natriuretic peptides in sequentially combined models of hypertension.

Hemodynamic parameters and natriuretic peptide levels were evaluated in cardiac hypertrophy produced by sequentially applied renovascular (RV) and deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt (DS) models of hypertension. We studied hypertensive rats by RV or DS treatment at 2 and 4 wk, as well as by the combination of 2 wk of each treatment in an inverse sequence: RV 2 wk/DS 2 wk (RV2/DS2) and DS 2 wk/RV 2 wk (DS2/RV2). The in vivo cardiac function, interstitial fibrosis, and synthesis and secretion of types A (ANP) and B (BNP) natriuretic peptides were monitored in hypertensive models compared with their corresponding sham (Sh2, Sh4). There were no differences in relaxation parameters among RV or DS groups and combined treatments. Left ventricular +dP/dt(max) increased only in RV4 (P < 0.01 vs. Sh4), and this increase was abolished in RV2/DS2. Interstitial collagen concentration increased after 4 wk in both RV4 and RV2/DS2 groups. Although there were no changes in collagen concentration in either DS2 or DS4 groups, clipping after 2 wk of DS (DS2/RV2) remarkably stimulated interstitial fibrosis (P < 0.01 vs. DS2). Plasma BNP increased in RV treatment at 4 wk (P < 0.001 vs. Sh4), but not in DS. Interestingly, RV applied after the 2 wk of DS treatment induced a marked increase in BNP levels (P < 0.001 vs. Sh4). In this regard, plasma BNP appears to be a reliable indicator of pressure overload. Our results suggest that the second stimulus of mechanical overload in combined models of hypertension determines the evolution of hypertrophy and synthesis and secretion of ANP and BNP.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) prevents the prostanoid imbalance in mesenteric bed of fructose-induced hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: In previous studies we reported an altered prostanoid (PR) release-pattern in mesenteric vessels in fructose (F)-overloaded rats, an experimental model of insulin resistance and hypertension. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its precursor Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) are the most abundant circulating steroid hormones produced by the adrenal and recent studies in both cells and animals suggest that DHEA may have acute non-genomic actions that mimic both metabolic and vascular actions of insulin. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study was to analyze in F-overloaded rats, the effects of DHEA treatment on arterial blood pressure and the PR production in mesenteric vessels and aorta. METHODS: Male 6 week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided in four groups: a control group (C), a DHEA (30 mg/kg/sc/48 h)-treated group (D), a fructose (10% w/v in drinking water)-fed group (F), and both treatments simultaneously group (FD). The systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by tail cuff method and glycemia and triglyderidemia were measured by enzymatic assays. The mesenteric beds of all groups were dissected, and incubated in Krebs solution. The PR released were measured by HPLC. RESULTS: F overload increased SBP and triglyceridemia and decreased the mesenteric vasodilatory PR release. DHEA treatment prevented the increment in SBP and triglyceridemia and decreased vasoconstrictor PR in F-treated rats. CONCLUSION: DHEA normalize the PGI(2)/TX ratio, diminished in F-overloaded rats, through the decrease in thromboxane (TX) production and this could be one of the mechanisms by which DHEA prevented the slight hypertension in F-animals.

Hypothalamic angiotensinergic-noradrenergic systems interaction in fructose induced hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies suggest the importance of the interaction between the renin angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems in blood pressure control, especially in clinical situations such as the metabolic syndrome. Previously, we have demonstrated changes in noradrenergic hypothalamic control of blood pressure in an animal model of insulin resistance and hypertension. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the interaction between the noradrenergic and angiotensinergic systems on hypothalamic blood pressure regulation in fructose hypertensive rats. METHODS: In control (C) and fructose-fed hypertensive (F) rats, we studied: 1) the effects of hypothalamic perfusion of irbesartan (AT(1) angiotensin receptor antagonist, 50 and 500 microg ml(-1)) and metoprolol (beta(1) adrenergic receptor antagonist, 10 and 100 microg ml(-1)) on blood pressure, heart rate and noradrenaline intrahypothalamic levels, by means of the microdialysis technique; and 2) the effects of intrahypothalamic microinjection of angiotensin II alone or after metoprolol pre-administration, on blood pressure and heart rate. RESULTS: Meanwhile irbesartan perfusion did not modify neither mean arterial pressure (MAP) nor heart rate or noradrenaline hypothalamic levels in the C group, its highest dose diminished MAP (DeltaMAP: F: - 16.3+/-1 mm Hg, p<0.05) and noradrenaline levels (% of basal levels: 58+/-7%, p<0.05) in the F group, without affecting heart rate. Intrahypothalamic perfusion of metoprolol diminished MAP only in the F group (DeltaMAP: F: -12.1+/-1.1 mm Hg, p<0.05), but did not modify heart rate in both groups. On the other hand, it diminished noradrenaline hypothalamic levels in C (% of basal levels: 53+/-6%, p<0.05) but not in the F group. The pressor response to angiotensin II microinjection was increased in F rats (DeltaMAP: F: 13.3+/-1.5 mm Hg vs. C: 6.9+/-1.8 mm Hg; p<0.05). Previous administration of metoprolol markedly abolished this increment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the existence of an increase in AT(1) and beta(1) adrenergic receptors tone in the hypothalamus of F rats, which could be related to the increase in blood pressure present in this experimental model. On the other hand, considering that the enhanced pressor response to angiotensin II intrahypothalamic injection in F rats was abolished by previous administration of a beta(1) adrenergic receptor antagonist, these results would indicate that beta(1) adrenergic receptors activation participates in the pressor response to angiotensin II in this experimental model of insulin resistance and hypertension.

Atrial natriuretic peptide behaviour and myocyte hypertrophic profile in combined pressure and volume-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and hormonal profile in cardiac hypertrophy resulting from sequentially applied overloads. METHODS: We studied Sprague-Dawley rats with renovascular hypertension (RV), where pressure overload predominates, or deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt (DS), where volume overload predominates, at 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, and the combination of both models in inverse sequence: RV 2 weeks/DS 2 weeks (RV2/DS2) and DS 2 weeks/RV 2 weeks (DS2/RV2), and their sham controls (Sh). RESULTS: Blood pressure and cardiomyocyte diameter increased to a similar extent in RV and DS at 2 and 4 weeks and in combined models. Cardiomyocyte length increased remarkably in the DS4 group. Circulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) was elevated in all hypertensive groups after 2 and 4 weeks. The RV2/DS2 group showed similar plasma ANP levels to RV4, but DS2/RV2 exhibited a three-fold increase in ANP levels (P<0.001 versus Sh4, DS2 and DS4). Atrial ANP mRNA remained unchanged in all groups. DS treatment alone or in combination with RV increased left ventricular ANP mRNA, meanwhile only RV treatment increased left ventricular B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) mRNA. Ventricular ANP expression levels, but not circulating ANP, correlated with both cardiomyocyte diameter (r=0.859, P<0.01) and length (r=0.848, P<0.01). Renal expression of natriuretic peptide receptor C (NPR-C) was unchanged in RV4 but decreased to a similar extent in the DS4 group and both combined treatments. CONCLUSION: Morphometric patterns seem to be more related to the paracrine function of the heart than to the secretion of ANP and the endocrine function. Plasma ANP in the DS2/RV2 group could indicate a different evolution of the remodelling process. ANP expression seems to be a more sensitive marker for volume than for pressure overload.

High fructose diet increases anterior hypothalamic alpha 2-adrenoceptors responsiveness.

Activation of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) decreases sympathetic nervous system activity and blood pressure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate activity of pre- and postsynaptic alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the AHA of fructose hypertensive rats (F), an animal model of insulin resistance and hypertension. The AHA of Control (C) and F anaesthetized rats was perfused with Ringer solution in the absence or presence of clonidine (100 or 300 microg ml(-1)) using reverse microdialysis. Clonidine effects on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), and on hypothalamic noradrenaline levels were measured along perfusion time. Noradrenaline extracellular levels in the AHA were significantly diminished in F hypertensive rats compared to C animals. The depressor effect of intrahypothalamic perfusion of clonidine on MAP was enhanced in F rats compared with C animals. Intrahypothalamic perfusion of clonidine reduced HR only in F rats. The effect of clonidine on noradrenaline hypothalamic extracellular levels was enhanced in F rats. These results suggest, in our experimental conditions, the existence of an increased responsiveness of pre- and postsynaptic alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the AHA of F hypertensive rats. This fact could be a consequence of a compensatory supersensitivity of alpha-adrenoceptors due to a decrease in noradrenaline release from nerve terminals located in the AHA.

Participación del hipotálamo en la regulación de la presión arterial en un modelo de hipertensión e insulinorresistencia / Role of the hypothalamus in blood pressure regulation in a model of hypertension and insulin resistance

Objetivo: Evaluar el papel del área hipotalámica anterior en la regulación de la presión arterial en un modelo en ratas de hipertensión arterial (HTA) e insulinorresistencia. Material y métodos: Se utilizaron ratas Sprague-Dawley macho (n = 72) que fueron divididas en dos grupos: F,fructosa (10 por ciento p/v por 6 semanas) y C, grupo control. Se canuló la arteria carótida izquierda para la medición de la presión arterial media (PAM) y la frecuencia cardíaca (FC). Se colocó una sonda de microdiálisis en el área hipotalámica anterior (AHA) para la perfusión de yohimbina (10 y 100 µg/ml) o de clonidina (100 y 300 µg/ml), antagonista y agonista α2-adrenérgicos, respectivamente, y se evaluaron los cambios hemodinámicos. Resultados: Los animales del grupo F presentaron niveles mayores de presión arterial sistólica que los del grupo C (F: 131 ± 3 mm Hg versus C: 112 ± 4 mm Hg; p < 0,05). La perfusión intrahipotalámica de yohimbina indujo un incremento en la PAM en C, en tanto que no modificó los valores en F. No se encontraron cambios en la FC en ninguno de los grupos. La clonidina en dosis de 100 µg/ml indujo una disminución de la PAM sólo en F, mientras que en dosis de300 µg/ml la disminuyó en ambos grupos y fue mayor en F que en C. Sólo la clonidina en dosis de 300 µg/ml disminuyó la FC en el grupo F, sin modificar los valores en C. Conclusiones: Existiría un tono α2-adrenérgico menor en el AHA de las ratas F, que podría relacionarse con el incremento de la presión arterial presente en este grupo. Por otra parte, la respuesta exacerbada a la clonidina en F evidenciaría la existencia de una supersensibilidad de receptores adrenérgicos hipotalámicos, posiblemente como consecuencia de niveles extracelulares reducidos de noradrenalina en el AHA en este modelo de HTA e insulinorresistencia.

Role of hypothalamic alpha-adrenoceptor activity in fructose-induced hypertension.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine on blood pressure and heart rate (HR) regulation, as well as on adrenergic and serotoninergic neurotransmission, in fructose hypertensive (F) rats. The anterior hypothalamic area of control (C) and F rats was perfused with Ringer's solution containing 10 and 100 microg/mL yohimbine through a microdialysis concentric probe. The effects of yohimbine on mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR, as well as on hypothalamic dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) levels, were measured according to perfusion time. Although intrahypothalamic perfusion of yohimbine increased blood pressure in C rats (DeltaMAP 9 +/- 1 and 11 +/- 2 mmHg for 10 and 100 microg/mL yohimbine, respectively; P < 0.05 vs Ringer's perfusion), the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist did not modify MAP in F. Intrahypothalamic yohimbine had no effect on HR at either concentration tested. Intrahypothalamic perfusion of 10 and 100 microg/mL yohimbine increased DOPAC levels in C rats (135 +/- 6 and 130 +/- 5% of basal levels, respectively; both n = 6; P < 0.05 vs Ringer's perfusion), but not in F animals (115 +/- 6 and 102 +/- 6% of basal levels, respectively; both n = 6). In both C and F rats, yohimbine administration induced an increase in 5-HIAA dialysate levels. The results of the present study support the notion that alpha2-adrenoceptor tone of the anterior hypothalamus of normotensive rats, which contributes to normal blood pressure regulation, is not involved in the control of HR in either normotensive C or hypertensive F rats. The absence of changes in MAP after yohimbine perfusion in F rats suggests that the alpha2-adrenoceptor tone could be decreased in this group of rats and that this may be responsible for the maintenance of hypertension in this model. Intrahypothalamic perfusion of yohimbine increased DOPAC in the dialysate only in C rats, suggesting changes in presynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptor activity in fructose-overloaded rats. Conversely, increased 5-HIAA levels did not differ between C and F groups.

Natriuretic peptides as prognostic and diagnostic markers in Chagas' disease.

Atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is a hormone secreted predominantly from atrial myocardium in response to changes in wall tension. Chagas' disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosom cruzi (T. cruzi), the heart being one of the most affected organs, resulting in myocarditis and chronic cardiomyopathy. The inflammatory response of the myocardium may be the result of factors such as ischemia, direct parasite invasion, and autoimmune mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about ANF in Chagas' disease and describe our findings in studying: (1) the development of chagasic cardiomyophathy in T. cruzi-infected rats and its relationship with plasma ANF levels; (2) the evolution of plasma ANF in chagasic patients in different stages (asymptomatic, with conduction defects and with chronic heart failure [CHF]); and (3) the possible usefulness of plasma ANF as a prognostic factor of development of myocardial compromise and survival. In rats, the elevated ANF levels found could mirror the inflammatory response of myocardial cells to acute T. cruzi infection and of progressive failure of cardiac function in the chronic infection. In patients, plasma ANF could be a sensitive marker capable of detecting gradual impairments in cardiac function and poor survival in CHF patients and of myocardiopathy development in the asymptomatic state.

Atrial natriuretic factor as marker of myocardial compromise in Chagas' disease.

This study investigated the evolution of plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in patients in different stages of Chagas' disease and analyzed its usefulness as prognostic factor of the development of myocardial compromise in asymptomatic chagasic patients. Chagas' disease, a determinant of heart failure, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. A total of 21 chagasic patients were studied: 9 in the asymptomatic stage, 6 with conduction defects (CD), and 6 with chronic heart failure (CHF); and 31 controls: 16 healthy, 6 with CD, and 9 with CHF. Plasma ANF radioimmunoassay (RIA) and complementary studies were performed twice for each patient, with an interval period of 12 months. First sample: chagasic patients showed higher ANF levels in the CHF group than in CD and asymptomatic subjects; second sample: the peptide levels were higher in CHF patients than in the asymptomatic group. In non-chagasic CHF patients, ANF levels were higher than in CD patients and controls in both samples. ANF levels were not able to differentiate chagasic asymptomatic and CD patients from healthy subjects and CD controls; meanwhile, chagasic CHF patients showed lower plasma ANF than their controls. Furthermore, ANF is a sensitive marker capable of detecting gradual impairments in cardiac function in all patients studied.

Atrial natriuretic factor in two kidney - two clip renovascular hypertension in the rat

Hig levels of circulating atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) have been reported in several physiopathologic conditions like hypertension, heart and renal failure, pregnancy and high sodium intake. Nevertheless, neither relationships with water-sodium space regulation nor the role of an ANF vascular relaxant effect have been yet defined. The aim of present experiments was to characterize the contribution of circulating ANF and its vascular relaxing effects in the two kidney-two clip (2K2C) experimental model of renovascular hypertension. Complementary, plasma metabolites nitrite/nitrate of nitric oxide (NO) was examined because of mediation for both (NO an ANF) through cGMP. The results showed (two-four weeks after surgery): indirect sistolic blood pressure (mmHg), 186 + 4 in HT and 122 + 1 in SH (p<0.001); a significant increase of plasma ANF (fmol/ml) in HT (n = 7, 1221 + 253) vs. SH (n = 9, 476 + 82; p < 0.02). Nitrate/nitrite plasma concentrations (mumol/l) were mpt different between SH and. The relaxant effect of ANF (10(-9), 10(-8) and 10(-7) M) on phenylephrine (3,5 x 10(-6) M) contracted rings from HT rats was smaller than SH rats (10(-8) M, p < 0.05). Contractions to phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (seven weeks after surgery) were significantly higher in rings from HT rats (p < 0.001). We conclude: 1) in addition to decreased granularity in atrial myocardiocytes, high circulating values of ANF here described suggest an increased turnover of the peptide in 2K2C hypertensive rats; 2) lower significant vascular relaxant effects in HT rats would indicate down regulation of ANF receptors in this model; the latter would derive from high plasma ANF concentration and, tentatively, because of greater activity of protein kinase C in the vascular wall; 39 similar values of plasma nitrite/nitrate in SH and HT rats would indicate a comparable NO circulating availability in both groups.