Chronic Angiotensin II Infusion Research Articles

Inhibitor of growth protein-2 silencing alleviates angiotensin Ⅱ-induced cardiac remodeling in mice by reducing p53 acetylation

To investigate the effect of inhibitor of growth protein-2 (Ing2) silencing on angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ)-induced cardiac remodeling in mice and explore the underlying mechanism. An adenoviral vector carrying Ing2 shRNA or empty adenoviral vector was injected into the tail vein of mice, followed 48 h later by infusion of 1000 ng · kg-1 · min-1 Ang Ⅱ or saline using a mini-osmotic pump for 42 consecutive days. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess cardiac geometry and function and the level of cardiac hypertrophy in the mice. Masson and WGA staining were used to detect myocardial fibrosis and cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes, and myocardial cell apoptosis was detected with TUNEL assay. Western blotting was performed to detect myocardial expressions of cleaved caspase 3, ING2, collagen Ⅰ, Ac-p53(Lys382) and p-p53 (Ser15); Ing2 mRNA expression was detected using real-time PCR. Mitochondrial biogenesis, as measured by mitochondrial ROS content, ATP content, citrate synthase activity and calcium storage, was determined using commercial assay kits. The expression levels of Ing2 mRNA and protein were significantly higher in the mice with chronic Ang Ⅱ infusion than in saline-infused mice. Chronic infusion of AngⅡ significantly increased the left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) in the mice. Ing2 silencing obviously alleviated AngⅡ-induced cardiac function decline, as shown by decreased LVEDD and LVESD and increased LVEF and LVFS, improved myocardial mitochondrial damage and myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, and inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Chronic AngⅡ infusion significantly increased myocardial expression levels of Ac-p53(Lys382) and p-p53(Ser15) in the mice, and Ing2 silencing prior to AngⅡ infusion lessened AngⅡ- induced increase of Ac-p53(Lys382) without affecting p53 (ser15) expression. Ing2 silencing can inhibit AngⅡ-induced cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in mice by reducing p53 acetylation.

PS-B05-8: AGTR1A RECEPTORS IN NEURONS OF THE SUBFORNICAL ORGAN AND THE PARAVENTRICULAR NUCLEUS OF HYPOTHALAMUS ACTIVATE SPLENIC IMMUNITY TO HYPERTENSIVE STIMULI

Angiotensin II (AngII) is an important modulator of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), activating type 1a AT receptors (AT1aRs), densely expressed in brain regions controlling cardiovascular function. Circumventricular organs (CVOs) locating in proximity of the ventricles are characterized by a leaky blood brain barrier, with the subfornical organ (SFO) particularly, exposed to circulating substances like AngII. Interestingly, the SFO is structurally and functionally connected to the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), a key regulator of the SNS. In our previous works, we demonstrated that AngII is capable to increase blood pressure by recruiting the splenic sympathetic nervous system (SSNA) and adaptive immune response in mice. Whether the splenic SNS and immune response are under brain control in hypertension is still unknown. To investigate the role of SFO, we exploited the stereotaxic injection of a recombinant adenovirus, encoding a Cre-recombinase and a GFP-reporter (AT1aR-KO-SFO), or GFP alone as control (AT1aR-WT-SFO), in the SFO of AT1aRflox mice. To selectively target AT1aRs in the PVN, we crossed AT1aRflox with mice expressing a Cre recombinase under Sim1 promoter, which typically characterize PVN neurons (AT1aR KO-PVN and AT1aR WT-PVN mice). Efficacy of gene deletion was evaluated by RT-PCR in brain samples obtained by laser microdissection (Figure 1) and AngII or vehicle were infused for 28 days through osmotic minipumps. First, we evaluated SSNA by microneurography, finding a significant reduction in firing frequency of mice with AT1aR KO in SFO. Then we analyzed whether the SSNA inhibition also hampered immune activation in the spleen and by immunofluorescence analysis of splenic white pulp area containing CD3 T cell, we observed that AT1aR KO-SFO mice displayed a reduced egression of T cells after chronic AngII infusion from the spleen towards target organs of hypertension. Further supporting the observation that AT1aR signaling in the brain SFO are necessary to prime T cell egression from the spleen, we found a significantly reduced infiltration of CD8 and CD4 T cells, and less renal damage, typical hallmarks of hypertension. More important, we also observed that AT1aR KO-PVN mice were significantly protected from AngII-induced hypertension, when compared to their respective controls showing a protection from T cells egression and infiltration in kidneys. Our data demonstrate the existence of a SFO-PVN-splenic axis as the main neural regulator of AngII-induced immune response and blood pressure increase. JOURNAL/jhype/04.03/00004872-202301001-00918/figure1/v/2023-10-24T163949Z/r/image-jpeg

The E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM31 plays a critical role in hypertensive nephropathy by promoting proteasomal degradation of MAP3K7 in the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Renal fibrosis and inflammation are critical for the initiation and progression of hypertensive renal disease (HRD). However, the signaling mechanisms underlying their induction are poorly understood, and the role of tripartite motif-containing protein 31 (TRIM31), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, in HRD remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of TRIM31 in the pathogenesis of HRD, discover targets of TRIM31, and explore the underlying mechanisms. Pathological specimens of human HRD kidney were collected and an angiotensin II (AngII)-induced HRD mouse model was developed. We found that TRIM31 was markedly reduced in both human and mouse HRD renal tissues. A TRIM31-/- mice was thus constructed and showed significantly aggravated hypertension-induced renal dysfunction, fibrosis, and inflammation, following chronic AngII infusion compared with TRIM31+/+ mice. In contrast, overexpression of TRIM31 by injecting adeno-associated virus (AAV) 9 into C57BL/6J mice markedly ameliorated renal dysfunction, fibrotic and inflammatory response in AngII-induced HRD relative to AAV-control mice. Mechanistically, TRIM31 interacted with and catalyzed the K48-linked polyubiquitination of lysine 72 on Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 7 (MAP3K7), followed by the proteasomal degradation of MAP3K7, which further negatively regulated TGF-β1-mediated Smad and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated for the first time that TRIM31 serves as an important regulator in AngII-induced HRD by promoting MAP3K7 K48-linked polyubiquitination and inhibiting the TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Angiotensin II Elicits Intracellular Ca 2+ Responses in Rat Cortical Collecting Ducts

Regulation of sodium transport in the cortical collecting duct (CCD) is pivotal for the long-term blood pressure control and excessive Na+ retention in this nephron segment is a known pathogenic determinant of hypertension. Sodium reabsorption in the CCD cells can be stimulated by volume-regulatory hormones, such as angiotensin II (AngII). AngII reportedly binds to AT1 receptors and increases the activity of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) via generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Yet, our understanding of the exact molecular determinants mediating AngII-induced intracellular signaling in the CCD cells remains limited. Numerous studies show that AngII induces intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in the vasculature, cardiomyocytes and glomerular podocytes. Here, we used ratiometric Fura-2 Ca2+-imaging to test if AngII employs Ca2+ as a second messenger in the CCDs freshly isolated from male and female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. We found that application of 500 nM of AngII to a split-opened CCD results in a transient elevation of [Ca2+]i in the CCD cells. The amplitude of the observed [Ca2+]i increase is about 150 nM and is not significantly different in the CCDs isolated from male and female rats. AngII-dependent [Ca2+]i signal is not affected by removal of Ca2+ from the extracellular bathing solution, but is practically abolished, when the tubules are pre-incubated in 3 μM thapsigargin, indicative of Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores. Inhibition of PLC with 10 μM U73122 markedly diminishes AngII-induced [Ca2+]i transient. Chronic AngII infusion moderately impairs [Ca2+]i responses to AngII in the CCDs isolated from male rats by approximately 30%. In contrast, AngII-induced [Ca2+]i elevation is attenuated by 70% in the CCDs from AngII-infused females. We have previously reported a stronger antihypertensive effect of aldosterone antagonism in AngII-infused females, when compared to males. Here, we found that systemic administration of eplerenone prevents the decline of AngII-stimulated [Ca2+]i response in the CCDs from female rats with AngII-dependent hypertension, but not in males. Overall, our data demonstrate that AngII triggers Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores of the CCD cells in a PLC-dependent manner. This AngII-activated [Ca2+]i mobilization is impaired in AngII-infused SD rats of both sexes, but the attenuation is remarkably more pronounced in females. Systemic aldosterone antagonism with eplerenone restores the AngII-mediated [Ca2+]i response in the CCDs from female rats with AngII-dependent hypertension. Future studies are granted to investigate the interplay between AngII-dependent [Ca2+]i signal and ROS generation in the CCD cells.

IMMUNE CELLS MEDIATED EFFECTS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF VASCULAR INFLAMMATION AND ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM IN ANGIOTENSIN II-TREATED APOE-KO MICE

Objective: Chronic high salt (NaCl) intake is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies showed that excessive chronic NaCl intake affects immune response and thereby contributes to the pathogenesis of vascular injury. However, it remains unclear whether NaCl intake initially primes immune cell response by promoting memory T cells and sensitize the development of vascular injury in response to a subsequent stimulus. Design and method: Therefore, we investigate whether 14 days of NaCl treatment (1% NaCl) followed by a 7 day washout period affects the incidence and outcome of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE-KO) mice infused chronically with angiotensinII (AngII) (1000ng/kg/min) via osmotic minipumps for 10 days. Assessment of AAA was done by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To visualize vascular inflammation in vivo, perfluorocarbon nano-emulsions (PFC) injected intravenously before and 2, 4, 7 and 10 days after chronic AngII infusion were detected by combining 1H/19F MRI using a 19F RARE sequence. After 10 days of AngII infusion, aortas with perivascular fat were dissected. Aortic inflammation and immune cells infiltration were analyzed by flow cytometery, immunohistology and realtime PCR. Results: The survival rate of ApoE-KO mice pretreated with NaCl was significantly lower and the AAA incidence rate was significantly higher compared to sham-treated apoE-KO mice. The amount of 19F signal detected in areas of AAA was significantly increased in apoE-KO mice pretreated with NaCl. Histological analysis confirmed these results and showed that most of the immune cells were in the PVAT rather than dwelling in the vascular tissues. At day 10, proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha, iNOS and TGF-ß as well as numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, effector memory CD4 and CD8 T cells were significantly higher in aortas of NaCl pretreated apoE-KO mice compared to sham-treated mice. Moreover, NaCl augmented the development of effector Th1 CD4 and effector CD8 cells from naïve T cells in vitro, respectively. Conclusions: In conclusion, these results suggest a significant role of NaCl in priming immune cell phenotype and thereby mediating vascular inflammation and damage in AngII infused apoE-KO mice.

Endothelial NADPH oxidase 4 protects against angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis and inflammation.

AimsEndothelial activation and inflammatory cell infiltration have important roles in the development of cardiac fibrosis induced by renin–angiotensin system activation. NADPH oxidases (Nox proteins) are expressed in endothelial cells (ECs) and alter their function. Previous studies indicated that Nox2 in ECs contributes to angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced cardiac fibrosis. However, the effects of EC Nox4 on cardiac fibrosis are unknown.Methods and resultsTransgenic (TG) mice overexpressing endothelial‐restricted Nox4 were studied alongside wild‐type (WT) littermates as controls. At baseline, Nox4 TG mice had significantly enlarged hearts compared with WT, with elongated cardiomyocytes (increased by 18.5%, P < 0.01) and eccentric hypertrophy but well‐preserved cardiac function by echocardiography and in vivo pressure–volume analysis. Animals were subjected to a chronic AngII infusion (AngII, 1.1 mg/kg/day) for 14 days. Whereas WT/AngII developed a 2.1‐fold increase in interstitial cardiac fibrosis as compared with WT/saline controls (P < 0.01), TG/AngII mice developed significant less fibrosis (1.4‐fold increase, P > 0.05), but there were no differences in cardiac hypertrophy or contractile function between the two groups. TG hearts displayed significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration with reduced levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 in both the vasculature and myocardium compared with WT after AngII treatment. TG microvascular ECs stimulated with AngII in vitro supported significantly less leukocyte adhesion than WT ECs.ConclusionsA chronic increase in endothelial Nox4 stimulates physiological cardiac hypertrophy and protects against AngII‐induced cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting EC activation and the recruitment of inflammatory cells.

GRK5 is a regulator of fibroblast activation and cardiac fibrosis

Pathological remodeling of the heart is a hallmark of chronic heart failure (HF) and these structural changes further perpetuate the disease. Cardiac fibroblasts are the critical cell type that is responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the heart. Stress conditions, such as a myocardial infarction (MI), can activate quiescent fibroblasts into synthetic and contractile myofibroblasts. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) is an important mediator of cardiovascular homeostasis through dampening of GPCR signaling, and is expressed in the heart and up-regulated in human HF. Of note, GRK5 has been demonstrated to translocate to the nucleus in cardiomyocytes in a calcium-calmodulin (Ca2+-CAM)-dependent manner, promoting hypertrophic gene transcription through activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). Interestingly, NFAT is also involved in fibroblast activation. GRK5 is highly expressed and active in cardiac fibroblasts; however, its pathophysiological role in these crucial cardiac cells is unknown. We demonstrate using adult cardiac fibroblasts that genetic deletion of GRK5 inhibits angiotensin II (AngII)-mediated fibroblast activation. Fibroblast-specific deletion of GRK5 in mice led to decreased fibrosis and cardiac hypertrophy after chronic AngII infusion or after ischemic injury compared to nontransgenic littermate controls (NLCs). Mechanistically, we show that nuclear translocation of GRK5 is involved in fibroblast activation. These data demonstrate that GRK5 is a regulator of fibroblast activation in vitro and cardiac fibrosis in vivo. This adds to previously published data which demonstrate the potential beneficial effects of GRK5 inhibition in the context of cardiac disease.

Chronically infused angiotensin II induces depressive-like behavior via microglia activation

Brain inflammation is one of hypotheses explaining complex pathomechanisms of depression. Angiotensin II (ANGII), which is associated with hypertension, also induces brain inflammation. However, there is no animal study showing the direct relationship between ANGII and depression. To address this issue, ANGII-containing osmotic pumps were implanted into adult male C57BL/6 mice subcutaneously for subacute (7 days) and chronic (at least 21 days) periods and behavioral and molecular analyses were conducted. Chronic infusion of ANGII into mice induced depressive-like behaviors, including the tail suspension test and forced swimming test, which were reversed by imipramine. Chronic infusion of ANGII also induced microglial activation in the hippocampus with increase of Il-1β mRNA and decrease of Arg1 mRNA. In addition, chronic ANGII infusion activated the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis) and resulted in decreased hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor level. However, subacute ANGII infusion did not induce significant molecular and behavioral changes in mice compared to that of control. The molecular and behavioral changes by chronic ANGII infusion were reversed by co-treatment of minocycline or telmisartan. In addition, ANGII treatment also induced the pro-inflammatory changes in BV-2 microglial cells. Our results indicate that ANGII can induce depressive-like behaviors via microglial activation in the hippocampus and HPA axis hyperactivation in mice. These might suggest possible mechanism on depressive symptom in chronic hypertensive state.

Altered Antioxidant and Inflammatory Signaling by Fibroblasts in the Hypertensive Heart

In response to hypertensive stimuli, like angiotensin II (AngII), cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) transform into an activated phenotype, which triggers increased collagen deposition and pro‐inflammatory signals. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1) and reactive oxygen species are important modulators of AngII‐induced cardiac fibrosis and CF activation. The extent to which the AngII‐induced changes in CF phenotype persist in the absence of ongoing stimulation is not known. The objective of the present study was to determine the persistent impact of chronic AngII infusion on CF phenotype. Specifically, we performed an in vitro characterization of CFs isolated from rats chronically treated with AngII (in vivo) or saline (vehicle) and investigated acute (in vitro) responses to AngII thereafter. Adult male SD rats were administered AngII (200 ng/kg/min) or saline for 4 weeks. In half of the rats in each group, we measured mean arterial pressure (MAP), weighed the left ventricle (LV), and fixed a section of LV for assessment of collagen deposition (Sirius Red). In remaining rats, CFs were isolated and passaged to P1. CFs were treated in vitro with AngII (1uM) or vehicle for 72 hr. TGF‐β1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1) were assessed in culture media. Expression of pro‐/anti‐oxidant proteins NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2), catalase and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) were determined by western blot. Ang II increased MAP (43%, p&lt;0.05), LV/BW (30%, p&lt;0.05), and LV collagen deposition. TGF‐β1 release was not different from CFs isolated from saline vs. AngII infused rats. However, in vitro incubation with AngII significantly increased TGF‐β1 secretion in all CFs. CFs isolated from AngII‐infused rats secreted elevated levels of MCP‐1 (p&lt;0.05), when compared to control CFs. MCP‐1 levels were not further modified by acute AngII treatment. Basal expression of Nox2, SOD1, and catalase was similar between CFs isolated from control vs. AngII‐infused rats. Acute AngII tended to increase Nox2 expression in CFs isolated from vehicle and AngII‐treated rats, whereas AngII only increased SOD1 expression (46%, p&lt;0.05) in CFs from AngII‐infused rats. In vitro stimulation with AngII tended to increase catalase in CFs isolated from control rats, but reduced (20%, p&lt;0.05) expression in CFs isolated from AngII infused rats. Taken together, these data demonstrate that CFs isolated from an actively remodeling myocardium continue to secrete elevated levels of MCP‐1, but not TGF‐β1, in vitro. Moreover, CFs from AngII‐infused rats displayed altered expression of antioxidant enzymes following AngII in vitro, which may play a role in worsened inflammatory signaling and resultant pro‐fibrotic activity. Future studies will further elucidate the fibrotic and inflammatory characteristics of CFs from the remodeling myocardium and determine the extent to which this persistent phenotype alters the future responsiveness to a pathogenic stimulus.Support or Funding InformationSpringboard Grant, UA College of Medicine – PhoenixThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Endothelial α1AMPK modulates angiotensin II-mediated vascular inflammation and dysfunction.

Mice with a global deletion of α1AMPK are characterized by endothelial dysfunction and NADPH oxidase subunit 2 (NOX-2)-mediated vascular oxidative stress. However, the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood and may involve endothelial NOX-2 upregulation or facilitated vascular infiltration of phagocytic cells. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the vascular effects of chronic angiotensin II (AngII) infusion in mice with an endothelial-specific α1AMPK deletion. A mouse strain with endothelial-specific α1AMPK deletion was generated by breeding α1AMPKflox/flox mice with TekCre+ or Cadh5Cre+ mice. Chronic AngII infusion (0.5mg/kg/day for 7day) caused mild endothelial dysfunction in wild-type mice that was significantly aggravated in endothelial α1AMPK knockout mice. Aortic NOX-2 and CD68 expression wereincreased, indicating that infiltrating leukocytes may significantly contribute to enhanced vascular oxidative stress. Flow cytometry revealed a higher abundance of aortic CD90.2+ T-cells, CD11b+F4/80+ macrophages and Ly6G-Ly6C+ monocytes. Vascular mRNA expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, CCL5 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 was enhanced in AngII-infused mice lacking endothelial α1AMPK, facilitating the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the vessel wall. In addition, AngII-induced upregulation of cytoprotective heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) was blunted in mice with endothelial α1AMPK deletion, compatible with an impaired antioxidant defense in these animals. In summary,endothelial expressed α1AMPK limits the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the vessel wall and maintains HO-1 mediated antioxidant defense. Both mechanisms reduce vascular oxidative damage and preserve endothelial function during chronic AngII treatment.

α1AMPK deletion in myelomonocytic cells induces a pro-inflammatory phenotype and enhances angiotensin II-induced vascular dysfunction.

Immune cell function involves energy-dependent processes including growth, proliferation, and cytokine production. Since the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a crucial regulator of intracellular energy homeostasis, its expression and activity may also affect innate and adaptive immune cell responses. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the consequences of α1AMPK deletion in myelomonocytic cells on vascular function, inflammation, and hypertension during chronic angiotensin II (ATII) treatment. We generated a mouse strain with α1AMPK deletion in lysozyme M+ myelomonocytic cells. Compared to controls, chronic ATII infusion (1 mg/kg/day for 7 days) lead to increased vascular oxidative stress and aggravated endothelial dysfunction in LysM-Cre+ x α1AMPKfl/fl mice. This was accompanied by an increased aortic infiltration of CD11b+F4/80+ macrophages and enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine release (tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-6). Mechanistically, we found that increased expression of C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) in α1AMPK deficient myelomonocytic cells facilitated their recruitment to the vascular wall. In addition, expression of the ATII receptor type 1a and the oxidative burst was increased in these cells, indicating an increased susceptibility towards pro-oxidant stimuli. In summary, α1AMPK deletion in myelomonocytic cells aggravates vascular oxidative stress and dysfunction by enhancing their recruitment to the vascular wall and increasing their susceptibility towards pro-oxidant stimuli. Our observations suggest that metabolic control in myelomonocytic cells has profound implications for their inflammatory phenotype and may trigger the development of vascular disease.

Evidence for Prohypertensive, Proinflammatory Effect of Interleukin-10 During Chronic High Salt Intake in the Condition of Elevated Angiotensin II Level.

IL-10 (interleukin-10) has been suggested to play a protective role in angiotensin II (AngII)-induced cardiovascular disorders. This study examined the role of endogenous IL-10 in salt-sensitive hypertension and renal injury induced by AngII. Responses to chronic AngII (400 ng/min per kilogram body weight; osmotic minipump) infusion were evaluated in IL-10 gene knockout mice fed with either normal salt diet (0.3% NaCl) or high salt (HS; 4% NaCl) diet, and these responses were compared with those in wild-type mice. Normal salt diets or HS diets were given alone for the first 2 weeks and then with AngII treatment for an additional 2 weeks (n=6 in each group). Arterial pressure was continuously monitored by implanted radio-telemetry, and a 24-hour urine collection was performed by metabolic cages on the last day of the experimental period. Basal mean arterial pressure was lower in IL-10 gene knockout mice than in wild-type (98±3 versus 113±3 mm Hg) mice. Mean arterial pressure responses to normal salt/HS alone or to the AngII+normal salt treatment were similar in both strains. However, the increase in mean arterial pressure induced by the AngII+HS treatment was significantly lower in IL-10 gene knockout mice (15±5% versus 37±3%) compared with wild-type mice. Renal tissue endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression (≈3-folds) and urinary excretion of nitric oxide metabolites, nitrate/nitrite (1.2±0.1 versus 0.2±0.02 µmol/L/24 hours) were higher in IL-10 gene knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. These results indicate that an increase in nitric oxide production helps to mitigate salt-sensitive hypertension induced by AngII and suggest that a compensatory interaction between IL-10 and nitric oxide exists in modulating AngII-induced responses during HS intake.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor-Associated Protein Regulates Kidney Aging and Lifespan Independent of Angiotensin.

BackgroundThe kidney is easily affected by aging‐associated changes, including glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. Particularly, renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a final common pathway in most forms of progressive renal disease. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R)‐associated protein (ATRAP), which was originally identified as a molecule that binds to AT1R, is highly expressed in the kidney. Previously, we have shown that ATRAP suppresses hyperactivation of AT1R signaling, but does not affect physiological AT1R signaling.Methods and ResultsWe hypothesized that ATRAP has a novel functional role in the physiological age‐degenerative process, independent of modulation of AT1R signaling. ATRAP‐knockout mice were used to study the functional involvement of ATRAP in the aging. ATRAP‐knockout mice exhibit a normal age‐associated appearance without any evident alterations in physiological parameters, including blood pressure and cardiovascular and metabolic phenotypes. However, in ATRAP‐knockout mice compared with wild‐type mice, the following takes place: (1) age‐associated renal function decline and tubulointerstitial fibrosis are more enhanced; (2) renal tubular mitochondrial abnormalities and subsequent increases in the production of reactive oxygen species are more advanced; and (3) life span is 18.4% shorter (median life span, 100.4 versus 123.1 weeks). As a key mechanism, age‐related pathological changes in the kidney of ATRAP‐knockout mice correlated with decreased expression of the prosurvival gene, Sirtuin1. On the other hand, chronic angiotensin II infusion did not affect renal sirtuin1 expression in wild‐type mice.ConclusionsThese results indicate that ATRAP plays an important role in inhibiting kidney aging, possibly through sirtuin1‐mediated mechanism independent of blocking AT1R signaling, and further protecting normal life span.

Potassium Supplementation Prevents Sodium Chloride Cotransporter Stimulation During Angiotensin II Hypertension.

Angiotensin II (AngII) hypertension increases distal tubule Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC) abundance and phosphorylation (NCCp), as well as epithelial Na(+) channel abundance and activating cleavage. Acutely raising plasma [K(+)] by infusion or ingestion provokes a rapid decrease in NCCp that drives a compensatory kaliuresis. The first aim tested whether acutely raising plasma [K(+)] with a single 3-hour 2% potassium meal would lower NCCp in Sprague-Dawley rats after 14 days of AngII (400 ng/kg per minute). The potassium-rich meal neither decreased NCCp nor increased K(+) excretion. AngII-infused rats exhibited lower plasma [K(+)] versus controls (3.6±0.2 versus 4.5±0.1 mmol/L; P<0.05), suggesting that AngII-mediated epithelial Na(+) channel activation provokes K(+) depletion. The second aim tested whether doubling dietary potassium intake from 1% (A1K) to 2% (A2K) would prevent K(+) depletion during AngII infusion and, thus, prevent NCC accumulation. A2K-fed rats exhibited normal plasma [K(+)] and 2-fold higher K(+) excretion and plasma [aldosterone] versus A1K. In A1K rats, NCC, NCCpS71, and NCCpT53 abundance increased 1.5- to 3-fold versus controls (P<0.05). The rise in NCC and NCCp abundance was prevented in the A2K rats, yet blood pressure did not significantly decrease. Epithelial Na(+) channel subunit abundance and cleavage increased 1.5- to 3-fold in both A1K and A2K; ROMK (renal outer medulla K(+) channel abundance) abundance was unaffected by AngII or dietary K(+) In summary, the accumulation and phosphorylation of NCC seen during chronic AngII infusion hypertension is likely secondary to potassium deficiency driven by epithelial Na(+) channel stimulation.

ISN Forefronts Symposium 2015: Maintaining Balance Under Pressure—Hypertension and the Proximal Tubule

Renal control of effective circulating volume (ECV) is key for circulatory performance. When renal sodium excretion is inadequate, blood pressure rises and serves as a homeostatic signal to drive natriuresis to re-establish ECV. Recognizing that hypertension involves both renal and vascular dysfunction, this report concerns proximal tubule sodium hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) regulation during acute and chronic hypertension. NHE3 is distributed in tall microvilli (MV) in the proximal tubule, where it reabsorbs a significant fraction of the filtered sodium. NHE3 redistributes, in the plane of the MV membrane, between the MV body, where NHE3 is active, and the MV base, where NHE3 is less active. A high-salt diet and acute hypertension both retract NHE3 to the base and reduce proximal tubule sodium reabsorption independent of a change in abundance. The renin angiotensin system provokes NHE3 redistribution independent of blood pressure: The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor captopril redistributes NHE3 to the base and subsequent angiotensin II (AngII) infusion returns NHE3 to the body of the MV and restores reabsorption. Chronic AngII infusion presents simultaneous AngII stimulation and hypertension; that is, NHE3 remains in the body of the MV, due to the high local AngII level and inflammation, and exhibits a compensatory decrease in abundance driven by the hypertension. Genetically modified mice with blunted hypertensive responses to chronic AngII infusion (due to lack of the proximal tubule AngII receptors interleukin-17A or interferon-γ expression) exhibit reduced local AngII accumulation and inflammation and larger decreases in NHE3 abundance, which improves the pressure natriuresis response and reduces the need for elevated blood pressure to facilitate circulating volume balance.

Abstract 210: Liver Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Adiponectin Deficient Mice

Adiponectin is one of the few peptides secreted by fat known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Obesity in humans is associated with low levels of circulating adiponectin. Adiponectin deficiency could potentially lead to a proinflammatory milieu, increasing susceptibility to progression of cardiovascular diseases and other inflammatory conditions. Previous studies from our lab have shown that adiponectin deficiency in mice did not lead to statistically significant increases in circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines under basal conditions or in response to low dose infusion of Angiotensin II (ANGII). The present study evaluates the effect of chronic ANGII infusion on expression of cytokines in the livers of female C57BL/6J and adiponectin deficient mice (Adipo -/-). Female mice (24-28wks), were implanted with osmotic pump containing either ANG II (800 ng/Kg /min) or saline. Blood samples and tissue were collected at the end of 14 days. Liver tissue expression of the cytokines were quantified using real-time PCR (BioRad CFX 96 thermocycler) and SYBR Green mastermix. Data was normalized to the expression of GAPDH. Expression of cytokines IL6, IL8, IL17a was undetectable in the liver tissue of C57BL/6J and Adiponectin deficient mice. Angiotensin II infusion did not produce detectable changes in cytokine expression in either group. Expression of TNFα, TGF β , and adhesion molecules such as E-Selectin, VCAM1, Collagen1a1 in Adipo-/- mice were comparable to that of C57BL/6J mice. ANGII infusion did not produce statistically significant changes in these biomarkers either. Finally, expression of ANGII signaling components such as Angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT 1 ), NFκB and PPARγ were robustly expressed in both C57BL/6J and adiponectin deficient mice. In conclusion, chronic infusion of ANGII in Adiponectin deficiency did not result in a significant increases in expression of markers of proinflammatory milieu in the liver tissue.

Abstract P646: Vascular AT1 Angiotensin Receptors Regulate Sodium Transporter Abundance in Kidney Epithelium

Vasoconstriction is a signature physiological action of angiotensin II (AngII) acting via AT1 receptors (AT1R). In order to define the contribution of AT1R in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to BP control, we generated mice with cell-specific deletion of AT1AR from VSMCs (SMKOs) using Cre-loxp technology. Baseline BP was reduced by ~7 mmHg and responses to AngII-induced hypertension were significantly blunted by in SMKO mice compared to controls (16 vs. 30 mm Hg change in BP from baseline after 4 wks AngII, P&lt;0.02). Baseline renal blood flow (RBF) was higher, and renal vasoconstriction after Ang II was impaired in SMKOs. Moreover, SMKO mice displayed Na+ sensitivity and exaggerated natriuresis during chronic AngII infusion. To investigate the mechanism of the lower baseline BP and the enhanced natriuresis during AngII infusion (1000ng/kg/min for 5 days), we measured a panel of key Na+ transporters in the kidney by immunoblot. Baseline measurements in SMKO vs. controls detected reductions in NKCC2 in both cortex (0.8±0.03 vs. 1±0.03; P=0.0002) and medulla (0.6±0.02 vs. 1±0.05; P&lt;0.0001); medullary NHE3 was similarly reduced (0.6±0.07 vs. 1±0.07; P=0.002). In controls, AngII infusion was associated with reduced levels of cortical and medullary NHE3 and medullary NKCC, consistent with the pressure-natriuresis response, whereas cortical NKCC, NCC and ENaC were all significantly activated. By contrast, in SMKOs, there was no AngII infusion dependent depression in cortical or medullary NHE3, nor medullary NKCC. However, the extent of increase in activated (cleaved) αENaC was significantly less than controls (cortex: 1.46±0.16 vs. 2.58±0.17, P=0.002; medulla: 1.49±0.09 vs. 2.22±0.31, P=0.01). Yet, 24 hr urinary aldosterone excretion was not different between the groups (18.6±2.7 vs. 15.8±4.5 ng/24hrs). Our studies indicate that the lower baseline BP in SMKO mice is associated with reduced Na+ transporter abundance along the loop of Henle, and that attenuated hypertension and improved natriuresis during AngII infusion are associated with diminished ENaC activation. In conclusion, we suggest that vascular-epithelial cross-talk modulates renal Na+ handling and thereby contributes to control of BP at baseline and during hypertension.

Regional identification of mechanical properties in arteries

Aortic aneurysms are often characterized by localized changes in aortic wall composition and structure that result from the degradation of elastin, loss of smooth muscle cell function, and remodeling of collagen. Correlations between wall composition and local mechanical properties can potentially provide insight into conditions that render a vessel susceptible to failure. Previous work has shown that chronic angiotensin-II infusion in ApoE-/- mice often results in dissecting aneurysms (Bersi et al. 2012). The objective of this work is to establish a new protocol able to characterize in vitro the local mechanical properties of arteries on the murine model.

Abstract 505: Effect of Angiotensin II Infusion on Renal TNFα and IL6 mRNA Expression in Male Adiponectin Deficient Mice

Adiponectin is a well-known adipokine with insulin sensitizing and anti-inflammatory actions. Low circulating levels of adiponectin are associated with a proinflammatory milieu leading to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. We have previously shown that male adiponectin deficient (adipo-/-) mice have lower baseline blood pressures but are more susceptible to prohypertensive effect of Angiotensin II (ANGII). In addition to being a vasoconstrictor, ANGII is also known to stimulate proinflammatory cytokine expression in cardiovascular &amp; renal tissue. However, low dose infusion of ANGII for 14 days did not increase plasma TNFα or IL6 appreciably in the adipo -/- mice. The present study evaluates the expression of these proinflammatory cytokines in renal tissue. Briefly, male wild type C57Bl/6J and adiponectin deficient (adipo-/-) mice (24-28wk, ~30g) were implanted with osmotic pumps containing Angiotensin II (ANGII, 800ng/Kg body weight/min) or Saline. At the end of 14 days infusion, the mice were euthanized to obtain blood and tissue samples. The kidneys were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and the total RNA was extracted using RNA mini kit (Qiagen). Quantitative real-time PCR was performed with Eppendorf Realplex 4 mastercycler and SYBR Green ROX Mastermix. TNFα mRNA expression normalized to GAPDH was similar in adipo-/- and C57Bl/6J mice. TNFα mRNA expression levels were not increased by ANGII infusion. IL6 expression was undetectable in all groups (n=3 animals/group). We also carried out additional microarray analysis of markers of endothelial activation and adhesion molecules. Preliminary data show that ANGII increases expression of E-Selectin, VCAM1, Collagen1a1 and eNOS by two fold in the C57BL/6J mice. The saline treated adipo-/- had lower expression of eNOS, VCAM-1 and Collagen1a1. Interestingly, ANGII infusion increased expression of E-Selectin, VCAM1 and Collagen 1a1 in these mice but eNOS expression was unchanged. The data suggest that chronic ANGII infusion did not change renal expression of cytokines appreciably but downstream markers of inflammation and fibrosis were increased.

Abstract 513: Evaluation of Proinflammatory Effects of Low Dose Angiotensin II Infusion in Intact Female Mice and Adiponectin Deficient Mice

Circulating vasoactive peptide Angiotensin II (ANGII) has a well-known role in the development of hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. In addition it has significant proinflammatory actions in the vascular wall inducing the production of reactive oxygen species, inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules. It has been previously shown that estrogen in female mice protects against ANGII mediated hypertension and against proinflammatory effects. It is not clear if the protective effects of estrogen extend to adiponectin deficient mice. Adiponectin is one of the few peptides secreted by fat to have anti-inflammatory properties. The present study evaluates the effect of chronic ANGII infusion on expression of cytokines in female C57BL/6J and adiponectin deficient mice (adipo-/-). Female mice (24- 28wks), were implanted with osmotic pump containing either ANG II (800 ng/Kg /min) or saline. Blood samples and tissue were collected at the end of 14 days. Plasma levels of TNFalpha and IL6 were measured using enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay. Renal tissue expression of the cytokines were quantified using real-time PCR (Eppendorf Realplex 4 mastercycler) and SYBR Green ROX mastermix. Plasma TNFα levels were similar in saline infused C57Bl/6J(11±1 pg/ml) and adiponectin deficient mice(10± 1 pg/ml). ANGII did not significantly increase TNFα in the control(14±3 pg/ml) or adipo-/- mice(13+1 pg/ml). Plasma IL6 levels were also not significantly different in the two groups. A microarray for mRNA expression of markers of endothelial activation and adhesion molecules was also performed in the renal tissue. Preliminary data show that TNFalpha mRNA expression levels were not increased by ANG II infusion and IL6 expression was undetectable. ANGII also did not alter E-Selectin,VCAM1, Collagen1a1 and eNOS expression. In conclusion, ANGII infusion did not result in a proinflammatory milieu in both female C57BL/6J and Adipo -/- mice.