A comparative study on the rat aorta and mesenteric arterial bed of the possible role of nitric oxide in the desensitization of the vasoconstrictor response to an alpha 1-adrenoceptor agonist

Activation of α1A -adrenoceptors desensitizes the rat aorta response to phenylephrine through a neuronal NOS pathway, a mechanism lost with ageing

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A NO-mediated desensitization of vasoconstrictor responses evoked by stimulation of α₁ -adrenoceptors has been reported in different vessels. We investigated the involvement of each α₁ -adrenoceptor subtype and constitutive NOS isoforms and the influence of ageing and hypertension on this process.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), 16, 32, 52 and 72 weeks-old, were used to evaluate the desensitization process. Expression of α₁ -adrenoceptor subtypes, endothelial NOS (eNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) were determined in rat aorta and left ventricle (LV). Expression levels were also evaluated in LV of a group of heart failure patients with a wide age range.

KEY RESULTS

Repeated application of phenylephrine decreased subsequent α₁ -adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction by increasing nNOS protein expression in aorta, but not in tail or mesenteric resistance arteries, where mRNA levels of nNOS were undetectable. This desensitization process disappeared in the absence of endothelium or in the presence of L-NAME (100 μM), nNOS inhibitors, SMTC (1 μM) and TRIM (100 μM), and 5-methylurapidil (100 nM, α_1A -antagonist), but not BMY7378 (10 nM, α_1D -antagonist). The α_1A /nNOS-mediated desensitization was absent in aged SHR and Wistar animals, where the expression of α_1A -adrenoceptors was reduced in aorta and LV. In human LV, a negative correlation was found between age and α_1A -adrenoceptor expression.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The α_1A -adrenoceptor subtype, through endothelial nNOS-derived NO, may act as a physiological 'brake' against the detrimental effects of excessive α₁ -adrenoceptor-mediated vasoconstriction. Reduced α_1A -adrenoceptor- and nNOS-mediated desensitization in aged patients could be involved in the age-dependent elevation of adrenergic activity.

Vasorelaxant activities of Danhong injection and their differential effects on the rat abdominal aorta and mesenteric artery

Previous studies have found that Danhong injection (DHI), an extensively used herbal extract preparation in China, might be a powerful vasodilator. The aims of this study were to determine the vascular activity of DHI and its effects on arteries of different sizes. The results showed that DHI significantly inhibited rat-hindquarters and rabbit-ear vasoconstriction elicited by norepinephrine (NE) perfusion and markedly relaxed KCl-contracted and NE-contracted rat abdominal aortic and mesenteric artery rings. The endothelium made only a minor contribution to the vasorelaxant effect of DHI on artery segments. The vasorelaxant effect of DHI varied with the artery size, with larger arteries exhibiting a more sensitive and potent vasodilator response. DHI relaxed NE-induced vasoconstriction probably through inhibition of the intracellular Ca2+ release through the inositol triphosphate receptor system in the abdominal aorta and mesenteric artery, along with blockage of extracellular Ca2+ influx through the receptor-linked Ca2+ channels in the mesenteric artery. In addition, DHI completely relaxed KCl-induced contraction in both of the arteries, suggesting that inhibition of Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels is involved in the vasorelaxant effect of DHI. This elucidation of the vascular effects of DHI and the underlying mechanisms could lead to improved clinical applications.

Alcohol induces relaxation of rat thoracic aorta and mesenteric arterial bed

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alcohol on rat artery and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The tension of isolated Sprague-Dawley rat thoracic aortic rings and the pressure of rat mesenteric arterial beds perfused with different concentrations of alcohol (0.1-7.0 per thousand) were measured.

RESULTS

At resting tensions, alcohol caused a concentration-dependent relaxation on endothelium-denuded aortic rings precontracted with KCl (6 x 10(-2) mol/L) or phenylephrine (PE, 10(-6) mol/L), and this effect was most evident on rings at a resting tension of 3 g. Alcohol induced much less vasodilation on endothelium-intact rings. Alcohol inhibited the CaCl(2)-induced contraction of endothelium-denuded aortic rings precontracted with KCl or PE. Incubation of rings with dantrolene (5 x 10(-5) mol/L), a ryanodine receptor blocker, or 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate (7.5 x 10(-5) mol/L), an IP(3) receptor blocker, attenuated the vasodilating effect of alcohol on rings precontracted with PE. Alcohol also concentration-dependently relaxed rat mesenteric arterial beds precontracted with KCl (6 x 10(-2) mol/L) or PE (10(-5) mol/L), which was more potent on endothelium-denuded than on endothelium-intact beds.

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol has a vasodilating effect on rat artery depending on the resting tension. Both extracellular and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization of vascular smooth muscle cells are involved in the vascular effect of alcohol.

Effects of anthocyanidin derivative (HK-008) on relaxation in rat perfused mesenterial bed

Anthocyanins, which are responsible for a variety of bright colors (including red, blue, and purple) in fruits, vegetables, and flowers, are consumed as dietary polyphenols. Anthocyanin-containing fruits are thought to decrease coronary heart disease and are used in anti-diabetic preparations. Diabetes is associated with a variety of cardiovascular complications that may be mediated by endothelial dysfunction, and so this study was designed mainly to characterize the influence of a synthesized anthocyanidin derivative (HK-008) over acetylcholine (ACh)-induced relaxation in mesenteric arterial beds isolated from rats. In a glucose-tolerance test in intact rats, HK-008 (30 mg/kg) reduced the glucose level as effectively as the same dose of glibenclamide. The aortic relaxation induced by pinacidil (an ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener) was greatly inhibited by glibenclamide (10 microM), and also significantly inhibited by HK-008 (10 microM). Interestingly, the ACh-induced relaxation in the perfused, preconstricted mesenteric arterial bed was significantly enhanced by HK-008 (10 microM), and this enhancement was significantly attenuated by indomethacin (10 microM). The ACh-induced mesenteric relaxation was impaired by an increase in oxidative stress, viz. superoxide-generating treatment [xanthine oxidase (XO; 0.1 U/ml) plus hypoxanthine (HX; 10 microM)]. However, this impairment was strongly suppressed by HK-008 (10 microM). These results suggest that HK-008 increases endothelium-induced relaxation by suppressing oxidative stress or modulating prostanoids signaling. This compound may therefore be useful against certain cardiovascular disorders.

Hemorrhagic shock-induced vascular hyporeactivity in the rat: relationship to gene expression of nitric oxide synthase, endothelin-1, and select cytokines in corresponding organs

BACKGROUND

Our previous work observed that vascular hyporeactivity to norepinephrine (NE) developed after hemorrhage and the response was not the same in the 4 arteries examined. To evaluate possible mechanisms involved, the present study investigated the gene expression of iNOS, eNOS, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and endothelin-1 in the corresponding organs, and the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LAnesthetized rats (n=7/time point/group) were hemorrhaged to a mean arterial pressure of 50 mmHg for 60 min. The vascular reactivity of the superior mesenteric (SMA), celiac (CA), left renal (LRA), and left femoral arteries (LFA) to NE was measured at baseline, at the end of the hypotensive period (E), and at 1, 2, and 4 h later in the three groups (hemorrhage, hemorrhage+NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an NO synthase inhibitor, or hemorrhage+PD142893, an ET receptor antagonist). Gene expression in ileum, left kidney, liver, and skeletal muscle was determined by quantitative RT-PCR at these times.

RESULTS

Vascular reactivity of SMA, CA, LRA, and LFA to NE decreased as much as 98% over 4 h compared with baseline. This loss of responsiveness in CA and LFA was more severe than in SMA and LRA. Gene expression of iNOS, eNOS, IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, and endothelin-1 in the corresponding organs of select vasculatures increased markedly over baseline levels and the fold increase in mRNA levels of these enzymes and mediators in liver and skeletal muscle was higher than in ileum and left kidney. For example, at 4 h, iNOS expression was over 16-fold higher than baseline in liver and skeletal muscle, but 5- and 7-fold higher in ileum and kidney, respectively. L-NAME or PD142893 partially attenuated the decreased vascular reactivity induced by hemorrhagic shock and attenuated the changes in gene expression observed.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the differential expression of NOS, cytokines, and endothelin-1 in different organs are associated with the development of vascular hyporeactivity after hemorrhagic shock and may account, at least in part, for the vascular bed diversity observed.

The role of nitric oxide synthase in reduced vasocontractile responsiveness induced by prolonged alpha1-adrenergic receptor stimulation in rat thoracic aorta

1 Prolonged exposure (6-12 h) of rat aorta to alpha1-adrenergic receptor (alpha(1)AR) agonist phenylephrine (Phe) leads to a decrease in alpha(1)AR-mediated vasoconstriction. This reduced responsiveness to alpha(1)AR stimulation was strongly dependent on the intactness of the endothelium. 2 We examined the effect of Phe on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity by measuring the conversion of [(3)H]L-arginine to [(3)H]L-citrulline in rat aorta or in endothelial cells isolated from rat aorta. Phe stimulation increased NOS activity in control aortas. This response was antagonized by prazosin. However, Phe increased neither the activity of NOS nor intracellular Ca(2+) in the isolated endothelial cells from the control aortas, whereas acetylcholine (Ach) was able to stimulate both responses in these cells. This result suggests that Phe stimulates alpha(1)AR on vascular smooth muscle cells and has an indirect influence on endothelial cells to increase NOS activity. 3 In Phe-exposed aortic rings, basal NOS activity was found to have increased compared to vehicle-exposed control rings. Stimulation with Phe or Ach caused a small increase over basal NOS activity in these preparations. Prolonged exposure to Phe also caused an enhancement of Ach-mediated vasorelaxation in rat aorta. 4 Immunoblot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction experiments showed that prolonged exposure of rat aorta to Phe resulted in an increased expression of eNOS, but not iNOS. This increase was antagonized by nonselective antagonist prazosin. Immunohistochemical staining experiments also showed that expression of eNOS increased in endothelial cells after Phe exposure of the aortas. 5 These results, all together, showed that prolonged exposure of rat aorta to alpha(l)AR agonist Phe enhanced the expression of eNOS and basal NOS activity, which probably causes a decreased vasocontractile response to Phe or to other agonists such as 5HT (5-hydroxytryptamine) in rat aorta. 6 This phenomenon can be considered more as a functional antagonism of vasocontractile response to agonists mediated by endothelium than a specific desensitization of alpha(1)AR-mediated signalling in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Nitric oxide-dependent beta2-adrenergic dilatation of rat aorta is mediated through activation of both protein kinase A and Akt

Vasorelaxation to beta(2)-adrenoceptor stimulation occurs through both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent mechanisms, and the former is mediated through Ca(2+)-independent activation of endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase (NOS-3). Since Ca(2+)-independent NOS-3 activation may occur through its serine phosphorylation via protein kinase A (PKA) or Akt, we determined the PKA and Akt dependency of beta(2)-adrenergic relaxation of rat aorta. Rat aortic rings were pre-incubated with the PKA inhibitor H-89 (10(-7) m), the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor wortmannin (5 x 10(-7) m), Akt inhibitor (10(-5) m), or vehicle, in the absence or presence of the NOS inhibitor N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 10(-4) m). Rings were then contracted with phenylephrine (10(-7) m), and concentration-relaxation responses determined to the beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist albuterol. Rings exhibited a concentration-dependent relaxation to albuterol: pEC(50) 6.9+/-0.2, E(max) 88.2+/-4.0%. l-NAME attenuated E(max) to 60.2+/-3.5% (P<0.001). In the presence of l-NAME, wortmannin or Akt inhibitor did not influence albuterol responses, whereas H-89 reduced E(max) further, to 27.5+/-2.2% (P<0.001). In the absence of l-NAME, E(max) to albuterol was reduced by H-89, wortmannin or Akt inhibitor, to 56.2+/-2.2, 56.0+/-1.6 and 55.4+/-1.8%, respectively (P<0.001 for each); the combinations H-89 plus wortmannin or H-89 plus Akt inhibitor reduced E(max) further still. Western blotting of NOS-3 immunoprecipitates from rat aortas confirmed that albuterol increased serine phosphorylation of NOS-3, and this increase was attenuated by H-89 or Akt inhibitor. Our results indicate that beta(2)-adrenoceptor stimulation relaxes rat aorta through both NO-dependent and independent mechanisms. The latter is predominantly PKA-mediated, whereas the former occurs through both PKA and PI3K/Akt activation.

Contribution of nitric oxide produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase to vascular responses of mesenteric arterioles in streptozotocin-diabetic rats

1. The functional changes in mesenteric arterioles of streptozotocin-induced diabetes were investigated by intravital microscopy. The mesentery was exteriorized from anesthetized rats, spread in a chamber, and superfused with Tyrode solution. All drugs tested were applied to the superfusing Tyrode solution. 2. Compared with age-matched controls, the diabetic rats showed enhanced vascular sensitivity to phenylephrine, an alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist. The preincubation of the mesentery with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA), a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, shifted the phenylephrine-concentration-response curves to the left in both the diabetic and control rats. Even in the presence of l-NNA, the sensitivity to phenylephrine was higher in the diabetic rats than in the control. 3. Acetylcholine relaxed the mesenteric arterioles in both groups, but to a significantly greater extent in the control than in the diabetic rats. However, the l-NNA-induced constriction of arterioles did not differ significantly between the groups. In contrast, the amplitude of the constrictions of mesenteric arterioles induced by S-ethylisothiourea, an inducible NOS (iNOS) inhibitor, was significantly greater in the diabetic rats than in the control. 4. Immunostaining of the mesentery with a specific antibody for iNOS revealed iNOS in the microvessels of only the diabetic rats. 5. These results suggest that constrictor responses to alpha(1)-adrenoceptor stimulation are sensitized in the mesenteric arterioles of STZ-diabetic rats, and that iNOS expressed in the arteriolar smooth muscle plays a role in suppressing the basal tone and the reactivity of the arterioles in STZ-diabetic rats.

Flow-induced endothelium-dependent vasoreactivity in rat mesenteric arterial bed

We studied rat mesenteric arterial beds to determine the relationship between the effects of flow-induced shear stress and agonists on mesenteric vasoreactivity. When beds were perfused at gradually increasing flow rates, perfusion pressure was flow rate-dependently increased. The flow rate-mediated increase in perfusion pressure was significantly enhanced by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) plus methylene blue (MB) and slightly enhanced by treatment with tetraethylammonium (TEA). In the presence of L-NOARG, MB, TEA, and indomethacin, the flow rate-induced increase in perfusion pressure was significantly enhanced, but this enhancement was significantly inhibited by combined treatment with BQ-123 plus BQ-788 (ET(A)- and ET(B)- receptor antagonists, respectively). The ET-1 content of the perfusate was significantly increased following combined pretreatment with L-NOARG, MB, TEA, and indomethacin at a high flow rate. The methoxamine-induced contraction was significantly enhanced by NOS inhibition in both high- and low- flow-treated groups. The released nitrite level was significantly greater in high-flow-loaded than in the low-flow-loaded beds. We conclude that in this model, the response of vascular tone to flow stimulation is subtly regulated by endothelium-derived factors (especially, NO, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, and ET-1), and that these factors interact with each other.

Effects of chronic administration of L-arginine on vasoactive responses induced by endothelin-1 and its plasma level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

To investigate the mechanism underlying increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) release in diabetic rats, we administered L-arginine chronically to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The plasma concentrations of glucose, ET-1 and NOx (NO2- + NO3-) were all significantly raised at 10 weeks after the STZ injection. Chronic administration of L-arginine resulted in a significantly higher plasma NOx concentration and a significantly lower plasma ET-1 level at 10 weeks compared with the untreated diabetic group. ET-1 induced a biphasic vasodilator/vasoconstrictor response in the perfused isolated mesenteric arterial beds from all groups. The vasodilatation was significantly greater in diabetic rats than in age-matched controls. Chronic oral L-arginine administration had no significant effect on the enhanced ET-1-induced vasodilatation seen in the untreated diabetic rats. The vasoconstrictions induced by ET-1 and methoxamine were significantly attenuated in STZ-diabetic rats. The attenuated vasoconstrictor response to ET-1, but not that to methoxamine, was further attenuated by chronic treatment with L-arginine. We conclude that since chronic L-arginine administration not only reduced the increase in plasma ET-1 levels but also further attenuated the ET-1-induced vasoconstriction without affecting the change in vasodilatation, chronic L-arginine administration could be valuable for the treatment of the symptoms of diabetic mellitus related to ET-1.

Endothelial adrenoceptors

alpha2 -Adrenergic agonists cause endothelium-dependent relaxation in a number of isolated blood vessels. This effect is explained by the activation of endothelial alpha 2 -adrenoceptors linked to nitric oxide synthase by G i -coupling proteins. The endothelial response to alpha 2 -adrenergic agonists is blunted considerably after regeneration of the endothelium and in atherosclerotic arteries. The relaxation of isolated arteries caused by beta-adrenergic agonists is reduced by removal of the endothelium and, in most cases, by inhibitors of the l -arginine nitric oxide pathway. Likewise, in the intact animal and in the human forearm the vasodilatation to beta 2 -adrenergic agonists is blunted by inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase. Whether these findings reflect the presence of functional beta-adrenoceptors on the endothelium remains controversial. Several beta-adrenergic blockers cause endothelium-dependent relaxation in vitro or augment the production of nitric oxide in vivo. However, these responses cannot be attributed to interactions with endothelial beta-adrenoceptors.

Mechanisms underlying attenuated contractile response of aortic rings to noradrenaline in fructose-fed mice

We hypothesized that an impairment of endothelial dysfunction and an increased response to alpha-adrenoceptor agonists may occur in fructose-fed, insulin-resistant mice. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between endothelial dysfunction and agonist-induced contractile responses in such mice. The acetylcholine-induced relaxation was significantly attenuated in streptozotocin-diabetic and fructose-fed mice. The contractile response to noradrenaline was significantly weaker than the control in fructose-fed but not in streptozotocin-diabetic mice; treatment with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine effectively restored this response. Incubating aortic rings with noradrenaline increased the NO(x) [nitrite (NO(2)(-)) and nitrate (NO(3)(-))] level and this level was significantly higher in fructose-fed mice than in control mice. Clonidine induced a dose-dependent relaxation in aortic rings pre-contracted with prostaglandin F(2alpha) that was completely abolished by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine; this relaxation was markedly enhanced in fructose-fed mice. In both control and fructose-fed mice, the clonidine-induced relaxation was significantly attenuated and the noradrenaline-induced contraction augmented by pertussis toxin. These results suggest that endothelial function is attenuated in both fructose-fed and streptozotocin-diabetic mice. It is suggested that the decreased noradrenaline contractile response in fructose-fed mice (compared to both controls and streptozotocin-diabetic mice) may be due to an increase in nitric oxide formation mediated by endothelial GTP-binding-coupled alpha(2)-adrenoceptors.

Clotrimazole inhibits smooth muscle cell proliferation and has a vasodilator effect on resistance arteries

Clotrimazole (CLT) is a drug known to interfere with cellular calcium homeostasis, which in turn is reported to intervene in cell proliferation and in the reactivity of small blood vessels. Experiments were designed to test the influence of CLT on the proliferative and vasorelaxant effect of bradykinin (BK) and on calcium homeostasis in smooth muscle cells (SMC). To this purpose two model systems were employed: (i) cultured human smooth muscle cells (HSMC), and (ii) isolated resistance arteries maintained in an organ bath. The effect of various concentrations of CLT (2-15 microM) on BK-induced proliferation of HSMC was quantitated by spectrometry following [3H]-thymidine incorporation, and intracellular calcium [Ca+]i was determined by spectrofluorimetry using Fura 2-AM assay. In other experiments the roles of BK receptor (AB2) and of thapsigargin were assessed. The reactivity of the resistance arteries was measured by the myograph technique, and the effects of BK, CLT, and NO synthase blocker, L-NAME were evaluated. The results showed that 10 microM CLT: (i) inhibits the BK-induced proliferation of HSMC by 45-50%: (ii) prevents the rise of [Ca2+]i induced by BK (120.8 +/- 12.4 nM vs. 235.8 +/- 34.1 nM), an cffect similar to that of "classic" L-type calcium channels blockers: (iii) reduces the release of Ca2+ entry induced by thapsigargin suggesting a possible inhibition of the capacitative Ca2+ entry. Organ bath assays showed that CLT enhanced the BK-induced relaxation of the resistance arteries by an endothelium NO-independent pathway. Together, these data suggest that the mechanism of action of CLT on SMC implies mainly a modification of intracellular calcium homeostasis, with a minor contribution of BK B2 receptors. These new distinctive features of CLT effects suggest the potential use of this drug in the therapy of cardiovascular diseases associated with SMC increased proliferation and impeded relaxation in small arteries, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis.

Mechanisms underlying the attenuation of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in the mesenteric arterial bed of the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat

Experiments were designed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the diabetes-related impairment of the vasodilatations of the perfused mesenteric arterial bed induced by acetylcholine (ACh) and K(+). In streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats, the ACh-induced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was attenuated. The dose-response curves for ACh in control and diabetic rats were each shifted to the right by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) and by isotonic high K(+) (60 mM). The ACh dose-response curves under isotonic high K(+) were not different between control and diabetic rats. We also examined the vasodilatation induced by K(+), which is a putative endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). The mesenteric vasodilatation induced by a single administration of K(+) was greatly impaired in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Treatment with charybdotoxin plus apamin abolished the ACh-induced vasodilatation but enhanced the K(+)-induced response in controls and diabetic rats. After pretreatment with ouabain plus BaCl(2), the ACh-induced vasodilatation was significantly impaired and the K(+)-induced relaxation was abolished in both control and diabetic rats. The impairment of the endothelium-dependent vasodilatation of the mesenteric arterial bed seen in STZ-induced diabetic rats may be largely due to a defective vascular response to EDHF. It is further suggested that K(+) is one of the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors and that the vasodilatation response to K(+) is impaired in the mesenteric arterial bed from diabetic rats.

Evidence that nitric oxide regulates AT1-receptor agonist and antagonist efficacy in rat injured carotid artery

Vascular injury stimulates AT1-receptor expression and nitric oxide (NO) production in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We examined the ability of AT1 agonists and antagonists to regulate vascular tone ex vivo in injured arteries and the possible modulation by SMC-derived NO. Rings of rat carotid arteries were isolated at day 7 after endothelial denudation and stimulated with angiotensin (Ang) II in the absence or presence of the AT1 antagonists losartan, L-158,809, or EXP-3174. Freshly denuded contralateral arteries were used as controls. AngII-induced contractions were similar in control and injured arteries. Losartan caused an insurmountable inhibition of AngII-induced contractions in injured but not control arteries. Enhanced inhibition of AngII in injured arteries also was observed in the presence of L-158,809 and EXP-3174. In the presence of the NO synthesis inhibitor nitromonomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), maximal contractions to AngII were greater in injured than in control vessels, and AT1-receptor blockade with losartan was surmountable in all vessels. Mechanical removal of superficial neointimal SMCs attenuated NO production and normalized the efficacy of losartan in injured arteries. These results suggest a role for NO in reducing the biologic effects of AT1-receptor agonists and potentiating the efficacy of AT1 antagonists in vessels undergoing remodeling after injury.

Time-course changes in plasma endothelin-1 and its effects on the mesenteric arterial bed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM

To examine the mechanisms underlying the elevated plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) in diabetes and its vascular effects.

RESULTS

Relationships between the plasma ET-1 level and the levels of other plasma constituents (glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride) were found in 10-week streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. In contrast, at 1 week after the STZ injection only plasma ET-1 and glucose levels were elevated, suggesting that the hyperglycaemia might trigger the excess production of ET-1. Incubation with high glucose promoted the release of ET-1 from the isolated mesenteric arterial bed. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, the maximum contractile response of the mesenteric arterial bed to ET-1 was significantly reduced, and the vasoconstriction and vasodilation induced by the ET(B)-receptor agonist IRL-1620 in this bed were significantly impaired. The vascular responses induced by these ET receptor agonists were restored to normal by chronic treatment of diabetic rats with insulin for 7 or 4 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest: (1) that the marked increase in plasma glucose in STZ-induced diabetic rats elevates the plasma ET-1; and (2) that the decreased contractile and vasodilator responses of the mesenteric arterial bed to ET-1 receptor agonists may be due to desensitization of not only ET(A), but also ET(B) receptors, an effect secondary to the elevation of plasma ET-1.

Effects of exercise training on responsiveness of the mesenteric arterial bed to phenylephrine and KCl in male rats

1. We aimed to determine whether there are any changes in responsiveness of the mesenteric arterial beds to phenylephrine (Phe) and KCl in exercise-trained rats, and whether vascular endothelium and/or vascular smooth muscle play a role in these changes. 2. Adult male rats were subjected to a swimming schedule every day for 28-33 days. Studies were performed in vitro using Krebs perfused mesenteric arterial beds. 3. Maximum perfusion pressure responses to KCl and Phe of the mesenteric arterial beds from exercise-trained rats were significantly lower than those from sedentary controls. However, these differences disappeared after blocking the nitric oxide synthase by NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG). 4. 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)-dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulphonate (CHAPS, 3 mg ml(-1), 2 min infusion) caused a significant increase in maximum perfusion pressure responses to KCl to the same extent in both exercise-trained and sedentary control rats. CHAPS caused about a 4.5 fold leftward shift of the curve with no change in maximum response to Phe for the mesenteric arterial beds from sedentary control rats, but not for those obtained from exercise-trained rats. However, these differences were abolished in the presence of L-NOARG. 5. Indomethacin did not alter the dose-response curves to KCl or Phe in either swimming or control groups. 6. These results suggest that there was a lower vascular responsiveness to KCl and Phe in exercise-trained rats at rest. The decrease in reactivities to KCl or decrease in sensitivity to Phe after having endothelium impairment by CHAPS of the mesenteric arterial beds of exercise-trained rats were due to an increase in both spontaneous release and upregulation of phenylephrine-stimulated release of nitric oxide from both the vascular endothelium and the vascular smooth muscle cells, and may not be a consequence of an increase in vasodilator prostaglandins by the vascular bed.

Elevated plasma endothelin-1 level in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and responsiveness of the mesenteric arterial bed to endothelin-1

1. Both the plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels and the plasma glucose levels were markedly elevated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. 2. The maximum contractile response of the mesenteric arterial bed to ET-1 was significantly reduced, and the vasodilatation induced by the ET(B)-receptor agonist IRL-1620 in the mesenteric arterial bed was significantly reduced in STZ-induced diabetic rats. 3. ET-1 (10(-8) M) caused a transient vasodilatation followed by a marked vasoconstriction in methoxamine-preconstricted mesenteric arterial beds. The ET-1-induced vasodilatation was significantly larger in beds from diabetic rats than in those from age-matched controls. By contrast, the ET-1-induced vasoconstriction was significantly smaller in STZ-induced diabetic rats than in the controls. 4. Both removal of the endothelium with Triton X-100 and preincubation with BQ-788 (10(-6) M) (ET(B)-receptor antagonist) abolished the ET-1-induced vasodilatation. Preincubation with BQ-485 (10(-6) M) or BQ-123 (3 x 10(-6)) (ET(A)-receptor antagonist) significantly augmented the ET-1-induced vasodilatation in control mesenteric arterial beds, but not that in beds from diabetic rats. 5. These results demonstrate that marked increases not only in plasma glucose, but also in plasma ET-1 occur in STZ-induced diabetic rats. We suggest that the decreased contractile response and the increased vasodilator response of the mesenteric arterial bed to ET-1 may both be due to desensitization of ET(A) receptors, though ET(B) receptors may also be desensitized. This desensitization may result from the elevation of the plasma ET-1 levels seen in STZ-induced diabetic rats.