Vasopressin-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration responses in non-neuronal cells of the rat dorsal root ganglion

Dysregulation of the Renin-Angiotensin System and the Vasopressinergic System Interactions in Cardiovascular Disorders

Purpose of Review

In many instances, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the vasopressinergic system (VPS) are jointly activated by the same stimuli and engaged in the regulation of the same processes.

Recent Findings

Angiotensin II (Ang II) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), which are the main active compounds of the RAS and the VPS, interact at several levels. Firstly, Ang II, acting on AT1 receptors (AT1R), plays a significant role in the release of AVP from vasopressinergic neurons and AVP, stimulating V1a receptors (V1aR), regulates the release of renin in the kidney. Secondly, Ang II and AVP, acting on AT1R and V1aR, respectively, exert vasoconstriction, increase cardiac contractility, stimulate the sympathoadrenal system, and elevate blood pressure. At the same time, they act antagonistically in the regulation of blood pressure by baroreflex. Thirdly, the cooperative action of Ang II acting on AT1R and AVP stimulating both V1aR and V2 receptors in the kidney is necessary for the appropriate regulation of renal blood flow and the efficient resorption of sodium and water. Furthermore, both peptides enhance the release of aldosterone and potentiate its action in the renal tubules.

Summary

In this review, we (1) point attention to the role of the cooperative action of Ang II and AVP for the regulation of blood pressure and the water-electrolyte balance under physiological conditions, (2) present the subcellular mechanisms underlying interactions of these two peptides, and (3) provide evidence that dysregulation of the cooperative action of Ang II and AVP significantly contributes to the development of disturbances in the regulation of blood pressure and the water-electrolyte balance in cardiovascular diseases.

Specific profiles of ion channels and ionotropic receptors define adipose- and bone marrow derived stromal cells

Adherent, fibroblastic cells from different tissues are thought to contain subsets of tissue-specific stem/progenitor cells (often called mesenchymal stem cells). These cells display similar cell surface characteristics based on their fibroblastic nature, but also exhibit differences in molecular phenotype, growth rate, and their ability to differentiate into various cell phenotypes. The mechanisms underlying these differences remain poorly understood. We analyzed Ca(2+) signals and membrane properties in rat adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in basal conditions, and then following a switch into medium that contains factors known to modify their character. Modified ADSCs (mADSCs) expressed L-type Ca(2+) channels whereas both L- and P/Q- channels were operational in mBMSCs. Both mADSCs and mBMSCs possessed functional endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) stores, expressed ryanodine receptor-1 and -3, and exhibited spontaneous [Ca(2+)]i oscillations. The mBMSCs expressed P2X7 purinoceptors; the mADSCs expressed both P2X (but not P2X7) and P2Y (but not P2Y1) receptors. Both types of stromal cells exhibited [Ca(2+)]i responses to vasopressin (AVP) and expressed V1 type receptors. Functional oxytocin (OT) receptors were, in contrast, expressed only in modified ADSCs and BMSCs. AVP and OT-induced [Ca(2+)]i responses were dose-dependent and were blocked by their respective specific receptor antagonists. Electrophysiological data revealed that passive ion currents dominated the membrane conductance in ADSCs and BMSCs. Medium modification led to a significant shift in the reversal potential of passive currents from -40 to -50mV in cells in basal to -80mV in modified cells. Hence membrane conductance was mediated by non-selective channels in cells in basal conditions, whereas in modified medium conditions, it was associated with K(+)-selective channels. Our results indicate that modification of ADSCs and BMSCs by alteration in medium formulation is associated with significant changes in their Ca(2+) signaling and membrane properties.

Antagonists of the Vasopressin V1 Receptor and of the β(1)-Adrenoceptor Inhibit Cytotoxic Brain Edema in Stroke by Effects on Astrocytes - but the Mechanisms Differ

Brain edema is a serious complication in ischemic stroke because even relatively small changes in brain volume can compromise cerebral blood flow or result in compression of vital brain structures on account of the fixed volume of the rigid skull. Literature data indicate that administration of either antagonists of the V1 vasopressin (AVP) receptor or the β1-adrenergic receptor are able to reduce edema or infarct size when administered after the onset of ischemia, a key advantage for possible clinical use. The present review discusses possible mechanisms, focusing on the role of NKCC1, an astrocytic cotransporter of Na(+), K(+), 2Cl(-) and water and its activation by highly increased extracellular K(+) concentrations in the development of cytotoxic cell swelling. However, it also mentions that due to a 3/2 ratio between Na(+) release and K(+) uptake by the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase driving NKCC1 brain extracellular fluid can become hypertonic, which may facilitate water entry across the blood-brain barrier, essential for development of edema. It shows that brain edema does not develop until during reperfusion, which can be explained by lack of metabolic energy during ischemia. V1 antagonists are likely to protect against cytotoxic edema formation by inhibiting AVP enhancement of NKCC1-mediated uptake of ions and water, whereas β1-adrenergic antagonists prevent edema formation because β1-adrenergic stimulation alone is responsible for stimulation of the Na(+),K(+)-ATPase driving NKCC1, first and foremost due to decrease in extracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Inhibition of NKCC1 also has adverse effects, e.g. on memory and the treatment should probably be of shortest possible duration.