Growth, metabolism, and blood pressure disturbances during aging in transgenic rats with altered brain renin-angiotensin systems

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 311-317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry O. Kasper ◽  
Christy S. Carter ◽  
Carlos M. Ferrario ◽  
Detlev Ganten ◽  
Leon F. Ferder ◽  
...  

Transgenic rats with targeted decreased glial expression of angiotensinogen (ASrAogen rats) did not show an increase in systolic pressure compared with Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats during aging (15–69 wk of age). ASrAogen animals had lower body weights throughout the study, similar to reports for animals with systemic knockout of angiotensinogen or treated long term with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers. Further characterization of indexes of growth and metabolism in ASrAogen rats compared with (mRen2)27 and SD rats, which express elevated versus normal brain and tissue angiotensin II levels, respectively, revealed that serum leptin was 100–200% higher in SD and (mRen2)27 rats at 46 wk and 69 wk of age. Consistent with low serum leptin, ASrAogen rats had higher food intake (73%) compared with SD or (mRen2)27 rats. (mRen2)27 rats had higher resting insulin levels than ASrAogen rats at all ages. Insulin levels were constant during aging in ASrAogen rats, whereas an increase occurred in SD rats, leading to higher insulin levels at 46 and 69 wk of age compared with ASrAogen rats. IGF-1 was comparable among strains at all ages, but (mRen2)27 rats had longer and ASrAogen rats had shorter tail lengths versus SD rats at 15 wk of age. In conclusion, reduced expression of glial angiotensinogen blunts the age-dependent rise in insulin levels and weight gain, findings that mimic the effects of long-term systemic blockade of the RAS or systemic knockout of angiotensinogen. These data implicate glial angiotensinogen in the regulation of body metabolism as well as hormonal mechanisms regulating blood pressure.

2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (2) ◽  
pp. R635-R644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azeez A. Aileru ◽  
Aline De Albuquerque ◽  
John M. Hamlyn ◽  
Paolo Manunta ◽  
Jui R. Shah ◽  
...  

Altered sympathetic nervous system activity has been implicated often in hypertension. We examined short-term potentiation [posttetanic potentiation (PTP)] and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the isolated superior cervical ganglia (SCG) from Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats given vehicle, digoxin, or ouabain by subcutaneous implants as well as in animals with ouabain-induced hypertension (OHR), and inbred Baltimore ouabain-resistant (BOR) and Baltimore ouabain-sensitive (BOS) strains of rats. Postganglionic compound action potentials (CAP) were used to determine PTP and LTP following a tetanic stimulus (20 Hz, 20 s). Baseline CAP magnitude was greater in ganglia from OHR than in vehicle-treated SD rats before tetanus, but the decay time constant of PTP was significantly decreased in OHR and in rats infused with digoxin that were normotensive. In hypertensive BOS and OHR, the time constants for the decay of both PTP and LTP ( t L) were increased and correlated with blood pressure (slope = 0.15 min/mmHg, r = 0.52, P < 0.047 and 6.7 min/mmHg, r = 0.906, P < 0.0001, respectively). In BOS and OHR, t L (minutes) was 492 ± 40 ( n = 7) and 539 ± 41 ( n = 5), respectively, and differed ( P < 0.05) from BOR (257 ± 48, n = 4), SD vehicle rats (240 ± 18, n = 4), and captopril-treated OHR (370 ± 52, n = 5). After the tetanus, the CAP at 90 min in BOS and OHR SCG declined less rapidly vs. SD vehicle rats or BOR. Captopril normalized blood pressure and t L in OHR. We conclude that the duration of ganglionic LTP and blood pressure are tightly linked in ouabain-dependent hypertension. Our results favor the possibility that enhanced duration of LTP in sympathetic neurons contributes to the increase in sympathetic nerve activity in ouabain-dependent hypertension and suggest that a captopril-sensitive step mediates the link of ouabain with LTP.


2001 ◽  
Vol 281 (2) ◽  
pp. R417-R426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mieczyslaw Michalkiewicz ◽  
Teresa Michalkiewicz ◽  
David L. Kreulen ◽  
Stuart J. McDougall

Considering the coexistence of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and norepinephrine in perivascular sympathetic nerves and the known vasoconstrictor cooperation of NPY with norepinephrine, we investigated the involvement of NPY in long-term control of cardiovascular functions using NPY transgenic (NPY-tg) rats. These rats were developed by injection of the rat (Sprague-Dawley) pronuclei with a 14.5-kb clone of the rat structural NPY gene. When compared with nontransgenic littermates, NPY concentrations were significantly increased in a number of cardiovascular tissues of NPY-tg hemizygotes. Direct basal mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not changed, but calculated total vascular resistance was significantly increased in NPY-tg subjects. Arterial pressure increases, in response to norepinephrine injection, were greater in the NPY-tg rats. Also, the hypotension and bradycardia in response to hemorrhage were significantly reduced in NPY-tg subjects. These results indicate that NPY, when expressed in increased amounts, potentiates the pressor effects of norepinephrine and contributes to maintaining blood pressure during hemorrhage, but it does not alter resting blood pressure. These transgenic rats will facilitate studies of the role of NPY signaling in cardiovascular regulation, particularly regarding its functional cooperation with norepinephrine.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Juandré Lambertus Bernardus Saayman ◽  
Stephanus Frederik Steyn ◽  
Christiaan Beyers Brink

Abstract Objective: To investigate the long-term effects of juvenile sub-chronic sildenafil (SIL) treatment on the depressive-like behaviour and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels of adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) versus Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rats. Methods: SD and FSL rats were divided into pre-pubertal and pubertal groups, whereafter 14-day saline or SIL treatment was initiated. Pre-pubertal and pubertal rats were treated from postnatal day 21 (PND21) and PND35, respectively. The open field and forced swim tests (FST) were performed on PND60, followed by hippocampal BDNF level analysis one day later. Results: FSL rats displayed greater immobility in the FST compared to SD rats (p < 0.0001), which was reduced by SIL (p < 0.0001), regardless of treatment period. Hippocampal BDNF levels were unaltered by SIL in all treatment groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Juvenile sub-chronic SIL treatment reduces the risk of depressive-like behaviour manifesting during young adulthood in genetically susceptible rats.


Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria Golosova ◽  
Adrian Zietara ◽  
Ruslan Bohovyk ◽  
Vladislav Levchenko ◽  
Alexander Staruschenko

The extensive use of opioid-based pain management strongly correlates with poor cardiovascular and cardiorenal outcomes. Our recent studies suggest that treatment with kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist BRL 52537 leads to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and aggravation of salt-sensitive hypertension. We hypothesize that stimulation of KORs leads to blood pressure elevation, albuminuria, and kidney damage in healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. To characterize the effect of the KOR agonist BRL 52537 on the development of blood pressure and kidney function in vivo , SD rats were treated with a daily i.v. bolus infusion of BRL 52537 or a corresponding vehicle. To test the contribution of KOR stimulation on calcium homeostasis in podocytes, BRL 52537 was used on freshly isolated glomeruli from SD rats. Single-channel analysis was applied to assess the effect of KORs stimulation on TRPC6 channel activity in the human immortalized podocytes. Chronic treatment with BRL 52537 leads to increased mean arterial pressure (88±1 vs 101±4 mmHg, vehicle vs treated, p<0.05), podocyte basal calcium (90±12 vs 216±16 a.u., vehicle vs treated, p<0.05), and GFB impairment in SD rats which is reflected by a transient increase in albumin excretion (Alb/cre ratio 0.35±0.1 vs 0.72±0.2, vehicle vs treated, p<0.05). Cumulative probability distribution analysis of the glomerular injury score revealed a rightward shift toward a high glomerular injury score in the group treated with BRL 52537 (p<0.05). Angiotensin II level was higher in a BRL-treated group (156±17 vs 232±59 pmol, vehicle vs treated, p=0.065); however, it did not reach a statistical difference. Acute application of BRL 52537 resulted in sustained calcium response (0.23±0.01 a.u., Fluo4/FuraRed, maximum calcium response) in freshly isolated glomeruli from SD rats. Furthermore, patch-clamp experiments in human immortalized podocytes (cell-attached configuration) revealed that BRL 52537 activated TRPC6 channels. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that administration of opioids in SD rats leads to activation of the KOR/TRPC6 pathway, which in turn led to glomerular filtration barrier impairment, increased glomerular damage, and blood pressure elevation.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Alshuniaber ◽  
Omar Alhaj ◽  
Qasem Abdallah ◽  
Haitham Jahrami

Purpose This study aims to investigate the antihypertensive effect of camel milk hydrolysate in rats with fructose-induced hypertension. Design/methodology/approach The antihypertensive effect of fermented camel milk was determined using 6 groups comprising 36 Wistar male rats. Blood pressure of rats was altered via exposure to a 10% fructose (w/v) diet in drinking water for 3 weeks before conducting 21 days of treatment. The authors conducted the experiment for short and long term using different doses of 800 and 1,200 mg/kg body weight. Serum was used to assay total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), glucose and insulin levels using standard biochemical kits. Findings The group that received 1,200 mg hydrolysate camel milk (HM) has significantly (p = 0.003) reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure after a short exposure time (4–8 h). These effects were significantly (p = 0.005) comparable to the nifedipine (NIF) drug group. Similar long-term (21 days) effects on blood pressure were observed in 1,200 mg HM and NIF groups. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and levels were also reduced in a correlation with blood pressure reduction only in HM1200 and HM800 treated groups. The authors observed no significant effect on blood pressure in groups receiving the 800 mg HM or 1,200 mg unhydrolyzed camel milk (UM). Rats receiving the 10% fructose diet showed significant differences from control rats regarding their blood biochemistry, including TG, TC, blood glucose and insulin levels. Rats in groups NIF, HM1200 and HM800 showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in serum glucose, insulin, TG and TC levels toward the baseline level. Research limitations/implications Further mechanistic investigation on the HM antihypertensive activity is highly recommended before suggesting HM as a product to reduce blood pressure. While drug–food interaction between HM and antihypertensive drugs, especially ACE inhibitors, is probable, UM seems not to affect blood pressure or ACE activity and therefore is expected to have no or minimal effects on the activity of other antihypertensive drugs. Investigation of ACE expression from various organs including lungs and leukocytes is highly recommended in future works using sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and western blot analysis or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Originality/value No previous studies have measured the antihypertensive activity of milk hydrolysate mediated by the reduction of ACE activity and levels in plasma. Mechanisms involved in attenuating the levels of ACE warrant further investigation.


Hypertension ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kayla M Nist ◽  
Jesse Moreira ◽  
Richard D Wainford

AIM: We hypothesized paraventricular nucleus (PVN)-specific blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and neuroinflammation contribute to hypertension and sympathoexcitation that can be attenuated by an Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor (AT 1 R)-dependent mechanism in the aging Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat. Methods: Naïve male SD rats aged 3-, 8- and 16-months-old (MO) (N=4-6/gp) were used in the following studies. Separate groups of 16 MO rats were administered losartan (21 days; s.c. 3 mg/kg/day) or hydrochlorothiazide (14 days; s.c. 4 mg/kg/day). Blood pressure (femoral cannulation) and plasma NE (ELISA) were assessed at end of study. In separate groups, BBB dysfunction was assessed via PVN FITC extravasation using intravascular co-infusion of FITC-Dextran (10 kDa) and rhodamine B isothiocyanate-Dextran (70 kDa). IHC/IF was performed in naive and losartan-treated rats for microglia (CD11b/c) and astrocytes (GFAP) in the PVN and subfornical organ (SFO). Results: Male SD rats develop HTN and sympathoexcitation with age. At 8 and 16 MO, rats exhibit PVN BBB dysfunction (increased FITC extravasation). However, only 16 MO rats exhibit significant PVN neuroinflammation (increased microglial activation and astrocyte reactivity). In the SFO, there is no evidence of age-dependent neuroinflammation. Losartan and HCTZ both significantly lower blood pressure to similar levels, however, only losartan significantly attenuates PVN BBB dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Conclusions: Within the PVN, a known neural control center, there are AT 1 R-dependent increases in PVN BBB disruption and neuroinflammation that we speculate contribute to hypertension in aging SD rats.


Hypertension ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 727-727
Author(s):  
Ovidiu Baltatu ◽  
Ben J Janssen ◽  
Ralph Plehm ◽  
Detlev Ganten ◽  
Michael Bader

P191 The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) system may play a functional role in the long-term and short-term control of blood pressure (BPV) and heart rate variability (HRV). To study this we recorded in transgenic rats TGR(ASrAOGEN) with low brain angiotensinogen levels the 24-h variation of BP and HR during basal and hypertensive conditions, induced by a low-dose s.c. infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II, 100 ng/kg/min) for 7 days. Cardiovascular parameters were monitored by telemetry. Short-term BPV and HRV were evaluated by spectral analysis and as a measure of baroreflex sensitivity the transfer gain between the pressure and heart rate variations was calculated. During the Ang II infusion, in SD but not TGR(ASrAOGEN) rats, the 24-h rhythm of BP was inverted (5.8 ± 2 vs. -0.4 ± 1.8 mm Hg/group of day-night differences of BP, p< 0.05, respectively). In contrast, in both the SD and TGR(ASrAOGEN) rats, the 24-h HR rhythms remained unaltered and paralleled those of locomotor activity. The increase of systolic BP was significantly reduced in TGR(ASrAOGEN) in comparison to SD rats as previously described, while the HR was not altered in TGR(ASrAOGEN) nor in SD rats. The spectral index of baroreflex sensitivity (FFT gain between 0.3-0.6 Hz) was significantly higher in TGR(ASrAOGEN) than SD rats during control (0.71 ± 0.1 vs. 0.35 ± 0.06, p<0.05), but not during Ang II infusion (0.6 ± 0.07 vs. 0.4 ± 0.1, p>0.05). These results demonstrate that the brain RAS plays an important role in mediating the effects of Ang II on the circadian variation of BP. Furthermore these data are consistent with the view that the brain RAS modulates baroreflex control of HR in rats, with AII having an inhibitory role.


Hypertension ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nildris Cruz Diaz ◽  
A'ja V Duncan ◽  
Wayne Graham ◽  
Brian Westwood ◽  
Patricia E. Gallagher ◽  
...  

Physical performance and systolic blood pressure (SBP) during aging in normotensive female Sprague-Dawley (SD) and hypertensive (mRen2)27 transgenic rats were assessed following long-term treatment with a Muscadine Grape Extract (MGE, Piedmont Research and Development Corp). MGE was administered at a dose of 0.2 mg/mL in the drinking water starting at 14 weeks (wks) of age with an endpoint at 70 wks of age (total time of treatment of 56 wks). At 20-, 40- and 70-wks of age, physical performance (exercise capacity in seconds and workload in grams - meters) was determined using a treadmill at a velocity of 17 cm/second with a 5% incline. SBP was determined by tail-cuff plethysmography in trained rats. There were no significant differences in physical performance between SD and (mRen2)27 female rats at any age despite the higher SBP in the (mRen2)27 rats at all ages. Long-term treatment with MGE had no significant effect on physical performance or SBP in SD rats at any age. In contrast, MGE treatment markedly increased exercise capacity (40 wks: 1615 ± 166 vs 4943 ± 442 seconds, p<0.01, n = 4-9; 70 wks: 2520 ± 374 vs 4117 ± 245 seconds, p<0.01, n = 4-8) and workload (40 wks: 4579 ± 490 vs 14730 ± 1353 grams - meters, p<0.01, n = 4-9; 70 wks: 8338 ± 1340 vs 13659 ± 933 grams - meters, p<0.01, n = 4-8) at the later ages in female (mRen2)27 rats, while there was no effect on SBP (20 wks: 167 ± 4 vs 173 ± 4 mm Hg, n = 4-6; 40 wks: 177 ± 8 vs 170 ± 7 mm Hg, n = 6-7; 70 wks:154 ± 6 vs 172 ± 6 mm Hg, n = 5) at any age. These data suggest that MGE treatment is effective in improving physical performance only in hypertensive female rats and may be independent of changes in blood pressure. The benefit of MGE in the older hypertensive female may reflect reductions in vascular stiffness and oxidative stress. Support: Chronic Disease Research Fund, Hypertension & Vascular Research Center


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