Increased AT(1) receptors in adrenal gland of AT(2) receptor gene-disrupted mice

Angiotensin II AT2 Receptors Contribute to Regulate the Sympathoadrenal and Hormonal Reaction to Stress Stimuli

Angiotensin II, through AT1 receptor stimulation, mediates multiple cardiovascular, metabolic, and behavioral functions including the response to stressors. Conversely, the function of Angiotensin II AT2 receptors has not been totally clarified. In adult rodents, AT2 receptor distribution is very limited but it is particularly high in the adrenal medulla. Recent results strongly indicate that AT2 receptors contribute to the regulation of the response to stress stimuli. This occurs in association with AT1 receptors, both receptor types reciprocally influencing their expression and therefore their function. AT2 receptors appear to influence the response to many types of stressors and in all components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The molecular mechanisms involved in AT2 receptor activation, the complex interactions with AT1 receptors, and additional factors participating in the control of AT2 receptor regulation and activity in response to stressors are only partially understood. Further research is necessary to close this knowledge gap and to clarify whether AT2 receptor activation may carry the potential of a major translational advance.

Regulation of nonclassical renin-angiotensin system receptor gene expression in the adrenal medulla by acute and repeated immobilization stress

The involvement of the nonclassical renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the adrenomedullary response to stress is unclear. Therefore, we examined basal and immobilization stress (IMO)-triggered changes in gene expression of the classical and nonclassical RAS receptors in the rat adrenal medulla, specifically the angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) and type 4 (AT4) receptors, (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR], and Mas receptor (MasR). All RAS receptors were identified, with AT2 receptor mRNA levels being the most abundant, followed by the (P)RR, AT1A receptor, AT4 receptor, and MasR. Following a single IMO, AT2 and AT4 receptor mRNA levels decreased by 90 and 50%, respectively. Their mRNA levels were also transiently decreased by repeated IMO. MasR mRNA levels displayed a 75% transient decrease as well. Conversely, (P)RR mRNA levels were increased by 50% following single or repeated IMO. Because of its abundance, the function of the (P)RR was explored in PC-12 cells. Prorenin activation of the (P)RR increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and tyrosine hydroxylase at Ser31, likely increasing its enzymatic activity and catecholamine biosynthesis. Together, the broad and dynamic changes in gene expression of the nonclassical RAS receptors implicate their role in the intricate response of the adrenomedullary catecholaminergic system to stress.

Commercially available angiotensin II At₂ receptor antibodies are nonspecific

Commercially available angiotensin II At₂ receptor antibodies are widely employed for receptor localization and quantification, but they have not been adequately validated. In this study, we characterized three commercially available At₂ receptor antibodies: 2818-1 from Epitomics, sc-9040 from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., and AAR-012 from Alomone Labs. Using western blot analysis the immunostaining patterns observed were different for every antibody tested, and in most cases consisted of multiple immunoreactive bands. Identical immunoreactive patterns were present in wild-type and At₂ receptor knockout mice not expressing the target protein. In the mouse brain, immunocytochemical studies revealed very different cellular immunoreactivity for each antibody tested. While the 2818-1 antibody reacted only with endothelial cells in small parenchymal arteries, the sc-9040 antibody reacted only with ependymal cells lining the cerebral ventricles, and the AAR-012 antibody reacted only with multiple neuronal cell bodies in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, the immunoreactivities were identical in brain tissue from wild-type or At₂ receptor knockout mice. Furthermore, in both mice and rat tissue extracts, there was no correlation between the observed immunoreactivity and the presence or absence of At₂ receptor binding or gene expression. We conclude that none of these commercially available At₂ receptor antibodies tested met the criteria for specificity. In the absence of full antibody characterization, competitive radioligand binding and determination of mRNA expression remain the only reliable approaches to study At₂ receptor expression.

Regulation of angiotensin II type 2 receptor gene expression in the adrenal medulla by acute and repeated immobilization stress

While the renin-angiotensin system is important for adrenomedullary responses to stress, the involvement of specific angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor subtypes is unclear. We examined gene expression changes of angiotensin II type 1A (AT(1A)) and type 2 (AT(2)) receptors in rat adrenal medulla in response to immobilization stress (IMO). AT(2) receptor mRNA levels decreased immediately after a single 2-h IMO. Repeated IMO also decreased AT(2) receptor mRNA levels, but the decline was more transient. AT(1A) receptor mRNA levels were unaltered with either single or repeated IMO, although binding was increased following repeated IMO. These effects of stress on Ang II receptor expression may alter catecholamine biosynthesis, as tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine β-hydroxylase mRNA levels in PC12 cells are decreased with Ang II treatment in the presence of ZD7155 (AT(1) receptor antagonist) or with CGP42112 (AT(2) receptor agonist) treatment. Involvement of stress-triggered activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical or sympathoadrenal axis in AT(2) receptor downregulation was examined. Cultured cells treated with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone displayed a transcriptionally mediated decrease in AT(2) receptor mRNA levels. However, glucocorticoids are not required for the immediate stress-triggered decrease in AT(2) receptor gene expression, as demonstrated in corticotropin-releasing hormone knockout (Crh KO) mice and hypophysectomized rats, although they can regulate basal gene expression. cAMP and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide also reduced AT(2) receptor gene expression and may mediate this response. Overall, the effects of stress on adrenomedullary AT(1A) and AT(2) receptor expression may contribute to allostatic changes, such as regulation of catecholamine biosynthesis.

Angiotensin II AT(2) receptor decreases AT(1) receptor expression and function via nitric oxide/cGMP/Sp1 in renal proximal tubule cells from Wistar-Kyoto rats

BACKGROUND

The renin-angiotensin (Ang) system controls blood pressure, in part, by regulating renal tubular sodium transport. In the kidney, activation of the angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor increases renal sodium reabsorption, whereas the angiotensin II type 2 (AT(2)) receptor produces the opposite effect. We hypothesized that the AT(2) receptor regulates AT(1) receptor expression and function in the kidney.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In immortalized renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells from Wistar-Kyoto rats, CGP42112, an AT(2) receptor agonist, decreased AT(1) receptor mRNA and protein expression (P < 0.05), as assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. The inhibitory effect of the AT(2) receptor on AT(1) receptor expression was blocked by the AT(2) receptor antagonist, PD123319 (10 (-6)mol/l), the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(w)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10(-4) mol/l), or the nitric oxide-dependent soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo-[4,3-a] quinoxalin-1-one (10(-5) mol/l), indicating that both nitric oxide and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were involved in the signaling pathway. Furthermore, CGP42112 decreased Sp1 serine phosphorylation and reduced the binding of Sp1 to AT(1) receptor DNA. Stimulation with Ang II (10(-11) mol/l per 30 min) enhanced Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in RPT cells, which was prevented by pretreatment with CGP42112 (10(-7) mol/l per 24 h) (P < 0.05). The above-mentioned results were confirmed in RPT cells from AT(2) receptor knockout mice; AT(1) receptor expression and Ang II-stimulated Na-K-ATPase activity were greater in these cells than in RPT cells from wild-type mice (P < 0.05). AT(1)/AT(2) receptors co-localized and co-immunoprecipitated in RPT cells; short-term CGP42112 (10 mol/l per 30 min) treatment increased AT(1)/AT(2) receptor co-immunoprecipitation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the renal AT(2) receptor, via nitric oxide/cGMP/Sp1 pathway, regulates AT(1 )receptor expression and function, which may be important in the regulation of sodium excretion and blood pressure.

Increased angiotensin II AT1 receptor mRNA and binding in spleen and lung of AT2 receptor gene disrupted mice

To clarify the relationship between Angiotensin II AT(1) and AT(2) receptors, we studied AT(1) receptor mRNA and binding expression in tissues from AT(2) receptor gene disrupted (AT(2)(-/-)) female mice, where AT(2) receptors are not expressed in vivo, using in situ hybridization and quantitative autoradiography. Wild type mice expressed AT(1A) receptor mRNA and AT(1) receptor binding in lung parenchyma, the spleen, predominantly in the red pulp, and in liver parenchyma. In wild type mice, lung AT(2) receptors were expressed in lung bronchial epithelium and smooth muscle, and were not present in the lung parenchyma, the spleen or the liver. This indicates that AT(1) and AT(2) receptors were not expressed in the same cells. In AT(2)(-/-) mice, we found higher AT(1A) receptor mRNA and AT(1) receptor binding in lung parenchyma and in the red pulp of the spleen, but not in the liver, when compared to littermate wild type controls. Our results suggest that impaired AT(2) receptor function upregulates AT(1) receptor transcription and expression in a tissue-specific manner and in cells not expressing AT(2) receptors. AT(1) upregulation explains the increased sensitivity to Angiotensin II characteristic of the AT(2)(-/-) phenotype, consistent with enhanced AT(1) receptor activation in a number of tissues.

A peripherally administered, centrally acting angiotensin II AT2 antagonist selectively increases brain AT1 receptors and decreases brain tyrosine hydroxylase transcription, pituitary vasopressin and ACTH

The physiological actions of brain Angiotensin II AT(2) receptors and their relationship to Angiotensin II AT(1) receptors remain controversial. To further clarify their role, we determined to what extent systemic administration of an AT(2) receptor antagonist affected AT(2) receptor binding within the brain and the expression of AT(1) receptors. For this purpose, we subcutaneously administered the AT(2) receptor antagonist PD123319 (1 mg/kg/day) to adult male rats for two weeks via osmotic minipumps. We also studied the content of pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone and vasopressin, representative of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, and the tyrosine hydroxylase gene expression in the locus coeruleus as a measure of central norepinephrine function. We found significant decreases in AT(2) receptor binding in brain areas inside the blood brain barrier, the inferior olive and the locus coeruleus. AT(2) receptor blockade increased AT(1) receptor binding and mRNA expression not only in the subfornical organ and the median eminence, situated outside the blood brain barrier, but also in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, located inside the blood brain barrier. These changes paralleled decreased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA in the locus coeruleus and decreased pituitary adrenocorticotropic and vasopressin content. Our results demonstrate that sustained peripheral administration of an AT(2) antagonist decreases binding to brain AT(2) receptors, indicating that this drug is a useful tool for the study of their central role. AT(2) receptor activity inhibition up-regulates AT(1) receptor expression in specific brain areas. Blockade of brain AT(2) receptors is compatible with enhanced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and decreased central sympathetic system activity.

Estrogen reduces aldosterone, upregulates adrenal angiotensin II AT2 receptors and normalizes adrenomedullary Fra-2 in ovariectomized rats

We studied the effect of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement on expression of adrenal angiotensin II AT1 and AT2 receptors, aldosterone content, catecholamine synthesis, and the transcription factor Fos-related antigen 2 (Fra-2). Ovariectomy increased AT1 receptor expression in the adrenal zona glomerulosa and medulla, and decreased adrenomedullary catecholamine content and Fra-2 expression when compared to intact female rats. In the zona glomerulosa, estrogen replacement normalized AT1 receptor expression, decreased AT1B receptor mRNA, and increased AT2 receptor expression and mRNA. Estrogen treatment decreased adrenal aldosterone content. In the adrenal medulla, the effects of estrogen replacement were: normalized AT1 receptor expression, increased AT2 receptor expression, AT2 receptor mRNA, and tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA, and normalized Fra-2 expression and catecholamine content. We demonstrate that the constitutive adrenal expression of AT1 receptors, catecholamine synthesis and Fra-2 expression are partially under the control of reproductive hormones. Our results suggest that estrogen treatment decreases aldosterone production through AT1 receptor downregulation and AT2 receptor upregulation. AT2 receptor upregulation and modulation of Fra-2 expression may participate in the estrogen-dependent normalization of adrenomedullary catecholamine synthesis in ovariectomized rats. The AT2 receptor upregulation and the decrease in AT1 receptor function and in the production of the fluid-retentive, pro-inflammatory hormone aldosterone partially explain the protective effects of estrogen therapy.

AT1 receptor blockade regulates the local angiotensin II system in cerebral microvessels from spontaneously hypertensive rats

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Blockade of angiotensin II AT1 receptors in cerebral microvessels protects against brain ischemia and inflammation. In this study, we tried to clarify the presence and regulation of the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in brain microvessels in hypertension.

METHODS

Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) controls were treated with an AT1 receptor antagonist (candesartan, 0.3 mg/kg per day) via subcutaneous osmotic minipumps for 4 weeks. The expression and localization of RAS components and the effect of AT1 receptor blockade were assessed by Affymetrix microarray, qRT-PCR, Western blots, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

We found transcripts of most of RAS components in our microarray database, and confirmed their expression by qRT-PCR. Angiotensinogen (Aogen), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and AT1 receptors were localized to the endothelium. There was no evidence of AT2 receptor localization in the microvascular endothelium. In SHR, (pro)renin receptor mRNA and AT1 receptor mRNA and protein expression were higher, whereas Aogen, ACE mRNA and AT2 receptor mRNA and protein expression were lower than in WKY rats. Candesartan treatment increased Aogen, ACE and AT2 receptor in SHR, and increased ACE and decreased Aogen in WKY rats, without affecting the (pro)renin and AT1 receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased (pro)renin and AT1 receptor expression in SHR substantiates the importance of the local RAS overdrive in the cerebrovascular pathophysiology in hypertension. AT1 receptor blockade and increased AT2 receptor stimulation after administration of candesartan may contribute to the protection against brain ischemia and inflammation.

Intronic ANG II type 2 receptor gene polymorphism 1675 G/A modulates receptor protein expression but not mRNA splicing

The X-linked ANG II type 2 receptor (AT2) is supposed to be involved in cardiovascular disorders. Two studies associated the A allele of the AT2 gene polymorphism (PM) 1675 G/A with left ventricular hypertrophy in men and coronary ischemia in women. Because the PM is located in the short intron 1 of the AT2 gene within a sequence motif similar to the splice branch site consensus, we tested whether it might affect pre-mRNA splicing and/or modulate AT2 receptor expression. We first analyzed the AT2 mRNA splice pattern by RT-PCR in myocardial samples from 12 explanted human hearts and compared it with the respective genotypes. All 12 patients, 10 hemizygous males (7 A, 3 G allele carriers) and 2 homozygous females (2 G/G allele carriers), exhibited the same myocardial AT2 splice pattern with a relative abundance of transcript exon 1/2/3 compared with exon 1/3. Next, AT2 minigene constructs were cloned from both alleles, comprising the core promoter and the complete transcribed region up to the translation start codon, upstream of a luciferase reporter gene. These constructs were transfected into human (HT1080) and rat (PC12W) cell lines and rat vascular smooth muscle cells, and luciferase activities were assessed, as well as the splice patterns of the chimeric AT2/luciferase mRNAs. In all transfected cell types, the mRNA expressed from the AT2 constructs was spliced like the endogenous myocardial AT2 mRNA. However, luciferase activities driven by the G allele construct were significantly higher than those expressed from the A allele. Taken together, these data indicate that individuals carrying the G allele may express higher levels of AT2 receptor protein, which may be protective during the development of ventricular hypertrophy and coronary ischemia.

Oral administration of an AT1 receptor antagonist prevents the central effects of angiotensin II in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Peripheral and brain angiotensin II AT(1) receptor blockade decreases high blood pressure, stress, and neuronal injury. To clarify the effects of long-term brain Ang II receptor blockade, the AT(1) blocker, candesartan, was orally administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) for 40 days, followed by intraventricular injection of 25 ng of Ang II. Before Ang II injection, AT(1) receptor blockade normalized blood pressure and decreased plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone. After central administration of excess Ang II, the reduction of ACTH and corticosterone release induced by AT(1) receptor blockade no longer occurred. Central Ang II administration to vehicle-treated SHRs further increased blood pressure, provoked drinking, increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA expression in the locus coeruleus, and stimulated sympathoadrenal catecholamine release. Pretreatment with the AT(1) receptor antagonist eliminated Ang II-induced increases in blood pressure, water intake, and sympathoadrenal catecholamine release; inhibited peripheral and brain AT(1) receptors; increased AT(2) receptor binding in the locus coeruleus, inferior olive, and adrenal cortex; and decreased AT(2) receptor binding in the adrenal medulla. Inhibition of brain AT(1) receptors correlated with decreased TH transcription in the locus coeruleus, indicating a decreased central sympathetic drive. This, and the diminished adrenomedullary AT(1) and AT(2) receptor stimulation, result in decreased sympathoadrenomedullary stimulation. Oral administration of AT(1) antagonists can effectively block central actions of Ang II, regulating blood pressure and reaction to stress, and selectively and differentially modulating sympathoadrenal response and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stimulation produced by brain Ang II--effects of potential therapeutic importance.

Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in chronic l-NAME-treated AT2 receptor-deficient mice

BACKGROUND

The role of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis is incompletely understood. The availability of AT2 receptor-deficient mice (AT2 -/y) makes it possible to study the effects of AT1 receptors without the confounding influence of AT2 receptor activity.

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that the AT2 receptor affords protection from left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis in chronic hypertension induced by N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME).

DESIGN

Four groups of mice were studied over a period of 3 weeks: AT2 -/y mice with and without L-NAME, and AT2 +/y mice with and without L-NAME.

METHODS

Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored by telemetry in groups of AT2 +/y and AT2 -/y mice for 4 weeks. L-NAME groups received the compound in drinking water for the last 3 weeks. We determined left ventricular AT1 receptor expression, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, with and without L-NAME treatment. We used a miniaturized conductance-manometer system to measure pressure-volume loops at the time when the animals were killed.

RESULTS

AT2 -/y mice treated with L-NAME showed worse left ventricular hypertrophy, more perivascular fibrosis and greater concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide than did AT2 +/y mice treated with L-NAME. The end-systolic pressure-volume relationship, an index of left ventricular contractility, was decreased in AT2 -/y mice treated with L-NAME.

CONCLUSIONS

The AT2 receptor is not essential for development of L-NAME-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis and concomitant changes in left ventricular performance. In contrast, the AT2 receptor offers a protective effect.

Angiotensin II AT(1) and AT(2) receptors contribute to maintain basal adrenomedullary norepinephrine synthesis and tyrosine hydroxylase transcription

Angiotensin II (Ang II) AT(1) receptors have been proposed to mediate the Ang II-dependent and the stress-stimulated adrenomedullary catecholamine synthesis and release. However, in this tissue, most of the Ang II receptors are of the AT(2) type. We asked the question whether AT(1) and AT(2) receptors regulate basal catecholamine synthesis. Long-term AT(1) receptor blockade decreased adrenomedullary AT(1) receptor binding, AT(2) receptor binding and AT(2) receptor protein, rat tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA, norepinephrine (NE) content, Fos-related antigen 2 (Fra-2) protein, phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), and ERK2. Long-term AT(2) receptor blockade decreased AT(2) receptor binding, TH mRNA, NE content and Fra-2 protein, although not affecting AT(1) receptor binding or receptor protein, pCREB or ERK2. Angiotensin II colocalized with AT(1) and AT(2) receptors in ganglion cell bodies. AT(2) receptors were clearly localized to many, but not all, chromaffin cells. Our data support the hypothesis of an AT(1)/AT(2) receptor cross-talk in the adrenomedullary ganglion cells, and a role for both receptor types on the selective regulation of basal NE, but not epinephrine formation, and in the regulation of basal TH transcription. Whereas AT(1) and AT(2) receptors involve the Fos-related antigen Fra-2, AT(1) receptor transcriptional effects include pCREB and ERK2, indicating common as well as different regulatory mechanisms for each receptor type.

Estrogen upregulates renal angiotensin II AT(2) receptors

AT(2) receptors may act in opposition to and in balance with AT(1) receptors, their stimulation having beneficial effects. We found renal AT(2) receptor expression in female mice higher than in male mice. We asked the question of whether such expression might be estrogen dependent. In male, female, ovariectomized, and estrogen-treated ovariectomized mice, we studied renal AT(1) and AT(2) receptors by immunocytochemistry and autoradiography, AT(2) receptor mRNA by RT-PCR, and cAMP, cGMP, and PGE(2) by RIA. AT(1) receptors predominated. AT(2) receptors were present in glomeruli, medullary rays, and inner medulla, and in female kidney capsule. AT(1) and AT(2) receptors colocalized in glomeruli. Female mice expressed fewer glomerular AT(1) receptors. Ovariectomy decreased AT(1) receptors in medullary rays and capsular AT(2) receptors. Estrogen administration normalized AT(1) receptors in medullary rays and increased AT(2) receptors predominantly in capsule and inner medulla, and also in glomeruli, medullary rays, and inner stripe of outer medulla. In medullas of estrogen-treated ovariectomized mice there was higher AT(2) receptor mRNA, decreased cGMP, and increased PGE(2) content. We propose that the protective effects of estrogen may be partially mediated through enhancement of AT(2) receptor stimulation.