Stretch-activation of angiotensin II type 1a receptors contributes to the myogenic response of mouse mesenteric and renal arteries

RATIONALE

Vascular wall stretch is the major stimulus for the myogenic response of small arteries to pressure. The molecular mechanisms are elusive, but recent findings suggest that G protein-coupled receptors can elicit a stretch response.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether angiotensin II type 1 receptors (AT1R) in vascular smooth muscle cells exert mechanosensitivity and identify the downstream ion channel mediators of myogenic vasoconstriction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used mice deficient in AT1R signaling molecules and putative ion channel targets, namely AT1R, angiotensinogen, transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6) channels, or several subtypes of the voltage-gated K+ (Kv7) gene family (KCNQ3, 4, or 5). We identified a mechanosensing mechanism in isolated mesenteric arteries and in the renal circulation that relies on coupling of the AT1R subtype a to a Gq/11 protein as a critical event to accomplish the myogenic response. Arterial mechanoactivation occurs after pharmacological block of AT1R and in the absence of angiotensinogen or TRPC6 channels. Activation of AT1R subtype a by osmotically induced membrane stretch suppresses an XE991-sensitive Kv channel current in patch-clamped vascular smooth muscle cells, and similar concentrations of XE991 enhance mesenteric and renal myogenic tone. Although XE991-sensitive KCNQ3, 4, and 5 channels are expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells, XE991-sensitive K+ current and myogenic contractions persist in arteries deficient in these channels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results provide definitive evidence that myogenic responses of mouse mesenteric and renal arteries rely on ligand-independent, mechanoactivation of AT1R subtype a. The AT1R subtype a signal relies on an ion channel distinct from TRPC6 or KCNQ3, 4, or 5 to enact vascular smooth muscle cell activation and elevated vascular resistance.

The vasodilator 17,18-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid targets the pore-forming BK alpha channel subunit in rodents

17,18-Epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (17,18-EETeTr) stimulates vascular large-conductance K(+) (BK) channels. BK channels are composed of the pore-forming BK alpha and auxiliary BK beta1 subunits that confer an increased sensitivity for changes in membrane potential and calcium to BK channels. Ryanodine-sensitive calcium-release channels (RyR3) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) control the process. To elucidate the mechanism of BK channel activation, we performed whole-cell and perforated-patch clamp experiments in freshly isolated cerebral and mesenteric artery vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from Sprague-Dawley rats, BK beta1 gene-deficient (-/-), BK alpha (-/-), RyR3 (-/-) and wild-type mice. The 17,18-EETeTr (100 nm) increased tetraethylammonium (1 mm)-sensitive outward K(+) currents in VSMC from wild-type rats and wild-type mice. The effects were not inhibited by the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (10 mum). BK channel currents were increased 3.5-fold in VSMC from BK beta1 (-/-) mice, whereas a 2.9-fold stimulation was observed in VSMC from RyR3 (-/-) mice (at membrane voltage 60 mV). The effects were similar compared with those observed in cells from wild-type mice. The BK current increase was neither influenced by strong internal calcium buffering (Ca(2)(+), 100 nm), nor by external calcium influx. The 17,18-EETeTr did not induce outward currents in VSMC BK alpha (-/-) cells. We next tested the vasodilator effects of 17,18-EETeTr on isolated arteries of BK alpha-deficient mice. Vasodilatation was largely inhibited in cerebral and mesenteric arteries isolated from BK alpha (-/-) mice compared with that observed in wild-type and BK beta1 (-/-) arteries. We conclude that 17,18-EETeTr represents an endogenous BK channel agonist and vasodilator. Since 17,18-EETeTr is active in small arteries lacking BK beta1, the data further suggest that BK alpha represents the molecular target for the principal action of 17,18-EETeTr. Finally, the action of 17,18-EETeTr is not mediated by changes of the internal global calcium concentration or local SR calcium release events.

Regulator of G protein signalling 2 ameliorates angiotensin II-induced hypertension in mice

Angiotensin II (Ang II) activates signalling pathways predominantly through the G-protein-coupled Ang II type 1 receptor (AT(1)R). The regulator of G protein signalling 2 (RGS2) is a negative G protein regulator. We hypothesized that RGS2 deletion changes blood pressure regulation by increasing the response to Ang II. To address this issue, we infused Ang II (0.5 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) chronically into conscious RGS2-deleted (RGS2(-/-)) and wild-type (RGS2(+/+)) mice, measured mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR) with telemetry and assessed vasoreactivity and gene expression of AT(1A), AT(1B) and AT(2) receptors. Angiotensin II infusion increased blood pressure more in RGS2(-/-) than in RGS2(+/+) mice, while HR was not different between the groups, indicating a resetting of the baroreceptor reflex. Urinary catecholamine excretion was similar in Ang II-infused RGS2(-/-) and RGS2(+/+) mice, indicating a minor role of sympathetic tone for blood pressure differences. Myogenic tone and vasoreactivity in response to Ang II, endothelin-1 and phenylephrine were increased in isolated renal interlobar arterioles of RGS2(-/-) mice compared with RGS2(+/+) mice. The AT(1A), AT(1B) and AT(2) receptor gene expression was not different between RGS2(-/-) and RGS2(+/+) mice. Our findings suggest that RGS2 deletion promotes Ang II-dependent hypertension primarily through an increase of myogenic tone and vasoreactivity, probably by sensitization of AT(1) receptors.

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

BACKGROUND

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Nitric oxide-epoxygenase interactions and arachidonate-induced dilation of rat renal microvessels

Nitric oxide (NO) is an inhibitor of hemoproteins including cytochrome P-450 enzymes. This study tested the hypothesis that NO inhibits cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase-dependent vascular responses in kidneys. In rat renal pressurized microvessels, arachidonic acid (AA, 0.03-1 microM) or bradykinin (BK, 0.1-3 microM) elicited NO- and prostanoid-independent vasodilation. Miconazole (1.5 microM) or 6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanoic acid (30 microM), both of which are inhibitors of epoxygenase enzymes, or the fixing of epoxide levels with 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (11,12-EET; 1 and 3 microM) inhibited these responses. Apamin (1 microM), which is a large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel inhibitor, or 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (30 microM), which is an inhibitor of myoendothelial gap junctional electromechanical coupling, also inhibited these responses. NO donors spermine NONOate (1 and 3 microM) or sodium nitroprusside (0.3 and 3 microM) but not 8-bromo-cGMP (100 microM), which is an analog of cGMP (the second messenger of NO), blunted the dilation produced by AA or BK in a reversible manner without affecting that produced by hydralazine. However, the non-NO donor hydralazine did not affect the dilatory effect of AA or BK. Spermine NONOate did not affect the dilation produced by 11,12-EET, NS-1619 (a BKCa channel opener), or cromakalim (an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener). AA and BK stimulated EET production, whereas hydralazine had no effect. On the other hand, spermine NONOate (3 microM) attenuated basal (19 +/- 7%; P < 0.05) and AA stimulation (1 microM, 29 +/- 9%; P < 0.05) of renal preglomerular vascular production of all regioisomeric EETs: 5,6-; 8,9-; 11,12-; and 14,15-EET. These results suggest that NO directly and reversibly inhibits epoxygenase-dependent dilation of rat renal microvessels without affecting the actions of epoxides on K+ channels.

Contribution of cytochrome P450 4A isoforms to renal functional response to inhibition of nitric oxide production in the rat

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), a major renal eicosanoid, regulates renal function and contributes to renal responses following withdrawal of nitric oxide (NO). However, the role of 20-HETE-synthesizing isoforms in renal function resulting from NO inhibition is unknown. The present study evaluated the role of cytochrome (CYP)4A1, -4A2 and -4A3 isoforms on renal function in the presence and absence of NO. Antisense oligonucleotides (ASODN) to CYP4A1, -4A2 and -4A3 reduced 20-HETE synthesis and downregulated the expression of CYP4A isoforms in renal microsomes. Nomega-L-nitromethyl arginine ester (L-NAME, 25 mg kg(-1)), an inhibitor of NO production, increased mean arterial blood pressure (MABP, Delta = +18 to 26 mmHg), reduced renal blood flow (RBF, Delta = -1.8 to 2.9 ml min(-1)), increased renal vascular resistance (RVR, Delta = +47 to 54 mmHg ml(-1) min(-1)), reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), but increased sodium excretion (UNaV). ASODN to CYP4A1 and -4A2 but not -4A3 reduced basal MABP and RVR and increased basal GFR, while ASODN to CYP4A2 significantly reduced basal UNaV suggesting a differential role for CYP4A isoforms in the regulation of renal function. ASODN to CYP4A2 but not -4A1 or -4A3 blunted the increase in MABP by L-NAME (38 +/- 9 %, P < 0.05). ASODN to CYP4A1, -4A2 and -4A3 attenuated the reduction in RBF and the consequent increase in RVR by L-NAME with a potency order of CYP4A2 = CYP4A1 > CYP4A3. ASODN to CYP4A1 and -4A2 but not -4A3 attenuated L-NAME-induced reduction in GFR, but ASODN to all three CYP4A isoforms blunted the L-NAME-induced increase in UNaV (CYP4A3 > CYP4A1 >> CYP4A2). We conclude from these data that CYP4A isoforms contribute to different extents to basal renal function. Moreover, CYP4A2 contributes greatest to haemodynamic responses while CYP4A3 contributes greatest to tubular responses following NO inhibition. We therefore propose that NO differentially regulates the function of CYP4A1, -4A2, and -4A3 isoforms in the renal vasculature and the nephron.

Interactions of the renin-angiotensin system and alpha-1 adrenoceptors on renal hemodynamics in healthy and acute renal failure rats: the role of nitric oxide

The renin-angiotensin (RAS) and the alpha1 sympathetic nervous system (SNS) interact at different levels in cardiovascular regulation. Concurrent use of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and alpha1 receptor antagonists result in a synergistic antihypertensive action and is of wide utility in cardiovascular therapy. We examined the impact of concurrent inhibition of RAS (captopril or losartan) and the SNS (prazosin) before and after acute nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition with L-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) on renal cortical perfusion (RCF) and blood pressure (MAP) in healthy and acute ischemic renal failure (ARF) rats (n = 6). Captopril or losartan reduced MAP and increased RCF more in healthy (p < 0.001) and ARF rats (p < 0.02). Prazosin alone reduced both MAP and RCF (p < 0.001). The combination of prazosin with captopril or losartan caused an additive fall in MAP, and mitigated the fall in RCF. Captopril + prazosin caused a profound fall in RCF following L-NAME, in healthy but not ARF rats (p < 0.001). Acetylcholine (Ach), a vasodilator which stimulates endogenous NO production caused a profound paradoxical fall in RCF in ARF, but not in healthy rats (p < 0.001 ANOVA). These results indicate a significant interaction between angiotensin II and phenylephrine in renal vasomotion. It establishes that endogenous NO homeostatically opposes angiotensin II-alpha1-mediated renal vasoconstriction, and that the vasodilator role of NO is diminished in ARF. The paradoxical fall in RCF induced by Ach in ARF is speculated to result, at least in part, from the formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO-), which acts as a renal vasoconstrictor, following the combination of ischemia-generated super oxide anion (O-2), with endothelial NO released by Ach.

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

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) produces potent renal effects that we have previously shown to be dependent on cytochrome P-450 (CYP450) metabolites of aracidonic acid (24) This study evaluated the role of these metabolites in the effects produced by ET-1 on renal blood flow (RBF), cortical blood flow (CBF), medullary blood flow (MBF), and mean arterial blood pressure (MBP). ET-1 (20-200 pmol/kg) increased MBP, renal vascular resistance (RVR), and MBF but reduced CBF and RBF in a dose-dependent manner. The decreases in CBF and RBF, and increases in MBP and RVR were blunted by BMS-182874, an ET(A) receptor antagonist or BQ-788, an ET(B) receptor antagonist. Similarly, indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase activity, or 12,12-dibromododecenoic acid (DBDD), a CYP450-dependent inhibitor of production of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE), blunted these effects. ET-3 elicited dose-related reduction in CBF and increase in MBF. Indomethacin accentuated the reduction in CBF and attenuated the increase in MBF, as did DBDD. ET-1-induced increase in MBF was attenuated by BQ-788, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, indomethacin, or DBDD. DBDD inhibited the hemodynamic effects of L-NAME. Miconazole, the inhibitor of CYP450-dependent epoxygenase activity, was without effect. These results indicate that hemodynamic changes produced by ET-1 are mediated by vasoconstrictor prostanoids and/or prostanoid-like substances, possibly, 20-HETE via activation of ET(A) and ET(B) receptors. However, the increase in MBF is mediated by vasodilator prostanoids or by NO via ET(B) receptor activation.

Cytochrome P450 omega/omega-1 hydroxylase-derived eicosanoids contribute to endothelin(A) and endothelin(B) receptor-mediated vasoconstriction to endothelin-1 in the rat preglomerular arteriole

The preglomerular arteriole of the rat was used to evaluate the contribution of cytochrome P450-derived eicosanoids to the vasoconstrictor effect of endothelin (ET)-1 and to determine the receptors mediating the response. ET-1 (4 x 10(-11) to 2 x 10(-9) M) produced dose-dependent reductions in the intraluminal diameter of the renal arteriole ranging from 25 +/- 8 to 142 +/- 16 micrometer. BMS182874 [(5-dimethylamino)-N-(3, 4-dimethyl-5-isoxazolyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide; 3 microM], an ET(A) receptor antagonist, or BQ788 (N-cis-2, 6-dimethyl-piperidino-carbonyl-L-gamma-methylleucyl-D-1-methoxy carbonyl-tryptophanyl-D-norleucine; 1 microM), an ET(B) receptor antagonist, attenuated ET-1 vasoconstriction by 59 +/- 4 and 50 +/- 10%, respectively. The combined administration of both ET receptor antagonists increased inhibition of ET-1 vasoconstriction to 75 +/- 4%. 17-Octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA, 2 microM) or 12, 12-dibromododec-enoic acid (2 microM), inhibitors of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) production, attenuated ET-1-induced vasoconstriction by 50 +/- 6 and 40 +/- 3%, respectively, as did indomethacin (10 microM), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. Miconazole (2 microM), the epoxygenase inhibitor, was without effect. 20-HETE (10(-8) and 2 x 10(-8) M) elicited a dose-related vasoconstriction that was inhibited by 10 microM, but not 5 microM, indomethacin. The inhibition by 17-ODYA of ET-1 vasoconstriction was not greater when combined with BMS182874 or BQ788. Moreover, vasoconstriction induced by ET-3, an ET(B)-selective agonist, was inhibited by 17-ODYA. These data indicate that both ET(A) and ET(B) receptors mediate ET-1 vasoconstriction and that 20-HETE production linked to both receptors makes a major contribution to ET-1-induced renal arteriolar vasoconstriction in the rat.