Perivascular adipose tissue contains functional catecholamines

Influence of Perivascular Adipose Tissue on Microcirculation: A Link Between Hypertension and Obesity

Alterations in microcirculation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders such as obesity and hypertension. The small resistance arteries of these patients show a typical remodeling, as indicated by an increase of media or total wall thickness to lumen diameter ratio that impairs organ flow reserve. The majority of blood vessels are surrounded by a fat depot which is termed perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). In recent years, data from several studies have indicated that PVAT is an endocrine organ that can produce a variety of adipokines and cytokines, which may participate in the regulation of vascular tone, and the secretory profile varies with adipocyte phenotype and disease status. The PVAT of lean humans largely secretes the vasodilator adiponectin, which will act in a paracrine fashion to reduce peripheral resistance and improve nutrient uptake into tissues, thereby protecting against the development of hypertension and diabetes. In obesity, PVAT becomes enlarged and inflamed, and the bioavailability of adiponectin is reduced. The inevitable consequence is a rise in peripheral resistance with higher blood pressure. The interrelationship between obesity and hypertension could be explained, at least in part, by a cross-talk between microcirculation and PVAT. In this article, we propose an integrated pathophysiological approach of this relationship, in order to better clarify its role in obesity and hypertension, as the basis for effective and specific prevention and treatment.

Role of Inflammatory Processes in the Brain-Body Relationship Underlying Hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Essential hypertension is a huge health problem that significantly impacts worldwide population in terms of morbidity and mortality. Idiopathic in its nature, elevated blood pressure results from a complex interaction between polygenic components and environmental and lifestyle factors. The constant growth in the burden of hypertension is at odds with expectations, considering the availability of therapeutic strategies. Hence, there is an endless need to further investigate the complexity of factors contributing to blood pressure elevation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent data indicate that bidirectional interactions between the nervous system and the immune system alter inflammation in the brain and periphery, contributing to chronic hypertension. These findings indicate that the nervous system is both a direct driver of hypertension and also a target of feedback that often elevates blood pressure further. Similarly, the immune system is both target and driver of the blood pressure increases. The contributions of the feedback loops among these systems appear to play an important role in hypertension. Together, recent mechanistic studies strongly suggest that the interactions among the brain, immune system, and inflammation affect the participation of each system in the pathogenesis of hypertension, and thus, all of these systems must be considered in concert to gain a full appreciation of the development and potential treatments of hypertension.

Obesity, Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases: Potential Common Mechanisms

The worldwide increase in the incidence of obesity and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, e.g. Alzheimer's disease, is related to many factors, including an unhealthy lifestyle and aging populations. However, the interconnection between these diseases is not entirely clear, and it is unknown whether common mechanisms underlie these conditions. Moreover, there are currently no fully effective therapies for obesity and neurodegeneration. While there has been extensive research in preclinical models addressing these issues, the experimental findings have not been translated to the clinic. Another challenge relates to the time of onset of individual diseases, which may not be easily identified, since there are no specific indicators or biomarkers that define disease onset. Hence knowing when to commence preventive treatment is unclear. This is especially pertinent in neurodegenerative diseases, where the onset of the disease may be subtle and occur decades before the signs and symptoms manifest. In metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, the risk may occur in-utero, in line with the concept of fetal programming. This review provides a brief overview of the link between obesity, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and discusses potential common mechanisms including the role of the gut microbiome.

miRNA-22 is involved in the aortic reactivity in physiological conditions and mediates obesity-induced perivascular adipose tissue dysfunction

AIMS

Blood vessels are surrounded by perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), which plays an important role in vascular tonus regulation due to its anticontractile effect; however, this effect is impaired in obesity. We previously demonstrated that miRNA-22 is involved in obesity-related metabolic disorders. However, the impact of miRNA-22 on vascular reactivity and PVAT function is unknown.

AIM

To investigate the role of miRNA-22 on vascular reactivity and its impact on obesity-induced PVAT dysfunction.

MAIN METHODS

Wild-type and miRNA-22 knockout (KO) mice were fed a control or a high-fat (HF) diet. To characterize the vascular response, concentration-responses curves to noradrenaline were performed in PVAT- or PVAT+ thoracic aortic rings in absence and presence of L-NAME. Expression of adipogenic and thermogenic markers and NOS isoforms were evaluated by western blotting or qPCR.

KEY FINDINGS

HF diet and miRNA-22 deletion reduced noradrenaline-induced contraction in PVAT- aortic rings. Additionally, miRNA-22 deletion increased noradrenaline-induced contraction in PVAT+ aortic rings without affecting its sensitivity; however, this effect was not observed in miRNA-22 KO mice fed a HF diet. Interestingly, miRNA-22 deletion reduced the contraction of aortic rings to noradrenaline via a NOS-dependent mechanism. Moreover, HF diet abolished the NOS-mediated anticontractile effect of PVAT, which was attenuated by miRNA-22 deletion. Mechanistically, we found that PVAT from miRNA-22 KO mice fed a HF diet presented increased protein expression of nNOS.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results suggest that miRNA-22 is important for aorta reactivity under physiological circumstances and its deletion attenuates the loss of the NOS-mediated anticontractile effect of PVAT in obesity.

Role of Perivascular Adipose Tissue in Aorta Reactivity from Obese and Hyperglycemic CD-1 Mice: New Insights into Perivascular Adipose Tissue

Background: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) plays an essential role in cardiovascular homeostasis. However, during obesity and diabetes, its role in vascular tone regulation is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the function of the PVAT on aorta reactivity in the lean and cafeteria (CAF) diet-induced obese-hyperglycemic mice model. Methods: Aorta reactivity to phenylephrine, KCl, and acetylcholine was analyzed in lean (n = 6) and obese mice (n = 6). Also, nitric oxide (NO-) and cyclooxygenase participation, in the presence (n = 6) and absence (n = 6) of PVAT, were examined in the aortas. Results: After a CAF diet for 19 weeks, obese mice showed increased body weight, glucose intolerance, and hypercholesterolemia concerning lean mice. Vascular reactivity to phenylephrine was reduced significantly in the aorta of obese mice. In contrast, the contraction produced by KCl (80 mM) was increased in the aorta of obese mice independent of PVAT. Acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxation diminished in the aortas of obese mice in the presence of PVAT. Nonselective inhibition of cyclooxygenases likely shows that PVAT and endothelium release vasorelaxant prostanoids. Conclusions: The results suggest that PVAT modulates aorta reactivity by releasing NO-, decreasing the α₁-adrenergic response to phenylephrine, and probably releasing vasorelaxant prostanoids. The data suggest that PVAT regulates the vascular smooth muscle and endothelial function in a CAF diet-induced obese-hyperglycemic mice model.

Adipokines: Deciphering the cardiovascular signature of adipose tissue

Obesity and hypertension are intimately linked due to the various ways that the important cell types such as vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), endothelial cells (EC), immune cells, and adipocytes, communicate with one another to contribute to these two pathologies. Adipose tissue is a very dynamic organ comprised primarily of adipocytes, which are well known for their role in energy storage. More recently adipose tissue has been recognized as the largest endocrine organ because of its ability to produce a vast number of signaling molecules called adipokines. These signaling molecules stimulate specific types of cells or tissues with many adipokines acting as indicators of adipocyte healthy function, such as adiponectin, omentin, and FGF21, which show anti-inflammatory or cardioprotective effects, acting as regulators of healthy physiological function. Others, like visfatin, chemerin, resistin, and leptin are often altered during pathophysiological circumstances like obesity and lipodystrophy, demonstrating negative cardiovascular outcomes when produced in excess. This review aims to explore the role of adipocytes and their derived products as well as the impacts of these adipokines on blood pressure regulation and cardiovascular homeostasis.

Berberine ameliorates mesenteric vascular dysfunction by modulating perivascular adipose tissue in diet-induced obese in rats

Background

Berberine (BBR) has been found to have antiobesity effects, and obesity can lead to adipose tissue degeneration. As a special adipose tissue, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is closely related to vascular function and affects vasoconstriction and relaxation. What happens to PVAT in the early stages of diet-induced obesity and how BBR affects vascular function is the focus of our experimental study.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet (fat 34% kcal) for 4 weeks to simulate early obesity. Obese rats were treated with BBR (200 mg/kg) or metformin (MET, 100 mg/kg) by gavage for 2 weeks. The mesenteric arterioles were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The force vs. time curves were observed and analysed to indicate vascular function. Nitric oxide (NO) and noradrenaline (NA) release was quantified using an organ bath with fluorescence assays and ELISA, respectively. Network pharmacology was used to analyse the overlapping targets related to BBR and obesity-related diseases, and the expression of NOS in mesenteric PVAT was further analysed with immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. The serum inflammatory factor levels were tested.

Results

BBR significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, blood lipids and inflammatory factors in serum. It also effectively improved abnormal mesenteric vasoconstriction and relaxation in obese rats. There was no significant change in mesenteric vascular structure, but NO production and eNOS expression were significantly increased in mesenteric PVAT (P < 0.01), and NA was decreased (P < 0.05) in obese rats. All these changes in the mesenteric arterioles and PVAT of obese rats were reversed by treatment with BBR and MET.

Conclusions

In diet-induced obesity in rats, the function of vasoconstriction and relaxation in mesenteric arterioles is altered, NO is increased, and NA is decreased in mesenteric PVAT. All these changes were reversed by BBR, suggesting a novel effect of BBR in ameliorating mesenteric vascular dysfunction by regulating PVAT.

Perivascular adipose tissue in autoimmune rheumatic diseases

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) resides at the outermost boundary of the vascular wall, surrounding most conduit blood vessels, except for the cerebral vessels, in humans. A growing body of evidence suggests that inflammation localized within PVAT may contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs), e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, etc., exhibit heightened systemic inflammation and are at increased risk for CVD. Data from clinical studies in patients with ARDs support a linkage between dysfunctional adipose tissue, and PVAT in particular, in disease pathogenesis. Here, we review the data linking PVAT to the pathogenesis of CVD in patients with ARDs, focusing on the role of novel PVAT imaging techniques in defining disease risk and responses to biological therapies.

Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in the Perivascular Adipose Tissue

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is a special type of ectopic fat depot that adheres to most vasculatures. PVAT has been shown to exert anticontractile effects on the blood vessels and confers protective effects against metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. PVAT plays a critical role in vascular homeostasis via secreting adipokine, hormones, and growth factors. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS; also known as NOS3 or NOSIII) is well-known for its role in the generation of vasoprotective nitric oxide (NO). eNOS is primarily expressed, but not exclusively, in endothelial cells, while recent studies have identified its expression in both adipocytes and endothelial cells of PVAT. PVAT eNOS is an important player in the protective role of PVAT. Different studies have demonstrated that, under obesity-linked metabolic diseases, PVAT eNOS may be even more important than endothelium eNOS in obesity-induced vascular dysfunction, which may be attributed to certain PVAT eNOS-specific functions. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of eNOS expression in PVAT, its function under both physiological and pathological conditions and listed out a few pharmacological interventions of interest that target eNOS in PVAT.

Aortic stiffness is lower when perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is included: a novel ex vivo mechanics study

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is increasingly recognized as an essential layer of the functional vasculature, being responsible for producing vasoactive substances and assisting arterial stress relaxation. Here we test the hypothesis that PVAT reduces aortic stiffness. Our model was the thoracic aorta of the male Sprague Dawley rat. Uniaxial mechanical tests for three groups of tissue were performed: aorta +PVAT (+PVAT), aorta - PVAT (-PVAT), and isolated PVAT (PVAT only). The output of the mechanical test is reported in the form of a Cauchy stress-stretch curve. This work presents a novel, physiologically relevant approach to measure mechanical stiffness ex vivo in isolated PVAT. Low-stress stiffness (), high-stress stiffness (), and the stress corresponding to a stretch of 1.2 () were measured as metrics of distensibility. The low-stress stiffness was largest in the -PVAT samples and smallest in PVAT only samples. Both the high-stress stiffness and the stress at 1.2 stretch were significantly higher in -PVAT samples when compared to +PVAT samples. Taken together these results suggest that -PVAT samples are stiffer (less distensible) both at low stress (not significant) as well as at high stress (significant) when compared to +PVAT samples. These conclusions are supported by the results of the continuum mechanics material model we also used to interpret the same experimental data. Thus, tissue stiffness is significantly lower when considering PVAT as part of the aortic wall. As such, PVAT should be considered as a target for improving vascular function in diseases with elevated aortic stiffness, including hypertension.

Adipocyte-derived relaxing factor-a fat load to be learnt

Properties of the radial artery (RA) have been of immense interest to both laboratory scientists and clinicians, especially due to the increasing utilization of RA as a second-choice conduit for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), after left internal mammary artery.

Prenatal Exposure to Methamphetamine Causes Vascular Dysfunction in Adult Male Rat Offspring

Methamphetamine use during pregnancy can have negative consequences on the offspring. However, most studies investigating the impact of prenatal exposure to methamphetamine have focused on behavioral and neurological outcomes. Relatively little is known regarding the impact of prenatal methamphetamine on the adult cardiovascular system. This study investigated the impact of chronic fetal exposure to methamphetamine on vascular function in adult offspring. Pregnant female rats received daily saline or methamphetamine (5 mg/kg) injections starting on gestational day 1 and continuing until the pups were born. Vascular function was assessed in 5 month old offspring. Prenatal methamphetamine significantly decreased both the efficacy and potency of acetylcholine-induced relaxation in isolated male (but not female) aortas when perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) remained intact. However, prenatal methamphetamine had no impact on acetylcholine-induced relaxation when PVAT was removed. Nitroprusside-induced relaxation of the aorta was unaffected by prenatal methamphetamine. Angiotensin II-induced contractile responses were significantly potentiated in male (but not female) aortas regardless of the presence of PVAT. This effect was reversed by L-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Serotonin- and phenylephrine-induced contraction were unaffected by prenatal methamphetamine. Prenatal methamphetamine had no impact on acetylcholine-induced relaxation of third order mesenteric arteries and no effect on basal blood pressure. These data provide evidence that prenatal exposure to methamphetamine sex-dependently alters vasomotor function in the vasculature and may increase the risk of developing vascular disorders later in adult life.

The Role of Obesity-Induced Perivascular Adipose Tissue (PVAT) Dysfunction in Vascular Homeostasis

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is an additional special type of adipose tissue surrounding blood vessels. Under physiological conditions, PVAT plays a significant role in regulation of vascular tone, intravascular thermoregulation, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. PVAT is responsible for releasing adipocytes-derived relaxing factors (ADRF) and perivascular-derived relaxing factors (PDRF), which have anticontractile properties. Obesity induces increased oxidative stress, an inflammatory state, and hypoxia, which contribute to PVAT dysfunction. The exact mechanism of vascular dysfunction in obesity is still not well clarified; however, there are some pathways such as renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) disorders and PVAT-derived factor dysregulation, which are involved in hypertension and endothelial dysfunction development. Physical activity has a beneficial effect on PVAT function among obese patients by reducing the oxidative stress and inflammatory state. Diet, which is the second most beneficial non-invasive strategy in obesity treatment, may have a positive impact on PVAT-derived factors and may restore the balance in their concentration.

The physiologic and physiopathologic roles of perivascular adipose tissue and its interactions with blood vessels and the renin-angiotensin system

The perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) refers to an ectopic local deposit of connective tissue that anatomically surrounds most of the blood vessels. While it was initially known only as a structural support for vasculature, the landmark findings of Soltis and Cassis (1991), first demonstrating that PVAT reduces the contractions of norepinephrine in the isolated rat aorta, brought the potential vascular role of PVAT into the limelight. This seminal work implied the potential ability of PVAT to influence vascular responsiveness. Several vasoactive/vasocrine substances influencing vascular homeostasis were successively shown to be released from PVAT that include both adipocyte-derived relaxing and contracting factors. The PVAT is currently recognized as a metabolically active endocrine organ and is eventually considered as the 'protagonist' in vascular homeostasis. It plays prominent defending and opposing roles in vascular function, while the actual vascular influences of PVAT vary with an increase in adiposity. Recent studies have presented compelling evidence implicating the pivotal role of PVAT in the local activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which substantially impacts vascular physiology and physiopathology. Current findings have advanced our understanding of the role of PVAT in favorably or adversely modulating the vascular function through differential RAS activation. Given that adipocytes also produce major RAS components locally to influence vascular function, this review provides a scientific basis to distinctly understand the key role of PVAT in regulating the autocrine and paracrine functions of vascular RAS components and its potential as an emerging therapeutic target for mitigating cardiovascular complications.

Anticontractile Effect of Perivascular Adipose Tissue But Not of Endothelium Is Enhanced by Hydrogen Sulfide Stimulation in Hypertensive Pregnant Rat Aortae

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) modulates the vascular tone. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is synthetized by cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) in brown PVAT. Modulation of vascular contractility by H2S is, in part, adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium channels dependent. However, the role of PVAT-derived H2S in hypertensive pregnancy (HTN-Preg) is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to examine the involvement of H2S in the anticontractile effect of PVAT in aortae from normotensive and hypertensive pregnant rats. To this end, phenylephrine-induced contractions in the presence and absence of PVAT and endothelium in aortae from normotensive pregnant (Norm-Preg) and HTN-Preg rats were investigated. Maternal blood pressure, fetal-placental parameters, angiogenesis-related biomarkers, and H2S levels were also assessed. We found that circulating H2S is elevated in hypertensive pregnancy associated with angiogenic imbalance, fetal and placental growth restrictions, which revealed that there is H2S pathway activation. Moreover, under stimulated H2S formation PVAT, but not endothelium, reduced phenylephrine-induced contractions in aortae from HTN-Preg rats. Also, H2S synthesis inhibitor abolished anticontractile effects of PVAT and endothelium. Furthermore, anticontractile effect of PVAT, but not of endothelium, was eliminated by ATP-sensitive potassium channels blocker. In accordance, increases in H2S levels in PVAT and placenta, but not in aortae without PVAT, were also observed. In conclusion, anticontractile effect of PVAT is lost, at least in part, in HTN-Preg aortae and PVAT effect is ATP-sensitive potassium channels dependent in normotensive and hypertensive pregnant rat aortae. PVAT but not endothelium is responsive to the H2S stimulation in hypertensive pregnant rat aortae, implying a key role for PVAT-derived H2S under endothelial dysfunction.

Circulating levels of hydrogen sulphide negatively correlate to nitrite levels in gestational hypertensive and preeclamptic pregnant women

Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of preeclampsia and the role of nitric oxide (NO) has been extensively studied in this pregnancy complication. In recent years, hydrogen sulphide (H₂ S) has arisen as a new gasotransmitter with an impact on endothelial function. However, the involvement of H₂ S in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not fully understood, and only a few studies with limited sample size have investigated circulating levels of H₂ S in preeclamptic patients. Moreover, H₂ S levels have not been previously evaluated in gestational hypertension. Furthermore, the relationship between H₂ S and NO in these hypertensive disorders of pregnancy has yet to be determined. We measured H₂ S levels in plasma of 120 healthy pregnant women, 88 gestational hypertensive and 62 preeclamptic women. We also measured plasma nitrite in a subset of patients and carried out correlation analysis between plasma H₂ S and nitrite in these three groups. We found that plasma H₂ S was elevated in preeclampsia and further increased in gestational hypertension compared to healthy pregnancy. Plasma nitrite was reduced in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, and these levels were negatively correlated with H₂ S in both gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, but not in healthy pregnancy. Our results indicate that increases in H₂ S may represent a mechanism triggered as an attempt to compensate reduced NO in gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. Future studies are warranted to investigate the mechanisms underlying H₂ S/NO interaction on mediating endothelial dysfunction in these hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Regional Heterogeneity of Perivascular Adipose Tissue: Morphology, Origin, and Secretome

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is a unique fat depot with local and systemic impacts. PVATs are anatomically, developmentally, and functionally different from classical adipose tissues and they are also different from each other. PVAT adipocytes originate from different progenitors and precursors. They can produce and secrete a wide range of autocrine and paracrine factors, many of which are vasoactive modulators. In the context of obesity-associated low-grade inflammation, these phenotypic and functional differences become more evident. In this review, we focus on the recent findings of PVAT’s heterogeneity by comparing commonly studied adipose tissues around the thoracic aorta (tPVAT), abdominal aorta (aPVAT), and mesenteric artery (mPVAT). Distinct origins and developmental trajectory of PVAT adipocyte potentially contribute to regional heterogeneity. Regional differences also exist in ways how PVAT communicates with its neighboring vasculature by producing specific adipokines, vascular tone regulators, and extracellular vesicles in a given microenvironment. These insights may inspire new therapeutic strategies targeting the PVAT.

Transglutaminases Are Active in Perivascular Adipose Tissue

Transglutaminases (TGs) are crosslinking enzymes best known for their vascular remodeling in hypertension. They require calcium to form an isopeptide bond, connecting a glutamine to a protein bound lysine residue or a free amine donor such as norepinephrine (NE) or serotonin (5-HT). We discovered that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) contains significant amounts of these amines, making PVAT an ideal model to test interactions of amines and TGs. We hypothesized that transglutaminases are active in PVAT. Real time RT-PCR determined that Sprague Dawley rat aortic, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and mesenteric resistance vessel (MR) PVATs express TG2 and blood coagulation Factor-XIII (FXIII) mRNA. Consistent with this, immunohistochemical analyses support that these PVATs all express TG2 and FXIII protein. The activity of TG2 and FXIII was investigated in tissue sections using substrate peptides that label active TGs when in a catalyzing calcium solution. Both TG2 and FXIII were active in rat aortic PVAT, SMAPVAT, and MRPVAT. Western blot analysis determined that the known TG inhibitor cystamine reduced incorporation of experimentally added amine donor 5-(biotinamido)pentylamine (BAP) into MRPVAT. Finally, experimentally added NE competitively inhibited incorporation of BAP into MRPVAT adipocytes. Further studies to determine the identity of amidated proteins will give insight into how these enzymes contribute to functions of PVAT and, ultimately, blood pressure.

Vascular reactivity stimulated by TMA and TMAO: Are perivascular adipose tissue and endothelium involved?

Trimethylamine (TMA), formed by intestinal microbiota, and its Flavin-Monooxygenase 3 (FMO3) product Trimethylamine-N-Oxide (TMAO), are potential modulators of host cardiometabolic phenotypes. High circulating levels of TMAO are associated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesized that TMA/TMAO could directly change the vascular tone. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) helps to regulate vascular homeostasis and may also possess FMO3. Thoracic aorta with(+) or without(-) PVAT, also + or - the endothelium (E), of male Sprague Dawley rats were isolated for measurement of isometric tone in response to TMA/TMAO (1nM-0.5 M). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies were done to identify the presence of FMO3. TMA and TMAO elicited concentration-dependent arterial contraction. However, at a maximally achievable concentration (0.2 M), contraction stimulated by TMA was of a greater magnitude (141.5 ± 16% of maximum phenylephrine contraction) than that elicited by TMAO (19.1 ± 4.03%) with PVAT and endothelium intact. When PVAT was preserved, TMAO-induced contraction was extensively reduced the presence (19.1 ± 4.03%) versus absence of E (147.2 ± 20.5%), indicating that the endothelium plays a protective role against TMAO-induced contraction. FMO3 enzyme was present in aortic PVAT, but the FMO3 inhibitor methimazole did not affect contraction stimulated by TMA in aorta + PVAT. However, the l-type calcium channel blocker nifedipine reduced TMA-induced contraction by ∼50% compared to the vehicle. Though a high concentration of these compounds was needed to achieve contraction, the findings that TMA-induced contraction was independent of PVAT and E and mediated by nifedipine-sensitive calcium channels suggest metabolite-induced contraction may be physiologically important.

Perivascular Adipose Tissue as a Target for Antioxidant Therapy for Cardiovascular Complications

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is the connective tissue surrounding most of the systemic blood vessels. PVAT is now recognized as an important endocrine tissue that maintains vascular homeostasis. Healthy PVAT has anticontractile, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative roles. Vascular oxidative stress is an important pathophysiological event in cardiometabolic complications of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. Accumulating data from both humans and experimental animal models suggests that PVAT dysfunction is potentially linked to cardiovascular diseases, and associated with augmented vascular inflammation, oxidative stress, and arterial remodeling. Reactive oxygen species produced from PVAT can be originated from mitochondria, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases, and uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase. PVAT can also sense vascular paracrine signals and response by secreting vasoactive adipokines. Therefore, PVAT may constitute a novel therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings on PVAT functions, ROS production, and oxidative stress in different pathophysiological settings and discuss the potential antioxidant therapies for cardiovascular diseases by targeting PVAT.

PVAT: an important guardian of the cardiovascular system

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) had long been considered to serve only structural, vessel-supporting purposes, but today PVAT is recognized to be an endocrine organ with important physiological and pathological effects. The expansion of PVAT in vascular homeostasis and vascular disease has attracted much interest. PVAT has been shown to release a wide spectrum of molecules, such as PVAT-derived relaxing factors (PVATRFs) and PVAT-derived contracting factors (PVATCFs). PVAT dysfunction may lead to obesity, atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases. This review describes recent advances in our understanding of PVAT's important effects on the cardiovascular system.

Emerging Roles of Sympathetic Nerves and Inflammation in Perivascular Adipose Tissue

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is no longer recognised as simply a structural support for the vasculature, and we now know that PVAT releases vasoactive factors which modulate vascular function. Since the discovery of this function in 1991, PVAT research is rapidly growing and the importance of PVAT function in disease is becoming increasingly clear. Obesity is associated with a plethora of vascular conditions; therefore, the study of adipocytes and their effects on the vasculature is vital. PVAT contains an adrenergic system including nerves, adrenoceptors and transporters. In obesity, the autonomic nervous system is dysfunctional; therefore, sympathetic innervation of PVAT may be the key mechanistic link between increased adiposity and vascular disease. In addition, not all obese people develop vascular disease, but a common feature amongst those that do appears to be the inflammatory cell population in PVAT. This review will discuss what is known about sympathetic innervation of PVAT, and the links between nerve activation and inflammation in obesity. In addition, we will examine the therapeutic potential of exercise in sympathetic stimulation of adipose tissue.

Mechanistic Links Between Obesity, Diabetes, and Blood Pressure: Role of Perivascular Adipose Tissue

Obesity is increasingly prevalent and is associated with substantial cardiovascular risk. Adipose tissue distribution and morphology play a key role in determining the degree of adverse effects, and a key factor in the disease process appears to be the inflammatory cell population in adipose tissue. Healthy adipose tissue secretes a number of vasoactive adipokines and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and changes to this secretory profile will contribute to pathogenesis in obesity. In this review, we discuss the links between adipokine dysregulation and the development of hypertension and diabetes and explore the potential for manipulating adipose tissue morphology and its immune cell population to improve cardiovascular health in obesity.

Uterine perivascular adipose tissue is a novel mediator of uterine artery blood flow and reactivity in rat pregnancy

KEY POINTS

In vivo, uterine perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) potentiates uterine artery blood flow in pregnant rats, although not in non-pregnant rats. In isolated preparations, uterine PVAT has pro-contractile and anti-dilatory effects on uterine arteries. Pregnancy induces changes in uterine arteries that makes them responsive to uterine PVAT signalling.

ABSTRACT

An increase in uterine artery blood flow (UtBF) is a common and necessary feature of a healthy pregnancy. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that adipose tissue surrounding uterine arteries (uterine perivascular adipose tissue; PVAT) is a novel local mediator of UtBF and uterine artery tone during pregnancy. In vivo experiments in anaesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats showed that pregnant animals (gestational day 16, term = 22--23 days) had a three-fold higher UtBF compared to non-pregnant animals. Surgical removal of uterine PVAT reduced UtBF only in pregnant rats. In a series of ex vivo bioassays, we demonstrated that uterine PVAT had pro-contractile and anti-dilatory effects on rat uterine arteries. In the presence of PVAT-conditioned media, isolated uterine arteries from both pregnant and non-pregnant rats had reduced vasodilatory responses. In non-pregnant rats, these responses were mediated at the level of uterine vascular smooth muscle, whereas, in pregnant rats, PVAT-media reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation. Pregnancy increased adipocyte size in ovarian adipose tissue but had no effect on uterine PVAT adipocyte morphology. In addition, pregnancy down-regulated the gene expression of metabolic adipokines in uterine but not in aortic PVAT. In conclusion, this is the first study to demonstrate that uterine PVAT plays a regulatory role in UtBF, at least in part, as a result of its actions on uterine artery tone. We propose that the interaction between the uterine vascular wall and its adjacent adipose tissue may provide new insights for interventions in pregnancies with adipose tissue dysfunction and abnormal UtBF.

The Local Regulation of Vascular Function: From an Inside-Outside to an Outside-Inside Model

Our understanding of the regulation of vascular function, specifically that of vasomotion, has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. The classic conception of a vascular system solely regulated by circulating hormones and sympathetic innervation gave way to a vision of a local regulation. Initially by the so-called, autacoids like prostacyclin, which represented the first endothelium-derived paracrine regulator of smooth muscle. This was the prelude of the EDRF-nitric oxide age that has occupied vascular scientists for nearly 30 years. Endothelial cells revealed to have the ability to generate numerous mediators besides prostacyclin and nitric oxide (NO). The need to classify these substances led to the coining of the terms: endothelium-derived relaxing, hyperpolarizing and contracting factors, which included various prostaglandins, thromboxane A2, endothelin, as well numerous candidates for the hyperpolarizing factor. The opposite layer of the vascular wall, the adventitia, eventually and for a quite short period of time, enjoyed the attention of some vascular physiologists. Adventitial fibroblasts were recognized as paracrine cells to the smooth muscle because of their ability to produce some substances such as superoxide. Remarkably, this took place before our awareness of the functional potential of another adventitial cell, the adipocyte. Possibly, because the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) was systematically removed during the experiments as considered a non-vascular artifact tissue, it took quite long to be considered a major source of paracrine substances. These are now being integrated in the vast pool of mediators synthesized by adipocytes, known as adipokines. They include hormones involved in metabolic regulation, like leptin or adiponectin; classic vascular mediators like NO, angiotensin II or catecholamines; and inflammatory mediators or adipocytokines. The first substance studied was an anti-contractile factor named adipose-derived relaxing factor of uncertain chemical nature but possibly, some of the relaxing mediators mentioned above are behind this factor. This manuscript intends to review the vascular regulation from the point of view of the paracrine control exerted by the cells present in the vascular environment, namely, endothelial, adventitial, adipocyte and vascular stromal cells.

Perivascular Adipose Tissue: the Sixth Man of the Cardiovascular System

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) refers to the local aggregate of adipose tissue surrounding the vascular tree, exhibiting phenotypes from white to brown and beige adipocytes. Although PVAT has long been regarded as simply a structural unit providing mechanical support to vasculature, it is now gaining reputation as an integral endocrine/paracrine component, in addition to the well-established modulator endothelium, in regulating vascular tone. Since the discovery of anti-contractile effect of PVAT in 1991, the use of multiple rodent models of reduced amounts of PVAT has revealed its regulatory role in vascular remodeling and cardiovascular implications, including atherosclerosis. PVAT does not only release PVAT-derived relaxing factors (PVRFs) to activate multiple subsets of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle potassium channels and anti-inflammatory signals in the vasculature, but it does also provide an interface for neuron-adipocyte interactions in the vascular wall to regulate arterial vascular tone. In this review, we outline our current understanding towards PVAT and attempt to provide hints about future studies that can sharpen the therapeutic potential of PVAT against cardiovascular diseases and their complications.

Perivascular Adipocytes Store Norepinephrine by Vesicular Transport

Objective- Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) contains an independent adrenergic system that can take up, metabolize, release, and potentially synthesize the vasoactive catecholamine norepinephrine. Norepinephrine has been detected in PVAT, but the mechanism of its protection within this tissue is unknown. Here, we investigate whether PVAT adipocytes can store norepinephrine using VMAT (vesicular monoamine transporter). Approach and Results- High-performance liquid chromatography identified norepinephrine in normal male Sprague Dawley rat aortic, superior mesenteric artery, and mesenteric resistance vessel PVATs, and retroperitoneal fat. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed VMAT1 and VMAT2 mRNA expression in the adipocytes and stromal vascular fraction of mesenteric resistance vessel PVAT. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of VMAT1 and VMAT2, and the colocalization of VMAT2 with norepinephrine, in the cytoplasm of adipocytes in mesenteric resistance vessel PVAT. A protocol was developed to capture real-time uptake of Mini 202-a functional and fluorescent VMAT probe-in live rat PVAT adipocytes. Mini 202 was taken up by freshly isolated and differentiated adipocytes from mesenteric resistance vessel PVAT and adipocytes from thoracic aortic and superior mesenteric artery PVATs. In adipocytes freshly isolated from mesenteric resistance vessel PVAT, addition of rose bengal (VMAT inhibitor), nisoxetine (norepinephrine transporter inhibitor), or corticosterone (organic cation 3 transporter inhibitor) significantly reduced Mini 202 signal. Immunofluorescence supports that neither VMAT1 nor VMAT2 is present in retroperitoneal adipocytes, suggesting that PVAT adipocytes may be unique in storing norepinephrine. Conclusions- This study supports a novel function of PVAT adipocytes in storing amines in a VMAT-dependent manner. It provides a foundation for future studies exploring the purpose and mechanisms of norepinephrine storage by PVAT in normal physiology and obesity-related hypertension.

Fenfluramine-induced PVAT-dependent contraction depends on norepinephrine and not serotonin

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) modulates vascular tone and altered PVAT function is observed in vascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. We discovered that the PVAT surrounding rat thoracic aorta (RA) and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) contain significant amounts of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). We hypothesized that the 5-HT contained within the PVAT is functional and vasoactive. Isolated tissue baths were used for isometric contractility studies and high performance liquid chromatography was used to quantitatively measure amines in the PVAT and release studies. The 5-HT releaser fenfluramine (10 nM-100 μM) was tested for its ability to contract arteries with and without PVAT. Contraction was reported as a percentage of the initial contraction to 10 μM phenylephrine. The RA with PVAT contracted to fenfluramine to a greater maximum (98 ± 10%) than RA without PVAT (24 ± 4%), while no difference in contraction of SMA to maximum fenfluramine with (78 ± 2%) and without (75 ± 6%) PVAT was observed. Contradicting our hypothesis, the maximum contraction of RA with PVAT to fenfluramine was diminished by the alpha-1 adrenoreceptor antagonist prazosin (100 nM; vehicle: 71 ± 4%, prazosin: 24 ± 2%) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitor nisoxetine (1 μM; vehicle: 71 ± 4%, nisoxetine: 25 ± 4%) but not the 5-HT_2A/2C receptor antagonist ketanserin (10 nM) or serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (10 μM). To test if fenfluramine caused release of 5-HT or NE from PVAT, PVAT from RA was incubated with vehicle or fenfluramine (10 μM-10 mM), and amines released into the incubating buffer were quantified. A pronounced concentration-dependent NE-release (more than 5-HT) was observed. Collectively, this research illustrates the pharmacology of fenfluramine to primarily stimulate NE release (better than 5-HT) in a NET-dependent manner, leading to vasoconstriction. This adds additional support to PVAT as being an important reservoir of amines.

Cellular diversity in the Drosophila midbrain revealed by single-cell transcriptomics

To understand the brain, molecular details need to be overlaid onto neural wiring diagrams so that synaptic mode, neuromodulation and critical signaling operations can be considered. Single-cell transcriptomics provide a unique opportunity to collect this information. Here we present an initial analysis of thousands of individual cells from Drosophila midbrain, that were acquired using Drop-Seq. A number of approaches permitted the assignment of transcriptional profiles to several major brain regions and cell-types. Expression of biosynthetic enzymes and reuptake mechanisms allows all the neurons to be typed according to the neurotransmitter or neuromodulator that they produce and presumably release. Some neuropeptides are preferentially co-expressed in neurons using a particular fast-acting transmitter, or monoamine. Neuromodulatory and neurotransmitter receptor subunit expression illustrates the potential of these molecules in generating complexity in neural circuit function. This cell atlas dataset provides an important resource to link molecular operations to brain regions and complex neural processes.

Role of Sympathetic Nerves and Adipocyte Catecholamine Uptake in the Vasorelaxant Function of Perivascular Adipose Tissue

OBJECTIVE

Healthy perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) exerts an anticontractile effect on resistance arteries which is vital in regulating arterial tone. Activation of β₃-adrenoceptors by sympathetic nerve-derived NA (noradrenaline) may be implicated in this effect and may stimulate the release of the vasodilator adiponectin from adipocytes. Understanding the mechanisms responsible is vital for determining how PVAT may modify vascular resistance in vivo.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

Electrical field stimulation profiles of healthy C57BL/6J mouse mesenteric resistance arteries were characterized using wire myography. During electrical field stimulation, PVAT elicits a reproducible anticontractile effect, which is endothelium independent. To demonstrate the release of an anticontractile factor, the solution surrounding stimulated exogenous PVAT was transferred to a PVAT-denuded vessel. Post-transfer contractility was significantly reduced confirming that stimulated PVAT releases a transferable anticontractile factor. Sympathetic denervation of PVAT using tetrodotoxin or 6-hydroxydopamine completely abolished the anticontractile effect. β₃-adrenoceptor antagonist SR59203A reduced the anticontractile effect, although the PVAT remained overall anticontractile. When the antagonist was used in combination with an OCT3 (organic cation transporter 3) inhibitor, corticosterone, the anticontractile effect was completely abolished. Application of an adiponectin receptor-1 blocking peptide significantly reduced the anticontractile effect in +PVAT arteries. When used in combination with the β₃-adrenoceptor antagonist, there was no further reduction. In adiponectin knockout mice, the anticontractile effect is absent.

CONCLUSIONS

The roles of PVAT are 2-fold. First, sympathetic stimulation in PVAT triggers the release of adiponectin via β₃-adrenoceptor activation. Second, PVAT acts as a reservoir for NA, preventing it from reaching the vessel and causing contraction.

Renal perivascular adipose tissue: Form and function

Renal sympathetic activity affects blood pressure in part by increasing renovascular resistance via release of norepinephrine (NE) from sympathetic nerves onto renal arteries. Here we test the idea that adipose tissue adjacent to renal blood vessels, i.e. renal perivascular adipose tissue (RPVAT), contains a pool of NE which can be released to alter renal vascular function. RPVAT was obtained from around the main renal artery/vein of the male Sprague Dawley rats. Thoracic aortic PVAT and mesenteric PVAT also were studied as brown-like and white fat comparators respectively. RPVAT was identified as a mix of white and brown adipocytes, because of expression of both brown-like (e.g. uncoupling protein 1) and white adipogenic genes. All PVATs contained NE (ng/g tissue, RPVAT:524 ± 68, TAPVAT:740 ± 16, MPVAT:96 ± 24). NE was visualized specifically in RPVAT adipocytes by immunohistochemistry. The presence of RPVAT (+RPVAT) did not alter the response of isolated renal arteries to NE compared to responses of arteries without RPVAT (-RPVAT). By contrast, the maximum contraction to the sympathomimetic tyramine was ~2× greater in the renal artery +PVAT versus -PVAT. Tyramine-induced contraction in +RPVAT renal arteries was reduced by the α₁-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin and the NE transporter inhibitor nisoxetine. These results suggest that tyramine caused release of NE from RPVAT. Renal denervation significantly (>50%) reduced NE content of RPVAT but did not modify tyramine-induced contraction of +RPVAT renal arteries. Collectively, these data support the existence of a releasable pool of NE in RPVAT that is independent of renal sympathetic innervation and has the potential to change renal arterial function.

Nerve-perivascular fat communication as a potential influence on the performance of blood vessels used as coronary artery bypass grafts

Perivascular fat, the cushion of adipose tissue surrounding blood vessels, possesses dilator, anti-contractile and constrictor actions. The majority of these effects have been demonstrated in vitro and may depend on the vessel and/or the experimental method or species used. In general, the relaxant effect of perivascular adipose tissue is local and may be either endothelium-dependent or endothelium-independent. However, nerve stimulation studies show that, in general, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has an anti-contractile vascular effect likely to involve an action of the autonomic vascular nerves. Apart from a direct effect of perivascular fat-derived factors on bypass conduits, an interaction with a number of neurotransmitters and other agents may play an important role in graft performance. Although the vascular effects of PVAT are now well-established there is a lack of information regarding the role and/or involvement of peripheral nerves including autonomic nerves. For example, are perivascular adipocytes innervated and does PVAT affect neuronal control of vessels used as grafts? To date there is a paucity of electrophysiological studies into nerve-perivascular fat control. This review provides an overview of the vascular actions of PVAT, focussing on its potential relevance on blood vessels used as bypass grafts. In particular, the anatomical relationship between the perivascular nerves and fat are considered and the role of the perivascular-nerve/fat axis in the performance of bypass grafts is also discussed.

Pro-contractile effects of perivascular fat in health and disease

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is now recognized as an active player in vascular homeostasis. The expansion of PVAT in obesity and its possible role in vascular dysfunction have attracted much interest. In terms of the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure, PVAT has been shown to release vasoactive mediators, for instance, angiotensin peptides, reactive oxygen species, chemokines and cytokines. The secretory profile of PVAT is altered by obesity, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases, leading to an imbalance between its pro-contractile and anti-contractile effects. PVAT adipocytes represent an important source of the mediators, but infiltrating immune cells may become more important under conditions of hypoxia and inflammation. This review describes recent advances in the effects of PVAT on the regulation of vascular tone, highlighting the evidence for a pro-contractile action in health and disease. The role of the endothelium, vascular smooth muscle, immune cells and probably perivascular nerves in PVAT function is also discussed.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue - Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc.

Perivascular Adipose Tissue's Impact on Norepinephrine-Induced Contraction of Mesenteric Resistance Arteries

Background: Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) can decrease vascular contraction to NE. We tested the hypothesis that metabolism and/or uptake of vasoactive amines by mesenteric PVAT (MPVAT) could affect NE-induced contraction of the mesenteric resistance arteries.

Methods: Mesenteric resistance vessels (MRV) and MPVAT from male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. RT-PCR and Western blots were performed to detect amine metabolizing enzymes. The Amplex® Red Assay was used to quantify oxidase activity by detecting the oxidase reaction product H₂O₂ and the contribution of PVAT on the mesenteric arteries' contraction to NE was measured by myography.

Results: Semicarbazide sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) were detected in MRV and MPVAT by Western blot. Addition of the amine oxidase substrates tyramine or benzylamine (1 mM) resulted in higher amine oxidase activity in the MRV, MPVAT, MPVAT's adipocyte fraction (AF), and the stromal vascular fraction (SVF). Inhibiting SSAO with semicarbazide (1 mM) decreased amine oxidase activity in the MPVAT and AF. Benzylamine-driven, but not tyramine-driven, oxidase activity in the MRV was reduced by semicarbazide. By contrast, no reduction in oxidase activity in all sample types was observed with use of the monoamine oxidase inhibitors clorgyline (1 μM) or pargyline (1 μM). Inhibition of MAO-A/B or SSAO individually did not alter contraction to NE. However, inhibition of both MAO and SSAO increased the potency of NE at mesenteric arteries with PVAT. Addition of MAO and SSAO inhibitors along with the H₂O₂ scavenger catalase reduced PVAT's anti-contractile effect to NE. Inhibition of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) with nisoxetine also reduced PVAT's anti-contractile effect to NE.

Conclusions: PVAT's uptake and metabolism of NE may contribute to the anti-contractile effect of PVAT. MPVAT and adipocytes within MPVAT are a source of SSAO.

3T3-L1 cells and perivascular adipocytes are not equivalent in amine transporter expression

Rat perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) stores, takes up, and releases norepinephrine (NE; Ayala-Lopez et al. (2014) Pharmacol Res Perspect 2, e00041). We hypothesized that 3T3-L1 adipocytes would exhibit similar behaviors and, thus, could serve as a model for PVAT adipocytes. However, basal levels of NE were not detected in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. While incubation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with exogenous NE increased their cellular NE content, the mRNA expression of several NE transporters [e.g., norepinephrine transporter (NET)] were not detected in these cells. Similarly, we observed expression of the vesicular monoamine transporter 1 (VMAT1) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by qRT-PCR and immunostaining, but stimulation of the cells with tyramine (100 μm) did not cause a significant release of NE. These studies support that 3T3-L1 adipocytes are not an adequate model of perivascular adipocytes for studying NE handling.

New actions of an old friend: perivascular adipose tissue's adrenergic mechanisms

The revolutionary discovery in 1991 by Soltis and Cassis that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has an anti-contractile effect changed how we think about the vasculature. Most experiments on vascular pharmacology begin by removing the fat surrounding vessels. Thus, PVAT was thought to have a minor role in vascular function and its presence was just for structural support. The need to rethink PVAT's role was precipitated by observations that obesity carries a high cardiovascular risk and PVAT dysfunction is associated with obesity. PVAT is a vascular-adipose organ that has intimate connections with the nervous and immune system. A complex world of physiology resides in PVAT, including the presence of an 'adrenergic system' that is able to release, take up and metabolize noradrenaline. Adipocytes, stromal vascular cells and nerves within PVAT contain components that make up this adrenergic system. Some of the great strides in PVAT research came from studying adipose tissue as a whole. Adipose tissue has many roles and participates in regulating energy balance, energy stores, inflammation and thermoregulation. However, PVAT is dissimilar from non-PVAT adipose tissues. PVAT is intimately connected with the vasculature, which is what makes its role in body homeostasis unique. The adrenergic system within PVAT may be an integral link connecting the effects of obesity with the vascular dysfunction observed in obesity-associated hypertension, a condition in which the sympathetic nervous system has a significant role. This review will explore what is known about the adrenergic system in adipose tissue and PVAT, plus the translational importance of these findings.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue - Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc.

Immunomodulatory Effects Mediated by Dopamine

Dopamine (DA), a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), has modulatory functions at the systemic level. The peripheral and central nervous systems have independent dopaminergic system (DAS) that share mechanisms and molecular machinery. In the past century, experimental evidence has accumulated on the proteins knowledge that is involved in the synthesis, reuptake, and transportation of DA in leukocytes and the differential expression of the D1-like (D1R and D5R) and D2-like receptors (D2R, D3R, and D4R). The expression of these components depends on the state of cellular activation and the concentration and time of exposure to DA. Receptors that are expressed in leukocytes are linked to signaling pathways that are mediated by changes in cAMP concentration, which in turn triggers changes in phenotype and cellular function. According to the leukocyte lineage, the effects of DA are associated with such processes as respiratory burst, cytokine and antibody secretion, chemotaxis, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity. In clinical conditions such as schizophrenia, Parkinson disease, Tourette syndrome, and multiple sclerosis (MS), there are evident alterations during immune responses in leukocytes, in which changes in DA receptor density have been observed. Several groups have proposed that these findings are useful in establishing clinical status and clinical markers.

The paracrine control of vascular motion. A historical perspective

During the last quarter of the past century, the leading role the endocrine and nervous systems had on the regulation of vasomotion, shifted towards a more paracrine-based regulation. This begun with the recognition of endothelial cells as active players of vascular control, when the vessel's intimal layer was identified as the main source of prostacyclin and was followed by the discovery of an endothelium-derived smooth muscle cell relaxing factor (EDRF). The new position acquired by endothelial cells prompted the discovery of other endothelium-derived regulatory products: vasoconstrictors, generally known as EDCFs, endothelin, and other vasodilators with hyperpolarizing properties (EDHFs). While this research was taking place, a quest for the discovery of the nature of EDRF carried back to a research line commenced a decade earlier: the recently found intracellular messenger cGMP and nitrovasodilators. Both were smooth muscle relaxants and appeared to interact in a hormonal fashion. Prejudice against an unconventional gaseous molecule delayed the acceptance that EDRF was nitric oxide (NO). When this happened, a new era of research that exceeded the vascular field commenced. The discovery of the pathway for NO synthesis from L-arginine involved the clever assembling of numerous unrelated observations of different areas of knowledge. The last ten years of research on the paracrine regulation of the vascular wall has shifted to perivascular fat (PVAT), which is beginning to be regarded as the fourth layer of the vascular wall. Starting with the discovery of an adipose-derived relaxing substance (ADRF), the role that different adipokines have on the paracrine control of vasomotion is now filling the research activity of many vascular pharmacology labs, and surprising interactions between the endothelium, PVAT and smooth muscle are being unveiled.

Organic cation transporter 3 contributes to norepinephrine uptake into perivascular adipose tissue

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) reduces vasoconstriction to norepinephrine (NE). A mechanism by which PVAT could function to reduce vascular contraction is by decreasing the amount of NE to which the vessel is exposed. PVATs from male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to test the hypothesis that PVAT has a NE uptake mechanism. NE was detected by HPLC in mesenteric PVAT and isolated adipocytes. Uptake of NE (10 μM) in mesenteric PVAT was reduced by the NE transporter (NET) inhibitor nisoxetine (1 μM, 73.68 ± 7.62%, all values reported as percentages of vehicle), the 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (SERT) inhibitor citalopram (100 nM) with the organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) inhibitor corticosterone (100 μM, 56.18 ± 5.21%), and the NET inhibitor desipramine (10 μM) with corticosterone (100 μM, 61.18 ± 6.82%). Aortic PVAT NE uptake was reduced by corticosterone (100 μM, 53.01 ± 10.96%). Confocal imaging of mesenteric PVAT stained with 4-[4-(dimethylamino)-styrl]-N-methylpyridinium iodide (ASP(+)), a fluorescent substrate of cationic transporters, detected ASP(+) uptake into adipocytes. ASP(+) (2 μM) uptake was reduced by citalopram (100 nM, 66.68 ± 6.43%), corticosterone (100 μM, 43.49 ± 10.17%), nisoxetine (100 nM, 84.12 ± 4.24%), citalopram with corticosterone (100 nM and 100 μM, respectively, 35.75 ± 4.21%), and desipramine with corticosterone (10 and 100 μM, respectively, 50.47 ± 5.78%). NET protein was not detected in mesenteric PVAT adipocytes. Expression of Slc22a3 (OCT3 gene) mRNA and protein in PVAT adipocytes was detected by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry, respectively. These end points support the presence of a transporter-mediated NE uptake system within PVAT with a potential mediator being OCT3.

The role of perivascular adipose tissue in vasoconstriction, arterial stiffness, and aneurysm

Since the "rediscovery" of brown adipose tissue in adult humans, significant scientific efforts are being pursued to identify the molecular mechanisms to promote a phenotypic change of white adipocytes into brown-like cells, a process called "browning". It is well documented that white adipose tissue (WAT) mass and factors released from WAT influence the vascular function and positively correlate with cardiac arrest, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Similar to other fat depots, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is an active endocrine organ and anatomically surrounds vessels. Both brown-like and white-like PVAT secrete various adipokines, cytokines, and growth factors that either prevent or promote the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) depending on the relative abundance of each type and their bioactivity in the neighboring vasculature. Notably, pathophysiological conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, or diabetes, induce the imbalance of PVAT-derived vasoactive products that promote the infiltration of inflammatory cells. This then triggers derangements in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cell dysfunction, resulting in the development of vascular diseases. In this review, we discuss the recent advances on the contribution of PVAT in CVDs. Specifically, we summarize the current proposed roles of PVAT in relationship with vascular contractility, endothelial dysfunction, neointimal formation, arterial stiffness, and aneurysm.

Brain inflammation and hypertension: the chicken or the egg?

Inflammation of forebrain and hindbrain nuclei controlling the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) outflow from the brain to the periphery represents an emerging concept of the pathogenesis of neurogenic hypertension. Angiotensin II (Ang-II) and prorenin were shown to increase production of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)) while simultaneously decreasing production of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the rostral ventral lateral medulla. Peripheral chronic inflammation and Ang-II activity seem to share a common central mechanism contributing to an increase in sympathetic neurogenic vasomotor tone and entailing neurogenic hypertension. Both hypertension and obesity facilitate the penetration of peripheral immune cells in the brain parenchyma. We suggest that renin-angiotensin-driven hypertension encompasses feedback and feedforward mechanisms in the development of neurogenic hypertension while low-intensity, chronic peripheral inflammation of any origin may serve as a model of a feedforward mechanism in this condition.

Purinergic transmission in blood vessels

There are nineteen different receptor proteins for adenosine, adenine and uridine nucleotides, and nucleotide sugars, belonging to three families of G protein-coupled adenosine and P2Y receptors, and ionotropic P2X receptors. The majority are functionally expressed in blood vessels, as purinergic receptors in perivascular nerves, smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and roles in regulation of vascular contractility, immune function and growth have been identified. The endogenous ligands for purine receptors, ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP and adenosine, can be released from different cell types within the vasculature, as well as from circulating blood cells, including erythrocytes and platelets. Many purine receptors can be activated by two or more of the endogenous ligands. Further complexity arises because of interconversion between ligands, notably adenosine formation from the metabolism of ATP, leading to complex integrated responses through activation of different subtypes of purine receptors. The enzymes responsible for this conversion, ectonucleotidases, are present on the surface of smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and may be coreleased with neurotransmitters from nerves. What selectivity there is for the actions of purines/pyrimidines comes from differential expression of their receptors within the vasculature. P2X1 receptors mediate the vasocontractile actions of ATP released as a neurotransmitter with noradrenaline (NA) from sympathetic perivascular nerves, and are located on the vascular smooth muscle adjacent to the nerve varicosities, the sites of neurotransmitter release. The relative contribution of ATP and NA as functional cotransmitters varies with species, type and size of blood vessel, neuronal firing pattern, the tone/pressure of the blood vessel, and in ageing and disease. ATP is also a neurotransmitter in non-adrenergic non-cholinergic perivascular nerves and mediates vasorelaxation via smooth muscle P2Y-like receptors. ATP and adenosine can act as neuromodulators, with the most robust evidence being for prejunctional inhibition of neurotransmission via A1 adenosine receptors, but also prejunctional excitation and inhibition of neurotransmission via P2X and P2Y receptors, respectively. P2Y2, P2Y4 and P2Y6 receptors expressed on the vascular smooth muscle are coupled to vasocontraction, and may have a role in pathophysiological conditions, when purines are released from damaged cells, or when there is damage to the protective barrier that is the endothelium. Adenosine is released during hypoxia to increase blood flow via vasodilator A2A and A2B receptors expressed on the endothelium and smooth muscle. ATP is released from endothelial cells during hypoxia and shear stress and can act at P2Y and P2X4 receptors expressed on the endothelium to increase local blood flow. Activation of endothelial purine receptors leads to the release of nitric oxide, hyperpolarising factors and prostacyclin, which inhibits platelet aggregation and thus ensures patent blood flow. Vascular purine receptors also regulate endothelial and smooth muscle growth, and inflammation, and thus are involved in the underlying processes of a number of cardiovascular diseases.