Levels of angiotensin peptides in healthy and cardiovascular/renal-diseased paediatric population-an investigative review

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a major role in the regulation of blood pressure and homeostasis. Therefore, it is a commonly used target for pharmacotherapy of cardiovascular diseases in adults. However, the efficacy of this pharmacotherapy can only be limitedly derived into children. Comprehensive knowledge of the humoral parameters acting in the paediatric RAAS (e.g. angiotensin I, angiotensin II, angiotensin 1-7, angiotensin III, and angiotensin IV) might facilitate a more effective and rational pharmacotherapy in children. Therefore, this review aims to provide an overview of the maturing RAAS. Out of 925 identified records, 35 publications were classified as relevant. Physiological and pathophysiological concentrations of angiotensin peptides were compiled and categorised according to European Medicines Agency age groups. Age has a major impact on circulating angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensin 1-7, which is reflected in an age-dependent decrease during childhood. In contrast to data obtained in adults, no gender-related differences in angiotensin levels were identified. The observed increase in peptide concentrations regarding cardiac- and renal-diseased children is influenced by surgical repair, while evidence for a pharmacological impact is conflicting. A comprehensive set of angiotensin I, angiotensin II, and angiotensin 1-7 values from neonates up to adolescents was compiled. Indicating age as a strong effector. However, evidence about potential promising targets of the RAAS like angiotensin III and angiotensin IV is still lacking in children.

Similarities and differences between effects of angiotensin III and angiotensin II on human prostate cancer cell migration and proliferation

Proliferation plays a critical role in tumor growth when cell migration is essential to invasion. The effect of Ang III and Ang II was evaluated on these important processes. Changes in the migration potential of prostate cancer cells were investigated using Wound Healing Test and a Transwell Migration Chamber with a 3 μm pore size. Cell proliferation was measured with a BrdU Assay and Countess Automated Cell Counter, thus determining the influence of angiotensins on hormone-dependent (LNCaP) and hormone-independent (DU-145) human prostate cancer lines. The influence of Ang III and Ang II on classic receptors may be inhibited by Losartan or PD123319. Test peptide modulation of the AT1 and AT2 receptors was examined by Western Blot and fluorescent immunocytochemistry. The results indicate that Ang III promotes the migration of both LNCaP and DU-145 lines, whereas Ang II stimulates this process only in androgen-independent cells. Both angiotensin peptides can induce prostate cancer cell proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The obtained results show that Ang III and Ang II can modify the expression of classic receptors, particularly AT2. These results suggest that the investigated peptide can modulate cell migration and proliferation in prostate cancer cells. Angiotensins probably have a greater influence on proliferation in the early-stage prostate cancer model than hormone-independent cell lines. Assume also that Ang II can enhance the migration tendency aggressive prostate cancer cells, while Ang III does so more effective in non-metastatic cells.

Different types of antagonism by losartan and irbesartan on the effects of angiotensin II and its degradation products in rabbit arteries

A previous study by our group has demonstrated that the selective AT1-receptor antagonist losartan behaves as a noncompetitive antagonist in rabbit isolated renal artery (RA). In the present investigation, the influence of losartan and irbesartan on the contractile effects of angiotensin II (AII) and its degradation products angiotensin III (AIII) and angiotensin IV (AIV) was determined in the rabbit isolated RA and femoral artery (FA). The arteries were set up in organ chambers and changes in isometric force were recorded. In both rabbit isolated RA and FA preparations, AII, AIII and AIV elicited significant contractile responses with a similar efficacy. These effects were impaired by the presence of functional endothelium in RA preparations but not in FA preparations. In both preparations studied, the effects of AII, AIII and AIV were influenced neither by the aminopeptidase-A and -M inhibitor amastatin (10 microM), nor by the aminopeptidase-B and -M inhibitor bestatin (10 microM). In endothelium-denuded FA preparations, preincubation with losartan (3-300 nM) antagonized AII-, AIII- and AIV-induced contractions in a competitive manner. However, in endothelium-denuded RA preparations, losartan depressed the maximal contractile responses induced by AII but not those induced by AIII and AIV. In the same preparations, preincubation of another selective AT1-receptor antagonist irbesartan (3-30 nM) concentration-dependently shifted AII and AIII curves to the right in an insurmountable manner. The reduction of the maximal response of AII is more potent when compared to that of AIII (47.7 +/- 1.51% vs. 66.7 +/- 1.88%, percentage of the initial maximal response; P < 0.05; n=5). The selective AT2-receptor antagonist PD123177 (1 microM) did not influence the responses to all three peptides in both RA and FA preparations. These heterogeneous antagonistic effects of the two AT1-receptor antagonists studied with respect to the contractile actions of AII, AIII and AIV suggest the possible existence of multiple, functionally relevant AT1-receptor subtypes in rabbit RA preparations.

Tonic suppression of spontaneous baroreceptor reflex by endogenous angiotensins via AT(2) subtype receptors at nucleus reticularis ventrolateralis in the rat

We evaluated the role of endogenous angiotensins at the rostral nucleus reticularis ventrolateralis (NRVL) in the modulation of spontaneous baroreceptor reflex (BRR) response and the subtype of angiotensin receptors involved using rats anesthetized and maintained with pentobarbital sodium. Bilateral microinjection of angiotensin II (ANG II) or its active metabolite angiotensin III (ANG III) (5, 10, or 20 pmol) into the NRVL significantly suppressed the spontaneous BRR response, as represented by the magnitude of transfer function between systemic arterial pressure and heart rate signals. The inhibitory effect of ANG III (20 pmol) was discernibly reversed by coadministration with its peptide antagonist, [Ile(7)]ANG III (1.6 nmol), or the nonpeptide AT(2) receptor antagonist, PD-123319 (1.6 nmol), but not by the nonpeptide AT(1) receptor antagonist, losartan (1.6 nmol). On the other hand, the peptide antagonist, [Sar(1), Ile(8)]ANG II (1.6 nmol) or both non-peptide antagonists appreciably reversed the suppressive action of ANG II (20 pmol). Whereas losartan produced minimal effect, blocking the endogenous activity of the angiotensins by microinjection into the bilateral NRVL of PD-123319, [Sar(1), Ile(8)]ANG II or [Ile(7)]ANG III elicited significant enhancement of the spontaneous BRR response. We conclude that under physiologic conditions both endogenous ANG II and ANG III may exert a tonic inhibitory modulation on the spontaneous BRR response by acting selectively on the AT(2) subtype receptors at the NRVL.

Pressor and renal effects of intracerebroventricularly administered angiotensins II and III in rats

AIMS

Experiments were performed to assess the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) angiotensin (ANG) III on blood pressure and renal function in rats with normal and high sodium intake and to compare these effects with those produced by ICV ANG II.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats on a normal sodium (0.3%) diet and a normal sodium diet plus 1% NaCl as drinking water were administered ANG II and ANG III ICV through a chronically implanted cannula. Blood pressure and renal clearance function responses were measured before and during peptide administrations. The effect of ICV ANG III on the renal efferent nerve activity was also evaluated.

RESULTS

ICV injections of ANG II and ANG III at 5 pmol in rats on a normal sodium diet did not significantly alter the blood pressure, but significantly increased renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, urine flow, and absolute and fractional excretions of sodium and potassium. Increased doses of ANG II and III (10, 50 and 100 pmol) significantly increased blood pressure and further enhanced these renal functional indices. Central ANG-III-induced increases in blood pressure and renal functional indices were not significantly different from those produced by ANG II at each corresponding dose. The pressor and renal effects of ANG III were blunted by a specific antagonist, Ile(7)-ANG III. ICV administration of ANG III decreased the renal efferent nerve activity. In rats with dietary NaCl loading, ICV injections of ANG II and III also significantly enhanced renal function.

CONCLUSIONS

Centrally administered ANG III is as potent as ANG II in causing pressor and renal effects in rats on normal and high sodium intake. As ANG II, brain ANG III reduced renal efferent nerve activity which may be partly accounted for the augmented renal function.

Angiotensin III depressor action in the conscious rabbit is blocked by losartan but not PD 123319

Vasodilator and vasodepressor properties of angiotensins have been reported, and mediation by prostaglandins or nitric oxide has been proposed. Other studies indicate that angiotensin AT(2) receptors might mediate a depressor action, and the present study was designed to delineate and explore this possibility in a conscious rabbit model. Large intravenous boluses of angiotensin III (15 nmol/kg) produced a predictable pressor peak (82+/-4 mm Hg) followed by a depressor phase (20+/-3 mm Hg), whereas equipressor doses of angiotensin II were less effective at producing depressor responses. Angiotensin-(1-7) did not exert a depressor action, and the reduced potency of angiotensin IV (relative to angiotensin III) was similar for both the pressor and depressor phases ( approximately 100-fold). It is clear that specific angiotensin IV or angiotensin-(1-7) receptors do not mediate depressor effects in this model. The AT(1) antagonist losartan (1 mg/kg) blocked both the pressor and depressor components of the angiotensin III response, whereas the AT(2) antagonist PD 123319 (35 mg/kg) had no effect on either element of the response. The data obtained with the angiotensin receptor subtype-selective compounds, losartan and PD 123319, suggest that the depressor action is an AT(1)-mediated effect and give no indication that AT(2) receptors could be involved. Paradoxically, the greater potency of angiotensin III as a vasodepressor belies the conclusion that the response is AT(1)-mediated, because AT(1) receptors have a greater affinity for angiotensin II versus angiotensin III.

Angiotensin receptor subtype 1 mediates angiotensin II enhancement of isoproterenol-induced cyclic AMP production in preglomerular microvascular smooth muscle cells

In a previous study, we found that angiotensin (Ang) II enhances beta-adrenoceptor-induced cAMP production in cultured preglomerular microvascular smooth muscle cells (PMVSMCs) obtained from spontaneously hypertensive rats. The purpose of the present investigation was to identify the Ang receptor subtypes that mediate this effect. In our first study, we compared the ability of Ang II, Ang III, Ang (3-8), and Ang (1-7) to increase cAMP production in isoproterenol (1 microM)-treated PMVSMCs. Each peptide was tested at 0.1, 1, 10, 100, and 1000 nM. Both Ang II and Ang III increased intracellular (EC50s, 1 and 11 nM, respectively) and extracellular (EC50s, 2 and 14 nM, respectively) cAMP levels in a concentration-dependent fashion. In contrast, Ang (3-8) and Ang (1-7) did not enhance either intracellular or extracellular cAMP levels at any concentration tested. In our second study, we examined the ability of L 158809 [a selective Ang receptor subtype 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist] to inhibit Ang II (100 nM) and Ang III (100 nM) enhancement of isoproterenol (1 microM)-induced cAMP production in PMVSMCs. L 158809 (10 nM) abolished or nearly abolished (p <.001) Ang II and Ang III enhancement of isoproterenol-induced intracellular and extracellular cAMP levels. In contrast, PD 123319 (300 nM; a selective AT2 receptor antagonist) did not significantly alter Ang II enhancement of isoproterenol-induced intracellular or extracellular cAMP levels. We conclude that AT1 receptors, but not AT2, Ang (3-8), nor Ang (1-7) receptors mediate Ang II and Ang III enhancement of beta-adrenoceptor-induced cAMP production in cultured PMVSMCs.

Participation of AT1 and AT2 receptor subtypes in the tonic inhibitory modulation of baroreceptor reflex response by endogenous angiotensins at the nucleus tractus solitarii in the rat

We evaluated the endogenous action of angiotensin II (AII) and its active metabolite, angiotensin III (AIII), at the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in the modulation of baroreceptor reflex (BRR) response, and the subtype(s) of angiotensin receptors involved in this process. Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats that were anesthetized and maintained with pentobarbital sodium were used. Bilateral microinjection of AII or AIII (10, 20 or 40 pmol) into the NTS significantly and dose-dependently suppressed the BRR response, which was evoked by transient hypertension induced by phenylephrine (5 micrograms/kg, i.v.). The suppressive effect of AII (40 pmol) was reversed by co-administration of the non-peptide AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan (1.6 nmol), but only partially by the non-peptide AT2 receptor antagonist, PD-123319. On the other hand, both angiotensin receptor antagonists appreciably reversed the depressive action of AIII (40 pmol). Blocking the endogenous activity of the angiotensins by microinjection into the bilateral NTS of losartan (1.6 nmol) or PD-123319 (1.6 nmol) elicited a significant enhancement of the BRR response. An interruption of the conversion of AII to AIII with the aminopeptidase A inhibitor, amastatin (3.3 nmol), attenuated, but did not eliminate, the AII-induced inhibition of the BRR response. We conclude that whereas the endogenous AIII may exert a tonic inhibitory modulation on the BRR response by acting on both the AT1 and AT2 receptor subtypes, the same action of the endogenous AII engaged only the AT1 receptor subtype at the NTS. Furthermore, at least part of the suppressive action of AII may result from its metabolic conversion to AIII.

In vivo vestibular blood flow in the Mongolian gerbil: angiotensin III-provoked changes in systemic and local factors

The current literature contains little information on vestibular end organ blood flow. The absence of an accepted model, difficulties applying dynamic in vivo measurement techniques and the inaccessibility of the inner ear organs contribute to the shortage of experimental findings. The purpose of the current study is to introduce the gerbil as a viable model for the in vivo study of vestibular blood flow dynamics. The potent vasoactive peptide, angiotensin III (AIII), was used to provoke blood pressure and blood flow changes. The results of this study demonstrate that viable blood flow measures may be obtained from the vestibule of the gerbil. Dose-dependent changes in blood pressure and vestibular blood flow were observed in response to high concentrations of AIII. Pretreatment with the receptor antagonist, sarthran, attenuated both blood pressure and blood flow increases in response to subsequent AIII infusions. The gerbil model offers the advantages of easily accessible and identifiable peripheral vestibular organs, as well as responsive local blood flow. Investigations using this model may provide information on the regulation of blood flow during presentation with a variety of stimulus modalities. Information from such studies may lead to development of strategies for treatment of vestibulopathies suspected to be of vascular origins.

Involvement of AT2 receptors at NRVL in tonic baroreflex suppression by endogenous angiotensins

We evaluated the role of endogenous angiotensin II and III (ANG II and ANG III) at the rostral nucleus reticularis ventrolateralis (NRVL) in the modulation of baroreceptor reflex (BRR) response and the subtype of angiotensin receptors involved in this process. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized and maintained with pentobarbital sodium were used. Exogenous application of ANG II or ANG III (10, 20, or 40 pmol) by bilateral microinjection into the NRVL significantly suppressed the BRR response to transient hypertension induced by phenylephrine (5 micrograms/kg i.v.). The suppressive effect of ANG II (20 pmol) was reversed by an equimolar dose (1.6 nmol) of its peptide antagonist, [Sar1, Ile8]ANG II, and the nonpeptide antagonists for AT1 and AT2 receptors, losartan and PD-123319, respectively. On the other hand, the inhibitory action of ANG III (20 pmol) was blunted by its peptide antagonist. [Ile7]ANG III or PD-123319, but not by losartan. Blocking the endogenous activity of the angiotensins by microinjection into the bilateral NRVL of [Sar1, Ile8]ANG II, [Ile7]ANG III, or PD-123319 elicited an appreciable enhancement of the BRR response, whereas losartan produced minimal effect. These results suggest that, under physiological conditions, both endogenous ANG II and ANG III may exert a tonic inhibitory modulation on the BRR response by acting selectively on the AT2 receptors at the NRVL.

Direct positive chronotropic effects of angiotensin II and angiotensin III in pithed rats and in rat isolated atria

1. The direct positive chronotropic effects of angiotensin II (AII) and its degradation products angiotensin III (AIII) and angiotensin IV (AIV) were established in pithed rats and in rat spontaneously beating right atria. 2. In pithed rats, AII, AIII and AIV caused dose-dependent tachycardia with similar maximal responses (110 beats min-1). The beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (3.37 x 10(-6) mol kg-1) but not the alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (2.38 x 10(-7) mol kg-1) significantly reduced these effects (P < 0.05; n = 7-8), but 20-25% of the responses could not be blocked by propranolol. 3. In isolated atria, AII, AIII and AIV caused concentration-dependent increases in beating rate with similar maximal responses to AII and AIII (34.3 +/- 0.4 and 34.7 +/- 0.4 beats min-1; n = 9-10), and a lower maximal response to AIV (26.8 +/- 0.6 beats min-1; P < 0.05; n = 8). AIII was about 9 times less potent than AII, whereas AIV proved approximately 3800 times less potent than AII. Neither propranolol (1 microM) nor prazosin (1 microM) could influence the effects of the angiotensin peptides. 4. In isolated atria, the selective AT1-receptor antagonist, losartan (10, 100 and 300 nM) caused parallel rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves for AII and AIII, whereas the selective AT2- receptor antagonist PD123177 (1 microM) did not influence the effects of AII and AIII. The aminopeptidase-A and -M inhibitor amastatin (10 microM), significantly steepened the slope of the AIII curves and increased the potency of AIII about 6 fold. Amastatin did not influence the responses to AII. 5. Our results indicate that both in vivo and in vitro, exogenous AII and AIII induced a direct dose-dependent chronotropic effect, which is independent of the adrenergic system. This chronotropic effect is mediated by AT1-subtype receptors.

Effects of des-Asp-angiotensin I on the contractile action of angiotensin II and angiotensin III

Nanomolar concentrations of des-Asp-angiotensin I potentiated the contractile action of angiotensin II on the rabbit aortic ring but attenuated the contractile action of angiotensin III in the same tissue. Indomethacin had no effect on the potentiation of angiotensin II but inhibited the attenuation of angiotensin III. The action of angiotensin II, angiotensin III and des-Asp-angiotensin I was not inhibited by (S)-1-}[4-(dimethylamino)-3-methylphenyl]methyl}-5-(diphenylacetyl )-4,5,6, 7-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo-[4,5-c]pyridine-6-carboxylic acid, ditrifluoroacetate, dihydrate (PD123319), an angiotensin AT2 receptor antagonist. The data show that angiotensin II and angiotensin III act on different subclasses of angiotensin receptors and that their actions are differentially modulated by des-Asp-angiotensin I. The data also indicate the possibility that des-Asp-angiotensin I is a functional peptide that modulates the contractile action of the two angiotensins at sub-nanomolar concentrations.

Angiotensin III modulates noradrenaline uptake and release in the rat hypothalamus

1. Effects of angiotensin III (A III) on 3H-noradrenaline (3H-NA) total, neuronal and non-neuronal uptake, 3H intracellular distribution and release were studied in vitro in the rat hypothalamus. 2. A III (1 microM) decreased total, neuronal and non-neuronal 3H-NA uptake when hypothalamic slices were incubated with 3H-NA for 30 min. A III effects on neuronal and non-neuronal 3H-NA uptake were determined in the presence of 100 microM hydrocortisone or 10 microM cocaine hydrochloride, respectively. The effect of A III on total 3H-NA uptake was blocked by 10 microM Ile7 angiotensin III (Ile7 A III), an antagonist at A III receptors. In contrast, 100 nM A III had no effect on 3H-NA uptake. 3. The study of the 3H-NA uptake time course showed that 1 microM AIII decreased NA uptake at 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 min incubation. 4. In hypothalamic slices preloaded with 3H-NA for 30 min, 1 microM AIII increased the 3H content in the granular pool and decreased it in the cytosolic pool. 5. Spontaneous 3H release was also modified by 1 microM A III when hypothalami were preloaded with 3H-NA for 30 min. A III increased the spontaneous output of 3H. This effect was receptor-mediated since the effect of A III on 3H release was antagonized by Ile7 A III. 6. The present results suggest that the effects of A III on NA neurotransmission, may be involved in the regulation of central angiotensin effects such as blood pressure control, hydrosaline balance and dipsogenesis, through modulation of central sympathetic activity.

Novel central action of des-Asp-angiotensin I

Intracerebroventricularly administered des-Asp-angiotensin I, when prevented from degradation by prior administration of captopril, attenuated dose-dependently the central pressor actions of angiotensin II and angiotensin III in the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. This finding is the first demonstration of an intrinsic action of des-Asp-angiotensin I and, together with earlier finding of its increased production in the hypothalamus of the spontaneously hypertensive rat, may support the suggestion that the nonapeptide is a functional angiotensin that regulates the pressor action of angiotensin II and angiotensin III in the brain.

Cardiovascular effects of angiotensin III in brainstem nuclei of normotensive and hypertensive rats

The cardiovascular role of angiotensin III (ANG III) in the central nervous system is unclear. In this study, we investigated the hemodynamic effects of microinjection of ANG III and compared them with those of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the cerebral ventricle (i.c.v.), the area postrema (AP) and the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) of urethane-anesthetized rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats [normal, renovascular hypertensive (2-kidney, 1-clip) and sham-operated groups] were used in this study. A dose-dependent pressor and bradycardic effect of ANG II and ANG III was observed after i.c.v. injection. When low doses of ANG II or ANG III were microinjected into both NTS and AP, a dose-dependent depressor and bradycardic effect were observed. The maximal depressor effect was observed at 9.6 pmol. When we increased the doses of ANG II or ANG III into the NTS, a pressor and tachycardic effect were observed. A significant difference of the cardiovascular effects of ANG III were noticed between renovascular hypertensive rats and sham-operated rats. The sympathetic nerve activity was inhibited by both pressor and depressor effects. The cardiovascular actions of both ANG II and ANG III were partially or completely abolished after pretreatment of their selective antagonists. These results indicate that the pressor effect of i.c.v. angiotensin are not mediated by activations of angiotensin receptors in the NTS or in the AP.

Participation of nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis in the antinociceptive effect of angiotensin III in the rat

We evaluated the participation of nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis (NRGC), a medullary nucleus that plays an important role in the regulation of nociceptive processes, in the antinociceptive effect of angiotensin III (AIII), a biologically active peptide of the renin-angiotensin system. Adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized with pentobarbital sodium (40 mg/kg, i.p., with 10 mg/kg/h i.v. infusion supplement) were used. Bilateral, site-specific microinjection of AIII (80 or 160 pmol) into the NRGC produced a dose-related increase in the latency of tail-flick response to noxious thermal stimuli (50 degrees C hot water). Such an antinociceptive action of AIII was blocked by concomitant administration of the AIII receptor antagonist, Ile7-angiotensin III (Ile7-AIII, 10 nmol). At the neuronal level, microiontophoretic application of AIII suppressed, Ile7-AIII reversibly, the responsiveness of nociception-related neurons in the NRGC to tail-clamping. These results demonstrated that central AIII may elicit antinociception via a process that may at least take place at the NRGC.

Effects of atrial natriuretic peptide, angiotensin II and III on norepinephrine uptake in the rat adrenal medulla

The effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), angiotensin II (ANG II) and angiotensin III (ANG III) on norepinephrine (NE) uptake were studied in the adrenal medulla of the rat. One microM ANG II and 10 microM ANG III decreased NE uptake while 10 nM and 100 nM ANP increased it. Subthreshold concentrations of ANP (1 nM) blunted the inhibitory effect of 1 microM ANG II but did not modify the inhibitory effect of 10 microM ANG III. The increasing effects of 100 nM ANP on NE uptake were partially reversed by subthreshold concentrations of ANG II (1 nM) and blunted by 1 nM ANG III. The interaction between ANP and the renin-angiotensin system could contribute to modulate the sympathetic function in the adrenal medulla.

AT1 angiotensin receptors mobilize intracellular calcium in a subclone of NG108-15 neuroblastoma cells

The effects of angiotensin II (AII) and related peptides on the mobilization of internal Ca2+ were studied in a subclone of NG 108-15 cells. The subclone, C1, was prepared by fluorescence-activated cell cloning using a rapid response kinetics and a large response magnitude following stimulation by AII as the selection criteria. Angiotensin I, AII, and angiotensin III (AIII) stimulated Ca2+ mobilization in the C1 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (1 nM-100 microM), yielding EC50 values of 437 +/- 80 nM (n = 4; slope = 1.6 +/- 0.3), 57 +/- 8 nM (n = 12; slope = 1.5 +/- 0.3), and 36 +/- 5 nM (n = 7; slope = 1.4 +/- 0.3), respectively. AIII was significantly more potent than AII (p less than 0.05). In contrast, Des-Phe8-AII, AII-hexapeptide (AII 3-8), and p-NH2-Phe6-AII (1-10 microM) were inactive as agonists. Although the effects of AII and AIII in C1 and parent NG108-15 cells were totally inhibited by the AT1 receptor-selective nonpeptide antagonist, DUP-753 (0.3-1 microM), the AT2-selective antagonists, EXP-655 and CGP42112A (1-10 microM), failed to block the effects of AII. DUP-753 (0.3-100 nM) produced dextral shifts of the AII-induced concentration-response curves and yielded an estimated affinity constant (pA2) of 8.5 +/- 0.2 (n = 16) using single-point analysis involving different concentrations of DUP-753. These data compared well with those obtained for the inhibition of AII-induced aortic contractions by DUP-753 (pA2 = 8.5) reported previously by others.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Competitive antagonism of pressor responses to angiotensin II and angiotensin III by the angiotensin II-1 receptor ligand losartan

Losartan (DuP 753) and PD123177 are nonpeptide angiotensin (ANG) receptor ligands for subtypes of ANG II receptors ANG II-1 and ANG II-2, respectively. We examined the effects of losartan and PD123177 on dose - mean arterial pressure (MAP) response curves for ANG II and ANG III in eight groups (n = 6 each) of conscious rats. Saline (0.9% NaCl), losartan (1 x 10(-6) and 9 x 10(-6) mol/kg), and PD123177 (2 x 10(-5) mol/kg) were i.v. bolus injected 15 min before the construction of ANG II dose - response curves in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Groups V-VIII were treated similarly to I-IV except that ANG III was given in place of ANG II. Losartan dose dependently shifted the dose-response curves of ANG II and ANG III to the right with similar dissociation constants (-log KI of 6.6 +/- 0.7 and 6.6 +/- 0.1 mol/kg, respectively) and no change in the maxima. PD123177 affected neither maximum MAP nor ED50 values for ANG II or ANG III. Our results show that losartan but not PD123177 is a competitive antagonist of the MAP effects of ANG II and ANG III.

Pharmacological characterization of angiotensin-induced depolarizations of rat superior cervical ganglion in vitro

1. The depolarizing responses to angiotensin II and angiotensin III of the rat superior cervical ganglion have been characterized in vitro, by the use of peptidase inhibitors, peptide and non-peptide antagonists and dithiothreitol (DTT). 2. Angiotensin II and III depolarized the ganglion in a concentration-related manner. Angiotensin II was approximately 30 fold more potent than angiotensin III. 3. The endopeptidase inhibitor, bacitracin, increased the potency of angiotensin II and III by approximately 4 and 20 fold respectively. The aminopeptidase inhibitor, amastatin, further increased the potency of angiotensin III (but not angiotensin II) by approximately 4 fold. In the presence of bacitracin and amastatin, angiotensin II and III were equipotent. 4. The peptide antagonist [Ile7]angiotensin III (0.01-0.3 microM) produced a non-parallel rightward displacement of the angiotensin II concentration-response curve, with a suppression of the maximum response. The potency of [Ile7]angiotensin III was increased by bacitracin and amastatin. 5. The AT1-selective non-peptide antagonist losartan (DuP 753; 0.03 and 0.1 microM) produced a parallel rightward displacement of the angiotensin II concentration-response curve, with an apparent pKB of 8.3 +/- 0.1. A higher concentration of losartan (0.3 microM) depressed the maximum agonist response by 32 +/- 6.5%, possibly reflecting non-competitive behaviour of the antagonist. The potency of losartan was not influenced by bacitracin. 6. The AT2-selective non-peptide antagonist, PD123177 (3 microM) failed to antagonize the angiotensin II-induced depolarizations. 7. DTT (1 mM) produced a 22% reduction of the maximum response to angiotensin II.8. We conclude that the angiotensin II-induced depolarizations of the rat superior cervical ganglion are mediated by angiotensin II receptors of the AT1 subclass. The ability of peptidase inhibitors to modify the potency of peptide agonists and antagonists highlights the difficulties associated with the use of peptide agents to characterize angiotensin II receptors in this preparation.

Nonpeptide angiotensin II receptor antagonists. XI. Pharmacology of EXP3174: an active metabolite of DuP 753, an orally active antihypertensive agent

This report describes the pharmacology of (2-n-butyl-4-chloro-1- [(2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]imidazole-5-carboxylic acid (EXP3174). EXP3174 is a major metabolite generated after the oral dosing of 2-n-butyl-4-chloro-5-hydroxymethyl-1-[(2'-(1H- tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl)methyl]imidazole, potassium salt in rats. It displaced [3H]angiotensin II (AII) from its specific binding sites in rat adrenal cortical membranes with an IC50 of 3.7 x 10(-8) M. In the isolated rabbit aorta, EXP3174 caused nonparallel shifts to the right of the AII concentration-contractile response curves and reduced the maximal response by 30 to 40% with an apparent pA2 value of 10.09 and a KB value of 10(-10) M. At 10(-6) M, EXP3174 did not alter the contractile responses to norepinephrine and KCl. In the spinal pithed rat, EXP3174 at 0.03 to 0.3 mg/kg i.v. also inhibited the pressor responses to AII and angiotensin III noncompetitively and did not change the pressor responses to vasopressin and norepinephrine. When given i.v. and cumulatively to normotensive rats at 0.003 to 0.3 mg/kg, EXP3174 did not alter blood pressure but inhibited the pressor response to AII. In conscious renal artery-ligated rats, EXP3174 decreased blood pressure with an i.v. ED30 of 0.038 mg/kg and a p.o. ED30 of 0.66 mg/kg. These results demonstrate that EXP3174 is a selective and noncompetitive AII receptor antagonist and lacks agonistic effect. As EXP3174 is a potent antihypertensive agent, it may be responsible for part of the antihypertensive effect of DuP 753 in rats.

Angiotensin 'antipeptides': (-)messenger RNA complementary to human angiotensin II (+)messenger RNA encodes an angiotensin receptor antagonist

(-)mRNA complementary to human angiotensin II (+)mRNA encodes the 'antipeptide' Glu-Gly-Val-Tyr-Val-His-Pro-Val which is structurally related to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II 'antipeptide' (antiANG II) and the desglutamyl heptapeptide (antiANG III) are Type I antagonists which inhibit the contractile action of angiotensin at smooth muscle receptors by binding to a negative modulatory site on the angiotensin receptor which is distinct from the angiotensin binding site. These findings may illustrate that the inhibitory binding site on the angiotensin receptor exists to accomodate a naturally occurring inhibitor(s), which is encoded by the DNA strand complementary to that encoding angiotensin II.

[Sar1Ile7]angiotensin III, a new selective antagonist of the pressor effect of angiotensin III in conscious rats

Two analogues of angiotensin III were compared as antagonists of the pressor response to angiotensin II (ANG II) and angiotensin III (ANG III) in conscious, unrestrained rats. Dose-mean arterial pressure (MAP) response curves were obtained for ANG II and ANG III in the absence or presence of [Ile7]ANG III (1.3 x 10(-7) mol/kg) or [Sar1 Ile7]ANG III (1.2 x 10(-7) mol/kg). In the presence of [Ile7]ANG III, the dose-MAP response curves for ANG II and ANG III were significantly displaced to the right. [Ile7]ANG III behaved as a partial agonist on ANG II but not ANG III receptors. In the presence of [Sar1 Ile7]ANG III, the dose-MAP response curve for ANG III but not ANG II was significantly displaced to the right. This suggests that [Sar1 Ile7]ANG III is a selective antagonist of ANG III in the vasculature. [Ile7]ANG III, on the other hand, antagonizes both ANG II and ANG III receptors. Our results support the hypothesis of the existence of a sub-class of angiotensin receptors activated by ANG III in the vascular smooth muscle.

Pressor action and dipsogenicity induced by angiotensin II and III in rats

The primary brain sites responsible for angiotensin-induced pressor action and dipsogenicity in the laboratory rat appear to be located in forebrain circumventricular organs (CVO). Because CVOs have a reduced blood-brain barrier, intracarotid infusion of angiotensin via a brachial arterial catheter results in direct stimulation of these sites. This investigation determined that brachial arterial infusion of angiotensin II (ANG II) into alert free-moving rats resulted in pressor and dipsogenic responses greater than those observed with equivalent doses of angiotensin III (ANG III). However, intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of ANG II and ANG III yielded equivalent pressor and drinking responses. ICV pretreatment with the specific angiotensin receptor antagonist [Sar1, Ile8]-ANG II significantly reduced ANG II- and ANG III-induced pressor and drinking responses. This inhibition lasted approximately 20 min with recovery at 60-70 min. The results indicate that ICV-administered ANG III is a much more potent ligand than previously determined if the stickiness due to electrical charge of this compound is prevented by appropriate treatment of glassware. The receptor antagonist results encourage the possibility that ANG II and ANG III activate a common central receptor site.

Efficacy of octa- and heptapeptide antagonists of angiotensin II as inhibitors of angiotensin III binding in the rat adrenal glomerulosa

Angiotensin III (Ang III) is a carboxy-terminal 7-amino acid analog of angiotensin II (Ang II) with similar receptor binding affinity and biological activity in adrenal glomerulosa. Specific competitive antagonists have been synthesized for both compounds, and structure-activity studies have demonstrated that Ang II (octapeptide) antagonists compete better for Ang II receptors in adrenal glomerulosa than do Ang III (heptapeptide) antagonists. These differences were observed in spite of only 1 amino acid difference in chain length of antagonist analogs. These earlier observations by our group provided support for the current hypothesis that Ang III binding would be preferentially inhibited by Ang III antagonists compared to Ang II antagonists. To accomplish these studies, we used [125I]Ang III and [125I]Ang II as ligands and 5 pairs of heptapeptide and octapeptide antagonists with identical substituent amino acids in the carboxy-terminal position. [Sar1,Ile8]- and des Asp1 [Ile8]Ang II did not differ in potency as antagonists of Ang II binding, but with 4 other pairs of antagonists, the octapeptide antagonists were more potent than the corresponding hepatapeptide antagonist. Six of 10 antagonists exhibited similar potencies as antagonists of equimolar concentrations of Ang II and Ang III. One heptapeptide antagonist was twice as potent against Ang III, and 3 octapeptide antagonists were more potent against Ang II. In general, the order of potencies of the 10 antagonists as inhibitors of Ang III binding was linearly related to their potencies against Ang II. Hence, our hypothesis of preferential activity of Ang III antagonists (compared to Ang II antagonists) as inhibitors of Ang III binding to adrenal glomerulosa was not borne out by the present studies. When this observation was combined with the finding of similar receptor densities of Ang III and Ang II receptors, we concluded that Ang III and Ang II probably bind to the same receptor site in the adrenal glomerulosa.

A potent noncompetitive angiotensin II antagonist induces only competitive inhibition of angiotensin III responses

Sarcosyl1, cysteinyl-S-methyl8-angiotensin II [(Sar1, Cys-Me8) Ang II] was examined for antagonism of angiotensin (Ang) responses in isolated rabbit atrial and aortic tissues. (Sar1, Cys-Me8) Ang II competitively antagonized Ang II responses in aorta at a concentration of 5 nM. Concentrations of the antagonist greater than 5 nM resulted in noncompetitive antagonism of Ang II responses in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle. These actions of (Sar1, Cys-Me8) Ang II were significant (p less than 0.01) and depressed maximal responses to Ang II as much as 80%. In contrast, (Sar1, Cys-Me8) Ang II at concentrations up to 10(-6) M did not significantly alter maximal responses to Ang III at any concentration in any of the experimental preparations. The antagonist did competitively inhibit Ang III concentration-dependent responses in the aorta and, to a lesser extent, in isolated atria. Saralasin was a competitive antagonist of Ang II and III in atrial and aortic preparations. Norepinephrine responses in cardiac and vascular tissues were not altered by these antagonists. The different types of antagonism exhibited by (Sar1, Cys-Me8) Ang II against Ang II and III in identical preparations demonstrate the potential for the existence of separate Ang receptors.

Angiotensin receptors in glomeruli differ from those in renal arterioles

Angiotensin receptors in afferent and efferent arterioles and in the glomerulus are strategically located to influence renal perfusion and glomerular function. With the size of isolated glomeruli as the index, we have demonstrated identical dose-response relationships for graded concentrations (10(-13) to 10(-3) g/liter) of angiotensin II (AII) and angiotensin III (AIII). An octapeptide analogue (saralasin 10(-6) to 10(-2) g/liter) was equally effective at blocking glomerular responses to both AII and AIII, but two heptapeptide analogues (des-asp, 8-ile AII and des-asp, 8-gly AII; 10(-6) to 10(-2) g/liter) failed to block responses to either agonist. The relative influence of octapeptide and heptapeptide analogues on GFR was examined in anesthetized dogs with partial occlusion of the thoracic inferior vena cava. In 18 dogs, caval occlusion reduced renal blood flow (35%), GFR (29%), and arterial pressure (13%). Saralasin (300 to 3000 ng/kg/min, i.v.) and des-asp, 8-ile AII (100 to 3000 ng/kg/min, i.v.) increased renal blood flow by 0.41 +/- 0.11 and 0.62 +/- 0.11 ml/g/min, respectively, but only the octapeptide induced a concomitant increase in GFR (octapeptide: delta GFR = 0.11 +/- 0.03 ml/g/min; heptapeptide: delta GFR = -0.08 +/- 0.07 ml/g/min; P less than 0.025). As octapeptide and heptapeptide analogues were equally effective on renal blood flow in this and in previous studies, but only the octapeptide was effective in isolated glomeruli and in increasing GFR in the intact animal, we conclude that renal vascular and glomerular receptors differ. Furthermore, the glomerular receptor may be the more important in modulating the glomerular functional response to angiotensin.

Attenuation of angiotensin II- and III-induced aldosterone release by prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors

The effect of two prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, indomethacin and meclofenamate, on angiotensin II (AII)- and III (AIII)-induced aldosterone release was studied in normal and sodium-depleted conscious rats and in adrenal capsular cell suspensions obtained from normal rats. In normal rats, in vivo AII and AIII were equipotent in causing dose-related increases in serum aldosterone concentrations. Indomethacin decreased the basal serum aldosterone levels by 50% and serum renin levels by 43%. In addition, the steroidogenic effects of AII and AIII were reduced by 45 and 63% with 3 mg/kg of indomethacin and 63 and 73% with 10 mg/kg, respectively. In contrast, meclofenamate failed to alter basal serum levels of aldosterone or AII-stimulated aldosterone release but inhibited serum renin levels by 27% and the aldosterone-stimulating effect of AIII by 99%. Indomethacin (3 mg/kg) and meclofenamate (2 mg/kg) inhibited urinary prostaglandin (PG)E(2) and PGF(2alpha) excretion by 63 and 52% and 37 and 31%, respectively. Both inhibitors significantly decreased the adrenal capsular PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) content and the conversion of [(14)C]arachidonate to [(14)C]PGE(2) and [(14)C]PGF(2alpha). In sodium-depleted rats, indomethacin produced similar effects reducing the control serum aldosterone levels by 29%, AII-stimulated aldosterone by 47%, and completely suppressing the aldosterone response to AIII without altering serum renin activity. In adrenal cell suspensions, similar results were observed with indomethacin inhibiting basal and AII- and AIII-stimulated aldosterone release by 29, 81, and 93%, respectively. Meclofenamate failed to alter basal and AII-stimulated aldosterone release but inhibited that stimulated by AIII by 86%. The present findings suggest that prostaglandins modulate the effects of the renin-angiotensin system by stimulating the release of renin from the kidney and augmenting the steroidogenic effects of AII and AIII in the adrenal cortex.

Contractile responses of isolated dog mesenteric arteries to angiotensin I, II and III

The addition of angiotensin (Ang-) I, II and III caused a dose-dependent contraction of helically cut strips of dog mesenteric arteries. Tachyphylaxis developed following repeated additions of angiotensins. Average median effective concentrations of Ang-I, II and III were 3.7, 0.8 and 2.5 X 10(-8) M, respectively. Contractile responses to the angiotensins were attenuated to a similar extent by Ang-II antagonists, Sar1 Ileu8 Ang-II and Sar1 Ala8 Ang-II, but were unaffected by phentolamine, methysergide and diphenhydramine. The response to Ang-I was significantly reduced by treatment with bradykinin-potentiator B, while the response to Ang-II was not influenced. It may be concluded that Ang-I, II and III produce contractions possibly by activation of same Ang-II receptors and that contractions induced by Ang-I are associated, to some extent, with a conversion to Ang-II in the arterial wall.

Inhibition of angiotensin III action by DES-ASP1-,ILEU8-angiotensin II in man

In 5 normal men intravenous infusion of 600 ng/kg/min of des-asp1-ileu8-angiotensin II (AIIIA) inhibited a rise in blood pressure as well as increase in plasma aldosterone caused by an intravenous infusion of 20 or 100 ng/kg/min of des-asp1-angiotensin II (angiotensin III, AIII). This result and our previous study on simultaneous infusions of 600 ng/kg/min of AIIIA and 20 ng/kg/min of angiotensin II (AII) in the same 5 normal men demonstrate that this dose of AIIIA antagonizes AIII and AII on the adrenal cortex as well as peripheral arterioles and that AIIIA has the same degree of inhibitory effect on the aldosterone-stimulating action of AIII and on that of AII in man.

Angiotensin (A I, A II, A III) receptor characterization. Correlation of prostaglandin release with peptide degradation

We examined the ability of the angiotensins (A I, A II, A III) to release a prostaglandin E (PGE)-like substance in the isolated Krebs' perfused kidney and mesenteric vasculature of the rabbit by parallel bioassay. In the kidney, the order of potency for PGE release was A II greater than A III greater than A I with ED50's of 36, 100, and 500 pmol, respectively. In the mesenteric preparation, on the other hand, the order of potency was A III greater than A II greater than A I with ED50's of 75, 125, and 500 pmol, respectively. During one transit through the kidney 72-76% of bioassayable A I and A II was degraded. A III was 89% metabolized. In contrast, the mesenteric vasculature inactivated only 27% of A II and 23% of A III. This data suggests an inverse relationship between renal peptide degradation and PGE release. For characterization of the renal angiotensin receptor-mediating PGE release, dissociation constants (KB) of the competitive angiotensin antagonists [IIe7]-A III and [Sar1, IIe3]-A II were determined with each angiotensin. KB values of the individual antaganists were not significantly different with A I, A II, or A III; this finding suggests that one renal angiotensin receptor is involved with PGE release.

Peptide antagonists of angiotensin-induced adrenal catecholamine release

The effect of analogs of angiotensin (modified with an Ile-substituted for Phe) was studied in the isolated, retrogradely perfused adrenal of the cat. Continuous differential analysis of norepinephrine and epinephrine output was quantified with an automated trihydroxyindole procedure. [Ile8]-angiotensin I and [Ile7]-angiotensin III exhibited negligible secretory activity, in contrast to the stimulatory effects of [Ile8]-angiotensin II (10-20% activity relative to angiotensin II). [Ile8]-angiotensin I blocked angiotensin II-induced catecholamine secretion and a pA2 value of 8.50 was obtained. [Ile7]-angiotensin III was an especially potent antagonist of angiotensin II and a pA2 value of 10.4 was calculated for this heptapeptide analog. The pA2 value for [Ile8]-angiotensin II, a partial agonist in the adrenal medulla was 9.33. These three analogs were equally effective against secretion induced by the corresponding unsubstituted homologs (Ang I and Ang III). These data suggest that all these angiotensin peptides interact with a common receptor. [Ile8]-angiotensin I and [Ile7]-angiotensin III had no effect on adrenal medullary responses induced by KCl, nicotine and bradykinin. These structural analogs of angiotensin are pure competitive antagonists of angiotensin in the cat adrenal chromaffin cell.

[Des-Asp1] angiotensin II: mediator of the renin-angiotensin system?

Angiotensin II and its C-terminal heptapeptide fragment, [des-Asp1]angiotensin II, influence a variety of angiotensin receptors in a qualitatively similar manner. On the basis of potency studies, angiotensin II appears to be the important mediator of the renin-angiotensin system at the peripheral arteriolar receptors to maintain arterial blood pressure. However, both angiotensin II and the heptapeptide are approximately equally potent at receptor sites in the adrenal cortex, the renal arterioles, and the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidneys. Adrenal cortical receptor affinity appears to be greater for the heptapeptide than for angiotensin II. Analogues of the heptapeptide are better antagonists than analogues of the octapeptide in blocking the steroidogenic responses to both angiotensin II and heptapeptide. Circulating plasma levels of [des-Asp1]angiotensin II appear to be low in most species; there is strong evidence, however, that local generation of heptapeptide can occur under certain conditions. It seems likely that both peptides act at common receptor sites to mediate the response to the renin-angiotensin system but more data are needed before a definite physiologic role can be assigned to the heptapeptide.