Angiotensin II induces proliferation of cultured rat astrocytes through c-Jun N-terminal kinase

Anti-tumor effects of telmisartan in glioma-astrocyte non-contact co-cultures: A critical role of astrocytic IL-6-mediated paracrine growth promotion

Telmisartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker, exhibits broad anti-tumor activity. However, in vitro, anti-proliferative effects are shown at doses far beyond the therapeutic plasma concentration. Considering the role of tumor microenvironment in glioma progression, glioma-astrocyte co-cultures were employed to test the anti-tumor potential of low-dose telmisartan. When a high dose was required for a direct anti-proliferative effect on glioma cell lines, a low dose significantly inhibited glioma cell proliferation and migration in the co-culture system. Under co-culture conditions, upregulated IL-6 expression in astrocytes played a critical role in glioma progression. Silencing IL-6 in astrocytes or IL-6R in glioma cells reduced proliferation and migration. Telmisartan (5 μM) inhibited astrocytic IL-6 expression, and its anti-tumor effects were reversed by silencing IL-6 or IL-6R and inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activity in glioma cells. Moreover, the telmisartan-driven IL-6 downregulation was not imitated by losartan, an AT1R blocker with little capacity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) activation, but was eliminated by a PPARγ antagonist, indicating that the anti-glioma effects of telmisartan rely on its PPARγ agonistic activity rather than AT1R blockade. This study highlights the importance of astrocytic IL-6-mediated paracrine signaling in glioma growth and the potential of telmisartan as an adjuvant therapy for patients with glioma, especially those with hypertension.

Telmisartan inhibits microglia-induced neurotoxic A1 astrocyte conversion via PPARγ-mediated NF-κB/p65 degradation

Astrocytes are crucially involved in neuroinflammation. Activated astrocytes exhibit at least two phenotypes, A1 (neurotoxic) and A2 (neuroprotective). The A1 phenotype is the major reactive astrocyte phenotype involved in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Telmisartan, which is an antihypertensive agent, is a promising neuroprotective agent. This study aimed to investigate the effects of telmisartan on the phenotype of reactive astrocytes. Astrocytes were activated by culturing with the conditioned medium derived from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglia. This conditioned medium induced early, transient A2 astrocyte conversion (within 24 h) and late, sustained A1 conversion (beginning at 24 h and lasting up to 7 days), with a concomitant increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]α, and IL-6) and phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/p65. Telmisartan treatment promoted and inhibited A2 and A1 conversion, respectively. Telmisartan reduced total and phosphorylated p65 protein levels. Losartan, a specific angiotensin II type-1 receptor (AT1R) blocker, did not influence the reactive state of astrocytes. Additionally, AT1R activation by angiotensin II did not induce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and A1/A2 markers, indicating that the AT1R signaling pathway is not involved in the astrocyte-mediated inflammatory response. A peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) antagonist reversed the effects of telmisartan. Moreover, telmisartan-induced p65 downregulation was reversed by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. These results indicate that telmisartan suppresses activated microglia-induced neurotoxic A1 astrocyte conversion through p65 degradation. Our findings contribute towards the elucidation of the anti-inflammatory activity of telmisartan in brain disorders.

The Protective Effects of AT2R Agonist, CGP42112A, Against Angiotensin II-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response in Astrocytes: Role of AT2R/PP2A/NFκB/ROS Signaling

Angiotensin II receptor type 2 (AT2R) agonists have been known to promote neuroprotection by limiting ischemic insult, neuronal proliferation, and differentiation. Further, AT2R agonists have also been associated with the suppression of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Of note, brain astrocytes play a critical role in these neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. However, the role of AT2R in astrocytic activation remains elusive. Therefore, this study evaluated the role and molecular mechanism of AT2R agonist CGP42112A (CGP) against Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced astrocytic activation in primary astrocytes, and in a rat model of hypertension. Here, we demonstrated that AT2R activation by CGP abrogated Ang II-induced astrocytic activation, by mitigating the ROS production, mitochondrial dysfunction, IκB-α degradation, NFκB nuclear translocation, and release of TNF-α in astrocytes. However, AT2R-mediated anti-inflammatory effects were reversed by AT2R antagonist, PD123319 (PD), in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Mechanistically, AT2R via protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A) abrogated the Ang II-induced NFκB activation, ROS generation, and subsequent astrocytic activation. Importantly, PP2A antagonist, okadaic acid, reversed the anti-inflammatory effects of AT2R in Ang II-stimulated primary astrocytes and in the cortex of hypertensive rats. Thus, the present study suggests that AT2R by activating PP2A inhibits oxidative stress and NFκB activation, thereby preventing the astrocytic pro-inflammatory activation. Therefore, AT2R might be advantageous therapeutic target for neuroinflammatory/neurodegenerative diseases perpetuated by astrocytic activation.

Single-cell transcriptomic profiling of satellite glial cells in stellate ganglia reveals developmental and functional axial dynamics

Stellate ganglion neurons, important mediators of cardiopulmonary neurotransmission, are surrounded by satellite glial cells (SGCs), which are essential for the function, maintenance, and development of neurons. However, it remains unknown whether SGCs in adult sympathetic ganglia exhibit any functional diversity, and what role this plays in modulating neurotransmission. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing of mouse stellate ganglia (n = 8 animals), focusing on SGCs (n = 11,595 cells). SGCs were identified by high expression of glial-specific transcripts, S100b and Fabp7. Microglia and Schwann cells were identified by expression of C1qa/C1qb/C1qc and Ncmap/Drp2, respectively, and excluded from further analysis. Dimensionality reduction and clustering of SGCs revealed six distinct transcriptomic subtypes, one of which was characterized the expression of pro-inflammatory markers and excluded from further analyses. The transcriptomic profiles and corresponding biochemical pathways of the remaining subtypes were analyzed and compared with published astrocytic transcriptomes. This revealed gradual shifts of developmental and functional pathways across the subtypes, originating from an immature and pluripotent subpopulation into two mature populations of SGCs, characterized by upregulated functional pathways such as cholesterol metabolism. As SGCs aged, these functional pathways were downregulated while genes and pathways associated with cellular stress responses were upregulated. These findings were confirmed and furthered by an unbiased pseudo-time analysis, which revealed two distinct trajectories involving the five subtypes that were studied. These findings demonstrate that SGCs in mouse stellate ganglia exhibit transcriptomic heterogeneity along maturation or differentiation axes. These subpopulations and their unique biochemical properties suggest dynamic physiological adaptations that modulate neuronal function.

ACE-Triggered Hypertension Incites Stroke: Genetic, Molecular, and Therapeutic Aspects

Stroke is the second largest cause of death worldwide. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene has emerged as an important player in the pathogenesis of hypertension and consequently stroke. It encodes ACE enzyme that converts the inactive decapeptide angiotensin I to active octapeptide, angiotensin II (Ang II). Dysregulation in the expression of ACE gene, on account of genetic variants or regulation by miRNAs, alters the levels of ACE in the circulation. Variable expression of ACE affects the levels of Ang II. Ang II acts through different signal transduction pathways via various tyrosine kinases (receptor/non-receptor) and protein serine/threonine kinases, initiating a downstream cascade of molecular events. In turn these activated molecular pathways might lead to hypertension and inflammation thereby resulting in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases including stroke. In order to regulate the overexpression of ACE, many ACE inhibitors and blockers have been developed, some of which are still under clinical trials.

Dopamine modulates astroglial and microglial activity via glial renin-angiotensin system in cultures

Dopamine is an immunomodulatory molecule that acts on immune effector cells both in the CNS and peripheral tissues. However, the role of changes in dopamine levels in the neuroinflammatory response is controversial. The local/paracrine renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a major role in inflammatory processes in peripheral tissues and brain. In the present study, we investigated the possible role of the brain RAS in the effects of dopamine on the glial inflammatory responses. Astrocytes are the major source of the precursor protein angiotensinogen and angiotensin II (AII) in the brain. Neurotoxins such as MPP⁺ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) can act directly on astrocytes to increase levels of angiotensinogen and AII. Conversely, dopamine, via type-2 (D2) receptors, inhibited production of angiotensinogen, decreased expression of angiotensin type-1 (AT1) receptors and increased expression of AT2 receptors. In microglia, dopamine and dopamine agonists also regulated RAS activity. First, indirectly, via downregulation of the astrocyte-derived AII. Second, via dopamine-induced regulation of microglial angiotensin receptors. Dopamine decreased the microglial AT1/AT2 ratio leading to inhibition of the pro-inflammatory AT1/NADPH-oxidase/superoxide axis. D2 receptors were particularly responsible for microglial RAS inhibition in basal culture conditions. However, both D1 and D2 agonists inhibited the AT1/NADPH-oxidase axis in lipopolysaccharide-treated (LPS; i.e. activated) microglia. The results indicate that the decrease in dopamine levels observed in early stages of Parkinson's disease and aging may promote neuroinflammation and disease progression via glial RAS exacerbation.

Angiotensin II induces interleukin-6 expression in astrocytes: Role of reactive oxygen species and NF-κB

Previously, we showed that the bio-peptide angiotensin (Ang) II induces interleukin-6 (IL-6) in cultured astrocytes; however, the mechanism(s) involved in this effect were unknown. In the current study, we determined in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), the effect of Ang II to induce IL-6 as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Results from this study showed that Ang II significantly induced the differential expression of IL-6 mRNA and protein levels in astrocytes from both regions of Wistar and SHRs. There were differences in the ability of Ang II to induce IL-6 mRNA and protein levels, but these differences were not apparent at all time points examined. Ang II also induced ROS generation, but there were no significant differences between ROS generation in SHR samples as compared to the Wistar samples. Ang II-induced IL-6 levels were mediated via the AT₁/Nuclear Factor Kappa beta/ROS pathway. Overall, our findings suggest that there may be dysregulation in IL-6 production from astrocytes, contributing to differences observed in SHRs versus its normotensive control. Elucidating the mechanisms involved in Ang II pro-inflammatory effects in the central nervous system may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that can be harnessed not just to treat hypertension, but other Ang II-mediated diseases as well.

Heterologous regulation of the cannabinoid type 1 receptor by angiotensin II in astrocytes of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Brainstem and cerebellar astrocytes have critical roles to play in hypertension and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, respectively. Angiotensin (Ang) II, via the astroglial Ang type 1 receptor (AT1R), has been demonstrated to elevate pro-inflammatory mediators in the brainstem and the cerebellum. The activation of astroglial cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R), a master regulator of homeostasis, has been shown to neutralize inflammatory states. Factors that drive disease progression are known to alter the expression of CB1Rs. In this study, we investigated the role of Ang II in regulating CB1R protein and mRNA expression in astrocytes isolated from the brainstem and the cerebellum of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The results were then compared with their normotensive counterpart, Wistar rats. Not only was the basal expression of CB1R protein and mRNA significantly lower in SHR brainstem astrocytes, but treatment with Ang II resulted in lowering it further in the initial 12 h. In the case of cerebellum, Ang II up-regulated the CB1R protein and mRNA in SHR astrocytes. While the effect of Ang II on CB1R protein was predominantly mediated via the AT1R in SHR brainstem; both AT1R- and AT2R-mediated Ang II's effect in the SHR cerebellum. These data are strongly indicative of a potential new mode of cross-talk between components of the renin angiotensin system and the endocannabinoid system in astrocytes. The consequence of such a cross-talk could be a potential reduced endocannabinoid tone in brainstem in hypertensive states, but not in the cerebellum under the same conditions.

Menopause and Parkinson's disease. Interaction between estrogens and brain renin-angiotensin system in dopaminergic degeneration

The neuroprotective effects of menopausal hormonal therapy in Parkinson's disease (PD) have not yet been clarified, and it is controversial whether there is a critical period for neuroprotection. Studies in animal models and clinical and epidemiological studies indicate that estrogens induce dopaminergic neuroprotection. Recent studies suggest that inhibition of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) mediates the effects of estrogens in PD models. In the substantia nigra, ovariectomy induces a decrease in levels of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) and increases angiotensin activity, NADPH-oxidase activity and expression of neuroinflammatory markers, which are regulated by estrogen replacement therapy. There is a critical period for the neuroprotective effect of estrogen replacement therapy, and local ER-α and RAS play a major role. Astrocytes play a major role in ER-α-induced regulation of local RAS, but neurons and microglia are also involved. Interestingly, treatment with angiotensin receptor antagonists after the critical period induced neuroprotection.

Angiotensin II regulation of angiotensin-converting enzymes in spontaneously hypertensive rat primary astrocyte cultures

Angiotensin (Ang) II plays a critical role in cardiovascular and blood pressure regulation. Ang II is produced by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and it interacts with the Ang AT1 receptor to cause much of its well-known cardiovascular effects. Ang-(1-7) is another active peptide produced by the rennin-angiotensin system. This peptide is produced from Ang I or Ang II by the catalytic activity of ACE2. Ang-(1-7) interacts with the Mas receptor to counteract many of the effects of Ang II. Thus, the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis acts opposite of the ACE/Ang II/AT1 axis. In this study we investigated how Ang II regulates the key enzymes of these axes, ACE and its homolog ACE2, and determined whether they are dysregulated in the hypertensive condition. Brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes isolated from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) were used in these studies. Ang II effect on the enzymes' mRNA and protein levels was measured using quantitative PCR and western blotting techniques, respectively. Results from this study showed that Ang II up-regulated ACE protein levels, but down-regulated ACE mRNA levels in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes in both models. Ang II also reduced ACE2 mRNA expression in SHR and Wistar astrocytes isolated from both brain regions. Ang II effects on ACE2 protein were biphasic. In SHR astrocytes, Ang II-mediated ACE2 protein initially increased then decreased at later time points. In contrast, in Wistar astrocytes, Ang II initially decreased ACE2 protein expression, but up-regulated the protein at later time points. The findings of these studies suggest that Ang II has a differential effect on ACE and ACE2 expression. Furthermore, in the SHR model there may be alteration in the ACE/ACE2 balance in a manner that favors increased Ang II generation and decreased Ang-(1-7) production contributing to the hypertensive phenotype observed in this model. The levels of angiotensin (Ang) II depend on the actions of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2. We showed in astrocytes isolated from the SHRs that Ang II differentially affects ACE and ACE2 expression. There may be an alteration in the ACE/ACE2 balance favoring Ang II generation. This imbalance may contribute to the hypertensive phenotype observed in this SHR model.

Silencing TRPM7 in mouse cortical astrocytes impairs cell proliferation and migration via ERK and JNK signaling pathways

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), a non-selective cation channel, is highly expressed expressed in the brain and plays a critical role in ischemic neuronal death. Astrocyte, the most abundant cell type in central nervous system (CNS), exerts many essential functions in the physiological and pathological conditions. Here we investigated the expression and functions of the TRPM7 channel in mouse cortical astrocytes. Using reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, immunostaining, western blot and patch clamp recording, we showed that functional TRPM7 channel is expressed in cultured mouse cortical astrocytes. Knocking down TRPM7 with specific siRNA impairs the proliferation and migration of astrocytes by 40.2% ± 3.9% and 40.1% ± 11.5%, respectively. Consistently, inhibition of TRPM7 with 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB) also decreases astrocyte proliferation and migration by 46.1% ± 2.5% and 64.2% ± 2.4%. MAPKs and Akt signaling pathways have been shown to be implicated in TRPM7-mediated responses including cell proliferation and migration. Our data show that suppression of TRPM7 in astrocytes reduces the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), but not p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt. In addition, TRPM7, as a cation channel, has been involved in the Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ homeostasis in several types of cells. In our study, we found that silencing TRPM7 decreases the intracellular basal Mg²⁺ concentration without affecting Ca²⁺ concentration in astrocytes. However, an addition of Mg²⁺ to the growth medium could not rescue the impaired proliferation of astrocytes. Together, our data suggest that TRPM7 channel may play a critical role in the proliferation and migration of astrocytes via the ERK and JNK pathways.

Critical period for dopaminergic neuroprotection by hormonal replacement in menopausal rats

The neuroprotective effects of menopausal hormonal therapy in Parkinson's disease have not yet been clarified, and it is not known whether there is a critical period. Estrogen induced significant protection against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopaminergic degeneration when administered immediately or 6 weeks, but not 20 weeks after ovariectomy. In the substantia nigra, ovariectomy induced a decrease in levels of estrogen receptor-α and increased angiotensin activity, NADPH-oxidase activity, and expression of neuroinflammatory markers, which were regulated by estrogen administered immediately or 6 weeks but not 20 weeks after ovariectomy. Interestingly, treatment with angiotensin receptor antagonists after the critical period induced a significant level of neuroprotection. In cultures, treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium induced an increase in astrocyte-derived angiotensinogen and dopaminergic neuron death, which were inhibited by estrogen receptor α agonists. In microglial cells, estrogen receptor β agonists inhibited the angiotensin-induced increase in inflammatory markers. The results suggest that there is a critical period for the neuroprotective effect of estrogen against dopaminergic cell death, and local estrogen receptor α and renin-angiotensin system play a major role.

Angiotensin II induces cell growth and IL-6 mRNA expression through the JAK2-STAT3 pathway in rat cerebellar astrocytes

The pleiotrophic effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) play important roles in astrocyte growth and inflammatory responses. We investigated whether Ang II induces astrocyte growth and interleukin-6 (IL-6) mRNA expression in rat cerebellar astrocytes through Janus kinase 2-signal transduction activator of transcription (JAK2-STAT3). Ang II increased JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in a time- and a dose-dependent manner. One hundred nanomolar Ang II induced maximal phosphorylation of both JAK2 and STAT3 between 15 min and 30 min. The Ang II-mediated phosphorylation of both JAK2 and STAT3 was blocked by AG490, a selective JAK2 inhibitor. Losartan, a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, inhibited Ang II-mediated JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation, while pretreatment with an AT2 receptor blocker, PD123319, was ineffective. Ang II increased the mRNA expression of IL-6 in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. Maximal IL-6 mRNA expression occurred with 100 nM Ang II, and the peak effect occurred in a biphasic manner at 3 h and between 12 and 24 h. Moreover, pretreatments with AG490 attenuated Ang II-induced IL-6 mRNA levels, and Ang II-induced astrocyte growth. This study has demonstrated that Ang II induced the phosphorylation of both JAK2 and STAT3 via the AT1 receptor in cerebellar astrocytes. In addition, our results suggest that JAK2 and STAT3 are upstream signals that mediate Ang II-induced IL-6 mRNA expression and astrocyte growth. These findings represent a novel non-classical mechanism of Ang II signaling in cerebellar astrocytes.

Distinct Molecular Effects of Angiotensin II and Angiotensin III in Rat Astrocytes

It is postulated that central effects of angiotensin (Ang) II may be indirect due to rapid conversion to Ang III by aminopeptidase A (APA). Previously, we showed that Ang II and Ang III induced mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases ERK1/2 and stress-activated protein kinase/Jun-terminal kinases (SAPK/JNK) phosphorylation in cultured rat astrocytes. Most importantly, both peptides were equipotent in causing phosphorylation of these MAP kinases. In these studies, we used brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes to determine whether Ang II's phosphorylation of these MAP kinases is due to the conversion of the peptide to Ang III. We pretreated astrocytes with 10  μ M amastatin A or 100  μ M glutamate phosphonate, selective APA inhibitors, prior to stimulating with either Ang II or Ang III. Both peptides were equipotent in stimulating ERK1/2 and SAPK/JNK phosphorylation. The APA inhibitors failed to prevent Ang II- and Ang III-mediated phosphorylation of the MAP kinases. Further, pretreatment of astrocytes with the APA inhibitors did not affect Ang II- or Ang III-induced astrocyte growth. These findings suggest that both peptides directly induce phosphorylation of these MAP kinases as well as induce astrocyte growth. These studies establish both peptides as biologically active with similar intracellular and physiological effects.

Angiotensin III stimulates ERK1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinases and astrocyte growth in cultured rat astrocytes

Angiotensin (Ang) III is a biologically active metabolite of Ang II with similar effects and receptor binding properties as Ang II. Most Ang III studies delineate physiological effects of the peptide but, the intracellular pathways leading to the actions are unknown and are a focus of these studies. We investigated in cultured brainstem and cerebellum rat astrocytes whether Ang III stimulates ERK1/2 mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases and astrocyte growth. Ang III significantly stimulated ERK1/2 MAP kinases in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The maximal stimulation occurred with 100 nM Ang III (2.8±0.3 and 2.3±0.1-fold over basal, in brainstem and cerebellum astrocytes, respectively). This stimulation occurred as early as 1 min, and was sustained for at least 15 min. Moreover, inhibition of the ERK1/2 MAP kinase pathway by 10 μM PD98059 attenuated Ang III-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Ang III induction of ERK1/2 occurred via stimulation of the Ang AT(1) receptor since pretreatment with 10 μM Losartan, a selective AT(1) receptor blocker, prevented Ang III-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The selective AT(2) Ang receptor blocker PD123319 was ineffective. Comparable to Ang II, Ang III also stimulated astrocyte growth in a concentration-dependent manner, an effect that occurred via activation of the AT(1) receptor as well. These findings suggest that Ang III has similar effects as Ang II in astrocytes since it rapidly stimulates the phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 MAP kinases and induces astrocyte proliferation through activation of the AT(1) receptor. These studies are important in establishing signaling pathways for Ang III and provide validation of the central role of Ang III.

Angiotensin II and aldosterone-induced neuronal damage in neurons through an astrocyte-dependent mechanism

The contribution of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) to central nervous system (CNS) disorders is not yet fully understood. RAAS has been shown to be involved in the proliferation of astrocytes, which have a role in neuronal damage contributing to neurodegenerative diseases. However, the direct relationship between RAAS and neuronal damage is still unclear. We therefore examined the effect of angiotensin (Ang) II and aldosterone (Aldo) on damage to spinal ganglion neurons (SGNs) by regulating astrocytes. Ang II stimulation significantly increased DNA damage in SGNs in a time-dependent manner. This increase in DNA damage was further enhanced when SGNs were co-cultured with astrocytes. On the other hand, no significant increase was observed in SGNs co-cultured with astrocytes without Ang II stimulation. Moreover, the addition of conditioned medium from Ang II-treated astrocytes exacerbated SGN DNA damage. An Ang II type 1 receptor blocker, valsartan, inhibited Ang II-stimulated DNA damage but not DNA damage induced by conditioned medium prepared from astrocyte cultures. In contrast, an Aldo antagonist, eplerenone, significantly inhibited DNA damage induced by the culture medium from Ang II-treated astrocytes. Ang II-stimulated Aldo secretion in the conditioned medium from astrocytes. Furthermore, the administration of Aldo alone also enhanced DNA damage in SGNs. Finally, flow cytometric analysis showed that Ang II or Aldo treatment markedly increased the percentage of dead SGNs. In conclusion, Ang II- and Aldo-induced neuronal damage in SGNs through astrocytes regulation. Blocking Ang II and Aldo to target astrocytes might be useful for the treatment of CNS disorders.

Olmesartan inhibits angiotensin II-Induced migration of vascular smooth muscle cells through Src and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways

Clinical studies have shown that angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in hypertensive patients. It is assumed that the reduction of the risk by ARBs may be attributed in part to the inhibition of angiotensin II (AII)-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration associated with atherosclerosis. However, the effect of ARBs on AII-induced changes in intracellular signaling and resultant cell migration has not been well established. Here, we investigated the effect of olmesartan, an ARB, on AII-induced extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation and rat aortic smooth muscle cell (RASMC) migration. Olmesartan inhibited AII-induced ERK1/2 and JNK activation at lower concentrations (10 nM). On the other hand, PP2, a Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor, also inhibited AII-induced ERK1/2 and JNK activation, but its effect on ERK1/2 was less pronounced than that of olmesartan. Olmesartan, U0126 (an ERK1/2 inhibitor), SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor), and PP2 potently inhibited AII-induced RASMC migration. From these findings, it was inferred that angiotensin-receptor blockade by olmesartan results in the inhibition of AII-induced activation of Src, ERK1/2, and JNK in RASMC. Olmesartan may be a potent inhibitor of AII-induced VSMC migration, which may be involved in the progression of atherosclerosis.

Altered balance of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic and glutamatergic afferent inputs in rostral ventrolateral medulla-projecting neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus of renovascular hypertensive rats

An imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory functions has been shown to contribute to numerous pathological disorders. Accumulating evidence supports the idea that a change in hypothalamic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic inhibitory and glutamatergic excitatory synaptic functions contributes to exacerbated neurohumoral drive in prevalent cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension. However, the precise underlying mechanisms and neuronal substrates are still not fully elucidated. In the present study, we combined quantitative immunohistochemistry with neuronal tract tracing to determine whether plastic remodeling of afferent GABAergic and glutamatergic inputs into identified RVLM-projecting neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN-RVLM) contributes to an imbalanced excitatory/inhibitory function in renovascular hypertensive rats (RVH). Our results indicate that both GABAergic and glutamatergic innervation densities increased in oxytocin-positive, PVN-RVLM (OT-PVN-RVLM) neurons in RVH rats. Despite this concomitant increase, time-dependent and compartment-specific differences in the reorganization of these inputs resulted in an altered balance of excitatory/inhibitory inputs in somatic and dendritic compartments. A net predominance of excitatory over inhibitory inputs was found in OT-PVN-RVLM proximal dendrites. Our results indicate that, along with previously described changes in neurotransmitter release probability and postsynaptic receptor function, remodeling of GABAergic and glutamatergic afferent inputs contributes as an underlying mechanism to the altered excitatory/inhibitory balance in the PVN of hypertensive rats.

Angiotensin II activates JAK2/STAT3 pathway and induces interleukin-6 production in cultured rat brainstem astrocytes

We have shown that tyrosine kinases and mitogen-activated protein kinases mediate angiotensin II (Ang II) effects in cultured rat astrocytes. In this study, we investigated whether Ang II induces Janus kinase (JAK) 2, signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) 3 phosphorylation, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion in cultured brainstem rat astrocytes. Ang II increased JAK2 phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Maximal phosphorylation of 1.7+/-0.4 fold above basal was observed at 15 min with 100 nM Ang II. Losartan (10 microM), an AT(1) receptor blocker, inhibited Ang II-mediated JAK2 phosphorylation, while 10 microM PD123319, an AT(2) receptor blocker, was ineffective. The JAK2 inhibitor, AG490 (50 microM), prevented Ang II JAK2 phosphorylation. Ang II also stimulated STAT3 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Maximal phosphorylation of 0.8+/-0.11 above basal was observed at 15 min with 100 nM Ang II. Treatment with AG490 reduced Ang II phosphorylation of STAT3 and Ang II-induced astrocyte growth suggesting that JAK2 is an upstream signal in these Ang II effects. Ang II also stimulated IL-6 secretion from brainstem astrocytes in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Maximal IL-6 secretion of 0.7+/-0.2 above basal was observed with 100 nM Ang II after 48 h of treatment. Losartan decreased Ang II-induced IL-6 secretion while PD123319 was ineffective. Interestingly, AG490 reduced Ang II-stimulated IL-6 secretion. Our study showed for the first time that Ang II induced JAK2/STAT3 phosphorylation and IL-6 secretion through activation of the Ang II AT(1) receptor in brainstem astrocytes. In addition, Ang II stimulated IL-6 secretion and astrocyte growth through the JAK2 pathway in brainstem astrocytes. These results provide new insights into pro-inflammatory and mitogenic signaling mechanisms of Ang II in astrocytes.

Prenatal blockade of Ang II receptors affects neonatal rat hindbrain structure and receptor localization

The development of knock-out mice for Angiotensin II (Ang II) AT(2) receptors, which exhibited altered exploratory behavior, prompted us to investigate the cerebellum and brainstem. We evaluated the effect of stimulation/inhibition of Ang II receptors on hindbrain development, in offspring (postnatal days P0, P8) of pregnant rats treated during late pregnancy (Ang II, Losartan or PD123319, 1 mg/kg/day). Receptor localization by autoradiography showed in P0 and P8 hindbrains, that most structures expressed AT(2) subtype: cerebellar cortex, cerebellar nuclei, genu facial nucleus, inferior colicullus, inferior olive. In the cerebellar cortex, [(125)I]Ang II AT(2) binding was predominant, while low AT(1) binding was observed in adjacent layers of the cerebellar cortex. Blockade of AT(2) receptors with PD123319 increased binding in cerebellar nuclei (p<0.05) and brainstem nuclei at P0, P8, in correlation with increased AT(2) receptor expression by RT-PCR. The enlarged external granular layer (EGL) in PD123319-treated P0 pups contrast with the significant decrease in Ang II binding (p<0.001) in the cerebellar cortex. Blockade of AT(2) receptors during late pregnancy seems to arrest cerebellar cortex development in P0 animals. On the contrary, increased AT(2) binding was observed in cerebellar cortex and DTg nucleus in PD123319-treated P8 animals (p<0.001). Ang II treatment leads to increased binding in the brainstem. In spite of the low doses of Ang II antagonists used, treatments were performed during a time-frame critical for hindbrain development, leading to remarkable effects. The present study makes a contribution to understand the role of Ang II receptors during hindbrain development.

Ethanol alters the physiology of neuron-glia communication

In the central nervous system (CNS), both neurones and astrocytes play crucial roles. On a cellular level, brain activity involves continuous interactions within complex cellular circuits established between neural cells and glia. Although it was initially considered that neurones were the major cell type in cerebral function, nowadays astrocytes are considered to contribute to cerebral function too. Astrocytes support normal neuronal activity, including synaptic function, by regulating the extracellular environment with respect to ions and neurotransmitters. There is a plethora of noxious agents which can lead to the development of alterations in organs and functional systems, and that will end in a chronic prognosis. Among the potentially harmful external agents we can find ethanol consumption, whose consequences have been recognized as a major public health concern. Deregulation of cell cycle has devastating effects on the integrity of cells, and has been closely associated with the development of pathologies which can lead to dysfunction and cell death. An alteration of normal neuronal-glial physiology could represent the basis of neurodegenerative processes. In this review we will pay attention on to the recent findings in astrocyte function and their role toward neurons under ethanol consumption.