Role of NO and cytochrome P-450-derived eicosanoids in ET-1-induced changes in intrarenal hemodynamics in rats

Clinical Implications of 20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic Acid in the Kidney, Liver, Lung and Brain: An Emerging Therapeutic Target

Cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) is an important pathway for the formation of eicosanoids. The ω-hydroxylation of AA generates significant levels of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) in various tissues. In the current review, we discussed the role of 20-HETE in the kidney, liver, lung, and brain during physiological and pathophysiological states. Moreover, we discussed the role of 20-HETE in tumor formation, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. In the kidney, 20-HETE is involved in modulation of preglomerular vascular tone and tubular ion transport. Furthermore, 20-HETE is involved in renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and polycystic kidney diseases. The role of 20-HETE in the liver is not clearly understood although it represents 50%-75% of liver CYP-dependent AA metabolism, and it is associated with liver cirrhotic ascites. In the respiratory system, 20-HETE plays a role in pulmonary cell survival, pulmonary vascular tone and tone of the airways. As for the brain, 20-HETE is involved in cerebral I/R injury. Moreover, 20-HETE has angiogenic and mitogenic properties and thus helps in tumor promotion. Several inhibitors and inducers of the synthesis of 20-HETE as well as 20-HETE analogues and antagonists are recently available and could be promising therapeutic options for the treatment of many disease states in the future.

Influence of Sanao Tang on urine volume and expression of aquaporin 2 in rats with respiratory function impairment induced by passive smoking and lipopolysaccharide

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Sanao Tang (SAT) on urine volume and the expression of aquaporin- 2 (AQP2) in rats with lung dysfunction induced by passive smoking and lipopolysaccharide.

METHODS

Totally 45 healthy Specific pathogen Free Wistar Rats were randomized into 3 groups: normal control group, model group and SAT group. A rat model of respiratory dysfunction induced by exposure to cigarette smoking and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Lavage of decoction of the Chinese medicine was performed for rats in the SAT group. Anires 2005 System was used to analyze the pulmonary function. Urine of rats was collected through metabolism cage method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine content of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), atrial natriuretic factor (ANP), endothelin 1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in serum, lung and kidney. The expression of AQP2 in rat renal tissue was determined with real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

(a) In comparison with the normal control, It was found that enforced vital capacity (FVC), 1-second forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity% (FEV(1)/FVC%), 24 h urine volume content of NO and PGE2 were decreased, while AQP2mRNA level and content of ADH, Agn Ⅱ, ANP and ET-1 were increased in the model group with statistical significance (P < 0.05). (b) In comparison with the model group, It was found that FVC, FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC%, 24 h urine volume, content of PGE2 and NO decreased, while AQP2mRNA level, content of ANP, ADH and Ang Ⅱ decreased in the SAT group with statistical significance (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SAT might effectively regulate the urine volume in the modeled rats; ADH, Ang Ⅱ, ANP, ET-1, NO and PGE2 might play an important role in the regulation on urine volume by lungs. This might be the mechanisms underpinning the function of lung governing water passage in terms of the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Blood pressure-independent renoprotection in diabetic rats treated with AT1 receptor-neprilysin inhibition compared with AT1 receptor blockade alone

ARNI [dual AT1 (angiotensin II type 1) receptor-neprilysin inhibition] exerts beneficial effects on blood pressure and kidney function in heart failure, compared with ARB (AT1 receptor blockade) alone. We hypothesized that ARNI improves cardiac and kidney parameters in diabetic TGR(mREN2)27 rats, an angiotensin II-dependent hypertension model. Rats were made diabetic with streptozotocin for 5 or 12 weeks. In the final 3 weeks, rats were treated with vehicle, irbesartan (ARB) or irbesartan+thiorphan (ARNI). Blood pressure, measured by telemetry in the 5-week group, was lowered identically by ARB and ARNI. The heart weight/tibia length ratio in 12-week diabetic animals was lower after ARNI compared with after ARB. Proteinuria and albuminuria were observed from 8 weeks of diabetes onwards. ARNI reduced proteinuria more strongly than ARB, and a similar trend was seen for albuminuria. Kidneys of ARNI-treated animals showed less severe segmental glomerulosclerosis than those of ARB-treated animals. After 12 weeks, no differences between ARNI- and ARB-treated animals were found regarding diuresis, natriuresis, plasma endothelin-1, vascular reactivity (acetylcholine response) or kidney sodium transporters. Only ARNI-treated rats displayed endothelin type B receptor-mediated vasodilation. In conclusion, ARNI reduces proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and heart weight in diabetic TGR(mREN2)27 rats more strongly than does ARB, and this occurs independently of blood pressure.

Role of cytochrome P450-mediated arachidonic acid metabolites in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy

A plethora of studies have demonstrated the expression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) enzymes in the heart and other cardiovascular tissues. In addition, the expression of these enzymes is altered during several cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including cardiac hypertrophy (CH). The alteration in CYP and sEH expression results in derailed CYP-mediated arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism. In animal models of CH, it has been reported that there is an increase in 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) and a decrease in epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Further, inhibiting 20-HETE production by CYP ω-hydroxylase inhibitors and increasing EET stability by sEH inhibitors have been proven to protect against CH as well as other CVDs. Therefore, CYP-mediated AA metabolites 20-HETE and EETs are potential key players in the pathogenesis of CH. Some studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms by which these metabolites mediate their effects on cardiomyocytes and vasculature leading to pathological CH. Activation of several intracellular signaling cascades, such as nuclear factor of activated T cells, nuclear factor kappa B, mitogen-activated protein kinases, Rho-kinases, Gp130/signal transducer and activator of transcription, extracellular matrix degradation, apoptotic cascades, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress, has been linked to the pathogenesis of CH. In this review, we discuss how 20-HETE and EETs can affect these signaling pathways to result in, or protect from, CH, respectively. However, further understanding of these metabolites and their effects on intracellular cascades will be required to assess their potential translation to therapeutic approaches for the prevention and/or treatment of CH and heart failure.

Physiology of endothelin and the kidney

Since its discovery in 1988 as an endothelial cell-derived peptide that exerts the most potent vasoconstriction of any known endogenous compound, endothelin (ET) has emerged as an important regulator of renal physiology and pathophysiology. This review focuses on how the ET system impacts renal function in health; it is apparent that ET regulates multiple aspects of kidney function. These include modulation of glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow, control of renin release, and regulation of transport of sodium, water, protons, and bicarbonate. These effects are exerted through ET interactions with almost every cell type in the kidney, including mesangial cells, podocytes, endothelium, vascular smooth muscle, every section of the nephron, and renal nerves. In addition, while not the subject of the current review, ET can also indirectly affect renal function through modulation of extrarenal systems, including the vasculature, nervous system, adrenal gland, circulating hormones, and the heart. As will become apparent, these pleiotropic effects of ET are of fundamental physiologic importance in the control of renal function in health. In addition, to help put these effects into perspective, we will also discuss, albeit to a relatively limited extent, how alterations in the ET system can contribute to hypertension and kidney disease.

20-hydroxyeicosatetraeonic acid: a new target for the treatment of hypertension

Arachidonic acid is metabolized by enzymes of the CYP4A and 4F families to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraeonic acid (20-HETE), which plays an important role in the regulation of renal function, vascular tone, and the long-term control of arterial pressure. In the vasculature, 20-HETE is a potent vasoconstrictor, and upregulation of the production of this compound contributes to the elevation in oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction and the increase in peripheral vascular resistance associated with some forms of hypertension. In kidney, 20-HETE inhibits Na transport in the proximal tubule and thick ascending loop of Henle, and deficiencies in the renal formation of 20-HETE contributes to sodium retention and development of some salt-sensitive forms of hypertension. 20-HETE also has renoprotective actions and opposes the effects of transforming growth factor β to promote proteinuria and renal end organ damage in hypertension. Several new inhibitors of the synthesis of 20-HETE and 20-HETE agonists and antagonists have recently been developed. These compounds along with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α agonists that induce the renal formation of 20-HETE seem to have promise as antihypertensive agents. This review summarizes the rationale for the development of drugs that target the 20-HETE pathway for the treatment of hypertension and associated cardiovascular complications.

Regulation of blood pressure and salt homeostasis by endothelin

Endothelin (ET) peptides and their receptors are intimately involved in the physiological control of systemic blood pressure and body Na homeostasis, exerting these effects through alterations in a host of circulating and local factors. Hormonal systems affected by ET include natriuretic peptides, aldosterone, catecholamines, and angiotensin. ET also directly regulates cardiac output, central and peripheral nervous system activity, renal Na and water excretion, systemic vascular resistance, and venous capacitance. ET regulation of these systems is often complex, sometimes involving opposing actions depending on which receptor isoform is activated, which cells are affected, and what other prevailing factors exist. A detailed understanding of this system is important; disordered regulation of the ET system is strongly associated with hypertension and dysregulated extracellular fluid volume homeostasis. In addition, ET receptor antagonists are being increasingly used for the treatment of a variety of diseases; while demonstrating benefit, these agents also have adverse effects on fluid retention that may substantially limit their clinical utility. This review provides a detailed analysis of how the ET system is involved in the control of blood pressure and Na homeostasis, focusing primarily on physiological regulation with some discussion of the role of the ET system in hypertension.

Endothelin type A and B receptors in the control of afferent and efferent arterioles in mice

BACKGROUND

Endothelin 1 contributes to renal blood flow control and pathogenesis of kidney diseases. The differential effects, however, of endothelin 1 (ET-1) on afferent (AA) and efferent arterioles (EA) remain to be established.

METHODS

We investigated endothelin type A and B receptor (ETA-R, ETB-R) functions in the control of AA and EA. Arterioles of ETB-R deficient, rescued mice [ETB(-/-)] and wild types [ETB(+/+)] were microperfused.

RESULTS

ET-1 constricted AA stronger than EA in ETB(-/-) and ETB(+/+) mice. Results in AA: ET-1 induced similar constrictions in ETB(-/-) and ETB(+/+) mice. BQ-123 (ETA-R antagonist) inhibited this response in both groups. ALA-ET-1 and IRL1620 (ETB-R agonists) had no effect on arteriolar diameter. L-NAME did neither affect basal diameters nor ET-1 responses. Results in EA: ET-1 constricted EA stronger in ETB(+/+) compared to ETB(-/-). BQ-123 inhibited the constriction completely only in ETB(-/-). ALA-ET-1 and IRL1620 constricted only arterioles of ETB(+/+) mice. L-NAME decreased basal diameter in ETB(+/+), but not in ETB(-/-) mice and increased the ET-1 response similarly in both groups. The L-NAME actions indicate a contribution of ETB-R in basal nitric oxide (NO) release in EA and suggest dilatory action of ETA-R in EA.

CONCLUSIONS

ETA-R mediates vasoconstriction in AA and contributes to vasoconstriction in EA in this mouse model. ETB-R has no effect in AA but mediates basal NO release and constriction in EA. The stronger effect of ET-1 on AA supports observations of decreased glomerular filtration rate to ET-1 and indicates a potential contribution of ET-1 to the pathogenesis of kidney diseases.

Factors released from cholestatic rat livers possibly involved in inducing bone marrow hepatic stem cell priming

Previous studies have shown that bone marrow beta 2m(-)/Thy-1+ hepatic stem cells (BMHSCs) were able to engraft in vivo and differentiate into functioning hepatocytes in vitro. Our transcriptomic profiling on BMHSCs derived from rats subjected to common bile duct ligation (CBDL) demonstrated CBDL-derived beta 2m(-)/Thy-1+ BMHSCs expressed hepatocyte-like genes and shared more commonly expressed genes with hepatocytes, suggesting that an "on-site" priming of BMHSCs into hepatocyte lineage was initiated under the condition of CBDL. In this paper, transcriptomic profiling was carried out on livers from rats with CBDL to identify candidate factors released from cholestatic livers possibly involved in the priming of BMHSCs using Affymetrix Rat Genome U34A arrays. In CBDL rat livers, 1,091 probe sets were differentially expressed, of which 188 up-regulated probe sets were annotated as "extracellular" components. Gene ontology analysis showed many up-regulated genes belonged to cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, including Il1b, Il18, Ptn, Spp1, Grn, Ccl2, Cxcl1, Pf4, Tgfb, and Tgfb3. Cell differentiation and proliferation regulation factors such as Dmbt1, Efna1, Lgals1, Lep, Pmp2, and Gas6 were also induced in CBDL livers. Furthermore, many proteolysis and peptidolysis genes such as Mmp2, Mmp12, Mmp14, and Mmp23 were up-regulated in CBDL livers. Gene expression profiling showed that many cytokine-, chemokine-, growth factor- as well as certain extracellular protein-related genes were induced in CBDL livers, suggesting that these genes may be involved in hepatic BMHSCs priming.

Low NaCl intake elevates renal medullary endothelin-1 and endothelin A (ETA) receptor mRNA but not the sensitivity of renal Na+ excretion to ETA receptor blockade in rats

AIMS

This study was performed to investigate the effects of NaCl intake on renal mRNA expression of pre-pro-endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin A (ET(A)) and endothelin B (ET(B)) receptors as well as on renal ET-1 content in rats. We further tested for NaCl intake-dependent differences in the contribution of the ET system to renal sodium handling.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats with telemetric devices were randomized to 0.15%, 0.60% and 1.80% NaCl diets with or without losartan. Renal sodium balance and arterial pressure were monitored. Renal blood flow and fractional sodium excretion (FENa) were measured in response to acute infusion of ET(A) and ET(B) blockers into the inner stripe of the outer renal medulla.

RESULTS

Medullary pre-pro-ET-1, ET(A) and ET(B) receptor mRNA was 50%, 81% and 33% higher in rats on 0.15% vs. 1.80% NaCl. Losartan reduced medullary gene expression in rats on 0.15% NaCl. Medullary ET-1 content was 983 +/- 88 and 479 +/- 42 ng mg(-1) protein in rats on 0.15% and 1.80% NaCl (P < 0.001). Chronic ET(A) receptor blocker treatment reduced arterial pressure by 8-10 mmHg in rats on 0.15% vs. 1.80% NaCl without affecting renal sodium balances. Acute medullary ET(A) or ET(B) receptor blockade did not alter medullary blood flow and FENa in animals on either diet.

CONCLUSION

In rats renal medullary ET-1 content and mRNA expression of three ET system components are inversely related to NaCl intake. Higher expression levels on low NaCl intake are AT(1) receptor dependent but are not associated with increased sensitivity of renal sodium handling to ET(A) receptor blockade.

Distribution of endothelin receptor subtypes ETA and ETB in the rat kidney

The endothelin (ET) receptor system is markedly involved in the regulation of renal function under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The present study determined the detailed cellular localization of both ET receptor subtypes, ET(A) and ET(B), in the vascular and tubular system of the rat kidney by immunofluorescence microscopy. In the vascular system we observed both ET(A) and ET(B) receptors in the media of interlobular arteries and afferent and efferent arterioles. In interlobar and arcuate arteries, only ET(A) receptors were present on vascular smooth muscle cells. ET(B) receptor immunoreactivity was sparse on endothelial cells of renal arteries, whereas there was strong labeling of peritubular and glomerular capillaries as well as vasa recta endothelium. ET(A) receptors were evident on glomerular mesangial cells and pericytes of descending vasa recta bundles. In the renal tubular system, ET(B) receptors were located in epithelial cells of proximal tubules and inner medullary collecting ducts, whereas ET(A) receptors were found in distal tubules and cortical collecting ducts. Distribution of ET(A) and ET(B) receptors in the vascular and tubular system of the rat kidney reported in the present study supports the concept that both ET receptor subtypes cooperate in mediating renal cortical vasoconstriction but exert differential and partially antagonistic effects on renal medullary function.

Urinary ET-1, AVP and sodium in premature infants treated with indomethacin and ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus

The relative potency and interrelationship between vasoactive and natriuretic mediators are thought to be important in the transition from fetal to neonatal life. The relationship between urinary vasoactive factors and sodium excretion has not been adequately addressed in premature infants receiving indomethacin and ibuprofen for therapy of patent ductus arteriosus. Excretion rates of AVP, ET-1 and sodium were measured in premature infants with RDS receiving indomethacin or ibuprofen. Forty-four RDS premature infants (<34-week gestation) with PDA received either ibuprofen (n=22) in an initial dose of 10 mg/kg followed by two doses of 5 mg/kg each after 24 and 48 h or 3 doses at 12-h intervals of indomethacin (n=24), 0.2 mg/kg, infused continuously over a period of 15 min. Urinary ET-1, AVP and sodium excretion were measured before and after treatment. Indomethacin treatment caused a significant decrease in urinary ET-1 and AVP excretion (UET-1/Ucr 0.14+/-0.01 vs. 0.10+/-0.05 fenton/mmol; P<0.05; 24.42+/-6.18 vs. 12.63+/-3.06 pg/mmol; P<0.05, respectively), along with a significant reduction in urinary sodium (92.1+/-36.1 vs. 64.8+/-35.6 mmol/l; P<0.01), fractional excretion of sodium (6.8+/-37.1 vs. 4.5+/-37.1%; P<0.01) and urinary osmolality (276.2+/-103.9 vs. 226.4+/-60.3 mOsmol/kg; P<0.05). Ibuprofen treatment caused a significant decrease in urinary AVP (UAVP/Ucr 24.5+/-3.4 vs. 16.3+/-2.04 pg/mmol; P<0.01), along with a significant decrease in urinary sodium (78.0+/-8.4 vs. 57.0+/-8.0 mmol/l; P<0.05) and in fractional excretion of sodium (7.5+/-1.3 vs. 3.9+/-3.0%; P<0.05), while it did not modify urinary ET-1 excretion. The association of renal ET-1 and AVP activity with sodium excretion in premature infants treated with indomethacin and ibuprofen supports the hypothesis that these factors may play a role in the physiologic changes in sodium excretion.

Cytochrome P-450-dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid in the kidney of rats with diabetes insipidus

This study compared the renal metabolism of arachidonic acid in Brattleboro (BB) (vasopressin deficient) and Long-Evans (LE) control rats and the effects of a cytochrome P-450 (CYP) inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT) on renal function in these animals. The production of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) by renal cortical and outer medullary microsomes was significantly greater in BB than in LE rats (155 +/- 16 vs. 92 +/- 13 and 59 +/- 7 vs. 33 +/- 3 pmol.min(-1).mg protein(-1)). Renal cortical epoxygenase activity was not different in these strains. The expression of CYP4A proteins was 58 and 78% higher in the renal cortex and outer medulla of BB than in LE rats. Chronic treatment of BB rats with a vasopressin type 2 receptor agonist for 1 wk normalized the renal production of 20-HETE. Chronic blockade of the formation of 20-HETE and EETs with ABT had little effect on renal function in LE rats. However, urine flow increased by 54% and urine osmolarity decreased by 33% in BB rats treated with ABT. Plasma levels of oxytocin fell significantly from 7.2 +/- 1.3 to 3.9 +/- 1.0 pg/ml. The effects of ABT in BB rats were attenuated by chronic infusion of oxytocin (0.7 ng.min(-1).100 g(-1)) to maintain fixed high plasma levels of this hormone. These results indicate that the expression of CYP4A protein and the renal formation of 20-HETE are elevated in the kidney of BB rats due to a lack of vasopressin and that chronic blockade of the formation of 20-HETE and EETs with ABT promotes water excretion in vasopressin-deficient BB rats by reducing the circulating levels of oxytocin, which is a weak vasopressin agonist.

Inhibition of the formation of EETs and 20-HETE with 1-aminobenzotriazole attenuates pressure natriuresis

This study examined the effects of chronic blockade of the renal formation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid with 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT; 50 mg·kg−1· day−1ip for 5 days) on pressure natriuresis and the inhibitory effects of elevations in renal perfusion pressure (RPP) on Na+-K+-ATPase activity and the distribution of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE)-3 in the proximal tubule of rats. In control rats ( n = 15), sodium excretion rose from 2.3 ± 0.4 to 19.4 ± 1.8 μeq·min−1·g kidney weight−1when RPP was increased from 114 ± 1 to 156 ± 2 mmHg. Fractional excretion of lithium rose from 28 ± 3 to 43 ± 3% of the filtered load. Chronic treatment of the rats with ABT for 5 days ( n = 8) blunted the natriuretic response to elevations in RPP by 75% and attenuated the increase in fractional excretion of lithium by 45%. In vehicle-treated rats, renal Na+-K+-ATPase activity fell from 31 ± 5 to 19 ± 2 μmol Pi·mg protein−1·h−1and NHE-3 protein was internalized from the brush border of the proximal tubule after an elevation in RPP. In contrast, Na+-K+-ATPase activity and the distribution of NHE-3 protein remained unaltered in rats treated with ABT. These results suggest that cytochrome P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid contribute to pressure natriuresis by inhibiting Na+-K+-ATPase activity and promoting internalization of NHE-3 protein from the brush border of the proximal tubule.

Alteration in endothelin receptor sub-type responsiveness and in the endothelin-TXA(2) mimetic U46619 interaction, in type-2 hypertensive diabetic Zucker rats

BACKGROUND

Type-2 diabetes is characterized by endotheliopathy, which increases target organ damage and mortality. There is excessive endothelin-1 and TXA(2) production, and abnormal vascular reactivity to endothelin-1, manifested as a paradoxical hypotensive action in Zucker diabetic, but not lean rats. We examined the hypothesis that there is an alteration in the ET-A/ET-B receptor subtype sensitivity, and/or the interaction or cross-talk between ET-1 and TXA(2) in type-2 diabetes, using Zucker diabetic rats and their lean littermates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hemodynamic studies were performed in lean and Zucker fatty diabetic rats of both sexes. Laser doppler flowmetry was used to measure renal cortical (RCF) and medullary blood flow (MBF) responses. Dose response curves for mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), MBF and RCF in response to ET-1, U46619, acetylcholine, and L-NAME (25mg/kg) were constructed after pre-treatment of the rats with either BQ610 1mg/kg i.v. or BQ788 0.5mg/kg i.v. The effects of BQ610 and BQ788 on whole blood impedance aggregation were also assessed.

RESULTS

BQ788, but not BQ610 abolished both the paradoxical hypotensive action of ET-1 in Zucker diabetic rats (n=7 each, P<0.001 ANOVA) as well as the dose-dependent rise in MBF (P<0.001 ANOVA). BQ788, but not BQ610 abolished the difference in response to ET-1 between lean and diabetic Zucker rats. U46619 caused a hypotensive action in male Zucker rats which was abolished by L-NAME 25mg/kg or indomethacin 10mg/kg i.v. The U46619 interaction with BQ788 on both MAP and MBF was significantly (P<0.03 ANOVA) different between lean and diabetic Zucker rats. BQ788, but not BQ610 attenuated both the MAP and MBF responses to acetylcholine or L-NAME P<0.02 ANOVA). However, BQ610 dose-dependently attenuated the slope of platelet aggregation in both lean and Zucker diabetic rats (P<0.02 ANOVA).

CONCLUSION

ET-B receptor antagonism abolished the abnormal vascular reactivity and MBF responses to ET-1, and also normalized the vasoactive responses to the level seen in healthy lean Zucker rats. ET-1 receptor blockade influences the responses to TXA(2) receptor activation. In the systemic and renal circulation, this interaction appears to be mostly ET-B receptor mediated, whilst in platelets, ET-A receptor role may be predominant. The interaction or cross-talk between ET-1 and TXA(2) is altered in the type-2 diabetic state. Collectively, these pathophysiological changes may contribute to the vicious circle of diabetic endotheliopathy.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids mediate adenosine-induced vasodilation in rat preglomerular microvessels (PGMV) via A2A receptors

Activation of rat adenosine2A receptors (A2A R) dilates preglomerular microvessels (PGMV), an effect mediated by epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Incubation of PGMV with a selective A2A R agonist, 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl) phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (CGS 21680; 100 microM), increased isolated PGMV EET levels to 7.57+/-1.53 ng mg-1 protein from 1.06+/-0.22 ng mg-1 protein in controls (P<0.05), without affecting hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) levels (10.8+/-0.69 vs 11.02+/-0.74 ng mg-1 protein). CGS 21680-stimulated EETs was abolished by preincubation with an A2A R antagonist, 4-(2-[7-amino-2-(2-furyl)[1,2,4]triazolo[2,3-a][1,3,5]triazin-5-ylamino]ethyl)phenol (ZM241385) (100 microM). A selective epoxygenase inhibitor, methylsulfonyl-propargyloxyphenylhexanamide (MS-PPOH; 12 microM) prevented CGS 21680-induced increase in EETs, indicating inhibition of de novo synthesis of EETs. In pressurized (80 mmHg) renal arcuate arteries (110-130 microm) preconstricted with phenylephrine (20 nM), superfusion with CGS 21680 (0.01-10 microM) increased the internal diameter (i.d.) concentration-dependently; vasodilation was independent of nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase activity. CGS 21680 (10 microM) increased i.d. by 32+/-6 microm; vasodilation was prevented by inhibition of EET synthesis with MS-PPOH. Addition of 3 nM 5,6-EET, 8,9-EET and 11,12-EET increased i.d. by 53+/-9, 17+/-4 and 53+/-5 microm, respectively, whereas 14,15-EET was inactive. The responses to 5,6-EET were, however, significantly inhibited by indomethacin. We conclude that 11,12-EET is the likely mediator of A2A R-induced dilation of rat PGMV. Activation of A2A R coupled to de novo EET stimulation may represent an important mechanism in regulating preglomerular microvascular tone. British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 441-448. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705640

Angiotensin II and renal medullary blood flow in Lyon rats

The present study evaluated the acute effects of ANG II (5-480 ng/kg iv) and phenylephrine (PE; 0.2-146 microg/kg iv) on total renal (RBF) and medullary blood flow (MBF) in anesthetized Lyon hypertensive (LH) and low-blood-pressure (LL) rats. ANG II and PE induced dose-dependent decreases in both RBF and MBF, which were greater in LH than in LL rats. Interestingly, after ANG II, but not after PE, the initial medullary vasoconstriction was followed by a long-lasting and dose-dependent vasodilation that was significantly blunted in LH compared with LL rats. The mechanisms of the MBF effects of ANG II were studied in LL rats only. Blockade of AT(1) receptors with losartan (10 mg/kg) abolished all the effects of ANG II, whereas AT(2) receptor blockade with PD-123319 (50 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) iv) did not change these effects. Indomethacin (5 mg/kg) decreased by approximately 90% the medullary vasodilation induced by the lowest doses of ANG II (from 15 ng/kg). In contrast, N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg and 0.1 mg. kg(-1). min(-1) iv) and the bradykinin B(2)-receptor antagonist HOE-140 (20 microg/kg and 10 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) iv) markedly lowered the medullary vasodilation at the highest doses of ANG II only. In conclusion, this study shows that LH rats exhibit an altered MBF response to ANG II compared with LL rats and indicates that the AT(1) receptor-mediated medullary vasodilator response to low doses of ANG II is mainly due to the release of PGs, whereas the dilator response to high doses of ANG II has additional nitric oxide- and kinin-dependent components.

Role of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid in the renal and vasoconstrictor actions of angiotensin II

The present study examined the effects of ANG II on the renal synthesis of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) and its contribution to the renal vasoconstrictor and the acute and chronic pressor effects of ANG II in rats. ANG II (10(-11) to 10(-7) mol/l) reduced the diameter of renal interlobular arteries treated with inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase, lipoxygenase, and epoxygenase by 81 +/- 8%. Subsequent blockade of the synthesis of 20-HETE with 17-octadecynoic acid (1 micromol/l) increased the ED(50) for ANG II-induced constriction by a factor of 15 and diminished the maximal response by 61%. Graded intravenous infusion of ANG II (5-200 ng/min) dose dependently increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) in thiobutylbarbitol-anesthetized rats by 35 mmHg. Acute blockade of the formation of 20-HETE with dibromododecenyl methylsulfimide (DDMS; 10 mg/kg) attenuated the pressor response to ANG II by 40%. An intravenous infusion of ANG II (50 ng. kg(-1). min(-1)) in rats for 5 days increased the formation of 20-HETE and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) in renal cortical microsomes by 60 and 400%, respectively, and increased MAP by 78 mmHg. Chronic blockade of the synthesis of 20-HETE with intravenous infusion of DDMS (1 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)) or EETs and 20-HETE with 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT; 2.2 mg. kg(-1). h(-1)) attenuated the ANG II-induced rise in MAP by 40%. Control urinary excretion of 20-HETE averaged 350 +/- 23 ng/day and increased to 1,020 +/- 105 ng/day in rats infused with ANG II (50 ng. kg(-1). min(-1)) for 5 days. In contrast, urinary excretion of 20-HETE only rose to 400 +/- 40 and 600 +/- 25 ng/day in rats chronically treated with ANG II and ABT or DDMS respectively. These results suggest that acute and chronic elevations in circulating ANG II levels increase the formation of 20-HETE in the kidney and peripheral vasculature and that 20-HETE contributes to the acute and chronic pressor effects of ANG II.

Cytochrome P450 pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism

Cytochrome P450s metabolize arachidonic acid to hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. These eicosanoids are formed in a tissue and cell-specific manner and have numerous biological functions. Of major interest are the opposing actions of hydroxyeicosatetraenoic and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids within the vasculature. Regio- and stereoisomeric epoxyeicosatrienoic acids have potent vasodilatory properties while 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid is a potent vasoconstrictor. Both effects are mediated through actions on large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Cytochrome P450-derived eicosanoids are also important in the regulation of ion transport, and have recently been shown to influence a number of fundamental biological processes including cellular proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and hemostasis. The formation of these functionally relevant eicosanoids is tightly controlled by the expression and activity of the cytochrome P450 epoxygenases and hydroxylases. In addition, soluble epoxide hydrolase catalyzes the hydrolysis of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids to dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids, and the activity of this enzyme is a critical determinant of tissue epoxyeicosatrienoic and dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid levels. The intracellular balance between epoxyeicosatrienoic, dihydroxyeicosatrienoic and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids influences the biological response to these eicosanoids and alterations in their levels have recently been associated with certain pathological conditions. The involvement of the cytochrome P450-derived eicosanoids in a wide array of biological functions and the observation that levels are altered in pathological conditions suggest that the enzymes involved in the formation and degradation of these fatty acids may be novel therapeutic targets.

Renal blood flow autoregulation in blood pressure control

Although the kidney strives to maintain its perfusion within tight boundaries, considerable blood flow fluctuations do occur. The reasons for this are the rather slow acting compensatory mechanisms of renal blood flow autoregulation, the effects of renal nerves, hormonal influences, etc. It seems that variations in renal perfusion can exert a major influence on renal excretory functions, on renin release and on blood pressure. The clinical importance of renal blood flow variability is not fully understood. In many situations, the absence of normal cardiovascular oscillations seems to be a risk factor. Large fluctuations in perfusion pressure to the kidney, however, in the long run, may induce target organ damage.