Differential expression of alpha2D-adrenoceptor and eNOS in aortas from early and later stages of diabetes in Goto-Kakizaki rats.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare vascular dysfunction between the early (12 wk old) and later (36 wk old) stages of spontaneous diabetes in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. We also evaluated the aortic expression of the alpha(2D)-adrenoceptor and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Vascular reactivity was assessed in thoracic aortas from age-matched control rats and 12- and 36-wk GK rats. Using RT-PCR and immunoblots, we also examined the changes in expression of the alpha(2D-)adrenoceptor and eNOS. In aortas from GK rats (vs. those from age-matched control rats): 1) the relaxation response to ACh was enhanced at 12 wk but decreased at 36 wk; 2) the relaxation response to sodium nitroprusside was decreased at both 12 and 36 wk, 3) norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractility was decreased at 12 wk but not at 36 wk, 4) the expressions of alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors were unaffected, whereas those of alpha(2D)-adrenoceptor and eNOS mRNAs were increased at both 12 and 36 wk; and 5) NE- and ACh-stimulated NO(x) (nitrite and nitrate) levels were increased at 12 wk, although at 36 wk ACh-stimulated NO(x) was lower, whereas NE-stimulated NO(x) showed no change. These results clearly demonstrate that enhanced ACh-induced relaxation and impaired NE-induced contraction, due to NO overproduction via eNOS and increased alpha(2D)-adrenoceptor expression, occur in early-stage GK rats and that the impaired ACh-induced relaxation in later-stage GK rats is due to reductions in both NO production and NO responsiveness (but not in eNOS expression).