scholarly journals Differential expression of angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptors at the maternal–fetal interface: potential roles in early placental development

Reproduction ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 140 (6) ◽  
pp. 931-942 ◽  
Author(s):  
C L Tower ◽  
S Lui ◽  
N R Charlesworth ◽  
S D Smith ◽  
J D Aplin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Trophoblast Invasion ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Hofbauer Cells ◽  
Maternal Fetal Interface

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is locally generated in the placenta and regulates syncytial transport, vascular contractility and trophoblast invasion. It acts through two receptor subtypes, AGTR1 and AGTR2 (AT1 and AT2), which typically mediate antagonising actions. The objectives of this study are to characterise the cellular distribution of AGTR1 and AGTR2 at the maternal–fetal interface and explore the effects on cytotrophoblast turnover. Low levels ofAGTR2mRNA were detected in first trimester placental homogenates using real-time PCR. Immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies against AGTR1 and AGTR2 detected the receptors in first trimester placenta, decidua basalis and villous tip outgrowths in culture. Serial staining with cytokeratin-7 was used to identify extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). AGTR1 was found in the syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane, in a subpopulation of villous cytotrophoblasts, and in Hofbauer cells. AGTR1 was strongly upregulated in cytotrophoblasts in cell columns and villous tip outgrowths, but was absent in interstitial and endovascular EVTs within the decidua. AGTR2 immunostaining was present in Hofbauer cells and villous cytotrophoblasts, but was absent from syncytiotrophoblast. Faint staining was detected in cell column cytotrophoblasts and villous outgrowths, but not in EVTs within the decidua. Both receptors were detected in placental homogenates by western blotting. Ang II significantly increased proliferation of cytotrophoblasts in both villous explants and villous tip outgrowths, but did not affect apoptosis. Blockade of AGTR1 and AGTR2 together abrogated this effect. This study shows specific expression patterns for AGTR1 and AGTR2 in distinct trophoblast populations at the maternal–fetal interface and suggests that Ang II plays a role in placental development and generation of EVTs.

scholarly journals Temporal Changes of the Endothelin System in Human Cytotrophoblasts During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

2018 ◽  
pp. S247-S255 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. MAJALI-MARTINEZ ◽  
S. BARTH ◽  
U. LANG ◽  
G. DESOYE ◽  
M. CERVAR-ZIVKOVIC
Keyword(s):  
First Trimester ◽  
Temporal Changes ◽  
Trophoblast Invasion ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Receptor System ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Endothelin System ◽  
First Trimester Of Pregnancy ◽  
Proliferation And Invasion

The first trimester of pregnancy is characterized by continuous proliferation, invasion and differentiation of cytotrophoblasts. These processes are precisely controlled both, in space and time by molecules such as endothelin-1 (ET-1). ET-1 is expressed in human first trimester trophoblast and is known to stimulate cytotrophoblast proliferation through endothelin A and B receptor subtypes (ETA and ETB), and cytotrophoblast invasion through ETB. However, temporal changes of the ET system during the first trimester of pregnancy have not been previously studied. This study tested the hypothesis that ET-1 release, ETA and ETB expression are increased towards the end of the first trimester of pregnancy (weeks 10-12 vs. weeks 6-9), resulting in increased cytotrophoblast proliferation and invasion. Tissue samples were obtained from 17 surgical pregnancy interruptions (week 6-9: n=9; week 10-12: n=8). After cytotrophoblast isolation, the invasive and proliferative phenotypes were immune-separated by an α6-integrin antibody. Both proliferative and invasive cytotrophoblasts were cultured separately on plastic or Matrigel for 24 h. ET-1 release into the culture medium of both cytotrophoblast subtypes was measured by radioimmunoassay. ETA and ETB mRNA expression was measured by RT-PCR, and the ET-1 effect on cytotrophoblast proliferation and invasion was determined using proliferation and invasion assays, respectively. ET-1 release increased from early to late first trimester of pregnancy in both proliferative (1.8-4.5 fold) and invasive cytotrophoblasts (9.3-28 fold), especially when cultured on Matrigel. This was paralleled by less ETB mRNA on invasive cytotrophoblasts independent of the time period in first trimester, whereas ETA expression was similar on proliferative an invasive cytotrophoblasts. Proliferation and invasion of cytotrophoblasts under control conditions decreased from early to late first trimester. ET-1 stimulated both processes at both periods with the most pronounced effect (7-fold) on invasion in late first trimester. The ET-1/ET-receptor system changes between weeks 6-9 and 10-12 in pregnancy. Our data suggest an autocrine and endocrine ET-1 effect, which is stronger in late than in early first trimester of pregnancy paralleled by different stimulatory effects on trophoblast invasion and proliferation. In general, this suggests time as an additional effector of the critical processes governing placental development in the first trimester of human pregnancy.

Tissue specific expression of vascular smooth muscle angiotensin II receptor subtypes during ovine pregnancy

1996 ◽  
Vol 271 (1) ◽  
pp. H212-H221 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. E. Cox ◽  
C. R. Rosenfeld ◽  
J. E. Kalinyak ◽  
R. R. Magness ◽  
P. W. Shaul
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Angiotensin Ii Receptor ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
At1 Receptors ◽  
Mammary Arteries ◽  
At2 Receptors

Uteroplacentral responses to infused angiotensin II (ANG II) are less than those elicited by systemic vasculature. This does not reflect ANG II receptor (AT) downregulation but may reflect differences in AT-receptor subtypes expressed. We examined AT-receptor subtypes in smooth muscle (SM) from uterine (UA), mesenteric, renal, and mammary arteries and aorta from nulliparous (n = 12), pregnant (n = 18; 105-140 days, term = 145 days), postpartum (n = 5; 6-9 days after delivery), and nonpregnant parous (n = 14) ewes by assessing displacement of 125I-labeled ANG II binding by [Sar1, Ile8]ANG II (AT1 and AT2), losartan (AT1) PD-123319 (AT2), and CGP-42112A (AT2). AT2 receptors accounted for 75-90% of total binding in UA. Except for mammary arteries, other arteries expressed only AT1 receptors. Receptor subtype expression was not altered by reproductive state in any artery studied. With the use of autoradiography, AT2 receptors appear to predominate in media of small intramyometrial arteries, whereas AT1 receptors predominate in the luminal portion. We therefore determined which subtype mediates endothelium-derived ANG II-induced increases in UA PGI2 synthesis during pregnancy. ANG II (0.05 microM) increased PGI2 synthesis 62%, from 214 +/- 13 to 346 +/- 23 pg.mg-1.h-1 (P < 0.05). Losartan (1.0 microM) inhibited the rise in PGI2 (257 +/- 24 vs. 238 +/- 25 pg.mg-1.h-1), whereas 1.0 microM PD-123319 had no effect (231 +/- 23 vs. 337 +/- 31 pg.mg-1.h-1; P < 0.05). AT2 receptors do not mediate ANG II-induced vasoconstriction, thus differences in uteroplacental and systemic sensitivity to ANG II may reflect predominance of AT2 receptors in UASM and ANG II-induced increases in UA prostacyclin synthesis by endothelial AT1 receptors.

Capn4 aggravates angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy by activating the IGF-AKT signaling pathway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanping Cao ◽  
Qun Wang ◽  
Caiyun Liu ◽  
Wenjun Wang ◽  
Songqing Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Cardiac Hypertrophy ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Akt Signaling ◽  
Calpain Inhibitor ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Akt Signaling Pathway ◽  
Calpain Activity

Abstract Capn4 belongs to a family of calpains that participate in a wide variety of biological functions, but little is known about the role of Capn4 in cardiac disease. Here, we show that the expression of Capn4 was significantly increased in Angiotensin II (Ang II)-treated cardiomyocytes and Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophic mouse hearts. Importantly, in agreement with the Capn4 expression patterns, the maximal calpain activity measured in heart homogenates was elevated in Ang II-treated mice, and oral coadministration of SNJ-1945 (calpain inhibitor) attenuated the total calpain activity measured in vitro. Functional assays indicated that overexpression of Capn4 obviously aggravated Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy, whereas Capn4 knockdown resulted in the opposite phenotypes. Further investigation demonstrated that Capn4 maintained the activation of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-AKT signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes by increasing c-Jun expression. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Capn4 directly bound and stabilized c-Jun, and knockdown of Capn4 increased the ubiquitination level of c-Jun in cardiomyocytes. Additionally, our results demonstrated that the antihypertrophic effect of Capn4 silencing was partially dependent on the inhibition of c-Jun. Overall, these data suggested that Capn4 contributes to cardiac hypertrophy by enhancing the c-Jun-mediated IGF-AKT signaling pathway and could be a potential therapeutic target for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Angiotensin II induces apoptosis in human and rat alveolar epithelial cells

1999 ◽  
Vol 276 (5) ◽  
pp. L885-L889 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rongqi Wang ◽  
Alex Zagariya ◽  
Olivia Ibarra-Sunga ◽  
Claudia Gidea ◽  
Edmund Ang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽  
Enzyme Inhibitor ◽  
Alveolar Epithelial Cells ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Converting Enzyme ◽  
Alveolar Epithelial

Recent work from this laboratory demonstrated potent inhibition of apoptosis in human alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) by the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril [B. D. Uhal, C. Gidea, R. Bargout, A. Bifero, O. Ibarra-Sunga, M. Papp, K. Flynn, and G. Filippatos. Am. J. Physiol. 275 ( Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 19): L1013–L1017, 1998]. On this basis, we hypothesized that apoptosis in this cell type might be induced by angiotensin II (ANG II) through its interaction with the ANG II receptor. Purified ANG II induced dose-dependent apoptosis in both the human AEC-derived A549 cell line and in primary type II pneumocytes isolated from adult Wistar rats as detected by nuclear and chromatin morphology, caspase-3 activity, and increased binding of annexin V. Apoptosis also was induced in primary rat AECs by purified angiotensinogen. The nonselective ANG II-receptor antagonist saralasin completely abrogated both ANG II- and angiotensinogen-induced apoptosis at a concentration of 50 μg/ml. With RT-PCR, both cell types expressed the ANG II-receptor subtypes 1 and 2 and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). The nonthiol ACE inhibitor lisinopril blocked apoptosis induced by angiotensinogen, but not apoptosis induced by purified ANG II. These data demonstrate the presence of a functional ANG II-dependent pathway for apoptosis in human and rat AECs and suggest a role for the ANG II receptor and ACE in the induction of AEC apoptosis in vivo.

scholarly journals Differential Expression of Melatonin Receptor Subtypes MelIa, MelIb and MelIc in Relation to Melatonin Binding in the Male Songbird Brain

2014 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonida Fusani ◽  
Manfred Gahr
Keyword(s):  
Expression Patterns ◽  
General Pattern ◽  
Passerine Bird ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Melatonin Receptor ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Specific Expression

Previous autoradiography studies illustrated that several areas of the avian brain can bind the pineal hormone melatonin. In birds, there are three melatonin receptor (MelR) subtypes: MelIa, MelIb and MelIc. To date, their brain distribution has not been studied in any passerine bird. Therefore, we investigated mRNA distribution of MelR subtypes in adjacent sections of the brain of two songbirds, the blackcap and the zebra finch, in parallel with that of 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin (IMEL) binding sites in the same brains. The general pattern of receptor expression shown by in situ hybridization of species-specific probes matched well with that of IMEL binding. However, the expression of the three subtypes was area specific with similar patterns in the two species. Some brain areas expressed only one receptor subtype, most brain regions co-expressed either MelIa with MelIb or MelIa with MelIc, whereas few areas expressed MelIb and MelIc or all three receptor subtypes. Since many sensory areas, most thalamic areas and subareas of the neopallium, a cortex analogue, express MelR, it is likely that most sensory motor integration functions are melatonin sensitive. Further, the area-specific expression patterns suggest that the regulatory role of melatonin differs among different brain areas. Since subareas of well-defined neural circuits, such as the visual system or the song control system, are equipped with different receptor types, we hypothesize a diversity of functions for melatonin in the control of sensory integration and behavior.

Angiotensin II receptor subtypes determine induced NO production in rat glomerular mesangial cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (6) ◽  
pp. F1092-F1100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg Schwöbel ◽  
Tina Fischer ◽  
Bettina Lanz ◽  
Markus Mohaupt
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Mesangial Cells ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
No Production ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Glomerular Mesangial Cells ◽  
Nitrite Production ◽  
The Impact

Angiotensin II (ANG II) and nitric oxide (NO) have contrasting vascular effects, yet both sustain inflammatory responses. We investigated the impact of ANG II on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon-γ (IFN)-induced NO production in cultured rat mesangial cells (MCs). LPS/IFN-induced nitrite production, the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (NOS-2) mRNA, and protein expression were dose dependently inhibited by ANG II on coincubation, which was abolished on ANG II type 2 (AT2) receptor blockade by PD-123319. Homology-based RT-PCR verified the presence of AT1A, AT1B, and AT2 receptors. To shift the AT receptor expression toward the type 1 receptor, two sets of experiments were performed: LPS/IFN preincubation for 24 h was followed by 8-h coincubation with ANG II; or during 24-h coincubation of LPS/IFN and ANG II, dexamethasone was added for the last 6-h period. Both led to an amplified overall expression of NOS-2 protein and NO production that was inhibitable by actinomycin D in the first setup. Induced NO production was enhanced via the AT1 receptor; however, it was diminished via the AT2 receptor. In conclusion, induced NO production is negatively controlled by the AT2, whereas AT1 receptor stimulation enhanced NO synthesis in MCs. The overall NO availability depended on the onset of the inflammatory stimuli with respect to ANG II exposure and the available AT receptors.

scholarly journals Regulation of angiotensin II receptors and extracellular matrix turnover in human retinal pigment epithelium: role of angiotensin II

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (6) ◽  
pp. C1633-C1646 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary E. Striker ◽  
Francoiçe Praddaude ◽  
Oscar Alcazar ◽  
Scott W. Cousins ◽  
Maria E. Marin-Castaño
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Type Iv Collagen ◽  
Pigment Epithelium ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Type Iv

The early stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is characterized by the formation of subretinal pigment epithelium (RPE) deposits as a result of the dysregulation in the turnover of extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules. However, the mechanism involved remains unclear. Hypertension (HTN) is an important risk factor for AMD, and angiotensin II (ANG II) is the most important hormone associated with HTN. However, the relevance of ANG II receptors and ANG II effects on RPE have not been investigated yet. Therefore, the expression and regulation of ANG II receptors as well as the ECM turnover were studied in human RPE. ANG II receptors were expressed and upregulated by ANG II in human RPE. This regulation resulted in functional receptor expression, since an increase in intracellular concentration of calcium was observed upon ANG II stimulation. ANG II also increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity and MMP-14 at the mRNA and protein levels as well as type IV collagen degradation. These ANG II effects were abolished in the presence of the ANG II receptor subtype 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist candesartan. In contrast, ANG II decreased type IV collagen via both AT1 and AT2 receptors, suggesting a synergistic effect of the two receptor subtypes. In conclusion, we have confirmed the presence of ANG II receptors in human RPE and their regulation by ANG II as well as the regulation of ECM molecules via ANG II receptors. Our data support the hypothesis that ANG II may exert biological function in RPE through ANG II receptors and that ANG II may cause dysregulation of molecules that play a major role in the turnover of ECM in RPE basement membrane and Bruch's membrane, suggesting a pathogenic mechanism to explain the link between HTN and AMD.

scholarly journals Effects of adiponectin on human trophoblast invasion

2010 ◽  
Vol 207 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delphine Benaitreau ◽  
Esther Dos Santos ◽  
Marie-Christine Leneveu ◽  
Nadia Alfaidy ◽  
Jean-Jacques Feige ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
First Trimester ◽  
Extravillous Trophoblast ◽  
Trophoblast Invasion ◽  
Placental Development ◽  
Independent Manner ◽  
Human Trophoblast ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
First Trimester Of Pregnancy ◽  
Insight Into

Adiponectin is an adipokine with insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, and anti-proliferative effects. The expression of specific adiponectin receptors in the placenta and in the endometrium suggests a role for this cytokine in placental development, but this role has not yet been elucidated. The invasion of trophoblast cells during the first trimester of pregnancy being crucial to placentation process, we have studied adiponectin effects on human trophoblast invasive capacities. We found that adiponectin stimulated human trophoblast cell migration in HTR-8/SVneo cells in a dose-independent manner. In addition, adiponectin also significantly enhanced invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells and of human extravillous trophoblast from first trimester placenta. These pro-invasive effects of adiponectin in human trophoblasts seem to be mediated in part via increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) activities and via repression of TIMP2 mRNA expression. Our results suggest that adiponectin could be a positive regulator of the early invasion process by modulating the MMP/TIMP balance. Moreover, these results provide an insight into the role of adiponectin in pathological conditions characterized by insufficient or excessive trophoblast invasion.

scholarly journals Estrogen Receptor β: An Overview and Update

2008 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. nrs.06003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunyan Zhao ◽  
Karin Dahlman-Wright ◽  
Jan-Åke Gustafsson
Keyword(s):  
Estrogen Receptor ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Estrogen Signaling ◽  
Receptor Subtypes ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Microarray Experiments ◽  
Downstream Target ◽  
Animal Disease Models ◽  
Selective Ligands

The discovery of a second estrogen receptor (ER), designated ERβ (NR3A2), has redefined our knowledge about the mechanisms underlying cellular signaling by estrogens and has broad implications for our understanding of regulation of estrogen-responsive tissues. Highly variable and even contrasting effects of estrogens in different tissues seem to be at least partially explained by different estrogen signaling pathways, involving ERα (NR3A1) and/or ERβ. To date, two key conclusions can be drawn from the significant body of work carried out on the specific roles of the two receptor subtypes in diverse estrogen target tissues. First, ERα and ERβ have different biological functions, as indicated by their specific expression patterns and the distinct phenotypes observed in ERα and ERβ knockout (αERKO and βERKO) mice. Second, ERα and ERβ appear to have overlapping but also unique sets of downstream target genes, as judged from a set of microarray experiments. Thus, ERα and ERβ have different transcriptional activities in certain ligand, cell-type, and promoter contexts, which may help to explain some of the major differences in their tissue-specific biological actions. The phenotypes observed for βERKO mice have suggested certain therapeutic areas to be further explored. The development of ERβ-selective ligands active in animal disease models indicates new avenues for clinical exploration. ERβ agonists are being explored and validated as drugs for a growing number of indications. Hopefully, some ERβ targeted drugs will prove to be efficient in enhancing human health.

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