Characterization by high performance liquid chromatography of angiotensin peptides in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of the dog

Twenty years of progress in angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and its link to SARS-CoV-2 disease

The virulence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the aggressive nature of the disease has transformed the universal pace of research in the desperate attempt to seek effective therapies to halt the morbidity and mortality of this pandemic. The rapid sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus facilitated identification of the receptor for angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the high affinity binding site that allows virus endocytosis. Parallel evidence that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease evolution shows greater lethality in patients with antecedent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or even obesity questioned the potential unfavorable contribution of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor blockers as facilitators of adverse outcomes due to the ability of these therapies to augment the transcription of Ace2 with consequent increase in protein formation and enzymatic activity. We review, here, the specific studies that support a role of these agents in altering the expression and activity of ACE2 and underscore that the robustness of the experimental data is associated with weak clinical long-term studies of the existence of a similar regulation of tissue or plasma ACE2 in human subjects.

Vasopressin and sympathetic system mediate the cardiovascular effects of the angiotensin II in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in rat

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) is involved in cardiovascular regulation. The angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor (AT1), and angiotensinogen were found in the BST. In our previous study we found that microinjection of Ang II into the BST produced a pressor response. This study was performed to find the mechanisms mediating this response in anesthetized rats. Ang II was microinjected into the BST and the cardiovascular responses were re-tested after systemic injection of a blocker of autonomic or vasopressin V1 receptor. The ganglionic nicotinic receptor blocker, hexamethonium dichloride, attenuated the pressor response to Ang II, indicating that the cardiovascular sympathetic system is involved in the pressor effect of Ang II. A selective vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist greatly attenuated the pressor effect of Ang II, indicating that the Ang II increases the arterial pressure via stimulation of vasopressin release as well. In conclusion, in the BST, Ang II as a neurotransmitter increases blood pressure by exciting cardiovascular sympathetic system and directly or indirectly causing vasopressin to release into bloodstream by VPN. This is an interesting new finding that not only circulating Ang II but also brain Ang II makes vasopressin release.

Cardiovascular and single-unit responses to microinjection of angiotensin II into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in rat

The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) is part of the limbic system located in the rostral forebrain. BST is involved in behavioral, neuroendocrine and autonomic functions, including cardiovascular regulation. The angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor, AT1, was found in the BST, however its effects on the cardiovascular system and on single-unit responses have not been studied yet. In the present study, Ang II was microinjected into the BST of anesthetized rats and cardiovascular and single-unit responses were recorded simultaneously. Furthermore the responses were re-tested after the microinjection of a blocker of the AT1 receptor, losartan, into the BST. We found that microinjection of Ang II into the BST produced a pressor response of 11±1mmHg for a duration of 2-8min. Ang II had no consistent effect on heart rate. It also produced two types of single-unit responses in the BST, short excitatory and long inhibitory. Blockade of AT1 receptors abolished both the cardiovascular and single-unit responses, indicating that the responses were mediated through AT1 receptors. These findings imply that Ang II may be utilized as a neurotransmitter and may play a role in returning blood pressure toward normal during hypotension.

The brain renin-angiotensin system: location and physiological roles

Angiotensinogen, the precursor molecule for angiotensins I, II and III, and the enzymes renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and aminopeptidases A and N may all be synthesised within the brain. Angiotensin (Ang) AT(1), AT(2) and AT(4) receptors are also plentiful in the brain. AT(1) receptors are found in several brain regions, such as the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, the lamina terminalis, lateral parabrachial nucleus, ventrolateral medulla and nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), which are known to have roles in the regulation of the cardiovascular system and/or body fluid and electrolyte balance. Immunohistochemical and neuropharmacological studies suggest that angiotensinergic neural pathways utilise Ang II and/or Ang III as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator in the aforementioned brain regions. Angiotensinogen is synthesised predominantly in astrocytes, but the processes by which Ang II is generated or incorporated in neurons for utilisation as a neurotransmitter is unknown. Centrally administered AT(1) receptor antagonists or angiotensinogen antisense oligonucleotides inhibit sympathetic activity and reduce arterial blood pressure in certain physiological or pathophysiological conditions, as well as disrupting water drinking and sodium appetite, vasopressin secretion, sodium excretion, renin release and thermoregulation. The AT(4) receptor is identical to insulin-regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) and plays a role in memory mechanisms. In conclusion, angiotensinergic neural pathways and angiotensin peptides are important in neural function and may have important homeostatic roles, particularly related to cardiovascular function, osmoregulation and thermoregulation.

Specific and non-specific measurements of tissue angiotensin II cascade members

Although angiotensin II (ANG II) has been the focal regulatory peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, its proteolytic fragments have recently been demonstrated to have biological effects. Conventional measurement of angiotensins involves radioimmunoassay (RIA), which is a sensitive binding technique capable of measuring low physiological concentrations. However, ANG II antibody cross-reacts with ANG II and its fragments (ANG II cascade), rendering RIA measurement alone to be a non-specific measure of immunoreactive ANG II (ir-ANG II). On the other hand, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is capable of separating immunoreactive ANG II cascade members, but may not be sensitive enough to detect these low peptide concentrations often present in biological samples. Consequently, a reverse-phase HPLC method, with triethylammoniun formate as an ion-pair reagent, was developed to separate ANG II and its fragments, ANG III, ANG IV and ANG V. This HPLC separation was applied to extracts from normal canine hearts and ANG II cascade immunoreactive fractions were collected. Collected fractions were quantified by RIA, with the use of separate standard curves. The isocratic HPLC separation of ANG II, ANG III, ANG IV and ANG V was achieved in less than 5 min with adjacent peaks having baseline resolution. Measured cardiac left ventricle ANG III, ANG IV and ANG V concentrations (mean+/-SD) were 5.3+/-2.2,4.0+/-1.0 and 3.1+/-1.0 fmol/g (n=9), respectively. There was a significant difference (P=0.003, n=9) between left ventricular immunoreactive ANG II and 'true' ANG II, corrected for recovery rates of 86.2+/-22.5 and 53.5+/-16.2 fmol/g, respectively. We conclude that the combination of HPLC with RIA ensures the specific measurement of the ANG II cascade family members while non-chromatographic processing of tissue renders ANG II measurement non-specific. In addition, the use of triethylammonium formate as mobile phase additive is superior in the HPLC separation of the angiotensins.

Role of angiotensin II in sympathetic nervous system induced left ventricular dysfunction

Experiments were undertaken to determine whether angiotensin (Ang) II concentration increases during massive sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation and whether such an increase plays a role in the pathogenesis of SNS-induced left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. We also sought to determine whether excessive Ca2+ uptake through L-type channels due to intense adrenoceptor activation is responsible for the LV dysfunction. AngII concentration was measured in the plasma and myocardium before and after massively activating the SNS with an intracisternal injection of veratrine. In separate experiments, rabbits were given losartan, enalaprilat, enalaprilat plus HOE-140, nifedipine, -Bay K 4866, or saline before massively activating the SNS. LV function was evaluated 2.5 h later. The intense SNS activity caused plasma and myocardial AngII to increase by 400 and 437%, respectively. AngII receptor blockade did not prevent LV dysfunction. In contrast, enalaprilat reduced the degree of dysfunction, but its cardioprotection was abolished by HOE-140. Although nifedipine prevented SNS-induced LV dysfunction, administration of the Ca2+ channel opener, -Bay K 4866, did not increase its severity. Our results indicate that AngII is not involved in the pathogenesis of SNS-induced LV dysfunction and that the cardioprotection provided by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition is due to activation of a bradykinin pathway. Furthermore, the finding that the magnitude of the LV dysfunction was reduced by enalaprilat, and not increased by -Bay K 4866, suggests that intense adrenoceptor activation of L-type Ca2+ channels is not the primary pathogenetic mechanism.Key words: converting-enzyme inhibitor, calcium channel opener-blocker, myocardial contractility, catecholamines, rabbits.

Converting enzyme determines plasma clearance of angiotensin-(1-7)

We determined the mechanism accounting for the removal and metabolism of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] in 21 anesthetized spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), 18 age-matched normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD), and 36 mRen-2 transgenic (TG+) rats. Animals of all 3 strains were provided with tap water or tap water containing losartan, lisinopril, or a combination of lisinopril and losartan for 2 weeks. On the day of the experiment, Ang-(1-7) was infused for a period of 15 minutes at a rate of 278 nmol . kg-1 . min-1. After this time, samples of arterial blood were collected rapidly at regular intervals for the assay of plasma Ang-(1-7) levels by radioimmunoassay. Infusion of Ang-(1-7) had a minimal effect on vehicle-treated SD rats but elicited a biphasic pressor/depressor response in vehicle-treated SHR and TG+ rats. In lisinopril-treated rats, Ang-(1-7) infusion increased blood pressure, whereas losartan treatment abolished the pressor component of the response without altering the secondary fall in arterial pressure. Combined treatment with lisinopril and losartan abolished the cardiovascular response to Ang-(1-7) in all 3 strains. In vehicle-treated SD, SHR and TG+ the half-life (t1/2) of Ang-(1-7) averaged 10+/-1, 10+/-1, and 9+/-1 seconds, respectively. Lisinopril alone or in combination with losartan produced a statistically significant rise in the half-life of Ang-(1-7) in all 3 strains of rats. Plasma clearance of Ang-(1-7) was significantly greater in the untreated SD rats compared with either the SHR or TG+ rat. Lisinopril treatment was associated with reduced clearance of Ang-(1-7) in all 3 strains. Concurrent experiments in pulmonary membranes from SD and SHR showed a statistically significant inhibition of 125I-Ang-(1-7) metabolism in the presence of lisinopril. These studies showed for the first time that the very short half-life of Ang-(1-7) in the circulation is primarily accounted for peptide metabolism by ACE. These findings suggest a novel role of ACE in the regulation of the production and metabolism of the two primary active hormones of the renin angiotensin system.

Infusions with molsidomine and isosorbide-5-mononitrate in congestive heart failure: mechanisms underlying attenuation of effects

The use of nitrates for treatment of heart failure is encumbered by tolerance, caused by whatever mechanism, which has been reported only in a few instances with sydnonimines. Accordingly, we compared molsidomine (6 mg/h) and isosorbide-5-mononitrate (3.75 mg/h) with respect to maximal hemodynamic effects, rapidity and extent of attenuation, and underlying mechanisms by means of constant infusions over 24 h each in 15 patients with chronic congestive heart failure (NYHA II-III) with a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, crossover protocol. Hemodynamic measurements and determinations of neurohormones were performed at baseline and at 2, 8, and 24 h after the beginning of infusions. With molsidomine, reductions of diastolic pulmonary artery pressure by 29% (p < 0.001), by 24% (p < 0.01), and by 24% (p < 0.01) versus placebo were found at 2, 8, and 24 h, which amounted to 19% (p < 0.01), 10% (NS), and 14% (NS) with the nitrate. Cardiac output was meaningfully affected only with molsidomine (+5%, NS, at 2 h; +9%, p < 0.05, at 8 h; and +15%, p < 0.05, at 24 h), as was systemic vascular resistance (-13%, p < 0.05; -9%, NS; and -18%, p < 0.01) at the corresponding times. Increases in renin activity amounted to 130% (p < 0.001), 117% (p < 0.001), and 112% (p < 0.001) with molsidomine, and to 14, 16%, and 0 (each NS) with the nitrate at the corresponding times. Hematocrit was reduced by 5% (p < 0.001), 7% (p < 0.001), and 12% (p < 0.01) with molsidomine and by 5% (NS), 5% (p < 0.05), and 5% (NS) with the nitrate. We conclude that neurohumoral counterregulation or fluid shift, which is even more pronounced with molsidomine despite longer-lasting effects, has no essential role in nitrate-tolerance development. With molsidomine, such a role cannot be ruled out, although alternatively, a fluid shift from arterial to the low-pressure arm of circulation during the later course of infusion would be even more likely.

Adrenal, kidney, and heart angiotensins in female murine Ren-2 transfected hypertensive rats

We analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay angiotensin I (Ang I), Ang II, Ang-(1-7), and metabolites in the adrenal, kidney and heart of normotensive female Sprague-Dawley (SD) and transgenic hypertensive [TGR(mRen-2)27] rats carrying the murine Ren-2d renin gene. The monogenetic model of hypertensive rats had significant increases in adrenal Ang II; whereas in the kidney Ang II was unchanged, but Ang I and Ang-(1-7) were significantly lower. Cardiac Ang I, Ang II, and Ang-(2-10) were significantly reduced in transgenic rats, while Ang-(2-7) was increased. In SD and transgenic rats kidney and adrenal angiotensins increased primarily during estrus or proestrus. In female transgenic rats the increased adrenal Ang II and the sustained renal Ang II may contribute to the established phase of hypertension.

Determination of melanotan II in rabbit urine using solid-phase extraction sample preparation followed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

A solid-phase extraction (SPE) method has been developed for the isolation of melanotan II from rabbit urine. The proposed extraction method makes it possible to selectively isolate melanotan II without significant loss of the peptide. Standard curves obtained from high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis of spiked urine extracts are linear from 0.1 to 4.0 micrograms/ml. The analytical method is shown to be highly reproducible, giving a relative standard deviation of less than 5% for both between-day and same-day analyses. The accuracy of the method obtained from standard plots ranges from -3.3 to 3.1%.

Opposing actions of angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin II in the brain of transgenic hypertensive rats

Lack of specific antagonists to the amino-terminal heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] prompted us to evaluate the central effects of delivering a specific affinity-purified Ang-(1-7) antibody on the blood pressure and heart rate of 12-week-old conscious homozygous female rats (n = 12) expressing the mouse submandibular Ren-2d gene [(mRen-2d)27] in their genome. Another group of transgenic hypertensive and strain-matched Sprague-Dawley controls were injected with a specific Ang II monoclonal antibody (KAA8). Cerebroventricular administration of the affinity-purified Ang-(1-7) antibody in conscious transgenic hypertensive rats caused significant dose-related elevations in blood pressure associated with tachycardia. The hypertensive response was augmented in transgenic rats studied 7 to 10 days after cessation of lisinopril therapy. Neutralization of Ang II with the Ang II antibody caused a hemodynamic response opposite to that obtained with the Ang-(1-7) antibody. All doses of the Ang II antibody produced hypotension and bradycardia. The magnitude of the depressor response was significantly augmented in transgenic rats weaned off lisinopril therapy. In contrast, central administration of either the Ang-(1-7) or Ang II antibodies had no effect on normotensive rats. Central injections of an affinity-purified IgG fraction were ineffective in both control and transgene-positive rats. These data suggest that in the brain of transgenic hypertensive rats, Ang-(1-7) opposes the action of Ang II on the central mechanism or mechanisms that contribute to the maintenance of this model of hypertension.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The brain renin-angiotensin system: molecular mechanisms of cell to cell interactions

The components of the Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) have been found to be expressed in the brain. Angiotensinogen, the high molecular weight precursor of the system, is widely distributed and expressed in areas not related to control of blood pressure and body fluid homeostasis as well. It has been shown that it is regulated by steroid hormones independently from the liver and that it is also regulated in a different manner in several brain areas. Angiotensin II, the effector peptide of the system, may be generated in the brain via the classical pathway, using renin and angiotensin converting enzyme or directly from angiotensinogen by cathepsin G or tonin. N-terminal peptides of angiotensin II have been found in several brain areas with ANG (1-7) involved in vasopressin release however without influence on blood pressure and with ANG III acting as potent as ANG II. Transgenic animals may be used to study the pathophysiology of an activated brain RAS.

Effects of central angiotensin II and angiotensin III on baroreflex regulation

In the present study the cardiovascular effects of intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) applied angiotensin II (AN II) and angiotensin III (AN III) were analysed in conscious Wistar rats. The baroreceptor heart reflex (BHR) was elicited by intravenous bolus injection of both phenylephrine (1 microgram) and sodium nitroprusside (5 micrograms) before and after i.c.v. administration (1.5 and 15 min) of the peptides. Administration of 20 ng and 200 ng AN II produced a short increase in inter-beat interval (IBI) and a long-lasting increase in mean blood pressure (MBP), inclusive of a drinking response. Only after the high dose of 200 ng AN II we found a continuous impairment in the BHR for reflex bradycardia. Inversely, the small doses of both 100 pg AN II and 100 pg AN III were without effects on IBI and MBP; they induced an enhancement in BHR for the reflex bradycardia and after 100 pg AN II it was also found for the reflex tachycardia. Pretreatment with 20 nmol amastatin (AM), a specified aminopeptidase A inhibitor, followed by 100 pg An II suppressed the enhancement in BHR. AM alone was without effects in this respect. These findings suggest that: 1) the influence of central angiotensin on the BHR could be dose-dependent in the opposite way and 2) AN III seems to be the active form and involved in the central blood pressure regulatory mechanism.

Increased expression of angiotensin peptides in the brain of transgenic hypertensive rats

We determined the levels of angiotensin I (ANG I), angiotensin II (ANG II), and the heptapeptide angiotensin(1-7) [ANG(1-7)] in the blood and brain of female Hannover Sprague-Dawley (SD) and transgenic hypertensive rats [mRen-2]27 by radioimmunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography. Hypertension was accompanied by higher plasma concentrations of ANG II, no statistical changes in ANG(1-7), and no differences in plasma ANG I levels. In the hypothalamus of transgenic rats, concentrations of ANG II and ANG(1-7) averaged 827% and 168% above values in SD rats (p < 0.005) whereas both ANG I and ANG II increased in the medulla oblongata. The data showed that the established phase of hypertension in rats harboring the mouse Ren-2 gene is associated with overexpression of the renin-angiotensin system in brain regions participating in the endocrine regulation of blood pressure.

Plasma angiotensin(1-7) immunoreactivity is increased by salt load, water deprivation, and hemorrhage

In this study we investigated the effects of dehydration and hemorrhage on circulating levels of the heptapeptide, angiotensin(1-7). In water-deprived rats, a twofold increase in plasma angiotensin(1-7) was associated with similar increases in plasma renin activity, and angiotensin I and angiotensin II levels. In salt-loaded rats, plasma angiotensin(1-7) levels increased fourfold; however, other components of the renin-angiotensin system were suppressed or unchanged. In salt-loaded rats, increases in plasma angiotensin II levels in response to hemorrhage in normal rats were severely blunted, whereas angiotensin(1-7) plasma levels increased proportionately to the loss of blood volume. These results suggest that angiotensin(1-7) plasma concentration can be selectively regulated during dehydration and hemorrhage.

Angiotensin(1-7) in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

We profiled the concentrations of angiotensin I (Ang I), angiotensin II (Ang II), and angiotensin(1-7) [Ang(1-7)] by the combination of radioimmunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography in the blood of 14-week-old male Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) drinking either tap water or a solution containing ceranapril (30 mg/kg) or lisinopril (20 mg/kg) for 14 days. Differences in the chemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the two converting enzyme inhibitors ruled out class-related effects. Plasma renin activity, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity, and plasma levels of Ang I and Ang II were the same in vehicle-treated WKY and SHR. In contrast, plasma levels of both Ang(1-7) and vasopressin in SHR were 3.7-fold and 2.6-fold higher, respectively (p < 0.05). Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition reduced the blood pressure of WKY and SHR, and augmented their intake of water and output of urine. These changes were associated with increases in renin activity and plasma levels of Ang I and Ang(1-7). In both WKY and SHR, lisinopril had a greater effect in inhibiting plasma and cerebrospinal fluid ACE, reducing levels of plasma angiotensinogen, and increasing the concentrations of authentic Ang II. The principal finding of this study is that plasma Ang(1-7) is the sole component of the circulating angiotensin system that is elevated in the established phase of genetic hypertension. The finding that chronic inhibition of ACE augments circulating levels of Ang(1-7) evidenced the existence of functional pathways for the alternate processing of Ang I.

Production of angiotensin-(1-7) by human vascular endothelium

The heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) is a circulating biologically active product of the renin-angiotensin system. In this study, we evaluated the role of the vascular endothelium in the formation of angiotensin-(1-7). Metabolism of 125I-angiotensin I was investigated using confluent cultured bovine and human aortic and umbilical vein endothelial cells. The fetal calf serum-supplemented medium was replaced by serum-free medium containing 0.2% bovine serum albumin. One hour later, this medium was replaced by serum-free medium containing 125I-angiotensin I. After incubation of 125I-angiotensin I for various intervals at 37 degrees C, the medium was collected and analyzed for formed products by high-performance liquid chromatography. Products of angiotensin I metabolism were identified by comparison of their retention times with those of radiolabeled standards. The contribution of proteases released into the medium was evaluated by incubation of 125I-angiotensin I with medium previously incubated for 1 hour with endothelial cells. Incubation of 125I-angiotensin I with bovine and human endothelial cells produced a time-dependent generation of 125I-angiotensin-(1-7) greater than 125I-angiotensin II greater than 125I-angiotensin-(1-4). Generation of angiotensin peptides was not due to the presence of proteases in the medium. When human umbilical endothelial cells were incubated in the presence of the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor enalaprilat (1 microM), generation of angiotensin II was undetectable. In contrast, angiotensin-(1-7) production increased by an average of 30%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reassessment of plasma angiotensins measurement: effects of protease inhibitors and sample handling procedures

Characterization of C- and N-terminal forms of angiotensin (Ang) peptides mandated assessment of methods to determine plasma levels. 125I-Ang I, 125I-Ang II, and 125I-Ang(1-7) were added to blood samples in the presence of protease inhibitors. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) inhibited the conversion of 125I-Ang I to 125I-Ang II. o-Phenanthroline and EDTA (EDTA + o-Ph) did not eliminate [des-Asp1] fragments or 125I-Ang(1-7). The combination of EDTA + o-Ph and pepstatin A or 4-(chloromercuri) benzoic acid (PCMB) significantly reduced 125I-Ang(1-7) generation. Only PCMB plus EDTA + o-Ph eliminated [des-Asp1] fragments. Authentic plasma values of Ang peptides require the correct choice of protease inhibitors.

Beta-adrenergic-induced local angiotensin generation in the rabbit hind limb is dependent on the kidney

Evidence was sought for beta-adrenergic-induced increase in femoral vascular angiotensin production in sham-operated and nephrectomized rabbits. Systemic blood pressure and right femoral blood flow were monitored in anesthetized rabbits. Arterial and femoral venous plasma angiotensin II (Ang II) and angiotensin I (Ang I) were measured by radioimmunoassay after high-performance liquid chromatography. Isoproterenol, 1 and 10 nmol/min, was infused intrafemoral arterially, reducing femoral vascular resistance by 47 +/- 5% and 60 +/- 6% in the sham-operated group, and by 50 +/- 6% and 63 +/- 4% in the nephrectomized group, respectively. The hemodynamic effect of isoproterenol was blocked by 2 mumol/kg propranolol injected intravenously plus 0.2 mumol/min infused intrafemoral arterially, indicating that the effect was beta-adrenergically mediated. In the sham-operated group, arterial Ang II and Ang I levels were increased, respectively, by 85 +/- 16% and 103 +/- 23% with the low dose of isoproterenol, and by 121 +/- 13% and 563 +/- 126% with the high dose of isoproterenol. The apparent femoral Ang II secretion rate was increased by 3.2-fold and 4.4-fold, and the apparent femoral Ang I secretion rate increased by 4.3-fold and 21.2-fold, with the low and high dose of isoproterenol, respectively. Propranolol abolished or markedly attenuated the increased arterial angiotensin levels and the increased femoral angiotensin secretion rates. Neither the low nor the high dose of isoproterenol caused any increase in plasma levels or the apparent femoral secretion rates of the angiotensins in the nephrectomized group. Low plasma levels of Ang I and Ang II remained in the nephrectomized group, representing some locally generated angiotensins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Angiotensin-(1-7). A member of circulating angiotensin peptides

We measured the concentrations of three principal products of the renin-angiotensin system and seven of their metabolites in the plasma of anesthetized normal dogs and in dogs 24 hours after bilateral nephrectomy. The levels of the angiotensin peptides were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography combined with radioimmunoassay using three specific antibodies that recognized different epitotes in the sequences of angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensin-(1-7). The analysis revealed that angiotensin-(1-7) is present in the plasma of intact (4.9 +/- 2.2 fmol/ml) and nephrectomized (0.5 +/- 0.5 fmol/ml) dogs. An intravenous injection of purified hog renin (0.01 Goldblatt unit/kg) increased plasma levels of angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensin-(1-7) both before and after nephrectomy. These changes were associated with parallel increases in the concentrations of fragments of the three parent peptides. Administration of MK-422 led to the disappearance of circulating angiotensin II and its fragments both before and after a second injection of the same dose of renin. In contrast, MK-422 augmented the plasma levels of both angiotensin I and angiotensin-(1-7). The concentrations of these two peptides, but not the blood pressure, were again augmented by a second injection of renin given after blockade of converting enzyme. These effects were observed both before and after bilateral nephrectomy. These findings show that angiotensin-(1-7) circulates in the blood of normal and nephrectomized dogs. In addition, we found that angiotensin-(1-7) is generated in the blood from the cleavage of angiotensin I through a pathway independent of converting enzyme (EC 3.4.15.1).

Reversed-phase ion-pair liquid chromatography of the angiotensins

The isocratic reversed-phase liquid chromatography of the angiotensins and a number of their synthetic analogues is described. Complete separation of 10 out of 12 peptides was achieved through a solvent optimization strategy with a total analysis time of about 20 min. The retention behavior of the angiotensins studied was described in terms of the hydrophobic contribution of their amino acid residues; there was good correlation between predicted and experimental retention for those peptides that were retained by a common mechanism. However, because ion-pair chromatography was required for good peak symmetry, retention was substantially modulated by the presence of acidic and basic residues. The limit of detection of these peptides was 3-5 pmol by UV absorbance at 214 nm. For those peptides containing a primary amino group the detection limit was improved by two orders of magnitude by fluorogenic derivatization with naphthalene-2,3-dicarboxaldehyde/cyanide to the corresponding N-substituted 1-cyanobenz[f]isoindole (CBI) derivatives. The contribution of the CBI ring system to retention was also investigated.

Processing of angiotensin peptides by NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cell line

The metabolism of angiotensin (Ang) peptides was studied in NG108-15 neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells which express Ang II receptors, renin, dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase A (converting enzyme), as well as Ang I and Ang II. In these experiments, 0.2 nM of either 125I-Ang I or 125I-Ang II was incubated with intact cell monolayers and the medium was analyzed for 125I-products by high performance liquid chromatography. The major product generated from the metabolism of labeled Ang I or Ang II was identified as the amino-terminal heptapeptide Ang-(1-7). N-benzyloxycarbonyl-prolyl-prolinal (ZPP), a specific inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase, inhibited the formation of Ang-(1-7) from Ang I by 35%. Complete inhibition of Ang-(1-7) generation was attained with p-chloromercuriphenyl-sulfonate, which suggests that a sulfhydryl-containing peptidase other than prolyl endopeptidase is also involved in Ang-(1-7) formation. Ang II was observed to be a minor product resulting from Ang I metabolism. Although the converting enzyme inhibitor enalaprilat (MK-422) significantly reduced Ang II formation, it had no effect on the levels of Ang-(1-7). These findings demonstrate a preferential processing of Ang I into Ang-(1-7) which is not dependent on the prior formation of Ang II.

Pathways of angiotensin formation and function in the brain

New findings from this laboratory suggest that fragments of angiotensin derived from the amino (N-)terminus are biologically active end products of the renin-angiotensin system. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that the heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is a major endogenous product of the renin-angiotensin system cascade in the brains of rats and dogs. Additional studies with enzyme inhibitors showed that Ang-(1-7) is produced directly from angiotensin I by an enzyme other than the angiotensin converting enzyme. Immunocytochemical fibers within the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal vasopressinergic system of the rat. Although Ang-(1-7) is as potent as angiotensin II (Ang II) in stimulating release of vasopressin from superperfused hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal explants, the heptapeptide has no dipsogenic or vasoconstrictor activity. In contrast, Ang-(1-7) mimics the effects of Ang II in augmenting the intrinsic discharge rate of neurons within the vagal-solitary complex and in causing monophasic depressor responses after microinjection into the medial region of the nucleus tractus solitarii. The evidence obtained in these experiments suggests novel mechanisms for the generation of angiotensin peptides in the brain. Additionally, the findings suggest that some of the biological actions ascribed to Ang II might be conveyed by the endogenous production of other angiotensin peptides that are generated by enzymatic pathways alternate to those described in the peripheral circulation.

The renin-angiotensin system during acute myocardial ischemia in dogs

We used the technique of high-performance liquid chromatography combined with radioimmunoassay to establish the profile of angiotensin peptides in the periphery and across the circulation of the dog's heart. Data were obtained before and after blockade of angiotensin converting enzyme, and after acute myocardial ischemia produced by occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Baseline values of plasma renin activity and immunoreactive angiotensin II were higher in the aortic root than in the coronary sinus but concentrations of angiotensin I and angiotensin-(1-7) were similar. In untreated animals, coronary occlusion produced significant increases in renin activity and arterial and venous levels of angiotensin I and angiotensin II. Inhibition of converting enzyme with benazeprilat (CGS-14,831) increased baseline circulating levels of angiotensin I, whereas angiotensin II and its carboxyl terminal fragments were reduced markedly. Baseline plasma levels of angiotensin-(1-7) and its fragments did not change. Myocardial ischemia in benazeprilat-treated dogs increased plasma renin activity and circulating levels of angiotensin I. Concentrations of angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) did not change either in peripheral blood or across the coronary circulation. These results indicate that angiotensin peptides can be formed endogenously by enzymatic pathways alternate to converting enzyme. Furthermore, these data provide the basis for a further understanding of the role of the renin-angiotensin system after myocardial ischemia.

Measurement of methionine enkephalin and leucine enkephalin in rat brain regions by high-performance liquid chromatography with coulometric electrochemical detection

A method is described for the determination of two pentapeptides, methionine enkephalin (H-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Met-OH) (ME) and leucine enkephalin (H-Tyr-Gly-Gly-Phe-Leu-OH) (LE) in discrete rat brain regions. Separation and quantitation were performed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with coulometric detection. Perchloric acid extracts of the tissue after enzyme inactivation by heat treatment were passed through a normal-phase solid-phase extraction diol (COHCOH) column, and endogenous ME and LE were subsequently eluted with methanol. The mobile phase was 1-propanol-phosphate buffer (pH 5.5) (9:91). Eluted samples were detected electrochemically using dual coulometric electrodes operated in screen mode. Each of these enkephalins gave a linear response over the range 40-160 ng/ml cerebellar homogenate (0.8-3.2 ng absolute amount on column). Analytical recoveries of synthetic ME and LE, added to the homogenates, were 70 +/- 3 and 70 +/- 10%, respectively, when compared with enkephalins dissolved in water. The mean between-assay coefficients of variation for synthetic ME and LE were lower than 10.7 and 7.4%, respectively, over the concentration range studied. The within-assay coefficients of variation for synthetic ME and LE were 11.4 and 9.5%, respectively, at the lowest concentration. The present method has been applied to a study determining the levels of endogenous ME and LE in discrete rat brain regions.

Measurement of immunoreactive angiotensin peptides in rat tissues: some pitfalls in angiotensin II analysis

Angiotensin II, the major effector peptide of the renin-angiotensin system, is an endocrine and paracrine regulator of tissue function. To determine its physiological role, it is important to quantify angiotensin II and related fragment peptides in tissues and plasma as a first step toward understanding angiotensin II metabolism within tissues. A fully characterized, sensitive, and reproducible immunochemical assay has been developed for quantitating angiotensin II immunoreactivity in tissues and plasma. We identified two methodological events of critical importance, incompletely addressed in previously reported studies. First, the nonspecific interference resulting from Sep-Pak processing was found to be due to hydrophobic impurities in the octade-casilane absorbent which were eliminated by washing the Sep-Pak with tetrahydrofuran and hexane before use. Second, a significant discrepancy was observed in the recoveries of angiotensin II and 125I-angiotensin II added to tissue extracts following high-pressure liquid chromatography. Angiotensin II immunoreactivity extracted from decapitated rat adrenal gland, brain, and kidney (target organs for angiotensin II), ovary and uterus (potential target organs for angiotensin II), and plasma has been characterized. The predominant component of the angiotensin II immunoreactivity was the biologically active octapeptide angiotensin II. However, in the brain, the ratio of angiotensin II to C-terminal angiotensin II immunoreactive fragments was lower than observed in other tissues studied. Other angiotensin II C-terminal immunoreactive peptide fragments-the biologically active heptapeptide and the biologically inactive angiotensin(3-8) and angiotensin(4-8)--were also detected in variable quantities in the various tissues.

Release of vasopressin from the rat hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system by angiotensin-(1-7) heptapeptide

We have recently shown that hydrolysis of labeled angiotensin I in canine brainstem homogenate causes a rapid accumulation of the heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)]. Although this angiotensin fragment has no vasopressor activity, its consistent generation in brain homogenate led us to study its potential neurosecretory effects in the rat hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system (HNS) in vitro. Ang-(1-7) or angiotensin II (Ang II) was added to HNS perifusate in concentrations of 0.04, 0.4, and 4 microM, and release of arginine vasopressin (AVP) during each treatment was quantified as a percentage of the AVP release detected in the preceding collection period. Base-line release of AVP averaged 281 +/- 47 pg per 15 min (mean +/- SEM) in HNS explants (five experiments, five explants per chamber) perifused in Krebs solution at 37 degrees C, after a 1-hr equilibration period. At 0.04 microM, Ang II or Ang-(1-7) did not stimulate AVP release. Ang II increased AVP release over the control value by 172% +/- 44% and 268% +/- 66% at 0.4 and 4 microM, respectively; the same concentrations of Ang-(1-7) increased AVP release by 134% +/- 12% and 216% +/- 45%. The responses to Ang II and Ang-(1-7) at the highest concentration were both significant (P less than 0.05), and comparison by two-way analysis of variance indicated that Ang II and Ang-(1-7) were equipotent in stimulating AVP release over the range of concentrations studied. In the presence of the competitive Ang II antagonist [Sar1,Thr8]Ang II (20 microM), the release of AVP increased approximately equal to 2-fold. Neither Ang II nor Ang-(1-7) (4 microM) caused a further enhancement of AVP release in the presence of [Sar1,Thr8]Ang II. These data suggest that a hydrophobic residue in position 8 of the angiotensin peptide is not essential for activation of angiotensin receptors in the rat HNS. Moreover, the equipotence of Ang II and Ang-(1-7) indicates that Ang-(1-7) may participate in the control of AVP release.

In vivo release of angiotensin II from the rat hypothalamus

Recent studies suggest that angiotensin II is released from neuronal tissue in vitro, but the occurrence of this phenomenon in the intact brain has not yet been demonstrated. To characterize the in vivo release of immunoreactive angiotensin II, push-pull cannulas were positioned in the anterior hypothalamus in 47 Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) anesthetized with Inactin (100 mg/kg i.p.). Artificial cerebrospinal fluid was perfused at 20 microliters/min, and effluent samples were collected for 15-minute periods over 2 hours. Angiotensin II was detectable (greater than 2.5 pg/ml) in the push-pull cannula perfusate of the majority (76%) of the rats. Spontaneous release of immunoreactive angiotensin II was constant for 2 hours in 11 rats at values averaging from 4.4 +/- 1.5 to 8.2 +/- 2.2 pg/ml. In addition, bilateral nephrectomy performed 48 hours before did not affect the detection of angiotensin II (n = 3). Angiotensin immunoreactivity in the rat hypothalamus was further characterized by high performance liquid chromatography. The analysis showed that the perfusate contained authentic angiotensin II as well as other angiotensin metabolites. The effect of beta-adrenergic modulation on the release of angiotensin II was assessed in 20 rats by adding isoproterenol (10(-10), 10(-8), and 10(-6) M), propranolol (10(-6) M), or a combination of both. Neither activation nor inhibition of hypothalamic beta-receptors altered the spontaneous release of angiotensin II. These data demonstrate that angiotensin II and congener peptides are detectable in the microenvironment of the anterior hypothalamus of the anesthetized rat and that the release of angiotensin II immunoreactivity in the anterior hypothalamus is not modified by beta-adrenergic receptors.

Bidirectional transport of angiotensin II binding sites in the vagus nerve

We previously showed that specific angiotensin II (Ang II) binding sites are present in the canine nodose ganglion and peripheral vagus nerve, and that unilateral removal of the nodose ganglion results in loss of binding in the ipsilateral nucleus tractus solitarii and the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. An association of Ang II binding sites with both afferent and efferent vagal fibers is consistent with actions of the peptide on cardiac vagal tone and the baroreceptor reflex. To investigate possible transport of Ang II binding sites, quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography was used to visualize binding after double ligation of the peripheral process of the cervical vagus nerve. One ligature was tied 0.2 to 0.5 cm distal to the nodose ganglion; the second ligature was tied on the same nerve 1.0 to 1.5 cm from the nodose ganglion. Twenty-four hours later, high-affinity Ang II binding sites (Ka = 0.46 +/- 0.08 nM) accumulated at the first ligature (the side nearest the nodose ganglion), indicating anterograde transport. Since accumulations of similar affinity sites were seen distal to the second ligature, retrograde transport of binding sites also occurred. These data reveal the existence of a mechanism for the bidirectional axonal transport of Ang II binding sites in the cervical portion of the vagus nerve.

A hypothesis regarding the function of angiotensin peptides in the brain

Studies of the in vivo and in vitro metabolism of angiotensin peptide precursors, and of angiotensin II (Ang II) in tissues, has revealed the possibility that some of the fragments formed through specific enzymatic pathways are bioactive. There is evidence that Ang III is as potent as Ang II in stimulating thirst and causing aldosterone secretion. New findings from this laboratory have led us to reevaluate the concept that fragments of angiotensins derived from the amino (N-) terminus are devoid of biological activity. Using in vitro and in vivo techniques, we showed that Ang-(1-7) is processed from Ang I in amounts equal to or greater than Ang II. In addition, Ang-(1-7) generation is not dependent upon Ang I converting enzyme (ACE) activity in homogenates of canine brain stem. This heptapeptide promotes release of vasopressin from perifused hypothalamo-neurohypophysial explant and stimulates neural responses when microinjected into the vagal-solitary complex. The data supporting these findings are discussed below.