Phosphorylated endothelial NOS Ser1177 via the PI3K/Akt pathway is depressed in the brain of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat

Stroke-prone salt-sensitive spontaneously hypertensive rats show higher susceptibility to spreading depolarization (SD) and altered hemodynamic responses to SD

Spreading depolarization (SD) occurs in a plethora of clinical conditions including migraine aura, delayed ischemia after subarachnoid hemorrhage and malignant hemispheric stroke. It describes waves of near-breakdown of ion homeostasis, particularly Na⁺ homeostasis in brain gray matter. SD induces tone alterations in resistance vessels, causing either hyperperfusion in healthy tissue; or hypoperfusion (inverse hemodynamic response = spreading ischemia) in tissue at risk. Observations from mice with genetic dysfunction of the ATP1A2-encoded α₂-isoform of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (α₂NaKA) suggest a mechanistic link between (1) SD, (2) vascular dysfunction, and (3) salt-sensitive hypertension via α₂NaKA. Thus, α₂NaKA-dysfunctional mice are more susceptible to SD and show a shift toward more inverse hemodynamic responses. α₂NaKA-dysfunctional patients suffer from familial hemiplegic migraine type 2, a Mendelian model disease of SD. α₂NaKA-dysfunctional mice are also a genetic model of salt-sensitive hypertension. To determine whether SD thresholds and hemodynamic responses are also altered in other genetic models of salt-sensitive hypertension, we examined these variables in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRsp). Compared with Wistar Kyoto control rats, we found in SHRsp that electrical SD threshold was significantly reduced, propagation speed was increased, and inverse hemodynamic responses were prolonged. These results may have relevance to both migraine with aura and stroke.

Sulforaphane Regulates eNOS Activation and NO Production via Src-Mediated PI3K/Akt Signaling in Human Endothelial EA.hy926 Cells

Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring isothiocyanate that is abundant in many cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and it has been observed to exert numerous biological activities. In the present study, we investigate the effect of SFN on eNOS, a key regulatory enzyme of vascular homeostasis and underlying intracellular pathways, in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells. The results indicate that SFN treatment significantly increases NO production and eNOS phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent fashion and also augments Akt phosphorylation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, pretreatment with LY294002 (a specific PI3K inhibitor) suppresses the phosphorylation of eNOS and NO production. Furthermore, SFN time- and dose-dependently induces the phosphorylation of Src kinase, a further upstream regulator of PI3K, while PP2 pretreatment (a specific Src inhibitor) eliminates the increase in phosphorylated Akt, eNOS and the production of NO derived from eNOS. Overall, the present study uncovers a novel effect of SFN to stimulate eNOS activity in EA.hy926 cells by regulating NO bioavailability. These findings provide clear evidence that SFN regulates eNOS activity and NO bioavailability, suggesting a promising therapeutic candidate to prevent endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

Cerebral Cortex Apoptosis in Early Aged Hypertension: Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate

This study aimed to investigate cerebral cortex apoptosis on the early aged hypertension and the effects of green tea flavonoid epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: a control Wistar-Kyoto group (WKY, n = 8), a spontaneously early aged hypertensive group (SHR, n = 8), and an early aged hypertension with EGCG treatment group (SHR-EGCG, n = 8; daily oral EGCG 200 mg/kg-94%, 12 weeks). At 48 weeks old, blood pressures (BPs) were evaluated and cerebral cortexes were isolated for TUNEL assay and Western blotting. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure levels in the SHR-EGCG were reduced compared to the SHR. The percentage of neural cell deaths, the levels of cytosolic Endonuclease G, cytosolic AIF (Caspase-independent apoptotic pathway), Fas, Fas Ligand, FADD, Caspase-8 (Fas-mediated apoptotic pathway), t-Bid, Bax/Bcl-2, Bak/Bcl-xL, cytosolic Cytochrome C, Apaf-1, Caspase-9 (Mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway), and Caspase-3 (Fas-mediated and Mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathways) were increased in the SHR relative to WKY and reduced in SHR-EGCG relative to SHR. In contrast, the levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, p-Bad, 14-3-3, Bcl-2/Bax, Bcl-xL/Bak, and p-Bad/Bad (Bcl-2 family-related pro-survival pathway), as well as Sirt1, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT (Sirt1/PI3K/AKT-related pro-survival pathway), were reduced in SHR relative WKY and enhanced in SHR-EGCG relative to SHR. In conclusion, green tea flavonoid epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) might prevent neural apoptotic pathways and activate neural survival pathways, providing therapeutic effects on early aged hypertension-induced neural apoptosis.

Investigation of the novel mTOR inhibitor AZD2014 in neuronal ischemia

INTRODUCTION

Hamartin, a component of the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) that actively inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), may mediate the endogenous resistance of Cornu Ammonis 3 (CA3) hippocampal neurons following global cerebral ischemia. Pharmacological compounds that selectively inhibit mTOR may afford neuroprotection following ischemic stroke. We hypothesize that AZD2014, a novel mTORC1/2 inhibitor, may protect neurons following oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD).

METHODS

Primary neuronal cultures from E18 Wistar rat embryos were exposed to 2 h OGD or normoxia. AZD2014 was administered either during OGD, 24 h prior to OGD or for 24 h following OGD. Cell death was quantified by lactate dehydrogenase assay. We characterized the expression of mTOR pathway proteins following exposure to AZD2014 using western blotting.

RESULTS

Following 2 h OGD +24 h recovery, AZD2014 increased neuronal death when present during OGD. Rapamycin, the archetypal mTOR inhibitor, had no effect on cell death. Treatment with AZD2014 24 h prior to OGD and 24 h after OGD also enhanced cell death. While Western blotting showed a trend towards decreased expression levels of phospho-Akt relative to total Akt with increasing AZD2014 concentration, hamartin expression was also significantly decreased leading to activation of mTOR.

CONCLUSION

AZD2014 was detrimental to neurons that underwent ischemia. AZD2014 appeared to reduce hamartin, a known neuroprotective mediator, thereby preventing any beneficial effects of mTOR inhibition. Further characterization of the role of individual mTOR complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2) and their upstream and downstream regulators are necessary to reveal whether these pathways are neuroprotective targets for stroke.

Preliminary Study of Mechanisms of Fluoride-Induced Suppression of Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

This study was aimed to determine if excessive exposure to fluoride could suppress the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) and to detail the mechanisms involved. With the exception of the control group, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with sodium fluoride (NaF) (1.2 μg/mL) for 24 h, with or without a 2-h pretreatment with 100 nM insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1, a PI3K/AKT agonist), or 10 μM histamine (HIS, a eNOS agonist). The levels of NO in culture fluids, as well as the expressions of eNOS, p-eNOS, PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT, were compared. The levels of NO significantly decreased in all experimental groups; however, the levels of NO were obviously higher in the NaF + HIS and NaF + IGF-1 groups, compared to the NaF group. The p-eNOS/eNOS ratios dropped clearly in NaF and NaF + HIS groups, while that in the NaF + HIS group was distinctly higher than that in the NaF group. The p-AKT/AKT ratios went down apparently in NaF and NaF + IGF-1 groups, while that in the NaF + IGF-1 group was overtly higher than that of the NaF group. Excessive exposure to fluoride inhibited the synthesis of NO. The PI3K/AKT/eNOS pathway played a crucial role in the reduced expression of NO caused by excessive fluoride exposure.

Xingnaojing Injection Protects against Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion Injury via PI3K/Akt-Mediated eNOS Phosphorylation

Xingnaojing (XNJ) injection, derived from traditional Chinese medicine formulation, has a protective effect against stroke, but the underlying mechanism is unclear, which severely limited its clinical application. This research aims to elucidate the role and mechanism of XNJ in reducing cerebral ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury. Rats received 2 h cerebral ischemia followed by reperfusion of 24 h and were intraperitoneally given 5, 10, or 15 ml/kg XNJ 24 h before ischemia and at the onset of reperfusion, respectively. TTC staining, HE staining, and neurological score were implied to evaluate the effectiveness of XNJ. The protein expressions of PI3K/Akt and eNOS signaling were measured. Experiments were further performed in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) to investigate the protective mechanisms of XNJ. HBMECs were subjected to 3 h oxygen and glucose deprivation following 24 h of reoxygenation (OGD) to mimic cerebral I/R in vitro. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 was added with or without the preconditioning of XNJ. Multiple methods including western blot, immunofluorescence, DAPI staining, JC-1, and flow cytometry were carried out to evaluate the effect of XNJ on HBMECs. XNJ could improve rat cerebral ischemic injury and OGD induced HBMECs apoptosis. In vivo and in vitro researches indicated that the mechanism might be relevant to the activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling.

Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase reverses the effect of exercise on improving cognitive function in hypertensive rats

Hypertension-induced endothelial dysfunction is associated with β-amyloid (Aβ) deposition, a typical pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation, impaired by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase-B(Akt) pathway abnormalities in hypertensive rats, has a critical role in endothelial function. However, it is unknown whether eNOS participates in the hypertension-induced pathology of AD. In this study, we investigated the role of eNOS in Aβ deposition and cognitive function in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) rats. Physical exercise was used as a promoter, and N^ω-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was used as an inhibitor of eNOS to determine the effects of eNOS on SHRSP rats. Compared with Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, the hypertensive challenge caused cognitive impairment, decreased eNOS levels and increased amyloid precursor protein (APP), β-secretase, and Aβ levels in the cortex and hippocampus. Sixteen weeks of exercise lowered blood pressure (BP), promoted eNOS expression, ameliorated Alzheimer's pathology, and improved cognitive function in 29-week-old SHRSP rats. Furthermore, daily treatment with L-NAME reversed the beneficial effects of exercise on SHRSP rats. Exercise also decreased the protein levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), PI3K, and phospho-Akt (p-Akt, ser473). In addition, long-term exercise increased the expression levels of IGF-1, PI3K, and p-Akt (ser473) in the brains of SHRSP rats. In conclusion, eNOS downregulation contributed to hypertension-induced Alzheimer pathology and cognitive impairment. Long-term exercise initiated in rats at a young age promoted eNOS expression and attenuated vascular-related Alzheimer's pathology via the IGF-1/PI3K/p-Akt pathway in SHRSP rats.

Salvinorin A preserves cerebral pial artery autoregulation after forebrain ischemia via the PI3K/AKT/cGMP pathway

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of salvinorin A on the cerebral pial artery after forebrain ischemia and explore related mechanisms. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats received forebrain ischemia for 10 min. The dilation responses of the cerebral pial artery to hypercapnia and hypotension were assessed in rats before and 1 h after ischemia. The ischemia reperfusion (IR) control group received DMSO (1 µL/kg) immediately after ischemia. Two different doses of salvinorin A (10 and 20 µg/kg) were administered following the onset of reperfusion. The 5th, 6th, and 7th groups received salvinorin A (20 µg/kg) and LY294002 (10 µM), L-NAME (10 μM), or norbinaltorphimine (norBIN, 1 μM) after ischemia. The levels of cGMP in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were also measured. The phosphorylation of AKT (p-AKT) was measured in the cerebral cortex by western blot at 24 h post-ischemia. Cell necrosis and apoptosis were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and TUNEL staining, respectively. The motor function of the rats was evaluated at 1, 2, and 5 days post-ischemia. The dilation responses of the cerebral pial artery were significantly impaired after ischemia and were preserved by salvinorin A treatment. In addition, salvinorin A significantly increased the levels of cGMP and p-AKT, suppressed cell necrosis and apoptosis of the cerebral cortex and improved the motor function of the rats. These effects were abolished by LY294002, L-NAME, and norBIN. Salvinorin A preserved cerebral pial artery autoregulation in response to hypercapnia and hypotension via the PI3K/AKT/cGMP pathway.

Effects of astragalus polysaccharide on apoptosis of myocardial microvascular endothelial cells in rats undergoing hypoxia/reoxygenation by mediation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway

The study explores the effect of astragalus polysaccharide (APS) mediating P13K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway on apoptosis of myocardial microvascular endothelial cells (MMECs) in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). MMECs were classified into blank, H/R, H/R + 25 mg/L APS, H/R + 50 mg/L APS, H/R + 100 mg/L APS, H/R + LY, and HR + 100 mg/L APS + LY groups. Cell viability was detected using MTT assay and apoptotic cell morphological changes by Hoechst staining. NO content, cell cycle and apoptosis, PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway proteins were detected using nitrate reductase assay, flow cytometry and Western blotting. An increased cell survival rate, NO content and expression of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway associated proteins, and a decreased apoptosis rate was observed in the H/R + 50 mg/L APS and H/R + 100 mg/L APS groups compared with the H/R and H/R + 25 mg/L APS groups. Compared with the H/R + 50 mg/L APS group, the apoptosis rate decreased, whereas the cell survival rate, NO content and expression of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway associated proteins increased in the H/R + 100 mg/L APS group. The H/R + LY and HR + 100 mg/L APS + LY groups followed opposite trends. In comparison to the HR + 100 mg/L APS group, the apoptosis rate in the H/R + LY and HR + 100 mg/L APS + LY groups increased, and the cell survival rate, NO content and expression of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway associated proteins decreased. Collectively, APS improves the damage caused by H/P by mediating PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.

A Decrease of Brain MicroRNA-122 Level Is an Early Marker of Cerebrovascular Disease in the Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat

Based on preliminary evidence that highlights microRNA-122 as a contributing factor to stroke pathogenesis, we aimed at assessing its expression level, along with the presence of early signs of cerebrovascular disease, in the brain of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP), a suitable model of human disease that accelerates stroke occurrence under a high sodium/low potassium (Japanese-style) diet (JD). After one month of JD, before stroke occurrence, brain microRNA-122 level was significantly decreased in SHRSP as compared to the stroke-resistant SHR (SHRSR). At this time, levels of markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as of endothelial integrity and function, apoptosis and necrosis were differently modulated in the brains of JD-fed SHRSP as compared to SHRSR, pointing to a significant activation of all deleterious mechanisms underlying subsequent stroke development in SHRSP. We also showed that miR-122 improved survival of rat endothelial cerebral cells upon stress stimuli (excess NaCl, hydrogen peroxide). Our data suggest that a decrease of brain microRNA-122 level is deleterious and can be considered as an early marker of stroke in the SHRSP. Understanding the mechanisms by which microRNA-122 protects vascular cells from stress stimuli may provide a useful approach to improve preventive and treatment strategies against stroke.

Mechanism of endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation and activation by tentacle extract from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata

Our previous study demonstrated that tentacle extract (TE) from the jellyfish Cyanea capillata (C. capillata) could cause a weak relaxation response mediated by nitric oxide (NO) using isolated aorta rings. However, the intracellular mechanisms of TE-induced vasodilation remain unclear. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the role of TE on Akt/eNOS/NO and Ca²⁺ signaling pathways in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Our results showed that TE induced dose- and time-dependent increases of eNOS activity and NO production. And TE also induced Akt and eNOS phosphorylation in HUVECs. However, treatment with specific PI3-kinase inhibitor (Wortmannin) significantly inhibited the increases in NO production and Akt/eNOS phosphorylation. In addition, TE also stimulated an increase in the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i), which was significantly attenuated by either IP₃ receptor blocker (Heparin) or PKC inhibitor (PKC 412). In contrast, extracellular Ca²⁺-free, L-type calcium channel blocker (Nifedipine), or PKA inhibitor (H89) had no influence on the [Ca²⁺]_i elevation. Since calcium ions also play a critical role in stimulating eNOS activity, we next explored the role of Ca²⁺ in TE-induced Akt/eNOS activation. In consistent with the attenuation of [Ca²⁺]_i elevation, we found that Akt/eNOS phosphorylation was also dramatically decreased by Heparin or PKC 412, but not affected by Nifedipine or H89. However, the phosphorylation level could also be decreased by the removal of extracellular calcium. Taken together, our findings indicated that TE-induced eNOS phosphorylation and activation were mainly through PI3K/Akt-dependent, PKC/IP₃R-sensitive and Ca²⁺-dependent pathways.

CCN1 acutely increases nitric oxide production via integrin αvβ3-Akt-S6K-phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase at the serine 1177 signaling axis

Although CCN1 (also known as cysteine-rich, angiogenic inducer 61, CYR61) has been reported to promote angiogenesis and neovascularization in endothelial cells (ECs), its effects on endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production have never been studied. Using human umbilical vein ECs, we investigated whether and how CCN1 regulates NO production. CCN1 acutely increased NO production in a time- and dose-dependent manner, which was accompanied by increased phosphorylation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) at serine 1177 (eNOS-Ser(1177)), but not that of eNOS-Thr(495) or eNOS-Ser(114). The level of total eNOS expression was unaltered. Treatment with either LY294002, a selective inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase known as an upstream kinase of Akt, or H-89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A, mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1, Rho-associated protein kinase 2, and ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), inhibited CCN1-stimulated eNOS-Ser(1177) phosphorylation and subsequent NO production. Ectopic expression of small interfering RNA against Akt and S6K significantly inhibited the effects of CCN1. Consistently, CCN1 increased the phosphorylation of Akt-Ser(473) and S6K-Thr(389). However, CCN1 did not alter the expression or secretion of VEGF, a known downstream factor of CCN1 and a potential upstream factor of Akt-mediated eNOS-Ser(1177) phosphorylation. Furthermore, neutralization of integrin αvβ3 with corresponding antibody completely reversed all of the observed effects of CCN1. Moreover, CCN1 increased acetylcholine-induced relaxation in the rat aortas. Finally, we also found that CCN1-stimulated eNOS-Ser(1177) phosphorylation and NO production are true for other types of EC tested. In conclusion, CCN1 acutely increases NO production via activation of a signaling axis in integrin αvβ3-Akt-S6K-eNOS-Ser(1177) phosphorylation, suggesting an important role for CCN1 in vasodilation.

Enhanced vascular PI3K/Akt-NOX signaling underlies the peripheral NMDAR-mediated pressor response in conscious rats

The molecular mechanisms for peripheral N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated vascular oxidative stress and pressor response are not known. We conducted integrative (in vivo) and ex vivo biochemical studies to test the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent calcium influx, triggered by the activation of vascular kinases, underlies the NMDAR-mediated pressor response. Pharmacological inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt (wortmannin, 15 μg/kg), protein kinase C (chelerythrine: 5 mg/kg, intravenous), Ca²⁺ influx (nifedipine, 0.35 or 0.75 mg/kg), or NADPH oxidase (NOX: apocynin, 5 mg/kg) attenuated the peripheral NMDAR-mediated pressor response in conscious male Sprague-Dawley rats. NMDAR activation enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1, JNK and p38 (Western blot), and NOX activity in vascular tissues collected during the pressor response caused by NMDA infusion (180 μg·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, 30 minutes). Furthermore, ex vivo studies showed that wortmannin, chelerythrine, or apocynin abrogated the NMDAR-mediated vascular nitric oxide (NO) and ROS generation and NOX activation in the vasculature. These findings implicate vascular PI3K/Akt-protein kinase C signaling in the peripheral NMDAR-mediated increases in vascular NO and NOX activation (ROS), which ultimately lead to calcium influx and pressor response in conscious rats.

A time course of NADPH-oxidase up-regulation and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation in the hippocampus following neurotrauma

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH-oxidase; NOX) is a complex enzyme responsible for increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide (O2(•-)). NOX-derived O2(•-) is a key player in oxidative stress and inflammation-mediated multiple secondary injury cascades (SIC) following traumatic brain injury (TBI). The O2(•-) reacts with nitric oxide (NO), produces various reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and contributes to apoptotic cell death. Following a unilateral cortical contusion, young adult rats were killed at various times postinjury (1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h). Fresh tissue from the hippocampus was analyzed for NOX activity, and level of O2(•-). In addition we evaluated the translocation of cytosolic NOX proteins (p67(Phox), p47(Phox), and p40(Phox)) to the membrane, along with total NO and the activation (phosphorylation) of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (p-eNOS). Results show that both enzymes and levels of O2(•-) and NO have time-dependent injury effects in the hippocampus. Translocation of cytosolic NOX proteins into membrane, NOX activity, and O2(•-) were also increased in a time-dependent fashion. Both NOX activity and O2(•-) were increased at 6 h. Levels of p-eNOS increased within 1h, with significant elevation of NO at 12h post-TBI. Levels of NO failed to show a significant association with p-eNOS, but did associate with O2(•-). NOX up-regulation strongly associated with both the levels of O2(•-) and the total NO. The initial 12 h post-TBI are very important as a possible window of opportunity to interrupt SIC. It may be important to selectively target the translocation of cytosolic subunits for the modulation of NOX function.

Losartan, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via PI3K/Akt-mediated eNOS phosphorylation

Angiotensin (Ang) II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) have been shown to protect against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the mechanism by which ARBs protect brain ischemia injury is still unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of losartan, an ARB, on the phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in response to focal brain I/R and to determine whether the neuroprotective phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway is involved. Normotensive Wistar rats were pretreated for 14 days with 5mg/kg losartan, then subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for 2h followed by reperfusion (MCAO-R). Our results showed that losartan reduced infarct volumes and improved neurobehavioral outcomes in rats subjected to MCAO-R. Losartan pretreatment significantly suppressed an increase in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and sustained normal levels of eNOS expression 24h after MCAO-R injury. Phosphorylated eNOS and Akt levels were much lower than those in the sham group at 24h after MCAO-R, suggesting that losartan pretreatment significantly preserved eNOS phosphorylation in response to the activated Akt. Moreover, blockade of PI3K activity by wortmannin, totally abolished losartan-induced eNOS phosphorylation, providing the first evidence that losartan stimulates eNOS phosphorylation through PI3K/Akt signaling in the MCAO-R rat model. Our findings provide a mechanistic basis underlying the benefits of using selective ARBs, such as losartan, in the treatment of cerebrovascular disease.