scholarly journals Impact of gender on the cardiac autonomic response to angiotensin II in healthy humans

2012 ◽  
Vol 112 (6) ◽  
pp. 1001-1007 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Mann ◽  
D. V. Exner ◽  
B. R. Hemmelgarn ◽  
T. C. Turin ◽  
D. Y. Sola ◽  
...  

Premenopausal women have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with men of a similar age. Furthermore, the regulation of factors that influence CVD appears to differ between the sexes, including control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the renin-angiotensin system. We examined the cardiac ANS response to angiotensin II (Ang II) challenge in healthy subjects to determine whether differences in women and men exist. Thirty-six healthy subjects (21 women, 15 men, age 38 ± 2 years) were studied in a high-salt balance. Heart-rate variability (HRV) was calculated by spectral power analysis [low-frequency (LF) sympathetic modulation, high-frequency (HF) parasympathetic/vagal modulation, and LF:HF as a measure of overall ANS balance]. HRV was assessed at baseline and in response to graded Ang II infusions (3 ng·kg−1·min−1 × 30 min; 6 ng·kg−1·min−1 × 30 min). Cardiac ANS tone did not change significantly in women after each Ang II dose [3 ng·kg−1·min−1 mean change (Δ)LF:HF (mean ± SE) 0.5 ± 0.3, P = 0.8, vs. baseline; 6 ng·kg−1·min−1 ΔLF:HF (mean ± SE) 0.5 ± 0.4, P = 0.4, vs. baseline], whereas men exhibited an unfavorable shift in overall cardiac ANS activity in response to Ang II (ΔLF:HF 2.6 ± 0.2, P = 0.01, vs. baseline; P = 0.02 vs. female response). This imbalance in sympathovagal tone appeared to be largely driven by a withdrawal in cardioprotective vagal activity in response to Ang II challenge [ΔHF normalized units (nu), −5.8 ± 2.9, P = 0.01, vs. baseline; P = 0.006 vs. women] rather than an increase in sympathetic activity (ΔLF nu, −4.5 ± 5.7, P = 0.3, vs. baseline; P = 0.5 vs. women). Premenopausal women maintain cardiac ANS tone in response to Ang II challenge, whereas similarly aged men exhibit an unfavorable shift in cardiovagal activity. Understanding the role of gender in ANS modulation may help guide risk-reduction strategies in high-risk CVD populations.

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo A. Calò ◽  
Paul A. Davis ◽  
Giuseppe Maiolino ◽  
Elisa Pagnin ◽  
Verdiana Ravarotto ◽  
...  

Hypothesis/Introduction: Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been shown to control erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis as Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers block Ang-II-induced EPO oversecretion. To further explore the involvement of AT1R in processes controlling EPO levels, plasma EPO and mononuclear cell NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) - a NOX family member involved in oxygen sensing, which is a process central to controlling EPO levels - were assessed in Bartter's/Gitelman's syndrome (BS/GS) patients, a human model of endogenous AT1R antagonism and healthy subjects. Heme oxygenase (HO)-1, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory factor related to NOX4 activation, and the relationship of EPO and NOX4 to HO-1 were also assessed. Materials and Methods: EPO was measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay, HO-1 by sandwich immunoassay and NOX4 protein expression by Western blot. Results: EPO was increased in BS/GS patients compared to healthy subjects (7.64 ± 2.47 vs. 5.23 ± 1.07 U/l; p = 0.025), whereas NOX4 did not differ between BS/GS and healthy subjects (1.76 ± 0.61 vs. 1.65 ± 0.54 densitometric units; p = n.s.), and HO-1 was increased in BS/GS patients compared to healthy subjects (9.58 ± 3.07 vs. 5.49 ± 1.04 ng/ml; p = 0.003). NOX4 positively correlated with HO-1 only in BS/GS patients; no correlation was found between EPO and either NOX4 or HO-1 in those two groups. Conclusions: The effect of the renin-angiotensin system on EPO cannot be solely mediated by Ang II via AT1R signaling, but rather, EPO levels are also determined by a complex interrelated set of signals that involve AT2R, nitric oxide levels, NOX4 and HO-1 activity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongjun Zhu ◽  
Hongwang Cui ◽  
Jie Lv ◽  
Haiqin Liang ◽  
Yanping Zheng ◽  
...  

AbstractAbnormal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by directly mediating renal tubular cell apoptosis. Our previous study showed that necroptosis may play a more important role than apoptosis in mediating renal tubular cell loss in chronic renal injury rats, but the mechanism involved remains unknown. Here, we investigate whether blocking the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and/or angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) beneficially alleviates renal tubular cell necroptosis and chronic kidney injury. In an angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced renal injury mouse model, we found that blocking AT1R and AT2R effectively mitigates Ang II-induced increases in necroptotic tubular epithelial cell percentages, necroptosis-related RIP3 and MLKL protein expression, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, and tubular damage scores. Furthermore, inhibition of AT1R and AT2R diminishes Ang II-induced necroptosis in HK-2 cells and the AT2 agonist CGP42112A increases the percentage of necroptotic HK-2 cells. In addition, the current study also demonstrates that Losartan and PD123319 effectively mitigated the Ang II-induced increases in Fas and FasL signaling molecule expression. Importantly, disruption of FasL significantly suppressed Ang II-induced increases in necroptotic HK-2 cell percentages, and necroptosis-related proteins. These results suggest that Fas and FasL, as subsequent signaling molecules of AT1R and AT2R, might involve in Ang II-induced necroptosis. Taken together, our results suggest that Ang II-induced necroptosis of renal tubular cell might be involved both AT1R and AT2R and the subsequent expression of Fas, FasL signaling. Thus, AT1R and AT2R might function as critical mediators.


2016 ◽  
Vol 311 (2) ◽  
pp. H404-H414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos M. Ferrario ◽  
Sarfaraz Ahmad ◽  
Jasmina Varagic ◽  
Che Ping Cheng ◽  
Leanne Groban ◽  
...  

Although it is well-known that excess renin angiotensin system (RAS) activity contributes to the pathophysiology of cardiac and vascular disease, tissue-based expression of RAS genes has given rise to the possibility that intracellularly produced angiotensin II (Ang II) may be a critical contributor to disease processes. An extended form of angiotensin I (Ang I), the dodecapeptide angiotensin-(1–12) [Ang-(1–12)], that generates Ang II directly from chymase, particularly in the human heart, reinforces the possibility that an alternative noncanonical renin independent pathway for Ang II formation may be important in explaining the mechanisms by which the hormone contributes to adverse cardiac and vascular remodeling. This review summarizes the work that has been done in evaluating the functional significance of Ang-(1–12) and how this substrate generated from angiotensinogen by a yet to be identified enzyme enhances knowledge about Ang II pathological actions.


2013 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oana Arcan ◽  
Alin Ciobica ◽  
Walther Bild ◽  
Bogdan Stoica ◽  
Lucian Hritcu ◽  
...  

SummaryIt has already been demonstrated that a complete brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) exists distinctly separate from the peripheral system and is implicated in complex functions such as memory, emotional responses and pain. Regarding the implications of angiotensin II (the main bioactive peptide of RAS) in pain, although there are many studies in this area of research, most of the results are controversial. Also, it seems that oxidative stress follows angiotensin II infusion, but the role of AT1 vs. AT2 receptors is not well established. In this context, we were interested in studying the effects of central RAS on nociception, through the intracerebroventricular administration of losartan and PD-123177 (antagonists for the AT1/AT2 receptors), as well as an ACE inhibitor (captopril) and also angiotensin II in rats, which were subsequently tested using the hot-plate task, a well known behavioral test for pain perception. We present here the analgesic effect of angiotensin II administration, as shown by in creased latency-time in the hot-plate, as well as a nociceptive effect of angiotensin II blockers like AT1 and AT2 specific antagonists (losartan and PD-123177) and an ACE inhibitor (captopril), as their administration resulted in decreased latency-time. Moreover, we demonstrated a significant correlation between the results of the nociceptive behavioral task and the levels of some main oxidative stress markers. This provides additional evidence for an analgesic effect of Ang II administration, as well as for a nociceptive effect of Ang II blockers. Moreover, a significant correlation between the nociception and angiotensin II-induced oxidative stress is presented.


1985 ◽  
Vol 248 (3) ◽  
pp. R371-R377 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Huang ◽  
M. J. Kluger ◽  
R. L. Malvin

The thermoregulatory role of brain angiotensin II (ANG II) was tested by intracerebroventricular (IVT) infusion of ANG II or the converting enzyme inhibitor SQ 20881 (SQ) in 15 conscious sheep. Deep body temperature decreased 0.30 +/- 0.07 degree C (SE) during the 3-h period of IVT ANG II (25 ng/min) infusion (P less than 0.05) and increased 0.50 +/- 0.13 degree C during IVT SQ (1 microgram/min) infusion (P less than 0.01). To determine whether the rise in body temperature after IVT SQ infusion might be the result of a central renin-angiotensin system (RAS), SQ was infused IVT in five conscious sheep 20 h after bilateral nephrectomy. This resulted in a significant rise in body temperature of 0.28 +/- 0.05 degree C (P less than 0.05). When vasopressin antidiuretic hormone (ADH) was infused intravenously at the same time of IVT SQ infusion, the rise in temperature was depressed, but ADH did not lower the temperature below basal. IVT dopamine (20 micrograms/min) increased body temperature by 0.40 +/- 0.04 degree C (P less than 0.01), which was qualitatively similar to the result with IVT SQ. These data support the hypothesis that endogenous brain ANG II may play a role in thermoregulation. Furthermore, plasma ADH level, regulated in part by brain ANG II, is probably not the mediator of that thermoregulation. The similar effects of IVT dopamine and SQ on body temperature strengthen the hypothesis that dopamine may be involved in the central action of brain ANG II.


F1000Research ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiri Pumprla ◽  
Kinga Howorka ◽  
Zuzana Kolackova ◽  
Eliska Sovova

Background and objective: The non-invasive reduction of subcutaneous abdominal fat became popular in the last decade. Radiofrequency (RF), non-contact, selective-field device Vanquish® has been developed to selectively induce deep fat tissue heating to reduce waist circumference. Our analysis evaluates immediate and sustained effects of this treatment on cardiovascular autonomic function and on selected metabolic parameters.Study design/patients and methods: A retrospective proof-of-concept analysis of RF treatment effects was conducted in 20 individuals with metabolic syndrome, to reduce the subcutaneous abdominal fat. Four 30-minutes treatment sessions (manufacturer´s standard protocol) were performed in 1-week intervals. Vital signs, ECG, lab screening, body composition, subcutaneous fat thickness and spectral analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) have been examined before, after the 1st and 4th treatment, and at follow-up visits 1 month and 3 months after the treatment.Results: The RF treatment led to a significant reduction of abdominal circumference after the 4th session (p<0.001), and during follow-up after 1 and 3 months (p<0.001 and p<0.02, resp.). There was a significant correlation (r=-0.58, p=0.007) between reduction of abdominal circumference and initial very-low frequency (VLF) spectral power at 1 month follow-up. A significant increase of cumulative spectral power in low frequency (p=0.02) and reduction in high frequency (p=0.05) band have been observed immediately (20+14 minutes) after the treatment. On the contrary, no sustained impact on autonomic balance has been recorded 39+18 days after the treatment. A significant correlation between the initial adiponectin values and immediate autonomic response to one treatment was observed in VLF and total spectral bands (r>0.59, p<0.04).Conclusions: Our analysis shows that the selective-field RF treatment is safe and efficient for reduction of subcutaneous abdominal fat. While the treatment increases the immediate sympathetic response of the body to deep tissue heating, no sustained change in autonomic function could be recorded at 1 month follow-up. The observed correlation between initial VLF spectral power and waist circumference reduction at follow-up, as well as the association of initial adiponectin values and immediate autonomic response to the treatment might be instrumental for decisions on body contouring strategies.


Hypertension ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 683-684
Author(s):  
Jorge P van Kats ◽  
David W Silversides ◽  
Timothy L Reudelhuber

33 Cardiac angiotensin II (Ang II), either derived from the circulation or locally synthesized, is often suggested to be involved in the structural adaptations occurring in the heart in hypertension and following myocardial infarction. However, it is debated whether the proven beneficial effects of renin-angiotensin system blockade in these pathologies are related to an inhibition of the direct cardiac actions of the peptide. The objective of the present study was to investigate which of the effects of cardiac Ang II are due to direct stimulation of cardiac cells by Ang II. To test for cardiac specific functions of Ang II, transgenic mice were developed that express an Ang II-releasing fusion protein (J Biol Chem 1997;272:12994-99) exclusively in cardiomyocytes. Blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac and plasma Ang II content, Ang II receptor binding and organ morphology were monitored in transgenic (TG) and non-transgenic littermate mice (control). Cardiac Ang II levels in TG mice were 20-40 fold higher than in hearts of control mice (15±3 pg/100 mg ww). In 3 independent founder lines of TG mice, plasma Ang II concentration was not altered as compared to control (119±20 vs. 127±20 pg/mL). The heart weight to body weight ratio in TG mice (4.0±0.1 mg/g) was not different from controls (3.8±0.1 mg/g), neither was systolic pressure (137±4 and 138±7 mm Hg respectively) or heart rate (618±13 and 662±15 bpm respectively). Microscopic inspection of TG hearts did not reveal any differences with control regarding size and number of cardiomyocytes and organization of extracellular matrix proteins. TG mice had not become less sensitive for Ang II signaling since Ang II receptor number was not altered in TG mice (Bmax = 23±3 fmol/mg protein) as compared to control (22±2 fmol/mg protein). Our data show that very high Ang II levels in hearts of TG mice do not lead to myocardial enlargement or affect cardiovascular physiology. We conclude that elevated Ang II in the heart has no direct effects on cardiac cells and we hypothesize that effects of cardiac Ang II become apparent upon altered hemodynamic loading.


1985 ◽  
Vol 248 (5) ◽  
pp. R541-R548
Author(s):  
B. S. Huang ◽  
R. L. Malvin ◽  
R. J. Grekin

The effects of intracerebroventricular (IVT) infusion of angiotensin II (ANG II), the converting enzyme inhibitor SQ 20881, and dopamine were studied in 15 conscious Na-depleted sheep. IVT ANG II (25 ng/min) significantly increased plasma aldosterone (163 +/- 24%) and vasopressin (ADH) (533 +/- 100%). Plasma renin activity (PRA) was decreased to 64 +/- 10% of basal. IVT SQ (1 microgram/min) decreased aldosterone to 70 +/- 10% and ADH to 55 +/- 9% of basal. PRA increased to 124 +/- 10%. There were no significant changes in plasma Na, K, or cortisol levels nor in mean arterial or intracranial pressure after either infusion. Increasing the dose of SQ to 10 micrograms/min resulted in an increased magnitude of change in the same variables. IVT SQ (1 microgram/min) significantly decreased aldosterone level in five nephrectomized sheep. The responses to IVT dopamine (20 micrograms/min) were qualitatively similar to those elicited by IVT SQ. These data support the existence of an endogenous brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) independent of the renal RAS. ANG II acts centrally to regulate plasma ADH, aldosterone, and PRA levels. The similarity of the responses to SQ and dopamine suggests that a dopaminergic pathway may be involved in these responses.


1991 ◽  
Vol 260 (6) ◽  
pp. R1200-R1209 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. L. Mattson ◽  
H. Raff ◽  
R. J. Roman

This study examined whether angiotensin II (ANG II) influences the pressure-natriuretic (PN) response by altering renal cortical or medullary hemodynamics. Studies were performed in Inactin-anesthetized rats that were acutely volume expanded to maintain plasma renin activity and ANG II levels in the physiological range. Neural influences on the kidney were eliminated by renal denervation, and plasma levels of norepinephrine, vasopressin, cortisol, and aldosterone were fixed by intravenous infusion. In control rats (n = 8), sodium excretion increased from 3 to 17 microeq.min-1.g kidney wt-1 as renal perfusion pressure (RPP) was elevated from 96 to 141 mmHg (n = 8). Captopril (2 mg/kg, n = 9) reduced plasma levels of ANG II from 48 +/- 5 to 18 +/- 2 pg/ml, but it did not alter the PN relationship. Infusion of ANG II (20 ng.kg-1.min-1, n = 9) increased plasma levels of ANG II to 232 +/- 42 pg/ml and shifted the PN relationship to the right by 14 mmHg. Captopril increased renal blood flow, and infusion of ANG II returned it to control. Captopril had no effect on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or glomerular capillary pressure (Pglom); however, subsequent ANG II infusion decreased Pglom from 56 +/- 2 to 48 +/- 2 mmHg and reduced GFR by 30%. Neither captopril nor ANG II altered papillary bloodflow or vasa recta capillary pressure at normal levels of RPP. These results indicate that the shift of the PN relationship during infusion of ANG II is due to a decrease in filtered load and enhanced tubular reabsorption of sodium. Acute blockade of the renin-angiotensin system had little effect on the PN response in volume-expanded rats despite affecting renal hemodynamics, because either the plasma and/or intrarenal levels of ANG II were already suppressed below those needed to influence tubular function or volume expansion inhibits tubular reabsorption in the nephron segments normally influenced by ANG II.


1995 ◽  
Vol 268 (2) ◽  
pp. F266-F272 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. Atiyeh ◽  
B. S. Arant ◽  
W. L. Henrich ◽  
M. G. Seikaly

The glomerulus has several components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of glomeruli isolated from adult Wistar-Kyoto rats to produce angiotensin II (ANG II). When isolated glomeruli were incubated in Krebs buffer, the peak concentration of immunoreactive angiotensin (ANG) in the incubation medium, representing simultaneous production and degradation, occurred after 15 min of incubation (3.98 +/- 0.34 pg.mg protein-1.15 min-1, of which 18% was ANG II. When 125I-labeled ANG II was incubated with isolated glomeruli, the half-life of ANG II was 6.06 min. Hence, we estimated ANG II production at 3.77 +/- 0.21 pg.mg protein-1.15 min-1. When angiotensinogen-rich serum was added to the incubation medium, ANG concentration at 15 min increased by 500-fold (1,978 +/- 44 pg.mg protein-1.15 min-1, P < 0.001). ANG concentration in the glomerular incubate responded to perturbations known to alter systemic RAS. Enalaprilat, chymostatin, propranolol, and renin antiserum decreased ANG concentration in glomerular incubate, whereas salt depletion increased this (P < 0.05). We conclude that the rat glomerulus can generate ANG II independent of neural, hormonal, or vascular control.


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