Transgenic rats: new animal models in hypertension research. Invited lecture

Functional Significance of Angiotensin Receptor Type 2 in the Neuroplasticity of Autonomic Ganglia in (mRen2)27 Transgenic Hypertensive Rats

ABSTRACT

The over-expression of Ren -2 d gene in (mRen2)27 rats leads to development of hypertension mediated by the renin-angiotensin-system axis and exaggerated sympathetic nerve activity. Exogenously applied angiotensin II (AngII) on the superior cervical ganglion evokes ganglionic compound action potentials (gCAP) and ganglionic long-term potentiation (gLTP). We studied the functional role of angiotensin receptors and expression of reactive oxygen species marker, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) proteins in AngII-induced postganglionic transmission. Bath-applied AngII revealed that the indices of ganglionic transmission, synaptic strength of gCAP, and decay time for gLTP are remarkably prolonged in (mRen2)27 rats and were abolished by an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), suggesting postganglionic AngII Type 1 (AT 1 ) receptor localization and mediation. Receptor density for AT 1 was similar in (mRen2)27 and control animals, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed that it is consistent with the mRNA profile. Furthermore, immunocytochemistry analysis showed similar AT 1 receptor distribution and signals. However, assessment of Type 2 (AT 2 ), Ang-(1-7)-MAS and NOX4-specific proteins showed that AT 2 receptor protein expression was 4-fold lower, consistent with a low mRNA profile. MAS receptor expression was 10-fold lower and NOX4 protein was 2-fold lower. Despite similarity in the densities of AT 1 receptor, the low levels of the components of the protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system at the ganglia may contribute to the differential superior cervical ganglion sensitivity to AngII. The lower NOX4 affects reactive oxygen species balance and possibly results in activation of downstream pathways to promote increased sympathetic nerve activity. We speculate that the significant diminution in AT 2, MAS, and NOX4 protein expressions may play an indirect role in the alteration and efficacy of gCAP and gLTP in hypertension.

Enhanced Glial Reaction and Altered Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase are Implicated in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a complex etiology, and its specific causal factors remain to be elucidated. Aberration of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inflammation, together with astrocytic and microglial cells have been continually associated with several neurological disorders, including ADHD. Using spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR), we investigated the changes in nNOS, inflammatory, microglial and astrocytic markers in the frontal cortex and hippocampus at three different ages: onset of hypertension stage (i.e., 6 weeks after birth of SHR), established hypertension stage (i.e., 12 weeks after birth of SHR) and senescent stage (i.e., 12 months after birth of SHR), and compared with its age-matched normotensive control, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. A significant upregulation of Iba-1 expression in the senescent stage of SHR was observed. Further, we observed an upregulated nNOS expression in both onset and established stages of SHR, and a downregulated nNOS in the senescent stage. Our study showed an age-related increment of astrogliosis in the cortex and hippocampi of aged SHR. On the basis of our results, alterations in the nNOS and Iba-1 expressions, as well as age-related astrogliosis, may contribute to ADHD pathogenesis.

Runcaciguat, a novel soluble guanylate cyclase activator, shows renoprotection in hypertensive, diabetic, and metabolic preclinical models of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney diseaQueryse (CKD) is associated with oxidative stress which can interrupt the nitric oxide (NO)/soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) signaling and decrease cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) production. Low cGMP concentrations can cause kidney damage and progression of CKD. The novel sGC activator runcaciguat targets the oxidized and heme-free form of sGC, restoring cGMP production under oxidative stress. The purpose of this study is to investigate if runcaciguat could provide an effective treatment for CKD. Runcaciguat was used for the treatment not only in rat CKD models with different etiologies and comorbidities, namely of hypertensive rats, the renin transgenic (RenTG) rat, and angiotensin-supplemented (ANG-SD) rat, but also in rats with diabetic and metabolic CKD, the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat. The treatment duration was 2 to 42 weeks and runcaciguat was applied orally in doses from 1 to 10 mg/kg/bid. In these different rat CKD models, runcaciguat significantly reduced proteinuria (urinary protein to creatinine ratio; uPCR). These effects were also significant at doses which did not or only moderately decrease systemic blood pressure. Moreover, runcaciguat significantly decreased kidney injury biomarkers and attenuated morphological kidney damages. In RenTG rats, runcaciguat improved survival rates and markers of heart injury. These data demonstrate that the sGC activator runcaciguat exhibits cardio-renal protection at doses which did not reduce blood pressure and was effective in hypertensive as well as diabetic and metabolic CKD models. These data, therefore, suggest that runcaciguat, with its specific mode of action, represents an efficient treatment approach for CKD and associated CV diseases.

Influence of up-regulated renin-angiotensin system on the exploration, anxiety-related behavior and object recognition

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in the development of hypertension and has serious consequences on behaviour. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of hypertension, induced by up-regulated RAS, on the exploration, anxiety-related behaviour and object recognition in laboratory rats. In the experiment, 12 weeks old normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) and hypertensive TGR(mREN2)27 (TGR) male rats with up-regulated RAS were used. In the open-field test, the TGR rats were less active in ambulating, rearing and sniffing and more active in self-grooming and urinating than SD ones. In the elevated plus-maze test, the TGR rats showed lower frequency of total arm entries, closed arm entries and higher frequency of defecation than in controls. In the emergence test, TGR rats did not show significant differences. In the novel object recognition task, the TGR rats spent less time with exploration of both familiar and unfamiliar objects but preferred the novel object over the familiar one and exhibited higher percentage of the total exploring time spent with novel object exploration than SD rats. Our results indicate that the TGR rats are less actively exploring, show some modifications of emotional/anxiety-related behavior and exhibited better recognition abilities.

Neurobehavioral tests in rat models of degenerative brain diseases

Each translational approach in medical research forces the establishment of neurobehavioral screening systems, dedicated to fill the gap between postgenomic generation of state-of-the-art animal models (i.e. transgenic rats) on the one hand and their added value for really predictive experimental preclinical therapy on the other. Owing to these developments in the field, neuroscientists are frequently challenged by the task of detecting discrete behavioral differences in rats. Systematic, comprehensive phenotyping covers these needs and represents a central part of the process. In this chapter, we provide an overview on theoretical issues related to comprehensive neurobehavioral phenotyping of rats and propose specific classical procedures, protocols (similar to the SHIRPA approach in mice), as well as techniques for repeated, intraindividual phenotyping. Neurological testing of rats, motorfunctional screening using the accelerod approach, emotional screening using the social interaction test of anxiety, and testing of sensorimotoric gating functions by prepulse inhibition of the startle response are provided in more detail. This description is completed by an outlook on most recent developments in the field dealing with automated, intra-home-cage technologies, allowing continuous screening in rats in various behavioral and physiological dimensions on an ethological basis.

Altered cardiovascular responses to chronic angiotensin II infusion in aged rats

In this work we determined by telemetry the cardiovascular effects produced by Ang II infusion on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in aged rats. Male Wistar aged (48-52 weeks) and young (12 weeks) rats were used. Ang II (6 microg/h, young, n=6; aged, n=6) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl 1 microl/h, young, n=4; aged, n=5) were infused subcutaneously for 7 days, using osmotic mini-pump. The basal diurnal and nocturnal BP values were higher in aged rats (day: 98+/-0.3 mm Hg, night: 104+/-0.4 mm Hg) than in the young rats (day: 92+/-0.2 mm Hg, night: 99+/-0.2 mm Hg). In contrast, the basal diurnal and nocturnal HR values were significantly smaller in the aged rats. Ang II infusion produced a greater increase in the diurnal BP in the aged rats (Delta MAP=37+/-1.8 mm Hg) compared to the young ones (Delta MAP=30+/-3.5 mm Hg). In contrast, the nocturnal MAP increase was similar in both groups (young rats; Delta MAP=22+/-3.0 mm Hg, aged rats; Delta MAP=24+/-2.6 mm Hg). During Ang II infusion HR decreased transiently in the young rats. An opposite trend was observed in the aged rats. Ang II infusion also inverted the BP circadian rhythm, in both groups. No changes in HR circadian rhythm were observed. These differences suggest that the aging process alters in a different way Ang II-sensitive neural pathways involved in the control of autonomic activity.

Bradykinin and matrix metalloproteinases are involved the structural alterations of rat small resistance arteries with inhibition of ACE and NEP

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Increased vascular resistance is a hallmark of hypertension and involves structural alterations, which may entail smooth muscle cell hypertrophy or hyperplasia, or qualitative or quantitative changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Since the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system modulates these changes, we investigated the effects of 8 weeks of treatment with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, ramipril (RAM), or a dual ACE and neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor, MDL-100240 (MDL), on mesenteric small artery structure and ECM proteins in mRen2-transgenic rats (TGRs), an animal model of hypertension with severe cardiovascular damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five 5-week-old rats were included in the study: six TGRs received RAM; five TGRs RAM + the bradykinin receptor inhibitor, icatibant; six TGRs, MDL; and five TGRs MDL + icatibant, while eight TGRs and five normotensive Sprague-Dawley controls were kept untreated. Mesenteric small arteries were dissected and mounted on a micromyograph. The media-to-lumen ratio (M/L) was then calculated. Vascular metalloproteinase (MMP) content was evaluated by zymography.

RESULTS

In untreated TGRs severe hypertension was associated with inward eutrophic remodelling of small arteries. Both RAM and MDL prevented the increase in blood pressure and M/L and decreased MMPs. Icatibant blunted the effect of MDL on BP, M/L and MMPs.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in collagenase activity induced by ramipril and MDL are associated with prevention of small artery structural alterations in TGRs. Furthermore, MDL-induced enhancement of bradykinin could play a role in both the prevention of vascular structural alterations and in the stimulation of MMPs.

Vascular responses to Angiotensin-(1-7) during the estrous cycle

Mesenteric arteries (230-290 microm) were isolated from virgin female rats at diestrous and proestrous phases of the estrous cycle and from ovariectomized (OVX) rats with or without estrogen (E2) replacement (17beta-estradiol, 7.5 + 5 mg pellets, 21 d release). Arteries were mounted in a pressurized myograph system. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] concentration-dependent responses (10(-10)-10(-5) M) were determined in arteries preconstricted with endothelin-1 (10(-7) M). Mesenteric arteries were pretreated with the specific Ang-(1-7) antagonist, D-[Ala7]-Ang-(1-7) (10(-7) M) to assess the Ang-(1-7) receptor-mediated dilator effect. Ang-(1-7) did not dilate mesenteric arteries from virgin rats at diestrus and placebo-treated OVX female rats as compared to the time control; however, Ang-(1-7) elicited a modest dilation at proestrus as compared to diestrus, which reached statistical significance at 10(-8) M concentrations. Ang-(1-7) caused a concentration-dependent vasodilation in mesenteric arteries of females with E2 replacement, with an EC50 of 21 nM. D-[Ala7]-Ang-(1-7) blocked the vasodilator effect of Ang-(1-7). Our results demonstrate that during proestrus Ang-(1-7) elicits modest vasodilation as compared to diestrus, but lacks vasodilatory properties in vessels from diestrous and ovariectomized rats. Estrogen replacement restores a significant dilator response to Ang-(1-7) in OVX rats that is mediated by a D-[Ala7]-Ang-(1-7) sensitive site.

Alterations in Sympathetic Ganglionic Transmission in Response to Angiotensin II in (mRen2)27 Transgenic Rats

Hypertension in (mRen2)27 transgenic rats is partly dependent on activation of the sympathetic nervous system, but the role of ganglionic transmission is unknown. We assessed indices of synaptic plasticity (post-tetanic short-term potentiation [PTP] and long-term potentiation [LTP]) and sympathetic ganglionic transmission without tetany in superior cervical ganglia (SCG) of Hannover Sprague-Dawley rats (HnSD) versus (mRen2)27 rats. There were no differences in decay time constants [PTP=9 minutes; LTP=120 to 150 minutes in both (mRen2)27 and HnSD]. However, angiotensin (Ang) II increased PTP and LTP in SCG isolated from (mRen2)27 rats to a greater extent than HnSD. Candesartan (an AT 1 antagonist) blocked the potentiation in both groups. Without a preceding tetanic pulse, 16-nM Ang II induced similar significant increases in ganglionic transmission of ≈14% in both strains. Assessment of Ang II receptors by 125 I-[Sar 1 Thr 8 ]-Ang II binding showed that the AT 1 -receptor subtype predominates in the ganglia. The density of receptors in the SCG was comparable in (mRen2)27 and HnSD rats, whether measured in tissue from ganglia removed and frozen versus ganglia used in the transmission testing, suggesting that upregulation of receptors in vitro after removal of SCG did not occur. The divergence of effects of Ang II on LTP and PTP [greater in (mRen2)27 than HnSD] and nontetany ganglionic transmission (similar in both strains) may reflect different locations of receptors (pre- versus postsynaptic) or different signaling mechanisms involved in the two responses. We suggest that functional Ang II receptors in SCG mediate physiological actions of Ang II on ganglionic transmission and may play a pivotal role in hypertension.

Differential expression of vasopressin V1a and V1b receptors mRNA in the brain of renin transgenic TGR(mRen2)27 and Sprague-Dawley rats

Recent evidence indicates that renin transgenic rats TGR(mRen2)27 (TGR) manifest increased activity of the central vasopressinergic system. Because one of the reasons for this finding could be an increased synthesis of vasopressin receptors, we determined in the present study expression of V1a and V1b vasopressin receptors (R) mRNA in the brain of TGR rats and of their parent Sprague-Dawley (SD) strain. Competitive PCR method was applied for quantitative analysis of V1a and V1b receptors mRNA in the preoptic, diencephalic, mesencephalopontine and medullary regions. V1aR mRNA expression was similar in SD and TGR rats in the preoptic, diencephalic and mesencephalopontine regions. In the medullary region expression of V1aR mRNA was significantly lower in TGR than in SD rats. V1bR mRNA did not differ in TGR and SD rats in the preoptic, diencephalic and medullary region whereas it was significantly elevated in the mesencephalopontine region. The results provide evidence for differential regulation of V1a and V1b receptors genes in the brain stem of TGR rats that is manifested by downregulation of V1aR mRNA in the medulla and upregulation of V1bR mRNA in the mesencephalopontine region.

Dual ACE and NEP inhibitor MDL-100,240 prevents and regresses severe angiotensin II-dependent hypertension partially through bradykinin type 2 receptor

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of the dual angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) + neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibitor, MDL-100,240 (MDL), on hypertension and cardiovascular damage in male heterozygous transgenic Ren2 rats.

METHODS

Blood-pressure-matched 5-week-old transgenic rats were allocated to receive a placebo, MDL (40 mg/kg body weight) or ramipril (5 mg/kg body weight) for 8 weeks. During the last 4 weeks, the bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, icatibant (0.5 mg/kg body weight), was also administered subcutaneously via osmotic minipumps to 50% of the transgenic rats receiving MDL or ramipril. We measured blood pressure, heart weight, structural changes in the aorta and small resistance mesenteric arteries, and the plasma concentrations of adrenomedullin, aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide and cGMP. To verify if MDL could regress long-standing hypertension and full-blown cardiovascular damage, 3-month-old transgenic rats received MDL subcutaneously (3 and 10 mg/kg body weight, osmotic minipumps) for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, MDL decreased blood pressure (P < 0.001) and prevented left ventricular hypertrophy (P < 0.001), being as effective as ramipril. Hypertrophy and dilatation of the aorta and hypertrophy of the resistance arterioles were all prevented by MDL. Plasma aldosterone was decreased by MDL (P < 0.001), but not by ramipril. Icatibant blunted the decrease in blood pressure (P < 0.001), decreased cGMP concentrations and blunted the decrease in cross-sectional area of the resistance arteries in MDL-treated, but not in ramipril-treated, transgenic rats. In 3-month-old transgenic rats, MDL normalized blood pressure, regressed left ventricular hypertrophy and decreased adrenomedullin concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The dual ACE+NEP inhibitor MDL prevented and regressed severe hypertension and cardiovascular damage, even in this model of severe angiotensin II-dependent hypertension with pronounced cardiovascular damage. Enhancement of the effects of bradykinin has a role in such favourable outcomes.

Effects of angiotensins on day-night fluctuations and stress-induced changes in blood pressure

In this study we evaluated by telemetry the effects of ANG II and ANG-(1-7) infusion on the circadian rhythms of blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) and on the cardiovascular adjustment resulting from restraint stress in rats. ANG II or ANG-(1-7) or vehicle were infused subcutaneously for 7 days. Restraint stress was carried out before, during, and after infusion at 7-day intervals. Parallel with an increase in MAP, ANG II infusion produced an inversion of MAP circadian rhythm with a significant MAP acrophase inversion. It also produced bradycardia during the first 3 days of infusion. Thereafter, HR progressively increased, reaching values similar to or above those of the control period at the end of the infusion period. HR circadian variation was not changed by ANG II infusion. Strikingly, ANG II significantly attenuated the increase in MAP induced by restraint stress without altering the HR response. ANG-(1-7) infusion produced a slight but significant decrease in MAP restricted to the daytime period. No significant changes in the MAP acrophase were observed. In addition, ANG-(1-7) infusion produced a small but significant sustained bradycardia. ANG-(1-7) did not change cardiovascular responses to restraint stress. These data indicate that ANG II can influence the activity of brain areas involved in the determination of stress-induced or circadian-dependent variations of blood pressure without changing HR fluctuations. A significant modulatory influence of ANG-(1-7) on basal MAP and HR is also suggested.

Comparative effects of the dual ACE-NEP inhibitor MDL-100,240 and ramipril on hypertension and cardiovascular disease in endogenous angiotensin II-dependent hypertension

We investigated the effects of MDL-100,240 in a transgenic rat model (TGRen2) of hypertension with severe cardiovascular damage (CVD) due to enhanced tissue synthesis of angiotensin II (Ang II). Male heterozygous TGRen2 rats (5 weeks old) were allocated to receive MDL-100,240, ramipril (RAM) or placebo (PLAC) for 4 weeks, during which blood pressure (BP) was measured. We then evaluated: 1) left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV), brain, kidney and adrenals weight; 2) structural changes in the aorta and the mesenteric arterioles wall; 3) tension responses of segments of the aorta to phenylephrine, KCl, and endothelin-1; and 4) creatinine, aldosterone, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and cyclic GMP (cGMP) plasma levels. Compared to PLAC, both MDL-100,240 and RAM significantly (P < .001) lowered BP (after 4 weeks: 255 +/- 15 mm Hg PLAC, v 174 +/- 6 MDL-100,240, v 166 +/- 5 RAM). They hindered LV hypertrophy (3.73 +/- 0.25 mg/g body weight (PLAC) v 2.71 +/- 0.22 (MDL-100,240) P < .001; v 2.36 +/- 0.2 (RAM), P < .001). MDL-100,240 also prevented aortic dilatation and hypertrophy of the mesenteric arterioles (media thickness, 25.3 +/- 0.5 microm PLAC, v 21.1 +/- 0.9 MDL-100,240, P < .007; v 20.2 +/- 1.5 RAM, P = .033) and lowered the tension responses to phenylephrine (P < .01), KCl (P < .01), and endothelin-1 (P < .001). Plasma aldosterone (710 +/- 153 pmol/L PLAC, v 237 +/- 61 MDL-100,240, v 180 +/- 22 RAM) and creatinine levels (0.69 +/- 0.33 mg/dL PLAC, v 0.41 +/- 0.02 MDL-100,240, v 0.41 +/- 0.04 RAM) were also decreased (P < or = .001). Compared to PLAC, plasma ANP levels were 11% and 2.4% higher in MDL-100,240 and RAM, respectively (both P = not significant); cGMP levels were unaffected. Thus, severe hypertension and related CVD were regressed by MDL-100,240, which resulted to be as effective as a full dosage of ramipril in TGRen2.

Involvement of cysteinyl leukotrienes in angiotensin II-induced contraction in isolated aortas from transgenic (mRen-2)27 rats

OBJECTIVES

We have previously reported that 5-lipoxygenase-derived products, and particularly the cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), were involved in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced contractions in isolated aortas from spontaneously hypertensive rats.

DESIGN

The aim of this study was to assess the role of CysLTs in the vascular response to Ang II in an Ang II-dependent model of hypertension, the (mRen-2)27 transgenic rats (TGs).

METHODS

Intact aortic rings from TG and normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (SDs) were suspended in organ chambers for isometric tension development in response to Ang II. In addition, the release of CysLTs in response to Ang II (0.3 micromol/l) was measured by enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

In isolated aortas from TG rats, pretreatment with the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor (AA861, 10 micromol/l) or the CysLT1 receptor antagonist (MK571, 1 micromol/l) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced Ang II-induced contractions by 52 and 42%, respectively. In addition, Ang II induced a 2.6-fold increase in CysLT release (pg/mg dry weight tissue: 58.3 +/- 17.9 (Ang II, n = 7) versus 22.5 +/- 5.9 (basal, n = 7) P < 0.05), which was inhibited by the AT1 receptor antagonist losartan (1 micromol/l). In contrast, in aortas from SD rats, pretreatment with AA861 or MK571 did not alter Ang II-induced contraction and CysLT production remained unchanged after exposure to Ang II.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that CysLTs are involved in the contractile responses to Ang II in isolated aortas from TG but not from SD rats.

Hypertension in transgenic (mREN2)27 rats is not associated with the presence of B1 receptors

B1 receptors are inducible receptors expressed only in stressful conditions. The aim of this study was to determine if, in (mREN2)27 transgenic rats, hypertension is associated with the presence of B1 receptors in the cardiovascular system and if a heat stress inducible effect is preserved during hypertension. Age-matched (16 weeks old) heterozygous hypertensive transgenic (mREN2)27 rats (HT rats) and the normotensive control animals (homozygous Sprague-Dawley rats, NT rats) were used. The study was conducted in two parts: in the first part the responsiveness of B1 receptors was studied in rats submitted to heat stress (42 degrees C rectal temperature, 20 min) or sham anaesthesia 24 h before, by recording changes in isometric tension in aortic rings in response to [des-Arg9]-bradykinin, a B1 receptor agonist. In the second part, we studied whether B1 receptor mRNA was present in aorta, heart and kidneys, using a semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique. [des-Arg9]-Bradykinin induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of aortic rings only from animals submitted to prior heat stress. This response was significantly higher in aortic rings from heat stressed HT rats than from heat stressed NT ones. B1 receptor mRNA was undetectable in organs from rats not submitted to heat stress but they were present 5 h after heat stress in aorta, heart and kidneys from both NT and HT rats. In conclusion, arterial hypertension observed in (mREN2)27 rats is not associated with the presence of B1 receptors. However, after heat stress, we observed an increase in responsiveness from HT rat aortas compared to NT ones.

Enhanced blood pressure buffering role of the brain nitrergic system in renin transgenic rats

Previous studies provided evidence for an interaction between the brain nitrergic and vasopressinergic systems in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats in regulation of the cardiovascular functions. The present study was designed to determine the role of the brain nitric oxide (NO) in regulation of basal blood pressure and its interaction with vasopressin (AVP) in rats with renin dependent transgenic hypertension TGRmRen2(27) (TGR). The experiments were performed on conscious hypertensive TGR and normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Both groups were chronically instrumented with the left cerebral ventricle cannula (LCV) and femoral arterial catheter. LCV application of 2.3 nmol (0.5 microg) of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) an inhibitor of NO synthesis significantly elevated blood pressure (MAP) in TGR but not in SD rats. In contrast administration of NO donor S-acetyl-N-penicillamine (SNAP) produced significant decrease of MAP only in SD rats. LCV application of AVP (10 ng) elicited comparable increases of MAP in TGR and SD rats. Pretreatment with L-NNA significantly potentiated pressor response to AVP in TGR rats but not in SD rats. The results provide evidence that increased production of intrabrain NO may play a significant blood pressure buffering role in TGR rats both under baseline conditions and during activation of the vasopressinergic system.

Role of central AT1 and V1 receptors in cardiovascular adaptation to hemorrhage in SD and renin TGR rats

In acute experiments, intracranially applied angiotensin II and vasopressin elicit significant cardiovascular effects. The purpose of the present study was to find out whether chronic intrabrain elevation of these peptides, occurring in the renin transgenic TGR(mRen2)27 (TGR) rats, results in an alteration of the cardiovascular control. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate responses to hypovolemia were examined in hypertensive TGR and normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats under control conditions and during blockade of central AT1 or V1 receptors. Both groups received cerebroventricular infusions of either 1) cerebrospinal fluid (series 1), 2) AT1 receptors antagonist (AT1ANT, series 2), or 3) V1 receptors antagonist (V1ANT, series 3). Blockade of AT1 and V1 receptors decreased MAP in TGR but not in SD rats. In SD rats, bleeding elicited a similar decrease of MAP in each series and a transient increase of heart rate in series 3. In TGR, hemorrhage caused bradycardia and decrease of MAP, which was greater than in SD rats. Hemorrhagic hypotension in TGR was abolished by V1ANT and bradycardia by V1ANT or AT1ANT. The results demonstrate remarkable differences in cardiovascular adjustment to hemorrhage in SD and TGR rats and provide evidence for enhanced involvement of central V1 and AT1 receptors in the regulation of blood pressure during hypovolemia in TGR. Central V1 vasopressin receptors play a crucial role in eliciting posthemorrhagic hypotension and bradycardia in this strain.

Analysis of circadian blood pressure rhythm and target-organ damage in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE

We compared diurnal patterns of blood pressure in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), and analyzed the relationship between the change in diurnal patterns of blood pressure and target-organ damage in SHRSP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood pressure, heart rate and motor activity in the three groups of rats were continuously monitored by radiotelemetry, from 1100 h on the first measuring day to 1300 h on the third measuring day. The left ventricular weight and the ratio of beta-myosin heavy chain to alpha-myosin heavy chain in the cardiac left ventricle, morphological changes in the glomerular basement membrane in the kidney, 24 h urinary protein excretion and brain weights were also measured in 10-, 12- or 17-week-old SHRSP.

RESULTS

The SHR circadian blood pressure rhythm exhibited a pattern which peaked during the rats' active (light-off or dark) phase, but the peak time was a little closer to the resting (light-on) phase compared with that for WKY rats. Although the circadian blood pressure rhythm for 10-week-old SHRSP was similar to that observed for SHR, the patterns in 12- and 17-week-old SHRSP were shifted further towards the resting phase. Heart and left ventricular weight increased with the progression of hypertension. The ratio of beta- to alpha-myosin heavy chain in the left ventricle was higher in 12- and 17-week-old SHRSP than in 10-week-old SHRSP. Brain weight was increased significantly in 17-week-old SHRSP compared with 10- and 12-week-old SHRSP. Increased urinary protein excretion and morphological changes in the glomerular basement membrane in the kidney were observed in 12- and 17-week-old SHRSP.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that SHRSP have an abnormal circadian blood pressure rhythm associated with hypertensive target-organ damage. This rat strain may therefore be a useful model in which to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the alteration in the circadian blood pressure rhythm, and to analyze the relationship between the abnormal circadian rhythm and target-organ damage.

Increased pressor function of central vasopressinergic system in hypertensive renin transgenic rats

OBJECTIVE

Renin transgenic hypertensive rats [TGR(mRen2)27] have increased contents of angiotensin II and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the cardiovascular brain regions. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of centrally released AVP on the regulation of baseline blood pressure in TGR(mRen2)27 rats and to determine the interaction between AVP and angiotensin II in the central control of blood pressure in this model of hypertension.

DESIGN

Three basic series of experiments were performed on 20 TGR(mRen2)27 and 20 Hannover Sprague-Dawley conscious rats, chronically instrumented with lateral cerebral ventricle (LCV) cannulae and femoral artery catheters. In series 1, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded during an LCV infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid before and after LCV administration of angiotensin II. In series 2, the effects of an LCV administration of angiotensin 11 (100 ng) on mean arterial pressure and the heart rate were determined during LCV infusion of a selective AVP receptor (V1) antagonist [1-(1-mercapto-4-methylcyclohexaneacetic acid)-8-arginine vasopressin (MeCAAVP) and d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2,Ala-NH2(9)]AVP] or a selective angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist (losartan) or both. In series 3, mean arterial pressure and the heart rate were determined after an LCV injection of either AVP (10 ng) or AVP together with angiotensin II.

RESULTS

The LCV infusions of antagonists to V1 and AT1 receptors caused significant comparable decreases in baseline MAP in TGR(mRen2)27 but not in Sprague-Dawley rats. Angiotensin II elicited significant pressor responses, both in TGR(mRen2)27 and in Sprague-Dawley rats. Blockade of V1 receptors significantly reduced the duration and the maximum amplitude of the central pressor response to angiotensin II in TGR(mRen2)27 rats, whereas in Sprague-Dawley rats the maximum pressor effect was not significantly altered. In both strains, the pressor response to angiotensin II was abolished by blockade of AT1 receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that the elevated blood pressure in TGR(mRen2)27 rats is partly caused by increased function of the brain angiotensinergic AT1 and vasopressinergic V1 systems. Centrally released AVP is involved in mediation of the pressor effect exerted by centrally applied angiotensin II in TGR(mRen2)27 rats.

Transgenesis and Gene Targeting in the Mouse

As more effort is made to identify genes responsible for hypertension in human populations and genetically hypertensive animal models, the need for experimental systems in which the functional significance of genes, gene variants, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) can be determined is becoming increasingly important. Over the past five years, transgenic and gene-targeting technology has been utilized to study the cardiovascular effects of over-expression or ablation of genes which have been considered candidates in the genetic basis of hypertension. This review focuses on the most recent major advances in this area, and how this technology aids in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which newly discovered genes or gene variants affect blood pressure in the whole organism. We also discuss the potential use of transgenic models in refining the location of a QTL, and discuss some of the limitations and potential pitfalls in the application of these tools to the field of hypertension research. The coupling of genetic manipulations afforded by transgenesis and gene targeting, along with advances in our ability to assess the cardiovascular phenotype in the mouse, provides us with a powerful system for examining the genes responsible for causing essential hypertension.

Mapping of candidate genes for hypertension by fluorescence in situ hybridization on the genome of transgenic rats and mice

Transgenic animals are new and important models for the study of candidate genes in hypertension research as well as in other fields of medicine. For detailed genetic characterization of the transgenic animals, and to account for the symptoms arising from the insertion of transgenes in the genome, it is essential to identify these insertion sites. In this study, the insertion sites of the transgenes of candidate genes for hypertension were identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) after G-banding of the chromosomes in transgenic rats and mice. This technique combines high resolution G-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization for the mapping of four different candidate genes in six different transgenic rats as well as three different mouse transgenic lines. The presented results will help to draw conclusions about the influence of the respective integration site on transgene expression.

Transgenic hypertensive rats show a reduced angiotensin II induced [Ca2+]i response in glomerular mesangial cells

The effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) induced changes of cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and growth response were investigated in transgenic TGR(mREN2)27 rats, a strain showing fulminant hypertension after the mouse Ren-2d renin gene has been integrated into its genome, in age-matched normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (SD), in spontaneously hypertensive rats of the Münster strain (SHR), and in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). In each strain the Ang II induced changes of [Ca2+]i were measured in cultured glomerular mesangial cells (MC) using the calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye, fura2. Resting [Ca2+]i was not significantly different between the strains tested. The Ang II induced [Ca2+]i rise was significantly less in MC from TGR(mREN2)27 compared to SD (peak level at 200 seconds: 161 +/- 15 nmol/L vs 217 +/- 43 nmol/L; mean +/- SEM; p<0.05). In the absence of external calcium, the Ang II induced [Ca2+]i increase was similar in MC from TGR(mREN2)27 and SD, indicating that the Ang II induced trans-plasma membrane calcium influx but not the calcium release is impaired in TGR(mREN2)27. The arginine vasopressin or endothelin induced [Ca2+]i increase were not significantly different in MC from TGR(mREN2)27 and SD. The Ang II or PDGF induced 3H-thymidine incorporation was not significantly different in MC from TGR(mREN2)27 and SD, indicating that the early growth response to Ang II is not impaired in TGR(mREN2)27. The Ang II induced peak [Ca2+]i increase was significantly enhanced in MC from SHR compared to WKY (215 +/- 30 nmol/L, n=17; vs 161 +/- 35 nmol/L, n=17; p<0.05). It is concluded that TGR(mREN2)27 show a selective defect in the cellular calcium response to Ang II.

Adrenal, kidney, and heart angiotensins in female murine Ren-2 transfected hypertensive rats

We analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay angiotensin I (Ang I), Ang II, Ang-(1-7), and metabolites in the adrenal, kidney and heart of normotensive female Sprague-Dawley (SD) and transgenic hypertensive [TGR(mRen-2)27] rats carrying the murine Ren-2d renin gene. The monogenetic model of hypertensive rats had significant increases in adrenal Ang II; whereas in the kidney Ang II was unchanged, but Ang I and Ang-(1-7) were significantly lower. Cardiac Ang I, Ang II, and Ang-(2-10) were significantly reduced in transgenic rats, while Ang-(2-7) was increased. In SD and transgenic rats kidney and adrenal angiotensins increased primarily during estrus or proestrus. In female transgenic rats the increased adrenal Ang II and the sustained renal Ang II may contribute to the established phase of hypertension.

Alpha-adrenergic signal transduction in renin transgenic rats

The alpha1-adrenoceptor-G protein-phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PLC) signal transduction pathway is assumed to play an important role in the regulation of contractile force and in the pathophysiology of myocardial hypertrophy. In the present study, the components of this pathway were investigated in left ventricles of hearts from hypertensive transgenic rats overexpressing the mouse renin gene [TG(mREN2)27] in comparison to age- and weight-matched Sprague-Dawley control rats. Contractile force was assessed in isolated electrically driven left ventricular papillary muscle strips. Alpha1-adrenoceptor density was measured by radioligand binding using [3H]prazosin, steady state levels of alpha q/11, and G protein beta-subunits by Western blotting. PLC activity was determined by a cell-free assay using exogenous phospholipid vesicles containing [3H]phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate as a substrate. Alpha1-adrenoceptor density was significantly increased (by 80%) in transgenic rats compared with control rats, while the positive inotropic response to the alpha1-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine was significantly reduced, suggesting a postreceptor defect in TG(mREN2)27. The expression of alpha q and alpha11 was verified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and alpha q/11 steady state protein levels were shown to be similar in transgenic and control rats. Western blotting using a beta-common antibody revealed two bands at approximately 35 and 36 kD. The quantities of both were similar in TG(mREN2)27 compared with those in control rats. In contrast, PLC activity was significantly reduced (by 32%) in transgenic rats. In conclusion, our findings are consistent with a desensitization of the alpha1-adrenergic signal transduction pathway at the level of the effector.

Angiotensin II mediates cell hypertrophy in vascular smooth muscle cultures from hypertensive Ren-2 transgenic rats by an amiloride- and furosemide-sensitive mechanism

We have reported that cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from hypertensive Ren-2 transgenic rats (TGR) are constitutively hypertrophic when compared to matched cells from normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats (SD), by a mechanism involving the endogenous production of angiotensin II (AII). In the present work, we analyzed the possible involvement of two Na+ transport mechanisms in TGR-VSMC hypertrophy. In both SD- and TGR-VSMC, AII increased both cell size, by a furosemide- and amiloride-sensitive mechanism, and Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport activity, by an amiloride-sensitive mechanism. Under basal unstimulated conditions, TGR-VSMC showed higher cell size and Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport activity than SD-VSMC. Under these same conditions, losartan, furosemide, or amiloride reduced cell size only in TGR-VSMC. Similarly, basal cotransport activity was reduced by losartan and amiloride to levels similar to those observed in SD-VSMC. We conclude that hypertrophy of TGR-VSMC is dependent on the endogenous production of AII and mediated by increased Na(+)-H+ exchange and Na+/K+/2Cl- cotransport activities.

Effects of captopril, losartan, and nifedipine on cell hypertrophy of cultured vascular smooth muscle from hypertensive Ren-2 transgenic rats

1. We hypothesized that tissular renin-angotensin system (RAS) induces vascular hypertrophy in hypertensive Ren-2 transgenic rats (TGR; strain name TGR(mRen2)L27). This assumption was tested in cell cultures of vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) from both hypertensive TGR and control normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Planar cell surface area, protein synthesis, and protein content per cell were studied, the role for locally produced angiotensin II (AII) was evaluated and the possible pharmacological interference by different drugs was analysed. 2. By use of radioimmunoassay techniques, AII could be determined in TGR cultures (10.25 +/- 0.12 pg per 10(7) cells) while it could not be detected in SD ones. 3. Under serum-free conditions, VSMC from hypertensive TGR were hypertrophic when compared to SD VSMC, as they presented a higher protein content per cell (335 +/-18 and 288 +/- 7 pg per cell respectively; P<0.05) and increased mean planar cell surface area, as determined by image analysis (4,074 +/- 238 and 4,764 +/- 204 microm2, respectively; P < 0.05). 4. When exogenously added to cultured SD and TGR VSMC, AII (100 pM to 1 microM) promoted protein synthesis and protein content in a concentration-dependent manner without affecting DNA synthesis. Maximal effects were observed at 100 nM. At this concentration, AII effectively increased planar cell surface area in both SD and TGR cultures by approximately 20%. 5. Treatment of TGR cultures, in the absence of exogenous AII, with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril or the angiotensin AT1 receptors antagonist losartan (100 nM to 10 microM) reduced planar cell surface area in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, both captopril and losartan (10 microM), decreased protein synthesis by approximately 15%. 6. Treatment of SD VSMC, in the absence of exogenous AII, with both captopril and losartan had no effect either on planar cell surface area or protein synthesis. 7. Treatment with the Ca2+ antagonist nifedipine (100 nM to 10 microM) reduced cell size in both SD and TGR cultures. Maximal cell reduction reached by nifedipine averaged 906 +/- 58 and 1,292 +/- 57 microm2, in SD and TGR, respectively (P<0.05). In addition, nifedipine, nitrendipine and nisoldipine (all at 10 microM) decreased protein synthesis in both cell types by 15-25%. 8. We concluded that cultured VSMC from TGR are hypertrophic in comparison with those from SD. This cell hypertrophy can be the consequence of the expression of the transgene Ren-2 that activates a tissular RAS and locally produces AII, which acts in a paracrine, autocrine, or intracrine manner. Cell hypertrophy in TGR cultures could be selectively reduced by RAS blockade, while nifedipine decreased cell size and protein synthesis in both hypertrophic and non hypertrophic cells.

Down-regulation of aortic and cardiac AT1 receptor gene expression in transgenic (mRen-2) 27 rats

1. Transgenic(TG) (mRen-2) rats overexpressing the mouse renin gene develop fulminant hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. Since the activation of AT1 receptor by angiotensin II is involved in blood pressure regulation, cardiac performance and myocardial growth, we investigated the biological effects of angiotensin II and the regulation of the AT1 receptor in the heart and aorta of TGR (mRen-2)27 rats in comparison to control animals. 2. Contraction studies on isolated cardiac muscle strips reveal that angiotensin II exerts no positive inotropic effect on the left ventricular myocardium of both, transgenic and control rats. In contrast, angiotensin II leads via AT1 receptor activation in the left atrium of control rats to a significant contraction (130 +/- 5% of basal contraction) which is not detectable in left atrium preparations of the transgenic animals. Furthermore, AT1 receptor activation causes a profound contraction of aortic rings isolated from control rats amounting to 1.39 +/- 0.2 mN mg-1 wet weight, whereas aortic rings from TGR (mRen-2)27 rats contract only minimally upon angiotensin II stimulation (0.2 +/- 0.02 mN mg-1 wet weight). 3. These altered physiological responses of angiotensin II in the transgenic rats are in part due to a marked down-regulation of the AT1 receptor in atrial, ventricular and aortic tissue of these transgenic animals in comparison to control Sprague-Dawley rats, as shown by radioligand binding assays and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiments. The AT1 receptor density Bmax in the left atrium was 1.3 +/- 0.08 fmol mg-1 protein in control rats (KD 1.1 +/- 0.18 nmol l-1) and 0.94 +/- 0.15 fmol mg-1 protein (KD 2.1 +/- 0.3 nmol l-1. In the aorta Bmax values were 15.1 +/- 0.5 fmol mg-1 protein (KD 1.9 +/- 0.27 nmol l-1) for control rats and 11.3 +/- 0.76 fmol mg-1 protein (KD 1.9 +/- 0.27 nmol l-1) for the TGR(mRen-2)27 rats AT1 receptor mRNA was reduced in the transgenic animals to 46 +/- 3% in the left atrium, 50 +/- 11% in the left ventricle and 40 +/- 3% in the aorta, respectively. 4. Together, the AT1 receptor is down-regulated in TGR (mRen-2)27 rats in comparison to wildtype Sprague Dawley rats leading to a profoundly decreased response of cardiac and aortic tissue upon stimulation with angiotensin II.

Nifedipine, losartan and captopril effects on hyperplasia of vascular smooth muscle from Ren-2 transgenic rats

Vascular smooth muscle cells from hypertensive transgenic rats for the mouse Ren-2 gene exhibited radioimmunoassayable angiotensin II and hyperplasia in comparison with cells from Sprague-Dawley rats. However, neither captopril, losartan, saralasin, nor PD123319 (all at 10 microM) modified DNA synthesis or cell number observed in 4-day growth curves with 10% fetal calf serum. Nifedipine reduced DNA synthesis in both cell types, the concentration required being significantly higher in Sprague-Dawley- (1 microM) than in transgenic-derived cultures (100 nM). The EC50 values were of 2.43 +/- 0.32 and 1.0 +/- 0.17 microM, respectively (P < 0.05). In both cell types, only 10 microM nifedipine reduced serum-induced cell proliferation, but inhibition percentage was higher in transgenic-derived cultures. In conclusion, hyperplasia of transgenic-derived vascular smooth muscle cells is not blocked by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor antagonists, but these cells are more sensitive to the antiproliferative effects of nifedipine.

Synthesis and secretion of natriuretic peptides in the hypertensive TGR(mREN-2)27 transgenic rat

To examine the pathophysiological mechanisms in transgenic rats carrying the murine Ren-2d renin gene, we studied atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) gene expression and secretion in 12-week-old hypertensive TGR(mREN-2)27 and normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats. Hypertension and marked left ventricular hypertrophy in TGR(mREN-2)27 rats were associated with high baseline plasma levels of immunoreactive ANP (148 +/- 18 versus 34 +/- 3 pmol/L, hypertensive versus normotensive rats; P < .001), whereas plasma immunoreactive BNP levels did not differ significantly between the strains (19 +/- 4 versus 12 +/- 3 pmol/L, P = .06). ANP mRNA and immunoreactive ANP levels in the left ventricular endocardial and epicardial layers in TGR(mREN-2)27 rats were about 20 to 40 times higher (P < .001) than those in normotensive rats. There were no statistically significant differences between atrial and ventricular BNP mRNA levels, but left ventricular immunoreactive BNP concentrations were twofold higher in hypertensive TGR(mREN-2)27 than in normotensive rats. Infusion of [Arg8]-vasopressin (0.05 microgram/kg per minute IV, for 2 hours) in normotensive rats produced rapid increases (twofold, P < .05 to .01) in left ventricular BNP mRNA and immunoreactive BNP levels, whereas ventricular BNP mRNA and peptide levels did not change significantly in hypertensive rats. The increase in left atrial BNP mRNA levels in response to acute pressure overload was also significantly smaller in the hypertensive than normotensive rats (3.5-fold versus 5.2-fold, P < .01). Furthermore, the proportional but not absolute (in picomoles per liter) increase in plasma immunoreactive ANP was smaller in transgenic rats in response to acute saline and [Arg8]-vasopressin infusions (0.9% NaCl: 1.9-fold increase versus 4.4-fold increase in normotensive rats, P < .001; [Arg8]-vasopressin: 2.2-fold versus 4.8-fold increase, P < .001). These results show that baseline and cardiac overload-induced increases in BNP synthesis are markedly attenuated in transgenic rats carrying the murine Ren-2d renin gene. In addition, acute volume and pressure overload produced a smaller proportional increase in ANP secretion in hypertensive rats than normotensive rats. These alterations in the natriuretic peptide system may contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiovascular complications in the TGR(mREN-2)27 rat.

Heterotrimeric G proteins in heart disease

Heterotrimeric G proteins couple many types of cell surface receptors to intracellular effectors such as enzymes or ion channels. In the mammalian heart, G protein-mediated signalling pathways are involved in the regulation of contractile force, heart rate, conduction velocity, and relaxation. In the first part of this review we summarize some important structural and functional features of receptors, G proteins, and effectors with special focus on the heart. In the second part, we review the current knowledge about alterations of G protein-mediated signalling in heart disease such as myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure.

Contribution of local renin-angiotensin system to cardiac hypertrophy, phenotypic modulation, and remodeling in TGR (mRen2)27 transgenic rats

BACKGROUND

The transgenic rat TGR(mRen2)27, carrying the mouse Ren-2 gene, is a new model to elucidate the role of the local renin-angiotensin system in vivo. However, the role of the local renin-angiotensin system in the heart remains to be determined in TGR(mRen2)27.

METHODS AND RESULTS

TGR(mRen2)27 were treated with various antihypertensive drugs for 6 weeks to examine the effects on cardiac hypertrophy and gene expression. Cardiac mRNAs were examined by Northern blot analysis. In TGR(mRen2)27, left ventricular hypertrophy was associated with a decrease in alpha-myosin heavy chain expression of 31% and an increase in skeletal alpha-actin and atrial natriuretic polypeptide expression by 2.6- and 21-fold, respectively (P < .05), thereby showing the shift of myocardium to a fetal phenotype. Furthermore, cardiac collagen and laminin expressions were increased in TGR(mRen2)27 (P < .05), suggesting the occurrence of cardiac remodeling. Although treatment of TGR(mRen2)27 with a high dose of TCV-116 (angiotensin AT1 receptor antagonist) or manidipine (calcium antagonist) combined with atenolol (beta 1-adrenergic receptor blocker) completely normalized blood pressure, TCV-116 regressed cardiac hypertrophy and suppressed the changes in cardiac mRNA levels of TGR(mRen2)27 much more potently than manidipine with atenolol. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of a low dose of TCV-116 on cardiac hypertrophy and altered gene expressions of TGR(mRen2)27 were greater than those of doxazosin (alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blocker) combined with atenolol, despite their similar hypotensive effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our present observations provide evidence that the cardiac renin-angiotensin system in TGR(mRen2)27 is responsible for cardiac hypertrophy, phenotypic modulation, and remodeling.

Physiological characterization of the hypertensive transgenic rat TGR(mREN2)27

Transgenic techniques represent powerful tools for the study of gene-related mechanisms of diseases such as hypertension, which results from a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The renin-angiotensin system, a biochemical cascade in which renin functions as the key enzyme in the formation of the effector peptide angiotensin II, plays a major role in the regulation of blood pressure. The renin gene, therefore, represents an important candidate gene for hypertension. Because rats are more suited than mice for a number of experimental settings often employed in cardiovascular research, we modified the transgenic technique to generate the transgenic rat strain TGR(mREN2)27 harboring the murine Ren-2 gene. These transgenic rats develop fulminant hypertension at an early age despite low levels of renin in plasma and kidney. In addition, high expression of the transgene in a number of extrarenal tissues is associated with increased local formation of angiotensin II. Thus the TGR(mREN2)27 rat represents a model of hypertension with a defined genetic background. Studies on the transgenic rat may not only provide new insights into pathophysiological mechanisms of hypertension in this animal model but also offer the unique possibility to investigate the function and regulation of renin-angiotensin systems in extrarenal tissues. The aim of this review is to compile the knowledge that has been accumulated to date on this transgenic rat and to discuss possible mechanisms responsible for its hypertensive phenotype.

A transgenic rat model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is the most common inherited neuropathy in humans and has been associated with a partial duplication of chromosome 17 (CMT type 1A). We have generated a transgenic rat model of this disease and provide experimental evidence that CMT1A is caused by increased expression of the gene for peripheral myelin protein-22 (PMP22, gas-3). PMP22-transgenic rats develop gait abnormalities caused by a peripheral hypomyelination, Schwann cell hypertrophy (onion bulb formation), and muscle weakness. Reduced nerve conduction velocities closely resemble recordings in human patients with CMT1A. When bred to homozygosity, transgenic animals completely fail to elaborate myelin. We anticipate that the CMT rat model will facilitate the identification of a cellular disease mechanism and serve in the evaluation of potential treatment strategies.

Role of area postrema in transgene hypertension

Transgenic [Tg(+)] rats carrying the mouse Ren-2d gene [(mRen-2d)27] are a newly established monogenetic form of experimental hypertension. To determine whether the area postrema contributes to the development of hypertension in mRen-2 Tg(+) rats, this circumventricular organ in the fourth ventricle was removed from 5-week-old Tg(+) rats. From weeks 4 through 9, systolic blood pressure was measured weekly by tail-cuff plethysmography in area postrema-lesioned and sham-lesioned Tg(+) rats. Although systolic blood pressure rose markedly in sham-lesioned Tg(+) rats, the increase in systolic blood pressure was significantly attenuated in area postrema-lesioned Tg(+) rats. At 9 weeks of age, a femoral artery was cannulated for the measurement of arterial pressure in awake rats. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) in area postrema-lesioned Tg(+) rats was significantly (P < .01) lower than that in sham-lesioned rats: 171 +/- 7 and 132.+/- 5 mm Hg, respectively. Baroreceptor reflex was evaluated by intravenous infusion of sodium nitroprusside. There was no significant difference in baroreceptor reflex sensitivity between the two groups. Intravenous pentolinium (5 mg/kg), used to produce sympathetic ganglionic block, caused significant decreases in MAP in both groups. However, the reduction of MAP in the sham-lesioned group was significantly (P < .05) greater than that in the area postrema-lesioned group: -73 +/- 4 and -48 +/- 6 mm Hg, respectively. The ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight in sham-lesioned Tg(+) rats was significantly larger than that of area postrema-lesioned rats. These results suggest that ablation of the area postrema markedly attenuates the development of hypertension in mRen-2d Tg(+) rats, and this attenuation may be attributed to decrease in sympathetic outflow.

Alterations of cardiac alpha- and beta-adrenoceptors and inotropic responsiveness in hypertensive transgenic rats harbouring the mouse renin gene (TGR(mREN2)27)

In the present study, we investigated the alpha- and beta-adrenoceptor-mediated effects on myocardial force of contraction (using phenylephrine in the presence of propranolol and isoprenaline) and receptor densities (binding studies using [3H]-prazosin and [125I]-iodocyanopindolol) in hypertensive transgenic rats (TGR(mREN2)27) and age-matched Sprague-Dawley rats (SP) as controls. In TGR(mREN2)27 the positive inotropic effects of isoprenaline and phenylephrine were reduced, while the effect of Ca2+ was unchanged. The EC50-values did not differ in both groups. A down-regulation of the beta-adrenoceptors was observed in the hypertrophied left ventricles of transgenic rats, which is postulated to be involved in the reduced beta-adrenoceptor-mediated positive inotropic effect. The alpha-adrenoceptor density was increased, which could represent a compensatory mechanism for the impaired effectiveness of the beta-adrenergic pathway. However, since the effect of alpha-adrenoceptor agonist is not enhanced but even reduced, an uncoupling of alpha-adrenoceptors from post receptor events could play a role in the observed effects.

Beta-adrenergic neuroeffector mechanisms in cardiac hypertrophy of renin transgenic rats

We studied neuroeffector defects in hypertrophied myocardium of hypertensive transgenic rats harboring the mouse Ren-2d gene. In transgenic rats, epinephrine and neuropeptide Y concentrations were reduced. A heterologous desensitization of adenylyl cyclase was observed, which was accompanied by a downregulation of beta 1-adrenergic receptors, an increase of inhibitory G protein alpha-subunits, and a mildly depressed catalyst activity of adenylyl cyclase, whereas the bioactivity of stimulatory G protein alpha-subunits and beta 2-adrenergic receptors was unchanged. Desensitization of adenylyl cyclase was accompanied by a reduced positive inotropic response to isoproterenol, whereas the effect of Ca2+ was unchanged. We conclude that sympathetic neuroeffector defects occur in transgenic rats similar to those observed in human failing myocardium. These alterations occur in the stage of hypertrophy and could contribute to contractile dysfunction in later stages.

Functional vascular renin-angiotensin system in hypertensive transgenic rats for the mouse renin gene Ren-2

1. Isolated aortic segments from transgenic rats for the mouse renin gene Ren-2 were more sensitive than those from control Sprague-Dawley ones to the vasoconstrictions induced by angiotensin II and to the potentiation of norepinephrine contractions by this peptide. 2. In transgenic, but not in control aorta, pretreatment with angiotensinogen potentiated norepinephrine-induced vasoconstrictions, this effect being abolished by captopril. 3. These results suggest that in the aorta of transgenic rats there is a higher functional tissue renin-angiotensin system that potentiates the vascular reactivity to norepinephrine.

Zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland in a transgenic strain of rat: a morphologic and functional study

Transgenic rats for the murine Ren-2 gene display high blood pressure, low circulating levels of angiotensin II, and high renin content in the adrenal glands. Moreover, transgenic rats possess an increased aldosterone secretion (maximal from 6 to 18 weeks of age), paralleling the development of hypertension. To investigate further the cytophysiology of the adrenal glands of this strain of rats, we performed a combined morphometric and functional study of the zona glomerulosa of 10-week-old female transgenic rats. Morphometry did not reveal notable differences between zona glomerulosa cells of transgenic and age- and sex-matched Sprague-Dawley rats, with the exception of a marked accumulation of lipid droplets, in which cholesterol and cholesterol esters are stored. The volume of the lipid-droplet compartment underwent a significant decrease when transgenic rats were previously injected with angiotensin II or ACTH. Dispersed zona glomerulosa cells of transgenic rats showed a significantly higher basal aldosterone secretion, but their response to angiotensin II and ACTH was similar to that of Sprague-Dawley animals. Angiotensin II-receptor number and affinity were not dissimilar in zona glomerulosa cells of transgenic and Sprague-Dawley rats. These data suggest that the sustained stimulation of the adrenal renin-angiotensin system in transgenic animals causes an increase in the accumulation in zona glomerulosa cells of cholesterol available for steroidogenesis, as indicated by the expanded volume of the lipid-droplet compartment and the elevated basal steroidogenesis. However, the basal hyperfunction of the zona glomerulosa in transgenic animals does not appear to be coupled with an enhanced responsivity to its main secretagogues, at least in terms of aldosterone secretion.

Reduced sodium-proton exchange activity in lymphocytes from transgenic rats

We investigated sodium-proton (Na(+)-H+) exchange activity in transgenic TGR(mRen-2)27 rats, a strain showing fulminant hypertension after the mouse Ren-2d renin gene has been integrated into its genome, in age-matched normotensive Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) from the Münster strain, and in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. From each strain Na(+)-H+ exchange activity was determined in lymphocytes using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester (BCECF-AM) by measuring the recovery rate of cytosolic pH (pHi) after intracellular acidification. Resting pHi was not significantly different in transgenic rats (n = 10) compared with SD rats (n = 10) (7.305 +/- 0.038 versus 7.337 +/- 0.031; mean +/- SEM), but resting pHi was significantly lower in lymphocytes from SHR (n = 12) compared with their normotensive WKY counterparts (n = 12) (7.232 +/- 0.030 versus 7.377 +/- 0.022; P < .01). Na(+)-H+ exchange activity was significantly lower in lymphocytes from transgenic rats compared with SD rats (5.102 +/- 0.561 versus 7.385 +/- 0.491 x 10(-3) dpHi/s; P < .01), whereas Na(+)-H+ exchange was significantly enhanced in lymphocytes from SHR compared with WKY rats (5.564 +/- 0.432 versus 3.921 +/- 0.433 x 10(-3) dpHi/s; P < .05). The apparent half-maximal activation of Na(+)-H+ exchange was not significantly different in the strains tested. The present study indicates that hypertension in transgenic rats is not related to Na(+)-H+ exchange overactivity.

Alterations in coronary artery vascular reactivity of hypertensive Ren-2 transgenic rats

BACKGROUND

The renin-angiotensin system and endothelium-derived nitric oxide (EDNO) are important regulators of vascular tone. This study was designed to investigate endothelial and vascular smooth muscle function in coronary arteries of Ren-2 transgenic rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Left anterior descending coronary arteries and aortas were isolated from transgenic rats and Sprague-Dawley control rats at 6 (young) and 12 (adult) weeks of age and examined in myographs or organ chambers for isometric tension recording. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in transgenic rats (young, 229 +/- 6 mm Hg; adult, 239 +/- 8 mm Hg) than in control rats (young, 126 +/- 2 mm Hg; adult, 118 +/- 3 mm Hg; P < .005). N omega-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10(-7) to 10(-4) mol/L) evoked marked endothelium-dependent contractions in coronary arteries (young, 52 +/- 8% of the contraction to 100 mmol/L KCl; adult, 40 +/- 8%) but not aortas (young, 3 +/- 1%; adult, 2 +/- 1%). In coronary arteries, this response was significantly smaller in adult (n = 9) than in young (n = 8, P < .05) control rats. Young transgenic rats (56 +/- 9%, n = 8) showed slightly stronger contractions in response to L-NAME than young control rats (NS), which almost totally disappeared in adult transgenic rats (6 +/- 3%, n = 7; P < .05 versus adult control rats; P < .01 versus young transgenic rats). Endothelium-dependent relaxations in response to acetylcholine (10(-9) to 10(-4) mol/L) were totally blocked by L-NAME (10(-4) mol/L) but were unaffected by the thromboxane receptor antagonist SQ30741 (10(-7) mol/L). This stimulated release of EDNO, endothelium-independent relaxations in response to the nitrovasodilator linsidomine (10(-9) to 10(-5) mol/L), and contractions in response to KCl (100 mmol/L) were comparable in all groups of rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Ren-2 transgenic rats develop fulminant hypertension that is associated with a selective decrease in endothelium-dependent contractions in response to L-NAME, whereas endothelium-dependent relaxations in response to acetylcholine as well as smooth muscle function remain unaffected.

Increased expression of angiotensin peptides in the brain of transgenic hypertensive rats

We determined the levels of angiotensin I (ANG I), angiotensin II (ANG II), and the heptapeptide angiotensin(1-7) [ANG(1-7)] in the blood and brain of female Hannover Sprague-Dawley (SD) and transgenic hypertensive rats [mRen-2]27 by radioimmunoassay and high performance liquid chromatography. Hypertension was accompanied by higher plasma concentrations of ANG II, no statistical changes in ANG(1-7), and no differences in plasma ANG I levels. In the hypothalamus of transgenic rats, concentrations of ANG II and ANG(1-7) averaged 827% and 168% above values in SD rats (p < 0.005) whereas both ANG I and ANG II increased in the medulla oblongata. The data showed that the established phase of hypertension in rats harboring the mouse Ren-2 gene is associated with overexpression of the renin-angiotensin system in brain regions participating in the endocrine regulation of blood pressure.

Hypertensive rats produced by in vivo introduction of the human renin gene

We established an efficient and nontoxic in vivo gene transfer method mediated by the Sendai virus (hemagglutinating virus of Japan [HVJ]), liposomes, and nuclear protein. In this study, to produce a hypertensive model rat that is dependent on human renin, the human renin gene was introduced into adult rat liver by our efficient in vivo gene transfer method using HVJ and liposomes (HVJ-liposomes). The rats treated with HVJ-liposomes containing the human renin gene showed a significant elevation of blood pressure for 6 days compared with control rats, which received injections of HVJ-liposomes without the human renin gene. On day 5 after the transfer, human active renin as well as angiotensin II were found in the plasma of rats in which the human renin gene was introduced. Moreover, the blood pressure of these rats was significantly correlated with the plasma levels of human active renin and angiotensin II. To confirm that the elevated blood pressure was due to the expression of the human renin gene, we administered a newly developed specific human renin inhibitor, FK 906. The elevated blood pressure was normalized by the intravenous administration of this drug. These data indicate that this hypertensive rat was produced by the in vivo transfer of the human renin gene into rat liver and that the expressed human renin cleaved rat substrate (angiotensinogen). This hypertensive rat produced by in vivo gene transfer should be useful in further studies on hypertension.