Showing papers on "Angiotensin II published in 1986"

Left ventricular filling dynamics: influence of left ventricular relaxation and left atrial pressure.

Abstract: Peak rapid filling rate (PRFR) is often used clinically as an index of left ventricular relaxation, i.e., of early diastolic function. This study tests the hypothesis that early filling rate is a function of the atrioventricular pressure difference and hence is influenced by the left atrial pressure as well as by the rate of left ventricular relaxation. As indexes, we chose the left atrial pressure at the atrioventricular pressure crossover (PCO), and the time constant (T) of an assumed exponential decline in left ventricular pressure. We accurately determined the magnitude and timing of filling parameters in conscious dogs by direct measurement of phasic mitral flow (electromagnetically) and high-fidelity chamber pressures. To obtain a diverse hemodynamic data base, loading conditions were changed by infusions of volume and angiotensin II. The latter was administered to produce a change in left ventricular pressure of less than 35% (A-1) or a change in peak left ventricular pressure of greater than 35% (A-2). PRFR increased with volume loading, was unchanged with A-1, and was decreased with A-2; T and PCO increased in all three groups (p less than .005 for all changes). PRFR correlated strongly with the diastolic atrioventricular pressure difference at the time of PRFR (r = .899, p less than .001) and weakly with both T (r = .369, p less than .01) and PCO (r = .601, p less than .001). The correlation improved significantly when T and PCO were both included in the multivariate regression (r = .797, p less than .0001). PRFR is thus determined by both the left atrial pressure and the left ventricular relaxation rate and should be used with caution as an index of left ventricular diastolic function.

Prognostic importance of serum sodium concentration and its modification by converting-enzyme inhibition in patients with severe chronic heart failure.

Abstract: Although past reports have identified a variety of prognostic factors in patients with severe chronic heart failure, previous studies have not evaluated the interaction of prognostic variables and drug treatment. We analyzed the association of 30 clinical, hemodynamic, and biochemical variables with survival in 203 consecutive patients with severe heart failure; all variables were assessed just before initiation of treatment with a variety of vasodilator drugs, and all patients were subsequently followed for 6 to 94 months. By regression analysis, pretreatment serum sodium concentration was the most powerful predictor of cardiovascular mortality, with hyponatremic patients having a substantially shorter median survival than did patients with a normal serum sodium concentration (164 vs 373 days, p = .006). The unfavorable prognosis for hyponatremic patients appeared to be related to the marked elevation of plasma renin activity that we noted in these individuals (10.0 +/- 2.0 ng/ml/hr), since hyponatremic patients fared significantly better when treated with angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitors than when treated with vasodilator drugs that did not interfere with angiotensin II biosynthesis (median survival 232 vs 108 days, p = .003). In contrast, there was no selective benefit of converting-enzyme inhibition on the survival of patients with a normal serum sodium concentration, in whom plasma renin activity was low (1.9 +/- 0.3 ng/ml/hr). This interaction between serum sodium concentration, drug treatment, and long-term outcome suggests that the renin-angiotensin system may exert a deleterious effect on the survival of some patients with chronic heart failure, which can be antagonized by converting enzyme inhibition, and provides a clinical counterpart for the similar prognostic role that has been postulated for angiotensin II in experimental preparations of heart failure.

Vasoconstriction: a new activity for platelet-derived growth factor.

Abstract: Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a potent mitogen for vascular smooth muscle cells that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The potential role of PDGF in the altered vasoreactivity of atherosclerotic vessels has been studied through an examination of its effects on contractility in the rat aorta. PDGF caused a concentration-dependent contraction of aortic strips and was significantly more potent on a molar basis than the classic vasoconstrictor peptide angiotensin II. Furthermore, PDGF increased the cytosolic free calcium concentration in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells. These observations suggest a new biological activity for PDGF that may contribute to the enhanced vasoreactivity of certain atherosclerotic vessels.

Blood levels and renal effects of atrial natriuretic peptide in normal man.

Abstract: Since mammalian atria were recently found to contain vasoactive and natriuretic peptides, we investigated the following in normal humans: plasma human atrial natriuretic peptide concentrations, effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urinary water and electrolyte excretion, blood pressure (BP), and catecholamine, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), angiotensin II, and aldosterone levels before, during, and after intravenous administration of the newly synthetized alpha-human atrial natriuretic peptide (alpha hANP). In 10 subjects alpha hANP given as an initial bolus of 50 micrograms followed by a 45-min maintenance infusion at 6.25 micrograms/min increased plasma alpha hANP from 58 +/- 12 to 625 +/- 87 (mean +/- SEM) pg/ml; caused an acute fall in diastolic BP (-12%, P less than 0.001) and a hemoconcentration (hematocrit +7%, P less than 0.01) not fully explained by a negative body fluid balance; increased GFR (+15%, P less than 0.05) despite unchanged or decreased ERPF (filtration fraction +37%, P less than 0.001); augmented (P less than 0.05- less than 0.001) urinary chloride (+317%), sodium (+224%), calcium (+158%), magnesium (+110%), phosphate excretion (+88%), and free water clearance (from -0.76 to +2.23 ml/min, P less than 0.001) with only little change in potassium excretion; and increased plasma norepinephrine (P less than 0.001) while plasma and urinary epinephrine and dopamine, and plasma ADH, angiotensin II, and aldosterone levels were unchanged. The magnitude and pattern of electrolyte and water excretion during alpha hANP infusion could not be accounted for by increased GFR alone. Therefore, in normal man, endogenous alpha hANP seems to circulate in blood. alpha hANP can cause a BP reduction and hemoconcentration which occur, at least in part, independently of diuresis and are accompanied by sympathetic activation. An increase in GFR that occurs in the presence of unchanged or even decreased total renal blood flow is an important but not sole mechanism of natriuresis and diuresis induced by alpha hANP in man.

Effect of captopril on kidney function in insulin-dependent diabetic patients with nephropathy.

Abstract: The influence of angiotensin II on kidney function in diabetic nephropathy was assessed by studying the effect of 12 weeks' monotherapy with captopril (25-50 mg twice a day) in 16 hypertensive insulin dependent diabetic patients with persistent albuminuria. In an initial one week randomised single blind trial of captopril versus placebo, captopril (for nine patients) reduced arterial blood pressure from 148/94 (SD11/6) to 135/88 (8/7) mm Hg (p less than 0.05) and albuminuria from 1549 (range 352-2238) to 1170 (297-2198) micrograms/min (p less than 0.05), while glomerular filtration rate remained stable. No significant changes occurred in seven patients treated with placebo. During the 12 weeks of captopril treatment arterial blood pressure in all patients fell from 147/94 (11/6) to 135/86 (13/7) mm Hg (p less than 0.01), albuminuria fell from 1589 (range 168-2588) to 1075 (35-2647) micrograms/min (p less than 0.01), and glomerular filtration rate fell from 99 (SD19) to 93 (25) ml/min/1.73 m2 (p less than 0.01). The renin-angiotensin system showed suppressed plasma concentrations of angiotensin II and increased concentrations of angiotensin I and renin. The study showed that glomerular filtration rate is not dependent on angiotensin II, that captopril reduces albuminuria, probably by lowering glomerular hypertension, and that captopril represents a valuable new drug for treating hypertension in diabetics dependent on insulin with nephropathy.

Control of sodium excretion by angiotensin II: intrarenal mechanisms and blood pressure regulation

Abstract: Angiotensin II (ANG II) is one of the body's most powerful regulators of Na excretion, operating through extrarenal mechanisms, such as stimulation of aldosterone secretion, as well as intrarenal mechanisms. Considerable evidence suggests that the intrarenal actions of ANG II are quantitatively more important than changes in aldosterone secretion in the normal day-to-day regulation of Na balance and arterial pressure. ANG II at physiological concentrations increases proximal tubular reabsorption, but further studies are needed to determine whether ANG II also has an important effect on more distal tubular segments. ANG II also markedly constricts efferent arterioles, tending to increase Na reabsorption by altering peritubular capillary physical forces and also helping to prevent excessive decreases in glomerular filtration rate. ANG II may also decrease Na excretion and increase urine concentrating ability by reducing renal medullary blood flow. Regulation of Na excretion by ANG II is closely linked with arterial pressure control and volume homeostasis through the renal pressure natriuresis mechanism. Under many physiological conditions, such as changes in Na intake, ANG II greatly multiplies the effectiveness of the pressure natriuresis mechanism to prevent fluctuations in body fluid volume and arterial pressure. In circumstances associated with circulatory depression, such as decreased cardiac function, reductions in blood pressure and increased ANG II formation cause Na retention until arterial pressure is restored to normal. However, in pathophysiological conditions in which ANG II is inappropriately elevated, increased arterial pressure (hypertension) is required for the kidney to "escape" the potent antinatriuretic actions of ANG II and to return Na excretion to normal via the pressure natriuresis mechanism.

Interstitial cells of the heart valves possess characteristics similar to smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: Interstitial cells of heart atrioventricular and sigmoid valves were examined in several laboratory animals (rabbit, hamster, rat, and mouse) and in humans. These cells constitute a large fraction of the total cell population of the valve; in mouse atrioventricular valves, they amount to approximately 30% of the volumetric density. By their ultrastructural features and functional properties, valvular interstitial cells are intermediate between fibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells. Like fibroblasts, valvular interstitial cells lack a basal lamina establishing direct and extensive contacts with collagen fibers, elastin microfibrils, and proteoglycans of the matrix. The cells have numerous slender and long processes, connected to one another, forming a complex cellular framework spanning the entire valve. Similar to smooth muscle cells, valvular interstitial cells are extensively coupled by communicating junctions as shown by thin sections, freeze-fracture, lanthanum staining, and carboxyfluorescein microinjection. The cells contain numerous bundles of actin filaments, which are decorated by the S1 fragment of heavy meromyosin. Valvular interstitial cells also express cyclic guanosine-monophosphate-dependent protein kinase, as detected by immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase histochemistry. Motor nerve endings are located closely apposed to valvular interstitial cells: structurally most of them appear to be of the adrenergic type. Valvular interstitial cells contract on epinephrine or angiotensin II stimulation as shown both in culture and in situ (valvular strips). Taken together these observations suggest that VIC may have contractile properties, which can account for a controlled tonus, actively correlated with the cyclically changing forces acting on valves during diastole and systole.

Beneficial effects of the converting enzyme inhibitor, ramipril, in ischemic rat hearts.

Abstract: Components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have been found in heart tissue and it is likely that angiotensin II (ANG II) is generated locally in the heart as in other organs Pharmacological interference with converting enzyme (CE) inhibitors reduced CE activity and ANG II generation in the heart To investigate whether local inhibition of CE in the heart with the CE inhibitor ramipril might contribute to the therapeutic effects, experiments were performed in isolated perfused working rat hearts Acute regional myocardial ischemia was induced by occlusion of the left coronary artery followed by reperfusion In ischemic isolated rat hearts, both single oral pretreatment with ramipril (1 mg/kg) or perfusion with the active moiety, ramiprilat (10 micrograms/ml), protected against ventricular fibrillation, which invariably occurred in control hearts during reperfusion Reperfusion arrhythmias were aggravated by perfusion with ANG I and ANG II, but prevented by bradykinin ANG I-enhanced ventricular fibrillations were completely eliminated during local CE inhibition with ramipril The CE inhibitor also improved cardiodynamics Coronary flow, left ventricular pressure, dp/dtmax, and myocardial oxygen consumption were increased in comparison to controls without changes in heart rate In the perfusate of treated hearts, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase activities and lactate production, were reduced Myocardial tissue levels of glycogen, ATP, and creatine phosphate were increased in ramipril-pretreated hearts whereas lactate was decreased The results of these experiments in rat hearts suggest that local inhibition of CE by ramipril exerts protective effects after ischemia and reperfusion by reducing arrhythmias and improving cardiac function and metabolism, thus probably contributing to the therapeutic effects of CE inhibitors in cardiovascular diseases

Reduction of reperfusion arrhythmias in the ischemic isolated rat heart by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors: a comparison of captopril, enalapril, and HOE 498.

Abstract: The effects of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors captopril, enalapril, HOE 498, and its prodrug on reperfusion arrhythmias after 15 min of coronary ligation were investigated in the isolated rat heart. Drug concentrations were equipotent in their effect on angiotensin I pressor response. Furthermore, the effect of indomethacin on ACE inhibition with captopril was studied. Upon reperfusion, ventricular fibrillation occurred in all untreated hearts, in all prodrug HOE 498-treated hearts (15 micrograms/ml), and in 4 of 6 of the enalapril-treated (8 micrograms/ml) hearts. In contrast, in only 2 of 6 (p less than 0.002) of the HOE 498-treated hearts (15 micrograms/ml) and in none (p less than 0.001) of the captopril-treated hearts (80 micrograms/ml) did ventricular fibrillation occur. A massive purine overflow was observed in untreated hearts upon reperfusion. This overflow was significantly reduced by captopril and HOE 498, whereas enalapril and prodrug HOE 498 had no significant effect. Concomitantly, the pressure-rate index was severely impaired after 30 min of reperfusion in the untreated, enalapril, and prodrug HOE 498 groups (33 +/- 9, 52 +/- 11, and 48 +/- 12% of initial values, respectively), but captopril and HOE 498 significantly reduced the impairment of mechanical function (124 +/- 9% and 98 +/- 9%, respectively). In contrast to enalapril and prodrug HOE 498, captopril and HOE 498 markedly reduced noradrenaline overflow during the first minutes of reperfusion. No angiotensin II was detectable in the coronary effluent of untreated hearts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vascular renin-angiotensin system in two-kidney, one clip hypertensive rats.

Abstract: The possible role of the renin-angiotensin system in the maintenance of hypertension in two-kidney, one clip hypertensive rats was studied. Plasma renin activity rose rapidly and markedly in association with the elevation of blood pressure and then decreased gradually, although blood pressure remained high. Renin activity in the lung, aorta, and mesenteric artery also increased with the development of hypertension and then decreased in a way similar to that of plasma renin activity at the chronic stage of hypertension. Plasma angiotensin converting enzyme activity did not change significantly until 16 weeks after unilateral renal artery clipping, whereas vascular angiotensin converting enzyme activity significantly increased at the chronic, but not the acute, stage of hypertension. In chronically renal hypertensive rats, 1-sarcosine, 8-isoleucine angiotensin II or enalapril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, lowered the blood pressure and enalapril also lowered the angiotensin converting enzyme activity of vascular tissues. The constrictor effect of angiotensin I was greater in isolated arteries from chronically hypertensive rats than in those from age-matched normotensive rats. These results suggest that the vascular renin-angiotensin system plays an important role in the maintenance of two-kidney, one clip hypertension. Elevated vascular angiotensin converting enzyme activity appears to increase local production of angiotensin II, which results in vasoconstriction by acting directly and indirectly through adrenergic nerves on vascular smooth muscle.

Multiple factors contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension in Cushing's syndrome.

Abstract: The mechanisms causing high blood pressure in patients with Cushing's syndrome were investigated by measurements of humoral factors and pharmacological maneuvers. Twelve patients with adrenal adenomas were studied. The mean systolic and diastolic pressures of the patients were 171 +/- 28 and 109 +/- 15 mm Hg (+/- SEM), respectively, which were significantly higher than those of normal subjects. PRA, plasma renin concentration, plasma renin substrate, plasma cortisol, plasma aldosterone, urinary kallikrein, and urinary prostaglandin E2 were measured as the humoral factors. PC values were markedly elevated in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Among the components of the renin-angiotensin system, only plasma renin substrate was increased. Urinary kallikrein and prostaglandin E2 were decreased in patients with Cushing's syndrome. Oral administration of captopril lowered blood pressure, but infusion of an angiotensin II analog did not. Furthermore, the pressor responses to infusion of both norepinephrine and angiotensin II were increased. We conclude that blood pressure is elevated in patients with Cushing's syndrome because they have enhanced pressor responses to vasoactive substances, suppression of depressor systems, and some abnormalities of the renin-angiotensin system.

Hypotension induced by passive head-up tilt: endocrine and circulatory mechanisms

Abstract: Circulatory changes and arterial plasma hormone concentrations were measured in seven healthy young adults during 30 and 60 degrees passive head-up tilt with the subjects supported by a saddle. The 30 degrees tilt induced a decrease in pulse pressure (Pp) from 45 +/- 2 to 35 +/- 4 (mean +/- SE) mmHg concomitant with an increase in heart rate (HR) from 58 +/- 4 to 78 +/- 8 beats/min and a marginal increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP). Norepinephrine increased from 180 +/- 20 to 310 +/- 40 pg/ml, aldosterone increased fivefold, and angiotensin II increased from 8 +/- 2 to 22 +/- 7 pg/ml. The 60 degrees tilt initially produced changes, which were qualitatively similar to the 30 degrees tilt. However, after 19 +/- 3 min sudden decreases were seen in MAP (94 +/- 3 to 50 +/- 8 mmHg), in Pp (38 +/- 5 to 18 +/- 4 mmHg), and in HR (90 +/- 7 to 57 +/- 6 beats/min). Concomitantly, epinephrine doubled while norepinephrine remained unchanged; the vagally controlled hormone pancreatic polypeptide increased from 29 +/- 3 to 51 +/- 8 pmol/l, vasopressin from 4 +/- 1 to 126 +/- 58 pg/ml, and angiotensin II from 23 +/- 9 to 35 +/- 12 pg/ml. The hypotensive bradycardiac episode was immediately reversible on termination of the head-up tilt.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Renal and systemic hemodynamic effects of synthetic atrial natriuretic peptide in the anesthetized rat.

Abstract: To characterize the hemodynamic events responsible for alterations in renal function during administration of atrial natriuretic peptide, we studied the systemic, renal, and glomerular circulatory effects of intravenous rANP[126-149], administered as a 4 micrograms/kg prime and 0.5 microgram/kg per minute continuous infusion in anesthetized, euvolemic rats. With this protocol, a small decline in mean systemic arterial blood pressure occurred in the context of markedly enhanced urinary sodium excretion, hemoconcentration, and reduced left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and +dP/dt. However, despite a significant decrement in renal vascular resistance, total peripheral resistance remained constant, thereby denoting a preferential renal vasodilatory effect of this peptide in vivo. Whole kidney and single nephron GFR increased by approximately 20%, while effective renal and glomerular plasma flow rates remained stable, resulting in a substantial rise in filtration fraction. Of all the parameters potentially capable of augmenting single nephron GFR, only glomerular capillary hydraulic pressure increased significantly and therefore accounted entirely for the hyperfiltration observed during ANP infusion. This rise in glomerular capillary pressure, in turn, resulted from afferent arteriolar vasodilatation and concurrent efferent arteriolar vasoconstriction, findings that proved independent of both endogenous angiotensin II activity and ANP-induced reductions in renal perfusion pressure. These renal hemodynamic effects are unique when compared with actions of previously studied renal vasodilatory agents.

Binding of angiotensin and atrial natriuretic peptide in brain of hypertensive rats.

Abstract: Atrial natriuretic peptides, produced in the mammalian cardiac atrium, are released into the general circulation and may be actively involved in the control of blood pressure and in fluid homeostasis as antagonists of the peripheral angiotensin system. Certain cardiovascular effects of atrial natriuretic peptides may be centrally mediated, as binding sites for atrial natriuretic factor (8-33) (ANF) have been localized to the subfornical organ. This circumventricular structure lacks a blood-brain barrier and is therefore accessible to circulating peptides. It contains large numbers of angiotensin II (AII) binding sites, and has been suggested as the main central site of action for circulating AII in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid metabolism. Here we have studied binding sites for rat atrial natriuretic peptide(6-33) (rANP) and AII in the brains of spontaneously (genetic) hypertensive rats (SHR) and their normotensive controls, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, by quantitative autoradiography. Binding sites for both peptides were highly localized in the subfornical organ. The number of rANP binding sites was decreased in the subfornical organ of both young (4 weeks old) and adult (14 weeks old) SHR compared with age-matched normotensive controls. Conversely, the number of AII binding sites was higher in both young and adult SHR compared with WKY rats. Our results suggest a central role for rANP and AII in genetic hypertension; they may act as mutual antagonists in brain areas involved in control of blood pressure and fluid regulation.

Salt appetite is suppressed by interference with angiotensin II and aldosterone.

Abstract: Blockade of central but not peripheral mineralocorticoid receptors, with the antimineralocorticoid RU-28318, reduces but does not suppress salt appetite aroused by sodium depletion in the rat. When central mineralocorticoid blockade is combined with captopril treatment to prevent formation of endogenous angiotensin II the appetite is completely suppressed. Suppression of the appetite occurred without changes in the animals' spontaneous ingestive behaviors, sodium excretion, or insulin-induced food intake. These results demonstrate that a synergy of angiotensin II and aldosterone is responsible for the expression of depletion-induced salt appetite in the rat.

Angiotensin II attenuates baroreflexes at nucleus tractus solitarius of rats

Abstract: Microinjection of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) has been shown to produce a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure and heart rate. We have tested the effect of subpressor infusions of ANG II (10 ng . kg-1 . min-1) in the NTS on reflex bradycardia after intravenous administration of the vasoconstrictor phenylephrine (1-12 micrograms) in normotensive urethan-anesthetized rats. ANG II within the brain is thought to contribute to the decreased baroreflex sensitivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The sensitivity of the baroreflex was significantly decreased by the infusion of ANG II (1.01 +/- 0.08) compared with control (2.41 +/- 0.51) in the normotensive animals. Baroreflex sensitivity was significantly decreased in SHR (0.40 +/- 0.21) compared with normotensive animals. We conclude that ANG II within the NTS can inhibit the function of baroreceptor reflexes in normotensive animals, suggesting that the endogenous peptide may perform an inhibitory role in the baroreflex arc, and this is further evidence that central ANG II is involved in blood pressure of SHR.

Angiotensin I converting enzyme in human intestine and kidney. Ultrastructural immunohistochemical localization.

Abstract: The localization of immunoreactive angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) has been investigated at the optical and ultrastructural level with anti-human ACE antibodies in the human kidney and small intestine. In both tissues ACE was found in blood vessels and in extravascular situation in the absorptive epithelial cells of intestinal mucosa and renal proximal tubules. Ultrastructural immunohistochemistry showed that in intestinal and renal proximal tubular cells ACE was prominent in microvilli and brush borders. In the kidney ACE was also present on the basolateral part of the plasmalemmal membrane, where it may contribute to the regulation of angiotensin II-dependant absorption processes. Intracellular positivities were also observed inside the renal vascular endothelial and proximal tubular cell in endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope reflecting the synthesis and the cellular processing of ACE. The intestinal microvascular endothelium was strongly labeled suggesting that the mesenteric circulation is an important site for the production of angiotensin II. Vascular endothelial ACE was also detected in the peritubular but not glomerular capillaries of the kidney.

Identification and characterization of functional angiotensin II receptors on cultured heart myocytes.

Abstract: Cultured neonatal rat myocytes have been investigated as a potential system to study the molecular mechanism of angiotensin II (All) stimulation of heart contractile behavior. Intact cultured cells and the membranes from these cells bind [125I] All in a biphasic manner. The data were analyzed as two classes of binding sites on membrane preparations: Kd1 = 0.65 nM; maximum binding (Bmax1) = 245 fmol/mg of protein and Kd2 = 5.57 nM, Bmax2 = 720 fmol/mg of protein. The receptor on intact cells is specific as All peptide analogs were potent at inhibiting the binding of [125I]All. An All antagonist, [125I]Sar1,Leu8-All, recognized a single class of high affinity receptors on intact cells: Kd = 0.63 nM, Bmax = 318 fmol/mg of protein, or 45,300 sites per cell. Guanine nucleotides regulated the binding of All to membranes by shifting the receptor from a high affinity to a low affinity form without changing Kd2. Conversely, these nucleotides altered the high affinity binding of [125I]Sar1,Leu8-All by increasing Kd without changing Bmax. All was found to stimulate the contractile frequency of spontaneously beating myocytes with maximal effects (a 50% stimulation) observed at 5 nM hormone. The responses were reversible with half-maximal effects observed at doses around 1 nM. The antagonist, Sar1,Ala8-All, could inhibit the chronotropic stimulatory responses. It is concluded that these cultured myocytes express an All receptor system with properties consistent with a true hormone receptor system. Furthermore, studies on the pharmacology of the chronotropic responses of these cells to All demonstrate that these receptors are functional.

Evidence against the hypothesis that prostaglandins are the vasodepressor agents of pregnancy. Serial studies in chronically instrumented, conscious rats.

Abstract: Renal hemodynamics increase dramatically during pregnancy, and pressor responsiveness to exogenous administration of vasoconstrictors is attenuated. We investigated whether or not vasodilatory prostaglandins mediate these phenomena. Trained, chronically instrumented, conscious pregnant rats were used. Control values of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were elevated at midgestation (P less than 0.01 and P = 0.05 from prepregnant means, respectively), and effective renal vascular resistance was decreased (P = 0.05). Indomethacin (4.5-6.5 mg/kg body weight [BW]) failed to decrease renal hemodynamics at this stage of pregnancy; in fact, it raised GFR somewhat further (P less than 0.05). Systemic pressor responsiveness to bolus administration of norepinephrine and angiotensin II (AII) was significantly attenuated by at least gestational day 20. Neither indomethacin (7 mg/kg BW) or meclofenamate (6 mg/kg BW) affected the refractory response. The renal vasculature was also relatively unresponsive to an intravenous infusion of AII (5 ng X kg-1 X min-1) during late gestation (day 19); in particular, the fall in ERPF in response to AII (16 +/- 3%) was markedly less than that observed in the prepregnant condition (34 +/- 3%; P less than 0.05). Indomethacin (6 mg/kg BW) failed to restore this blunted response, and further attenuation was evident, despite the presence of the inhibitor (gestational day 21). We conclude that vasodilatory prostaglandins do not appear to mediate the rise in renal hemodynamics, and the attenuation of the systemic and renal pressor responsiveness observed during pregnancy, insofar as these phenomena were unaffected by acute cyclooxygenase inhibition in unstressed, conscious rats.

Identification and Partial Characterization

Abstract: We have used a high performance liquid chromatography assay, which detects chymotryptic cleavage of the phe8-his, bond of angiotensin I to yield angiotensin II, in order to examine human lung mast cells for the presence of chymotryptic activity. Mast cells, purified from human lung by enzymatic dispersion, countercurrent elutriation, and Percoll gradient centrifugation, were lysed or challenged with goat anti-human IgE. In multiple experiments angiotensin II-converting activity was detected in lysates of 10-99% pure mast cell preparations. Regression analysis of net percent release values of histamine and the angiotensin I-converting activity from dose-response experiments demonstrated a correlation between the two parameters, indicating that the chymotrypsin-like enzyme is a constituent of the mast cell secretory granule. The chymotryptic activity was completely inhibited by i0' M phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride but not by 1O-3 M Captopril, and the pH optimum of activity was 7.5-9.5. Gel filtration of released material separated the activity from tryptase and demonstrated an approximate molecular weight of 3035,000. The mast cell enzyme, like a human skin chymotrypsinlike proteinase, can be distinguished from leukocyte cathepsin G by lack of susceptibility to inhibition by bovine pancreatic

Specific measurement of angiotensin metabolites and in vitro generated angiotensin II in plasma.

Abstract: Combining high-performance liquid chromatography with radioimmunoassay enabled the precise measurement of different angiotensins and their metabolites in plasma. Peptides were extracted from 2 ml of plasma by reversible adsorption to phenylsilyl-silica, separated by isocratic high-performance liquid chromatography, and quantitated by radioimmunoassay using a sensitive but suitably cross-reacting angiotensin II antiserum. For the C-terminal angiotensin II metabolites (2-8)heptapeptide, (3-8)hexapeptide, and (4-8)pentapeptide, overall recoveries of 10 fmol peptide added to 1 ml of plasma were (mean +/- SD), 74 +/- 6, 68 +/- 8, and 67 +/- 11%, respectively. The detection limit for these peptides in plasma was 0.2 fmol/ml. Blanks were below the detection limits. In eight seated normal subjects treated for 4 days with enalapril, 20 mg p.o., q.d., angiotensin II metabolites tended to decrease during the 4 postdrug hours. However, their cumulated concentration in relation to octapeptide increased from 54 to 163% on Day 1 and from 62 to 103% on Day 4. After 4 hours of converting enzyme inhibition with enalapril there was still a close correlation between plasma renin activity and angiotensin-(1-8)octapeptide level (r = 0.83, p less than 0.05) and between blood angiotensin I and angiotensin-(1-8)octapeptide levels (r = 0.86, p less than 0.01). Adding angiotensin I in vitro raised the angiotensin-(1-8)octapeptide levels after incubation at 4 degrees C for 4 hours. Thus, immunoreactive "angiotensin II" does not disappear after converting enzyme inhibition largely because of the cumulated contribution of cross-reacting metabolites and partly because of in vitro generation of true angiotensin II.

Influence of the vascular endothelium on agonist‐induced contractions and relaxations in rat aorta

Abstract: The influence of the vascular endothelium on agonist-induced contractions and relaxations has been measured using intact segments of rat aorta. Contiguous rubbed segments were used as controls. Angiotensin II, histamine, noradrenaline, U46619 and UK14304 contracted both rubbed and intact tissues. The threshold spasmogenic concentrations of these agonists were lower in rubbed tissues than in intact preparations. The sensitivity and responsiveness of tissues to angiotensin II, histamine, noradrenaline and UK14304 were greater in rubbed than in intact tissues. Acetylcholine and histamine relaxed the established spasms of intact tissues but not those of rubbed preparations, These relaxant effects of acetylcholine were abolished by pre-incubation with haemoglobin. In the presence of prazosin, noradrenaline or UK14304 relaxed established contractions in intact tissues. These effects were antagonized by idazoxan or by pre-incubation with haemoglobin. In intact preparations, idazoxan had no effect on the spasmogenic sensitivity and responsiveness to UK14304. Pre-incubation with haemoglobin augmented the spasmogenic actions of noradrenaline, U46619 or UK14304 in intact tissues, but had no effect on these responses in rubbed preparations. Tissue concentrations of cyclic GMP were greater in intact than in rubbed tissues. A concentration of acetylcholine (10 microM) evoking just maximal mechanical inhibition produced a significant increase in cyclic GMP concentration in intact preparations. However, no detectable changes in cyclic GMP concentration were produced by UK14304 (10 microM) or by acetylcholine (30 nM), concentrations which were equi-effective in inhibiting mechanical activity. In the presence of threshold spasmogenic concentrations of noradrenaline, the contractile effects of angiotensin II were augmented and became comparable to those observed in rubbed preparations. In the presence of greater concentrations of noradrenaline, angiotensin II always produced an additional contraction. It is concluded that the presence of the vascular endothelium limits the spasmogenic action of a variety of agonists. Although spasmogens like noradrenaline and UK14304 can stimulate the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) via alpha 2-adrenoceptors, the inhibitory effects of EDRF largely result from the spontaneous release of this substance.