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Jopek K, Tyczewska M, Szyszka M, Blatkiewicz M, Jopek M, Malendowicz LK, Ruciński M. Impact of Classic Adrenal Secretagogues on mRNA Levels of Urotensin II and Its Receptor in Adrenal Gland of Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13412. [PMID: 37686217 PMCID: PMC10488159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Urotensin 2 (Uts2) is a biologically active peptide involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. In both the human and rat adrenal gland, the expressions of the Uts2 gene and its receptor (Uts2r) have been described. This paper focuses on the description of the hormonal control of the mRNA levels of urotensin II and its receptor in the adrenal gland of the rat, both in vitro and in vivo. The initial in vitro experiments were carried out on freshly isolated rat adrenocortical cells and their primary culture. The obtained results indicated a stimulating PKA-independent effect of ACTH on the Uts2 mRNA level in the tested cells, with no changes in the Uts2r transcript. Subsequent in vivo experiments showed that ACTH-induced adrenal growth was accompanied by an elevated level of the Uts2 mRNA, with unchanged expression of Uts2r. In the other types of in vivo gland growth studied, enucleation-induced adrenal regeneration and compensatory growth of the gland, the mRNA levels of the studied genes showed no significant differences. The only exception was hemiadrenalectomy, which led to a significant increase in Uts2 mRNA expression level 24 h after surgery. In 12-week-old rats of both sexes, gonadectomy led to a significant increase in the level of Uts2 mRNA in the adrenal gland, an effect that was prevented by sex hormones' replacement. No changes in Uts2r transcript levels were observed under these conditions. Thus, this study suggests that the regulation of Uts2 and Uts2r mRNA levels differs significantly in the rat adrenal gland. While Uts2 transcript levels appear to be mainly dependent on ACTH action, Uts2r mRNA levels are not under the control of this hormone.
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Urotensin II Exerts Pressor Effects By Stimulating Renin And Aldosterone Synthase Gene Expression. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13876. [PMID: 29066763 PMCID: PMC5654760 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12613-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the in vivo pressor effects of the potent vasoconstrictor Urotensin II (UII). We randomized normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats into 4 groups that received a 7-day UII infusion (cases) or vehicle (controls). Group 1 received normal sodium intake; Group 2 underwent unilateral nephrectomy and salt loading; Group 3 received spironolactone, besides unilateral nephrectomy and salt loading; Group 4 only received spironolactone. UII raised BP transiently after a lag phase of 12-36 hours in Group 1, and progressively over the week in Group 2. Spironolactone did not affect blood pressure, but abolished both pressor effects of UII in Group 3, and left blood pressure unaffected in Group 4. UII increased by 7-fold the renal expression of renin in Group 2, increased aldosterone synthase expression in the adrenocortical zona glomerulosa, and prevented the blunting of renin expression induced by high salt. UII raises BP transiently when sodium intake and renal function are normal, but progressively in salt-loaded uninephrectomized rats. Moreover, it increases aldosterone synthase and counteracts the suppression of renin induced by salt loading. This novel action of UII in the regulation of renin and aldosterone synthesis could play a role in several clinical conditions where UII levels are up-regulated.
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Lim K, Sata Y, Jackson KL, Burke SL, Head GA. Acute Effect of Central Administration of Urotensin II on Baroreflex and Blood Pressure in Conscious Normotensive Rabbits. Front Physiol 2017; 8:110. [PMID: 28280470 PMCID: PMC5322237 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the effects of central administration of Urotensin II on blood pressure, heart rate, and baroreceptor heart rate reflexes in conscious normotensive rabbits. Preliminary operations were undertaken to implant a balloon cuff on the inferior vena cava for baroreflex assessments and to implant cannula into the lateral and fourth ventricle. After 2 weeks of recovery cumulative dose response curves to Urotensin II (10, 100 ng, 1, 10, and 100 μg) given into the ventricles, or Ringer's solution as a vehicle were performed on separate days. Injections were given each hour and baroreflex assessments were made 30 min after each administration. Analysis of the dose response curves to Urotensin II compared to vehicle administered into the lateral or fourth ventricle, indicated little change to blood pressure or heart rate. Analysis of the time course to the highest dose over a 30 min period revealed a small (−5 mmHg) depressor response maximal at 10 min when injected into the fourth ventricle but no effect when injected into the lateral ventricle. Baroreflex assessments made at each dose showed that there was no change in baroreflex sensitivity but that an increase in the upper plateau was observed when Urotensin was injected into the lateral ventricle and a tendency for a reduced lower heart rate plateau was observed after fourth ventricle administration. Clonidine administration in the fourth ventricle decreased blood pressure and heart rate, thus confirming catheter patency. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Urotensin II in the forebrain and brainstem may play a role in modulating cardiac sympathetic and vagal baroreflexes but only during large acute changes in blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjoon Lim
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research InstituteMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Physiology, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Yusuke Sata
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research InstituteMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kristy L Jackson
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research Institute Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandra L Burke
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research Institute Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoffrey A Head
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Research InstituteMelbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, Monash UniversityClayton, VIC, Australia
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Vaudry H, Leprince J, Chatenet D, Fournier A, Lambert DG, Le Mével JC, Ohlstein EH, Schwertani A, Tostivint H, Vaudry D. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. XCII. Urotensin II, urotensin II-related peptide, and their receptor: from structure to function. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:214-58. [PMID: 25535277 DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a cyclic neuropeptide that was first isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish on the basis of its ability to contract the hindgut. Subsequently, UII was characterized in tetrapods including humans. Phylogenetic studies and synteny analysis indicate that UII and its paralogous peptide urotensin II-related peptide (URP) belong to the somatostatin/cortistatin superfamily. In mammals, the UII and URP genes are primarily expressed in cholinergic neurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. UII and URP mRNAs are also present in various organs notably in the cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine systems. UII and URP activate a common G protein-coupled receptor, called UT, that exhibits relatively high sequence identity with somatostatin, opioid, and galanin receptors. The UT gene is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues including the retina, heart, vascular bed, lung, kidney, adrenal medulla, and skeletal muscle. Structure-activity relationship studies and NMR conformational analysis have led to the rational design of a number of peptidic and nonpeptidic UT agonists and antagonists. Consistent with the wide distribution of UT, UII has now been shown to exert a large array of biologic activities, in particular in the CNS, the cardiovascular system, and the kidney. Here, we review the current knowledge concerning the pleiotropic actions of UII and discusses the possible use of antagonists for future therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Vaudry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Jérôme Leprince
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - David Chatenet
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Alain Fournier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - David G Lambert
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Jean-Claude Le Mével
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Eliot H Ohlstein
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Adel Schwertani
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - Hervé Tostivint
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
| | - David Vaudry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U982, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.V.); Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Institut Armand Frappier, Laval, Québec, Canada (D.C., A.F.); International Associated Laboratory Samuel de Champlain, University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France (H.V., J.L., D.C., A.F., D.V.); Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Division of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Management, University of Leicester, Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom (D.G.L.); Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1101, Laboratoire de Traitement de l'Information Médicale, Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie, Université Européenne de Bretagne, Brest, France (J.-C.L.M.); AltheRx Pharmaceuticals, Malvern, Pennsylvania (E.H.O.); Division of Cardiology, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada (A.S.); and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7221, Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (H.T.)
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Abstract
Renal expression of the peptide hormone urotensin II (UII) and its receptor (UTR) are dependent on kidney maturation and anatomical regions. However, renal regional hemodynamic effects of UII in neonates are unclear. Here, we investigated regional hemodynamic responses to acute intrarenal arterial administration of UII in newborn pigs. Western immunoblotting and immunofluorescence confirmed UTR expression and membrane localization in newborn pig renal afferent arterioles and afferent arteriolar smooth muscle cells respectively. Intrarenal arterial bolus injections of human UII (hUII; 1-100 ng/kg) resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in total renal blood flow (RBF) and an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and renal vascular resistance (RVR) in newborn pigs. Moreover, hUII dose dependently reduced cortical blood flow (CBF) but increased medullary blood flow (MBF) in the piglets. hUII-induced MAP elevation and hemodynamic changes were inhibited by urantide, a UTR antagonist, but not losartan, a type 1 angiotensin II receptor antagonist. U-73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, an inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate (IP₃) receptor antagonist, attenuated hUII-induced MAP and RVR elevations, RBF and CBF reductions, but not MBF increase. These findings indicate that intrarenal arterial administration of hUII elevates blood pressure and induces region-selective renal hemodynamic changes in newborn pigs. Our data also suggest that the PLC/IP₃ signaling pathway contributes to hUII-induced alterations in MAP, RBF, RVR, and CBF but not MBF in newborn pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitesh Soni
- Department of Physiology, , University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA
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Chatenet D, Nguyen QT, Létourneau M, Dupuis J, Fournier A. Urocontrin, a novel UT receptor ligand with a unique pharmacological profile. Biochem Pharmacol 2012; 83:608-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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7
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Vaudry H, Do Rego JC, Le Mevel JC, Chatenet D, Tostivint H, Fournier A, Tonon MC, Pelletier G, Conlon JM, Leprince J. Urotensin II, from fish to human. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1200:53-66. [PMID: 20633133 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05514.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The cyclic peptide urotensin II (UII) was originally isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish on the basis of its ability to contract intestinal smooth muscle. The UII peptide has subsequently been isolated from frog brain and, later on, the pre-proUII cDNA has been characterized in mammals, including humans. A UII paralog called urotensin II-related peptide (URP) has been identified in the rat brain. The UII and URP genes originate from the same ancestral gene as the somatostatin and cortistatin genes. In the central nervous system (CNS) of tetrapods, UII is expressed primarily in motoneurons of the brainstem and spinal cord. The biological actions of UII and URP are mediated through a G protein-coupled receptor, termed UT, that exhibits high sequence similarity with the somatostatin receptors. The UT gene is widely expressed in the CNS and in peripheral organs. Consistent with the broad distribution of UT, UII and URP exert a large array of behavioral effects and regulate endocrine, cardiovascular, renal, and immune functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Vaudry
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroendocrinology, INSERM U413, European Institute for Peptide Research (IFRMP 23), University of Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France.
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8
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Simpson CM, Smolich JJ, Shekerdemian LS, Penny DJ. Urotensin-II contributes to pulmonary vasoconstriction in a perinatal model of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn secondary to meconium aspiration syndrome. Pediatr Res 2010; 67:150-7. [PMID: 19809374 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e3181c345ea] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) disrupts perinatal decreases in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and is the commonest cause of neonatal pulmonary hypertension. The contribution of the potent vasoactive agent urotensin-II (U-II), in the pathophysiology of this condition, is unknown. In a new perinatal model of MAS, we combined measurement of circulating U-II levels with U-II receptor blockade studies. Nineteen anesthetized lambs were instrumented then randomly allocated to the following groups: 1) control (n = 5), 2) control plus specific U-II receptor blockade with palosuran (n = 5), 3) tracheal instillation of meconium (n = 5), 4) meconium instillation plus palosuran (n = 4). Hemodynamics, PVR, and plasma U-II were measured for 6 h after delivery. After birth in controls, U-II increased (p < 0.05), and PVR fell (p = 0.01) and this fall was prevented by U-II receptor blockade. By contrast, meconium lambs displayed a greater rise in U-II levels (p < 0.05 versus control) with an increase in PVR (p < 0.005) that was attenuated by U-II receptor blockade (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that U-II normally acts as a pulmonary vasodilator after birth, but in the presence of MAS, it assumes a vasoconstrictor role. U-II receptor blockade also improves pulmonary hemodynamics in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M Simpson
- Heart Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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Gao S, Shah A, Oh YB, Park WH, Kim SH. Urotensin II stimulates high frequency-induced ANP secretion via PLC-PI 3K-PKC pathway. Peptides 2010; 31:164-9. [PMID: 19896516 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Revised: 10/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (U-II) and its receptor are coexpressed in the heart and show various cardiovascular functions. However, the relationship between U-II and cardiac hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is still unknown. The aim of the present study is to test whether U-II affects ANP secretion using in vitro perfusion experiments and in vivo studies. Human U-II (hU-II) (10(-11), 5x10(-11), 10(-10), 5x10(-10)M) stimulated ANP secretion from isolated perfused rat atria paced with high frequency (6.0Hz). However, atrial contractility and translocation of extracellular fluid (ECF) did not change. An increase in ANP secretion by rat U-II was similar to that by hU-II; however, urotensin-related peptide showed no significant effect on ANP secretion. Pretreatment with urotensin receptor antagonist and inhibitor for phospholipase C (PLC), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), or protein kinase C (PKC) attenuated hU-II-induced ANP secretion from atria paced with high frequency, but an inhibitor for inositol triphosphate did not. Intravenous infusion of hU-II at a dose of 2.5microM for 20min increased plasma ANP level, along with increased heart rate and pulse pressure in anesthetized rats. Therefore, we suggest that U-II stimulates high stimulation frequency-induced ANP secretion partly through the urotensin receptor and the PLC/PI3K/PKC pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Gao
- Department of Physiology, Diabetic Research Center, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Republic of Korea
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10
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Chen YH, Yandle TG, Richards AM, Palmer SC. Urotensin II immunoreactivity in the human circulation: evidence for widespread tissue release. Clin Chem 2009; 55:2040-8. [PMID: 19797715 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2009.131748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sources of secretion and clearance of plasma urotensin II (UII) in the human circulation remain uncertain and may be relevant to understanding the role of UII in human physiology and cardiovascular disease. METHODS In 94 subjects undergoing clinically indicated cardiac catheterization, we collected blood samples from arterial and multiple venous sites to measure transorgan gradients of plasma UII immunoreactivity. RESULTS Net UII release occurred (in descending order of proportional transorgan gradient) across the heart, kidney, head and neck, liver, lower limb, and pulmonary circulations (P < 0.01). Although no specific clearance site was localized, the absence of an overall subdiaphragmatic aorto-caval peptide gradient indicated that there were lower body segment sites of UII clearance as well as secretion. The proportional increase in UII immunoreactivity was significantly correlated across all sites of net peptide release within an individual (P < or = 0.05). In univariate analyses, mixed venous UII concentrations were correlated with diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and femoral artery oxygen tension and inversely with systolic blood pressure and body mass index. Diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome and body mass index were independent predictors of mixed venous UII immunoreactivity in multivariate analysis. No correlates of net cardiac UII release were identified. CONCLUSIONS UII is secreted from the heart and multiple other tissues into the circulation. Related increments in UII immunoreactivity across multiple tissue sites suggest that peptide release occurs via a shared mechanism. Increased UII immunoreactivity is observed in subjects with acute coronary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Hsing Chen
- Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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11
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Sugo T, Mori M. Another ligand fishing for G protein-coupled receptor 14. Discovery of urotensin II-related peptide in the rat brain. Peptides 2008; 29:809-12. [PMID: 17628210 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2007] [Revised: 05/31/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII), which was originally isolated from the teleost urophysis, was identified as an endogenous ligand for orphan G protein-coupled receptor 14 (GPR14). The structure of mammalian UII was confirmed by isolation from spinal cord in porcine, or was easily predicted from the sequence of prepro-UII in human. For rat and mouse, however, only the tentative sequences of UII peptides have been demonstrated because the typical processing sites are absent from the amino-terminal region of the mature peptides. Isolation of UII-like immunoreactivity in rat brain revealed the presence of a novel peptide, designated urotensin II-related peptide (URP). URP binds and activates the human and rat urotensin II receptors (GPR14) and has a hypotensive effect when administrated to anesthetized rats. Based on the DNA sequences of the cloned prepro-URP gene, the amino acid sequences of mature URP for mouse and human are identical to that for rat URP. These results suggest that URP is the endogenous and functional ligand for urotensin II receptor in the rat and mouse, and possibly in the human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Sugo
- Frontier Research Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, 10 Wadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-4293, Japan.
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12
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Vaudry H. Biologically active peptides urotensin II (UII) and urotensin II-related peptide (URP), and to their cognate receptor (UT). Editorial. Peptides 2008; 29:647-8. [PMID: 18314224 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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13
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de Lecea L, Bourgin P. Neuropeptide interactions and REM sleep: a role for Urotensin II? Peptides 2008; 29:845-51. [PMID: 18406008 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2007] [Revised: 02/12/2008] [Accepted: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a peptide with structural similarity to the somatostatin family with potent vasoconstrictor activity. UII receptor is expressed broadly in the periphery, and most notably in the heart and microvessels. In the brain, the UII receptor can be detected in the spinal cord and in cholinergic nuclei in the brainstem known to be involved in REM sleep regulation. Recent data suggest that, in addition to their vasoactive properties, UII receptor ligands may have excitatory activity on a selective group of neurons that modulate REM sleep. This review focuses on the implications of these findings for the neurobiology of REM sleep regulation and discusses the possible impact of UII and other neuropeptides on the balance of the alternation between sleep states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis de Lecea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 701 B Welch Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, United States.
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14
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Tölle M, van der Giet M. Cardiorenovascular effects of urotensin II and the relevance of the UT receptor. Peptides 2008; 29:743-63. [PMID: 17935830 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2007] [Revised: 07/16/2007] [Accepted: 08/27/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (U-II) is a vasoactive peptide with many potent effects in the cardiorenovascular system. U-II activates a G-protein-coupled receptor termed UT. UT and U-II are highly expressed in the cardiovascular and renal system. Patients with various cardiovascular diseases show high U-II plasma levels. It was demonstrated that elevated U-II plasma levels and increased UT expression seem to play a role in heart failure, end-stage renal disease and atherosclerosis. U-II induces potent changes in vascular tone regulation. In addition, U-II stimulates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Currently several pharmaceutical companies are developing compounds to control the U-II/UT system. There are preclinical and some clinical studies showing potential benefits of inhibiting U-II function in renal disease, heart failure, and diabetes. This article will review both pre- and clinical data concerning cardiorenovascular effects of U-II.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Tölle
- Med. Klinik IV-Nephrology, Charite-Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany.
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15
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Conlon JM. Liberation of urotensin II from the teleost urophysis: an historical overview. Peptides 2008; 29:651-7. [PMID: 17544546 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2007.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2007] [Revised: 04/22/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During the past 20 years, urotensin II (UII) has progressed from being a peptide synthesized only in the urophysis of the caudal neurosecretory system of teleost fish to being considered an important physiological regulator in mammals with implications for the pathogenesis of a range of human cardiovascular and renal diseases. The "liberation" of UII from the urophysis was a gradual process and involved the sequential realization that (a) UII is present not only in the urophysis but also in the central nervous systems (CNS) of teleosts, (b) UII peptides, similar in structure to the urophysial peptides, are present in the diffuse caudal neurosecretory systems and/or CNS of species less evolutionarily advanced than teleosts, including Agnatha, thereby showing that UII is a phylogenetically ancient peptide, (c) UII is present in the brain and spinal cord of a tetrapod, the green frog Rana ridibunda, and (d) the UII gene and its specific receptor (GPR14/UT) are expressed in the CNS and certain peripheral tissues of mammals, including the human. The discovery that the genomes of mammals contain an additional gene encoding a UII-related peptide (URP) and the availability of highly effective peptide and non-peptide antagonists to investigate the role of UII in human physiology and pathophysiology ensure that the peptide will remain "center stage" for several years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Conlon
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, 17666 Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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16
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Giachini FRC, Callera GE, Carneiro FS, Tostes RC, Webb RC. Therapeutic targets in hypertension: is there a place for antagonists of the most potent vasoconstrictors? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2008; 12:327-39. [DOI: 10.1517/14728222.12.3.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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17
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Wu YM, Xue HM, Xiao L, He RR. Urotensin II inhibits carotid sinus baroreflex in anesthetized male rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2007; 28:216-20. [PMID: 17241524 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2007.00499.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To study the effects of urotensin II (UII) on the carotid sinus baroreflex (CSB). METHODS The functional curve of carotid sinus baroreflex was measured by recording changes in arterial pressure in anesthetized male rats with perfused isolated carotid sinus. RESULTS UII at the concentration of 3 nmol/L had no effect on the CSB, while at the concentration of 30, 300 and 3000 nmol/L inhibited the CSB, shifting the functional curve of the baroreflex upward and to the right. There was a marked decrease in peak slope and reflex decrease in blood pressure. These effects of UII were concentration-dependent. Pretreatment with verapamil (an antagonist of the L-type calcium channel, 10 micromol/L) partially eliminated the above effects of UII (300 nmol/L) on the CSB. Pretreatment with BIM-23127 (3 micromol/L), an antagonist of human and rat UII receptors, abolished the actions of UII on the CSB. Pretreatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) 100 micromol/L did not affect the inhibitory effects of UII (300 nmol/L) on the CSB. CONCLUSION These data suggest that UII exerts an inhibitory action on the isolated CSB. Such an action of UII is predominantly mediated by the UII receptors in vascular smooth muscles, resulting in the opening of L-type calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-ming Wu
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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18
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Wang YX, Ding YJ, Zhu YZ, Shi Y, Yao T, Zhu YC. Role of PKC in the novel synergistic action of urotensin II and angiotensin II and in urotensin II-induced vasoconstriction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2006; 292:H348-59. [PMID: 16951045 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00512.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The intracellular signaling of human urotensin II (hU-II) and its interaction with other vasoconstrictors such as ANG II are poorly understood. In endothelium-denuded rat aorta, coadministration of hU-II (1 nM) and ANG II (2 nM) exerted a significant contractile effect that was associated with increased protein kinase C (PKC) activity and phosphorylation of PKC-alpha/betaII and myosin light chain, whereas either hU-II or ANG II administered alone at these concentrations had no statistically significant effect. This synergistic effect was abrogated by the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine (10 and 30 microM), the selective PKC-alpha/betaII inhibitor Gö-6976 (0.1 and 1 microM), the hU-II receptor ligand urantide (30 nM and 1 microM), or the ANG II antagonist losartan (1 microM). Moreover, in endothelium-intact rat aorta, the synergistic effect of hU-II and ANG II was not exerted any longer, and this synergistic effect was unmasked by pretreatment of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. hU-II (10 nM) alone caused a long-lasting increase in phospho-PKC-theta, phospho-myosin light chain, and PKC activity, which was associated with long-lasting vasoconstriction. These changes were prevented by chelerythrine. Methoxyverapamil-thapsigargin treatment reduced the hU-II-induced vasoconstriction by approximately 50%. The methoxyverapamil-thapsigargin-resistant component of hU-II-induced vasoconstriction was dose-dependently inhibited by chelerythrine. In conclusion, hU-II induces a novel PKC-dependent synergistic action with ANG II in inducing vasoconstriction. PKC-alpha/betaII is probably the PKC isoform involved in this synergistic action. Nitric oxide produced in the endothelium probably masks this synergistic action. The long-lasting vasoconstriction induced by hU-II alone is PKC dependent and associated with PKC-theta phosphorylation.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II/metabolism
- Animals
- Cells, Cultured
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/physiology
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Protein Kinase C
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Urotensins/administration & dosage
- Urotensins/metabolism
- Vasoconstriction/drug effects
- Vasoconstriction/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Xia Wang
- Dept. of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Fudan Univ. Shanghai Medical College, 138 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
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19
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Huitron-Resendiz S, Kristensen MP, Sánchez-Alavez M, Clark SD, Grupke SL, Tyler C, Suzuki C, Nothacker HP, Civelli O, Criado JR, Henriksen SJ, Leonard CS, de Lecea L. Urotensin II modulates rapid eye movement sleep through activation of brainstem cholinergic neurons. J Neurosci 2006; 25:5465-74. [PMID: 15944374 PMCID: PMC6724976 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4501-04.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a cyclic neuropeptide with strong vasoconstrictive activity in the peripheral vasculature. UII receptor mRNA is also expressed in the CNS, in particular in cholinergic neurons located in the mesopontine tegmental area, including the pedunculopontine tegmental (PPT) and lateral dorsal tegmental nuclei. This distribution suggests that the UII system is involved in functions regulated by acetylcholine, such as the sleep-wake cycle. Here, we tested the hypothesis that UII influences cholinergic PPT neuron activity and alters rapid eye movement (REM) sleep patterns in rats. Local administration of UII into the PPT nucleus increases REM sleep without inducing changes in the cortical blood flow. Intracerebroventricular injection of UII enhances both REM sleep and wakefulness and reduces slow-wave sleep 2. Intracerebroventricular, but not local, administration of UII increases cortical blood flow. Moreover, whole-cell recordings from rat-brain slices show that UII selectively excites cholinergic PPT neurons via an inward current and membrane depolarization that were accompanied by membrane conductance decreases. This effect does not depend on action potential generation or fast synaptic transmission because it persisted in the presence of TTX and antagonists of ionotropic glutamate, GABA, and glycine receptors. Collectively, these results suggest that UII plays a role in the regulation of REM sleep independently of its cerebrovascular actions by directly activating cholinergic brainstem neurons.
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20
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Ishihata A, Sakai M, Katano Y. Vascular contractile effect of urotensin II in young and aged rats: influence of aging and contribution of endothelial nitric oxide. Peptides 2006; 27:80-6. [PMID: 16159683 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2005] [Revised: 07/23/2005] [Accepted: 07/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
To elucidate whether aging influences the vascular contractile effect of urotensin II in rat thoracic aorta, and to evaluate the contribution of endothelial vasodilating substances in mediating the effect of urotensin II, the effect of urotensin II was examined in the vessels of young (2-3-month-old) and aged rat. Isolated rat aortic rings incubated in Krebs-Henseleit solution gassed with 95% O2/5% CO2 were stimulated with urotensin II, and the developed tension was measured. Urotensin II increased the developed tension, which was decreased by aging. In 2-3-months-old young aorta without endothelium, urotensin II (10(-10) to 10(-7)) elicited a concentration-dependent aortic contraction to the maximal response almost equivalent to high KCl-induced contraction (79.4+/-11.3% of KCl(max)). In the presence of endothelium, the urotensin II-induced vasoconstriction in young aorta was significantly attenuated to 33.3+/-4.6% of KCl(max). However, the contractile response was greater in the pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (100 microM) (50.3+/-8.4% of KCl(max) in endothelial denuded aorta), suggesting the vasorelaxing role of endothelial nitric oxide. In 25-27-months-old aged rat aorta, the urotensin II-mediated contraction was remarkably decreased, both in the presence (6.3+/-2.0% of KCl(max)) and absence (11.7+/-3.0% of KCl(max)) of endothelium. A cyclooxygenase inhibitor, diclofenac (10 microM), did not have any effect on the urotensin II-induced contraction. These results suggest that urotensin II can induce vascular smooth muscle contraction in rat aorta, and there was an aging-related decline in the urotensin II-induced contraction. Endothelial production of nitric oxide in response to urotensin II but not cyclooxygenase metabolites such as prostacyclin may play a role in reducing the vascular constriction especially in young aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ishihata
- Department of Physiology I, Yamagata University School of Medicine, 2-2-2, Iida-Nishi, Yamagata 990-2331, Japan.
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21
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Abstract
The discovery of novel biologically active peptides has led to an explosion in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. Urotensin II (UII), a peptide originally isolated from fish and known for its strong cardiovascular effects in mammals, is another surprising candidate in the regulatory network of sleep. The UII receptor was found to be expressed by cholinergic neurons of laterodorsal and pedunculopontine tegmental nuclei, an area known to be of utmost importance for the on- and offset of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Recently, physiological data have provided further evidence that UII is indeed a modulator of REM sleep. The peptide directly excites cholinergic mesopontine neurons and increases the rate of REM sleep episodes. These new results and its emerging behavioral effects establish UII as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in mammals and should spark further interest into the neurobiological role of the peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Nothacker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA.
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22
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Hood SG, Watson AMD, May CN. Cardiac actions of central but not peripheral urotensin II are prevented by beta-adrenoceptor blockade. Peptides 2005; 26:1248-56. [PMID: 15949643 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2004] [Revised: 01/11/2005] [Accepted: 01/11/2005] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a highly conserved peptide that has potent cardiovascular actions following central and systemic administration. To determine whether the cardiovascular actions of UII are mediated via beta-adrenoceptors, we examined the effect of intravenous (IV) propranolol on the responses to intracerebroventricular (ICV) and IV administration of UII in conscious sheep. Sheep were surgically instrumented with ICV guide tubes and flow probes or cardiac sympathetic nerve recording electrodes. ICV UII (0.2 nmol/kg over 1 h) caused prolonged increases in heart rate (HR; 33 +/- 11 beats/min; P < 0.01), dF/dt (581 +/- 83 L/min/s; P < 0.001) and cardiac output (2.3 +/- 0.4 L/min; P < 0.001), accompanied by increases in coronary (19.8 +/- 5.4 mL/min; P < 0.01), mesenteric (211 +/- 50 mL/min; P < 0.05) and iliac (162 +/- 31 mL/min; P < 0.001) blood flows and plasma glucose (7.0 +/- 2.6 mmol/L; P < 0.05). Propranolol (30 mg bolus followed by 0.5 mg/kg/h IV) prevented the cardiac responses to ICV UII and inhibited the mesenteric vasodilatation. At 2 h after ICV UII, when HR and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were increased, cardiac sympathetic nerve activity (CSNA) was unchanged and the relation between CSNA and diastolic pressure was shifted to the right (P < 0.05). The hyperglycemia following ICV UII was abolished by ganglion blockade but not propranolol. IV UII (20 nmol/kg) caused a transient increase in HR and fall in stroke volume; these effects were not blocked by propranolol. These results demonstrate that the cardiac actions of central UII depend on beta-adrenoreceptor stimulation, secondary to increased CSNA and epinephrine release, whereas the cardiac actions of systemic UII are not mediated by beta-adrenoreceptors and probably depend on a direct action of UII on the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Hood
- Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
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23
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Doggrell SA. Urotensin-II and the cardiovascular system – the importance of developing modulators. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2005; 13:479-87. [PMID: 15155123 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.13.5.479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin-II (U-II) potently contracts some large isolated blood vessels and cardiac tissue. However, the maximum effects on human blood vessels and heart are relatively small. U-II dilates human resistance arteries. It markedly decreased myocardial function and increased vascular resistance in cynomolgus monkeys, but the major effects of U-II have not been observed in healthy humans. A major role for U-II in human cardiovascular disease has not been clearly established despite studies in patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, essential hypertension and diabetes. Peptide and non-peptide agonists and antagonists of the U-II receptor are being developed and will be useful in the characterisation of the effects of U-II, and may have some therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila A Doggrell
- Doggrell Biomedical Communications, 47 Caronia Crescent, Lynfield, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Gong H, Wang YX, Zhu YZ, Wang WW, Wang MJ, Yao T, Zhu YC. Cellular distribution of GPR14 and the positive inotropic role of urotensin II in the myocardium in adult rat. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2004; 97:2228-35. [PMID: 15273242 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00540.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Urotensin II is a cyclic neuropeptide recently shown to play a role via its receptor GPR14 in regulating vascular tone in the mammalian cardiovascular system. The existence of GPR14 in rat heart has been validated by ligand binding assay and RT-PCR. In the present study, we investigated the cellular distribution of GPR14 protein in rat heart by using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopic immunofluorescence double staining with antipeptide polyclonal antibodies against GPR14 and cell type markers for myocytes and endothelial cells. The direct effect of urotensin II on left ventricular contractility was further evaluated in isolated left ventricular papillary muscles of the rat. In paraffin-embedded heart sections, positive immunohistochemical staining was observed in the left ventricle but not in the right ventricle and atria. Immunofluorescence double staining revealed the cardiac myocyte as the only cell type expressing GPR14 protein in frozen heart sections as well as in isolated cardiac myocytes. There was no visible signal for GPR14 in intramyocardial coronary arteries and capillaries. The existence of GPR14 protein in rat heart was further validated by immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis. In isolated rat left ventricular papillary muscle preparations, urotensin II induced an increase in active contractile force. GPR14 mRNA was also detected in rat heart by RT-PCR. These data provide the first direct evidence for the cellular localization of GPR14 receptor protein and a positive inotropic effect of urotensin II in normal rat heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Gong
- Dept. of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine of The Ministry of Education, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
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Tasaki K, Hori M, Ozaki H, Karaki H, Wakabayashi I. Mechanism of human urotensin II-induced contraction in rat aorta. J Pharmacol Sci 2004; 94:376-83. [PMID: 15107577 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.94.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Urotensin II induced sustained contraction with an EC(50) value of 2.29 +/- 0.12 nM in rat aorta. Urotensin II (100 nM) transiently increased cytosolic Ca(2+) level ([Ca(2+)](i)), followed by a small sustained phase superimposed with rhythmic oscillatory change. In the presence of verapamil and La(3+), the [Ca(2+)](i) oscillation was completely inhibited, although a small transient increase in [Ca(2+)](i) remained. The urotensin II-induced contraction was also partially inhibited by verapamil and La(3+). Combined application of verapamil, La(3+), and thapsigargin completely inhibited the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) with only partial inhibition of the contraction elicited by urotensin II. Urotensin II increased myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation to a level greater than that induced by 72.7 mM KCl (high K(+)). Pretreatment with Go6983 (PKC inhibitor), U0126 (MEK inhibitor), or SB203580 (p38MARK inhibitor) partially inhibited the urotensin II-induced contraction with no effects on the high K(+)-induced contractions. Wortmannin (MLC kinase inhibitor) only partially inhibited urotensin II-induced contraction, although it completely inhibited the high K(+)-induced contraction. These results suggest that urotensin II-induced contraction is mediated by the Ca(2+)/calmodulin/MLC kinase system and modulated by the Ca(2+) sensitization mechanisms to increase MLC phosphorylation. In addition, activations of PKC, p38MAPK, and ERK1/2 modulate the contractility mediated by urotensin II in rat aorta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsunari Tasaki
- Department of Hygiene & Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
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26
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Abstract
Urotensin II is a peptide present, together with its receptor, in the central nervous system and many peripheral tissues (including heart, blood vessels, kidneys and endocrine organs) of many species. The bioactive, mature form contains a cyclic heptapeptide perfectly preserved across species spanning 550 million years of evolution Its biological activity has been explored in cultured cells, in isolated vessels from several species, in the isolated perfused heart and in intact animals and man. Initial demonstration of potent vasoconstriction and cardiac depression by the human isoform in non-human primates has been followed by a series of reports indicating potent but highly variable and generally modest vascular responses dependent on species and vascular region. In man short term cardiovascular responses to administered urotensin II are small or absent. The place of urotensin II in the chronic trophic responses to cardiac and vascular injury and its possible roles as a neurotransmitter and/or regulator of renal and endocrine function remain largely unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mark Richards
- Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group, Department of Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Riccarton Avenue, P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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27
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Gardiner SM, March JE, Kemp PA, Bennett T. Bolus injection of human UII in conscious rats evokes a biphasic haemodynamic response. Br J Pharmacol 2004; 143:422-30. [PMID: 15339862 PMCID: PMC1575352 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2004] [Revised: 06/10/2004] [Accepted: 07/14/2004] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A biphasic cardiovascular response to bolus i.v. injection of human urotensin II (hUII, 3 nmol kg(-1)) in conscious, male, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats was identified and underlying mechanisms were explored. Initially (0-5 min) there was tachycardia, hypotension and mesenteric and hindquarters vasodilatation; later (30-120 min), tachycardia, hindquarters vasodilatation and a modest rise in blood pressure occurred. Pretreatment with indomethacin or N(G) nitro-l-arginine methylester (l-NAME) reduced the mesenteric vasodilator response to hUII, and abolished the late tachycardia and hindquarters vasodilatation. Indomethacin also abolished the hypotension and early hindquarters vasodilatation, and substantially reduced the initial tachycardia. Indomethacin and l-NAME together prevented all haemodynamic responses to hUII. Inhibition of inducible NOS had no effect on responses to hUII, whereas inhibition of neuronal NOS reduced the delayed tachycardic response to hUII but did not significantly affect the vasodilatation. Only the initial tachycardic response to hUII was antagonised by propranolol. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the initial haemodynamic responses to hUII were qualitatively similar to those in SD rats, although there was also a modest renal vasodilatation. The secondary response comprised a smaller tachycardia and a small rise in blood pressure, with no significant hindquarters vasodilatation. Haemodynamic responses to hUII were not enhanced by endothelin and angiotensin receptor antagonism in either SD rats or in SHRs. One interpretation of these results is that the primary response to bolus injection of hUII is prostanoid- or prostanoid- and NO-mediated (mesenteric vasodilatation) and that this triggers secondary events, which are dependent on eNOS (hindquarters vasodilatation) and neuronal NOS (tachycardia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila M Gardiner
- Centre for Integrated Systems Biology & Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham.
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28
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Kompa AR, Thomas WG, See F, Tzanidis A, Hannan RD, Krum H. Cardiovascular role of urotensin II: effect of chronic infusion in the rat. Peptides 2004; 25:1783-8. [PMID: 15476946 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2004] [Accepted: 03/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vaso-active peptide thought to have multiple roles in the regulation of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. The actions of UII are complex and difficult to interpret given its systemic hemodynamic effects and variable action on different vascular beds and isolated vessels. Direct effects of UII on the myocardium, include myocyte hypertrophy, extracellular matrix deposition and contractility. These observations, together with elevated plasma levels found in disease, are common traits reported in other pathophysiologically implicated neurohormonal systems. In this review, we include original data obtained from chronic infusion of UII in rats. We report a reduction in first derivative of left ventricular pressure (+dP/dt), as well as an increase in the ratio of left ventricular collagen I:III, that may contribute to the reduced myocardial contractility observed in these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Kompa
- NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Therapeutics, Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Prahran, Vic. 3181, Australia
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29
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Mori M, Fujino M. Urotensin II-related peptide, the endogenous ligand for the urotensin II receptor in the rat brain. Peptides 2004; 25:1815-8. [PMID: 15476951 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2004] [Accepted: 06/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a piscine neuropeptide originally isolated from the teleost urophysis. The existence of UII in mammals has been demonstrated by cloning of the mammalian orthologs of UII precursor protein genes. While rat and mouse orthologs have been reported, only the tentative structures of UII peptides of these animals have been demonstrated, since prepro-UII proteins lack the typical processing sites in the amino-terminal region of the mature peptides. A novel peptide, UII-related peptide (URP), was discovered by monitoring UII-immunoreactivity in the rat brain, and its amino acid sequence was determined to be ACFWKYCV. cDNAs encoding rat, mouse, and human precursor proteins for URP were cloned and showed that the sequences of mouse and human URP peptides are identical to that for rat URP. URP was found to bind and activate the human or rat urotensin II receptors [GPR14, UT receptor (UTR)] and showed a hypotensive effect when administrated to anesthetized rats. The prepro-URP gene is expressed in several rat tissues, although with lower levels than the prepro-UII gene and, in the human, is expressed comparably to prepro-UII in several tissues except the spinal cord. These results suggest that URP is the endogenous and functional ligand for urotensin II receptor in the rat and mouse, and possibly in the human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Mori
- Discovery Research Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd., Wadai 10, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-4293, Japan.
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30
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Watson AMD, May CN. Urotensin II, a novel peptide in central and peripheral cardiovascular control. Peptides 2004; 25:1759-66. [PMID: 15476943 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2004] [Accepted: 04/15/2004] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a peptide that was originally isolated and characterized in fish. Interest in its effects in mammals increased with the identification of its receptor, G-protein coupled receptor 14, and its localization in humans. UII and its receptor have a wide distribution, including brain and spinal cord as well as heart, kidney and liver, implying that UII has important physiological actions. Recent studies suggest that UII may play an important role in the central nervous system. In conscious sheep, intracerebroventricular administration of UII induced large, prolonged increases in plasma epinephrine, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cardiac output and arterial pressure. Potent chronotropic and inotropic actions accompanied this, as well as peripheral vasodilatation. Administered intravenously, UII is an extremely potent vasoconstrictor in anesthetized monkeys, but reduces pressure in conscious and anesthetized rats, and causes a transient increase in conscious sheep, however vasomotor responses vary depending on species and vessel type. UII is elevated in conditions such as essential hypertension and heart failure suggesting a role in pathology. The results of studies with UII to date, together with its possible role in disease, emphasize the importance of examining the central and peripheral roles of UII in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M D Watson
- Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia
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31
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Chatenet D, Dubessy C, Leprince J, Boularan C, Carlier L, Ségalas-Milazzo I, Guilhaudis L, Oulyadi H, Davoust D, Scalbert E, Pfeiffer B, Renard P, Tonon MC, Lihrmann I, Pacaud P, Vaudry H. Structure-activity relationships and structural conformation of a novel urotensin II-related peptide. Peptides 2004; 25:1819-30. [PMID: 15476952 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2004.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2004] [Accepted: 04/23/2004] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) has been described as the most potent vasoconstrictor peptide and recognized as the endogenous ligand of the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR14. Recently, a UII-related peptide (URP) has been isolated from the rat brain and its sequence has been established as H-Ala-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Val-OH. In order to study the structure-function relationships of URP, we have synthesized a series of URP analogs and measured their binding affinity on hGPR14-transfected cells and their contractile activity in a rat aortic ring bioassay. Alanine substitution of each residue of URP significantly reduced the binding affinity and the contractile activity of the peptides, except for the Ala8-substituted analog that retained biological activity. Most importantly, D-scan of URP revealed that [D-Trp4]URP abrogated and [D-Tyr6]URP partially suppressed the UII-evoked contractile response. [Orn5]URP, which had very low agonistic efficacy, was the most potent antagonist in this series. The solution structure of URP has been determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics. URP exhibited a single conformation characterized by an inverse gamma-turn comprising residues Trp-Lys-Tyr which plays a crucial role in the biological activity of URP. These pharmacological and structural data should prove useful for the rational design of non-peptide ligands as potential GPR14 agonists and antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Chatenet
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neuroendocrinology, European Institute for Peptide Research (IFRMP 23), INSERM U413, UA CNRS, University of Rouen, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
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32
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Matsumoto Y, Abe M, Watanabe T, Adachi Y, Yano T, Takahashi H, Sugo T, Mori M, Kitada C, Kurokawa T, Fujino M. Intracerebroventricular administration of urotensin II promotes anxiogenic-like behaviors in rodents. Neurosci Lett 2004; 358:99-102. [PMID: 15026158 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2003.12.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2003] [Revised: 12/22/2003] [Accepted: 12/31/2003] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We identified urotensin II (U-II) as the endogenous ligand for the orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR14 or SENR. Both U-II and GPR14 are expressed not only in peripheral tissues but also in the brain of rodents, suggesting that U-II plays a physiological role in the central nervous system. In the present study, we investigated the central effects of U-II in rodents. Intracerebroventricular administration of U-II induced anxiogenic-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze test and the hole-board test in mice in a dose-dependent manner, as did corticotropin releasing factor (CRF). The effective doses of U-II were 10-100-fold higher than these of CRF in these tests. Our results suggest that U-II is a candidate for the mediator of some aspect of stress or anxiety in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshio Matsumoto
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd., Jusohonmachi 2-17-85, Yodogawa, Osaka 532-8686, Japan
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33
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Zhu YZ, Wang ZJ, Zhu YC, Zhang L, Oakley RME, Chung CW, Lim KW, Lee HS, Ozoux ML, Linz W, Böhm M, Kostenis E. Urotensin II causes fatal circulatory collapse in anesthesized monkeys in vivo: a “vasoconstrictor” with a unique hemodynamic profile. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2004; 286:H830-6. [PMID: 14615276 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00406.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a vasoactive peptide that has recently emerged as a likely contributor to cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Acute infusion of UII into nonhuman primates results in circulatory collapse and death; however, the exact cause of death is not well understood. This study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism underlying the fatal cardiovascular event on UII application in vivo in nonhuman primates. To this end, cynomolgus monkeys ( n = 4) were anesthetized and tracheal intubation was performed. One internal jugular vein was cannulated for administration of drugs, and one femoral artery for recording of blood pressure and heart rate using a transonic pressure transducer. Cardiac parameters were not significantly changed after administration of 0.003 nmol/kg human UII. A bolus of human UII (0.03 nmol/kg) caused a decrease of heart rate (HR) (13%), mean blood pressure (MBP) (18%), and first-order derivative of left ventricular pressure (dP/d t) (11%). Carotid and coronary blood flow were reduced by 9% and 7%, respectively; 0.3 nmol/kg of human UII resulted in a further reduction of HR (50.3%), MBP (65%), dP/d t (45%), carotid (38%), and coronary blood flow (30%), ultimately leading to cardiovascular breakdown and death. Pulmonary pressure, however, was increased by 30%. Plasma histamine levels were found to be unaffected by administration of UII. Our results indicate that systemic administration of human UII has negative inotropic and chronotropic effects and reduces total peripheral resistance ultimately leading to severe myocardial depression, pulmonary hypertension, and fatal circulation collapse in nonhuman primates. We suggest that successful design of UII antagonists might offer a new therapeutic principle in treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhun Zhu
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National Univ. of Singapore, 18 Medical Dr., Singapore 117597.
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34
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Sugo T, Murakami Y, Shimomura Y, Harada M, Abe M, Ishibashi Y, Kitada C, Miyajima N, Suzuki N, Mori M, Fujino M. Identification of urotensin II-related peptide as the urotensin II-immunoreactive molecule in the rat brain. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2003; 310:860-8. [PMID: 14550283 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2003.09.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) has been reported as the most potent known vasoconstrictor. While rat and mouse orthologs of UII precursor protein have been reported, only the tentative structures of UII peptides of these animals have been demonstrated, since prepro-UII proteins lack typical processing sites for their mature peptides. In the present study, we isolated a novel peptide, UII-related peptide (URP), from the extract of the rat brain as the sole immunoreactive substance to anti-UII antibody; the amino acid sequence of the peptide was determined as ACFWKYCV. cDNAs encoding rat, mouse, and human precursor proteins for URP were cloned and revealed that the sequences of mouse and human URP peptides are the same as that for rat URP. Prepro-URP gene is expressed in several rat tissues such as those of the thymus, spleen, testis, and spinal cord, although with lower levels than the prepro-UII gene. In the human, the prepro-URP gene is expressed comparably to prepro-UII in several tissues except the spinal cord. URP was found to bind and activate the human or rat UII receptors (GPR14) and showed a hypotensive effect when administered to anesthetized rats. These results suggest that URP is the endogenous and functional ligand for UII receptor in the rat and mouse, and possibly in the human. We also describe the preparation of specific monoclonal antibodies raised against UII peptide and the establishment of a highly sensitive enzyme immunoassay system for UII peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsukasa Sugo
- Discovery Research Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd., Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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35
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Watson AMD, Lambert GW, Smith KJ, May CN. Urotensin II acts centrally to increase epinephrine and ACTH release and cause potent inotropic and chronotropic actions. Hypertension 2003; 42:373-9. [PMID: 12885791 DOI: 10.1161/01.hyp.0000084633.85427.e6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II is a small peptide whose receptor was recently identified in mammals as the orphan G protein-coupled receptor-14. The reported cardiovascular responses to systemic urotensin II administration are variable, and there is little detailed information on its central cardiovascular actions. We examined the cardiovascular and humoral actions of intracerebroventricular urotensin II (0.02 and 0.2 nmol/kg and vehicle) and intravenous urotensin II (2, 20, and 40 nmol/kg and vehicle) in conscious ewes previously surgically implanted with flow probes and intracerebroventricular guide tubes. Two hours after intracerebroventricular infusion of urotensin II (0.2 nmol/kg over 1 hour; n=5), heart rate (+56+/-13 beats per minute [bpm]), dF/dt (an index of cardiac contractility; +533+/-128 L x min(-1) x s(-1)), and cardiac output (+3.4+/-0.4 L/min) increased significantly compared with vehicle, as did renal, mesenteric, and iliac blood flows and conductances. Plasma epinephrine, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and glucose levels also increased dramatically (+753+/-166 pg/mL, +14.3+/-3.5 pmol/L, and +7.0+/-1.4 mmol/L, respectively). All of these variables remained elevated for up to 4 hours after infusion. In contrast, 1 hour after intravenous urotensin II (40 nmol/kg bolus; n=6), a sustained tachycardia (+25+/-8 bpm) ensued, but cardiac output, cardiac contractility, total peripheral conductance, and plasma glucose levels did not change significantly. In summary, this is the first study to show that urotensin II acts centrally to stimulate sympathoadrenal and pituitary-adrenal pathways, resulting in increased adrenocorticotropic hormone and epinephrine release and potent chronotropic and inotropic actions. In contrast, tachycardia was the only major response to intravenous urotensin II. These findings suggest that urotensin II is a novel stimulator of central pathways that mediate responses to alerting stimuli or stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M D Watson
- Howard Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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36
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Behm DJ, Harrison SM, Ao Z, Maniscalco K, Pickering SJ, Grau EV, Woods TN, Coatney RW, Doe CPA, Willette RN, Johns DG, Douglas SA. Deletion of the UT receptor gene results in the selective loss of urotensin-II contractile activity in aortae isolated from UT receptor knockout mice. Br J Pharmacol 2003; 139:464-72. [PMID: 12770952 PMCID: PMC1573852 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
1 Urotensin-II (U-II) is among the most potent mammalian vasoconstrictors identified and may play a role in the aetiology of essential hypertension. Currently, only one mouse U-II receptor (UT) gene has been cloned. It is postulated that this protein is solely responsible for mediating U-II-induced vasoconstriction. 2 This hypothesis has been investigated in the present study, which assessed basal haemodynamics and vascular reactivity to hU-II in wild-type (UT((+/+))) and UT receptor knockout (UT((-/-))) mice. 3 Basal left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes/pressures, stroke volumes, mean arterial blood pressures, heart rates, cardiac outputs and ejection fractions in UT((+/+)) mice and in UT((-/-)) mice were similar. 4 Relative to UT((+/+)) mouse isolated thoracic aorta, where hU-II was a potent spasmogen (pEC(50)=8.26+/-0.08) that evoked relatively little vasoconstriction (17+/-2% 60 mM KCl), vessels isolated from UT((-/-)) mice did not respond to hU-II. However, in contrast, the superior mesenteric artery isolated from both the genotypes did not contract in the presence of hU-II. Reactivity to unrelated vasoconstrictors (phenylephrine, endothelin-1, KCl) and endothelium-dependent/independent vasodilator agents (carbachol, sodium nitroprusside) was similar in the aorta and superior mesenteric arteries isolated from both the genotypes. 5 The present study is the first to directly link hU-II-induced vasoconstriction with the UT receptor. Deletion of the UT receptor gene results in loss of hU-II contractile action with no 'nonspecific' alterations in vascular reactivity. However, as might be predicted based on the limited contractile efficacy recorded in vitro, the contribution that hU-II and its receptor make to basal systemic haemodynamics appears to be negligible in this species.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiology
- Body Weight
- Gene Targeting
- Genotype
- Hemodynamics
- Humans
- In Vitro Techniques
- Male
- Mesenteric Artery, Superior/drug effects
- Mesenteric Artery, Superior/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Urotensins/metabolism
- Urotensins/pharmacology
- Urotensins/physiology
- Vasoconstriction/drug effects
- Vasoconstriction/physiology
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology
- Vasodilator Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Behm
- Department of Vascular Biology, Cardiovascular and Urogenital Diseases Center of Excellence for Drug Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0939, USA.
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37
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Hassan GS, Chouiali F, Saito T, Hu F, Douglas SA, Ao Z, Willette RN, Ohlstein EH, Giaid A. Effect of human urotensin-II infusion on hemodynamics and cardiac function. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2003; 81:125-8. [PMID: 12710525 DOI: 10.1139/y03-004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the vasoactive peptide urotensin-II (U-II) exerts a wide range of action on the cardiovascular system of various species. In the present study, we determined the in vivo effects of U-II on basal hemodynamics and cardiac function in the anesthetized intact rat. Intravenous bolus injection of human U-II resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in mean arterial pressure and left ventricular systolic pressure. Cardiac contractility represented by +/-dP/dt was decreased after injection of U-II. However, there was no significant change in heart rate or diastolic pressure. The present study suggests that upregulation of myocardial U-II may contribute to impaired myocardial function in disease conditions such as congestive heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada S Hassan
- The Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1A4, Canada
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38
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Lin Y, Tsuchihashi T, Matsumura K, Abe I, Iida M. Central cardiovascular action of urotensin II in conscious rats. J Hypertens 2003; 21:159-65. [PMID: 12544448 DOI: 10.1097/00004872-200301000-00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the central cardiovascular action of urotensin II in conscious rats. METHODS Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of urotensin II (1 and 10 nmol) were carried out in conscious Wistar rats. The effects of intravenous (i.v.) urotensin II (10 nmol) were also determined. RESULTS The ICV injection of urotensin II at a dose of 1 nmol did not alter the arterial pressure or heart rate significantly, while 10 nmol urotensin II increased the arterial pressure and heart rate. The mean arterial pressure at 5 min of ICV urotensin II was 121 +/- 4 mmHg, which was significantly higher than that obtained by ICV injection of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (107 +/- 3 mmHg, P <0.05). In addition, significant increases in heart rate were observed 5-15 min after ICV urotensin II. Pre-treatment with pentolinium (5 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly attenuated the increases in mean arterial pressure (20 +/- 3 versus 8 +/- 2 mmHg, P <0.01) and heart rate (78 +/- 18 versus 7 +/- 5 beats/min, P <0.05) induced by ICV urotensin II. On the other hand, i.v. injection of urotensin II (10 nmol) elicited a depressor response associated with tachycardia; mean arterial pressure 5 min after injection was significantly lower in the urotensin II-injected rats (89 +/- 5 mmHg) than in the control rats (102 +/- 2 mmHg, P <0.05), and the heart rate was significantly higher in the former (402 +/- 11 versus 360 +/- 9 beats/min, respectively, P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS Central urotensin II produces pressor and tachycardic responses through sympathetic activation, while peripheral urotensin II exerts a vasodilation-mediated depressor response in conscious rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingzi Lin
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Is urotensin-II the new endothelin? Br J Pharmacol 2002; 137:579-88. [PMID: 12381671 PMCID: PMC1573544 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2002] [Revised: 07/30/2002] [Accepted: 08/12/2002] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Urotensin-II (U-II), a peptide isolated from the urophysis of teleost fish 35 years ago, is the endogenous ligand of the mammalian orphan receptor GPR14/SENR. Recently, human homologues of both the receptor (UT-II) and the peptide (hU-II) have been discovered. Following de-orphanization, hU-II was declared the 'new endothelin' as initial studies suggested similarities between the peptides, and in isolated arteries of cynomolgus monkey U-II was a more potent constrictor than endothelin-1 (ET-1), with equal efficacy. However, effects of U-II in vascular tissue from other mammalian species are variable and although potent, U-II exhibits a lesser maximal response than ET-1. In contrast, in humans U-II has emerged as a ubiquitious constrictor of both arteries and veins in vitro and elicits a reduction in blood flow in the forearm and skin microcirculation in vivo. In addition to direct vasoconstrictor activity on smooth muscle receptors, endothelium-dependent U-II-mediated vasodilatation has also been observed. Non-vascular, peripheral actions of U-II include potent inotropy and airway smooth muscle constriction and U-II and its receptor are present throughout rat brain implying a possible neurotransmitter or neuromodulatory role in the central nervous system. U-II is proposed to contribute to human diseases including atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension and tumour growth. The development of selective receptor antagonists should help to clarify the relative importance of hU-II as a multifunctional peptide in mammalian systems and its role in disease. What is clear is that U-II is emerging as a new and potentially important mammalian transmitter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet J Maguire
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Level 6, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
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Abstract
It has been shown that intracerebroventricular injection of urotensin II (UII)-induced hypotensive and bradycardiac responses. Here, we tested the cardiovascular roles of UII in different brain areas by microinjection of UII into the A1 and A2 areas (noradrenergic cells found in the lower part of the medulla that have been designated either A1 or A2 areas), the paraventricular and the arcuate nucleus. In urethane-anaesthetized rats, we observed that: (1) microinjection of UII into the A1 area induced dose-related depressor and bradycardiac responses; (2) mean arterial blood pressure (mABP) and heart rate (HR) did not change significantly after microinjection of UII into the A2 area; and (3) significant increases in mABP and HR were induced after microinjection of 10 pmol UII into either the paraventricular or arcuate nucleus. The above results suggest that UII, in different brain areas, plays different roles in cardiovascular regulation and the A1 area is a very important action site for UII in cardiovascular regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lu
- Department of Physiology, Health Science Center, Peking University, Beijing, PR China
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Ziltener P, Mueller C, Haenig B, Scherz MW, Nayler O. Urotensin II mediates ERK1/2 phosphorylation and proliferation in GPR14-transfected cell lines. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2002; 22:155-68. [PMID: 12503613 DOI: 10.1081/rrs-120014593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin-II (U-II), a vasoactive cyclic neuropeptide, was recently identified as the natural ligand for the G-protein coupled receptor GPR14. The expression pattern of U-II and GPR14 are consistent with a role as a neurohormonal regulatory system in cardiovascular homeostasis. Urotensin-II induces a rapid and short-lasting rise in intracellular calcium in recombinant GPR14 expressing cells. In the present study we show that U-II induces signal transduction pathways leading to the long-lasting activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in chinese hamster ovary cells expressing human GPR14 (CHO-GPR14). Furthermore, we observed a growth-stimulating and PD98059 sensitive activity of U-II in CHO-GPR14 cells, but not CHO-K1 cells. The investigation of the GPR14 induced signal transduction pathways leading to ERKI/2 phosphorylation revealed a previously unsuspected role for G(i/o)-protein coupling and showed an involvement of phospatidylinositol-3-kinase, phospholipase C and calcium channel mediated mechanisms. Our results suggest that U-II and its receptor GPR14 may be involved in long-lasting physiological effects such as cardiovascular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ziltener
- Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Gewerbestrasse 16, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
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Clark SD, Nothacker HP, Wang Z, Saito Y, Leslie FM, Civelli O. The urotensin II receptor is expressed in the cholinergic mesopontine tegmentum of the rat. Brain Res 2001; 923:120-7. [PMID: 11743979 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(01)03208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) is a peptide known to be a potent vasoconstrictor. The urotensin II receptor (UII-R) is expressed not only in peripheral tissues but also in the brain of rodents. As a basis for studies of UII central nervous system actions, UII-R localization in the rat brain was analyzed by in situ hybridization and by in situ binding. UII-R mRNA was found in the mesopontine tegmental area colocalizing with choline acetyltransferase. Binding sites were detected throughout the brain with the highest levels found in the pedunculopontine tegmental area, the lateral dorsal tegmental area, and the lateral septal, medial habenular, and interpeduncular nuclei. The majority of these brain nuclei are sites of axonal termination originating from the mesopontine areas, suggesting that UII-R is a presynaptic receptor. This distribution of UII-R in the cholinergic mesopontine area indicates that the UII system may be involved in sensory-motor integration and perhaps in central nervous system blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Clark
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, The University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4625, USA
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Watanabe T, Pakala R, Katagiri T, Benedict CR. Synergistic effect of urotensin II with serotonin on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. J Hypertens 2001; 19:2191-6. [PMID: 11725163 DOI: 10.1097/00004872-200112000-00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urotensin II (U-II), the most potent vasoconstrictor, and serotonin (5-HT) are known to play an important role in pulmonary hypertension. However, little is known about the effect of U-II and its interaction with 5-HT on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. OBJECTIVE We assessed the interaction between U-II and 5-HT in inducing VSMC proliferation. METHODS Growth-arrested rabbit VSMCs were incubated in serum-free medium with different concentrations of U-II and 5-HT. VSMC proliferation was examined by the increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA and cell number. RESULTS U-II or 5-HT induced [3H]thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner with a maximal effect at a concentration of 50 nmol/l (161%) or 50 micromol/l (205%), respectively. When added together, low concentrations of U-II (50 nmol/l) and 5-HT (1 micromol/l) interacted synergistically in inducing [3H]thymidine incorporation (382%). These effects on [3H]thymidine incorporation were paralleled by an increase in cell number. The G-protein inactivator GDP-beta-S (100 micromol/l), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro31-8220 (0.1 micromol/l), Src family tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2 (1 micromol/l), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase inhibitor PD098059 (10 micromol/l) inhibited the mitogenic effects of U-II and 5-HT and also their interaction in inducing [3H]thymidine incorporation. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that U-II and 5-HT may induce the synergistic interaction in inducing VSMC proliferation via a G-protein-coupled receptor/PKC/Src tyrosine kinase/MAPK pathway, thus contributing to the relatively rapid development of atherosclerosis in hypertensive vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Watanabe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Abstract
The anococcygeus is a smooth muscle tissue of the urogenital tract which, in the male, runs on to form the retractor penis. The motor innervation is classically sympathetic with noradrenaline as transmitter, but the relaxant parasympathetic transmitter has only recently been identified as nitric oxide. Indeed, the anococcygeus has provided an extremely useful model with which to probe the mechanisms underlying this novel nitrergic system, including the importance of physiological antioxidants in maintaining the potency of nitric oxide as a neurotransmitter. The cellular mechanisms of contraction and relaxation are slowly being clarified, with particular interest in the contribution of capacitative calcium entry and the guanylyl cyclase/cyclic GMP system. Many questions remain unanswered, however, including the precise physiological role of the muscle, the identity of substances released from subcellular vesicles of nitrergic nerves, the unusual sensitivity of the tissue to certain peptides (oxytocin and urotensin II), and the nature of store-operated channels through which calcium enters the cell to maintain contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gibson
- Messengers & Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
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Gardiner SM, March JE, Kemp PA, Davenport AP, Bennett T. Depressor and regionally-selective vasodilator effects of human and rat urotensin II in conscious rats. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 132:1625-9. [PMID: 11309232 PMCID: PMC1572749 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The regional haemodynamic effects of rat or human urotensin II (U-II) 3, 30, 300 and 3000 pmol kg(-1), i.v.) were assessed in separate groups of conscious, unrestrained, male, Sprague-Dawley rats (n=8 in each). Rat and human U-II had similar effects. At a dose of 3 pmol kg(-1), neither peptide had any significant action, while at a dose of 30 pmol kg(-1), there was a transient mesenteric vasodilatation (significant only for rat U-II). At doses of 300 and 3000 pmol kg(-1), there were dose-dependent tachycardias, and mesenteric and hindquarters hyperaemic vasodilatations. Thus, in conscious rats, the predominant cardiovascular action of rat and human U-II is vasodilatation. This is in contrast to recent findings with human U-II in non-human primates, but is consistent with effects on human isolated resistance vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Gardiner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Nottingham Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH
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Douglas SA, Sulpizio AC, Piercy V, Sarau HM, Ames RS, Aiyar NV, Ohlstein EH, Willette RN. Differential vasoconstrictor activity of human urotensin-II in vascular tissue isolated from the rat, mouse, dog, pig, marmoset and cynomolgus monkey. Br J Pharmacol 2000; 131:1262-74. [PMID: 11090097 PMCID: PMC1572453 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0703690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Urotensin-II (U-II) and its G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR14, are expressed within mammalian cardiac and peripheral vascular tissue and, as such, may regulate mammalian cardiovascular function. The present study details the vasoconstrictor profile of this cyclic undecapeptide in different vascular tissues isolated from a diverse range of mammalian species (rats, mice, dogs, pigs, marmosets and cynomolgus monkeys). 2. The vasoconstrictor activity of human U-II was dependent upon the anatomical origin of the vessel studied and the species from which it was isolated. In the rat, constrictor responses were most pronounced in thoracic aortae and carotid arteries: -log[EC(50)]s 9.09+/-0.19 and 8.84+/-0.21, R(max)s 143+/-21 and 67+/-26% 60 mM KCl, respectively (compared, for example, to -log[EC(50)] 7.90+/-0.11 and R(max) 142+/-12% 60 mM KCl for endothelin-1 [ET-1] in thoracic aortae). Responses were, however, absent in mice aortae (-log[EC(50)] <6.50). These findings were further contrasted by the observation that U-II was a 'coronary-selective' spasmogen in the dog (-log[EC(50)] 9.46+/-0.11, R(max) 109+/-23% 60 mM KCl in LCX coronary artery), yet exhibited a broad spectrum of vasoconstrictor activity in arterial tissue from Old World monkeys (-log[EC(50)]s range from 8.96+/-0.15 to 9.92+/-0.13, R(max)s from 43+/-16 to 527+/-135% 60 mM KCl). Interestingly, significant differences in reproducibility and vasoconstrictor efficacy were seen in tissue from pigs and New World primates (vessels which responded to noradrenaline, phenylephrine, KCl or ET-1 consistently). 3. Thus, human U-II is a potent, efficacious vasoconstrictor of a variety of mammalian vascular tissues. Although significant species/anatomical variations exist, the data support the hypothesis that U-II influences the physiological regulation of mammalian cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Douglas
- Department of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, 709 Swedeland Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406-0939, USA.
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Saetrum Opgaard O, Nothacker H, Ehlert FJ, Krause DN. Human urotensin II mediates vasoconstriction via an increase in inositol phosphates. Eur J Pharmacol 2000; 406:265-71. [PMID: 11020490 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(00)00672-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The cyclic peptide urotensin II has recently been cloned from human and reported to potently constrict primate blood vessels. To elucidate the cellular signalling mechanisms of this peptide, we investigated a possible relationship of vasomotor effects of human urotensin II and phosphoinositide turnover in isolated rabbit thoracic aorta. Human urotensin II produced a slowly developing increase in isometric contractile force (pEC(50)=9.0) that was endothelium-independent. The contractile effect of urotensin II was significantly inhibited by the phospholipase C inhibitor, 2-nitro-4-carboxyphenyl-N,N,-diphenylcarbamate (NCDC), but not by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin. In slices of rabbit thoracic aorta, human urotensin II increased phosphoinositide hydrolysis, and this effect was also inhibited by NCDC. The potency of urotensin II (pEC(50)=8.6) was similar to that found in the contractile studies. Thus, vasoconstrictor effects of human urotensin II appear to be mediated by a phospholipase C-dependent increase in inositol phosphates, suggesting that the peptide acts via a G(q) protein-coupled receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Saetrum Opgaard
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, 360 Med Surge II, University of California-Irvine, 92697-4625, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Maguire JJ, Kuc RE, Davenport AP. Orphan-receptor ligand human urotensin II: receptor localization in human tissues and comparison of vasoconstrictor responses with endothelin-1. Br J Pharmacol 2000; 131:441-6. [PMID: 11015293 PMCID: PMC1572358 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0703601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2000] [Revised: 07/13/2000] [Accepted: 07/14/2000] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We have determined the distribution of receptors for human urotensin-II (U-II) in human and rat CNS and peripheral tissues. In rat, [(125)I]-U-II binding density was highest in the abducens nucleus of brainstem (139.6+/-14 amol mm(-2)). Moderate levels were detected in dorsal horn of spinal cord and lower levels in aorta (22. 5+/-6 amol mm(-2)). In human tissues density was highest in skeletal muscle and cerebral cortex ( approximately 30 amol mm(-2)), with lower levels (<15 amol mm(-2)) in kidney cortex and left ventricle. Little binding was identified in atria, conducting system of the heart and lung parenchyma. Receptor density was less in human coronary artery smooth muscle (14.6+/-3 amol mm(-2), n=10) than rat aorta with no significant difference between normal and atherosclerotic vessels. In human skeletal muscle [(125)I]-U-II bound to a single receptor population with K(D)=0.24+/-0.17 nM and B(max)=1.97+/-1.1 fmol mg(-1) protein (n=4). U-II contracted human coronary, mammary and radial arteries, saphenous and umbilical veins with sub-nanomolar EC(50) values. U-II was 50 times more potent in arteries and <10 times more potent in veins than endothelin-1 (ET-1). The maximum response to U-II ( approximately 20% of control KCl) was significantly less than to ET-1 ( approximately 80% KCl). In contrast, in rat aorta, U-II and ET-1 were equipotent with similar maximum responses. This is the first report of high affinity receptors for [(125)I]-U-II in human CNS and peripheral tissues. This peptide produces potent, low efficacy, vasoconstriction in human arteries and veins. These data suggest a potential role for U-II in human physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet J Maguire
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Level 6 Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ
| | - Rhoda E Kuc
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Level 6 Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ
| | - Anthony P Davenport
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Level 6 Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ
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Conlon JM. Singular contributions of fish neuroendocrinology to mammalian regulatory peptide research. REGULATORY PEPTIDES 2000; 93:3-12. [PMID: 11033047 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-0115(00)00172-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
During the past 20 years, several bioactive peptides have been identified in teleost fishes that subsequently have been shown to play important regulatory roles in mammalian physiology. The urophysis, corpuscles of Stannius and Brockmann body are anatomical structures particular to fish that have no obvious counterpart in mammals. Extracts and/or cDNA libraries prepared from these tissues have been used to identify for the first time urotensin II (U-II), urotensin-I (U-I), stanniocalcin and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Although U-II and U-I were originally regarded as exclusively the products of the teleost urophysis, the peptides have a wide phylogenetic distribution across the vertebrate lineage, including mammals. U-II is localized to motor neurones in the human spinal cord and is a potent vasoconstrictor that may be implicated in the pathogenesis of heart failure. The human ortholog of urotensin-I is urocortin which is synthesized in selected regions of the brain and is the endogenous ligand for the CRF type 2 receptor. Urocortin is believed to important in mediating the effects of stress on appetite. Stanniocalcin is involved in maintaining calcium and phosphate homeostasis in teleost fish. An ortholog of stanniocalcin has a widespread distribution in mammalian tissues and is postulated to regulate renal phosphate excretion and to protect neurons against damage during cerebral ischemia. The biological actions and therapeutic potential of GLP-1 in humans are now fully appreciated but the peptide was first identified as a domain in a preproglucagon cDNA prepared from anglerfish Brockmann bodies. In contrast to mammalian preproglucagons, GLP-1 is present in anglerfish preproglucagon as the bioactive, truncated sequence [corresponding to human GLP-1(7-37)] rather than the inactive, N-terminally extended form [corresponding to GLP-1(1-37)]. Failure to appreciate the significance of this fact retarded progress in the field for several years.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Conlon
- Regulatory Peptide Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University Medical School, 68178-0405, Omaha NE, USA.
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50
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Katano Y, Ishihata A, Aita T, Ogaki T, Horie T. Vasodilator effect of urotensin II, one of the most potent vasoconstricting factors, on rat coronary arteries. Eur J Pharmacol 2000; 402:R5-7. [PMID: 10940376 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(00)00506-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The effects of human urotensin II on coronary flow were studied in the perfused rat heart. Urotensin II transiently decreased coronary flow, then induced sustained vasodilatation. In the presence of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, diclofenac, coronary vasodilatation was significantly inhibited. A nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), attenuated the urotensin-induced vasodilatation. These data suggest that urotensin II modulates coronary flow through factors such as cyclooxygenase products and nitric oxide to elicit coronary vasodilatation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Katano
- Division of Theoretical Nursing and Pathophysiology, Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
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