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Evaluation of Serum Urocortin 2 Levels in Patients with Hypertension. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 2020; 27:35-42. [DOI: 10.1007/s40292-019-00357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
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Cardiovascular Effects of Urocortin-2: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2019; 33:599-613. [DOI: 10.1007/s10557-019-06895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Parra-Mercado GK, Fuentes-Gonzalez AM, Hernandez-Aranda J, Diaz-Coranguez M, Dautzenberg FM, Catt KJ, Hauger RL, Olivares-Reyes JA. CRF 1 Receptor Signaling via the ERK1/2-MAP and Akt Kinase Cascades: Roles of Src, EGF Receptor, and PI3-Kinase Mechanisms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:869. [PMID: 31920979 PMCID: PMC6921279 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we determined the cellular regulators of ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways in response to human CRF1 receptor (CRF1R) activation in transfected COS-7 cells. We found that Pertussis Toxin (PTX) treatment or sequestering Gβγ reduced CRF1R-mediated activation of ERK1/2, suggesting the involvement of a Gi-linked cascade. Neither Gs/PKA nor Gq/PKC were associated with ERK1/2 activation. Besides, CRF induced EGF receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation at Tyr1068, and selective inhibition of EGFR kinase activity by AG1478 strongly inhibited the CRF1R-mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2, indicating the participation of EGFR transactivation. Furthermore, CRF-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation was not altered by pretreatment with batimastat, GM6001, or an HB-EGF antibody indicating that metalloproteinase processing of HB-EGF ligands is not required for the CRF-mediated EGFR transactivation. We also observed that CRF induced Src and PYK2 phosphorylation in a Gβγ-dependent manner. Additionally, using the specific Src kinase inhibitor PP2 and the dominant-negative-SrcYF-KM, it was revealed that CRF-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation depends on Src activation. PP2 also blocked the effect of CRF on Src and EGFR (Tyr845) phosphorylation, further demonstrating the centrality of Src. We identified the formation of a protein complex consisting of CRF1R, Src, and EGFR facilitates EGFR transactivation and CRF1R-mediated signaling. CRF stimulated Akt phosphorylation, which was dependent on Gi/βγ subunits, and Src activation, however, was only slightly dependent on EGFR transactivation. Moreover, PI3K inhibitors were able to inhibit not only the CRF-induced phosphorylation of Akt, as expected, but also ERK1/2 activation by CRF suggesting a PI3K dependency in the CRF1R ERK signaling. Finally, CRF-stimulated ERK1/2 activation was similar in the wild-type CRF1R and the phosphorylation-deficient CRF1R-Δ386 mutant, which has impaired agonist-dependent β-arrestin-2 recruitment; however, this situation may have resulted from the low β-arrestin expression in the COS-7 cells. When β-arrestin-2 was overexpressed in COS-7 cells, CRF-stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation was markedly upregulated. These findings indicate that on the base of a constitutive CRF1R/EGFR interaction, the Gi/βγ subunits upstream activation of Src, PYK2, PI3K, and transactivation of the EGFR are required for CRF1R signaling via the ERK1/2-MAP kinase pathway. In contrast, Akt activation via CRF1R is mediated by the Src/PI3K pathway with little contribution of EGFR transactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Karina Parra-Mercado
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alma M. Fuentes-Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Judith Hernandez-Aranda
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Monica Diaz-Coranguez
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Kevin J. Catt
- Section on Hormonal Regulation, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Richard L. Hauger
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - J. Alberto Olivares-Reyes
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry, Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: J. Alberto Olivares-Reyes
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Sumii K, Miyake H, Enatsu N, Chiba K, Fujisawa M. Characterization of urocortin as an anti-apoptotic protein in experimental ischemia-reperfusion model of the rat testis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 479:387-392. [PMID: 27659706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.09.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the role of urocortin in testicular apoptosis using an experimental ischemia-reperfusion rat model. To evaluate the change in urocortin expression and apoptotic status in the testes following ischemia-reperfusion, the left testes of rats were rotated clockwise by 720° for 1 h, and were then harvested at 0, 1, 3, 6 and 24 h after detorsion (n = 5 in each group). A time-dependent increase in the expression levels of urocortin was noted until 6 h after reperfusion, but the expression of urocortin was markedly decreased 24 h after reperfusion. However, a TUNEL assay showed that the proportion of germ cells undergoing apoptosis significantly increased 24 h after reperfusion compared with that of 6 h after reperfusion. To clarify whether or not urocortin directly regulates the testicular apoptosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion, either astressin, an antagonist of urocortin, or normal saline was injected into the rat testes 15 min before detorsion, followed by the testicular torsion. The testes were then removed 3 h after detorsion (n = 5 in each group). The testicular injection of astressin significantly increased the proportion of TUNEL-positive germ cells, and significantly decreased expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. In addition, the level of phosphorylated ERK 1/2, but not that of phosphorylated Akt, was significantly reduced by the intratesticular administration of astressin. These findings suggest that urocortin may play a cytoprotective role in the germ cells in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury through the activation of major anti-apoptotic proteins, as well as by the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Sumii
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Miyake
- Department of Urology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, 1-20-1 Handayama, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan
| | - Noritoshi Enatsu
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Koji Chiba
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Masato Fujisawa
- Division of Urology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
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Rademaker MT, Ellmers LJ, Charles CJ, Mark Richards A. Urocortin 2 protects heart and kidney structure and function in an ovine model of acute decompensated heart failure: Comparison with dobutamine. Int J Cardiol 2015; 197:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Adão R, Santos-Ribeiro D, Rademaker MT, Leite-Moreira AF, Brás-Silva C. Urocortin 2 in cardiovascular health and disease. Drug Discov Today 2015; 20:906-14. [PMID: 25748088 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2015.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Urocortin (Ucn)-2 - corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 signaling has favorable effects in the cardiovascular system, including coronary vasodilatation, with increased coronary blood flow and conductance and augmented cardiac contractility and output, as well as protection against ischemia/reperfusion injury. Indeed, several animal studies have confirmed the salutary therapeutic effects of Ucn-2 in chronic heart failure, with improvements in cardiac performance and animal survival. In addition, recent clinical trials have demonstrated the benefits of Ucn-2 in patients with stable chronic heart failure on optimal medical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Adão
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Diana Santos-Ribeiro
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Miriam T Rademaker
- Christchurch Heart Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Adelino F Leite-Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Carmen Brás-Silva
- Department of Physiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal; Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Walther S, Pluteanu F, Renz S, Nikonova Y, Maxwell JT, Yang LZ, Schmidt K, Edwards JN, Wakula P, Groschner K, Maier LS, Spiess J, Blatter LA, Pieske B, Kockskämper J. Urocortin 2 stimulates nitric oxide production in ventricular myocytes via Akt- and PKA-mediated phosphorylation of eNOS at serine 1177. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 307:H689-700. [PMID: 25015964 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00694.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin 2 (Ucn2) is a cardioactive peptide exhibiting beneficial effects in normal and failing heart. In cardiomyocytes, it elicits cAMP- and Ca(2+)-dependent positive inotropic and lusitropic effects. We tested the hypothesis that, in addition, Ucn2 activates cardiac nitric oxide (NO) signaling and elucidated the underlying signaling pathways and mechanisms. In isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes, Ucn2 caused concentration- and time-dependent increases in phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473, Thr308), endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) (Ser1177), and ERK1/2 (Thr202/Tyr204). ERK1/2 phosphorylation, but not Akt and eNOS phosphorylation, was suppressed by inhibition of MEK1/2. Increased Akt phosphorylation resulted in increased Akt kinase activity and was mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor 2 (CRF2) receptors (astressin-2B sensitive). Inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) diminished both Akt as well as eNOS phosphorylation mediated by Ucn2. Inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) reduced Ucn2-induced phosphorylation of eNOS but did not affect the increase in phosphorylation of Akt. Conversely, direct receptor-independent elevation of cAMP via forskolin increased phosphorylation of eNOS but not of Akt. Ucn2 increased intracellular NO concentration ([NO]i), [cGMP], [cAMP], and cell shortening. Inhibition of eNOS suppressed the increases in [NO]i and cell shortening. When both PI3K-Akt and cAMP-PKA signaling were inhibited, the Ucn2-induced increases in [NO]i and cell shortening were attenuated. Thus, in rabbit ventricular myocytes, Ucn2 causes activation of cAMP-PKA, PI3K-Akt, and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling. The MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway is not required for stimulation of NO signaling in these cells. The other two pathways, cAMP-PKA and PI3K-Akt, converge on eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 and result in pronounced and sustained cellular NO production with subsequent stimulation of cGMP signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Walther
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Florentina Pluteanu
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical and Pharmacological Centre Marburg, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Renz
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yulia Nikonova
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical and Pharmacological Centre Marburg, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Joshua T Maxwell
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Li-Zhen Yang
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group of the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany, and Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kurt Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Karl-Franzens-University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Joshua N Edwards
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Paulina Wakula
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Klaus Groschner
- Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Translational Heart Failure Research, Graz, Austria; Institute of Biophysics, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Lars S Maier
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Clinic and Policlinic for Internal Medicine II, University Clinics Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; and
| | - Joachim Spiess
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group of the Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany, and Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii; Sanford Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California
| | - Lothar A Blatter
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Burkert Pieske
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Ludwig-Boltzmann-Institute for Translational Heart Failure Research, Graz, Austria
| | - Jens Kockskämper
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Biochemical and Pharmacological Centre Marburg, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany;
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Stastna M, Van Eyk JE. Investigating the secretome: lessons about the cells that comprise the heart. CIRCULATION. CARDIOVASCULAR GENETICS 2012; 5:o8-o18. [PMID: 22337932 PMCID: PMC3282018 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.111.960187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The cell/environment interface is composed of the proteins of plasma membrane which face the extracellular space and by the proteins secreted directly by the cell of origin or by neighboring cells. The secreted proteins can act as extracellular matrix proteins and/or autocrine/paracrine proteins. This report discusses the technical aspects involved in the identification and characterization of the secreted proteins of specific cell types that comprise the heart. These aspects include the culturing of the cells, cell co-culturing and quantitative labeling, conditioned media collection and dealing with high abundant serum proteins, post-translational modification enrichment, the use of protein separation methods and mass spectrometry, protein identification and validation and the incorporation of pathway analysis to better understand the novel discovery on the background of already known experimental biological systems. The proteomic methods have the solid emplacement in cardiovascular research and the identification of proteins secreted by cardiac cells has been used in various applications such as determination the specificity between secretomes of different cell types, e.g. cardiac stem cells and cardiac myocytes, for the global secretome screening of e.g. human arterial smooth muscle cells, for the mapping of the beneficial effect of conditioned medium of one cell type on the other cell type, e.g. conditioned medium of human mesenchymal stem cells on cardiac myocytes, and for the searching the candidate paracrine factors and potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslava Stastna
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Proteomics Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Takahashi K. Distribution of urocortins and corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in the cardiovascular system. Int J Endocrinol 2012; 2012:395284. [PMID: 22675352 PMCID: PMC3362921 DOI: 10.1155/2012/395284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Revised: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Urocortins are human homologues of urotensin I, a fish corticotropin-releasing-factor- (CRF-) like peptide secreted from the urophysis. There are three urocortins: urocortin 1, urocortin 2, and urocortin 3 in mammals. We have shown that urocortin 1 and urocortin 3 are endogenously synthesized in the myocardial cells of human heart and may act on CRF type 2 receptor (CRFR2) expressed in the heart. Expression levels of urocortin 1 in the heart and plasma urocortin 1 levels are elevated in patients with heart failure. Recent studies have shown that urocortins have various biological actions in the cardiovascular system, such as a vasodilator action, a positive inotropic action, a cardioprotective action against ischemia/reperfusion injury, and suppressive actions against the renin angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system. Urocortins and CRFR2 may therefore be a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, and myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Takahashi
- Departments of Endocrinology and Applied Medical Science, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.
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Ikeda K, Fujioka K, Manome Y, Tojo K. Clinical perspectives of urocortin and related agents for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Int J Endocrinol 2012; 2012:198628. [PMID: 22548056 PMCID: PMC3324148 DOI: 10.1155/2012/198628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Revised: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of corticotropin-releasing hormone, also known as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), on the cardiovascular system have been intensively researched since its discovery. Moreover, the actions of urocortin (Ucn) I on the cardiovascular system have also been intensively scrutinized following the cloning and identification of its receptor, CRF receptor type 2 (CRFR2), in peripheral tissues including the heart. Given the cardioprotective actions of CRFR2 ligands, the clinical potential of not only Ucn I but also Ucn II and III, which were later identified as more specific ligands for CRFR2, has received considerable attention from researchers. In addition, recent work has indicated that CRF type 1 receptor may be also involved in cardioprotection against ischemic/reperfusion injury. Here we provide a historical overview of research on Ucn I and related agents, their effects on the cardiovascular system, and the clinical potential of the use of such agents to treat cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Ikeda
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of DNA Medicine, Research Center for Medical Sciences, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
- *Keiichi Ikeda:
| | - Kouki Fujioka
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of DNA Medicine, Research Center for Medical Sciences, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Manome
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of DNA Medicine, Research Center for Medical Sciences, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Katsuyoshi Tojo
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
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Rademaker MT, Charles CJ, Ellmers LJ, Lewis LK, Nicholls MG, Richards AM. Prolonged urocortin 2 administration in experimental heart failure: sustained hemodynamic, endocrine, and renal effects. Hypertension 2011; 57:1136-44. [PMID: 21536988 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.111.173203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although acute administration of urocortin 2 has beneficial actions in heart failure, the integrated hemodynamic, hormonal, and renal effects of sustained urocortin 2 treatment in this disease have not been investigated. In the current study, we administered a 4-day infusion of a vehicle control (0.9% saline; n=6) or urocortin 2 (0.75 μg/kg per hour; n=6) to sheep with pacing-induced heart failure. Compared with time-matched controls, infusion of urocortin 2 produced rapid (30-minute) and persistent (4-day) improvements in cardiac contractility (day 4: control 905±73 versus urocortin 2 1424±158 mm Hg/s; P<0.001) and output (2.6±0.1 versus 3.8±0.3 L/min; P<0.001), together with reductions in left atrial pressure (28±1 versus 12±1 mm Hg; P<0.001) and peripheral resistance (30±2 versus 20±2 mm Hg/L per min; P<0.001). In contrast, urocortin 2-induced falls in mean arterial pressure were not established until the second day (day 4: 74±2 versus 72±2 mm Hg; P<0.05). Prolonged urocortin 2 administration was associated with sustained (days 0 to 4) declines in plasma renin activity (day 4: 1.33±0.27 versus 0.73±0.20 nmol/L per hour; P<0.001), aldosterone (970±383 versus 396±96 pmol/L; P<0.05), vasopressin (2.4±0.8 versus 1.3±0.1 pmol/L; P<0.05), endothelin 1 (7.2±0.7 versus 4.5±0.4 pmol/L; P<0.01), and atrial (269±27 versus 150±19 pmol/L; P<0.001) and B-type (65±9 versus 29±6 pmol/L; P<0.001) natriuretic peptides, as well as an acute transient rise in plasma cortisol (day 1: P<0.001). Chronic urocortin 2 also persistently augmented urinary sodium (day 4: 4-fold increase; P<0.001) and creatinine (1.4-fold; P<0.001) excretion and creatinine clearance (1.5-fold; P<0.01) compared with control. Food consumption was temporarily suppressed (P<0.05). In conclusion, 4-day urocortin 2 administration induces sustained improvements in hemodynamics and renal function, in association with inhibition of multiple vasoconstrictor/volume-retaining systems. These findings support the therapeutic potential for urocortin 2 in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam T Rademaker
- Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Urocortin-induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy is associated with regulation of the GSK-3β pathway. Heart Vessels 2011; 27:202-7. [PMID: 21505854 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-011-0141-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Urocortin-1 (UCN), a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor, is a cardioprotective peptide, and is also involved in cardiac hypertrophy. The involvement of GSK-3β, a pivotal kinase in cardiac hypertrophy, in response to UCN is not yet documented. Cardiomyocytes from adult rats were stimulated for 48 h with UCN. Cell size, protein, and DNA contents were determined. Phosphorylated and total forms GSK-3β and the total amount of β-catenin were quantified by Western immunoblots. The effects of astressin, a UCN competitive receptor antagonist, were also evaluated. UCN increased cell size and the protein-to-DNA ratio, in accordance with a hypertrophic response. This effect was associated with increased phosphorylation of GSK-3β and marked accumulation of β-catenin, a downstream element to GSK-3β. All these effects were prevented by astressin and LY294002, an inhibitor of the phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase. UCN-induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy is associated with regulation of GSK-3β, a pivotal kinase involved in cardiac hypertrophy, in a PI3K-dependent manner. Furthermore, the pharmacological blockade of UCN receptors was able to prevent UCN-induced hypertrophy, which leads to inhibition of the Akt/GSK-3β pathway.
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Yang LZ, Kockskämper J, Khan S, Suarez J, Walther S, Doleschal B, Unterer G, Khafaga M, Mächler H, Heinzel FR, Dillmann WH, Pieske B, Spiess J. cAMP- and Ca²(+) /calmodulin-dependent protein kinases mediate inotropic, lusitropic and arrhythmogenic effects of urocortin 2 in mouse ventricular myocytes. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162:544-56. [PMID: 20942811 PMCID: PMC3031072 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Urocortin 2 is beneficial in heart failure, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are not completely understood. Here we have characterized the functional effects of urocortin 2 on mouse cardiomyocytes and elucidated the underlying signalling pathways and mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mouse ventricular myocytes were field-stimulated at 0.5 Hz at room temperature. Fractional shortening and [Ca²(+)](i) transients were measured by an edge detection and epifluorescence system respectively. Western blots were carried out on myocyte extracts with antibodies against total phospholamban (PLN) and PLN phosphorylated at serine-16. KEY RESULTS Urocortin 2 elicited time- and concentration-dependent positive inotropic and lusitropic effects (EC₅₀ : 19 nM) that were abolished by antisauvagine-30 (10 nM, n= 6), a specific antagonist of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) CRF₂ receptors. Urocortin 2 (100 nM) increased the amplitude and decreased the time constant of decay of the underlying [Ca²(+)](i) transients. Urocortin 2 also increased PLN phosphorylation at serine-16. H89 (2 µM) or KT5720 (1 µM), two inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA), as well as KN93 (1 µM), an inhibitor of Ca²(+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), suppressed the urocortin 2 effects on shortening and [Ca²(+)](i) transients. In addition, urocortin 2 also elicited arrhythmogenic events consisting of extra cell shortenings and extra [Ca²(+)](i) increases in diastole. Urocortin 2-induced arrhythmogenic events were significantly reduced in cells pretreated with KT5720 or KN93. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Urocortin 2 enhanced contractility in mouse ventricular myocytes via activation of CRF₂ receptors in a cAMP/PKA- and Ca²(+)/CaMKII-dependent manner. This enhancement was accompanied by Ca²(+)-dependent arrhythmogenic effects mediated by PKA and CaMKII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhen Yang
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental MedicineGoettingen, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, CA, USA
- Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2 of the John A. Burns School of Medicine of the University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Jens Kockskämper
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps-University of MarburgMarburg, Germany
| | - Shelina Khan
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jorge Suarez
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stefanie Walther
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernhard Doleschal
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gregor Unterer
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mounir Khafaga
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Heinrich Mächler
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Frank R Heinzel
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang H Dillmann
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, CA, USA
| | - Burkert Pieske
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Joachim Spiess
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental MedicineGoettingen, Germany
- Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2 of the John A. Burns School of Medicine of the University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI, USA
- Sanford Burnham Medical Research InstituteLa Jolla, CA, USA
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14
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Rademaker MT, Charles CJ, Nicholls MG, Richards AM. Urocortin 2 inhibits furosemide-induced activation of renin and enhances renal function and diuretic responsiveness in experimental heart failure. Circ Heart Fail 2009; 2:532-40. [PMID: 19919977 DOI: 10.1161/circheartfailure.109.861336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urocortin 2 (Ucn2), a novel peptide with therapeutic potential in heart failure, and diuretics have opposing effects on renal function and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Because any prospective new treatment is likely to be used in conjunction with standard diuretic therapy, it is necessary to investigate the combined effects of these agents. METHODS AND RESULTS Ucn2 and furosemide were administered for 3 hours, both singly and combined, in 7 sheep with pacing-induced heart failure. Compared with time-matched controls, separate Ucn2 and furosemide administration significantly increased urine output (furosemide>Ucn2), urine sodium (furosemide>Ucn2), potassium (furosemide>Ucn2), and creatinine excretion (Ucn2>furosemide) and creatinine clearance (Ucn2>furosemide). Compared with furosemide treatment alone, Ucn2+furosemide produced a further diuresis (P<0.05), natriuresis (P<0.05), and a sustained increase in creatinine excretion (P<0.05) and clearance (P<0.05), without additional potassium elimination. All active treatments reduced mean arterial pressure (Ucn2+furosemide=furosemide>Ucn2), left atrial pressure (Ucn2+furosemide>Ucn2>furosemide), and peripheral resistance (Ucn2+furosemide=Ucn2>furosemide), whereas only Ucn2, singly and in combination with furosemide, increased cardiac output and dP/dt(max). In contrast to the increase in plasma renin activity elicited by furosemide alone, Ucn2 and Ucn2+furosemide markedly reduced plasma renin activity. All active treatments decreased plasma aldosterone (Ucn2+furosemide=Ucn2>furosemide), whereas only Ucn2 and Ucn2+furosemide reduced vasopressin and natriuretic peptide concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Ucn2 cotreatment with furosemide enhanced hemodynamic and renal function and diuretic responsiveness (without additional potassium depletion) in experimental heart failure. Furthermore, Ucn2 reversed furosemide-induced increases in plasma renin activity and induced greater decreases in plasma aldosterone and vasopressin. These data indicate that adjunct Ucn2 therapy with diuretics in heart failure is beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam T Rademaker
- Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group, Christchurch School of Medicine, Christchurch, New Zealand.
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15
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Davidson SM, Yellon DM. Urocortin: a protective peptide that targets both the myocardium and vasculature. Pharmacol Rep 2009; 61:172-82. [PMID: 19307705 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(09)70019-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2008] [Revised: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The urocortins are a family of endogenously produced peptide hormones that show great promise as potential drugs for the treatment of heart disease. They can increase contractility and cardiac output without causing changes in mean arterial blood pressure. As expected, the receptor for these peptides is present in cardiomyocytes, and they can bind and protect these cells from simulated ischemia and reperfusion in vitro. The receptor is present, however, in much higher density in the endothelial cells that form a continuous lining of the coronary vasculature. Functionally, the urocortin peptides have been shown to have potent local vasodilatory effects, and may affect other aspects of vascular function. In this review, we will attempt to distinguish the "cardio" from the "vascular" effects of urocortin and its homologues, including the archetypal family member, corticotrophin releasing hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Davidson
- The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London Hospital and Medical School, London, UK
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16
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Inada Y, Ikeda K, Tojo K, Sakamoto M, Takada Y, Tajima N. Possible involvement of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor signaling on vascular inflammation. Peptides 2009; 30:365-72. [PMID: 19026699 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Revised: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 10/06/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Based on the reported anti-inflammatory and anti-stress responses by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor signaling, endogenous CRF receptor agonists, CRF, urocortin (UCN) I and its related peptides, may play protective roles against cardiovascular stresses via the CRF receptor signaling. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the involvement of CRF receptor signaling against vascular inflammatory stress using human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). In addition, due to the possible involvement of CRF receptor signaling in the effects of statin on endothelial cells, the effects of pitavastatin on the expression of UCN-related peptides in HAECs were also evaluated. HAECs expressed all UCNs, CRF type 1 receptor (CRF-R1), and CRF type 2 (CRF-R2)alpha and CRF-R2beta mRNAs. Real time PCR analysis revealed that UCN I mRNA was down-regulated, whereas UCN II mRNA was up-regulated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Selective blockade of CRF-R1 resulted in significant increase in TNF-alpha-induced expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1 at mRNA level and E-selectin at mRNA and protein levels. Pitavastatin up-regulated UCN I mRNA without TNF-alpha, but co-incubation with pitavastatin and TNF-alpha resulted in decrease in UCN I mRNA. On the contrary, UCN II, CRF-R1, and CRF-R2 mRNAs were markedly increased by co-incubation of pitavastatin and TNF-alpha. These facts indicate that CRF-R1 signaling may have protective role against TNF-alpha-induced vascular inflammation. In addition, because of up-regulation of CRF-R1 mRNA by pitavastatin with or without TNF-alpha, CRF-R1 may be involved in the vasoprotective effects of pitavastatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Inada
- Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, 3-25-8, Nishishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8461, Japan
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17
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Ikeda K, Tojo K, Udagawa T, Otsubo C, Ishikawa M, Tokudome G, Hosoya T, Tajima N, Nakao K, Kawamura M. Cellular physiology of rat cardiac myocytes in cardiac fibrosis: in vitro simulation using the cardiac myocyte/cardiac non-myocyte co-culture system. Hypertens Res 2008; 31:693-706. [PMID: 18633182 DOI: 10.1291/hypres.31.693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
An understanding of the cellular physiology of cardiac myocytes (MCs) and non-myocytes (NMCs) may help to explain the mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy. Despite numerous studies using MC/NMC co-culture systems, it is difficult to precisely evaluate the influence of each cell type because of the inherent cellular heterogeneity of such a system. Here we developed a co-culture system using Wistar rat neonatal MCs and NMCs isolated by discontinuous Percoll gradient and adhesion separation methods and cultured on either side of insert well membranes. Co-culture of MCs and NMCs resulted in significant increases in [3H]-leucine incorporation by MCs, in the amount of protein synthesized by MCs, and in the secretion of natriuretic peptides, while the addition of MCs to NMC cultures significantly reduced [3H]-thymidine incorporation by NMCs. Interestingly, the percentage of the brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) component of total natriuretic peptide secreted (atrial natriuretic peptide+BNP) increased as the number of NMCs placed in the MC/NMC co-culture system increased. However, MCs did not affect production of angiotensin II (Ang II) by NMCs or secretion of endothelin-1 and transforming growth factor-beta1 into the MC/NMC co-culture system. This finding was supported by the anti-hypertrophic and anti-fibrotic actions of RNH6270, an active form of olmesartan, on MCs in the MC/NMC co-culture system and on NMCs that may synthesize Ang II in the heart. The present data indicate that cardiac fibrosis may not only facilitate MC hypertrophy (possibly through the local angiotensin system) but may also change particular pathophysiological properties of MCs, such as the secretory pattern of natriuretic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Ikeda
- Department of Pharmacology, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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18
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Urocortin 2 combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition in experimental heart failure. Clin Sci (Lond) 2008; 114:635-42. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20070364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ucn2 (urocortin 2) is a recently discovered peptide with therapeutic potential in heart failure. As any new treatment is likely to be used in conjunction with standard ACEI (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor) therapy, it is important that the combined effects of these agents are assessed. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Ucn2 and an ACEI (captopril) administered for 3 h, both separately and together, in eight sheep with pacing-induced heart failure. Ucn2 and captopril alone both increased CO (cardiac output; Ucn2>captopril) and decreased arterial pressure (captopril>Ucn2), left atrial pressure (Ucn2>captopril) and peripheral resistance (Ucn2=captopril) relative to controls. Compared with either treatment alone, combined treatment further improved CO and reduced peripheral resistance and cardiac preload, without inducing further falls in blood pressure. In contrast with the marked increase in plasma renin activity observed with captopril alone, Ucn2 administration reduced renin activity, whereas the combined agents resulted in intermediate renin levels. All active treatments decreased circulating levels of aldosterone (Ucn2+captopril>Ucn2=captopril), endothelin-1 and the natriuretic peptides (Ucn2+captopril=Ucn2>captopril), whereas adrenaline (epinephrine) fell only with Ucn2 (Ucn2+captopril=Ucn2), and vasopressin increased during captopril alone. Ucn2, both separately and in conjunction with captopril, increased urine output, sodium and creatinine excretion and creatinine clearance. Conversely, captopril administered alone adversely affected these renal indices. In conclusion, co-treatment with Ucn2 and an ACEI in heart failure produced significantly greater improvements in haemodynamics, hormonal profile and renal function than achieved by captopril alone. These results indicate that dual treatment with these two agents is beneficial.
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19
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Tao J, Zhang Y, Soong TW, Li S. Expression of urocortin 2 and its inhibitory effects on intracellular ca2+ via L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Neuropsychopharmacology 2006; 31:2600-9. [PMID: 16760921 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin 2, a new member of the corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) neuropeptide family, was reported to be widely expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues. Here, we detected urocortin 2 mRNA in PC12 cells using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Furthermore, we observed its effects on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry and on voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) currents using whole-cell patch clamp. Our results showed that urocortin 2 mRNA was coexpressed with CRF, and CRF receptor (CRFR) 2beta in undifferentiated PC12 cells, but not CRFR1 or CRFR2alpha. KCl (40 mM) or Bay K8644 (1 microM), an L-type VGCC activator, increased [Ca(2+)](i). Pretreatment of the cells with urocortin 2 significantly diminished the effect of Bay K8644 or KCl. Urocortin 2 showed no influence on [Ca(2+)](i) in tyrode's solution containing EGTA or Ca(2+)-free tyrode's solution. It reversibly inhibited the VGCC currents in a concentration-dependent manner, but had no apparent effects on the cells treated with nifedipine (1 microM), an L-type VGCC blocker. Urocortin 2 up-shifted the current-voltage curves. No frequency-dependence of urocortin 2 effects on I(Ba) was observed. The inhibitory effects of urocortin 2 on VGCC currents or [Ca(2+)](i) were not affected by astressin 2B, an antagonist of CRFR2. As calcium overload play a key role in some neuronal degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, our results suggest that urocortin 2 may be a potentially interesting agent for the treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Tao
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
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