Preovulatory changes in the angiotensin II system in bovine follicles

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 539 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas C. Siqueira ◽  
Joabel T. dos Santos ◽  
Rogério Ferreira ◽  
Robson Souza dos Santos ◽  
Adelina M. dos Reis ◽  
...  

The present study evaluated whether the gonadotrophin surge modulates components of the renin–angiotensin system and whether angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a role in the production of hormones by follicular cells during the ovulatory process. In Experiment 1, cows were ovariectomised at various times (0, 3, 6, 12 and 24h) after GnRH injection to obtain preovulatory follicles. The concentration of Ang II in follicular fluid increased after GnRH and reached a peak at 24h, concomitant with the peak of angiotensinogen (AGT) mRNA expression in granulosa cells. AGT mRNA was not expressed in theca cells. Ang II receptor type 2 and angiotensin-converting enzyme mRNA levels were transiently upregulated in theca cells. In Experiment 2, an in vitro culture was used to determine whether Ang II could modulate hormone production by healthy dominant follicles. In the absence of LH, Ang II did not alter hormonal production by either theca or granulosa cells. Ang II plus LH increased progesterone and prostaglandin secretion by granulosa cells. In summary, the renin–angiotensin system is actively controlled during the preovulatory period and Ang II amplifies the stimulatory effects of LH on the secretion of progesterone and prostaglandins by granulosa cells.

2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (5) ◽  
pp. H968-H979 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neeru M. Sharma ◽  
Shyam S. Nandi ◽  
Hong Zheng ◽  
Paras K. Mishra ◽  
Kaushik P. Patel

An activated renin-angiotensin system (RAS) within the central nervous system has been implicated in sympathoexcitation during various disease conditions including congestive heart failure (CHF). In particular, activation of the RAS in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus has been recognized to augment sympathoexcitation in CHF. We observed a 2.6-fold increase in angiotensinogen (AGT) in the PVN of CHF. To elucidate the molecular mechanism for increased expression of AGT, we performed in silico analysis of the 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of AGT and found a potential binding site for microRNA (miR)-133a. We hypothesized that decreased miR-133a might contribute to increased AGT in the PVN of CHF rats. Overexpression of miR-133a in NG108 cells resulted in 1.4- and 1.5-fold decreases in AGT and angiotensin type II (ANG II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) mRNA levels, respectively. A luciferase reporter assay performed on NG108 cells confirmed miR-133a binding to the 3′-UTR of AGT. Consistent with these in vitro data, we observed a 1.9-fold decrease in miR-133a expression with a concomitant increase in AGT and AT1R expression within the PVN of CHF rats. Furthermore, restoring the levels of miR-133a within the PVN of CHF rats with viral transduction resulted in a significant reduction of AGT (1.4-fold) and AT1R (1.5-fold) levels with a concomitant decrease in basal renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). Restoration of miR-133a also abrogated the enhanced RSNA responses to microinjected ANG II within the PVN of CHF rats. These results reveal a novel and potentially unique role for miR-133a in the regulation of ANG II within the PVN of CHF rats, which may potentially contribute to the commonly observed sympathoexcitation in CHF. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Angiotensinogen (AGT) expression is upregulated in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus through posttranscriptional mechanism interceded by microRNA-133a in heart failure. Understanding the mechanism of increased expression of AGT in pathological conditions leading to increased sympathoexcitation may provide the basis for the possible development of new therapeutic agents with enhanced specificity.


2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (2) ◽  
pp. H624-H630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warren J. Cheung ◽  
Mary-Anne H. Kent ◽  
Esraa El-Shahat ◽  
Hongwei Wang ◽  
Junhui Tan ◽  
...  

Chronic subcutaneous infusion of ouabain causes hypertension via central pathways involving angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptor stimulation. The present study assessed plasma and tissue ANG I and II levels as well as AT1 receptor and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) mRNA levels and binding densities by real-time PCR and in vitro autoradiography in relevant brain nuclei and peripheral tissues (heart and kidney) in rats at 1 and/or 2 wk after start of ouabain infusion at 50 μg/day. After 2 wk (but not after 1 wk), blood pressures significantly increased (+15 mmHg). At 2 wk, plasma ANG I and II levels were markedly suppressed by ouabain. In contrast, in the heart and kidneys, ANG I levels were not affected, and ANG II levels tended to decrease, whereas in the hypothalamus ANG II content clearly increased. At 1 wk, no changes in ACE and AT1 receptor densities were seen. After 2 wk, there were significant decreases in AT1 receptor mRNA and densities in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT), subfornical organ (SFO), and paraventricular nucleus (PVN). ACE densities decreased only in the OVLT and SFO, but ACE mRNA showed more variable responses (decrease in OVLT vs. increase in PVN). In the kidneys, at 2 wk both AT1 receptor and ACE densities were decreased, but mRNA abundance did not change. The heart showed no significant changes. The increase in hypothalamic ANG II content and associated decreases in central AT1 receptor and ACE densities support the involvement of the brain renin-angiotensin system in the central hypertensive mechanism of action of ouabain.


1986 ◽  
Vol 250 (1) ◽  
pp. H144-H148 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Nakamaru ◽  
E. K. Jackson ◽  
T. Inagami

Essential components of the renin-angiotensin system such as renin enzymes, angiotensinogen, converting enzyme, and angiotensin receptors have been found in vascular tissues. Locally generated angiotensin (ANG) II may regulate vascular tone by contracting vascular smooth muscle or potentiating sympathetic activity. Recently it was suggested that beta-adrenoceptor-induced enhancement of noradrenergic neurotransmission is mediated by the vascular renin-angiotensin system. The present study was designated to obtain direct evidence for the release of ANG II from the vasculature by beta-adrenoceptor activation. Isolated rat mesenteric arteries were perfused in vitro with Krebs-Ringer solution, and released ANG II was concentrated in a Sep-Pak C-18 cartridge connected to the perfusion system. High-pressure liquid chromatography combined with radioimmunoassay clearly demonstrated the presence of ANG I, II, and a small amount of ANG III in the perfusate. Isoproterenol (10(-9) - 10(-6) M) induced the enhancement of pressor responses to nerve stimulation. This effect was markedly suppressed by propranolol (5 X 10(-7) M), captopril (2 X 10(-6) M), or [Sar1-Ile8]ANG II (10(-6) M). Isoproterenol (10(-9) - 10(-6) M) caused increase in the release of ANG II from mesenteric arteries. The increase in ANG II release during isoproterenol (10(-6) M) infusion was blocked by propranolol (10(-6) M). Captopril (2 X 10(-6) M) also inhibited the increase in ANG II induced by isoproterenol. These results indicate that locally generated ANG II is released from isolated perfused rat mesenteric arteries and its release is mediated by beta-adrenoceptors.


2008 ◽  
Vol 197 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Gálvez-Prieto ◽  
J Bolbrinker ◽  
P Stucchi ◽  
A I de las Heras ◽  
B Merino ◽  
...  

Recent studies have demonstrated that the rat adipose tissue expresses some of the components necessary for the production of angiotensin II (Ang II) and the receptors mediating its actions. The aim of this work is to characterize the expression of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) components in perivascular adipose tissue and to assess differences in the expression pattern depending on the vascular bed and type of adipose tissue. We analyzed Ang I and Ang II levels as well as mRNA levels of RAS components by a quantitative RT-PCR method in periaortic (PAT) and mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) of 3-month-old male Wistar–Kyoto rats. PAT was identified as brown adipose tissue expressing uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1). It had smaller adipocytes than those from MAT, which was identified as white adipose tissue. All RAS components, except renin, were detected in both PAT and MAT. Levels of expression of angiotensinogen, Ang-converting enzyme (ACE), and ACE2 were similar between PAT and MAT. Renin receptor expression was five times higher, whereas expression of chymase, AT1a, and AT2 receptors were significantly lower in PAT compared with MAT respectively. In addition, three isoforms of the AT1a receptor were found in perivascular adipose tissue. The AT1b receptor was found at very a low expression level. Ang II levels were higher in MAT with no differences between tissues in Ang I. The results show that the RAS is differentially expressed in white and brown perivascular adipose tissues implicating a different role for the system depending on the vascular bed and the type of adipose tissue.


2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (2) ◽  
pp. H223-H231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghezal Froogh ◽  
John T. Pinto ◽  
Yicong Le ◽  
Sharath Kandhi ◽  
Yeabsra Aleligne ◽  
...  

Age-dependent alteration of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and generation of angiotensin II (Ang II) are well documented. By contrast, RAS-independent generation of Ang II in aging and its responses to exercise have not been explored. To this end, we examined the effects of chymase, a secretory serine protease, on the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-independent conversion of Ang I to Ang II. We hypothesized that age-dependent alteration of cardiac Ang II formation is chymase dependent in nature and is prevented by exercise training. Experiments were conducted on hearts isolated from young (3 mo), aged sedentary (24 mo), and aged rats chronically exercised on a treadmill. In the presence of low Ang I levels and downregulation of ACE expression/activity, cardiac Ang II levels were significantly higher in aged than young rats, suggesting an ACE-independent response. Aged hearts also displayed significantly increased chymase expression and activity, as well as upregulation of tryptase, a biological marker of mast cells, confirming a mast cell-sourced increase in chymase. Coincidently, cardiac superoxide produced from NADPH oxidase (Nox) was significantly enhanced in aged rats and was normalized by exercise. Conversely, a significant reduction in cardiac expression of ACE2 followed by lower Ang 1-7 levels and downregulation of the Mas receptor (binding protein of Ang 1-7) in aged rats were completely reversed by exercise. In conclusion, local formation of Ang II is increased in aged hearts, and chymase is primarily responsible for this increase. Chronic exercise is able to normalize the age-dependent alterations via compromising chymase/Ang II/angiotensin type 1 receptor/Nox actions while promoting ACE2/Ang 1-7/MasR signaling. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Aging increases angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-independent production of cardiac angiotensin II (Ang II), a response that is driven by chymase in an exercise-reversible manner. These findings highlight chymase, in addition to ACE, as an important therapeutic target in the treatment and prevention of Ang II-induced deterioration of cardiac function in the elderly. Listen to this article's corresponding podcast @ http://ajpheart.podbean.com/e/renin-angiotensin-system-signaling-in-aged-and-age-exercised-rats/ .


Endocrinology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (1) ◽  
pp. 462-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Wang ◽  
Kirsty G. Pringle ◽  
Shane D. Sykes ◽  
Francine Z. Marques ◽  
Brian J. Morris ◽  
...  

The maternal decidua expresses the genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Human decidua was collected at term either before labor (i.e. cesarean delivery) or after spontaneous labor. The mRNA for prorenin (REN), prorenin receptor (ATP6AP2), angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin-converting enzymes 1 and 2 (ACE1 and ACE2), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1), and angiotensin 1–7 receptor (MAS1) were measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Decidual explants were cultured in duplicate for 24 and 48 h, and all RAS mRNA, and the secretion of prorenin, angiotensin II, and angiotensin 1–7 was measured using quantitative real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and radioimmunoassay, respectively. In the decidua collected before labor, REN mRNA levels were higher if the fetus was female. In addition, REN, ATP6AP2, AGT, and MAS1 mRNA abundance was greater in decidual explants collected from women carrying a female fetus, as was prorenin protein. After 24 h, ACE1 mRNA was higher in the decidual explants from women with a male fetus, whereas after 48 h, both ACE1 and ACE2 mRNA was higher in decidual explants from women with a female fetus. Angiotensin II was present in all explants, but angiotensin 1–7 levels often registered below the lower limits of sensitivity for the assay. After labor, decidua, when compared with nonlaboring decidua, demonstrated lower REN expression when the fetus was female. Therefore, the maternal decidual RAS is regulated in a sex-specific manner, suggesting that it may function differently when the fetus is male than when it is female.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kana N Miyata ◽  
Chao-Sheng Lo ◽  
Shuiling Zhao ◽  
Min-Chun Liao ◽  
Yuchao Pang ◽  
...  

Clinical trials indicate that sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve kidney function, yet, the molecular regulation of SGLT2 expression is incompletely understood. Here, we investigated the role of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) on SGLT2 expression. In adult non-diabetic participants in the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network (NEPTUNE, N=163), multivariable linear regression analysis showed SGLT2 mRNA was significantly associated with angiotensinogen (AGT), renin, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) mRNA levels (p<0.001). In vitro, angiotensin II (Ang II) dose-dependently stimulated SGLT2 expression in HK-2, human immortalized renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs); losartan and antioxidants inhibited it. Sglt2 expression was increased in transgenic mice specifically overexpressing Agt in their RPTCs, as well as in WT mice with a single subcutaneous injection of Ang II (1.44 mg/kg). Moreover, Ang II (1000 ng/kg/min) infusion via osmotic mini-pump in WT mice for 4 weeks increased systolic blood pressure (SBP), glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and albuminuria; canaglifozin (Cana, 15 mg/kg/day) reversed these changes, with the exception of SBP. Fractional glucose excretion was higher in Ang II+Cana than WT+Cana, whereas Sglt2 expression was similar. Our data demonstrate a link between intrarenal RAS and SGLT2 expression and that SGLT2i ameliorates Ang II-induced renal injury independent of SBP.


1993 ◽  
Vol 264 (5) ◽  
pp. F874-F881 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. S. el-Dahr ◽  
J. Gee ◽  
S. Dipp ◽  
B. G. Hanss ◽  
R. C. Vari ◽  
...  

The purpose of this study was to delineate the effects of prolonged (1 and 5 wk) unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) on the intrarenal renin-angiotensin and kallikrein-kinin systems in the rat. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and plasma angiotensin (ANG) II levels were significantly higher at 1 and 5 wk of obstruction than in sham-operated groups. Also, plasma renin activity and ANG I levels were elevated at 1 wk (P < 0.05), and plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-kininase II activity was elevated at 5 wk (P < 0.05). Blockade of ANG II receptors with losartan (Dup 753) prevented the rise in SBP after UUO and normalized SBP in chronically hypertensive UUO rats. Renin mRNA levels and ANG II content were elevated in the obstructed kidneys at 1 and 5 wk compared with sham-operated kidneys (P < 0.05). ACE-kininase II activity was elevated in both the obstructed and contralateral kidneys at 5 wk compared with sham-operated kidneys (P < 0.05). In marked contrast to renin, total immunoreactive kallikrein contents and tissue kallikrein mRNA levels in the obstructed kidneys were reduced to 25% of sham-operated kidneys both at 1 and 5 wk (P < 0.001). The results indicate that urinary obstruction activates renin and suppresses kallikrein gene expression. Activation of ACE-kininase II by UUO also serves to enhance intrarenal ANG II generation and kinin degradation. The results implicate ANG II overproduction and kinin deficiency in the pathogenesis of UUO-induced hypertension and intrarenal vasoconstriction.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marko Poglitsch ◽  
Oliver Domenig ◽  
Cornelia Schwager ◽  
Stefan Stranner ◽  
Bernhard Peball ◽  
...  

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a monocarboxypeptidase of the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) which is known to cleave several substrates among vasoactive peptides. Its preferred substrate is Angiotensin II, which is tightly involved in the regulation of important physiological functions including fluid homeostasis and blood pressure. Ang 1–7, the main enzymatic product of ACE2, became increasingly important in the literature in recent years, as it was reported to counteract hypertensive and fibrotic actions of Angiotensin II via the MAS receptor. The functional connection of ACE2, Ang 1–7, and the MAS receptor is also referred to as the alternative axis of the RAS. In the present paper, we describe the recombinant expression and purification of human and murine ACE2 (rhACE2 and rmACE2). Furthermore, we determined the conversion rates of rhACE2 and rmACE2 for different natural peptide substrates in plasma samples and discovered species-specific differences in substrate specificities, probably leading to functional differences in the alternative axis of the RAS. In particular, conversion rates of Ang 1–10 to Ang 1–9 were found to be substantially different when applying rhACE2 or rmACE2in vitro. In contrast to rhACE2, rm ACE2 is substantially less potent in transformation of Ang 1–10 to Ang 1–9.


2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (2) ◽  
pp. H835-H841 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zsolt Bagi ◽  
Nora Erdei ◽  
Akos Koller

Previously, we found that high intraluminal pressure leads to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and also upregulates several components of the renin-angiotensin system in the wall of small arteries. We hypothesized that acute exposure of arterioles to high intraluminal pressure in vitro via increasing ROS production enhances the functional availability of type 1 angiotensin II (Ang II) receptors (AT1 receptors), resulting in sustained constrictions. In arterioles (∼180 μm) isolated from rat skeletal muscle, Ang II elicited dose-dependent constrictions, which decreased significantly by the second application [maximum (max.): from 59% ± 4% to 26% ± 5% at 10−8 M; P < 0.05] in the presence of 80 mmHg of intraluminal pressure. In contrast, if the arterioles were exposed to high intraluminal pressure (160 mmHg for 30 min), Ang II-induced constrictions remained substantial on the second application (max.: 51% ± 3% at 10−8 M). In the presence of Tiron and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-catalase, known to reduce the level of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), second applications of Ang II evoked similarly reduced constrictions, even after high-pressure exposure (29% ± 4% at 10−8 M). Furthermore, when arterioles were exposed to H2O2 (for 30 min, 10−7 M, at normal 80 mmHg pressure), Ang II-induced constrictions remained substantial on second applications (59% ± 5% at 10−8 M). These findings suggest that high pressure, likely via inducing H2O2 production, increases the functional availability of AT1 receptors and thus enhances Ang II-induced arteriolar constrictions. We propose that in hypertension–regardless of etiology–high intraluminal pressure, via oxidative stress, enhances the functional availability of AT1 receptors augmenting Ang II-induced constrictions.


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