Evidence for extracellular, but not intracellular, generation of angiotensin II in the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa

Aldosterone and cortisol synthesis regulation by angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in the human adrenal cortex

OBJECTIVE

The branch of the renin--angiotensin system constituting angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], the Ang II type 2 receptor, the Mas receptors and the Ang-(1-7)-forming enzyme ACE-2, by counteracting the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-mediated effects, are held to be cardiovascular protective in several conditions. However, whether Ang-(1-7) and ACE-2 are detectable in human adrenocortical tissues and whether they affect aldosterone and cortisol biosynthesis was unknown.

METHODS

We measured angiotensin peptides with liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry and ACE-2 mRNA with digital droplet (dd)PCR in human aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and APA-adjacent tissue obtained from patients with primary aldosteronism. We also investigated the effects of Ang-(1-7) and the ACE-2 activator diminazene aceturate (DIZE) on aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) gene expression, in the absence or presence of the AT1R antagonist irbesartan, or of the MasR antagonist A779.

RESULTS

APA and APA-adjacent adrenocortical tissues express ACE-2 mRNA and contain detectable amounts of Ang II and Ang-(2-8), but not of Ang I, Ang-(1-5), Ang (3-8) and Ang-(1-7). Under unstimulated and Ang II- stimulated conditions Ang-(1-7) did not blunt CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA. At supraphysiological concentrations (10-4 mol/l), Ang-(1-7) stimulated both CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 mRNA via the AT1R. The ACE-2 activator DIZE increased by 1.5-fold ACE-2 mRNA but did not blunt Ang II- upregulated CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 expression.

CONCLUSION

These results do not support the hypothesis that the ACE-2/Ang-(1-7)/MasR axis play a protective role by counteracting enhanced aldosterone secretion in humans.

Vitamin D3 May Ameliorate the Ketoconazole Induced Adrenal Injury: Histological and Immunohistochemical Studies on Albino Rats

Ketoconazole (KZ) is used widely for treating the superficial, systemic fungal activities and hyperandrogenemic states. Its uses are limited by its deleterious effect on histological structure and function of the adrenal cortex. This study investigates whether vitamin D3 supplement can ameliorate the morphological changes induced by KZ. Thirty four adult male albino rats were randomized into control group (Group I) which was subdivided into: control 1 (n=7) and control 2 (n=7): In control 1, rats were intraperitoneal (I.P) injected once with 1 ml of polyethylene glycol-400 for 15 consecutive days and control 2 rats were injected I.P with (1 μg/kg) of vitamin D3 for the same period. Group II (n=10): rats were I.P injected with KZ (10 mg/100 g of body weight) once daily for 15 days; Group III (n=10): rats were I.P concomitantly injected with KZ and vitamin D3 similar doses to animals in groups II and control 2 respectively. Blood samples were collected to determine plasma ACTH, corticosterone and aldosterone levels. The right adrenal specimens sections were stained with Haematoxylin & Eosin and Masson Trichrome for histological studies and treated with Bax, Ubiquitin and vitamin D receptors for immunohistochemical studies. KZ induced adrenal cortical morphological changes in forms of disturbed adrenocorticocyte cytological architecture, nuclear changes, and intracellular lipid accumulation. KZ also increased adrenal Bax and Ub but decreased the vitamin D receptors immunopositive staining expression, in addition to increased plasma ACTH as well as decreased corticosterone and aldosterone levels. These changes were ameliorated by supplementing with vitamin D3.

Local renin-angiotensin systems in the adrenal gland

In the adrenal gland all components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) are expressed in both the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. In this review evidence shall be presented that a local secretory RAS exists in the adrenal cortex that stimulates aldosterone production and serves as an amplification system for circulating angiotensin (ANG) II. The regulation of the secretory adrenal RAS clearly differs from the regulation of the circulatory RAS in terms of renin expression as well as of renin secretion. For example under potassium load the activity of the renal and circulatory RAS is suppressed whereas the activity of the adrenal RAS is stimulated. Thus the activity of the adrenal RAS but not of the circulating RAS correlates well with the regulation of aldosterone production by potassium. The present review also summarizes the knowledge about the expression and functions of an additional renin transcript that has recently been discovered. This transcript encodes for a non-secretory cytosolic renin isoform. The cytosolic renin may be a basis for the existence of an intracellular renin system in the adrenal gland that has long been proposed. The present state of knowledge shall be discussed indicating that such an intracellular system modulates cell survival and cell death such as apoptosis and necrosis or cell functions such as aldosterone production.

Is angiotensin II made inside or outside of the cell?

Angiotensin synthesis at tissue sites is well-established, and depends largely, if not completely, on kidney-derived renin. The exact tissue site of angiotensin generation (extracellular fluid, cell surface, intracellular compartment) is still being debated. In this review, we discuss the various possibilities, taking into consideration the intracellular occurrence/absence of prorenin, renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and angiotensin receptors; the local activation of prorenin to renin; the differences between in vivo and in vitro studies; and the methodologic difficulties related to angiotensin measurements. It is eventually concluded that angiotensin generation at tissue sites occurs extracellularly, most likely on the cell surface.

Human chymase expression in a mice induces mild hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy

A number of in vitro studies have suggested potential pathophysiological roles of human (h-) chymase. However, the lack of an appropriate animal model has left the in vivo roles of chymase unclear. To approach this problem, a transgenic mouse (TGM) model carrying the h-chymase gene was established. The h-chymase cDNA transgene was constructed with the chicken beta actin promoter and cytomegalovirus immediate early gene enhancer, and injected into mouse oocytes. Homozygous mice with a high copy number of the h-chymase gene suffered from intrauterine death. In three heterozygous TGM lines, h-chymase transgene expression was detected in entire organs, including the heart, vessels, skin, liver, lung, and brain. The h-chymase immunoreactivity was localized in the extracellular matrices of each organ, especially on the basement membranes of vessels. Aortic and hepatic chymase-dependent angiotensin II formations were significantly higher than those in the wild-type littermates. Three independent TGM lines showed the same phenotypic changes: elevation of blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy, emaciation with reduction in the lipid tissue, leukocytosis, and oligotrichia. The angiotensin II subtype 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist valsartan suppressed the elevated blood pressure completely and left ventricular hypertrophy incompletely, but did not affect the other phenotypes. These data suggested that in vivo expression of h-chymase caused mild hypertension (AT1 receptor-dependent) with left ventricular hypertrophy (partially AT1 receptor-dependent), and also chronic inflammatory changes (AT1 receptor-independent).

The brain renin-angiotensin system in transgenic mice carrying a highly regulated human renin transgene

We previously reported the generation of 2 novel transgenic mouse models containing the human renin (hREN) gene encoded on P1 artificial chromosomes (PAC) containing large amounts of 5'-flanking DNA. These mice exhibit a very narrow tissue-specific expression profile and exhibit tightly regulated expression in kidney in response to physiological cues. In brain, transcription of hREN occurs from an alternative upstream promoter, causing translation to initiate within exon-II and potentially generating an intracellular form of active renin. Double transgenic mice containing a PAC transgene and the human angiotensinogen (hAGT) gene (P+/A+) are moderately hypertensive. We tested whether increased RAS activity in the brain contributes to the mechanism of hypertension in P+/A+ double transgenic mice. Expression of hREN mRNA in brain was confirmed in 4 independent PAC transgenic lines and utilization of the alternative transcription start site in brain was confirmed in each line. Human REN immunostaining was observed in the dorsal cochlear nucleus, hypothalamus, and cortex. P+/A+ mice exhibited a greater fall in mean arterial pressure after intracerebroventricular injection of losartan than controls. P+/A+ mice exhibited a greater drop in arterial pressure after intravenous injection of a vasopressin V(1) receptor antagonist, and an equivalent drop in arterial pressure after intravenous injection of a ganglion blocker compared with controls. These results support the hypothesis that renin is endogenously expressed in the brain and suggest that increased brain RAS activity may contribute to the maintenance of moderate hypertension in P+/A+ transgenic mice at least in part by a vasopressin-dependent mechanism.

Subcellular localization of angiotensin II in kidney and adrenal

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether tissue angiotensin II generation occurs intra- or extracellularly, we studied the subcellular localization of angiotensin II in kidney and adrenal, two organs with high endogenous angiotensin II concentrations.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Tissues were obtained, following a 1 h infusion of 125I-angiotensin I or 125I-angiotensin II to simultaneously determine the localization of plasma-derived angiotensin II, from five control pigs and four pigs that had been pretreated with the AT1 receptor antagonist eprosartan. Subcellular organelles, prepared by differential centrifugation from homogenized tissue, were characterized using organelle-specific markers.

RESULTS

125I-angiotensin II and angiotensin II were present in all organelles, with identical distribution profiles. In mitochondria-enriched fractions the relative specific activities [RSAs = (concentration per mg protein in fraction)/(concentration per mg protein in homogenate)] of the two peptides were similar to those in homogenate, whereas in cytosol-enriched fractions their RSAs were five- to 10-fold lower (P< 0.05 versus homogenate). In microsome- as well as in lysosome-enriched fractions the RSAs of 125I-angiotensin II and angiotensin II were two- to four-fold higher than in homogenate (P < 0.05), and their RSAs were also higher in renal nuclei-enriched fractions (P< 0.05). Eprosartan increased plasma angiotensin II to a larger degree than tissue angiotensin II and greatly reduced tissue 125I-angiotensin II. This led to similar decreases in the tissue/plasma concentration ratios of 125I-angiotensin II and angiotensin II. The subcellular distribution of both angiotensin II peptides was not affected by eprosartan.

CONCLUSIONS

Local angiotensin II synthesis in adrenal and kidney occurs predominantly extracellularly, and is followed by rapid AT1 receptor-mediated endocytosis, thereby leading to high intracellular angiotensin II levels.

Mechanisms and functions of AT(1) angiotensin receptor internalization

The type 1 (AT(1)) angiotensin receptor, which mediates the known physiological and pharmacological actions of angiotensin II, activates numerous intracellular signaling pathways and undergoes rapid internalization upon agonist binding. Morphological and biochemical studies have shown that agonist-induced endocytosis of the AT(1) receptor occurs via clathrin-coated pits, and is dependent on two regions in the cytoplasmic tail of the receptor. However, it is independent of G protein activation and signaling, and does not require the conserved NPXXY motif in the seventh transmembrane helix. The dependence of internalization of the AT(1) receptor on a cytoplasmic serine-threonine-rich region that is phosphorylated during agonist stimulation suggests that endocytosis is regulated by phosphorylation of the AT(1) receptor tail. beta-Arrestins have been implicated in the desensitization and endocytosis of several G protein-coupled receptors, but the exact nature of the adaptor protein required for association of the AT(1) receptor with clathrin-coated pits, and the role of dynamin in the internalization process, are still controversial. There is increasing evidence for a role of internalization in sustained signal generation from the AT(1) receptor. Several aspects of the mechanisms and specific function of AT(1) receptor internalization, including its precise mode and route of endocytosis, and the potential roles of cytoplasmic and nuclear receptors, remain to be elucidated.

The human renin infused rat: use as an in vivo model for the biological evaluation of human renin inhibitors

The human renin infused rat model (HRIRM) was used as an in vivo small-animal model for evaluating the efficacy of a collection of inhibitors of human renin. The intravenous infusion of recombinant human renin (2.4 µg·kg-1·min-1) in the ganglion-blocked, nephrectomized rat produced a mean blood pressor response of 47 ± 3 mmHg (1 mmHg = 133.3 Pa), which was reduced by captopril, enalkiren, and losartan in a dose-dependent manner following oral administration, with ED50values of 0.3 ± 0.1, 2.5 ± 0.9, and 5.2 ± 1.6 mg/kg, respectively. A series of peptidomimetic P2-P3butanediamide renin inhibitors inhibited purified recombinant human renin in vitro in a concentration-dependent manner, with IC50values ranging from 0.4 to 20 nM at pH 6.0, with a higher range of IC50values (0.8-80 nM) observed at pH 7.4. Following i.v. administration of renin inhibitors, the pressor response to infused human renin in the HRIRM was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, with ED50values ranging from 4 to 600 µg/kg. The in vivo inhibition of human renin following i.v. administration in the rat correlated significantly better with the in vitro inhibition of human renin at pH 7.4 (r = 0.8) compared with pH 6.0 (r = 0.5). Oral administration of renin inhibitors also resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the pressor response to infused human renin, with ED50values ranging from 0.4 to 6.0 mg/kg and the identification of six renin inhibitors with an oral potency of <1 mg/kg. The ED50of renin inhibitors for inhibition of angiotensin I formation in vivo was highly correlated (r = 0.9) with the ED50for inhibition of the pressor response. These results demonstrate the high potency, dose dependence, and availability following oral administration of the butanediamide series of renin inhibitors.Key words: renin-angiotensin system, recombinant human renin, rat, renin inhibitors.

Localization and production of angiotensin II in the isolated perfused rat heart

We used a modification of the isolated perfused rat heart, in which coronary effluent and interstitial transudate were separately collected, to investigate the localization and production of angiotensin II (Ang II) in the heart. During combined renin (0.7 to 1.5 pmol Ang I/mL per minute) and angiotensinogen (6 to 12 pmol/mL) perfusion (4 to 8 mL/min) for 60 minutes (n=3), the steady-state levels of Ang II in interstitial transudate in two consecutive 10-minute periods were 4.3+/-1.5 and 3.6+/-1.5 fmol/mL compared with 1.1+/-0.4 and 1.1+/-0.6 fmol/mL in coronary effluent (mean+/-half range). During perfusion with Ang II (n=5), steady-state Ang II in interstitial transudate was 32+/-19% of arterial Ang II compared with 65+/-16% in coronary effluent (mean+/-SD, P<.02). During perfusion with Ang I (n=5), Ang II in interstitial transudate was 5.1+/-0.6% of arterial Ang I compared with 2.2+/-0.3% in coronary effluent (P<.05). The tissue concentration of Ang II in the combined renin/angiotensinogen perfusions (per gram) was as high as the concentration in interstitial transudate (per milliliter). Addition of losartan (10(-6) mol/L) to the renin/angiotensinogen perfusion (n=3) had no significant effect on the tissue level of Ang II, whereas losartan in the perfusions with Ang I (n=5) or Ang II (n=5) decreased tissue Ang II to undetectably low levels. The results indicate that the heart is capable of producing Ang II and that this can lead to higher levels in tissue than in blood plasma. Cardiac Ang II does not appear to be restricted to the extracellular fluid. This is in part due to AT1-receptor-mediated cellular uptake of extracellular Ang II, but our results also raise the possibility of intracellular Ang II production.

Presence of renin within intramitochondrial dense bodies of the rat adrenal cortex

It has been suggested that tissue-specific expression of the genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) leads to local generation of angiotensin (ANG) II with specific physiological implications. We demonstrate here that an intracellular RAS exists in adrenal glomerulosa cells; 60 h after bilateral nephrectomy and hemodialysis, renin and prorenin were eliminated from the circulation, whereas intra-adrenal renin content increased (control rats: 2 +/- 0.5 ng ANG I.mg-1.h-1; anephric rats: 25 +/- 2). Thus renin is produced locally within adrenal cells. We obtained immunocytochemical and biochemical evidence for the presence of renin within intramitochondrial dense bodies of the zona glomerulosa. After nephrectomy, dense bodies increased in number, size, and renin content (control rats: 2.5 +/- 0.7 ngANGI.mg-1.h-1; anephric rats: 43 +/- 7). Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) was also present within mitochondria and their dense bodies. In addition, in adrenal cortex of anephric rats, giant dense bodies were observed, which contain renin and strongly react with an anti-angiotensinogen antibody. The localization of renin, ACE, and angiotensinogen at these sites provides new evidence for the existence of an intracellular adrenal RAS.

Expression of renin in coagulating glands is regulated by testosterone

BACKGROUND

The presence of extrarenal or local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been noted in several tissues, although its functions have not yet been clarified. Renin from the coagulating gland (CG) is the most recently discovered local RAS and is a significant subject for investigation because large amounts of both mRNA and proteins are detected in this organ. Recently, it has been reported that testosterone influences renin synthesis in several extrarenal tissues, although it has no effect on intrarenal renin. Therefore, it is possible that CG renin is also regulated by testosterone.

METHODS

Forty-four male C57BL/6 mice, aged 3 wk to 6 mo, were used in studies on the ontogeny and androgen regulation of the RAS in the CG. The tissues were fixed with Bouin's solution and paraffin sections were stained with immunohistochemical methods using antirenin antiserum. In each immunostained section, the relative number of renin-containing cells in terminal portions of the CG were counted.

RESULTS

Immunoreactivity for renin was first detected at 6 wk after birth. After that time, the number of renin-containing cells gradually increased throughout the experiment. In adults, several patterns of renin immunoreactivity were demonstrated in almost all epithelial cells of CGs, specifically; (1) basolateral granular reaction, (2) diffuse immunoreactivity throughout the cytoplasm, and (3) restricted nuclear reaction. Excretory products of some terminal lumina were also found to be positive for renin. At 10 days after castration, renin-containing cells in ductal termini were decreased and remained at low levels until at 4 wk after castration. After testosterone injection, numerical values of renin-containing cells were high at 1 wk and then decreased at 2-3 wk.

CONCLUSION

It is suggested that CG renin of the mouse is expressed together with sexual maturation during development and that it depends on the testis, possibly the male sex hormone.

Internalisation of the type I angiotensin II receptor (AT1) and angiotensin II function in the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cell

Using a specific monoclonal antibody (6313/G2) to the first extracellular domain of the type 1 receptor (AT1), we showed that most of the receptor is internalised in the rat glomerulosa cell. When viable glomerulosa cells are incubated with 6313/G2, the receptor is transiently concentrated on the cell surface, and aldosterone output is stimulated. This stimulated output is enhanced by neither threshold nor maximal stimulatory concentrations of AII amide, although the antibody does not inhibit AII binding to the receptor. The antibody directly stimulates inositol trisphosphate (IP3) generation, but, while having no intrinsic action on protein kinase C (PKC) activation, it significantly inhibits the PKC response to angiotensin II. The data suggest that although the receptor is mostly internalized, recycling to the plasma membrane is constitutive, or regulated by unknown factors. Retention of the AT1 receptor in the membrane is alone enough to allow sufficient G protein interaction to generate maximal steroidogenic effects, through IP3 generation. PKC activation induced by angiotensin II has no bearing on steroidogenesis in the dispersed glomerulosa cell system.

The relationship between the adrenal tissue renin-angiotensin system, internalization of the type I angiotensin II receptor (AT1) and angiotensin II function in the rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cell

Many data suggest that the elements of the tissue renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the adrenal cortex are mostly located in the zona glomerulosa. The relationship of this paracrine/autocrine system with the cellular localization of the angiotensin II (AII) receptor has not bee clarified. Using a specific monoclonal antibody (6313/G2) to the first extracellular domain of the type 1 receptor (AT1), we show here that most of the receptor is internalized in the rat glomerulosa cell. This may result from tonic stimulation by the tissue RAS, and consequent permanent receptor occupancy. When viable glomerulosa cells are incubated with 6313/G2, the receptor is transiently concentrated on the cell surface, and aldosterone output is stimulated. This stimulated output is enhanced by neither threshold nor maximal stimulatory concentrations of AII amide, although the antibody does not inhibit AII binding to the receptor. The antibody directly stimulates inositol trisphosphate (IP3) generation, but, while having no intrinsic action on protein kinase C (PKC) activation, significantly inhibits the PKC response to angiotensin II. The data suggest that although the receptor is mostly internalized, recycling to the plasma membrane is constitutive, or regulated by unknown factors. Retention of the AT1 receptor in the membrane is alone enough to allow sufficient G protein interaction to generate maximal steroidogenic effects, through IP3 generation. PKC activation induced by angiotensin II has no bearing on steroidogenesis in the dispersed glomerulosa cell system.

Adrenal and circulating renin-angiotensin system in stroke-prone hypertensive rats

The plasma and adrenal renin-angiotensin system in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were examined in animals at 5, 11, 18, and 25 weeks of age. Plasma active renin was significantly increased in 18- and 25-week-old SHRSP with impaired renal function, whereas there was no difference in the plasma prorenin level or renal renin content between the two strains at all ages examined. Thus, the rate of activation of prorenin seems to be enhanced in the kidney of SHRSP with malignant hypertension. Adrenal renin contents were severalfold higher in SHRSP than WKY rats at all ages. However, adrenal angiotensin peptides were not increased in SHRSP aged 5 and 11 weeks. In 18-week-old SHRSP, adrenal angiotensin II (Ang II) and III (Ang III) levels were fourfold and 1.8-fold higher, respectively, than in WKY rats, accompanied by 1.5-fold higher plasma aldosterone. Increased adrenal angiotensin and plasma aldosterone were also found in 25-week-old SHRSP. Zonal distribution studies indicated that the elevated Ang II and III in SHRSP were derived mainly from the capsular tissue (the zona glomerulosa). To examine the contribution of circulating angiotensin to the adrenal angiotensin content, effects of bilateral nephrectomy on adrenal angiotensin and renin were examined in 18-week-old rats. At 24 hours after nephrectomy, plasma angiotensin, prorenin, and active renin were decreased to almost negligible concentrations. Conversely, in both adrenal capsular and decapsular tissues of SHRSP and WKY rats, neither angiotensin nor renin was significantly decreased after nephrectomy. These results suggest that the increase in adrenal capsular Ang II contents in SHRSP may be partly due to an enhanced local production of Ang II.

Intracellular production of adrenal renin in the fetal mouse. An immuno-electron microscopical study

Renin-containing cells in fetal adrenal glands of the mouse were investigated with the protein A-gold immunocytochemical technique. On Day 14 of gestation, a small number of specific granules were weakly immunoreactive and were distributed in the Golgi region. Sometimes, apparent exocytosis of gold-labelled particles could be seen opening into the extracellular space. On Day 16 of gestation, numerous gold particles were demonstrated in the Golgi region as well as in the specific secretory granules. Immunoreactivity of the specific granules was increased as compared with Day 14, though some granules were observed to have no reaction with the antibody. On Day 18 of gestation reactivity for renin decreased, while a few clustered immunoreactive granules were demonstrated just beneath the cell membrane. No gold particles were observed in the Golgi apparatus during this period and more granules negative for renin were noted than on Day 16 of gestation. These results suggest that renin is produced and released temporarily by adrenal cortical cells in the late fetal life of the mouse.

Expression of the terminal protein region of hepatitis B virus inhibits cellular responses to interferons alpha and gamma and double-stranded RNA

Constructs expressing the core, surface, X, or polymerase proteins of hepatitis B virus were transfected into human cells. In transient assays, only the polymerase inhibited the responses to interferons alpha and gamma (IFN-alpha and -gamma). Stable expression of the polymerase was achieved in the cell line 2fTGH, which carries an IFN-inducible marker gene, by growth under conditions that select for inhibition of the response to IFN-alpha, but the clones grew poorly. When expressed alone, the terminal protein domain of the polymerase gene inhibited the response to IFN-alpha and the reverse transcriptase plus RNase H domains appeared to be toxic. Clones of cells expressing terminal protein alone, selected for the loss of response to IFN-alpha, grew normally and had no detectable response to IFN-alpha, IFN-gamma, or double-stranded RNA. Binding of IFN-alpha to these cells was not impaired but did not lead to activation of the E alpha subunit of the IFN-induced transcription factor E. These observations are of potential importance in relation to the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B virus infection and the resistance of such infection to IFN-alpha therapy.

Rat angiotensinogen is secreted only constitutively when transfected into AtT-20 cells

To test whether angiotensinogen might be targeted to dense core secretory granules in cells containing a regulated secretory pathway, we expressed rat angiotensinogen in AtT-20 cells, a mouse pituitary cell line that has the demonstrated ability to correctly sort proteins to the constitutive or regulated pathway. We compared the pattern of secretion of angiotensinogen with that of endogenous adrenocorticotropin hormone, which is secreted by AtT-20 cells through the regulated pathway. When cells were incubated for 5 hours with dibutyryladenosine cyclic monophosphate or KCl, adrenocorticotropin hormone secretion was significantly higher than control, whereas monensin had no effect. In contrast, angiotensinogen secretion was markedly reduced by monensin, but no stimulation was observed with dibutyryladenosine cyclic monophosphate or KCl. These results make it unlikely that angiotensinogen could be cotargeted with active renin in the dense core granules of the regulated pathway. Alternative mechanisms must explain how angiotensin II is synthesized locally by tissue renin-angiotensin systems.

Angiotensins and the failing heart. Enhanced positive inotropic response to angiotensin I in cardiomyopathic hamster heart in the presence of captopril

We examined the hypothesis that the positive inotropic effect of angiotensin I (Ang I) may be retained in the presence of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors so that it may have a direct beneficial effect on the heart. Accordingly, isolated perfused hearts (Langendorff preparation) of 300-day-old cardiomyopathic hamsters (a model of spontaneous cardiomyopathy) and age-matched normal hamsters (controls) were infused with Ang I in the presence of captopril; propranolol was added to the perfusing medium to block catecholamine-mediated effects of angiotensins on the heart. Left ventricular developed pressure and the rate of increase in left ventricular developed pressure increased significantly (p less than 0.001) in both the cardiomyopathic and the normal hamster heart despite concomitant reduction in myocardial flow rate favoring a direct inotropic effect of Ang I in both normal and myopathic hearts; these changes were significantly higher by almost threefold in the cardiomyopathic than in the normal hamsters (p less than 0.01) and were blocked by the angiotensin II (Ang II) antagonist [Sar1,Thr8]Ang II. Comparing dose-left ventricular contractility response curves for Ang I and Ang II, ED50 for responses was identical in both normal and myopathic hearts, whereas peak responses to Ang II were double those to Ang I in normal hearts but were almost identical in the myopathic hearts. Binding of [125I]Ang II in six cardiomyopathic and four normal hamster hearts was of high affinity, but there was no evidence for Ang I-saturable high-affinity binding sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pathways of angiotensin formation and function in the brain

New findings from this laboratory suggest that fragments of angiotensin derived from the amino (N-)terminus are biologically active end products of the renin-angiotensin system. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that the heptapeptide angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is a major endogenous product of the renin-angiotensin system cascade in the brains of rats and dogs. Additional studies with enzyme inhibitors showed that Ang-(1-7) is produced directly from angiotensin I by an enzyme other than the angiotensin converting enzyme. Immunocytochemical fibers within the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal vasopressinergic system of the rat. Although Ang-(1-7) is as potent as angiotensin II (Ang II) in stimulating release of vasopressin from superperfused hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal explants, the heptapeptide has no dipsogenic or vasoconstrictor activity. In contrast, Ang-(1-7) mimics the effects of Ang II in augmenting the intrinsic discharge rate of neurons within the vagal-solitary complex and in causing monophasic depressor responses after microinjection into the medial region of the nucleus tractus solitarii. The evidence obtained in these experiments suggests novel mechanisms for the generation of angiotensin peptides in the brain. Additionally, the findings suggest that some of the biological actions ascribed to Ang II might be conveyed by the endogenous production of other angiotensin peptides that are generated by enzymatic pathways alternate to those described in the peripheral circulation.

Interleukin 1 stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

The effect of varying doses of purified human interleukin 1 (IL-1) on rectal temperature (Tr), hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), pituitary and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and plamsa corticosterone was examined in intact male rats at 24 degrees C; plasma ACTH and corticosterone responses were also studied in hypophysectomized rats. In addition, IL-1-induced changes in corticosterone concentration were investigated by means of adrenal organ cultures. Tr was measured with thermocouples. CRH and ACTH levels were determined by radioimmunoassay, and corticosterone by protein-binding assay. Intravenous administration of IL-1 (0.063-1.0 ng) resulted in hyperthermia, which began 20 min postinjection and continued for an additional 30 min. IL-1 at a dose of 0.5 ng resulted in no change in hypothalamic CRH, pituitary ACTH, or plasma ACTH levels compared with saline-treated rats. Plasma corticosterone was significantly (P less than 0.05) elevated 30 min after IL-1 administration and returned to control levels after 1 h. The higher dose of IL-1 (1.0 ng) did not affect hypothalamic CRH content, but pituitary ACTH began to rise at 15 min and was significantly (P less than 0.05) elevated 30 min after injection. Rats receiving this dose displayed elevated (P less than 0.05) plasma ACTH and corticosterone levels 30 and 60 min postinjection. No change in plasma corticosterone was observed in hypophysectomized rats administered either 1 ng of IL-1 or 1 microgram of recombinant IL-1 beta (rIL-1 beta); adrenal organ cultures treated with IL-1 (10(-11) M) responded similarly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Extra-renal transcription of the renin genes in multiple tissues of mice and rats

Expression of the mouse renin genes (Ren-1 and Ren-2) and of the unique rat renin gene was determined in several extra-renal tissues of mice and rats by primer-directed enzymatic amplification of cDNAs. In addition to the adrenal glands, testis, and ovaries, renin transcripts are detected in the liver, whole brain, and hypothalamus and, at lower levels, in spleen, thymus, lung, and prostate. Expression of the rat renin gene correlates with that of the mouse Ren-1 gene with the notable exception of the submaxillary gland where renin transcripts are found only in mice. The levels of renin transcripts in the liver of females from both species are higher than in males. In mice, the relative levels of Ren-1 and Ren-2 transcripts vary widely in different tissues. These results support the hypothesis of a local renin-angiotensin system in multiple extra-renal sites and imply the existence of complex mechanisms of regulation of the renin gene, previously thought to be expressed in a tissue-specific manner.