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Clark CR, Khalil RA. Regulation of vascular angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptor and angiotensin-(1-7)/MasR signaling in normal and hypertensive pregnancy. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115963. [PMID: 38061417 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/01/2024]
Abstract
Normal pregnancy (Norm-Preg) is associated with a slight reduction in blood pressure (BP) and decreased BP response to vasoconstrictor stimuli such as angiotensin II (Ang II), although the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is upregulated. Preeclampsia (PE) is a complication of pregnancy manifested as hypertension-in-pregnancy (HTN-Preg), and dysregulation of angiotensin biosynthesis and signaling have been implicated. Ang II activates vascular Ang II type-1 receptor (AT1R) and Ang II type-2 receptor (AT2R), while angiotensin-(1-7) promotes Ang-(1-7)/MasR signaling. The role of AT1R in vasoconstriction and the activated cellular mechanisms are well-characterized. The sensitivity of vascular AT1R to Ang II and consequent activation of vasoconstrictor mechanisms decrease during Norm-Preg, but dramatically increase in HTN-Preg. Placental ischemia in late pregnancy could also initiate the release of AT1R agonistic autoantibodies (AT1AA) with significant impact on endothelial dysfunction and activation of contraction pathways in vascular smooth muscle including [Ca2+]c and protein kinase C. On the other hand, the role of AT2R and Ang-(1-7)/MasR in vascular relaxation, particularly during Norm-Preg and PE, is less clear. During Norm-Preg, increases in the expression/activity of vascular AT2R and Ang-(1-7)/MasR promote the production of endothelium-derived relaxing factors such as nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor leading to generalized vasodilation. Aortic segments of Preg rats show prominent endothelial AT2R staining and increased relaxation and NO production in response to AT2R agonist CGP42112A, and treatment with AT2R antagonist PD123319 enhances phenylephrine-induced contraction. Decreased vascular AT2R and Ang-(1-7)/MasR expression and receptor-mediated mechanisms of vascular relaxation have been suggested in HTN-Preg animal models, but their role in human PE needs further testing. Changes in angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) have been observed in COVID-19 patients, and whether ACE2 influences the course of COVID-19 viral infection/immunity in Norm-Preg and PE is an intriguing area for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Clark
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Raouf A Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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2
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Mogi M. Renin-angiotensin system in the placenta of women with preeclampsia. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:2243-2244. [PMID: 37353687 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-023-01356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Mogi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ehime University, Graduate School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Tohon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan.
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3
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Steckelings UM, Widdop RE, Sturrock ED, Lubbe L, Hussain T, Kaschina E, Unger T, Hallberg A, Carey RM, Sumners C. The Angiotensin AT 2 Receptor: From a Binding Site to a Novel Therapeutic Target. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:1051-1135. [PMID: 36180112 PMCID: PMC9553111 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovered more than 30 years ago, the angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) has evolved from a binding site with unknown function to a firmly established major effector within the protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and a target for new drugs in development. The AT2R represents an endogenous protective mechanism that can be manipulated in the majority of preclinical models to alleviate lung, renal, cardiovascular, metabolic, cutaneous, and neural diseases as well as cancer. This article is a comprehensive review summarizing our current knowledge of the AT2R, from its discovery to its position within the RAS and its overall functions. This is followed by an in-depth look at the characteristics of the AT2R, including its structure, intracellular signaling, homo- and heterodimerization, and expression. AT2R-selective ligands, from endogenous peptides to synthetic peptides and nonpeptide molecules that are used as research tools, are discussed. Finally, we summarize the known physiological roles of the AT2R and its abundant protective effects in multiple experimental disease models and expound on AT2R ligands that are undergoing development for clinical use. The present review highlights the controversial aspects and gaps in our knowledge of this receptor and illuminates future perspectives for AT2R research. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) is now regarded as a fully functional and important component of the renin-angiotensin system, with the potential of exerting protective actions in a variety of diseases. This review provides an in-depth view of the AT2R, which has progressed from being an enigma to becoming a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Muscha Steckelings
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Edward D Sturrock
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Lizelle Lubbe
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Tahir Hussain
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Elena Kaschina
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Thomas Unger
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Anders Hallberg
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Robert M Carey
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Colin Sumners
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
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4
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Angiotensin receptors - affinitiy and beyond. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:799-802. [PMID: 35621123 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This commentary on the article "Relative affinity of angiotensin peptides and novel ligands at AT1 and AT2 receptors" by Sanja Bosnyak et al. (Clini. Sci. (Lond.) (2011) 121(7): 297-303. https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20110036) summarises the main findings of the study, followed by a discussion of the findings and their relevance for various aspects of the biology of receptors of the renin-angiotensin system in the context of the current state of knowledge.
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5
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Ritchie HE, Abela D, Ababneh D, Howe AM, Farrell E, Hegedus E. The effect of phenytoin on embryonic heart rate in Vivo. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 106:109-114. [PMID: 34653594 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Phenytoin is a known human teratogen with unknown etiology. Several mechanisms have been proposed including disturbances in folate metabolism, induction of embryonic hypoxia following phenytoin-induced bradycardia, free radical formation following re-oxygenation and phenytoin-induced maternal hyperglycemia. Using high frequency ultrasound, we demonstrated that phenytoin induced a dramatic decrease in the heart rate of embryos. This coincided with a moderate transient decrease in maternal heart rate and blood glucose levels. Embryonic heart rate had not fully recovered 24 h later in some embryos despite normal maternal physiological parameters. In a separate study, extent of hypoxia was measured using the marker pimonidazole. Phenytoin-exposed embryos did not demonstrate increased hypoxia compared to control embryos at 2, 4, 8 or 24 h dosing. Together our results show that phenytoin induces malformations as a result of a combination of insults: embryonic bradycardia, maternal bradycardia and maternal hyperglycemia. However, this does not appear to result in measurable embryonic hypoxia in our animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Ritchie
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Dominqiue Abela
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Deena Ababneh
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Andrew M Howe
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Emma Farrell
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Hegedus
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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6
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Tufiño C, Vanegas M, Velázquez Nevárez R, Villanueva López C, Bobadilla Lugo RA. Divergent impact of gestational diabetes mellitus between the thoracic and abdominal rat aorta: Influence of endothelium and angiotensin II receptors. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 899:173981. [PMID: 33689706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects 5-10% of pregnancies and increases the risk of fetal and maternal adverse outcomes. Interestingly, the vascular response to AngII is decreased by pregnancy while the response is increased by diabetes. It remains unclear how GDM affects vascular tone and how angiotensin II receptors contribute to these changes. In this work, we sought to establish the vascular impact of a hypercaloric diet-induced GDM through changes in AT1 and AT2 receptor's expression. Female rats fed for 7 weeks with standard (SD) or hypercaloric (HD) diet were divided at week 4. Half of the rats of each group were mated to become pregnant and those fed with a HD developed GDM. AngII-induced vasoconstriction was measured in thoracic or abdominal aorta rings using a conventional isolated organ bath and AT1 and AT2 receptors were searched by immunohistochemistry. Experiments where conducted on the pregnant standard diet group (PSD) and the pregnant hypercaloric-gestational diabetes mellitus group (PHD-GDM). Vasoconstriction was reduced in the thoracic aorta (P < 0.05 vs PSD) but increased in the abdominal aorta of PHD-GDM rats (P < 0.05 vs PSD). Blockade of AT2 receptors using PD123319 decreased vasoconstriction, particularly in the abdominal aorta of PHD-GDM animals (P < 0.05 vs PSD). PHD-GDM increased AT1 receptors expression (P < 0.05 vs PSD). Also, PHD-GDM reverted physiologic hypoglycemia and hypotension of healthy pregnancy. Findings provide new insight into the hypercaloric diet induced damage on the vasculature during pregnancy.
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MESH Headings
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Animals
- Aorta, Abdominal/drug effects
- Aorta, Abdominal/metabolism
- Aorta, Abdominal/physiopathology
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiopathology
- Diabetes, Gestational/metabolism
- Diabetes, Gestational/physiopathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology
- Female
- Pregnancy
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/agonists
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/agonists
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Vasoconstriction/drug effects
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Tufiño
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Col. Santo Tomás, México, 11340, D.F, Mexico
| | - Miriam Vanegas
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Col. Santo Tomás, México, 11340, D.F, Mexico
| | - Ruth Velázquez Nevárez
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Col. Santo Tomás, México, 11340, D.F, Mexico
| | - Cleva Villanueva López
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Col. Santo Tomás, México, 11340, D.F, Mexico
| | - Rosa Amalia Bobadilla Lugo
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Col. Santo Tomás, México, 11340, D.F, Mexico.
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7
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Assersen KB, Sumners C, Steckelings UM. The Renin-Angiotensin System in Hypertension, a Constantly Renewing Classic: Focus on the Angiotensin AT 2-Receptor. Can J Cardiol 2020; 36:683-693. [PMID: 32389341 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2020.02.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is common knowledge that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), in particular angiotensin II acting through the angiotensin AT1-receptor (AT1R), is pivotal for the regulation of blood pressure (BP) and extracellular volume. More recent findings have revealed that the RAS is far more complex than initially thought and that it harbours additional mediators and receptors, which are able to counteract and thereby fine-tune AT1R-mediated actions. This review will focus on the angiotensin AT2-receptor (AT2R), which is one of the "counter-regulatory" receptors within the RAS. It will review and discuss data related to the role of the AT2R in regulation of BP and focus on the following 3 questions: Do peripheral AT2R have an impact on BP regulation, and, if so, does this effect become apparent only under certain conditions? Are central nervous system AT2R involved in regulation of BP, and, if so, which brain areas are involved and what are the mechanisms? Does dysfunction of AT2R contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension in preeclampsia?
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasper B Assersen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Colin Sumners
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - U Muscha Steckelings
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
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8
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Mishra JS, te Riele GM, Qi QR, Lechuga TJ, Gopalakrishnan K, Chen DB, Kumar S. Estrogen Receptor-β Mediates Estradiol-Induced Pregnancy-Specific Uterine Artery Endothelial Cell Angiotensin Type-2 Receptor Expression. Hypertension 2019; 74:967-974. [PMID: 31378106 PMCID: PMC6739159 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The pregnancy-augmented uterine vasodilation is linked to increased AT2R (angiotensin type-2 receptor) that mediates the vasodilatory effects of angiotensin II. However, the mechanisms controlling AT2R expression during pregnancy remain unclear. Estrogens are known to play a role in vascular adaptations during pregnancy. We hypothesized that estrogen stimulates uterine artery AT2R expression via ER (estrogen receptor)-β-dependent transcription in a pregnancy-specific endothelium-dependent manner. Plasma estradiol levels increased and peaked in late pregnancy and returned to prepregnant levels post-partum, correlating with uterine artery AT2R and ERβ upregulation. Estradiol stimulated AT2R mRNA expression in endothelium-intact but not endothelium-denuded late pregnant and nonpregnant rat uterine artery ex vivo. Consistently, estradiol stimulated AT2R mRNA expression in late pregnant but not nonpregnant primary human uterine artery endothelial cells in vitro, which was abolished by ER antagonist ICI 182,780. Higher ERα protein bound to ER-responsive elements in AT2R promoter in the nonpregnant arteries whereas higher ERβ bound in the pregnant state. ERα protein levels were similar but higher ERβ protein levels were expressed in pregnant versus nonpregnant human uterine artery endothelial cells. Estradiol stimulation recruited ERα to the AT2R promoter in the nonpregnant state and ERβ to the AT2R promoter in pregnancy; however, only ERβ recruitment mediated transactivation of the AT2R reporter gene in pregnant human uterine artery endothelial cells. Estradiol-induced AT2R expression was abolished by the specific ERβ (not ERα) antagonist 4-[2-Phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol (PHTPP) and mimicked by the specific ERβ (not ERα) agonist 2,3-bis(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile (DPN) in pregnant human uterine artery endothelial cells in vitro. This study demonstrates a novel role of pregnancy-augmented ERβ in AT2R upregulation in the uterine artery and provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying uterine vascular adaptation to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay S. Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Gigi M. te Riele
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Qian-Rong Qi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Thomas J. Lechuga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kathirvel Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Dong-bao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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9
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Mishra JS, Gopalakrishnan K, Kumar S. Pregnancy upregulates angiotensin type 2 receptor expression and increases blood flow in uterine arteries of rats. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:1091-1099. [PMID: 29860295 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal pregnancy is associated with decreased uterine vascular contraction and increased blood flow even though angiotensin II (AngII) levels are increased. AngII not only activates the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) to mediate vasoconstriction but also angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) to cause vasodilation. We hypothesized that upregulation of AT2R expression and function accounts for increased uterine artery blood flow during pregnancy. Virgin, pregnant (at different days of gestation) and post-partum Sprague-Dawley rats were used to determine uterine artery hemodynamics using micro ultrasound and plasma angiotensin II levels by ELISA. Isolated uterine arteries were examined for AT1R and AT2R expression and isometric contraction/relaxation. Plasma AngII levels were steady up to mid-pregnancy, increased as pregnancy advanced, reaching a peak in late pregnancy, and then restored to pre-pregnant levels after delivery. The pattern of increase in AngII levels mirrored a parallel increase in uterine blood flow. AT1R expression did not change, but AT2R expression increased during pregnancy correlating with uterine blood flow increase. Treatment with the AT2R antagonist PD123319 reduced uterine arterial blood flow. Vasoconstriction to angiotensin II was blunted in pregnant rats. Treatment with PD123319 caused greater enhancement of AngII contraction in pregnant than virgin rats. Ex vivo exposure of estradiol to uterine arterial rings dose dependently upregulated AT2R expression, that was inhibited by estrogen receptor antagonist. These results demonstrate that elevated AngII levels during gestation induce an increase in uterine blood flow via heightened AT2R-mediated signaling. Estrogens appear to directly upregulate uterine vascular AT2R independent of any endogenous factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay S Mishra
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kathirvel Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sathish Kumar
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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10
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Alterations in vascular function by syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles via lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 in mouse uterine arteries. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:2369-2381. [PMID: 30352791 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Syncytiotrophoblast extracellular vesicles (STBEVs), released into the maternal circulation during pregnancy, have been shown to affect vascular function; however, the mechanism remains unknown. In rats, STBEVs were shown to reduce endothelium-mediated vasodilation via lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), a multi-ligand scavenger receptor that has been associated with vascular dysfunction. Recently, LOX-1 was shown to interact with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT-1). We hypothesized that, in pregnant mice, STBEVs would impair vascular function via LOX-1 and would specifically affect angiotensin II responses. Uterine arteries from pregnant control (C57BL/6) and LOX-1 knockout (LOX-1KO) mice were isolated on gestational day (GD) 18.5. Endothelium-dependent (methylcholine (MCh); ± N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester to assess nitric oxide (NO) contribution), and -independent (sodium nitroprusside) vasodilation, and vasoconstriction (angiotensin II; ± AT-1 [candesartan] or angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT-2) [PD123.319] receptor antagonists; high potassium salt solution) responses were assessed using wire myography. AT-1 and AT-2 expression was analyzed using fluorescence microscopy. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were stimulated with STBEVs ± LOX-1 blocking antibody, and superoxide and peroxynitrite production were analyzed. Although MCh-induced vasodilation was decreased (P=0.0012), NO contribution to vasodilation was greater in LOX-1KO mice (P=0.0055). STBEVs delayed angiotensin II tachyphylaxis in arteries from control but not LOX-1KO mice (P<0.0001), while AT-1 and AT-2 expression was unchanged. STBEVs increased peroxynitrite production in HUVECs via LOX-1 (P=0.0091). In summary, LOX-1 deletion altered endothelium-mediated vasodilation, suggesting that LOX-1 contributes to vascular adaptations in pregnancy. STBEVs increased angiotensin II responsiveness and oxidative stress levels via LOX-1, suggesting that increased LOX-1 expression/activation or STBEVs could adversely affect vascular function and contribute to vascular complications of pregnancy.
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11
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Vidanapathirana AK, Thompson LC, Herco M, Odom J, Sumner SJ, Fennell TR, Brown JM, Wingard CJ. Acute intravenous exposure to silver nanoparticles during pregnancy induces particle size and vehicle dependent changes in vascular tissue contractility in Sprague Dawley rats. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 75:10-22. [PMID: 29154916 PMCID: PMC6241519 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNP) raises safety concerns during susceptible life stages such as pregnancy. We hypothesized that acute intravenous exposure to AgNP during late stages of pregnancy will increase vascular tissue contractility, potentially contributing to alterations in fetal growth. Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to a single dose of PVP or Citrate stabilized 20 or 110nm AgNP (700μg/kg). Differential vascular responses and EC50 values were observed in myographic studies in uterine, mesenteric arteries and thoracic aortic segments, 24h post-exposure. Reciprocal responses were observed in aortic and uterine vessels following PVP stabilized AgNP with an increased force of contraction in uterine artery and increased relaxation responses in aorta. Citrate stabilized AgNP exposure increased contractile force in both uterine and aortic vessels. Intravenous AgNP exposure during pregnancy displayed particle size and vehicle dependent moderate changes in vascular tissue contractility, potentially influencing fetal blood supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Vidanapathirana
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - L C Thompson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - M Herco
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - J Odom
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - S J Sumner
- Discovery Sciences, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA; Department of Nutrition School of Public Health University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, 28081, USA
| | - T R Fennell
- Discovery Sciences, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - J M Brown
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, CO, 80045, USA
| | - C J Wingard
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, Bellarmine University, Louisville, KY, 40205, USA.
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12
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13
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Marshall SA, Leo CH, Senadheera SN, Girling JE, Tare M, Parry LJ. Relaxin deficiency attenuates pregnancy-induced adaptation of the mesenteric artery to angiotensin II in mice. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 310:R847-57. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00506.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is associated with reduced peripheral vascular resistance, underpinned by changes in endothelial and smooth muscle function. Failure of the maternal vasculature to adapt correctly leads to serious pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia. The peptide hormone relaxin regulates the maternal renal vasculature during pregnancy; however, little is known about its effects in other vascular beds. This study tested the hypothesis that functional adaptation of the mesenteric and uterine arteries during pregnancy will be compromised in relaxin-deficient ( Rln−/−) mice. Smooth muscle and endothelial reactivity were examined in small mesenteric and uterine arteries of nonpregnant (estrus) and late-pregnant ( day 17.5) wild-type ( Rln+/+) and Rln−/− mice using wire myography. Pregnancy per se was associated with significant reductions in contraction to phenylephrine, endothelin-1, and ANG II in small mesenteric arteries, while sensitivity to endothelin-1 was reduced in uterine arteries of Rln+/+ mice. The normal pregnancy-associated attenuation of ANG II-mediated vasoconstriction in mesenteric arteries did not occur in Rln−/− mice. This adaptive failure was endothelium-independent and did not result from altered expression of ANG II receptors or regulator of G protein signaling 5 ( Rgs5) or increases in reactive oxygen species generation. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with l-NAME enhanced ANG II-mediated contraction in mesenteric arteries of both genotypes, whereas blockade of prostanoid production with indomethacin only increased ANG II-induced contraction in arteries of pregnant Rln+/+ mice. In conclusion, relaxin deficiency prevents the normal pregnancy-induced attenuation of ANG II-mediated vasoconstriction in small mesenteric arteries. This is associated with reduced smooth muscle-derived vasodilator prostanoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Marshall
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chen Huei Leo
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Jane E. Girling
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Marianne Tare
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; and
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura J. Parry
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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14
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A Low-Protein Diet Enhances Angiotensin II Production in the Lung of Pregnant Rats but not Nonpregnant Rats. J Pregnancy 2016; 2016:4293431. [PMID: 27195150 PMCID: PMC4853963 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4293431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary angiotensin II production is enhanced in pregnant rats fed a low-protein (LP) diet. Here we assessed if LP diet induces elevations in angiotensin II production in nonpregnant rats and whether Ace expression and ACE activity in lungs are increased. Nonpregnant rats were fed a normal (CT) or LP diet for 8, 12, or 17 days and timed pregnant rats fed for 17 days from Day 3 of pregnancy. Plasma angiotensin II, expressions of Ace and Ace2, and activities of these proteins in lungs, kidneys, and plasma were measured. These parameters were compared among nonpregnant rats or between nonpregnant and pregnant rats fed different diets. Major findings are as follows: (1) plasma angiotensin II levels were slightly higher in the LP than CT group on Days 8 and 12 in nonpregnant rats; (2) expression of Ace and Ace2 and abundance and activities of ACE and ACE2 in lungs, kidneys, and plasma of nonpregnant rats were unchanged by LP diet except for minor changes; (3) the abundance and activities of ACE in lungs of pregnant rats fed LP diet were greater than nonpregnant rats, while those of ACE2 were decreased. These results indicate that LP diet-induced increase in pulmonary angiotensin II production depends on pregnancy.
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15
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Shifrin Y, Sadeghi S, Pan J, Jain A, Fajardo AF, McNamara PJ, Belik J. Maternal-pup interaction disturbances induce long-lasting changes in the newborn rat pulmonary vasculature. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 309:L1186-98. [PMID: 26342088 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00044.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The factors accounting for the pathological maintenance of a high pulmonary vascular (PV) resistance postnatally remain elusive, but neonatal stressors may play a role in this process. Cross-fostering in the immediate neonatal period is associated with adult-onset vascular and behavioral changes, likely triggered by early-in-life stressors. In hypothesizing that fostering newborn rats induces long-lasting PV changes, we evaluated them at 14 days of age during adulthood and compared the findings with animals raised by their biological mothers. Fostering resulted in reduced maternal-pup contact time when compared with control newborns. At 2 wk of age, fostered rats exhibited reduced pulmonary arterial endothelium-dependent relaxation secondary to downregulation of tissue endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency-induced uncoupling. These changes were associated with neonatal onset-increased ANG II receptor type 1 expression, PV remodeling, and right ventricular hypertrophy that persisted into adulthood. The pulmonary arteries of adult-fostered rats exhibited a higher contraction dose response to ANG II and thromboxane A2, the latter of which was abrogated by the oxidant scavenger Tempol. In conclusion, fostering-induced neonatal stress induces long-standing PV changes modulated via the renin-angiotensin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Shifrin
- Physiology and Experimental Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Sina Sadeghi
- Physiology and Experimental Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Jingyi Pan
- Physiology and Experimental Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Amish Jain
- Department of Paediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andres F Fajardo
- Physiology and Experimental Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and
| | - Patrick J McNamara
- Physiology and Experimental Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Paediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jaques Belik
- Physiology and Experimental Medicine Program, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Paediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Pulgar VM, Yamaleyeva LM, Varagic J, McGee C, Bader M, Dechend R, Brosnihan KB. Functional changes in the uterine artery precede the hypertensive phenotype in a transgenic model of hypertensive pregnancy. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015; 309:E811-7. [PMID: 26394667 PMCID: PMC4628942 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00526.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The pregnant female human angiotensinogen (hAGN) transgenic rat mated with the male human renin (hREN) transgenic rat is a model of preeclampsia (TgA) with increased blood pressure, proteinuria, and placenta alterations of edema and necrosis at late gestation. We studied vascular responses and the role of COX-derived prostanoids in the uterine artery (UA) at early gestation in this model. TgA UA showed lower stretch response, similar smooth muscle α-actin content, and lower collagen content compared with Sprague-Dawley (SD) UA. Vasodilation to acetylcholine was similar in SD and TgA UA (64 ± 8 vs. 75 ± 6% of relaxation, P > 0.05), with an acetylcholine-induced contraction in TgA UA that was abolished by preincubation with indomethacin (78 ± 6 vs. 83 ± 11%, P > 0.05). No differences in the contraction to phenylephrine were observed (159 ± 11 vs. 134 ± 12 %KMAX, P > 0.05), although in TgA UA this response was greatly affected by preincubation with indomethacin (179 ± 16 vs. 134 ± 9 %KMAX, P < 0.05, pD2 5.92 ± 0.08 vs. 5.85 ± 0.03, P < 0.05). Endothelium-independent vasodilation was lower in TgA UA (92 ± 2 vs. 74 ± 5% preconstricted tone, P < 0.05), and preincubation with indomethacin restored the response to normal values (90 ± 3 vs. 84 ± 3%). Immunostaining showed similar signals for α-actin, COX-2, and eNOS between groups (P > 0.05). Plasma thromboxane levels were similar between groups. In summary, TgA UA displays functional alterations at early gestation before the preeclamptic phenotype is established. Inhibition of COX enzymes normalizes some of the functional defects in the TgA UA. An increased role for COX-derived prostanoids in this model of preeclampsia may contribute to the development of a hypertensive pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M Pulgar
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Biomedical Research and Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina;
| | | | | | | | - Michael Bader
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany; Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité University Hospital Berlin, and HELIOS-Clinic, Berlin, Germany; and Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ralf Dechend
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Charité University Hospital Berlin, and HELIOS-Clinic, Berlin, Germany; and
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17
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Woidacki K, Meyer N, Schumacher A, Goldschmidt A, Maurer M, Zenclussen AC. Transfer of regulatory T cells into abortion-prone mice promotes the expansion of uterine mast cells and normalizes early pregnancy angiogenesis. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13938. [PMID: 26355667 PMCID: PMC4565045 DOI: 10.1038/srep13938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Implantation of the fertilized egg depends on the coordinated interplay of cells and
molecules that prepare the uterus for this important event. In particular,
regulatory T cells (Tregs) are key regulators as their ablation hinders implantation
by rendering the uterus hostile for the embryo. In addition, the adoptive transfer
of Tregs can avoid early abortion in mouse models. However, it is still not defined
which mechanisms underlie Treg function during this early period. Cells of the
innate immune system have been reported to support implantation, in part by
promoting angiogenesis. In particular, uterine mast cells (uMCs) emerge as novel
players at the fetal-maternal interface. Here, we studied whether the positive
action of Tregs is based on the expansion of uMCs and the promotion of angiogenesis.
We observed that abortion-prone mice have insufficient numbers of uMCs that could be
corrected by the adoptive transfer of Tregs. This in turn positively influenced the
remodeling of spiral arteries and placenta development as well as the levels of
soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1). Our data suggest an interplay between
Tregs and uMCs that is relevant for the changes required at the feto-maternal
interface for the normal development of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Woidacki
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Meyer
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anne Schumacher
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Goldschmidt
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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18
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Skeffington KL, Higgins JS, Mahmoud AD, Evans AM, Sferruzzi-Perri AN, Fowden AL, Yung HW, Burton GJ, Giussani DA, Moore LG. Hypoxia, AMPK activation and uterine artery vasoreactivity. J Physiol 2015; 594:1357-69. [PMID: 26110512 DOI: 10.1113/jp270995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genes near adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-α1 (PRKAA1) have been implicated in the greater uterine artery (UtA) blood flow and relative protection from fetal growth restriction seen in altitude-adapted Andean populations. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation vasodilates multiple vessels but whether AMPK is present in UtA or placental tissue and influences UtA vasoreactivity during normal or hypoxic pregnancy remains unknown. We studied isolated UtA and placenta from near-term C57BL/6J mice housed in normoxia (n = 8) or hypoxia (10% oxygen, n = 7-9) from day 14 to day 19, and placentas from non-labouring sea level (n = 3) or 3100 m (n = 3) women. Hypoxia increased AMPK immunostaining in near-term murine UtA and placental tissue. RT-PCR products for AMPK-α1 and -α2 isoforms and liver kinase B1 (LKB1; the upstream kinase activating AMPK) were present in murine and human placenta, and hypoxia increased LKB1 and AMPK-α1 and -α2 expression in the high- compared with low-altitude human placentas. Pharmacological AMPK activation by A769662 caused phenylephrine pre-constricted UtA from normoxic or hypoxic pregnant mice to dilate and this dilatation was partially reversed by the NOS inhibitor l-NAME. Hypoxic pregnancy sufficient to restrict fetal growth markedly augmented the UtA vasodilator effect of AMPK activation in opposition to PE constriction as the result of both NO-dependent and NO-independent mechanisms. We conclude that AMPK is activated during hypoxic pregnancy and that AMPK activation vasodilates the UtA, especially in hypoxic pregnancy. AMPK activation may be playing an adaptive role by limiting cellular energy depletion and helping to maintain utero-placental blood flow in hypoxic pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Skeffington
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - J S Higgins
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A D Mahmoud
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A M Evans
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - A N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A L Fowden
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - H W Yung
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - G J Burton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - D A Giussani
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - L G Moore
- Division of Basic Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
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19
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Yamaleyeva LM, Pulgar VM, Lindsey SH, Yamane L, Varagic J, McGee C, daSilva M, Lopes Bonfa P, Gurley SB, Brosnihan KB. Uterine artery dysfunction in pregnant ACE2 knockout mice is associated with placental hypoxia and reduced umbilical blood flow velocity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015; 309:E84-94. [PMID: 25968580 PMCID: PMC4490333 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00596.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) knockout is associated with reduced fetal weight at late gestation; however, whether uteroplacental vascular and/or hemodynamic disturbances underlie this growth-restricted phenotype is unknown. Uterine artery reactivity and flow velocities, umbilical flow velocities, trophoblast invasion, and placental hypoxia were determined in ACE2 knockout (KO) and C57Bl/6 wild-type (WT) mice at day 14 of gestation. Although systolic blood pressure was higher in pregnant ACE2 KO vs. WT mice (102.3 ± 5.1 vs. 85.1 ± 1.9 mmHg, n = 5-6), the magnitude of difference was similar to that observed in nonpregnant ACE2 KO vs. WT mice. Maternal urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine, and kidney or heart weights were not different in ACE2 KO vs. WT. Fetal weight and pup-to-placental weight ratio were lower in ACE2 KO vs. WT mice. A higher sensitivity to Ang II [pD2 8.64 ± 0.04 vs. 8.5 ± 0.03 (-log EC50)] and greater maximal contraction to phenylephrine (169.0 ± 9.0 vs. 139.0 ± 7.0% KMAX), were associated with lower immunostaining for Ang II receptor 2 and fibrinoid content of the uterine artery in ACE2 KO mice. Uterine artery flow velocities and trophoblast invasion were similar between study groups. In contrast, umbilical artery peak systolic velocities (60.2 ± 4.5 vs. 75.1 ± 4.5 mm/s) and the resistance index measured using VEVO 2100 ultrasound were lower in the ACE2 KO vs. WT mice. Immunostaining for pimonidazole, a marker of hypoxia, and hypoxia-inducible factor-2α were higher in the trophospongium and placental labyrinth of the ACE2 KO vs. WT. In summary, placental hypoxia and uterine artery dysfunction develop before major growth of the fetus occurs and may explain the fetal growth restricted phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya M Yamaleyeva
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina;
| | - Victor M Pulgar
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sarah H Lindsey
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana; and
| | - Larissa Yamane
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Jasmina Varagic
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Carolynne McGee
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Mauro daSilva
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Paula Lopes Bonfa
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Susan B Gurley
- Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina
| | - K Bridget Brosnihan
- The Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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20
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Koulis C, Chow BSM, McKelvey M, Steckelings UM, Unger T, Thallas-Bonke V, Thomas MC, Cooper ME, Jandeleit-Dahm KA, Allen TJ. AT2R agonist, compound 21, is reno-protective against type 1 diabetic nephropathy. Hypertension 2015; 65:1073-81. [PMID: 25776077 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.115.05204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hemodynamic and nonhemodynamic effects of angiotensin II on diabetic complications are considered to be primarily mediated by the angiotensin II type 1 receptor subtype. However, its biological and functional effect mediated through the angiotensin II type 2 receptor subtype is still unclear. Activation of the angiotensin II type 2 receptors has been postulated to oppose angiotensin II type 1 receptor-mediated actions and thus attenuate fibrosis. This study aimed to elucidate the reno-protective role of the novel selective angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist, Compound 21, in an experimental model of type 1 diabetic nephropathy. Compound 21 treatment significantly attenuated diabetes mellitus-induced elevated levels of cystatin C, albuminuria, mesangial expansion, and glomerulosclerosis in diabetic mice. Moreover, Compound 21 markedly inhibited the expression of various proteins implicated in oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis, in association with decreased extracellular matrix production. These findings demonstrate that monotherapy of Compound 21 is protective against the progression of experimental diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Koulis
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.)
| | - Bryna S M Chow
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.)
| | - Maria McKelvey
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.)
| | - Ulrike M Steckelings
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.)
| | - Thomas Unger
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.)
| | - Vicki Thallas-Bonke
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.)
| | - Merlin C Thomas
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.)
| | - Mark E Cooper
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.)
| | - Karin A Jandeleit-Dahm
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.)
| | - Terri J Allen
- From the Diabetic Complications Division, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (C.K., B.S.M.C., M.M., V.T.-B., M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); the Department of Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Australia (M.C.T., M.E.C., K.A.J.-D., T.J.A.); IMM-Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense. Denmark (U.M.S.); and CARIM-School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands (T.U.).
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21
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Renshall LJ, Dilworth MR, Greenwood SL, Sibley CP, Wareing M. In vitro assessment of mouse fetal abdominal aortic vascular function. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2014; 307:R746-54. [PMID: 25056105 PMCID: PMC4166756 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00058.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 3–8% of human pregnancies. Mouse models have provided important etiological data on FGR; they permit the assessment of treatment strategies on the physiological function of both mother and her developing offspring. Our study aimed to 1) develop a method to assess vascular function in fetal mice and 2) as a proof of principle ascertain whether a high dose of sildenafil citrate (SC; Viagra) administered to the pregnant dam affected fetal vascular reactivity. We developed a wire myography methodology for evaluation of fetal vascular function in vitro using the placenta-specific insulin-like growth factor II (Igf2) knockout mouse (P0; a model of FGR). Vascular function was determined in abdominal aortas isolated from P0 and wild-type (WT) fetuses at embryonic day (E) 18.5 of gestation. A subset of dams received SC 0.8 mg/ml via drinking water from E12.5; data were compared with water-only controls. Using wire myography, we found that fetal aortic rings exhibited significant agonist-induced contraction, and endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxation. Sex-specific alterations in reactivity were noted in both strains. Maternal treatment with SC significantly attenuated endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent relaxation of fetal aortic rings. Mouse fetal abdominal aortas reproducibly respond to vasoactive agents. Study of these vessels in mouse genetic models of pregnancy complications may 1) help to delineate early signs of abnormal vascular reactivity and 2) inform whether treatments given to the mother during pregnancy may impact upon fetal vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis J Renshall
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; and St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark R Dilworth
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; and St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Susan L Greenwood
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; and St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Colin P Sibley
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; and St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Wareing
- Maternal and Fetal Health Research Centre, Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom; and St. Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
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22
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Pulgar VM, Yamaleyeva LM, Varagic J, McGee CM, Bader M, Dechend R, Howlett AC, Brosnihan KB. Increased angiotensin II contraction of the uterine artery at early gestation in a transgenic model of hypertensive pregnancy is reduced by inhibition of endocannabinoid hydrolysis. Hypertension 2014; 64:619-25. [PMID: 24935942 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.114.03633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Increased vascular sensitivity to angiotensin II (Ang II) is a marker of a hypertensive human pregnancy. Recent evidence of interactions between the renin-angiotensin system and the endocannabinoid system suggests that anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol may modulate Ang II contraction. We hypothesized that these interactions may contribute to the enhanced vascular responses in hypertensive pregnancy. We studied Ang II contraction in isolated uterine artery (UA) at early gestation in a rat model that mimics many features of preeclampsia, the transgenic human angiotensinogen×human renin (TgA), and control Sprague-Dawley rats. We determined the role of the cannabinoid receptor 1 by blockade with SR171416A, and the contribution of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol degradation to Ang II contraction by inhibiting their hydrolyzing enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (with URB597) or monoacylglycerol lipase (with JZL184), respectively. TgA UA showed increased maximal contraction and sensitivity to Ang II that was inhibited by indomethacin. Fatty acid amide hydrolase blockade decreased Ang IIMAX in Sprague-Dawley UA, and decreased both Ang IIMAX and sensitivity in TgA UA. Monoacylglycerol lipase blockade had no effect on Sprague-Dawley UA and decreased Ang IIMAX and sensitivity in TgA UA. Blockade of the cannabinoid receptor 1 in TgA UA had no effect. Immunolocalization of fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase showed a similar pattern between groups; fatty acid amide hydrolase predominantly localized in endothelium and monoacylglycerol lipase in smooth muscle cells. We demonstrated an increased Ang II contraction in TgA UA before initiation of the hypertensive phenotype. Anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol reduced Ang II contraction in a cannabinoid receptor 1-independent manner. These renin-angiotensin system-endocannabinoid system interactions may contribute to the enhanced vascular reactivity in early stages of hypertensive pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M Pulgar
- From Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.), Surgical Sciences (L.M.Y., J.V., C.M.M., K.B.B.), and Physiology and Pharmacology (K.B.B.), Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.) and Physiology and Pharmacology (A.C.H.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, NC (V.M.P.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (M.B.); and Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.B., R.D.).
| | - Liliya M Yamaleyeva
- From Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.), Surgical Sciences (L.M.Y., J.V., C.M.M., K.B.B.), and Physiology and Pharmacology (K.B.B.), Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.) and Physiology and Pharmacology (A.C.H.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, NC (V.M.P.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (M.B.); and Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.B., R.D.)
| | - Jasmina Varagic
- From Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.), Surgical Sciences (L.M.Y., J.V., C.M.M., K.B.B.), and Physiology and Pharmacology (K.B.B.), Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.) and Physiology and Pharmacology (A.C.H.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, NC (V.M.P.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (M.B.); and Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.B., R.D.)
| | - Carolynne M McGee
- From Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.), Surgical Sciences (L.M.Y., J.V., C.M.M., K.B.B.), and Physiology and Pharmacology (K.B.B.), Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.) and Physiology and Pharmacology (A.C.H.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, NC (V.M.P.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (M.B.); and Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.B., R.D.)
| | - Michael Bader
- From Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.), Surgical Sciences (L.M.Y., J.V., C.M.M., K.B.B.), and Physiology and Pharmacology (K.B.B.), Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.) and Physiology and Pharmacology (A.C.H.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, NC (V.M.P.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (M.B.); and Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.B., R.D.)
| | - Ralf Dechend
- From Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.), Surgical Sciences (L.M.Y., J.V., C.M.M., K.B.B.), and Physiology and Pharmacology (K.B.B.), Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.) and Physiology and Pharmacology (A.C.H.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, NC (V.M.P.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (M.B.); and Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.B., R.D.)
| | - Allyn C Howlett
- From Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.), Surgical Sciences (L.M.Y., J.V., C.M.M., K.B.B.), and Physiology and Pharmacology (K.B.B.), Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.) and Physiology and Pharmacology (A.C.H.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, NC (V.M.P.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (M.B.); and Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.B., R.D.)
| | - K Bridget Brosnihan
- From Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.), Surgical Sciences (L.M.Y., J.V., C.M.M., K.B.B.), and Physiology and Pharmacology (K.B.B.), Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, and Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology (V.M.P.) and Physiology and Pharmacology (A.C.H.), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Research Infrastructure Center, Winston-Salem State University, NC (V.M.P.); Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany (M.B.); and Charité University Hospital Berlin, Berlin, Germany (M.B., R.D.)
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23
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Abstract
Ouabain (Oua)-induced hypertension in rodents provides a model to study cardiovascular changes associated with human hypertension. We examined vascular function in rats after a long-term treatment with Oua. Systolic blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography in male Sprague-Dawley rats treated with Oua (≈ 25 µg/d) or placebo for 8 weeks. Blood pressure increased in Oua-treated animals, reaching 30% above baseline systolic blood pressure after 7 weeks. At the end of treatment, vascular responses were studied in mesenteric resistance arteries (MRAs) by wire myography. Contraction to potassium chloride in intact and denuded arteries showed greater sensitivity in Oua-treated animals. Contraction to phenylephrine and relaxation to acetylcholine were similar between groups with a lower response to sodium nitroprusside in Oua-treated arteries. Sensitivity to endothelin-1 was higher in Oua-treated arteries. Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase activity was decreased in MRAs from Oua-treated animals, whereas protein expression of the Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase α₂ isoform was increased in heart and unchanged in mesenteric artery. Preincubation with indomethacin (10⁻⁵ M) or Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (10⁻⁴ M) abolished the differences in potassium chloride response and Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase activity. Changes in MRAs are consistent with enhanced vascular smooth muscle cell reactivity, a contributor to the increased vascular tone observed in this model of hypertension.
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Leonard S, Lima PDA, Croy BA, Murrant CL. Gestational modification of murine spiral arteries does not reduce their drug-induced vasoconstrictive responses in vivo. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:139. [PMID: 24174571 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.113688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamic control of maternal blood flow to the placenta is critical for healthy pregnancy. In many tissues, microvasculature arteries control the flow. The uterine/endometrial vascular bed changes during pregnancy include physiological remodeling of spiral arteries from constricted artery-like structures to dilated vein-like structures between Gestation Day 8 (gd8) and gd12 in mice and wk 12-16 in humans. These changes occur, in part, due to local environmental changes such as decidualization, recruitment of maternal uterine natural killer cells, and invasion of conceptus-derived trophoblasts. No current preparations permit in vivo testing of decidual microvascular reactivity. We report an in vivo intravital fluorescence microscopy model that permits functional study of the entire uterine microvascular bed (uterine, arcuate, radial, basal, and spiral arteries) in gravid C57BL/6 mice. Vascular reactivities were measured at gd8 prespiral arterial remodeling and gd12 (postremodeling) to a range of concentrations of adenosine (10(-8)-10(-6) M), acetylcholine (10(-7)-10(-5) M), phenylephrine (10(-7)-10(-5) M), and angiotensin II (10(-8)-10(-6) M). At baseline, each arterial branch order was significantly more dilated on gd12 than gd8. Each microvascular level responded to each agonist on gd8 and gd12. At gd12, vasodilation to adenosine was attenuated in uterine, arcuate, and basal arteries, while constrictor activity to angiotensin II was enhanced in uterine and arcuate arteries. The tendency for increasing vasoconstriction between gd8 to gd12 and the constrictor responses of modified spiral arteries were unexpected findings that may reflect influences of the intact in vivo environment rather than inherent properties of the vessels and may be relevant to ongoing human pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Leonard
- Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Danyel LA, Schmerler P, Paulis L, Unger T, Steckelings UM. Impact of AT2-receptor stimulation on vascular biology, kidney function, and blood pressure. Integr Blood Press Control 2013; 6:153-61. [PMID: 24379697 PMCID: PMC3873809 DOI: 10.2147/ibpc.s34425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) and the receptor MAS are receptors within the renin–angiotensin system, which mediate tissue-protective actions such as anti-inflammation, antifibrosis, and antiapoptosis. In recent years, several programs have been launched in order to develop drugs that act as agonists on the AT2R or MAS to take therapeutic advantage of the protective and regenerative properties of these receptors. This review article will focus on recent data obtained in preclinical animal and in vitro models with new AT2R-agonistic molecules (Compound 21 and β-amino acid substituted angiotensin II) and with relevance for blood pressure (BP) regulation or hypertensive end-organ damage. These data will include studies on vasodilation/vasoconstriction in isolated resistance arteries ex vivo, studies on kidney function, studies on vascular remodeling, and studies that measured the net effect of AT2R stimulation on BP in vivo. Current data indicate that although AT2R stimulation causes vasodilation ex vivo and promotes natriuresis, it does not alter BP levels in vivo acutely – at least as long as there is no additional low-dose blockade of AT1R. However, AT2R stimulation alone is able to attenuate hypertension-induced vascular remodeling and reduce arterial stiffening, which in more chronic settings and together with the natriuretic effect may result in modest lowering of BP. We conclude from these preclinical data that AT2R agonists are not suitable for antihypertensive monotherapy, but that this new future drug class may be beneficial in combination with established antihypertensives for the treatment of hypertension with improved protection from end-organ damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon A Danyel
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Pharmacology, Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Schmerler
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Pharmacology, Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ludovit Paulis
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Pharmacology, Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany ; Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic ; Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - Thomas Unger
- CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - U Muscha Steckelings
- Center for Cardiovascular Research, Institute of Pharmacology, Charité Medical Faculty, Berlin, Germany ; Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Physiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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26
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Intake of high sucrose during pregnancy altered large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels and vessel tone in offspring’s mesenteric arteries. Hypertens Res 2012; 36:158-65. [DOI: 10.1038/hr.2012.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Abstract
Preeclampsia is an important obstetric complication that arises in 5% of women after the 20(th) week of gestation, for which there is no specific therapy and no cure. Although much of the recent investigation in this field has focused on soluble forms of the angiogenic membrane receptor tyrosine kinase Flt1 and the transforming growth factor β co-receptor Endoglin, there is significant clinical potential for several GPCR targets and their agonists or antagonists in preeclampsia. In this review, we discuss several of the most promising candidates in this category, including calcitonin receptor-like receptor / receptor activity modifying protein 1 complexes, the angiotensin AT1, 2 and Mas receptors, and the relaxin receptor RXFP1. We also address some of the controversies surrounding the roles and therapeutic potential of these GPCRs and their (ant)agonists in preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jt McGuane
- D.H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Outcomes Research Program, and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, and of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610
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28
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Gao H, Yallampalli U, Yallampalli C. Protein restriction to pregnant rats increases the plasma levels of angiotensin II and expression of angiotensin II receptors in uterine arteries. Biol Reprod 2012; 86:68. [PMID: 22088913 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.095844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether gestational protein restriction affects the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in uterine artery remains unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that gestational protein restriction alters the expression of RAS components in uterine artery. In study one, time-scheduled pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed a normal or low-protein (LP) diet from Day 3 of pregnancy until they were killed at Days 19 and 22. The uterine arteries were collected and used for gene expression of Ace, Ace2, Agtr1a, Agtr1b, Agtr2, Esr1, and Esr2 by quantitative real-time PCR and/or Western blotting. LP increased plasma levels of angiotensin II in pregnant rats. In the uterine artery, the expressions of Agtr1a, Agtr1b, and Esr1 were increased by LP at Days 19 and 22 of pregnancy, whereas the abundance of AGTR1 and AGTR2 was increased by LP at Day 19 of pregnancy. The expression of Ace2 was not detectable in rat uterine artery. In study two, virgin female rats were ovariectomized and implanted with either 17beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), both E2 and P4, or placebo pellets until they were killed 7 days later. In rat uterine artery, E2 and P4 reduced the expression of Agtr1a, and E2 increased the expression of Agtr1b and Agtr2, but neither E2 nor P4 regulated the expression of Ace. These results indicate that gestational protein restriction induces an increase in Agtr1 expression in uterine artery, and thus may exacerbate the vasoconstriction to elevated angiotensin II present in maternal circulation, and that female sex hormones also play a role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Gao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555-1062, USA
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