Angiotensin II receptors in the rat lung are of the AII-1 subtype

Antenatal maternal hypoxic stress: adaptations in fetal lung Renin-Angiotensin system

Antenatal maternal hypoxia (AMH) can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), as well as idiopathic pulmonary hypertension of newborn and adult, the latter of which may be a consequence of alterations in the local pulmonary renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Little is known of these adaptations, however. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that antenatal maternal hypoxia is associated with alterations in gene and protein expression of the pulmonary renin-angiotensin system, which may play an important role in pulmonary disorders in the offspring. In FVB/NJ mice, we studied messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression, as well as promoter DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) levels in response to 48 hours hypoxia (10.5% O(2)) at 15.5 day post coitum (DPC). In response to AMH, the pulmonary mRNA levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) 1.2, ACE-2, and angiotensin II type 1b (AT-1b) receptors were increased significantly, as compared to controls (N = 4). In response to antenatal hypoxia, pulmonary protein levels of renin and ACE-2 also were increased significantly, whereas ACE-1 protein expression was reduced. In fetal lungs, we also observed reduced expression of the miRNAs: mmu-mir -199b, -27b, -200b, and -468 that putatively increase the translation of renin, ACE-1, ACE-2, and AT-1 receptors, respectively. In response to AMH, promoter methylation of ACE was unchanged. We conclude that AMH leads to changes in expression of pulmonary RAS of fetal mice. The possible implications of these changes for the regulation of pulmonary vascular contractility in later life remain to be explored.

Distribution of a novel binding site for angiotensins II and III in mouse tissues

A novel binding site for angiotensins II and III that is unmasked by parachloromercuribenzoate has been reported in rat, mouse and human brains. Initial studies of this binding site indicate that it is not expressed in the adrenal, liver or kidney of the rat and mouse. To determine if this binding site occurs in other mouse tissues, 8 tissues were assayed for expression of this binding site by radioligand binding assay and compared with the expression of this binding site in the forebrain. Particulate fractions of homogenates of testis, epididymis, seminal vesicles, heart, spleen, pancreas, lung, skeletal muscle, and forebrain were incubated with (125)I-sarcosine(1), isoleucine(8) angiotensin II in the presence or absence of 0.3mM parachloromercuribenzoate plus 10microM losartan and 10microM PD123319 (to saturate AT(1) and AT(2) receptors). Specific (3microM angiotensin II displaceable) high affinity binding occurred in the testis>forebrain>epididymis>spleen>pancreas>lung when parachloromercuribenzoate was present. Binding could not be reliably observed in heart, skeletal muscle and seminal vesicles. High affinity binding of (125)I-sarcosine(1), isoleucine(8) angiotensin II was observed in the absence of parachloromercuribenzoate in the pancreas on occasion. This suggests that this novel angiotensin binding site may have a functional role in these tissues.

Losartan prevents sepsis-induced acute lung injury and decreases activation of nuclear factor kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinases

Lack of specific and efficient therapy leads to the high mortality rate of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Losartan is a potent pharmaceutical drug for ALI/ARDS. However, the protective effects and mechanisms of losartan remain incompletely known. This study evaluates the effects of losartan on ALI/ARDS and further investigates the possible mechanisms of these protective effects. Mice received i.p. injections of the AT1 inhibitor losartan (15 mg/kg), or control vehicle, half hour after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Plasma TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 cytokines were assayed 6 h after CLP. Blood gas, wet/dry lung weight ratio, lung tissue histology for occurrence of ALI/ARDS, and survival were examined. Lastly, nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activations, IkappaB-alpha degradations, phosphorylations of p38 MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase expressions were evaluated in lung tissue. Losartan treatment significantly attenuated TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta 6 h after CLP. Furthermore, losartan prevented blood gas and histopathologic appearance of ALI/ARDS after sepsis and significantly improved survival. Finally, losartan given after sepsis led to inhibition of lung tissue NF-kappaB activation (P < 0.01 vs. CLP group), attenuated degradation of IkappaB-alpha, and inhibited phosphorylation of p38MAPK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase, pathways critical for cytokine release. These data reveal that losartan exerts a protective effect on ALI/ARDS, and this protective effect may be dependent, at least in part, on NF-kappaB and MAPK mechanisms.

Role of the renin-angiotensin system in ventilator-induced lung injury: an in vivo study in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Injurious mechanical ventilation can cause a pro-inflammatory reaction in the lungs. Recent evidence suggests an association of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with lung inflammation. A study was undertaken to investigate the pathogenic role of the RAS in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and to determine whether VILI can be attenuated by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were mechanically ventilated for 4 h with low (7 ml/kg) or high (40 ml/kg) tidal volumes; non-ventilated rats were used as controls. Lung injury and inflammation were measured by the lung injury score, protein leakage, myeloperoxidase activity, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activity. Expression of the RAS components was also assessed. Some rats were pretreated with the ACE inhibitor captopril (10 mg/kg) for 3 days or received a concomitant infusion with losartan or PD123319 (type 1 or type 2 angiotensin II receptor antagonist) during mechanical ventilation to assess possible protective effects on VILI.

RESULTS

In the high-volume group (n=6) the lung injury score, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein concentration, pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-kappaB activities were significantly increased compared with controls (n=6). Lung tissue angiotensin II levels and mRNA levels of angiotensinogen and type 1 and type 2 angiotensin II receptors were also significantly increased in the high-volume group. Pretreatment with captopril or concomitant infusion with losartan or PD123319 in the high-volume group attenuated the lung injury and inflammation (n=6 for each group).

CONCLUSIONS

The RAS is involved in the pathogenesis of ventilator-induced lung injury. ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor antagonists can attenuate VILI in this rat model.

Expression and regulation of AT1 receptor in rat lung microvascular endothelial cell

BACKGROUND

The renin-angiotensin system is thought to be involved in the development and progression of vascular endothelium inflammation, thereby contributing to vascular endothelium injury. To clarify the role of angiotensin II (Ang II) in rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMVECs), we examined the expression and functional significance of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptors in normal and lipopolysacchride (LPS) treated RPMVECs.

METHODS

The expressions of Ang II type 1(AT(1)) and Ang II type 2 (AT(2)) receptors in cultured RPMVECs were identified by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique, Western blot and (125)I-labeled [Sar(1),Ile(8)] Ang II binding assays. The RPMVECs were treated with LPS (0.1-100 microg/ml) and Ang II (10(-8)-10(-5) M) for 24 h, respectively. Next, RPMVECs were treated with 10 microg/ml LPS or 10(-7) M Ang II for various times (3, 6, 12, and 24 h). The mRNA and protein levels of, AT(1) and AT(2) receptors, were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 h, respectively.

RESULTS

The presence of specific Ang II binding sites in RPMVECs was found by Ang II saturated assays. RT-PCR revealed that only the AT(1) receptor mRNA is presented in RPMVECs. Western blot analysis of the RPMVECs protein extracts showed only one prominent band of the protein at approximately 41 KDa when probed with anti-AT(1) antibody and anti-AT(2) antibody. No AT(2) receptor mRNA and protein was detected. LPS treated cells resulted in an increase in the mRNA and protein levels of AT(1) receptor, whereas, Ang II treated cells showed a decrease in the mRNA and protein levels of AT(1) receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that primary cultured RPMVECs expressed only AT(1) receptor, but not AT(2) receptor. LPS up-regulated the transcriptional and post-transcriptional expression of AT(1) receptor in RPMVECS; in contrast, Ang II treatment caused a reduction in the mRNA and protein of AT(1) receptor in a time-dependent manner.

[Pharmacological and clinical profile of telmisartan, a selective angiotensin II type-1 receptor blocker]

Telmisartan (Micardis) is a potent, long-lasting, nonpeptide angiotensin II type-1 (AT(1)) receptor blocker (ARB) that is indicated for the treatment of essential hypertension. In receptor binding studies, telmisartan showed a high affinity and selectivity for the human AT(1) receptors compared with AT(2) receptors and a slower dissociation rate from the human AT(1) receptor than those of ARBs. In isolated aorta rings, telmisartan was shown to be an insurmountable antagonist of AII-induced contractions. The inhibitory effects of telmisartan on AII-induced contraction persisted even after wash-out procedures. In animal models such as spontaneous hypertension rats and renovascular hypertensive rats, telmisartan produced the consistent reduction of blood pressure. Furthermore, there were no rebound phenomenon and no tolerance to the drug developed in the repeated oral administration. Telmisartan has a longer terminal elimination half-life (about 24 h) than the other ARBs. In patients with mild-moderate hypertension, trough/peak ratios for telmisartan were above 80%. In Japanese patients with mild-moderate hypertension, telmisartan produced a significant reduction in blood pressure (effective rate: 76.0%) with a good safety profile. Therefore, telmisartan is expected to be effective in the treatment of hypertension, producing sustained 24-h blood pressure control.

Angiotensin II and the fibroproliferative response to acute lung injury

Angiotensin II (ANG II), generated by activation of local renin-angiotensin systems, is believed to play an important role in tissue repair and remodeling, in part via transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have been shown to abrogate experimental lung injury via a number of potential mechanisms; however, the potentially fibroproliferative role for ANG II in the lung has not been characterized. We hypothesized that, after lung injury, ANG II would stimulate fibroblast procollagen synthesis and promote lung collagen deposition in rats. In vitro, ANG II was a potent inducer of procollagen production in human lung fibroblasts via activation of the type 1 receptor and, at least in part, via the autocrine action of TGF-beta. After bleomycin-induced lung injury, an increase in lung ANG II concentration was observed by day 3 that preceded increases in lung collagen and was maintained until death at day 21. Administration of an ACE inhibitor (ramipril) reduced ACE activity, ANG II concentration, TGF-beta expression, and collagen deposition. Losartan (an ANG II type 1 receptor antagonist) also attenuated the increase in TGF-beta expression and lung collagen deposition. These observations suggest that ANG II, possibly generated locally within the lung, may play an important role in the fibrotic response to acute lung injury, at least in part via the action of TGF-beta. ACE inhibitors and receptor antagonists, already widely used clinically, should be assessed as potential new therapies for fibrotic lung disease.

ICA-17043, a novel Gardos channel blocker, prevents sickled red blood cell dehydration in vitro and in vivo in SAD mice

A prominent feature of sickle cell anemia is the presence of dehydrated red blood cells (RBCs) in circulation. Loss of potassium (K(+)), chloride (Cl(-)), and water from RBCs is thought to contribute to the production of these dehydrated cells. One main route of K(+) loss in the RBC is the Gardos channel, a calcium (Ca(2+))-activated K(+) channel. Clotrimazole (CLT), an inhibitor of the Gardos channel, has been shown to reduce RBC dehydration in vitro and in vivo. We have developed a chemically novel compound, ICA-17043, that has greater potency and selectivity than CLT in inhibiting the Gardos channel. ICA-17043 blocked Ca(2+)-induced rubidium flux from human RBCs with an IC(50) value of 11 +/- 2 nM (CLT IC(50) = 100 +/- 12 nM) and inhibited RBC dehydration with an IC(50) of 30 +/- 20 nM. In a transgenic mouse model of sickle cell disease (SAD), treatment with ICA-17043 (10 mg/kg orally, twice a day) for 21 days showed a marked and constant inhibition of the Gardos channel activity (with an average inhibition of 90% +/- 27%, P <.005), an increase in RBC K(+) content (from 392 +/- 19.9 to 479.2 +/- 40 mmol/kg hemoglobin [Hb], P <.005), a significant increase in hematocrit (Hct) (from 0.435 +/- 0.007 to 0.509 +/- 0.022 [43.5% +/- 0.7% to 50.9% +/- 2.2%], P <.005), a decrease in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (from 340 +/- 9.0 to 300 +/- 15 g/L [34.0 +/- 0.9 to 30 +/- 1.5 g/dL], P <.05), and a left-shift in RBC density curves. These data indicate that ICA-17043 is a potent inhibitor of the Gardos channel and ameliorates RBC dehydration in the SAD mouse.

Telmisartan: a review of its use in hypertension

Telmisartan is an angiotensin II receptor antagonist that is highly selective for type 1 angiotensin II receptors. It was significantly more effective than placebo in large (n >100), double-blind, randomised, multicentre clinical trials in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Telmisartan 20 to 160 mg once daily produced mean reductions in supine trough systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure of up to 15.5 and 10.5 mm Hg, respectively. Maximum blood pressure reduction occurred with a dosage of 40 to 80 mg/day. Telmisartan 40 to 120 mg/day was as effective as amlodipine 5 to 10 mg/day or atenolol 50 to 100 mg/day in dose-titration studies. Telmisartan 20 to 160 mg/day was generally similar in efficacy to enalapril 5 to 20 mg/day or lisinopril 10 to 40 mg/day in both titration-to-response and other studies. Hydrochlorothiazide was coadministered in most of the titration-to-response studies if patients remained hypertensive. Telmisartan 80 mg/day was more effective than submaximal dosages of losartan (50 mg/day) or valsartan (80 mg/day) and was as effective as a fixed-dose combination of losartan 50 mg plus hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg over the last 6 hours of the dosage interval and the whole 24-hour postdose interval. In patients with severe hypertension, telmisartan 80 to 160 mg/day was as effective as enalapril 20 to 40 mg/day (both agents could be titrated and combined sequentially with hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg and amlodipine 5 mg). The addition of hydrochlorothiazide to telmisartan was more effective than each agent alone at lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Telmisartan was well tolerated in patients with mild to moderate hypertension and was significantly less likely to cause persistent, dry cough than lisinopril.

CONCLUSION

Telmisartan is an effective antihypertensive agent with a tolerability profile similar to that of placebo. Comparative data have shown telmisartan to be as effective as other major classes of antihypertensive agents at lowering blood pressure. Compared with lisinopril, telmisartan is associated with a significantly lower incidence of dry, persistent cough. Therefore, telmisartan is a useful therapeutic option in the management of patients with hypertension.

Angiotensin II is mitogenic for human lung fibroblasts via activation of the type 1 receptor

The expression of renin-angiotensin system components and the elevation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in a number of fibrotic lung diseases suggests angiotensin II (AII) could play a role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. However, the effect of AII on lung fibroblasts has not previously been assessed and the mechanisms by which AII induces cell proliferation in mesenchymal cells are not fully understood. We have examined the ability of AII to stimulate fetal and adult human lung fibroblast proliferation in vitro. In particular, we have assessed the receptor subtypes involved and the possible autocrine role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), two recognized fibroblast mitogens. Angiotensin type 1 (AT1), but not type 2, receptors were identified on fetal and adult human lung fibroblasts by immunocytochemistry. AII (1 microM) increased DNA synthesis (determined by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation) in fetal and adult cells by 211 +/- 18% and 150 +/- 14%, respectively (p < 0.01), and was inhibited by a specific AT1 receptor antagonist, Losartan (74 +/- 14%). A proliferative response to AII was confirmed by direct cell counts. Subsequently, fibroblasts were incubated with neutralizing antibodies to TGF-beta and PDGF. Anti-TGF-beta antibodies inhibited AII-induced DNA synthesis by 73 +/- 13%. However, no effect was seen with anti-PDGF antibodies. In conclusion, we have shown that angiotensin II induces human lung fibroblast proliferation in vitro via activation of the AT1 receptor and involves the autocrine action of TGF-beta.

Guinea pig airway hyperresponsiveness induced by blockade of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Role for endogenous nitric oxide

Losartan is the first angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist to become available for the treatment of hypertension. However, recent reports have revealed several cases of losartan-induced bronchoconstriction. We investigated to determine the mechanism of losartan-induced bronchoconstriction, considering in particular the involvement of endogenous nitric oxide (NO). In this study, we examined the effects of losartan on airway obstruction and endogenous NO production using anesthetized guinea pigs and cultured airway epithelial cells. Five minutes after administration of angiotensin II (Ang II), the bronchoconstriction induced by acetylcholine was not changed. In contrast, Ang II in the presence of losartan caused a significant increase in the acetylcholine responsiveness. Pretreatment with L-N omega-nitroarginine-methylester (L-NAME) potentiated acetylcholine-induced bronchoconstriction 5 min after administration of Ang II, and L-arginine reversed this action of L-NAME on the acetylcholine responsiveness. Moreover, Ang II administration increased NO concentration in expired air (12.5 +/- 1.5 ppb for saline, 40 +/- 5 ppb for Ang II, p < 0.01), and losartan significantly inhibited Ang II-stimulated NO release (20 +/- 3.5 ppb) from guinea pig airway. In cultured airway epithelial cells, Ang II also increased NO release (160 +/- 25 nM), and the effect of this Ang II-induced NO release was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with losartan (25 +/- 8 nM, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that losartan-induced bronchoconstriction may result from inhibition of endogenous NO release in the airway.

Screen of receptor and uptake-site activity of hypericin component of St. John's wort reveals sigma receptor binding

The mechanism of the antidepressant action of St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) remains unknown. A central component similar to that of the other clinically-popular antidepressants (e.g., inhibitors of 5-HT or norepinephrine reuptake or MAO) is suspected to play a role, but other mechanisms distinct from the SSRIs, NSRIs or MAOIs are possible. The extract of St. John's wort that is used clinically consists of multiple compounds. Hypericin is believed to be one of the major components responsible for the antidepressant effect. In the present study, the affinity of hypericin was determined at thirty receptor or reuptake sites. At 1.0 microM, hypericin inhibited less than 40% of specific radioligand binding at all sites except mAChR and sigma receptors. The demonstration of sigma receptor binding of hypericin is a novel finding and it might contribute to a new understanding of the clinical attributes of St. John's Wort.

A radioreceptor assay for the analysis of AT1-receptor antagonists. Correlation with complementary LC data reveals a potential contribution of active metabolites

A reliable and sensitive radioreceptor assay based on rat lung homogenate as receptor preparation was developed to determine the angiotensin-II antagonistic profile of losartan and its main active metabolite EXP 3174 as well as its congeners exemplified by UP 269-6 and SL 91.0102-90 DL. This method proved to be precise with an intra- and interday variability of less than 10% and a limit of quantification < or = 1 ng ml-1. The analysis of the Ki values in protein-free Hepes-buffer versus blank human or rat plasma revealed the distinct high plasma-protein binding of EXP 3174 which consequently caused a dramatic drop of potency from 10-15-fold in the buffer to only about 2-fold in control plasma, when compared to the parent compound losartan and the two congeners investigated. Upon evaluation of clinical samples by both the reported radioreceptor assay (RRA) and the established high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the correlation of the normalized data pairs (concentration equivalents) suggested the contribution of active metabolites to the angiotensin-II antagonistic effect of SL 91.0102-90 DL, but not to the effect of UP 269-6. In the context of an extended preclinical study in rats, the correlation of RRA with the respective HPLC concentration equivalents of losartan and its main active metabolite EXP 3174 confirmed previous findings that only losartan and EXP 3174 exert the angiotensin-II-AT1 receptor blockade without the contribution of other metabolites (P.C. Wong, W.A. Price, A.T. Chiu et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 255 (1990) 211-217).

Lung angiotensin receptor binding characteristics during the development of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension

Alterations in lung angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity in monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats have suggested a pathophysiologic role for angiotensin II (AII) in pulmonary vascular remodeling. ACE inhibitors suppress MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension; however, losartan, an angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, was without impact. The present study examined AII receptor binding characteristics by radioligand binding during the development of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension. Saturation binding isotherms for [125I]AII binding to membrane preparations from rat lung were performed at 4, 10, and 21 days following a single injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) or saline vehicle. Right ventricular hypertrophy, an index of pulmonary hypertension, increased at 21 days post-MCT. Saturation binding isotherms revealed a single, high affinity site for [125I]AII binding in lung membranes from MCT-treated and control rats, with no change in receptor affinity or density during the development of pulmonary hypertension. Competition displacement binding demonstrated that the AT1 receptor predominates in lung membranes from control rats, with no alterations in AII receptor subtype distribution following MCT treatment. In summary, these results suggest that the AT1 receptor subtype predominates in rat lung and does not contribute to the development of MCT-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Characterization and regulation of angiotensin II receptors in rat adipose tissue. Angiotensin receptors in adipose tissue

Characterization and regulation of angiotensin II (AII) receptor binding sites was performed in rat membrane preparations from nonadipose (liver, lung) and adipose (interscapular (ISBAT) and periaortic (PA) brown adipose tissue; epididymal (EF) and retroperitoneal (RPF) white adipose tissue). In membrane preparations from brown and white adipose sources, [125I]AII saturation binding revealed a single, high affinity (Kd range of 0.3 -0.6 nM) binding site with a modest AII receptor density (Bmax range of 17-120 fmol/mg protein) comparable to rat lung (130 fmol/mg protein). White adipose tissue contained a greater number of AII receptor sites than brown adipose tissue. Competition displacement studies demonstrated the AT1 receptor is the only angiotensin receptor subtype localized in adipose tissue, with the rank order for competition of [125I]AII binding in all adipose tissues examined AIII > AII > losartan > angiotensin I (AI) > PD123319. The AT2 specific receptor antagonist, PD123319, was ineffective at displacing [125I]AII binding in all adipose tissues examined. Since components of the renin-angiotensin system are regulated in adipose tissue, we determined if the AII receptor is also regulated in the obese state. AII receptor binding characteristics were determined in liver, lung, ISBAT and EF membrane preparations from adult Zucker obese (fa/fa) and lean (Fa/?) rats. AII receptor density was decreased in liver from obese rats. In contrast, the affinity for [125I]AII binding was not altered in tissues from obese rats. In a separate group of obese and lean rats, regulation of the AII receptor by phenobarbital (PB) was examined. Administration of PB restored AII receptor density in liver from obese rats to levels obtained in lean rats. In summary, these results demonstrate the presence of AT1 receptor sites in brown and white adipose tissue. Moreover, AII receptor density is decreased in tissues from obese rats, with restoration of receptor density by administration of PB. Future studies will determine if PB regulates the AT1 receptor at the level of gene expression.

Inhibitory effect of dithiothreitol on angiotensin II-induced contractions mediated by AT1-receptors in rat portal vein and rabbit aorta

The disulfide-reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) has been shown to reduce angiotensin II (Ang II) subtype 1 receptor (AT1) binding sites in various tissues. Its effect on Ang II-induced contractions was studied in the rat portal vein and rabbit aorta. In the isolated rat portal vein, DTT shifted the concentration-response curve for Ang II to the right (DTT 0.5-3 mmol/l) and depressed the maximal response (DTT 1-3 mmol/l). DTT 5 mmol/l almost abolished the effect of Ang II. In the isolated rabbit aorta, the inhibitory effect of DTT was more pronounced and its pattern of effect was different, since DTT 0.3 and 0.5 mmol/l caused a progressive flattening of the concentration-response curve of Ang II. DTT (1 mmol/l) fully suppressed the effect of Ang II. A biphasic curve consisting of a high sensitivity component and a component of low sensitivity for Ang II was observed after pretreatment with DTT 1 mmol/l in the rat portal vein but not in the rabbit aorta. In the presence of DTT 1 mmol/l, the AT1-receptor antagonist losartan antagonized the high sensitivity response to Ang II in a competitive manner with a pA2 value very similar to that obtained in the absence of DTT, suggesting that this response to Ang II is mediated by those AT1-receptors which were not inactivated by DTT. The biphasic curve may be explained by the occurrence of a single AT1-receptor subtype existing in two different states. Another possibility might be the involvement of two AT1-receptor subpopulations.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Receptor binding radiotracers for the angiotensin II receptor: radioiodinated [Sar1, Ile8]Angiotensin II

The potential for imaging the angiotensin II receptor was evaluated using the radioiodinated peptide antagonist [125I][Sar1, Ile8)angiotensin II. The radioligand provides a receptor-mediated signal in several tissues in rat (kidneys, adrenal and liver). The receptor-mediated signal of 3% ID/g kidney cortex should be sufficient to permit imaging, at least via SPECT. The radiotracer is sensitive to reductions in receptor concentration and can be used to define in vivo dose-occupancy curves of angiotensin II receptor ligands. Receptor-mediated images of [123I][Sar1, Ile8]angiotensin II were obtained in the rat kidney and Rhesus monkey liver.

Pharmacological characterization of the novel nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist, BIBR 277

1. The pharmacological profile of BIBR 277, 4'-[(1,4'-dimethyl-2'-propyl[2,6'-bi-1H-benzimidazol]-1'-yl)methyl ]- [1,1'-biphenyl]-2-carboxylic acid, a novel, nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonist has been investigated by use of receptor binding studies, enzymatic assays, functional in vitro assays in rabbit aorta as well as in vivo experiments in pithed, anaesthetized and conscious rats. 2. BIBR 277 potently interacted with rat AT1 receptors (Ki 3.7 nM). Competitive receptor interaction was shown by radioligand saturation experiments performed in the presence of BIBR 277. The failure to inhibit radioligand binding to AT2 sites demonstrates the selectivity of BIBR 277 for AT1 receptors. This is further substantiated by the findings that BIBR 277 neither interacted with other receptor systems investigated nor affected the activity of components of the human renin-angiotensin system, such as plasma renin or serum converting enzyme. 3. In rabbit aorta, BIBR 277 had no agonistic properties and was shown to be an insurmountable antagonist of angiotensin II-induced contractions (KB 0.33 nM). The antagonistic effect persisted even after several wash-out procedures. However, this interaction was not irreversible since the insurmountable antagonism was concentration-dependently reversed when BIBR 277 (0.1 microM) and the surmountable antagonist, losartan (0.1 and 1.0 microM) were incubated simultaneously. The specificity of BIBR 277 for the AT1 receptor was further substantiated in this preparation since micromolar concentrations of BIBR 277 neither affected potassium chloride and noradrenaline-induced contractions nor acetylcholine-mediated tissue relaxation. 4. In pithed rats, i.v. administration of BIBR 277 (0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg kg-1) shifted the dose-pressor response curve to angiotensin II dose-dependently to the right with ED50 values of 0.23 microg kg-1 (control)and 1.4 microg kg-1, 4.7 microg kg-1 and 20 microg kg-1, respectively. As observed in the in vitro experiments no agonistic effect was detected and the maximum of the blood pressure response to angiotensin II at the highest dose of BIBR 277 was decreased by 29%.5. In anaesthetized rats, bolus i.v. administration of 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 mg kg-1 BIBR 277 attenuated the blood pressure response to bolus i.v. injections of angiotensin 11 (0.1 microg kg-1). At the highest dose an almost complete blockade was observed even after 2 h.6. Single oral administration of BIBR 277 (0.3 and 1.0 mg kg-1) to conscious, chronically instrumented renovascular hypertensive rats dose-dependently decreased the mean arterial blood pressure by 15 and 30 mmHg, respectively. At the higher dose a significant antihypertensive effect was maintained for more than 24 h. Moreover, consecutive daily dosing of 1 mg kg-1 orally resulted in a sustained reduction in blood pressure over the 4 day observation period.7. It is concluded that BIBR 277 is an effective and selective angiotensin II antagonist with antihypertensive activity after oral administration.

Characterization of BIBS 39 and BIBS 222: two new nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists

Two new nonpeptide angiotensin II (AII) receptor antagonists, 4'-[(2-n-butyl-6-cyclohexylaminocarbonylamino-benzimidazole-1-yl)- methyl ] biphenyl-2-carboxylic acid (BIBS 39) and 2-n-butyl-1-[4-(6-carboxy-2,5-dichlorobenzoylamino)-benzyl]-6-N- (methylaminocarbonyl)-n-pentylamino-benzimidazole (BIBS 222) were characterized in radioligand binding assays, and in vitro and in vivo experiments. BIBS 39 displaced [125I] AII from its specific binding sites with a K(i) value of 29 +/- 7 nM for the AII subtype I (AT1) receptor and a K(i) value of 480 +/- 110 nM for the AII subtype 2 (AT2) receptor. BIBS 222 showed a K(i) value of 20 +/- 7 nM for the AT1 subtype and a K(i) value of 730 +/- 170 nM for the AT2 subtype. Thus BIBS 39 was 17 times more selective for the AT1 subtype and BIBS 222 37 times. Both compounds were specific for AII receptors as they did not show high affinity for other receptors. BIBS 39 shifted the AII concentration-contractile response curves in isolated rabbit aorta to the right in a parallel fashion. A pA2 value of 8.14 +/- 0.08 and a slope of 1.06 +/- 0.07 were calculated. BIBS 222 caused nonparallel shifts to the right and reduced the maximal response induced by AII by about 25%. A KB value of 9.01 (+/- 3.22) x 10(-8) M was determined. At 10(-5) M, neither compounds altered the contractile responses to noradrenaline and KCl. In pithed rats, BIBS 39 dose dependently shifted the dose-response curve of AII to the right without affecting the maximal response.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Radioiodinated CGP 42112A: a novel high affinity and highly selective ligand for the characterization of angiotensin AT2 receptors

CGP 42112A, a potent angiotensin AT2 receptor selective ligand, was radio-iodinated and its binding characteristics compared with those of [125I]angiotensin II. In human myometrium (only AT2 expressed), binding was saturable (Kd 1.03 x 10(-10) M; Bmax 807 fmol/mg) and reversible (K+1 1.89 x 10(8) M-1.min-1; K-1 3.77 x 10(-3) min-1). The order of potency of a number of peptides and non-peptides was the same as when [125I] angiotensin II was used as tracer. No specific binding could be detected on membranes from vascular smooth muscle cells (only AT1 expressed). In rat adrenal glomerulosa membranes (mixed AT1/AT2), [125I]CGP 42112A bound only to AT2. [125I]CGP 42112A can therefore be used as a specific probe for AT2 receptors and will be especially useful in tissues where other subtypes are also present.