Thrombin Inhibition Prevents Endothelial Dysfunction and Reverses 20-HETE Overproduction without Affecting Blood Pressure in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in Mice

Angiotensin II (Ang II) induces hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, but the involvement of thrombin in these responses is not clear. Here, we assessed the effects of the inhibition of thrombin activity by dabigatran on Ang II-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in mice with a particular focus on NO- and 20-HETE-dependent pathways. As expected, dabigatran administration significantly delayed thrombin generation (CAT assay) in Ang II-treated hypertensive mice, and interestingly, it prevented endothelial dysfunction development, but it did not affect elevated blood pressure nor excessive aortic wall thickening. Dabigatran’s effects on endothelial function in Ang II-treated mice were evidenced by improved NO-dependent relaxation in the aorta in response to acetylcholine in vivo (MRI measurements) and increased systemic NO bioavailability (NO2− quantification) with a concomitant increased ex vivo production of endothelium-derived NO (EPR analysis). Dabigatran treatment also contributed to the reduction in the endothelial expression of pro-inflammatory vWF and ICAM-1. Interestingly, the fall in systemic NO bioavailability in Ang II-treated mice was associated with increased 20-HETE concentration in plasma (UPLC-MS/MS analysis), which was normalised by dabigatran treatment. Taking together, the inhibition of thrombin activity in Ang II-induced hypertension in mice improves the NO-dependent function of vascular endothelium and normalises the 20-HETE-depedent pathway without affecting the blood pressure and vascular remodelling.

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Abstract MP03: ROCK2 Specific Inhibition Attenuates Angiotensin II-induced Hypertension In Mice

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hyp.78.suppl_1.mp03 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 78 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Daniel J Fehrenbach ◽

Meena S Madhur

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

T Cell ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Repeated Measures ◽

Flow Cytometric Analysis ◽

Coiled Coil ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Induced Hypertension

Hypertension, or an elevated blood pressure, is the primary modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of mortality worldwide. We previously demonstrated that Th17 activation and interleukin 17A (IL-17A)/IL-21 production is integral for the full development of a hypertensive phenotype as well as the renal and vascular damage associated with hypertension. Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein Kinase 2 (ROCK2) serves as a molecular switch upregulating Th17 and inhibiting regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation. We hypothesize that hypertension is characterized by excessive T cell ROCK2 activation leading to increased Th17/Treg ratios and ultimately end-organ damage. We first showed in vitro that KD025, an experimental orally bioavailable ROCK2 inhibitor inhibits Th17 cell proliferation and IL-17A/IL-21 production. To determine if hypertensive stimuli such as endothelial stretch increases T cell ROCK2 expression, we cultured human aortic endothelial cells exposed to 5% (normotensive) or 10% (hypertensive) stretch with circulating human T cells and HLA-DR+ antigen presenting cells. Hypertensive stretch increased T cell ROCK2 expression 2-fold. We then tested the effect of ROCK2 inhibition with KD025 (50mg/kg i.p. daily) in vivo on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension. Treatment with KD025 significantly attenuated the hypertensive response within 1 week of Ang II treatment (systolic blood pressure: 139± 8 vs 108±7mmHg) and this persisted for the duration of the 4 week study reaching blood pressures 20 mmHg lower (135±13mmHg) than vehicle treated mice (158±4mmHg p<0.05 effect of treatment 2-way Repeated Measures ANOVA). Flow cytometric analysis of tissue infiltrating leukocytes revealed that KD025 treatment increased Treg/Th17 ratios in the kidney (0.61±0.03 vs 0.79±0.08, p<0.05 student’s t-test). Thus, T cell ROCK2 may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension.

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Proximal Tubule-Specific Deletion of Angiotensin II Type 1a Receptors in the Kidney Attenuates Circulating and Intratubular Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension in PT- Agtr1a −/− Mice

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.16336 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xiao Chun Li ◽

Ana Paula Oliveira Leite ◽

Xiaowen Zheng ◽

Chunling Zhao ◽

Xu Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Fusion Protein ◽

Proximal Tubule ◽

Proximal Tubules ◽

Normal Blood ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Normal Blood Pressure ◽

Wild Type ◽

Induced Hypertension

The present study used a novel mouse model with proximal tubule-specific knockout of AT 1a receptors in the kidney, PT- Agtr1a −/− , to test the hypothesis that intratubular Ang II (angiotensin II) and AT 1a receptors in the proximal tubules are required for maintaining normal blood pressure and the development of Ang II–induced hypertension. Twenty-six groups (n=6–15 per group) of adult male wild-type, global Agtr1a −/− , and PT- Agtr1a −/− mice were infused with Ang II (1.5 mg/kg per day, IP), or overexpressed an intracellular Ang II fusion protein in the proximal tubules for 2 weeks. Basal telemetry blood pressure were ≈15±3 mm Hg lower in PT- Agtr1a −/− than wild-type mice and ≈13±3 mm Hg higher than Agtr1a −/− mice ( P <0.01). Basal glomerular filtration was ≈23.9% higher ( P <0.01), whereas fractional proximal tubule Na + reabsorption was lower in PT- Agtr1a −/− mice ( P <0.01). Deletion of AT 1a receptors in the proximal tubules augmented the pressure-natriuresis response ( P <0.01) and natriuretic responses to salt loading or Ang III infusion ( P <0.01). Ang II induced hypertension in wild-type, PT- Agtr1a −/− and PT- Nhe3 −/− mice, but the pressor response was ≈16±2 mm Hg lower in PT- Agtr1a −/− and PT- Nhe3 −/− mice ( P <0.01). Deletion of AT 1a receptors or NHE3 (Na + /H + exchanger 3) in the proximal tubules attenuated ≈50% of Ang II–induced hypertension in wild-type mice ( P <0.01), but blocked intracellular Ang II fusion protein-induced hypertension in PT- Agtr1a −/− mice ( P <0.01). Taken together, the results of the present study provide new insights into the critical role of intratubular Ang II/AT 1 (AT 1a )/NHE3 pathways in the proximal tubules in normal blood pressure control and the development of Ang II–induced hypertension.

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Abstract 476: Renal AT2 Receptor Activation Prevents Sodium Retention And Lowers Blood Pressure In Angiotensin II-Dependent Hypertension

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hyp.64.suppl_1.476 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 64 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Shetal H Padia ◽

Nancy L Howell ◽

Brandon A Kemp ◽

John J Gildea ◽

Susanna R Keller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Receptor Activation ◽

Pressure Probe ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Induced Hypertension ◽

Group 5 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Angiotensin Type

A major proposed mechanism for the initiation of hypertension involves a primary increase in renal tubular sodium (Na+) reabsorption. Activation of intrarenal angiotensin type-2 receptors (AT2R) increases Na+ excretion; however, the role of intrarenal angiotensin type-2 receptors (AT2R) in the development of hypertension is unknown. Sprague-Dawley rats (N=36) underwent uninephrectomy and telemetric blood pressure probe implantation. Following a 72h recovery, two osmotic minipumps were inserted in each rat, one for chronic systemic delivery of 5% dextrose in water (D5W) or angiotensin II (Ang II, 200 ng/kg/min), and one for chronic intrarenal delivery of D5W (0.25 μL/h x 7d), highly selective AT2R agonist Compound 21 (C-21; 60 ng/kg/min x 7d), or specific AT2R antagonist PD-1223319 (PD; 10 ng/kg/min x 7d). Five groups of rats were studied: Group 1 (Control; N=10): systemic D5W + intrarenal D5W; Group 2 (Ang II-induced hypertension; N=8): systemic Ang II + intrarenal D5W; Group 3 (N=6): systemic Ang II + intrarenal C-21; Group 4 (N=6): systemic Ang II + 48h lead-in intrarenal C-21; Group 5 (N=6): systemic Ang II + intrarenal PD. Systemic Ang II infusion increased mean systolic blood pressure from 126±5 to 190±3 mm Hg over a 7d period in Group 2 (ANOVA F=73; P<1 X 10-6). Intrarenal administration of AT2R agonist C-21 (Groups 3 and 4) markedly inhibited the pressor effect of systemic Ang II (P<0.0001). Intrarenal AT2R antagonist PD (Group 5) augmented the pressor action of Ang II (P<0.0001). Consecutive 24h urinary Na+ excretion (UNaV) was reduced from 0.95±0.04 to 0.34±0.07 μmol/min (P<0.0001) on day 1 of Ang II infusion; Ang II-induced antinatriuresis was inhibited by intrarenal C-21 (P<0.0001) and augmented by intrarenal PD (P<0.0001) during the entire 7d infusion, demonstrating that one of the mechanisms to prevent Ang II-induced hypertension during intrarenal AT2R activation is the abolition of the initial increase in Na+ reabsorption that triggers the hypertensive cascade in this model. Thus, renal AT2Rs represent a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of hypertension.

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Abstract P363: Annexin-A1 Deficiency Exaggerates Cardiac Remodeling In Angiotensin II-induced Hypertension

Circulation Research ◽

10.1161/res.129.suppl_1.p363 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Kristy Jackson ◽

Jaideep Singh ◽

Yen Zhi Ng ◽

Cheng Peng ◽

Anida Velagic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Cardiac Remodeling ◽

Physiological Role ◽

Preclinical Model ◽

Annexin A1 ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Cardiac Damage ◽

Induced Hypertension ◽

Deficient Mice

Introduction: We have previously demonstrated that the naturally-occurring anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving protein Annexin-A1 (Anx-A1) limits the acute inflammatory response post myocardial infarction, but its impact on chronic inflammation, such as hypertension, has not been explored. This study aims to investigate the role of Anx-A1 in a preclinical model of hypertension, induced by angiotensin-II (Ang-II). Methods: 15-week-old male C57BL/6 or ANXA1 -/- were anesthetized (isoflurane, 2-4% v/v) and implanted with an osmotic minipump randomly assigned to receive Ang-II (0.7mg/kg/day) or vehicle (saline). Radiotelemetry recordings of blood pressure were taken at 10 intermittent timepoints from baseline to the end of the 29-day infusion period. Animals were euthanized with pentobarbitone (100mg/kg; i.p.) at endpoint and organ weights recorded and normalized to bodyweight. Left ventricle (LV) samples were stained with picrosirius red to assess total LV collagen deposition. Results: Ang II-induced mice at the end of the study had elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis compared to normotensive mice (Table). Anx-A1 deficient mice given Ang II had an even greater increase in MAP and cardiac remodeling compared to WT. Interestingly, MAP of Anx-A1 deficient mice at baseline is significantly higher compare to C57BL/6 counterparts (Table). Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate that deficiency of Anx-A1 exaggerates cardiac remodeling in AngII-induced hypertension, suggesting that endogenous Anx-A1 might play previously unappreciated physiological role in regulating blood pressure. This supports the development of Anx-A1 based pharmacotherapy against hypertension-induced cardiac damage.

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Abstract P041: Proximal Tubule-specific Deletion Of Angiotensin Ii Type 1a Receptors In The Kidney Lowers Basal Blood Pressure And Attenuates Angiotensin Ii-induced Hypertension By Increasing Glomerular Filtration And The Pressure-natriuresis Response

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hyp.76.suppl_1.p041 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 76 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Xiao C Li ◽

Ana P Leite ◽

Liang Zhang ◽

Jia L Zhuo

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Proximal Tubule ◽

Pressor Response ◽

Control Group ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Induced Hypertension ◽

Basal Blood Pressure ◽

Pressure Natriuresis ◽

Specific Deletion

The present study tested the hypothesis that intratubular angiotensin II (Ang II) and AT 1a receptors in the proximal tubules of the kidney plays an important role in basal blood pressure control and in the development of Ang II-induced hypertension. Mutant mice with proximal tubule-specific deletion of AT 1a receptors in the kidney, PT- Agtr1a -/- , were generated to test the hypothesis. Eight groups (n=7-12 per group) of adult male wild-type (WT) and PT- Agtr1a -/- mice were infused with or without Ang II for 2 weeks (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Basal systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures were ~13 ± 3 mmHg lower in PT- Agtr1a -/- than WT mice ( P <0.01). Basal glomerular filtration rate (GFR), as measured using transdermal FITC-sinistrin, was significantly higher in PT- Agtr1a -/- mice (WT: 160.4 ± 7.0 μl/min vs. PT- Agtr1a -/- : 186.0 ± 6.0 μl/min, P <0.05). Basal 24 h urinary Na + excretion (U Na V) was significantly higher in PT- Agtr1a -/- than WT mice ( P <0.01). In response to Ang II infusion, both WT and PT- Agtr1a -/- mice developed hypertension, and the magnitude of the pressor response to Ang II was similar in WT (Δ43 ± 3 mmHg, P <0.01) and PT- Agtr1a -/- mice (Δ39 ± 5 mmHg, P <0.01). However, the absolute blood pressure level was still 16 ± 3 mmHg lower in PT- Agtr1a -/- mice ( P <0.01). Ang II significantly decreased GFR to 132.2 ± 7.0 μl/min in WT mice ( P <0.01), and to 129.4 ± 18.6 μl/min in PT- Agtr1a -/- mice ( P <0.01), respectively. In WT mice, U Na V increased from 139.3 ± 22.3 μmol/24 h in the control group to 196.4 ± 29.6 μmol/24 h in the Ang II-infused group ( P <0.01). In PT- Agtr1a -/- mice, U Na V increased from 172.0 ± 10.2 μmol/24 h in the control group to 264.7 ± 35.4 μmol/24 h in the Ang II-infused group ( P <0.01). The pressor response to Ang II was attenuated, while the natriuretic response was augmented by losartan in WT and PT- Agtr1a -/- mice ( P <0.01). Finally, proximal tubule-specific deletion of AT 1a receptors significantly augmented the pressure-natriuresis response and natriuretic responses to acute saline infusion ( P <0.01) or a 2% high salt diet ( P <0.01). We concluded that deletion of AT 1a receptors selectively in the proximal tubules lowers basal blood pressure and attenuates Ang II-induced hypertension by increasing GFR and promoting the natriuretic response in PT- Agtr1a -/- mice.

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Site-1 Protease-Derived Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor Contributes to Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension in Mice

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15100 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Ye Feng ◽

Kexin Peng ◽

Renfei Luo ◽

Fei Wang ◽

Tianxin Yang

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Collecting Duct ◽

Short Circuit ◽

Ussing Chamber ◽

Short Circuit Current ◽

Duct Cell ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Cortical Collecting Duct ◽

Induced Hypertension

Activation of PRR ([pro]renin receptor) contributes to enhancement of intrarenal RAS and renal medullary α-ENaC and thus elevated blood pressure during Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion. The goal of the present study was to test whether such action of PRR was mediated by sPRR (soluble PRR), generated by S1P (site-1 protease), a newly identified PRR cleavage protease. F1 B6129SF1/J mice were infused for 6 days with control or Ang II at 300 ng/kg per day alone or in combination with S1P inhibitor PF-429242 (PF), and blood pressure was monitored by radiotelemetry. S1P inhibition significantly attenuated Ang II–induced hypertension accompanied with suppressed urinary and renal medullary renin levels and expression of renal medullary but not renal cortical α-ENaC expression. The effects of S1P inhibition were all reversed by supplement with histidine-tagged sPRR termed as sPRR-His. Ussing chamber technique was performed to determine amiloride-sensitive short-circuit current, an index of ENaC activity in confluent mouse cortical collecting duct cell line cells exposed for 24 hours to Ang II, Ang II + PF, or Ang II + PF + sPRR-His. Ang II–induced ENaC activity was blocked by PF, which was reversed by sPRR-His. Together, these results support that S1P-derived sPRR mediates Ang II–induced hypertension through enhancement of intrarenal renin level and activation of ENaC.

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Deficiency of T-type Ca2+ channels Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 has no effect on angiotensin II-induced hypertension but differential effect on plasma aldosterone in mice

AJP Renal Physiology ◽

10.1152/ajprenal.00121.2018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 317 (2) ◽

pp. F254-F263

Author(s):

Anne D. Thuesen ◽

Stine H. Finsen ◽

Louise L. Rasmussen ◽

Ditte C. Andersen ◽

Boye L. Jensen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Heart Rate ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽

Natriuretic Peptide ◽

Mineralocorticoid Receptor ◽

Plasma Aldosterone ◽

Receptor Blocker ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Induced Hypertension

T-type Ca2+ channel Cav3.1 promotes microvessel contraction ex vivo. It was hypothesized that in vivo, functional deletion of Cav3.1, but not Cav3.2, protects mice against angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate were measured continuously with chronically indwelling catheters during infusion of ANG II (30 ng·kg−1·min−1, 7 days) in wild-type (WT), Cav3.1−/−, and Cav3.2−/− mice. Plasma aldosterone and renin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassays. In a separate series, WT mice were infused with ANG II (100 ng·kg−1·min−1) with and without the mineralocorticoid receptor blocker canrenoate. Cav3.1−/− and Cav3.2−/− mice exhibited no baseline difference in MAP compared with WT mice, but day-night variation was blunted in both Cav3.1 and Cav3.2−/− mice. ANG II increased significantly MAP in WT, Cav3.1−/−, and Cav3.2−/− mice with no differences between genotypes. Heart rate was significantly lower in Cav3.1−/− and Cav3.2−/− mice compared with control mice. After ANG II infusion, plasma aldosterone concentration was significantly lower in Cav3.1−/− compared with Cav3.2−/− mice. In response to ANG II, fibrosis was observed in heart sections from both WT and Cav3.1−/− mice and while cardiac atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA was similar, the brain natriuretic peptide mRNA increase was mitigated in Cav3.1−/− mice ANG II at 100 ng/kg yielded elevated pressure and an increased heart weight-to-body weight ratio in WT mice. Cardiac hypertrophy, but not hypertension, was prevented by the mineralocorticoid receptor blocker canrenoate. In conclusion, T-type channels Cav3.1and Cav3.2 do not contribute to baseline blood pressure levels and ANG II-induced hypertension. Cav3.1, but not Cav3.2, contributes to aldosterone secretion. Aldosterone promotes cardiac hypertrophy during hypertension.

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Protease-Activated Receptor 1 Contributes to Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiovascular Remodeling and Inflammation

Cardiology ◽

10.1159/000452269 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 136 (4) ◽

pp. 258-268 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Silvio Antoniak ◽

Jessica C. Cardenas ◽

Laura J. Buczek ◽

Frank C. Church ◽

Nigel Mackman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Heart Function ◽

Coronary Vessels ◽

Wall Thickening ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Cardiovascular Remodeling ◽

Protease Activated Receptor 1 ◽

Pressure Independent ◽

Fractional Shortening

Background: Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays an important role in cardiovascular disease. It also leads to the activation of coagulation. The coagulation protease thrombin induces cellular responses by activating protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1). We investigated whether PAR-1 contributes to Ang II-induced cardiovascular remodeling and inflammation. Methods and Results: PAR-1+/+ (wild-type; WT) and PAR-1-/- mice were infused with Ang II (600 ng/kg/min) for up to 4 weeks. In WT mice, this dose of Ang II did not cause a significant increase in blood pressure but it did cause pathological changes in both the aorta and the heart. Ang II infusion resulted in vascular remodeling of the aorta, demonstrated by a significant increase in medial wall thickening and perivascular fibrosis. Importantly, both parameters were significantly attenuated by PAR-1 deficiency. Furthermore, perivascular fibrosis around coronary vessels was reduced in Ang II-treated PAR-1-/- mice compared to WT mice. In addition, PAR-1 deficiency significantly attenuated Ang II induction of inflammatory cytokines and profibrotic genes in the aortas compared to WT mice. Finally, PAR-1 deficiency had no effect on Ang II-induced heart hypertrophy. However, the heart function measured by fractional shortening was less impaired in PAR-1-/- mice than in WT mice. Conclusion: Our data indicate that PAR-1 plays a significant role in cardiovascular remodeling mediated by a blood pressure-independent action of Ang II.

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Genetic and genomic evidence for an important role of the Na+/H+ exchanger 3 in blood pressure regulation and angiotensin II-induced hypertension

Physiological Genomics ◽

10.1152/physiolgenomics.00122.2018 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 51 (4) ◽

pp. 97-108 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Xiao C. Li ◽

Xiaowen Zheng ◽

Xu Chen ◽

Chunling Zhao ◽

Dongmin Zhu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Proximal Tubule ◽

Proximal Tubules ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Pressure Regulation ◽

Blood Pressure Homeostasis ◽

Induced Hypertension ◽

Basal Blood Pressure

The sodium (Na+)/hydrogen (H+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) and sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase) are two of the most important Na+ transporters in the proximal tubules of the kidney. On the apical membrane side, NHE3 primarily mediates the entry of Na+ into and the exit of H+ from the proximal tubules, directly and indirectly being responsible for reabsorbing ~50% of filtered Na+ in the proximal tubules of the kidney. On the basolateral membrane side, Na+/K+-ATPase serves as a powerful engine driving Na+ out of, while pumping K+ into the proximal tubules against their concentration gradients. While the roles of NHE3 and Na+/K+-ATPase in proximal tubular Na+ transport under in vitro conditions are well recognized, their respective contributions to the basal blood pressure regulation and angiotensin II (ANG II)-induced hypertension remain poorly understood. Recently, we have been fortunate to be able to use genetically modified mouse models with global, kidney- or proximal tubule-specific deletion of NHE3 to directly determine the cause and effect relationship between NHE3, basal blood pressure homeostasis, and ANG II-induced hypertension at the whole body, kidney and/or proximal tubule levels. The purpose of this article is to review the genetic and genomic evidence for an important role of NHE3 with a focus in the regulation of basal blood pressure and ANG II-induced hypertension, as we learned from studies using global, kidney- or proximal tubule-specific NHE3 knockout mice. We hypothesize that NHE3 in the proximal tubules is necessary for maintaining basal blood pressure homeostasis and the development of ANG II-induced hypertension.

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Abstract 101: Cardiac Deleterious Role of Galectin-3 in Chronic Angiotensin-II Induced Hypertension

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hyp.62.suppl_1.a101 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 62 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Germán E González ◽

Nour-Eddine Rhaleb ◽

Xiao- P Yang ◽

Oscar A Carretero

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Angiotensin Ii ◽

Cardiac Fibrosis ◽

Systolic Dysfunction ◽

Left Ventricular ◽

Carbohydrate Binding ◽

Ang Ii ◽

Induced Hypertension ◽

Galectin 3

We previously described that chronic infusion with Angiotensin II (Ang II) increases cardiac Galectin-3 (Gal-3) expression, a carbohydrate-binding lectin present on macrophages. Also, Gal-3 was proposed to be a powerful predictor for mortality in patients with heart failure. Nevertheless, the role of Gal-3 in the pathogenesis of end organ damage (EOD) in hypertension is unknown. Here, we hypothesized that in Ang II-induced hypertension, genetic deletion of Gal-3 prevents innate immunity, EOD, and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Male C57 and Gal-3 KO mice were infused with vehicle (V) or Ang II (90 ng/min; s.c.) for 8 weeks and divided into: 1) C57 + V; 2) Gal-3 KO + V; 3) C57 + Ang II and 4) Gal-3 KO + Ang II. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by plestimography weekly. At 8 week, we evaluated 1) LV ejection fraction (EF) by echocardiography; 2) cardiac hypertrophy by LV weight/tibia length; 3) cardiac fibrosis by picrosirius red staining; 4) infiltrated macrophages by CD68+ staining; 5) ICAM-1 protein expression by Western blot; and 6) serum interleukin (IL)-6 by ELISA. We found that despite a similar increase in SBP and LV hypertrophy in both strains on Ang II, Gal-3 KO mice had better reserved EF and decreased inflammatory and fibrotic responses (see Table). Results: (MEAN ± SEM at 8 w) *p<0.05 C57+Ang II and Gal-3 KO+Ang II vs C57+V; ‡ p<0.05 Gal-3 KO+Ang II vs C57+Ang II. Conclusion: In Ang II-induced hypertension, deletion of Gal-3 prevents EOD and LV systolic dysfunction without altering blood pressure and LV hypertrophy. This study indicates that the deleterious effects of Ang II could be in part mediated by Gal-3, which enhanced inflammation and fibrosis.

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