Orexin A regulates cardiovascular responses in stress-induced hypertensive rats

Spontaneously hypertensive rats have more orexin neurons in the hypothalamus and enhanced orexinergic input and orexin 2 receptor-associated nitric oxide signalling in the rostral ventrolateral medulla

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Our previous study demonstrates that elevated orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) activity within the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) contributes to hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and a lower OX2R protein level was detected in their RVLM. The present study aims to explore the mechanisms underlying elevated orexinergic activity in the RVLM of SHRs, compared with their normotensive counterparts, Wistar-Kyoto rats. What is the main finding and its importance? Increased orexinergic input into the RVLM and enhanced OX2R responsiveness in the RVLM, which was mainly mediated by augmented OX2R-neuronal nitric oxide synthase signalling, may underlie the elevated OX2R activity within the RVLM of SHRs. Our previous study showed that elevated orexin 2 receptor (OX2R) activity within the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) contributes to hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Herein, we investigated the mechanism(s) underlying the elevated OX2R activity. The following results were found. (i) More hypothalamic orexin A-immunoreactive (OXA-IR) cells existed in SHRs than in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats at either 4 (2217 ± 43 versus 1809 ± 69) or 16 weeks of age (1829 ± 59 versus 1230 ± 84). The number of OXA-IR cells that project to the RVLM was higher in 16-week-old SHRs than in WKY rats (91 ± 11 versus 52 ± 11). (ii) Higher numbers of OXA-IR and RVLM-projecting OXA-IR cells were found in the dorsomedial and perifornical hypothalamus of 16-week-old SHRs. (iii) Spontaneously hypertensive rats had higher levels of orexin A and B in the hypothalamus and higher levels of orexin A in the RVLM than did WKY rats. (iv) Unilateral intra-RVLM application of OX2R agonist, orexin A or [Ala(11), d-Leu(15)]-orexin B (50 pmol) induced a larger pressor response in SHRs than in WKY rats. (v) Intra-RVLM pretreatment with a neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, 7-nitro-indazole (2.5 pmol), or a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, methylene blue (250 pmol), reduced the intra-RVLM [Ala(11), d-Leu(15) ]-orexin B-induced pressor response in both WKY rats and SHRs. In contrast, an inducible NOS inhibitor, aminoguanidine (100 pmol), was ineffective. (vi) Neuronal NOS was co-expressed with OX2R in RVLM neurons. In conclusion, increased orexinergic input and enhanced OX2R-neuronal NOS signalling may underlie elevated OX2R activity in the RVLM and contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension in SHRs.

A Study on Effect of Electroacupuncture on Gene Expression in Hypothalamus of Rats with Stress-Induced Prehypertension Based on Gene Chip Technology

Objective. To explore the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on gene expression in the hypothalamus of rats with stress-induced prehypertension and try to reveal its biological mechanism with gene chip technology. Methods. The stress-induced hypertensive rat model was prepared by combining electric foot-shocks with generated noise. Molding cycle lasted for 14 days and EA intervention was applied on model + EA group during model preparation. Rat Gene 2.0 Array technology was used for the determination of gene expression profiles and the screened key genes were verified by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR method. Results. Compared with the blank group, 234 genes were upregulated and 73 were downregulated in the model group. Compared with the model group, 110 genes were upregulated and 273 genes were downregulated in model + EA group. The PCR results of the key genes including HSPB1, P2RX4, PPP1R14A, and TH are consistent with that of gene chip test. Conclusion. EA could significantly lower blood pressure of stress-induced prehypertension rats and affect its gene expression profile in hypothalamus. Genes and their signal transduction pathway that related to the contraction of vascular smooth muscle, concentration of Ca(2+), and excitability of sympathetic nerve may be involved in EA's antihypertensive mechanism.

A pivotal role for enhanced brainstem Orexin receptor 1 signaling in the central cannabinoid receptor 1-mediated pressor response in conscious rats

Orexin receptor 1 (OX1R) signaling is implicated in cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) modulation of feeding. Further, our studies established the dependence of the central CB1R-mediated pressor response on neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in the RVLM. Here, we tested the novel hypothesis that brainstem orexin-A/OX1R signaling plays a pivotal role in the central CB1R-mediated pressor response. Our multiple labeling immunofluorescence findings revealed co-localization of CB1R, OX1R and the peptide orexin-A within the C1 area of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Activation of central CB1R following intracisternal (i.c.) WIN55,212-2 (15μg/rat) in conscious rats caused significant increases in BP and orexin-A level in RVLM neuronal tissue. Additional studies established a causal role for orexin-A in the central CB1R-mediated pressor response because (i) selective blockade of central CB1R (AM251, 30μg/rat; i.c.) abrogated WIN55,212-2-evoked increases in RVLM orexin-A level, (ii) the selective OX1R antagonist SB-408124 (10nmol/rat; i.c.) attenuated orexin-A (3nmol/rat; i.c.) or WIN55,212-2 (15μg/rat; i.c.)-evoked pressor response while selective CB1R blockade (AM251) had no effect on orexin-A (3nmol/rat; i.c.)-evoked pressor response, (iii) direct CB1R activation in the RVLM (WIN55,212-2; 0.1μg/rat) increased RVLM orexin-A and BP. Finally, SB-408124 attenuated WIN55,212-2-evoked increases in RVLM nNOS and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and BP. Our findings suggest that orexin-A/OX1R dependent activation of the RVLM nNOS/ERK1/2 cascade is essential neurochemical mechanism for the central CB1R-mediated pressor response in conscious rats.

Spontaneously hypertensive rats have more orexin neurons in their medial hypothalamus than normotensive rats

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Blockade of orexin receptors reduces blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) but not in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, suggesting that upregulation of orexin signalling underlies the hypertensive phenotype of the SHR. However, it is not known what causes this upregulation. What is the main finding and its importance? Using orexin immunolabelling, we show that SHRs have 20% more orexin neurons than normotensive WKY and Wistar rats in the medial hypothalamus, which is a good match to their blood pressure phenotype. In contrast, there is no such match for the orexin neurons of the lateral hypothalamus. Essential hypertension may be linked to an increase in orexin neurons in the medial hypothalamus. The neuropeptide orexin contributes to the regulation of blood pressure as part of its role in the control of arousal during wakefulness and motivated behaviour (including responses to psychological stress). Recent work shows that pharmacological blockade of orexin receptors reduces blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) but not in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. It is not clear why orexin signalling is upregulated in the SHR, but one possibility is that these animals have more orexin neurons than their normotensive WKY and Wistar relatives. To test this possibility, SHRs, WKY and Wistar male rats (6-16 weeks old) were killed, perfused and their brains sectioned and immunolabelled for orexin A. Labelled neurons were plotted and counted in the six best labelled hemisections (120 μm apart) of each brain. There were significantly more orexin neurons (+20%) in the medial hypothalamus (medial to fornix) of SHRs compared with WKY and Wistar rats (126 ± 4 versus 106 ± 5 and 104 ± 5 per hemisection, respectively, P < 0.05), which matches well the blood pressure phenotypes. In contrast, counts in the lateral hypothalamus did not match the blood pressure phenotypes (69 ± 2 versus 50 ± 3 and 76 ± 4, respectively). The results support the idea that orexin signalling is upregulated in the SHR and suggest that this is due, at least in part, to a greater number of orexin neurons in the medial hypothalamus. These medial orexin neurons, which are also involved in hyperarousal and stress responses, may contribute to the development of essential hypertension.

Microglial P2X₇ receptor in the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei contributes to sympathoexcitatory responses in acute myocardial infarction rat

Several pieces of evidence indicate that the microglial P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) regulate cardiovascular activities. We explored the possible roles of microglial P2X7R in the PVN mediated sympathoexcitatory responses in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rat. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent coronary artery ligation to induce AMI. The rats received intraperitoneal administration of the P2X7R antagonist Brilliant Blue-G (BBG, 25 or 50 mg kg(-1), once a day for 5 days) prior to myocardial ischemia. Other rats received bilateral microinjection of P2X7R-siRNA (0.015 or 0.03 nmol 0.1μl per side, once a day for 2 days) targeting P2X7R mRNA into the PVN prior to myocardial ischemia. First, we examined the ATP levels and protein expression P2X7R in the PVN in different ischemia time groups, and we found that the change of P2X7R was positive correlated with the ATP levels in a time-dependent manner. The double-immunofluorescence evidence showed that P2X7R was mainly co-localizated with the microglial marker Iba-1 in the PVN. Second, gene knockdown of P2X7R with P2X7-siRNA or inhibition of P2X7R with BBG reduce the mRNA and protein expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in the PVN of AMI rat. Third, microinjected P2X7-siRNA also suppressed the up-regulation of P2X7R, oxytocin and vasopressin in the PVN of AMI rats. Fourth, P2X7-siRNA and BBG also attenuated the renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in the AMI rats. Our results indicate that microglial P2X7R activation in PVN mediating the production of proinflammatory cytokines that activate oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic neuron, which augmented the RSNA in the AMI rat.

Electroacupuncture improves cerebral blood flow and attenuates moderate ischemic injury via Angiotensin II its receptors-mediated mechanism in rats

BACKGROUND

To investigate the effects and potential mechanism of electroacupuncture intervention on expressions of Angiotensin II and its receptors-mediated signaling pathway in experimentally induced cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

Totally 126 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, model group and EA group. The latter two were further divided into ten subgroups (n = 6) following Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion (MCAO). Changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and expressions of Angiotensin II and its receptors (AT1R, AT2R), as well as effector proteins in phosphatidyl inositol signal pathway were monitored before and at different times after MCAO.

RESULTS

MCAO-induced decline of ipsilateral rCBF was partially suppressed by electroacupuncture, and contralateral blood flow was also superior to that of model group. Angiotensin II level was remarkably elevated immediately after MCAO, while electroacupuncture group exhibited significantly lower levels at 1 to 3 h and the value was significantly increased thereafter. The enhanced expression of AT1R was partially inhibited by electroacupuncture, while increased AT2R level was further induced. Electroacupuncture stimulation attenuated and postponed the upregulated-expressions of Gq and CaM these upregulations. ELISA results showed sharply increased expressions of DAG and IP3, which were remarkably neutralized by electroacupuncture.

CONCLUSIONS

MCAO induced significant increases in expression of Angiotensin II and its receptor-mediated signal pathway. These enhanced expressions were significantly attenuated by electroacupuncture intervention, followed by reduced vasoconstriction and improved blood supply in ischemic region, and ultimately conferred beneficial effects on cerebral ischemia.

Sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2; SLC5A2) enhances cellular uptake of aminoglycosides

Aminoglycoside antibiotics, like gentamicin, continue to be clinically essential worldwide to treat life-threatening bacterial infections. Yet, the ototoxic and nephrotoxic side-effects of these drugs remain serious complications. A major site of gentamicin uptake and toxicity resides within kidney proximal tubules that also heavily express electrogenic sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2; SLC5A2) in vivo. We hypothesized that SGLT2 traffics gentamicin, and promotes cellular toxicity. We confirmed in vitro expression of SGLT2 in proximal tubule-derived KPT2 cells, and absence in distal tubule-derived KDT3 cells. D-glucose competitively decreased the uptake of 2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG), a fluorescent analog of glucose, and fluorescently-tagged gentamicin (GTTR) by KPT2 cells. Phlorizin, an SGLT2 antagonist, strongly inhibited uptake of 2-NBDG and GTTR by KPT2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. GTTR uptake was elevated in KDT3 cells transfected with SGLT2 (compared to controls); and this enhanced uptake was attenuated by phlorizin. Knock-down of SGLT2 expression by siRNA reduced gentamicin-induced cytotoxicity. In vivo, SGLT2 was robustly expressed in kidney proximal tubule cells of heterozygous, but not null, mice. Phlorizin decreased GTTR uptake by kidney proximal tubule cells in Sglt2^+/− mice, but not in Sglt2^−/− mice. However, serum GTTR levels were elevated in Sglt2^−/− mice compared to Sglt2^+/− mice, and in phlorizin-treated Sglt2^+/− mice compared to vehicle-treated Sglt2^+/− mice. Loss of SGLT2 function by antagonism or by gene deletion did not affect gentamicin cochlear loading or auditory function. Phlorizin did not protect wild-type mice from kanamycin-induced ototoxicity. We conclude that SGLT2 can traffic gentamicin and contribute to gentamicin-induced cytotoxicity.

New insights into the role of soluble guanylate cyclase in blood pressure regulation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-dependent signaling mechanisms have a profound effect on the regulation of blood pressure (BP). In this review, we will discuss recent findings in the field that support the importance of sGC in the development of hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS

The importance of sGC in BP regulation was highlighted by studies using genetically modified animal models, chemical stimulators/activators and inhibitors of the NO/sGC signaling pathway, and genetic association studies in humans. Many studies further support the role of NO/sGC in vasodilation and vascular dysfunction, which is underscored by the early clinical success of synthetic sGC stimulators for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. Recent work has uncovered more details about the structural basis of sGC activation, enabling the development of more potent and efficient modulators of sGC activity. Finally, the mechanisms involved in the modulation of sGC by signaling gases other than NO, as well as the influence of redox signaling on sGC, have been the subject of several interesting studies.

SUMMARY

sGC is fast becoming an interesting therapeutic target for the treatment of vascular dysfunction and hypertension, with novel sGC stimulating/activating compounds as promising clinical treatment options.

Distribution of orexin-1 receptor-green fluorescent protein- (OX1-GFP) expressing neurons in the mouse brain stem and pons: Co-localization with tyrosine hydroxylase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase

We used a reporter mouse line in which green fluorescent protein (GFP) was inserted into the orexin-1 receptor (OX1) locus to systematically map the neuroanatomical distribution of the OX1 receptor in the mouse brainstem and pons. Here, we show that the OX1 receptor is expressed in a select subset of medullary and pontine nuclei. In the medulla, we observed OX1-GFP expression in the cuneate, gracile, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (10N), nucleus of the solitary tract and medullary raphe areas. In the pons, the greatest expression was found in the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). High to moderate expression was found in the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg), laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, A5 noradrenergic cell group (A5) and the periaqueductal gray. Double-labeling with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) revealed extensive co-localization in cell bodies and fibers of the 10N, A5 cell group and the PPTg. Double-staining with tyrosine hydroxylase revealed extensive co-expression in the LC, DRN and the lateral paragigantocellularis cell group in the ventral medulla. Our findings faithfully recapitulate the findings of OX1 mRNA expression previously reported. This is the first study to systematically map the neuroanatomical distribution of OX1 receptors within the mouse hindbrain and suggest that this OX1-GFP transgenic reporter mouse line might be a useful tool with which to study the neuroanatomy and physiology of OX1 receptor-expressing cells.

Differences in carbachol dose, pain condition, and sex following lateral hypothalamic stimulation

Lateral hypothalamic (LH) stimulation produces antinociception in female rats in acute, nociceptive pain. Whether this effect occurs in neuropathic pain or whether male-female sex differences exist is unknown. We examined the effect of LH stimulation in male and female rats using conditions of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Neuropathic groups received chronic constriction injury (CCI) to induce thermal hyperalgesia, a sign of neuropathic pain. Nociceptive rats were naive for CCI, but received the same thermal stimulus following LH stimulation. To demonstrate that CCI ligation produced thermal hyperalgesia, males and females received either ligation or sham surgery for control. Both males and females demonstrated significant thermal hyperalgesia following CCI ligation (p<0.05), but male sham surgery rats also showed a significant left-right difference not present in female sham rats. In the second experiment, rats randomly assigned to CCI or nociceptive groups were given one of three doses of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (125, 250, or 500 nmol) or normal saline for control, microinjected into the left LH. Paw withdrawal from a thermal stimulus (paw withdrawal latency; PWL) was measured every 5 min for 45 min. Linear mixed models analysis showed that males and females in both pain conditions demonstrated significant antinociception, with the 500-nmol dose producing the greatest effect across groups compared with controls for the left paw (p<0.05). Female CCI rats showed equivalent responses to the three doses, while male CCI rats showed more variability for dose. However, nociceptive females responded only to the 500-nmol dose, while nociceptive males responded to all doses (p<0.05). For right PWL, only nociceptive males showed a significant carbachol dose response. These findings are suggestive that LH stimulation produces antinociception in male and female rats in both nociceptive and neuropathic pain, but dose response differences exist based on sex and pain condition.

Coreleased orexin and glutamate evoke nonredundant spike outputs and computations in histamine neurons

Stable wakefulness requires orexin/hypocretin neurons (OHNs) and OHR2 receptors. OHNs sense diverse environmental cues and control arousal accordingly. For unknown reasons, OHNs contain multiple excitatory transmitters, including OH peptides and glutamate. To analyze their cotransmission within computational frameworks for control, we optogenetically stimulated OHNs and examined resulting outputs (spike patterns) in a downstream arousal regulator, the histamine neurons (HANs). OHR2s were essential for sustained HAN outputs. OHR2-dependent HAN output increased linearly during constant OHN input, suggesting that the OHN→HAN^OHR2 module may function as an integral controller. OHN stimulation evoked OHR2-dependent slow postsynaptic currents, similar to midnanomolar OH concentrations. Conversely, glutamate-dependent output transiently communicated OHN input onset, peaking rapidly then decaying alongside OHN→HAN glutamate currents. Blocking glutamate-driven spiking did not affect OH-driven spiking and vice versa, suggesting isolation (low cross-modulation) of outputs. Therefore, in arousal regulators, cotransmitters may translate distinct features of OHN activity into parallel, nonredundant control signals for downstream effectors.

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Natural orexin release generates unique signatures of brain activity

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Unlike classical transmitter glutamate, orexin release produces enduring communication

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Orexin transmission requires a distinct neural firing code

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Orexin transmission is necessary for brain histamine neurons to integrate inputs

Orexin, cardio-respiratory function, and hypertension

In this review we focus on the role of orexin in cardio-respiratory functions and its potential link to hypertension. (1) Orexin, cardiovascular function, and hypertension. In normal rats, central administration of orexin can induce significant increases in arterial blood pressure (ABP) and sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), which can be blocked by orexin receptor antagonists. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), antagonizing orexin receptors can significantly lower blood pressure under anesthetized or conscious conditions. (2) Orexin, respiratory function, and central chemoreception. The prepro-orexin knockout mouse has a significantly attenuated ventilatory CO2 chemoreflex, and in normal rats, central application of orexin stimulates breathing while blocking orexin receptors decreases the ventilatory CO2 chemoreflex. Interestingly, SHRs have a significantly increased ventilatory CO2 chemoreflex relative to normotensive WKY rats and blocking both orexin receptors can normalize this exaggerated response. (3) Orexin, central chemoreception, and hypertension. SHRs have higher ABP and SNA along with an enhanced ventilatory CO2 chemoreflex. Treating SHRs by blocking both orexin receptors with oral administration of an antagonist, almorexant (Almxt), can normalize the CO2 chemoreflex and significantly lower ABP and SNA. We interpret these results to suggest that the orexin system participates in the pathogenesis and maintenance of high blood pressure in SHRs, and the central chemoreflex may be a causal link to the increased SNA and ABP in SHRs. Modulation of the orexin system could be a potential target in treating some forms of hypertension.

Orexin, cardio-respiratory function, and hypertension

In this review we focus on the role of orexin in cardio-respiratory functions and its potential link to hypertension. (1) Orexin, cardiovascular function, and hypertension. In normal rats, central administration of orexin can induce significant increases in arterial blood pressure (ABP) and sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), which can be blocked by orexin receptor antagonists. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), antagonizing orexin receptors can significantly lower blood pressure under anesthetized or conscious conditions. (2) Orexin, respiratory function, and central chemoreception. The prepro-orexin knockout mouse has a significantly attenuated ventilatory CO₂ chemoreflex, and in normal rats, central application of orexin stimulates breathing while blocking orexin receptors decreases the ventilatory CO₂ chemoreflex. Interestingly, SHRs have a significantly increased ventilatory CO₂ chemoreflex relative to normotensive WKY rats and blocking both orexin receptors can normalize this exaggerated response. (3) Orexin, central chemoreception, and hypertension. SHRs have higher ABP and SNA along with an enhanced ventilatory CO₂ chemoreflex. Treating SHRs by blocking both orexin receptors with oral administration of an antagonist, almorexant (Almxt), can normalize the CO₂ chemoreflex and significantly lower ABP and SNA. We interpret these results to suggest that the orexin system participates in the pathogenesis and maintenance of high blood pressure in SHRs, and the central chemoreflex may be a causal link to the increased SNA and ABP in SHRs. Modulation of the orexin system could be a potential target in treating some forms of hypertension.

Orexin, orexin receptor antagonists and central cardiovascular control

Orexin makes an important contribution to the regulation of cardiovascular function. When injected centrally under anesthesia, orexin increases blood pressure, heart rate and sympathetic nerve activity. This is consistent with the location of orexin neurons in the hypothalamus and the distribution of orexin terminals in the central autonomic network. Thus, the two orexin receptors, Ox1R and Ox2R, which have partly overlapping distributions in the brain, are expressed in the sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPN) of the thoracic cord as well as in regions such as the pressor area of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). Both Ox1R and Ox2R appear to contribute to the cardiovascular effects of orexin, although Ox1R is probably more important. Blockade of orexin receptors reduces the cardiovascular response to certain stressors, especially psychogenic stressors such as novelty, aggressive conspecifics and induced panic. Blockade of orexin receptors also reduces basal blood pressure and heart rate in spontaneous hypertensive rats, a model of essential hypertension. Thus, there is a link between psychogenic stress, orexin and elevated blood pressure. The use of dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs) and selective orexin receptor antagonists (SORAs) may be beneficial in the treatment of certain forms of hypertension.

The effects of angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of rats on stress-induced hypertension

We have shown that angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] increased arterial blood pressure (BP) via glutamate release when microinjected into the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in normotensive rats (control). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Ang II and Ang-(1–7) in the RVLM are differentially activated in stress-induced hypertension (SIH) by comparing the effects of microinjection of Ang II, Ang-(1–7), and their receptor antagonists on BP and amino acid release in SIH and control rats. We found that Ang II had greater pressor effect, and more excitatory (glutamate) and less inhibitory (taurine and γ-aminobutyric acid) amino acid release in SIH than in control animals. Losartan, a selective AT₁ receptor (AT₁R) antagonist, decreased mean BP in SIH but not in control rats. PD123319, a selective AT₂ receptor (AT₂R) antagonist, increased mean BP in control but not in SIH rats. However, Ang-(1–7) and its selective Mas receptor antagonist Ang779 evoked similar effects on BP and amino acid release in both SIH and control rats. Furthermore, we found that in the RVLM, AT₁R, ACE protein expression (western blot) and ACE mRNA (real-time PCR) were significantly higher, whereas AT₂R protein, ACE2 mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in SIH than in control rats. Mas receptor expression was similar in the two groups. The results support our hypothesis and demonstrate that upregulation of Ang II by AT₁R, not Ang-(1–7), system in the RVLM causes hypertension in SIH rats by increasing excitatory and suppressing inhibitory amino acid release.

The effect of orexin-A on cardiac dysfunction mediated by NADPH oxidase-derived superoxide anion in ventrolateral medulla

Hypocretin/orexin-producing neurons, located in the perifornical region of the lateral hypothalamus area (LHA) and projecting to the brain sites of rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), involve in the increase of sympathetic activity, thereby regulating cardiovascular function. The current study was designed to test the hypothesis that the central orexin-A (OXA) could be involved in the cardiovascular dysfunction of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by releasing NAD(P)H oxidase-derived superoxide anion (O2 (-)) generation in RVLM, AMI rat model established by ligating the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery to induce manifestation of cardiac dysfunction, monitored by the indicators as heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and left intraventricular pressure. The results showed that the expressions of OXA in LHA and orexin 1 receptor (OX1R) increased in RVLM of AMI rats. The double immunofluorescent staining indicated that OX1R positive cells and NAD(P)H oxidative subunit gp91phox or p47phox-immunoreactive (IR) cells were co-localized in RVLM. Microinjection of OXA into the cerebral ventricle significantly increased O2 (-) production and mRNA expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunits when compared with aCSF-treated ones. Exogenous OXA administration in RVLM produced pressor and tachycardiac effects. Furthermore, the antagonist of OX1R and OX2R (SB-408124 and TCS OX2 29, respectively) or apocynin (APO), an inhibitor of NAD(P)H oxidase, partly abolished those cardiovascular responses of OXA. HRV power spectral analysis showed that exogenous OXA led to decreased HF component of HRV and increased LF/HF ratio in comparison with aCSF, which suggested that OXA might be related to sympathovagal imbalance. As indicated by the results, OXA might participate in the central regulation of cardiovascular activities by disturbing the sympathovagal balance in AMI, which could be explained by the possibility that OXR and NAD(P)H-derived O2 (-) in RVLM mediates OXA-induced cardiovascular responses.