Angiotensin-(1-7) improves tail skin heat loss and increases the survival of rats with polymicrobial sepsis.

Sepsis is a serious syndrome, characterized by the excessive release of inflammatory mediators and thermoregulatory changes, being fever the most common sign. However, despite the importance of Angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) in controlling the inflammation, the role of the peptide in the febrile response and mortality in animals submitted to experimental model of sepsis is still not clear. In this way, we evaluate the effect of continuous infusion of Ang-(1-7) in inflammatory response, thermoregulation and in mortality of Wistar male rats submitted to colonic ligation puncture (CLP). Before CLP surgery, the infusion pumps (Ang-(1-7), 1.5 mg/mL or saline) were inserted into the abdominal cavity and maintained for 24 h. CLP rats showed a febrile response starting from 3 h after and persisted until the 24th hour of experiment. Continuous treatment with Ang-(1-7) attenuated the febrile response and reestablished the euthermia 11 h after CLP, until the end of experiment, which coincided with an increased heat loss index (HLI). This effect was associated with a decrease in production of pro-inflammatory mediators in liver, white adipose tissue (WAT) and hypothalamus. Moreover, an increase in norepinephrine (NE) content in interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) was observed in CLP animals, which was attenuated with treatment with Ang-(1-7), and decreased mortality in CLP animals treated with Ang-(1-7). Taken together, the present study demonstrates that continuous infusion treatment with Ang-(1-7) can promote a global anti-inflammatory effect, reestablishing the tail skin heat loss as a key thermo-effector function, resulting in an increased survival of animals submitted to experimental sepsis.

Central Administration of Angiotensin-(1-7) Improves Vasopressin Impairment and Hypotensive Response in Experimental Endotoxemia.

Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]/Mas receptor is a counter-regulatory axis that counteracts detrimental renin-angiotensin system (RAS) effects, especially regarding systemic inflammation, vasopressin (AVP) release, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activation. However, it is not completely understood whether this system may control centrally or systemically the late phase of systemic inflammation. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of Ang-(1-7) can modulate systemic inflammation through the activation of humoral pathways in late phase of endotoxemia. Endotoxemia was induced by systemic injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1.5 mg/kg, i.v.) in Wistar rats. Ang-(1-7) (0.3 nmol in 2 µL) promoted the release of AVP and attenuated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) levels but increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum of the endotoxemic rats. The central administration of Mas receptor antagonist A779 (3 nmol in 2 µL, i.c.v.) abolished these anti-inflammatory effects in endotoxemic rats. Furthermore, Ang-(1-7) applied centrally restored mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) without affecting heart rate (HR) and prevented vascular hyporesponsiveness to norepinephrine (NE) and AVP in animals that received LPS. Together, our results indicate that Ang-(1-7) applied centrally promotes a systemic anti-inflammatory effect through the central Mas receptor and activation of the humoral pathway mediated by AVP.

Study of thermo-regulation as a worsening marker of experimental sepsis in an animal model.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze variations in body temperature and in plasma nitrate and lactate concentrations in rats submitted to the experimental sepsis model. METHOD: a total of 40 rats divided equally into five groups. The induction of endotoxemia was performed with intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide, 0.5 mg/Kg, 1.5 mg/Kg, 3.0 mg/Kg, and 10 mg/Kg, respectively. The control group received 0.5 mL of saline solution. The experiment lasted six hours, with evaluations performed at 0 (baseline data), 2nd, 4th, and 6thhours. RESULTS: The animals that received doses up to 3.0 mg/kg showed a significant increase in body temperature compared to the group with 10 mg/kg, which showed a decrease in these values. The increase in plasma nitrate and lactate concentrations in the groups with lipopolysaccharide was significantly higher than in the group that received the saline solution and was correlated with the increase in body temperature. CONCLUSION: the variations in body temperature observed in this study showed the dose-dependent effect of lipopolysaccharide and were correlated with the increase in the concentrations of nitrate and plasma lactate biomarkers. The implications of this study are the importance of monitoring body temperature, together with the assessment of these pathophysiological markers, which suggest worsening in the prognosis of sepsis.

Central angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates systemic inflammation via activation of sympathetic signaling in endotoxemic rats.

Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is an angiotensin-derived neuropeptide with potential anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties. However, a possible action of Ang-(1-7) in neuroimmune interactions to regulate inflammatory response has not been explored. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine whether the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of Ang-(1-7) can modulate systemic inflammation via sympathetic efferent circuits. Wistar male rats received systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1.5 mg/Kg). Ang-(1-7) (0.3 nmol in 2 µL) promoted the release of splenic norepinephrine and attenuated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and nitric oxide (NO), but increased interleukin-10 (IL-10), levels in the serum, spleen, and liver in endotoxemic rats. Furthermore, 6-hydroxydopamine-induced chemical sympathectomy (100 mg/Kg, intravenous) or i.c.v. administration of Mas receptor antagonist A779 (3 nmol in 2 µL) abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of central Ang-(1-7) injection. Moreover, this treatment did not alter the plasmatic LPS-induced corticosterone and vasopressin. The administration of Ang-(1-7) reverted the low resistance in response to catecholamines of rings of thoracic aorta isolated from endotoxemic rats, treated or not, with this peptide by a mechanism dependent on the regulation of NO released from perivascular adipose tissue. Together, our results indicate that Ang-(1-7) regulates systemic inflammation and vascular hyporesponsiveness in endotoxemia via activation of a central Mas receptors/sympathetic circuits/norepinephrine axis and provide novel mechanistic insights into the anti-inflammatory Ang-(1-7) properties.

Inflammatory markers in the hippocampus after audiogenic kindling.

Here, we investigated the participation of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines in the spread of repeated audiogenic seizures from brainstem auditory structures to limbic areas, including the hippocampus. We used Wistar Audiogenic Rats (WARs) and Wistars submitted to the audiogenic kindling protocol with a loud broad-band noise. We measured pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines and nitrate levels in the hippocampus of stimulated animals. Our results show that all WARs developed audiogenic seizures that evolved to limbic seizures whereas seizure-resistant controls did not present any seizures. However, regardless of seizure severity, we did not observe differences in the pro inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-α or in the anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the hippocampi of audiogenic and resistant animals. We also did not find any differences in nitrate content. Our data indicate that the spread of seizures during the audiogenic kindling is not dependent on hippocampal release of cytokines or oxidative stress, but the severity of brainstem seizures will be higher in animals with higher levels of cytokines and the oxidative stress marker, nitrate.

Study of thermo-regulation as a worsening marker of experimental sepsis in an animal model / Estudo da termorregulação como marcador de agravamento do quadro de sepse experimental em modelo animal / Estudio de la termorregulación como marcador asociado al empeoramiento del cuadro de la sepsis experimental en un modelo con animales

Objective: to analyze variations in body temperature and in plasma nitrate and lactate concentrations in rats submitted to the experimental sepsis model. Method: a total of 40 rats divided equally into five groups. The induction of endotoxemia was performed with intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide, 0.5 mg/Kg, 1.5 mg/Kg, 3.0 mg/Kg, and 10 mg/Kg, respectively. The control group received 0.5 mL of saline solution. The experiment lasted six hours, with evaluations performed at 0 (baseline data), 2nd, 4th, and 6thhours. Results: The animals that received doses up to 3.0 mg/kg showed a significant increase in body temperature compared to the group with 10 mg/kg, which showed a decrease in these values. The increase in plasma nitrate and lactate concentrations in the groups with lipopolysaccharide was significantly higher than in the group that received the saline solution and was correlated with the increase in body temperature. Conclusion: the variations in body temperature observed in this study showed the dose-dependent effect of lipopolysaccharide and were correlated with the increase in the concentrations of nitrate and plasma lactate biomarkers. The implications of this study are the importance of monitoring body temperature, together with the assessment of these pathophysiological markers, which suggest worsening in the prognosis of sepsis.

Objetivo: analisar as variações na temperatura corporal e nas concentrações de nitrato e lactato plasmáticos em ratos submetidos ao modelo de sepse experimental. Método: foram utilizados 40 ratos divididos igualmente em cinco grupos. A indução da endotoxemia foi realizada com administração endovenosa de lipopolissacarídeo, respectivamente 0,5 mg/Kg, 1,5 mg/Kg, 3,0 mg/Kg e 10 mg/Kg. O grupo controle recebeu 0,5 mL de solução salina. O experimento teve duração de seis horas, com avaliações realizadas na 0 (dados basais), 2a, 4a e 6a hora. Resultados: os animais que receberam doses de até 3,0 mg/Kg apresentaram aumento significativo na temperatura corporal em relação ao grupo com 10 mg/Kg, que apresentou diminuição nesses valores. O aumento nas concentrações de nitrato e lactato plasmáticos nos grupos com lipopolissacarídeo foi significativamente superior ao grupo que recebeu salina e esteve correlacionado com o aumento na temperatura corporal. Conclusão: as variações na temperatura corporal observadas neste estudo mostraram efeito dose dependentes de lipopolissacarídeo e estiveram correlacionadas com o aumento nas concentrações dos biomarcadores nitrato e lactato plasmáticos. O estudo traz como implicações, a importância no monitoramento da temperatura corporal, em conjunto com a avaliação destes marcadores fisiopatológicos, os quais sugerem agravamento no prognóstico da sepse.

Objetivo: analizar las variaciones de la temperatura corporal y de las concentraciones de nitrato y lactato en plasma en ratones sometidos a un modelo de sepsis experimental. Método: se utilizaron 40 ratones divididos en cinco grupos iguales. La inducción de la endotoxemia se realizó mediante administración intravenosa de 0,5 mg/Kg, 1,5 mg/Kg, 3,0 mg/Kg y 10 mg/Kg de lipopolisacárido, respectivamente. El grupo de control recibió 0,5 mL de solución salina. El experimento duró seis horas, con evaluaciones realizadas a la hora 0 (datos de referencia) y a la 2a, 4a y 6ahora. Resultados: los animales que recibieron dosis de hasta 3,0 mg/kg presentaron un aumento significativo de la temperatura corporal, en comparación con el grupo al que se le administró 10 mg/kg, que presentó una disminución de dichos valores. En los grupos a los que se les administró lipopolisacárido, el aumento en las concentraciones de nitrato y lactato en plasma fue significativamente mayor que en el grupo al que se le administró la solución salina y estuvo correlacionado con el aumento de la temperatura corporal. Conclusión: las variaciones de la temperatura corporal observadas en este estudio mostraron que los efectos dependieron de la dosis de lipopolisacárido, y estuvieron correlacionadas con el aumento en la concentración de biomarcadores, como el nitrato y lactato en plasma. El estudio reveló la importancia del control de la temperatura corporal, junto con la evaluación de estos marcadores fisiopatológicos, que sugieren un empeoramiento en el pronóstico de la sepsis.

[Pharmacotherapy and analysis of gaseous mediators in hypertensive patients]. / Farmacoterapia e análise de mediadores gasosos em pacientes hipertensos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of using antihypertensive classes of drugs of the calcium channel antagonists and inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme in plasma concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide in patients with hypertension. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with quantitative approach conducted with hypertensive patients in use of antihypertensive classes of drugs: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel antagonists. RESULTS: It was found that the concentration of plasma nitric oxide was significantly higher in hypertensive patients that were in use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (p<0.03) and the hydrogen sulphide concentration was significantly higher in hypertensive plasma in use of calcium channel antagonists (p<0.002). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that these medications have as additional action mechanism the improvement of endothelial dysfunction by elevate plasma levels of vasodilatory substances.

Pharmacotherapy and analysis of gaseous mediators in hypertensive patients / Farmacoterapia y análisis de mediadores gaseosos en pacientes hipertensos / Farmacoterapia e análise de mediadores gasosos em pacientes hipertensos

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of using antihypertensive classes of drugs of the calcium channel antagonists and inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme in plasma concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide in patients with hypertension. METHODS Cross-sectional study with quantitative approach conducted with hypertensive patients in use of antihypertensive classes of drugs: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel antagonists. RESULTS It was found that the concentration of plasma nitric oxide was significantly higher in hypertensive patients that were in use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (p<0.03) and the hydrogen sulphide concentration was significantly higher in hypertensive plasma in use of calcium channel antagonists (p<0.002). CONCLUSION The findings suggest that these medications have as additional action mechanism the improvement of endothelial dysfunction by elevate plasma levels of vasodilatory substances. .

OBJETIVO Evaluar el efecto del uso de antihipertensivos pertenecientes a las clases medicamentosas antagonistas de canales de calcio e inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina en las concentraciones plasmáticas de ácido sulfhídrico y óxido nítrico en portadores de hipertensión arterial sistémica. MÉTODO Estudio transversal con abordaje cuantitativo realizado con hipertensos que toman antihipertensivos de las clases de inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina o antagonistas de los canales de calcio. RESULTADOS Se verificó que la concentración de óxido nítrico plasmático fue significativamente mayor en hipertensos que estaban usando inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina (p<0.03) y que la concentración de ácido sulfhídrico plasmático fue significativamente mayor en hipertensos en uso de antagonistas de los canales de calcio (p<0.002). CONCLUSIÓN Los hallazgos sugieren que dichos fármacos tienen como mecanismo de acción adicional la mejora de la disfunción endotelial al elevar los niveles plasmáticos de sustancias vasodilatadoras. .

OBJETIVO Avaliar o efeito do uso de anti-hipertensivos pertencentes às classes medicamentosas antagonistas de canais de cálcio e inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina nas concentrações plasmáticas de ácido sulfídrico e óxido nítrico em portadores de hipertensão arterial sistêmica. MÉTODO Estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa realizado com hipertensos em uso de anti-hipertensivos das classes inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina ou antagonistas dos canais de cálcio. RESULTADOS Verificou-se que a concentração de óxido nítrico plasmático foi significativamente maior em hipertensos que estavam em uso de inibidores da enzima conversora de angiotensina (p<0.03) e que a concentração de ácido sulfídrico plasmático foi significativamente maior em hipertensos em uso de antagonistas dos canais de cálcio (p<0.002). CONCLUSÃO Os achados sugerem que essas medicações possuem como mecanismo de ação adicional a melhora da disfunção endotelial por elevar os níveis plasmáticos de substâncias vasodilatadoras. .

Correlation between body temperature, blood pressure and plasmatic nitric oxide in septic patients.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate whether there is a relationship between plasmatic levels of nitrate, body temperature, and blood pressure values in patients with sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. METHOD: prospective observational study performed in a Brazilian hospital; data were collected from July to December 2009. Thirty blood samples were obtained from a total of 29 patients. Blood samples (10ml) were collected for subsequent laboratory analysis to determine nitrate levels in the plasma. RESULTS: nitric oxide synthesis is increased in patients with septic shock, and is inversely correlated to the body temperature values. CONCLUSION: these data show that the measurement of body temperature and the observation of hypothermic conditions in septic patients could be important to guide the nursing regarding the evolution of individuals with sepsis to septic shock.

Correlation between body temperature, blood pressure and plasmatic nitric oxide in septic patients / Correlacao entre temperatura corporal, pressao arterial e concentracao plasmatica de oxido nitrico em pacientes com sepse / Correlacion entre temperatura corporal, presion arterial y concentracion plasmatica de oxido nitrico en pacientes con choque septico

OBJECTIVE: to investigate whether there is a relationship between plasmatic levels of nitrate, body temperature, and blood pressure values in patients with sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock. METHOD: prospective observational study performed in a Brazilian hospital; data were collected from July to December 2009. Thirty blood samples were obtained from a total of 29 patients. Blood samples (10ml) were collected for subsequent laboratory analysis to determine nitrate levels in the plasma. RESULTS: nitric oxide synthesis is increased in patients with septic shock, and is inversely correlated to the body temperature values. CONCLUSION: these data show that the measurement of body temperature and the observation of hypothermic conditions in septic patients could be important to guide the nursing regarding the evolution of individuals with sepsis to septic shock. .

OBJETIVO: pesquisar se há relação entre os níveis plasmáticos de nitrato e os valores da temperatura corporal e os da pressão arterial em pacientes com sepse, sepse grave e choque séptico. MÉTODO: estudo prospectivo observacional, desenvolvido em hospital brasileiro. Os dados foram coletados entre julho e dezembro de 2009. Vinte e nove pacientes foram incluídos na amostra. Foi realizada a coleta do sangue (10mL) para posterior análise dos níveis plasmáticos de nitrato, em laboratório. RESULTADOS: a síntese de óxido nítrico está aumentada em pacientes com choque séptico e está inversamente relacionada aos valores de temperatura corporal. CONCLUSÃO: esses dados mostram que a medição da temperatura corporal e a observação de quadros hipotérmicos em pacientes sépticos podem ser importantes para guiar a enfermagem, no que se refere à evolução de sujeitos com sepse, para o estado de choque séptico. .

OBJETIVO: investigar si existe una relación entre los niveles plasmáticos de nitrato y los valores de temperatura corporal y presión arterial en pacientes con sepsis, sepsis grave y choque séptico. MÉTODO: estudio prospectivo observacional, desarrollado en un hospital brasileño; los datos fueron recolectados entre julio y diciembre de 2009. El número de pacientes incluidos en el estudio fue de 29 y las muestras de sangre fueron 30. Se realizó la recolección de la sangre (10 ml) para posterior análisis, en laboratorio, de los valores de los niveles plasmáticos de nitrato. RESULTADOS: la síntesis de óxido nítrico está aumentada en pacientes con choque séptico y está inversamente relacionada a los valores de la temperatura corporal. CONCLUSIÓN: estos datos muestran que la medición de la temperatura corporal y la observación de cuadros hipotérmicos en pacientes sépticos pueden ser importantes para orientar a la enfermería en lo que se refiere a la evolución de individuos con sepsis para choque séptico. .

Oxidative stress is not associated with vascular dysfunction in a model of alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: To verify if an experimental model of alloxan-diabetic rats promotes oxidative stress, reduces nitric oxide bioavailability and causes vascular dysfunction, and to evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on these parameters. METHODS: Alloxan-diabetic rats were treated or not with NAC for four weeks. Plasmatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite/nitrate (NOx), the endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS and iNOS) immunostaining and the vascular reactivity of aorta were compared among diabetic (D), treated diabetic (TD) and control (C) rats. RESULTS: MDA levels increased in D and TD. NOx levels did not differ among groups. Endothelial eNOS immunostaining reduced and adventitial iNOS increased in D and TD. The responsiveness of rings to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, and phenylephrine did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: NAC had no effect on the evaluated parameters and this experimental model did not promote vascular dysfunction despite the development of oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is not associated with vascular dysfunction in a model of alloxan-induced diabetic rats / Estresse oxidativo não está associado à disfunção vascular em um modelo de diabetes induzida por aloxana em ratos

OBJECTIVES: To verify if an experimental model of alloxan-diabetic rats promotes oxidative stress, reduces nitric oxide bioavailability and causes vascular dysfunction, and to evaluate the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on these parameters. METHODS: Alloxan-diabetic rats were treated or not with NAC for four weeks. Plasmatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitrite/nitrate (NOx), the endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS and iNOS) immunostaining and the vascular reactivity of aorta were compared among diabetic (D), treated diabetic (TD) and control (C) rats. RESULTS: MDA levels increased in D and TD. NOx levels did not differ among groups. Endothelial eNOS immunostaining reduced and adventitial iNOS increased in D and TD. The responsiveness of rings to acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, and phenylephrine did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: NAC had no effect on the evaluated parameters and this experimental model did not promote vascular dysfunction despite the development of oxidative stress.

OBJETIVOS: Verificar se um modelo experimental de diabetes por aloxana promove estresse oxidativo, reduz a disponibilidade de óxido nítrico e causa disfunção vascular, e avaliar o efeito da N-acetilcisteína (NAC) nesses parâmetros. MÉTODOS: Ratos diabéticos por aloxana foram tratados com NAC por quatro semanas. Níveis plasmáticos de malondialdeído (MDA) e nitrito/nitrato (NOx), imunomarcação para óxido nítrico sintase endotelial e induzida (eNOS e iNOS) e reatividade vascular da aorta foram comparados entre ratos diabéticos (D), diabéticos tratados (TD) e controles (C). RESULTADOS: O MDA aumentou nos grupos D e TD. O NOx não diferiu entre os grupos. A marcação da eNOS no endotélio reduziu e a da iNOS na adventícia aumentou nos grupos D e TD. A responsividade dos anéis vasculares à acetilcolina, nitroprussiato de sódio e fenilefrina não diferiu entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: A NAC não teve efeito sobre os parâmetros avaliados. Esse modelo experimental não promoveu disfunção vascular apesar do desenvolvimento de estresse oxidativo.