Published online before print August 8, 2005, doi: 10.1161/01.HYP.0000174594.17052.33
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(Hypertension. 2005;46:948.)
© 2005 American Heart Association, Inc.
Part 2 Original Articles |
Short-Term Angiotensin(1-7) Receptor Mas Stimulation Improves Endothelial Function in Normotensive Rats
From the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Correspondence to Robson A. S. Santos, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Bloco B4–Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901–Belo Horizonte, MG–Brasil. E-mail marrob{at}dedalus.lcc.ufmg.br
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Abstract |
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In this study we evaluated the effect of angiotensin(1-7) and its nonpeptide analog, AVE 0991, on the endothelial function in vivo. The experiments were performed in conscious adult male Wistar rats, with polyethylene catheters implanted into the descending aorta (through left carotid artery), for injection of acetylcholine or sodium nitroprusside, femoral artery for mean arterial pressure and heart rate measurement; and femoral vein for drug administration. Increasing doses of acetylcholine (3.1 ng to 25.0 ng) or nitroprusside (1.0 µg to 10.0 µg) were administered before and 30 minutes after the start of the infusion of: angiotensin(1-7) (0.7 and 7.0 pmol/min); A-779 (180 pmol/min); angiotensin(1-7) (7.0 pmol/min) combined with A-779 (180 pmol/min); AVE 0991 (11, 45, and 230 pmol/min); AVE 0991 (45 pmol/min) combined with A-779 (180 pmol/min), or vehicle (6 µL/min). Baseline mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not altered during angiotensin(1-7) or AVE 0991 infusion. Angiotensin(1-7) (0.7 pmol/min) infusion produced a significant potentiation of the hypotensive effect of acetylcholine (3.1 ng: –9±1 mm Hg before; –18±2 mm Hg after; P<0.05). A similar potentiation was observed with the higher dose of angiotensin(1-7). As observed for angiotensin(1-7), infusion of AVE 0991 at 230 pmol/min potentiated the acetylcholine effect (3.1 ng: –8±2 mm Hg before; –16±2 mm Hg after; P<0.05). The potentiating effect was not observed for nitroprusside. A-779 or L-NAME treatment blocked the potentiation produced by angiotensin(1-7) or AVE 0991. Our data indicate that short-term stimulation of angiotensin(1-7) receptors improve endothelial function through facilitation of nitric oxide release.
Key Words: angiotensin • endothelium • nitric oxide • renin-angiotensin system
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Introduction |
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The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in cardiovascular physiology and cell function.1 The renin-angiotensin system is usually known as a hormonal and tissular system that releases angiotensin II (Ang II) and is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and salt and fluid homeostasis. It is becoming evident that the renin-angiotensin system has 2 major arms: a vasoconstrictor/proliferative in which the main mediator is Ang II, and a vasodilator/anti-proliferative, in which the major effector is angiotensin(1-7) [Ang(1-7)] acting on the G protein–coupled receptor Mas.2
Angiotensin(1-7) is a biologically active heptapeptide, which can be formed in a pathway independent of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. The blood vessels are an important site for the formation and biological actions of Ang(1-7).3 In contrast to Ang II, Ang(1-7) is neither dipsogen nor an aldosterone secretagogue, but similarly to Ang II, it releases vasopressin, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide.3 Ang(1-7) can improve the baroreceptor reflex4,5 and decrease smooth muscle cell growth.6 Peripherally, the most important actions of Ang(1-7) appear to be related to the control of hydroelectrolyte balance7 and cardiovascular function.8 We have recently shown that Ang(1-7) is an endogenous ligand for the G protein–coupled receptor Mas.2 Because Ang(1-7) seems to counteract many of Ang II cardiovascular effects, this peptide and its receptor are potential targets for the development of cardioprotective or anti-hypertensive agents. The receptor Mas is blocked by the heptapeptide D-Ala(7)–Ang(1-7) [A-779], a specific and potent antagonist of Ang(1-7),9 disrupting hemodynamic and renal responses to Ang(1-7), such as the antidiuretic effect10 and bradykinin potentiation in vivo and in mesenteric microvessels.11,12
Recently Wiemer et al13 described a novel nonpeptide compound, AVE 0991 (AVE), which was able to evoke effects on endothelial cells similar to those observed for Ang(1-7). AVE and Ang(1-7) stimulated nitric oxide (NO) release from cultured cells caused by the activation of endothelial NO synthase, and this effect was inhibited by the NO synthase inhibitor L-NMMA. This effect seems to be a receptor-mediated event. In this regard, recent studies showed that AVE is an Ang(1-7) receptor Mas agonist.14
In this study we tested the hypothesis that short-term Ang(1-7) Mas receptor stimulation by Ang(1-7) and AVE could improve endothelial function in vivo, by facilitating NO release.
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Methods |
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Animals
Experiments were performed in 99 nonanesthetized male Wistar rats, weighing 230 to 330 grams, bred at the animal facility of the Biological Sciences Institute (CEBIO, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil). All animal procedures were performed in accordance with institutional guidelines (Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil).
General Surgical Procedures
Twenty-four to 48 hours before the experiment, under anesthesia with 2.5% tribromoethanol (1.0 mL/100 grams) intraperitoneally, a polyethylene catheter (PE-10 connected to PE-50) was introduced into the descending aorta, through the left carotid artery, for intra-arterial injections. The correct position of the catheter was verified by the absence of bradycardia during the first seconds of acetylcholine (ACh) injection, and also during postmortem examination. Other catheters were implanted into abdominal aorta (through femoral artery) for mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate measurements and into the femoral vein for intravenous infusions and injections. After recovery from anesthesia, the rats were kept in individual cages with free access to water and chow until the end of the experiments.
Arterial Pressure Measurements
The arterial pressure and heart rate were monitored by a solid-state strain gauge transducer connected to a computer through a data acquisition system (MP 100; BIOPAC Systems, Inc, Santa Barbara, Calif). The experiments were conducted in conscious rats.
Drugs
ACh, sodium nitroprusside (NP), Ang(1-7), N
-nitro L-methyl arginine (L-NAME), D-Ala(7)–Ang(1-7) [A-779], and AVE 0991 were dissolved in isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) immediately before use. Ang(1-7) and A-779 were from Bachem, Germany. ACh, NP, and L-NAME were purchased from Sigma Chemical Co (St Louis, Mo). AVE 0991 was a generous gift from Dr Markus Bleich and Dr Juergen Puenter from Aventis Pharma.
Experimental Protocols
Protocol 1: Effect of Ang(1-7) or AVE on the Hypotensive Action of ACh in Wistar Rats
Intra-arterial bolus injections of ACh (3.1, 6.2, 12.5, 25.0 ng) were made before and within 30 minutes of intravenous infusion of: Ang(1-7) (0.7 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=5; or 7.0 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=9); AVE (11 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=6; 45 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=9; or 230 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=7) or vehicle (6 µL/min for 60 minutes, n=7). An interval of 3 minutes was allowed between ACh injections. After the first series of ACh injections, the catheter was washed with isotonic saline. The doses of the drugs and the time points for determining its effects were chosen based on preliminary experiments. A schematic drawing of the experimental procedure is shown in Figure 1.
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Protocol 2: Effect of Ang(1-7) or AVE on the Hypotensive Action of ACh in Wistar Rats Previously Treated With L-NAME
After the first series of ACh injections (3.1, 6.2, 12.5, 25.0 ng), rats were treated with L-NAME (30 mg/kg IV) just before Ang(1-7) (7.0 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=6), AVE (230 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=6), or vehicle infusion (6 µL/min for 60 minutes, n=6).
Protocol 3: Effect of Ang(1-7) or AVE on the Hypotensive Action of NP in Wistar Rats
Intra-arterial bolus injections of NP (1.0, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0 µg) were made before and within 30 minutes of intravenous infusion of: Ang(1-7) (7.0 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=8), AVE (45 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=5), or vehicle (6 µL/min for 60 minutes, n=5). An interval of 3 minutes was allowed between NP injections. After the first series of NP injections, the catheter was washed with isotonic saline.
Protocol 4: Effect of A-779 on the ACh-Potentiating Activity of Ang(1-7) or AVE in Wistar Rats
Intra-arterial bolus injections of ACh (3.1, 6.2, 12.5, 25.0 ng) were made before and within 30 minutes of intravenous infusion of: A-779 (180 pmol/min for 60 minutes, n=6), Ang(1-7) (7.0 pmol/min for 60 minutes) combined with A-779 (180 pmol/min for 60 minutes) (n=7), or AVE (45 pmol/min for 60 minutes) combined with A-779 (180 pmol/min for 60 minutes) (n=7).
Statistical Analysis
Numerical values are given as mean±SEM. Comparisons were made by Student paired t test or 2-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-test when appropriate (GraphPad Prism). The criterion for statistical significance was set at P<0.05.
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Results |
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Effect of Ang(1-7) Infusion in Normotensive Wistar Rats
Infusion of Ang(1-7) at 0.7 pmol/min for 60 minutes significantly increased the ACh-evoked hypotension in normotensive Wistar rats (3.1 ng: –9±1 mm Hg before; –18±2 mm Hg after; and 25.0 ng: –25±2 mm Hg before; –34±1 mm Hg after; P<0.05). The same effect was observed with a 10-fold increase in Ang(1-7): (3.1 ng: –9±1 mm Hg before; –15±2 mm Hg after; and 25.0 ng: –23±2 mm Hg before; –30±2 mm Hg after; P<0.05) (Figure 2), indicating that the maximum effect of Ang(1-7) was reached with the smaller dose. Ang(1-7) infusion did not change baseline MAP or heart rate (Table). No changes were observed in baroreflex. Isotonic saline infusion did not change the hypotensive effect of ACh at any time point.
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Effect of AVE Infusion in Normotensive Wistar Rats
Infusion of AVE at 11 pmol/min for 60 minutes did not change the hypotensive effect of ACh (3.1 ng: –9±1 mm Hg before, –10±2 mm Hg after; and 25.0 ng: –25±3 mm Hg before, –25±2 mm Hg after). However, higher doses of AVE significantly increased the hypotensive response of small doses of ACh (45 pmol/min: 3.1 ng: –7±1 mm Hg before, –14±1 mm Hg after; and 6.2 ng: –13±2 mm Hg before, –17±1 mm Hg after; P<0.05; and 230 pmol/min: 3.1 ng: –8±2 mm Hg before, –16±2 mm Hg after; and 6.2 ng: –13±2 mm Hg before, –20±3 mm Hg after; P<0.05) (Figure 3). AVE did not potentiate the effect of the higher dose of ACh (25.0 ng) at any rate used.
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Evaluating Ang(1-7) Potentiation of ACh-Evoked Hypotension
Treatment with L-NAME did not abolish the hypotensive effect of ACh in normotensive rats. However, the potentiation of ACh-evoked hypotension by Ang(1-7) or AVE was completely blocked in rats previously treated with L-NAME (30 mg/kg) (Figure 4). Baseline MAP was significantly increased after L-NAME injection (151±4 mm Hg at 30 minutes versus 132±4 mm Hg, before infusion; P<0.0001). Isotonic saline infusion in rats pretreated with L-NAME did not change the hypotensive effect of ACh at any time point (data not shown). As shown in Figure 4, the absolute changes in MAP produced by ACh after L-NAME treatment were actually higher then those observed in baseline conditions; however, the proportional changes in blood pressure were not different. Neither Ang(1-7) nor AVE infusion produced potentiation of the hypotensive effect of NP (Figure 5).
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To evaluate whether the ACh-potentiating activity of Ang(1-7) was a receptor-mediated response, we also determined the effect of Ang(1-7) combined with its selective receptor antagonist A-779. As previously shown, infusion of Ang(1-7) at 0.7 or 7.0 pmol/min significantly increased the hypotensive effect of ACh. However, infusion of A-779 combined with Ang(1-7) abolished the ACh-potentiating activity of this heptapeptide, as well as of AVE. This effect could not be attributed to an influence of A-779 alone on the hypotensive action of ACh, because no consistent changes in ACh-evoked hypotension were observed when A-779 was infused at this rate (Figure 6). A-779 infusion did not significantly change baseline MAP or heart rate (Table). It should be noted that the MAP values are slightly higher than the normal because of occlusion of the left carotid artery for the ACh injections.
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Discussion |
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The major finding of this study was that short-term Ang(1-7) infusion significantly increased the hypotensive effect of intra-arterial ACh administration in normotensive rats. A similar action was observed with its nonpeptide analog, AVE 0991. This effect was not observed for NP. In addition, the potentiation of ACh responses by Ang(1-7) and AVE was completely blocked by pretreatment with L-NAME or A-779 infusion.
The data taken from the literature suggest that Ang(1-7) exerts its Ach-potentiating effect acting on endothelial cells, once this peptide can be formed locally15 and it is capable of releasing nitric oxide3 and vasodilatory prostaglandins.7 Moreover, Ang(1-7) reduced neointimal thickness, neointimal area, and percentage stenosis in a stent implantation model in rats.16 Fernandes et al12 demonstrated that in the resistance blood vessels of spontaneously hypertensive rats, Ang(1-7) induces vasodilation and potentiates BK when topically applied by releasing NO from endothelial cells. However, Ang(1-7) did not potentiate the vasodilation produced by ACh in spontaneously hypertensive rats mesenteric microvessels.12
We have used a dose of AVE 
65- and 330-fold the one used for Ang(1-7) to produce potentiation of the ACh response. Although we do not have direct data to explain this difference, it could be speculated that in the case of Ang(1-7), other mechanisms could be involved, such as binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme or conformational differences between rat and bovine endothelial cells receptor Mas, in which the data of Wiemer et al13 were obtained. According to this possibility, in rats the actions of Ang(1-7) would be more effective than AVE 0991. It has been described that in vitro AVE 0991 is more potent than Ang(1-7) in promoting NO release13 and also led to a smaller generation of superoxide in culture cells when compared with Ang(1-7).13 However, we demonstrated that AVE potentiated only the ACh smaller doses (3.1, 6.2, and 12.5 ng). In our study, AVE tended to reduce the hypotensive response produced by NP (Figure 5C), suggesting a different NO/superoxide ratio in culture cells when compared with in vivo studies.
The ACh-potentiating activity of Ang(1-7) or AVE was completely abolished by A-779. We and others have shown that A-779 antagonizes the effects of Ang(1-7) in several preparations.17 More recently, we have shown that A-779 is an Ang(1-7) Mas receptor antagonist2 and suppresses the Ang(1-7) actions centrally and peripherally.9 Thereafter, the ACh-potentiating activity of Ang(1-7) in vivo appears to be a receptor Mas-mediated event.
L-NAME treatment abolished the potentiation of the hypotensive effect of ACh by Ang(1-7) and AVE, suggesting that ACh potentiation involves the facilitation of the NO release from the endothelium. We cannot discard, however, the involvement of arachidonic acid derivatives and the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor18 in this effect.
The knowledge that Ang(1-7) and its analogs improve endothelial function in vivo opens new possibilities for the future treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and heart failure.
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Acknowledgments |
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We are thankful to José R. da Silva for technical assistance. Financial Support was received from Fapemig (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais), CAPES (Coordenadoria de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior), and PRONEX-CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico).
Received April 27, 2005; first decision May 11, 2005; accepted June 3, 2005.
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References |
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- Ferrario CM, Chappell MC, Tallant EA, Brosnihan KB, Diz DI. Counterregulatory actions of angiotensin(1-7). Hypertension. 1997; 30: 535–541.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Santos RAS, Simões-e-Silva AC, Maric C, Silva DMR, Machado RP, Buhr I, Heringer-Walther S, Pinheiro SVB, Lopes MT, Bader M, Mendes EP, Lemos VS, Campagnole-Santos MJ, Schultheiss HP, Speth R, Walther T. Angiotensin-(1-7) is an endogenous ligand for the G protein coupled receptor Mas. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003; 100: 8258–8263.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Heitsch H, Brovkovych S, Malinsky T, Wiemer G. Angiotensin-(1-7)-stimulated nitric oxide and superoxide release from endothelial cells. Hypertension. 2001; 37: 72–76.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Campagnole-Santos MJ, Heringer SB, Batista EN, Khosla MC, Santos RAS. Differential baroreceptor reflex modulation by centrally infused angiotensin peptides. Am J Physiol. 1992; 263: R89–R94.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
- Britto RR, Santos RAS, Fagundes-Moura CR, Khosla MC, Campagnole-Santos MJ. Role of angiotensin-(1-7) in the modulation of the barorreflex in renovascular hypertensive rats. Hypertension. 1997; 30: 549–556.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Freeman EJ, Chisolm GM, Ferrario CM, Tallant EA. Angiotensin-(1-7) inhibits vascular smooth cell growth. Hypertension. 1996; 28: 104–108.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Santos RAS, Campagnole-Santos MJ. Central and peripheral actions of angiotensin-(1-7). Braz J Med Biol Res. 1994; 27: 1033–1047.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
- Ferrario CM. Contribution of angiotensin-(1-7) to cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Curr Hypert Rep. 2003; 5: 129–134.
- Santos RAS, Campagnole-Santos MJ, Baracho NC, Fontes MA, Silva LC, Neves LA, Oliveira DR, Caligiorne SM, Rodrigues AR, Gropen Junior C. Characterization of a new angiotensin antagonist selective for angiotensin-(1-7): evidence that the actions of Ang(1-7) are mediated by specific angiotensin receptors. Brain Res Bull. 1994; 35: 293–298.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
- Simões-e-Silva AC, Baracho NCV, Passaglio T, Santos RAS. Renal actions of angiotensin-(1-7). Braz J Med Biol Res. 1997; 30: 503–513.[Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
- Lima CV, Paula RD, Resende FL, Khosla MC, Santos RAS. Potentiation of the hypotensive effect of bradykinin by short-term infusion of angiotensin-(1-7) in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Hypertension. 1997; 30: 542–548.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Fernandes L, Fortes ZB, Nigro D, Tostes RC, Santos RA, Catelli de Carvalho MH. Potentiation of bradykinin by angiotensin-(1-7) on arterioles of spontaneously hypertensive rats studied in vivo. Hypertension. 2001; 37: 703–709.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Wiemer G, Bobrucki LW, Louka FR, Malinski T, Heitsch H. AVE 0991, a nonpeptide mimic of the effects of angiotensin-(1-7) on the endothelium. Hypertension. 2002; 40: 847–852.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Pinheiro SVB, Simões-e-Silva AC, Sampaio WO, Paula RD, Mendes EP, Bontempo ED, Pesquero JB, Walther T, Alenina N, Bader M, Bleich M, Santos RAS. Nonpeptide AVE 0991 is an angiotensin-(1-7) receptor Mas agonist in the mouse kidney. Hypertension. 2004; 44: 490–496.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Santos RAS, Brosnihan KB, Jacobsen DW, DiCorleto PE, Ferrario CM. Production of angiotensin-(1-7) by human vascular endothelium. Hypertension. 1992; 19: 1156–1161.
- Langeveld B, van Gilst WH, Tio RA, Zijlstra F, Roks AJM. Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates neointimal formation after stent implantation in the rat. Hypertension. 2005; 45: 138–141.
[Abstract/Free Full Text] - Santos RAS, Campagnole-Santos MJ, Andrade SP. Angiotensin-(1-7): an update. Regul Peptides. 2000; 91: 45–62.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
- Herrmann J, Lerman A. The endothelium: dysfunction and beyond. J Nucl Cardiol. 2001; 8: 197–206.[CrossRef][Medline] [Order article via Infotrieve]
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