Cyclic nucleotides in disease; on the biochemical etiology of hypertension

Transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor by enhanced levels of endogenous angiotensin II contributes to the overexpression of Giα proteins in vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR

We earlier showed that the increased expression of Gi proteins exhibited by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was attributed to the enhanced levels of endogenous endothelin. Since the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) are also enhanced in VSMC from SHR, the present study was undertaken to examine the role of enhanced levels of endogenous Ang II in the overexpression of Giα proteins in VSMC from SHR and to further explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for this increase. The enhanced expression of Giα-2 and Giα-3 proteins in VSMC from SHR compared to WKY was attenuated by the captopril, losartan and AG1478, inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme, AT(1) receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) respectively as well as by the siRNAs of AT1, cSrc and EGFR. The enhanced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity by low concentrations of GTPγS (receptor-independent functions) and of inhibitory responses of hormones on adenylyl cyclase activity (receptor-dependent functions) in VSMC from SHR was also attenuated by losartan. Furthermore, the enhanced phosphorylation of EGFR in VSMC from SHR was also restored to control levels by captopril, losartan, PP2, a c-Src inhibitor and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) scavenger, whereas enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation was attenuated by captopril and losartan. Furthermore, NAC also restored the enhanced phosphorylation of c-Src in SHR to control levels. These results suggest that the enhanced levels of endogenous Ang II in VSMC from SHR, transactivate EGFR, which through MAP kinase signaling, enhance the expression of Giα proteins and associated adenylyl cyclase signaling.

Altered neural and vascular mechanisms in hypertension

Essential hypertension is a multifactorial disorder which belongs to the main risk factors responsible for renal and cardiovascular complications. This review is focused on the experimental research of neural and vascular mechanisms involved in the high blood pressure control. The attention is paid to the abnormalities in the regulation of sympathetic nervous system activity and adrenoceptor alterations as well as the changes of membrane and intracellular processes in the vascular smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats. These abnormalities lead to increased vascular tone arising from altered regulation of calcium influx through L-VDCC channels, which has a crucial role for excitation-contraction coupling, as well as for so-called "calcium sensitization" mediated by the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway. Regulation of both pathways is dependent on the complex interplay of various vasodilator and vasoconstrictor stimuli. Two major antagonistic players in the regulation of blood pressure, i.e. sympathetic nervous system (by stimulation of adrenoceptors coupled to stimulatory and inhibitory G proteins) and nitric oxide (by cGMP signaling pathway), elicit their actions via the control of calcium influx through L-VDCC. However, L-type calcium current can also be regulated by the changes in membrane potential elicited by the activation of potassium channels, the impaired function of which was detected in hypertensive animals. The dominant role of enhanced calcium influx in the pathogenesis of high blood pressure of genetically hypertensive animals is confirmed not only by therapeutic efficacy of calcium antagonists but especially by the absence of hypertension in animals in which L-type calcium current was diminished by pertussis toxin-induced inactivation of inhibitory G proteins. Although there is considerable information on the complex neural and vascular alterations in rats with established hypertension, the detailed description of their appearance during the induction of hypertension is still missing.

Enhanced levels of endogenous endothelin-1 contribute to the over expression of Giα protein in vascular smooth muscle cells from SHR: Role of growth factor receptor activation

We earlier showed that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) exhibit increased expression of Gi proteins. Since the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) are enhanced in VSMC from SHR, we undertook the present study to examine the implication of endogenous ET-1 and the underlying mechanisms in the enhanced expression of Giα proteins in VSMC from SHR. The enhanced expression of Giα-2 and Giα-3 proteins in VSMC from SHR was inhibited by ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonists, BQ123 and BQ788 respectively. In addition, these antagonists also attenuated the enhanced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity by low concentrations of GTPγS and by inhibitory hormones in VSMC from SHR compared to WKY. Furthermore, AG1295, AG1024 and PP2, inhibitors of platelet derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and c-Src respectively, inhibited the enhanced expression of Giα protein and the enhanced phosphorylation of PDGFR and IGF-1R in VSMC from SHR to WKY levels. In addition, NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor DPI and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a scavenger of superoxide anion (O₂⁻) also inhibited the enhanced phosphorylation of PDGFR and IGF-1R and c-Src in VSMC from SHR to control levels. Furthermore, the augmented phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in VSMC from SHR was attenuated by BQ123 and BQ788, growth factor receptors inhibitors and PP2. These results suggest that the enhanced levels of endogenous ET-1 in VSMC from SHR increase oxidative stress, which through c-Src-mediated activation of growth factor receptors and associated MAP kinase signaling, contribute to the enhanced expression of Giα proteins.

Aberrant adenylyl cyclase/cAMP signal transduction and G protein levels in platelets from hypertensive patients improve with antihypertensive drug therapy

We have previously demonstrated a decreased expression of Gi alpha 2 protein in platelets from spontaneously hypertensive rats that was associated with an altered responsiveness of adenylyl cyclase to hormone stimulation and inhibition. In the present studies, we have used platelets from hypertensive patients and examined the hormonal regulation of adenylyl cyclase as well as the levels of G proteins and their modulation by antihypertensive drug therapy. We performed these studies in platelets from four groups of subjects: normotensive subjects (group 1), untreated mildly essential hypertensive patients (group 2), and treated moderately to severely hypertensive patients whose blood pressure was uncontrolled (group 3) or controlled with drug treatment (group 4). GTP gamma S, 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido)adenosine (NECA), and prostaglandin E1 stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity to a greater extent in hypertensive patients (group 2). This effect was partially corrected (by approximately 50% to 80%) in the patients under antihypertensive drug therapy (groups 3 and 4). In addition, inhibition of adenylyl cyclase mediated by a ring-deleted analogue of atrial natriuretic factor (C-ANF4.23) observed in control normotensive subjects was blunted in hypertensive patients (group 2) and was not corrected in treated patients. Gi alpha levels determined by immunoblotting were in the same range for the four groups, whereas Gi alpha 2 and Gi alpha 3 levels were decreased by 70% and 60%, respectively, in hypertensive patients (group 2) compared with normotensive subjects. Antihypertensive drug therapy (groups 3 and 4) partially restored Gi alpha 2 levels toward normal (group 1) by about 60% and 70%, respectively; however, the reduced Gi alpha 3 levels in group 2 hypertensive patients were not improved in group 3 but were raised toward normal levels in group 4 by about 55%. These results suggest that the altered responsiveness of platelet adenylyl cyclase to hormones in hypertension and the normalization of the response with antihypertensive drug therapy could partly be due to the ability of the latter to modulate Gi alpha protein expression. These effects on platelet function may underlie the beneficial effects of antihypertensive agents on some of the complications of hypertension.

Platelets from spontaneously hypertensive rats exhibit decreased expression of inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein. Relation with adenylyl cyclase activity

We have recently demonstrated an enhanced expression of inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (Gi) in the heart and aorta from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) as compared with control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats; this enhanced Gi expression was associated with an increased inhibition of adenylyl cyclase by inhibitory hormones and decreased stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by stimulatory hormones. In the present studies, we have determined the levels of stimulatory and inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (Gs and Gi, respectively) in platelets from SHR by cholera toxin- and pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylations, respectively, as well as by immunoblotting techniques using specific antibodies for Gs and Gi. Cholera toxin catalyzed the ADP-ribosylation of a single protein of M(r) 45,000 in rat platelets from SHR and WKY rats, and the labeling of this band was not altered in SHR as compared with WKY rats. Pertussis toxin, on the other hand, catalyzed the ADP-ribosylation of a single protein band of M(r) 41,000 in platelets from SHR and WKY rats, and unlike the response in heart and aorta, the labeling of this band was significantly decreased in SHR as compared with WKY rats. Furthermore, immunoblotting experiments using AS/7 antibody, which is specific for Gi alpha-1 and Gi alpha-2, showed a decrease in Gi alpha-2 in platelets from SHR as compared with WKY rats. In addition, the inhibitory effects of angiotensin II and atrial natriuretic factor on adenylyl cyclase and cAMP levels were completely abolished in SHR platelets, whereas the stimulatory effects of GTP, N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine, prostaglandin E1, and forskolin on adenylyl cyclase and cAMP levels were enhanced.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Enhanced expression of inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Relationship to adenylate cyclase inhibition

We have previously shown that the stimulatory effects of guanine nucleotides, N-ethylcarboxamide-adenosine and other agonists on adenylate cyclase activity were diminished in aorta and heart sarcolemma of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) [Anand-Srivastava (1988) Biochem. Pharmacol. 37, 3017-3022]. In the present studies, we have examined whether the decreased response of these agonists is due to the defective GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) which couple the receptors to adenylate cyclase, and have therefore measured the levels of G-proteins in aorta and heart from SHR and their respective Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls by using pertussis toxin (PT)- and cholera toxin (CT)-catalysed ADP-ribosylations and immunoblotting techniques using specific antibodies against G-proteins. The labelling with [32P]NAD+ and PT identified a 40/41 kDa protein in heart and aorta from WKY and SHR and was significantly increased in the hearts (approximately 100%) and aorta (approximately 30-40%), from SHR as compared with WKY. Immunoblotting revealed an increase in the levels of the G-protein alpha-subunits Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3 in heart and Gi alpha-2 in aorta, whereas no change in Go alpha was observed in heart from SHR and WKY. On the other hand, no differences were observed in CT labelling or immunoblotting of stimulatory G-protein (Gs) in heart and aorta from WKY and SHR. In addition, CT stimulated the adenylate cyclase activity in heart sarcolemma from WKY and SHR to a similar extent. These results were correlated with adenylate cyclase inhibition and stimulation by various hormones. Angiotensin II (AII), atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and oxotremorine-mediated inhibition was found to be greater in SHR as compared with WKY, whereas the stimulatory effects of adrenaline, isoprenaline, dopamine and forskolin were diminished in SHR aorta as compared to WKY. These results indicate that regulatory protein G(i) is more expressed in SHR, which may be associated with the decreased responsiveness of stimulatory hormones and increased sensitivity of inhibitory hormones to stimulate/inhibit adenylate cyclase activity. It may thus be suggested that the enhanced G(i) activity may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the diminished vascular tone and impaired myocardial functions in hypertension.

Thermal trauma alters myocardial cyclic nucleotides and protein content in mice

1. This study tested the hypothesis that the systemic effects of burn include altered metabolic activity in the heart. Metabolic activity was studied by measuring alterations in cyclic nucleotide levels and protein concentrations in atrial and ventricular muscle in mice at 14 and 22 days after a 20% body surface area (BSA) burn. Thermal injury was produced on the dorsal surface of anesthetized male CD mice by immersion in water at 95 degrees C for 8 s. This resulted in a full-thickness, 3 degrees scald burn. In atrial and ventricular tissues, levels of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and guanosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic GMP) were analyzed by 125I-radioimmunoassay. 2. The protein content (mg prot g-1 dry wt) increased in the atria. The cyclic AMP content (nmol g-1 dry wt) was significantly increased fourfold and ninefold at 14 and 22 days, respectively, in atria from burned animals compared to controls. The cyclic AMP/cyclic GMP ratios were similarly increased. 3. In the ventricle, the protein content and cyclic AMP levels were not altered, but the cyclic AMP/cyclic GMP ratios (nmol g-1 dry wt) were increased at both 14 and 22 days. These changes both in atria and ventricles were less prominent when cyclic nucleotide concentrations or ratios were expressed as pmol mg-1 protein. 4. The data confirm the hypothesis that a 20% BSA thermal injury evokes effects in sites remote from burn injury such as in the atria and ventricles. These effects include total body weight loss, elevated cyclic AMP, cyclic AMP/cyclic GMP ratios, and protein levels in the atria, and elevated cyclic AMP/cyclic GMP ratios in both atrial and ventricular tissues at 2 and 3 weeks after thermal injury. To prevent underestimation of cyclic nucleotide levels such changes should preferably be expressed on a prot g- dry weight basis.

Altered responsiveness of adenylate cyclase to adenosine and other agents in the myocardial sarcolemma and aorta of spontaneously-hypertensive rats

Adenylate cyclase activity was studied in the myocardial sarcolemma and aorta of spontaneously-hypertensive rats (SHR) and their respectively Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls. Basal enzyme activity was decreased in the SHR as compared to the WKY group. Adenylate cyclase stimulation by N-ethylcarboxamide adenosine (NECA) was significantly lower in the myocardial sarcolemma and aorta of SHR, and this decreased responsiveness was associated with a reduction in the Vmax. Other agonists, such as isoproterenol (ISO), epinephrine, dopamine (DA), and glucagon, also enhanced myocardial adenylate cyclase activity to various degrees in SHR and WKY, but stimulation (Vagonists/Vbasal) was always lower in the SHR. NaF and forskolin (FSK), which activate adenylate cyclase via receptor-independent mechanisms, augmented it in the myocardial sarcolemma of SHR to a lesser extent than in WKY. While the guanine nucleotides GTP and GMP-P(NH)P elevated adenylate cyclase in a concentration-dependent manner in both SHR and WKY, the magnitude of stimulation was significantly lower in the former group. Decreased basal adenylate cyclase activity and responsiveness to adenosine, various hormones, NaF and FSK were observed in SHR of all ages, i.e. from 4 to 24 weeks of age. In addition, basal, hormone-, NaF- and FSK-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity was diminished markedly in the aorta of SHR. These results suggest that, in SHR, not only is basal adenylate cyclase activity decreased but the abilities of adenosine, other hormones and agonists, such as NaF and FSK, to stimulate adenylate cyclase, guanine nucleotide regulatory protein and the catalytic subunit of the cyclase system are also impaired in the myocardial sarcolemma and aorta.

d-Tyrosine prevents hypertension in DOCA-saline treated uninephrectomised rats

High blood pressure in DOCA-saline treated uninephrectomised rats is prevented or even reversed by tyrosine, tyramine or by treatments which - based on circumstantial evidence - might increase local brain tyramine concentration.

Lack of altered cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase activity in the aorta and heart of the spontaneously hypertensive rat

DEAE-cellulose chromatography demonstrated that the levels of the individual cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases were unchanged in the aorta and heart of the spontaneously hypertensive rat as compared with the normotensive control rat. Three peaks of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases activity were observed in both heart and aorta. Peak I enzyme hybrolyzed predominantly cyclic GMP while peak III enzyme hydrolyzed predominantly cyclic AMP. Peak II enzyme was less specific but hydrolyzed more cyclic GMP than cyclic AMP. The levels of phosphodiesterase activator in aorta and the responsiveness of peaks I and II from aorta and heart to activator were unchanged in the hypertensive rat. Therefore the decrease in cyclic AMP levels observed by others in aorta and heart of the spontaneously hypertensive rat were probably not due to altered phosphodiesterase activity.

Central tyramine prevents hypertension in uninephrectomized DOCA-saline treated rats

Prevention of high blood pressure in uninephrectomized, DOCA-saline treated rats was observed after treatment with central tyramine precursors. We suggest that the high blood pressure is either due to relative lack of tyrosine, which might be caused by the hyperactivity of tyrosine hydroxylase, or to hypoactivity of the decarboxylase: in both cases the result is diminished tyramine synthesis.