Smooth muscle contractility and protein tyrosine phosphorylation

During the last 5 years several studies have documented an involvement of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) in smooth muscle contraction and Ca2+ mobilization. Most of these studies have utilized highly selective inhibitors of PTKs, genistein and tyrphostin and have shown that these inhibitors attenuated smooth muscle contraction induced by growth factors-epidermal growth factor (EGF) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and several vasoactive peptides. It has also been demonstrated that inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) such as vanadate and pervanadate mimic growth factors and vasoactive peptides in causing the contraction of smooth muscle. In this brief review, we have summarized some of the recent observations suggesting a possible link between protein tyrosine phosphorylation pathway and smooth muscle contraction.

Increased reactivity of rat uterine arcuate artery throughout gestation and postpartum

Significant modifications of the uterine circulation are observed during pregnancy, with uterine circulation accounting for up to 11% of cardiac output at the end of pregnancy. We studied the reactivity of the uterine microcirculation to determine the time course of uterine mechanical and pharmacological alterations during pregnancy and postpartum. Arcuate artery segments, obtained from virgin, pregnant (7, 14, and 22-23 days), and postpartum (5 days) rats, were set up in wire myographs for microvessels under a passive tension equivalent to a transmural pressure of 50 mmHg (L50). Cumulative concentration-response curves to angiotensin II (ANG II), phenylephrine (PE), and potassium chloride (KCl) were measured. Diameter of the arcuate artery at L50 increased progressively until term from 108 +/- 4 microns in virgins to 188 +/- 9 microns at day 22 of pregnancy. This increase in diameter was partially reversed at day 5 postpartum (151 +/- 9 microns). Surprisingly, the passive length-tension relationship on arcuate arteries showed greater stiffness from day 14 of pregnancy through day 5 postpartum. The maximum response of the arteries to ANG II was markedly increased during pregnancy (from 0.78 +/- 0.02 to 1.43 +/- 0.09 mN/mm at day 22) and was already evident at day 14 (1.20 +/- 0.07 mN/mm) but was reversed in postpartum rats (0.81 +/- 0.04 mN/mm, nonsignificant). Similar results were obtained for maximum responses to PE and KCl, but the reversal at day 5 postpartum was only partial. Sensitivity (measured as the negative log of the concentration of stimulant required to produce 50% of the maximum response) of the uterine arcuate artery to the three vasopressors increased during the postpartum period and also at day 21 of pregnancy with PE and day 14 with KCl. The present results show that the uterine arcuate artery doubles in diameter during pregnancy. This increase in diameter is accompanied by increased stiffness of the vessel and heightened responsiveness to ANG II, PE, and KCl. These data demonstrate that pregnancy induces changes in reactivity of the rat uterine arcuate artery that appear to be linked to modifications in the mechanical properties of the vessel, at least for ANG II and PE.

Effects of dihydropyridines on aldosterone secretion in adrenal capsule preparations from pregnant rats

The primary aim of this study was to determine when sensitivity in the aldosterone response to extracellular potassium (K+) decreases during pregnancy. Second, it tested the hypothesis that calcium channel alterations occur in the adrenal cortex during pregnancy. The decreased sensitivity to K+, observed at 22 days of gestation, was not evident at 15 days and between 18 and 36 h postpartum. Increases in extracellular calcium concentration heightened sensitivity to K+ in adrenal capsule preparations derived from nonpregnant rats but had no effect in pregnant animals. The influence of nifedipine and BAY K 8644 (blocker and activator, respectively, of voltage-operated calcium channels) on the aldosterone response to K+ and to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was studied. Sensitivity to K+ in nonpregnant rats decreased in the presence of nifedipine and became similar to that in pregnant rats. Responses to ACTH were not affected by nifedipine. BAY K 8644 produced a larger increase in sensitivity in adrenal capsule preparations from pregnant than from nonpregnant rats, leading to superposition of the two dose-response curves to K+. These results indicate that voltage-operated calcium channels involved in aldosterone secretion are functionally impaired during pregnancy.

Increase of aldosterone secretion in adrenal cortex suspensions derived from pregnant rats

Plasma aldosterone levels increase markedly during pregnancy, but not in proportion to the rise in plasma renin activity (PRA). We have developed a reliable in vitro method to investigate aldosterone secretion during pregnancy. With this method, we have assessed the potency and effectiveness of ACTH and potassium to stimulate this secretion during pregnancy. Adrenal capsules from pregnant and nonpregnant rats were incubated in 1 ml of culture medium within wells of tissues culture plates. The cortex was transferred every 20 min to another well containing fresh medium with or without ACTH or potassium. Basal and stimulated aldosterone secretions were not significantly affected by time under our experimental conditions. The glands remained responsive to stimulants throughout the study period (360 min). Plasma aldosterone levels and PRA were increased during pregnancy. Basal aldosterone secretion in adrenal cortex suspensions from pregnant rats showed a 1.6-fold increment (P < 0.001) in comparison with nonpregnant controls. The dose-response curves of ACTH were not significantly different between pregnant and nonpregnant animals. However, sensitivity to potassium was significantly reduced during pregnancy, as demonstrated by an elevated ED50 (4.01 +/- 0.08 vs 4.71 +/- 0.07 mM for nonpregnant versus pregnant rats respectively, P < 0.001). These data indicate that adrenal cortex suspensions are a reliable and reproducible way to study aldosterone secretion during pregnancy. They reveal that, during pregnancy, sensitivity of potassium to stimulate aldosterone secretion is decreased while the response to ACTH is not affected.

Characteristics of ANP-binding sites in the adrenal capsules of term-pregnant rats

Significant increases of circulatory volume and plasma aldosterone levels are observed in pregnancy. We investigated whether a decrease of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors in the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) could explain the marked elevation of plasma aldosterone occurring during pregnancy. 125I-ANP binding was measured in competition experiments using rANP(1-28), ANP(4-23), a truncated analog which has high specificity for the ANP-C receptor, or a combination of both. Western blot experiments were also performed with an investigation into the effect of ANP on aldosterone secretion in adrenal capsule suspensions. 125I-ANP binding on adrenal ZG membranes was displaced by ANP(1-28) with an affinity (Kd) of 313 +/- 39 and 323 +/- 60 pM (NS) for pregnant and non-pregnant rats, respectively. The density of sites (Bmax) decreased slightly but not significantly during pregnancy. Displacement experiments with ANP(4-23) demonstrated a Bmax of 137 and 134 fmol/mg of proteins (NS) for pregnant and non pregnant rats, respectively. Studies were performed to block the ANP-C site. Displacing the remaining 125I-ANP binding with ANP(1-28) led to an affinity constant and receptor density which were not significantly different between the two groups of rats. The results obtained with Western blots showed a single band of 123 kDa with no significant variations in ANP-R1 receptors in the ZG during gestation. The sensitivity of potassium-, ACTH- or angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone secretion to ANP was not altered by gestation. These data show that the apparent hyperaldosteronism found in normal term-pregnant rats is not the consequence of modifications in the affinity, number and properties of ANP receptor types or in the sensitivity of the aldosterone response to ANP.

Nitric oxide in retinal and choroidal blood flow autoregulation in newborn pigs: interactions with prostaglandins

The role of nitric oxide (NO) as well as its interaction with prostaglandins (PG) in setting the limits of autoregulation of retinal blood flow (RBF) and choroidal blood flow (ChBF) were studied in newborn pigs (1-5 d old). Blood flows were measured by the microsphere technique. Low and high ocular perfusion pressures (OPP) were induced by inflating balloon-tipped catheters placed at the aortic root and isthmus, respectively. Animals were treated with the NO synthase inhibitors, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 1 mg/kg followed by 50 mu g/kg/min; n = 12) or NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA, same dose as L-NAME; n = 3), or with saline (n = 12). In separate animals (n = 42), guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), the second messenger for NO, and PG were measured at an average OPP of 90 mm Hg and 125 +/- 6 mm Hg; cGMP levels served as an index of NO release. The effect of the NO donor sodium nitroprusside on choroidal vessel diameter was determined using video imaging of isolated eyecup preparations. In control animals RBF was constant only within a range of 30 to 80 mm Hg OPP (r = 0.03, p > 0.9). There was no autoregulation of ChBF which increased as a function of OPP (tau = 0.58-0.72, p < 0.01). L-NAME and L-NMMA prevented a change in RBF and ChBF from 30 to 146 mm Hg [the highest OPP studied (r < 0.3, p > 0.15)] and caused an increase in retinal as well as choroidal vascular resistance as OPP was raised; these agents did not affect ocular blood flow at OPP < 30 mm Hg. Elevated OPP caused increases in cGMP, 6-keto-PGF1alpha, and PGE2 in the choroid (a vascular tissue), which were prevented by L-NAME and L-NMMA. Sodium nitroprusside caused a dilatation of choroidal vessels in isolated eyecup preparations, which was significantly attenuated by indomethacin. Data suggest a role for NO in the autoregulation of RBF and ChBF in the newborn such that a release of NO during a rise in OPP prevents adequate constriction necessary for maintaining RBF and ChBF constant; data also suggest that the vasodilator effect of NO might in part be mediated through a release of PG.

Contractile effects of vanadate on aorta rings from virgin and pregnant rats

The present study was undertaken to characterize the contractile effects of vanadate on thoracic aorta rings from virgin and term-pregnant rats. Vanadate caused concentration-dependent contraction in rat aortic rings with an EC50 (concentration producing 50% maximum response) of 0.10 mM. Contractions in response to vanadate were equivalent to the ones measured with 1 microM phenylephrine. The effects of vanadate were not affected by indomethacin (up to 10 microM), an inhibitor of prostanoid cyclooxygenase, but were blocked in a concentration-dependent manner by staurosporine (0.1-1.0 microM), an inhibitor of protein kinase C. Vanadate exhibited a significant decrease of contractile responses in aorta of pregnant as compared to virgin rats. When aortic rings were bathed in presence of different concentrations of vanadate, the concentration-response curve to phenylephrine was shifted to the left, but maximum response was not affected. The potentiation of the contractions to phenylephrine by vanadate was significantly more prominent in aorta of virgin than of pregnant rats. These results suggest that the contractile effect of vanadate on rat aorta is independent of endogenous prostanoids and may be mediated by protein kinase C-dependent pathway. These results also show that the contractile response to vanadate on the rat aorta is impaired during pregnancy.

Angiotensin II receptor subtypes in the adrenals of pregnant rats

During human and rat pregnancy, several hemodynamic and endocrine processes are markedly modified. These include activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and increase of plasma aldosterone. However, the rise of plasma aldosterone is greater than expected from the elevation of RAS activity. Gestational alterations in angiotensin II receptors (AT receptor) in the adrenal could explain this apparent hyperaldosteronism. This study was conducted to determine differences between AT receptor subtypes in the adrenal glands of non-pregnant and pregnant (22 days) rats. Using plasma membrane preparations from adrenal glomerulosa and medulla, we determined receptor density and affinity with 125I-angiotensin II (ANG II); the AT receptor subtypes were assessed by displacement of 125I-ANG II binding with subtype-specific antagonists (DuP753 and PD123319). In zona glomerulosa of non-pregnant and pregnant rats, AT1 receptors predominated (approximately 80%) with no statistical difference in receptor density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) and the ratio of receptor subtypes between the two groups of rats. In adrenal medulla of both groups of rats, the major portion of 125I-ANG II binding (60-70%) was displaced by the AT2 receptor antagonist, PD123319. Neither Bmax nor Kd differed in this tissue during gestation. The results for AT1 receptor density were confirmed by Western blot. Northern blot analysis showed that AT1 mRNA level in the adrenal is not modified by gestation. These results indicate that the number, the affinity and the transcription of the AT1 receptor in the adrenal are not altered during pregnancy, indicating that the rise in aldosterone secretion during pregnancy could not be explained by increase of AT1 receptors in the zona glomerulosa, or modification of AT1/AT2 ratio.

Effects of nifedipine and Bay K 8644 on myotropic responses in aortic rings of pregnant rats

The hypothesis that Ca2+ channel function is altered during pregnancy was tested by comparing responses to potassium chloride (KCl) and phenylephrine in aortic rings of virgin and term-pregnant rats under the influence of nifedipine and Bay K 8644. Maximum response to KCl was progressively reduced by increasing nifedipine concentrations (1.0-100 nM) in both groups of tissues. Nifedipine produced a smaller inhibition of KCl-induced contraction in aortic rings of pregnant than of virgin rats. It exerted little inhibition on the concentration-response curve to phenylephrine. The Ca2+ channel antagonist (100 nM) reduced the maximum response to the alpha-adrenoceptor agonist in rings from virgin rats, but had no effect in pregnant rats. Bay K 8644, a Ca2+ channel activator, potentiated the responses to low concentrations of both phenylephrine and KCl in the tissues of both virgin and pregnant rats, but did not affect maximum responses. It also induced concentration-dependent contractions in rings of virgin but not of pregnant rats. The effects of Bay K 8644 were markedly potentiated by precontracting the aorta with 10mM KCl. Nevertheless tissues from pregnant rats were still less responsive to Bay K 8644. However, when the strips were precontracted to the same level by different concentrations of KCl, the concentration-response curves to Bay K 8644 were identical in both groups. [3H]Nitrendipine binding to membrane preparations of the thoracic aorta was similar in virgin and pregnant rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Decreased response to vasopressin in the mesenteric resistance arteries of pregnant rats: effects of nifedipine and Bay K 8644

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of potential-operated calcium (POC) channels in the mechanisms of the blunted effects of vasoconstrictors on mesenteric resistance arteries during normal pregnancy.

METHODS

Mesenteric resistance arteries of virgin and term pregnant rats were set up under optimum passive tension in wire myograph systems. Cumulative concentration-response curves of arginine8-vasopressin (AVP) were measured in the absence and presence of nifedipine or Bay K 8644, a blocker and an activator, respectively, of POC channels. Binding studies were performed on membrane preparations of the mesenteric vascular bed of both groups of rats using saturation with [3H]nitrendipine.

RESULTS

The maximal response to AVP was statistically similar in the two groups of arteries. Pregnancy shifted the AVP concentration-response curves to the right. Nifedipine (1 mumol/L) similarly reduced the maximum response to AVP in arteries of both groups, but produced a larger increase in EC50, the concentration inducing 50% maximum response, in resistance arteries of virgin versus pregnant rats. Bay K 8644 did not affect the maximum tension reached with AVP. However, it increased the effects of small concentrations of AVP in arteries of both groups. This was more important in tissues of virgin than pregnant rats. Binding of [3H]nitrendipine to membrane preparations of mesenteric vessels was not modified by pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a reduced functional influence of POC channels in the myotropic effects of AVP on mesenteric resistance arteries in pregnancy. This decreased influence of POC channels may contribute to resistance of the vasculature to vasopressor agents during pregnancy.

Umbilical and placental vessels: modifications of their mechanical properties in preeclampsia

OBJECTIVES

Our objective in this study was to assess the basic mechanical properties of umbilical and chorionic vessels of placentas delivered after both normal and preeclamptic pregnancies.

STUDY DESIGN

Placentas were selected when the parturient women were admitted to the delivery room. Normal pregnancy (n = 17) was characterized by delivery at term (38 to 40 weeks) after uncomplicated pregnancy without any medication. Preeclamptic pregnancy (n = 7) was characterized by delivery after 28 weeks of pregnancy (28 to 39 weeks) after sustained hypertension and proteinuria. Arteries and veins from the umbilical cord and chorionic plate were prepared in rings for in vitro study in tissue baths. Passive and active (on stimulation by potassium chloride or serotonin) mechanical properties of these vessels were studied.

RESULTS

In vessels from normal pregnancy, responsiveness, but not sensitivity, was increased with increasing passive tension on vessels until optimal tension was reached. The passive stretch-tension curve was shifted downward in umbilical veins and upward in umbilical arteries and chorionic veins obtained from preeclamptic mothers in comparison with normal parturient women. In the absence of passive tension, contractions in response to potassium chloride were produced in all umbilical veins and some chorionic veins from preeclampsia but not from normal pregnancy. Developed wall tension curves in chorionic vessels from preeclampsia were shifted upward. In umbilical veins and arteries and in chorionic veins, the optimal passive tension was lower in tissues from preeclampsia than in tissues from normal pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that both passive and active mechanical properties of umbilical vessels are modified after pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia.

Prostaglandin- or endothelium-mediated vasodilation is not involved in the blunted responses of blood vessels to vasoconstrictors in pregnant rats

Pregnancy is associated with decreases of blood pressure and vascular sensitivity to vasopressor agents. We have hypothesized that the increased liberation of endogenous vasodilator(s) by the vascular endothelium or other structures could mediate these blunted responses. Thoracic aorta rings of nonpregnant, 21 days pregnant, and first day post partum rats respond similarly to acetylcholine, an endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant. In contrast, the potency of the response to sodium nitroprusside, an endothelium-independent vasorelaxant, is unchanged in tissues of pregnant rats and increased (p less than 0.05) in those of post partum animals. In the presence of indomethacin (10 mumol/L) the three groups of tissues show a decreased potency. The effects of phenylephrine on aortic rings of both nonpregnant and pregnant rats are markedly increased in the presence of Ng-monomethyl-L-arginine. Indeed, the concentration producing 50% of the maximum response of phenylephrine decreases (p less than 0.001) from 50.7 to 8.02, from 93.8 to 37.6, and from 60.4 to 5.97 nmol/L with the use of Ng-monomethyl-L-arginine (0.1 mmol/L) in rings from nonpregnant, pregnant, and postpartum rats, respectively. Simultaneously, the maximum response to phenylephrine increases markedly in the three groups of tissues. In the presence of Ng-monomethyl-L-arginine, indomethacin does not influence the response to phenylephrine. Our results do not support the possible involvement of an endogenous vasodilator (prostaglandin-like or endothelium-derived) in the blunted responses to vasoconstrictors during pregnancy.

Effect of clentiazem on lipid profile, lipoprotein composition and aortic fatty streaks in cholesterol-fed rabbits

Numerous experimental studies have reported that common antihypertensive drugs such as diuretics, beta-blockers, and methyldopa have adverse effects on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The present study was designed to define the effect of clentiazem (10 mg/kg/day) an antihypertensive drug, on hyperlipidemia in rabbits on a cholesterol-rich diet (1%) for 12 weeks. Compared with controls, clentiazem treated rabbits had lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides (55%), total cholesterol (24%), free cholesterol (27%), esterified cholesterol (23%) and phospholipids (24%). The decrease in cholesterol was accounted for by a reduction of VLDL-cholesterol (13%), IDL-cholesterol (24%) and primarily LDL-cholesterol (45%). Neither HDL-cholesterol nor chemical composition of VLDL, IDL, LDL and HDL was altered. When the aortic atherosclerotic involvement was evaluated by computerized planimetry, a 24% reduction of lesions was noted in clentiazem treated animals (P less than 0.05). Similarly, cholesterol content extracted from aortic wall was decreased. Our data therefore demonstrated that clentiazem is a potential antiatherosclerotic agent capable of decreasing plasma lipids and atherogenic lipoproteins as well as aortic fatty streaks.

Receptors for Arg8-vasopressin, angiotensin II, and atrial natriuretic peptide in the mesenteric vasculature of pregnant rats

Blood pressure and sensitivity of blood vessels to vasoconstrictors are decreased in term-pregnant rats (20-21 days). To determine if changes in receptors for vasoactive peptides could account for these observations, receptor kinetics were measured for Arg8-vasopressin (AVP), angiotensin II (Ang II), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the mesenteric vascular bed of the rat throughout pregnancy. Receptors for AVP were statistically similar in the five groups of animals (nonpregnant; pregnant 9, 15, and 21 days; and postpartum). The dissociation constant (KD) for [3H]AVP varied from 0.41 to 0.52 nmol/L (NS), while receptor density (Bmax) varied from 310 +/- 110 to 455 +/- 135 fmol/mg protein for six experimental measurements. Similar observations were made for Ang II receptors where KD of 125I-labelled Sar1, Ile8-Ang II was between 0.60 and 0.97 nmol/L and Bmax between 215 +/- 30 and 250 +/- 40 fmol/mg protein in the different groups. 125I-labelled ANP (101-126) receptors were markedly modified in terms of number of sites. Bmax was significantly increased during pregnancy (9 days, 429 +/- 86; 15 days, 541 +/- 54; 20 days, 438 +/- 72) and decreased in the postpartum period (133 +/- 21) by comparison with the nonpregnant group (245 +/- 35 fmol/mg protein), while KD was similar in the different experimental groups (57 to 82 pmol/L). Despite these increases in receptor density, the vasorelaxant effects of ANP was only increased at 9 days of pregnancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Role of the endothelium in adrenergic responses of mesenteric artery rings of pregnant rats

Responses to adrenergic agents were measured on rings of mesenteric, artery of nonpregnant and pregnant rats at 21 days' gestation. In tissues from pregnant rats, norepinephrine, and phenylephrine were less sensitive than in rings from nonpregnant animals; maximum responses were not affected. The effect of isoproterenol was not modified in tissues from pregnant rats. The presence of endothelium in tissue rings was evaluated as fractional relaxation to acetylcholine. Sensitivity to phenylephrine and norepinephrine was inversely related to the effect of acetylcholine. This relationship was similar in slope in both groups but different in intercept. The sensitivity to isoproterenol was directly related to the presence of endothelium (curves similar in both slope and intercept). This demonstrates that the responses of mesenteric artery rings depends on the presence of endothelium. Furthermore, vascular endothelium is not involved in the blunted responses to adrenergic vasoconstrictor during pregnancy.

Regulation of ANG II and AVP receptors in isolated hepatocytes of pregnant rats

Recent evidence suggests that angiotensin II (ANG II) and vasopressin (AVP) act on the liver via specific receptors. We have examined the binding properties of these receptors in isolated rat hepatocytes and studied the regulation of the biological responses to ANG II and AVP during pregnancy in the rat. In contrast to [3H]ANG II, 125I-labeled-[Sar1-Ile8]ANG II was markedly resistant to degradation by isolated liver cells. Displacement and saturation experiments with this iodinated antagonist revealed the presence of a single class of binding sites [2 x 10(5) sites/cell, dissociation constant (KD) = 1.0 nM]. The potency of ANG II analogues to displace 125I-[Sar1-Ile8]-ANG II agrees closely with data reported for vascular smooth muscle cells. Isolated hepatocytes have approximately 8 x 10(4) [3H]AVP binding sites/cell (KD = 1.0 nM) based on saturation experiments. AVP analogues selectively displaced [3H]AVP, suggesting the presence of V1-AVP receptor subtype. The maximum response of [Sar1]ANG II-induced glycogenolysis in the cells was decreased during gestation, whereas the effective concentration producing 50% of maximum response (EC50) was significantly increased (0.15-0.28 nM) when compared with cells from nonpregnant animals. In pregnancy, receptors for 125I-[Sar1-Ile8]ANG II were not changed in affinity (KD) or in density (Bmax). The maximum response and EC50 of AVP on liver glycogenolysis were not significantly decreased during pregnancy, whereas an increased number of AVP binding sites (from 5.0 +/- 0.5 x 10(4) to 11.0 +/- 1.7 x 10(4)) with similar KD was observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antihypertensive properties of linoleic acid and fish oil omega-3 fatty acids independent of the prostaglandin system

Polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-6 and the omega-3 series have been shown to lower arterial pressure in humans and in various models of experimental hypertension by uncharacterized mechanisms. The objectives of our study were to compare the antihypertensive properties of linoleic acid (omega-6 series) and of fish oil fatty acids (omega-3 series) in a model of hypertension induced by the continuous subcutaneous infusion of angiotensin II in the rat and to determine whether or not their antihypertensive effects were mediated by the biosynthesis of vasodilator prostaglandins of classes 2 or 3. Linoleic acid and fish oil fatty acids (administered by subcutaneous injections) were equally potent in reducing, by half, the rise in systolic arterial pressure induced by the chronic infusion of angiotensin II. These antihypertensive effects were observed in the absence of any significant influence of either linoleic acid or fish oil fatty acids on the systemic and the renal synthesis of PGI2 or on the renal formation of PGE2 in vivo. Indomethacin caused a profound inhibition of the biosynthesis of PGI2 but not of PGE2 and could only partially neutralize the antihypertensive effects of linoleic acid and of fish oil fatty acids. These results suggest that, in this model of angiotensin II-induced hypertension, linoleic acid and fish oil fatty acids exert equipotent antihypertensive effects which are mainly independent of the prostaglandin system.

Vasopressin receptors and inositol trisphosphate production in blood vessels of spontaneously hypertensive rats

To understand the regulation of vasopressin (AVP) receptors in spontaneous hypertension, we investigated the pressor response of AVP in the perfused mesenteric vasculature, AVP binding sites in the membrane preparation of the same vascular bed, and the production of inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) stimulated by AVP in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), and Wistar rats (WR) at different ages (4-16 weeks). Plasma AVP concentrations were similar in SHR, WKY, and WR at all ages. The density of AVP vascular binding sites was significantly higher in WKY than in SHR and WR at 12 weeks. Receptor affinity was similar in all strains. The pressor response of the mesenteric vasculature to AVP was similar in the three strains of rats at 4 weeks (prehypertensive stage) and increased progressively in SHR compared with WKY and WR at 8 and 12 weeks of age by 43 and 35%, respectively, and by more than 80% at 16 weeks of age (established hypertensive stage). There was no difference in vascular sensitivity to AVP. A significantly increased pressor response to a supramaximal dose of norepinephrine was also found at 16 weeks in SHR, but not in younger rats. InsP3 production in the aorta in response to AVP was increased in SHR at 8, 12, and 16 weeks, compared with WKY and WR. These results suggest that the vascular response to AVP is increased in SHR, in spite of decreased or normal density of binding sites compared with WKY or WR.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Blunted responses to vasoconstrictors in mesenteric vasculature but not in portal vein of spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with relaxin

Relaxin (RLX), an ovarian polypeptide hormone that is particularly associated with gestation in viviparous species, has recently been shown to decrease blood pressure in virgin spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) upon chronic infusion. In this investigation, vascular reactivity to angiotensin II, arginine-vasopressin, and norepinephrine was studied in the perfused mesenteric artery and isolated portal vein of control and RLX-treated virgin spontaneously hypertensive rats. The latter received an intravenous infusion of 75 ng/hr purified rat RLX for 2 days, whereas the controls were given an equal infusion of saline. All of the animals were then killed and their tissues processed for in vitro study. In the perfused mesenteric artery, the concentration-response curves for arginine-vasopressin and norepinephrine were shifted to the right by a factor of about 2 (P less than 0.05 and P less than 0.005, respectively) after RLX treatment. In the isolated portal vein, the response to angiotensin II was not affected; the effect of norepinephrine was slightly displaced to the right (increase in EC50) and the maximum response remained unchanged. These results demonstrate that RLX treatment for 42 hr blunted the vascular response to vasoconstrictor agents in the mesenteric vasculature and are consistent with similar observations reported previously in the same tissue of 20-day-old pregnant rats. It is concluded that RLX may be involved in the blunted response to vasoconstrictor agents during gestation in the rat.

Vascular vasopressin receptors in renal hypertensive rats

We investigated the plasma concentration of [Arg8]-vasopressin (AVP), the density of AVP-binding sites on membranes from the mesenteric vascular bed, and the pressor response to AVP of the perfused mesenteric vasculature in vitro from one-kidney, one-clip (1K, 1C) and two-kidney, one-clip (2K, 1C) Goldblatt hypertensive rats. The plasma concentration of AVP was increased in 1K, 1C hypertensive rats. The density of AVP-binding sites was similar in sham-operated normotensive, in 2K, 1C hypertensive, and in uninephrectomized rats but was significantly decreased in 1K, 1C hypertensive rats (P less than 0.05). The binding affinity of AVP was similar in all experimental groups. Vasoconstrictor response to AVP was increased in 2K, 1C hypertensive rats (27% higher than sham-operated normotensive rats, P less than 0.05). Responses in 1K, 1C hypertensive rats were similar to those of uninephrectomized rats. Our results indicate that together with an increased concentration of AVP in plasma the number of vascular AVP-binding sites is decreased in 1K, 1C hypertensive rats, whereas both are unaltered in 2K, 1C hypertensive rats. Vascular AVP receptors appear to be regulated inversely to plasma AVP concentrations. Pressor responsiveness to AVP is normal in 1K, 1C hypertensive rats and exaggerated in 2K, 1C hypertensive rats. Increased vascular responsiveness to AVP may occur independently of the regulation of AVP receptors and may contribute to elevation of blood pressure in renal hypertension in the rat.

Atrial natriuretic peptide interferes with calcium requirements in vascular tissues of the rat

The inhibitory effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on the myotropic action of phenylephrine on superior mesenteric artery and thoracic aorta rings was studied to test the hypothesis that this peptide interferes with the mobilization of intra- or extra-cellular calcium produced by vasoconstrictor agents. In the absence of calcium in the bathing solution, phenylephrine (10(-6) M) produced a residual effect, which was antagonized in a concentration-dependent manner by the atrial peptide in both mesenteric artery and aorta rings. When calcium (2.5 mM) was added to the bathing solution after the response to phenylephrine in the absence of calcium, a further increase in the tonus of the tissue was observed. This effect was also antagonized by atrial natriuretic peptide in a dose-dependent manner in the two tissues. These results suggest that atrial natriuretic peptide inhibits the effect of vasoconstrictor agents by functionally interfering with the mobilization of intra- and extra-cellular calcium produced by these vasoconstrictors.

Vasorelaxant effects of and receptors for atrial natriuretic peptides in the mesenteric artery and aorta of the rat

Vasorelaxant effects of different atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP) were measured on rat aortic strips and mesenteric artery rings. These results were compared with the potency of the same peptides to displace 125I-labelled ANP (101-126) on membrane preparations of aorta and of mesenteric vascular bed. In aortic strips and mesenteric artery rings precontracted with phenylephrine (3 X 10(-8) and 10(-6) M, respectively), the order of potency of ANP was as follows: ANP (99-126) greater than ANP (101-126) greater than ANP (103-126) = ANP (103-125) much greater than ANP (103-123). In the displacement binding assays, the order of potency of ANP peptides was similar to that of the relaxation experiments: ANP (99-126) = ANP (101-126) greater than ANP (103-126) = ANP (103-125) much greater than ANP (103-123). When the vessels were precontracted by a smaller concentration of phenylephrine (10(-7) M in mesenteric artery and 10(-8) M in aorta), the IC50 of ANP (101-126) was significantly lower than when the higher concentration of phenylephrine was used. These results show that ANP receptors in the mesenteric artery and in the aorta have similar structural requirements, according to the order of potency of different length ANP, both for binding and myotropic responses.

Platelet binding sites and plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide in patients with essential hypertension

The plasma concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the density and affinity of binding sites for ANP in platelets was investigated in patients with essential hypertension. Severe hypertensives were studied whilst still on medication. All subjects were ambulatory and were investigated after 3 days on a 135 mmol/day sodium intake. Plasma ANP levels were significantly increased from 13 +/- 1 fmol/ml in healthy normotensive controls to 39 +/- 5 fmol/ml (P less than 0.01) in moderate or severe hypertensives uncontrolled by treatment. Platelet binding sites varied in a non-linear inverse relationship to plasma concentration of ANP (r = -0.76), from 14 +/- 1 fmol per 10(9) platelets in healthy subjects to 8 +/- 1 fmol per 10(9) platelets in severe hypertensives, uncontrolled by treatment, (P less than 0.05). The latter group with elevated plasma ANP and reduced density of ANP platelet sites, had a high incidence of left ventricular hypertrophy and increased left ventricular mass index by echocardiography. When a diuretic was added or stopped, plasma ANP and ANP sites in platelets varied inversely, with lower ANP concentration in plasma and higher density of ANP receptors in platelets when receiving the diuretic. Plasma concentrations of ANP are increased and the density of ANP receptors is decreased in moderate to severe uncontrolled essential hypertensives with left ventricular hypertrophy, but neither parameter differs from those of healthy age-matched volunteers in mild essential hypertension.