guanosine-5--o-(3-thiotriphosphate) and Hypertension

The purpose of this study was to determine whether human platelet alpha2-adrenoceptors were altered in essential hypertension. A systematic analysis was carried out on 165 normotensives and 124 untreated primary hypertensives.. The study was performed at different levels: i) density and affinity of platelet alpha2-adrenoceptors were determined by receptor binding assays using the full alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist [3H]-UK 14304 and a thermodynamic analysis of data was carried out to evaluate if binding mechanisms at the molecular level were altered during hypertension; ii) the functionality of Gi proteins coupled to alpha2-adrenoceptors and iii) forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels were measured.. Platelet alpha2-adrenoceptors mean density (Bmax) and affinity (Kd) (+/-s.e.mean) were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in normotensive than in hypertensive subjects [Bmax=327+/-4 vs 435+/-5 fmol mg(-1) of protein (P<0.01) and Kd=3.76+/-10.05 vs 6.50+/-0.15 nM (P<0.01), respectively]. The 50% stimulating concentration of adrenaline on [35S]-GTPgammaS binding to Gi proteins was significantly (P<0.01) lower in normotensives (12+/-2 nM) than in hypertensives (110+/-10 nM). The 50% inhibiting concentration of adrenaline on forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels was significantly (P<0.01) lower in normotensive (22+/-2 nM) than in hypertensive subjects (200+/-25 nM).. Present analysis, including receptorial and functional data, provides evidence that marked alterations occur in platelet alpha2-adrenoceptors of hypertensive subjects.

Topics: Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; Blood Platelets; Brimonidine Tartrate; Colforsin; Cyclic AMP; Epinephrine; Female; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Humans; Hypertension; Male; Middle Aged; Protein Binding; Quinoxalines; Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2; Thermodynamics

We earlier showed that the increased expression of Gi proteins exhibited by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was attributed to the enhanced levels of endogenous endothelin. Since the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) are also enhanced in VSMC from SHR, the present study was undertaken to examine the role of enhanced levels of endogenous Ang II in the overexpression of Giα proteins in VSMC from SHR and to further explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for this increase. The enhanced expression of Giα-2 and Giα-3 proteins in VSMC from SHR compared to WKY was attenuated by the captopril, losartan and AG1478, inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme, AT(1) receptor and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) respectively as well as by the siRNAs of AT1, cSrc and EGFR. The enhanced inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity by low concentrations of GTPγS (receptor-independent functions) and of inhibitory responses of hormones on adenylyl cyclase activity (receptor-dependent functions) in VSMC from SHR was also attenuated by losartan. Furthermore, the enhanced phosphorylation of EGFR in VSMC from SHR was also restored to control levels by captopril, losartan, PP2, a c-Src inhibitor and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), superoxide anion (O(2)(-)) scavenger, whereas enhanced ERK1/2 phosphorylation was attenuated by captopril and losartan. Furthermore, NAC also restored the enhanced phosphorylation of c-Src in SHR to control levels. These results suggest that the enhanced levels of endogenous Ang II in VSMC from SHR, transactivate EGFR, which through MAP kinase signaling, enhance the expression of Giα proteins and associated adenylyl cyclase signaling.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Adenylyl Cyclases; Angiotensin II; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Animals; Colforsin; CSK Tyrosine-Protein Kinase; ErbB Receptors; Gene Expression; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Humans; Hypertension; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Oxidative Stress; Phosphorylation; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Signal Transduction; src-Family Kinases; Transcriptional Activation

We have previously shown an enhanced expression of Gialpha proteins in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) that precedes the development of hypertension. Since oxidative stress has been shown to be increased in SHR, the present studies were undertaken to examine the role of oxidative stress in enhanced expression of Gialpha proteins in SHR.. Aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from 12-week-old SHR and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were used for the present studies. The levels of inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (Gialpha-2 and Gialpha-3) and stimulatory proteins (Gsalpha) were determined by western blotting techniques. Adenylyl cyclase activity was determined by measuring [32P]cAMP formation from [alpha-32P]ATP.. VSMC from SHR exhibited enhanced expression of Gialpha-2 and Gialpha-3 proteins as compared with age-matched WKY rats; however, the levels of Gsalpha proteins were not different between the two groups. The levels of superoxide anion (O2-) were also increased in SHR as compared with WKY rats, and losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, restored the enhanced levels to control WKY rat levels. Treatment of VSMC with antioxidants such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) or diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) for 24 h decreased the enhanced expression of Gialpha-2 and Gialpha-3 proteins in a concentration-dependent manner in VSMC from SHR. In addition, the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated enzyme activity by low concentrations of GTPgammaS (receptor-independent Gi functions) and C-ANP4-23-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (receptor-dependent Gi functions) that were significantly enhanced in SHR were restored to WKY rat levels by NAC and DPI treatments. Similarly, diminished stimulation of adenylyl cyclase by GTPgammaS, isoproterenol and sodium fluoride in SHR was also restored towards control WKY rat levels by NAC and DPI treatments. Furthermore, PD98059, a selective inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase, was able to restore the enhanced expression of Gialpha proteins in VSMC from SHR towards WKY rat levels. In addition, the enhanced activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in SHR as compared with WKY rats, as demonstrated by enhanced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, was also restored to WKY rat levels by NAC or DPI.. These results suggest that enhanced levels of Gialpha proteins and associated functions in SHR may be attributed to the enhanced oxidative stress present in SHR, which exerts its effects through the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Adenylyl Cyclases; Animals; Antioxidants; Cells, Cultured; Colforsin; Flavonoids; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; Isoproterenol; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Models, Biological; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Onium Compounds; Oxidative Stress; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Signal Transduction; Superoxides

We have previously reported that hearts from N-[omega]-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats exhibited an enhanced expression of Gi proteins. Since, losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, has been shown to attenuate the L-NAME-induced increase in blood pressure, we undertook the present studies to evaluate whether losartan-induced decreased blood pressure in this model of hypertension is associated with attenuation of enhanced expression of Gi proteins and adenylyl cyclase signalling.. L-NAME (70 mg/kg body weight) and losartan (10 mg/kg body weight), alone or in combination, were given orally to Sprague-Dawley rats for 4 weeks. The control rats received only plain tap water. The levels of inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3) and stimulatory (Gs alpha) proteins and Gi alpha mRNA in hearts were determined by immunoblotting and Northern blotting, respectively. Adenylyl cyclase activity was determined by measuring [32P]cAMP formation from [32P]ATP.. Systolic blood pressure was enhanced in L-NAME-treated rats compared to control rats (164 +/- 5.2 versus 105 +/- 2 mmHg; n = 30), and was significantly attenuated by losartan treatment (164 +/- 5.2 mmHg versus 120 +/- 2.5 mmHg; n = 30). The expression of Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3 proteins and their mRNA, which was enhanced in L-NAME-treated rats, was reversed by losartan treatment. However, losartan alone did not alter the levels of Gs alpha or Gi alpha proteins. In addition, the stimulatory effects of guanosine 5'-gamma-thiotriphosphate (GTPgammaS), isoproterenol, 5'-N-ethylcarboxamideadenosine (NECA), glucagon, forskolin (FSK) and sodium fluoride (NaF) on adenylyl cyclase, which were diminished in L-NAME-treated rats, were reversed by losartan treatment. Furthermore, the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated enzyme activity by low concentrations of GTPgammaS (receptor-independent Gi functions), which was significantly enhanced in L-NAME-treated rats, was attenuated by losartan treatment. In addition, losartan was able to reverse the attenuated receptor-mediated inhibitions of adenylyl cyclase by oxotremorine and angiotensin II towards control.. These results suggest the implication of AT1 receptors in enhanced expression of Gi alpha proteins and increased blood pressure in L-NAME-induced hypertension.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclases; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Colforsin; Disease Models, Animal; Enzyme Inhibitors; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunit, Gi2; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; Losartan; Male; Models, Cardiovascular; NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester; Proto-Oncogene Proteins; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; RNA, Messenger; Sodium Fluoride; Statistics as Topic

We have previously demonstrated an augmented activation of Gialpha proteins in heart and aorta from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), which was attributed to an enhanced expression of Gialpha proteins. Since immortalized lymphoblasts derived from lymphocytes of hypertensive patients have been shown to have enhanced Gi activation, the present studies were undertaken to investigate if lymphocytes from SHRs also exhibit enhanced Gi activation and whether this activation is related to enhanced expression of Gi proteins.. The levels of G-proteins and mRNA were determined by immunoblotting and Northern blotting techniques, using specific antibodies and cDNA probes, respectively. Adenylyl cyclase activity stimulated or inhibited by agonists was determined to examine the functions of G-proteins.. The levels of Gialpha-2, Gialpha-3, Gbeta but not of Gs(alpha45) and Gs(alpha47) were significantly increased in lymphocytes from SHRs as compared to their control Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Similarly the mRNA levels of Gialpha-2 and Gialpha-3 were significantly augmented in SHRs as compared to their age-matched WKYs. The increased levels of Gialpha were reflected in increased functions of Gi in SHRs as indicated by increased inhibition of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity by GTPgammaS. The activity of adenylyl cyclase stimulated by GTPgammaS, isoproterenol, NECA, NaF and forskolin was significantly decreased in SHRs as compared to their age-matched WKY rats. On the other hand, inhibitory hormones, atrial natriuretic peptide and angiotensin II inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity to a greater extent in SHRs as compared to their age-matched WKY rats.. These results indicate that lymphocytes from spontaneously hypertensive rats exhibit enhanced Gi activation (function) which may be attributed to the enhanced expression of Gi proteins. It may be suggested that enhanced Gi expression and associated signaling may be one of the factors responsible for enhanced lymphoblasts proliferation observed in hypertension.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors; Adenylyl Cyclases; Animals; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Enzyme Inhibitors; Gene Expression Regulation; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; Lymphocytes; Male; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; RNA, Messenger; Signal Transduction

It is reported that dopamine promotes renal sodium excretion via activation of D1-like dopamine receptors located on the proximal tubules. In spontaneously hypertensive rats the natriuretic and diuretic response to exogenously administered and endogenously produced dopamine is reduced, which results from a diminished dopamine-induced inhibition of the enzyme, Na+,K+-ATPase. The present study was designed to examine dopamine-receptor mediated inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase and its associated signal transduction pathway in the proximal tubules of Zucker obese and lean control rats. The obese animals were hypertensive, hyperinsulinaemic and hyperglycaemic compared with the lean rats. While dopamine caused inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase activity in lean rats, this effect was significantly attenuated in the obese animals. There was significant reduction in D1-like receptor numbers in the basolateral membranes of obese rats compared with lean rats with no change in the affinity to the ligand [3H]SCH 23390 between the two groups of rats. Dopamine failed to stimulate G proteins as measured by [35S]GTPgammaS binding in the obese rats. Also, dopamine was unable to cause phospholipase-C activation in obese rats, but it did activate phospholipase-C in lean rats. These results show that reduction in D1-like receptor numbers and a defect in receptor-G protein coupling may account for the inability of dopamine to activate the D1-like receptor-coupled signal transduction pathway and cause inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase in the obese hypertensive rats.

Topics: Animals; Benzazepines; Dopamine Antagonists; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate; Kidney; Male; Obesity; Rats; Rats, Zucker; Receptors, Dopamine D1; Reference Values; Signal Transduction; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase

The ability of dopamine(1) (D(1)) receptors to inhibit luminal Na(+)-H(+) exchanger (NHE) activity in renal proximal tubules and induce a natriuresis is impaired in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). However, it is not clear whether the defect is at the level of the D(1) receptor, G(salpha), or effector proteins. The coupling of the D(1) receptor to G(salpha) and NHE3 was studied in renal brush border membranes (BBM), devoid of cytoplasmic second messengers. D(1) receptor, G(salpha), and NHE3 expressions were similar in SHR and their normotensive controls, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Guanosine-5'-O:-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTPgammaS) decreased NHE activity and increased NHE3 linked with G(salpha) similarly in WKY and SHR, indicating normal G(salpha) and NHE3 regulation in SHR. However, D(1) agonists increased NHE3 linked with G(salpha) in WKY but not in SHR, and the inhibitory effects of D(1) agonists on NHE activity were less in SHR than in WKY. Moreover, GTPgammaS enhanced the inhibitory effect of D(1) agonist on NHE activity in WKY but not in SHR, suggesting an uncoupling of the D(1) receptor from G(salpha)/NHE3 in SHR. Similar results were obtained with the use of immortalized renal proximal tubule cells from WKY and SHR. We conclude that the defective D(1) receptor function in renal proximal tubules in SHR is proximal to G(salpha)/effectors and presumably at the receptor level. The mechanism(s) responsible for the uncoupling of the D(1) receptor from G proteins remains to be determined. Because the primary structure of the D(1) receptor is not different between normotensive and hypertensive rats, differences in D(1) receptor posttranslational modification are possible.

Topics: Animals; Benzazepines; Cyclic AMP; Dopamine Agonists; Fenoldopam; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Male; Microvilli; Precipitin Tests; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Receptors, Dopamine D1; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers; Species Specificity

The protective effect of vasodilator agents linked to the cAMP pathway is less effective for buffering the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin II in young animals with genetic hypertension. To determine the underlying cellular mechanism, experiments were performed on freshly isolated preglomerular resistance arterioles obtained from kidneys of 7-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Specific high-affinity saturable binding of (3)H-prostaglandin (PG) E(2) revealed 1 receptor class in renal microvessels; PGE(2) receptor density was similar in SHR and WKY (106 versus 115 fmol/mg; P>0.8), as was receptor affinity (3.6 versus 3.5 nmol/L; P>0.7). Basal cAMP activity was similar in renal arterioles from SHR and WKY. A major finding was that PGE(2), PGI(2), and isoproterenol produced weaker stimulation of cAMP formation in arteriolar cells of SHR (P<0.02). In contrast, GTPgammas and forskolin stimulated cAMP generation to a similar degree in both rat strains, which suggests normal adenylate cyclase activity in hypertension-prone SHR. Immunoblots revealed the presence of 3 classes of G proteins (G(s), G(i), and G(q)) in preglomerular arterioles. The relative amounts of discernible G-protein alpha-subunits in renal resistance vessels did not differ between SHR and WKY. These results extend previous in vivo studies of abnormal renal vascular reactivity in SHR and more directly localize defective coupling of the prostaglandin and beta-adrenergic receptors to a stimulatory G protein and cAMP production in freshly isolated preglomerular arteriolar cells of young SHR. This dysfunction may be due to an abnormal interaction between prostaglandin receptors and G(s) protein that leads to inefficient coupling of initiating steps in the cAMP-protein kinase A cascade during the development of hypertension.

Topics: Animals; Arterioles; Cyclic AMP; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gs; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; In Vitro Techniques; Kidney; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Receptors, Epoprostenol; Receptors, Prostaglandin; Receptors, Prostaglandin E

Hypertension is a common disorder of multifactorial origin that constitutes a major risk factor for cardiovascular events such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Previous studies demonstrated an enhanced signal transduction via pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins in lymphoblasts and fibroblasts from selected patients with essential hypertension. We have detected a novel polymorphism (C825T) in exon 10 of the gene encoding the beta3 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins (GNB3). The T allele is associated with the occurrence of a splice variant, GNB3-s (encoding G beta3-s), in which the nucleotides 498-620 of exon 9 are deleted. This in-frame deletion causes the loss of 41 amino acids and one WD repeat domain of the G beta subunit. By western-blot analysis, G beta3-s appears to be predominantly expressed in cells from individuals carrying the T allele. Significant enhancement of stimulated GTPgammaS binding to Sf9 insect cells expressing G beta3-s together with G alpha(i)2 and G gamma5 indicates that this splice variant is biologically active. Genotype analysis of 427 normotensive and 426 hypertensive subjects suggests a significant association of the T allele with essential hypertension.

Topics: Alleles; Alternative Splicing; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Cell Line; Genetic Variation; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Humans; Hypertension; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Molecular Sequence Data; Peptides; Recombinant Fusion Proteins; Spodoptera

In the present studies, we have investigated if aorta, like heart from deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats, (HR) also exhibit enhanced expression of G-protein levels and if these alterations occur before or after the development of blood pressure.. Sprague-Dawley rats treated with DOCA-salt or vehicle for 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks were used for these studies. The levels of inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (Gi alpha-2, Gi alpha-3) and G beta proteins were determined by immunoblotting, whereas the levels of Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3 and adenylyl cyclase type V enzyme mRNA were determined by Northern-blotting techniques.. The blood pressure was significantly increased in DOCA-salt-treated rats as compared to sham-operated rats after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment; whereas no change in blood pressure was observed after 1 week of treatment (prehypertensive state). However, the levels of Gi alpha-2, Gi alpha-3 and G beta proteins and Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3 mRNA were significantly enhanced in hearts and aorta from DOCA-salt treated rats after 1 week of treatment and remained elevated up to 4 weeks of treatment. In addition, the Gi-mediated inhibitions of adenylyl cyclase by Angiotensin II (Ang II) and C-ANF4-23 were also greater in DOCA-salt-treated rats as compared to sham-operated rats after 1 week and longer periods of treatments (2 to 4 weeks). On the other hand, the levels of Gs alpha were not altered up to 2 weeks of DOCA-salt treatment but significantly decreased in rats treated for 3 and 4 weeks. Furthermore, the stimulatory effects of guanine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S), isoproterenol and forskolin on adenylyl cyclase were decreased in both hearts and aorta from DOCA-salt-treated rats after 1 to 4 weeks of treatment as compared to sham-operated rats. The mRNA levels of adenylyl cyclase, type V enzyme in hearts from DOCA-salt treated rats were significantly decreased after 3 and 4 weeks of DOCA-salt treatment but not in rats treated for 1 or 2 weeks.. These results indicate that the enhanced expression of Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3 precedes the development of blood pressure in DOCA-salt-induced hypertension. It can thus be suggested that the increased levels of Gi proteins and resulting decreased levels of cAMP may be one of the factors that contribute to the impaired cardiac contractility and increased vascular tone in DOCA-salt hypertension.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclases; Adrenergic beta-Agonists; Angiotensin II; Animals; Aorta; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Autoradiography; Blotting, Northern; Colforsin; Desoxycorticosterone; GTP-Binding Protein alpha Subunits, Gi-Go; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Hypertension; Immunoblotting; Isoproterenol; Peptide Fragments; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; RNA, Messenger; Sarcolemma; Sodium Chloride; Time Factors

The binding parameters of [3H]nociceptin were examined in membrane preparations of rat heart and compared with those of [3H]dynorphin A-(1-13) ([3H]Dyn A-(1-13)). Scatchard analysis of [3H]nociceptin binding revealed the presence of two distinct sites: a high affinity (Kd: 583 nM) low capacity (Bmax: 132 pmol/mg protein) site and a low affinity (Kd: 10,316 nM) high capacity (1552 pmol/mg protein) site. Dyn A and related peptides were potent competitors of the binding to the high affinity site with the following rank order of potency: alpha-neo-endorphin > Dyn A-(2-13) = Dyn A-(3-13) > Dyn A-(5-13) > Dyn A-(1-13) > Dyn A > Dyn B > Dyn A-(6-10) >> Dyn A-(1-8). Nociceptin was 6.7 times less potent than Dyn A with a Ki of 4.8 microM as compared with 0.72 microM for Dyn A. The order of potency of the various peptides in inhibiting [3H]nociceptin binding correlated well (r = 0.93) with their ability to complete with the binding of [3H]Dyn A-(1-13) (Dumont and Lemaire, 1993). In addition, the high affinity [3H]nociceptin and non-opioid [3H]Dyn A-(1-13) sites were both sensitive to NaCl (120 mM) and the phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors, U-73122 and neomycin (100 microM). The binding activities were less affected by the weak PLC inhibitor, U-73343, and no effect was observed with the non-hydrolysable GTP analogs. Gpp(NH)p and GTP-gamma-S. Nociceptin (1-50 microM) was also shown to inhibit the uptake of [3H]noradrenaline ([3H]NA) by cardiac synaptosomal preparations. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the potency of nociceptin in inhibiting [3H]NA uptake was increased by 1.6-fold as compared with Wistar Kyoto (WKY) control rats and such effect was accompanied by comparable increased levels of cardiac ORL1 mRNA and [3H]nociceptin high affinity sites. These changes correlated well with the previously observed increased levels of non-opioid cardiac [3H]Dyn A-(1-13) sites in SHR (1.3 times as compared with WKY) and increased potency of Dyn A-(1-13) in inhibiting [3H]NA uptake by cardiac synaptosomes in SHR (2.2-fold as compared with WKY) (Dumont and Lemaire, 1995). The results demonstrate that in rat heart the characteristics of the high affinity, low capacity [3H]nociceptin binding site are similar to those of the non-opioid Dyn binding site. The stimulation of this site by nociceptin, Dyn A or related peptides is more likely to produce a modulation of PLC activity and [3H]NA uptake and may participate to the pathophysiology of hypertension.

Topics: Animals; Binding Sites; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Dynorphins; Estrenes; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanylyl Imidodiphosphate; Heart; Hypertension; Male; Myocardium; Neomycin; Nociceptin; Opioid Peptides; Pyrrolidinones; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Synaptosomes; Time Factors

To investigate the effects of GTP gamma S and GDP beta S on the whole-cell barium currents of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDC) of the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from the A4-A5 branches in SHRSP mesenteric artery.. Using the whole-cell Ba2+ current recording of the patch clamp technique.. (1) GTP gamma S, a G-protein agonist, increased whole-cell Ba2+ currents both of SHRSP and Wistar, but SHRSP with a higher ratio of amplitude change than Wistar. In addition, GTP gamma S shifted D infinity to right both in SHRSP and Wistar, but D infinity shifted more in SHRSP than that in Wistar. (2) GDP beta S, a G-protein antagonist, decreased whole-cell Ba2+ currents both of SHRSP and Wistar, but SHRSP with a higher inhibition ratio of amplitude change than Wistar. In addition, GDP beta S shifted F infinity to right and in SHRSP shifted more than control under HP = -80 mV.. The G-protein mechanism may promote Ca2+ influx and contribute to the increase of peripheral resistance during hypertension.

Topics: Animals; Calcium Channels; Cell Separation; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Diphosphate; Hypertension; Male; Mesenteric Arteries; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Wistar; Vascular Resistance

Hypertension is a multifactorial disorder that results in an increased risk of cardiovascular and end-stage renal disease. Liddle's disease represents a specific hypertensive disease and expresses itself in the human population as an autosomal dominant trait. Recent experimental evidence indicates that patients with Liddle's disease have constitutively active amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels and that these channels are phenotypically expressed in lymphocytes obtained from normal and affected members of the original Liddle's kindred. Linkage analysis indicates that this disease results from a deletion of the carboxy-terminal region of the beta-subunit of a recently cloned epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC). We report the successful immunopurification and reconstitution of both normal and constitutively active lymphocyte Na+ channels into planar lipid bilayers. These channels display all of the characteristics typical of renal Na+ channels, including sensitivity to protein kinase A phosphorylation. We demonstrate that gating of normal Na+ channels is removed by cytoplasmic trypsin digestion and that the constitutively active Liddle's Na+ channels are blocked by a beta- or gamma-ENaC carboxy-terminal peptide in a GTP-dependent fashion.

Topics: Amiloride; Amino Acid Sequence; B-Lymphocytes; Cell Transformation, Viral; Genes, Dominant; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Herpesvirus 4, Human; Humans; Hypertension; Immunologic Techniques; Ion Channel Gating; Lipid Bilayers; Molecular Sequence Data; Peptides; Reference Values; Sodium Channel Blockers; Sodium Channels; Trypsin; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Epstein-Barr virus-immortalized B lymphoblasts obtained from hypertensive patients with enhanced Na+/H+ exchanger activity (HT cells) proliferate distinctly faster upon serum stimulation than those from normotensive controls with low exchanger activity (NT cells) (Rosskopf, D., E. Frömter, and W. Siffert. 1993. J. Clin. Invest. 92:2553-2559). Stimulation with platelet-activating factor (PAF) as well caused an enhanced proliferation of HT cells. In analyzing possible differences in signal transduction between the immortalized NT and HT lymphoblasts, we observed that cell stimulation with PAF and somatostatin caused a twofold higher increase in [Ca2+]i in HT than in NT cell lines. This difference was completely abrogated by pertussis toxin (PTX) treatment. Furthermore, PAF-stimulated formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) was twofold enhanced in HT cell lines. On the other hand, PAF receptor density and affinity, total cellular phospholipase C activity, expression of PTX-sensitive G proteins, and control binding of the stable GTP analogue, guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP gamma S), to membrane G proteins were not different in NT and HT cell lines. However, PAF- and mastoparan-stimulated binding of GTP gamma S to G proteins, which was fully PTX-sensitive, was 2.5-fold higher in HT than NT cell lines. These data suggest an enhanced receptor-mediated activation of PTX-sensitive G proteins despite unchanged receptor and G protein expression. Thus, this study not only suggests that enhanced signal transduction and cell proliferation are abnormalities in a certain group of patients with essential hypertension but also explains these findings as a result of an enhanced G protein activation in this common disorder.

Topics: Animals; Blood Physiological Phenomena; Calcium; Cattle; Cell Division; Cell Line, Transformed; Enzyme Activation; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Herpesvirus 4, Human; Humans; Hypertension; Lymphocytes; Pertussis Toxin; Phosphatidylinositol Diacylglycerol-Lyase; Phosphoric Diester Hydrolases; Platelet Activating Factor; Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; Receptors, Cell Surface; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Signal Transduction; Sodium-Hydrogen Exchangers; Somatostatin; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

Enhanced salt reabsorption by the kidney, which may arise from impaired regulation of proximal tubule Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity, has a central role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. Guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G proteins) are involved in many regulatory pathways and have been implicated in the regulation of proximal tubule Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) activity. The present study was designed to evaluate further the regulation of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity by G proteins in proximal tubule suspensions from Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and to determine whether such regulation is abnormal in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Cholera toxin (CTX) inhibited Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity by approximately 40% in WKY but had no effect on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity in SHR. In WKY, pretreatment of tubules with pertussis toxin (PTX), followed by the application of dopamine, inhibited Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity significantly, compared with the inhibition produced by dopamine alone. In SHR, dopamine alone did not inhibit Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity. However, in the presence of PTX, dopamine inhibited Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity significantly. These studies indicate that the renal proximal tubule Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in WKY is regulated by both a PTX- and CTX-sensitive G protein(s) and that this regulation is abnormal in SHR. Such a defect could cause enhanced sodium reabsorption in SHR and contribute to the pathogenesis of hypertension in this model.

Topics: Animals; Cholera Toxin; Cyclic AMP; Dopamine; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Homeostasis; Hypertension; Kidney Tubules, Proximal; Male; Pertussis Toxin; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

The Ca2+ responsiveness of vascular smooth muscle myofilaments is not unique: it is increased during neuro-humoral activation and decreased during beta-adrenergic stimulation. In this study we tested whether an augmented Ca2+ responsiveness of smooth muscle myofilaments may contribute to the increased coronary tone observed in hypertension using beta-escin-permeabilized coronary arteries from 3-mo-old stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and their age matched normotensive reference strain (WKY rats). In intact coronary arteries, the response to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) but not to KCl was larger in SHRSP than in WKY rats. In beta-escin permeabilized coronary arteries in which the receptor effector coupling is still intact, 5-HT enhanced force at constant submaximal (Ca2+) (pCa 6.38) to a greater extent in SHRSP. The Ca2+ sensitizing effect of 5-HT was mimicked by GTP gamma S (0.01-10 microM); again this effect was larger in SHRSP. In the absence of 5-HT or GTP gamma S the Ca2+ force relation was similar in both groups. Forskolin induced relaxation at constant submaximal (Ca2+). This desensitizing effect was smaller in SHRSP than in WKY rats. In conclusion, this study shows that intracellular signalling pathways involved in modulating the Ca2+ responsiveness of coronary smooth muscle myofilaments are altered in the genetically hypertensive animals favoring a hypercontractile state in the coronary circulation.

Topics: Actin Cytoskeleton; Animals; Calcium; Cell Membrane Permeability; Colforsin; Coronary Vessels; Escin; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Potassium Chloride; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Serotonin; Signal Transduction

We have recently shown that ANF-R2 receptors are coupled to the adenylyl cyclase/cAMP system through inhibitory guanine nucleotide regulatory protein (Gi). The present studies were undertaken to investigate the regulation of ANF-R2 receptor-mediated inhibition of adenylyl cyclase in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) which have been reported to have high plasma ANF levels. ANF99-126 inhibited adenylyl cyclase activity in a concentration dependent manner in both aorta and heart sarcolemma from SHR and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, however, the extent of inhibition was greater in SHR as compared to WKY. On the other hand, ANF99-126 also inhibited the adenylyl cyclase activity in rat platelets from WKY rats in a concentration dependent manner, however, the inhibition in SHR was completely attenuated. In addition GTP gamma S stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity by about 600% in aorta from WKY rats and about 300% in SHR. On the other hand, the GTP gamma S-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity was higher in platelets from SHR as compared to WKY. The observed difference may be attributed to the differential alterations in ANF-R2 receptor number or postreceptor events or both. Nonetheless, these results indicate that ANF-R2 receptors in platelets from SHR are differentially regulated than those in heart and aorta.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors; Adenylyl Cyclases; Animals; Aorta; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Blood Platelets; Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena; Cardiovascular System; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; Myocardium; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Receptors, Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Sarcolemma

We have recently demonstrated an alteration in the levels of G-proteins and their correlation with adenylyl cyclase in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present studies we examined if the other models of hypertensive rats, such as DOCA-salt hypertensive rats (HR), also exhibit the similar alterations in G-protein and in adenylyl cyclase activity. We have determined the adenylyl cyclase activity stimulated and inhibited by hormones, as well as the levels of G-proteins using specific antibodies and cDNA probes in the hearts from DOCA-salt HR and their sham-operated controls after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Adenylyl cyclase activity stimulated by GTP gamma S, isoproterenol, and glucagon was significantly decreased in heart sarcolemma from DOCA-salt HR as compared to their controls after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. In addition, the inhibitory hormones inhibited the enzyme activity to a greater extent in hypertensive rats than controls. Furthermore, the levels of Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-2 mRNA, as determined by immunoblotting and Northern blotting techniques, respectively, were higher in hearts from DOCA-salt HR. However, the levels of G8 alpha 45 were decreased in these rats. These results indicate that, similar to SHR, the hearts from DOCA-salt HR exhibit the increased expression of Gi, however unlike SHR, the expression of G8 was decreased. It is suggested that the altered expression of G-proteins may partly be responsible for the decreased responsiveness of adenylyl cyclase to hormone stimulation and increased responsiveness to hormone inhibition in DOCA-salt hypertension.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclases; Animals; Desoxycorticosterone; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; Immunoblotting; Myocardium; Rats; Sodium Chloride

We have previously shown that the stimulatory effects of guanine nucleotides, N-ethylcarboxamide-adenosine and other agonists on adenylate cyclase activity were diminished in aorta and heart sarcolemma of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) [Anand-Srivastava (1988) Biochem. Pharmacol. 37, 3017-3022]. In the present studies, we have examined whether the decreased response of these agonists is due to the defective GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) which couple the receptors to adenylate cyclase, and have therefore measured the levels of G-proteins in aorta and heart from SHR and their respective Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) controls by using pertussis toxin (PT)- and cholera toxin (CT)-catalysed ADP-ribosylations and immunoblotting techniques using specific antibodies against G-proteins. The labelling with [32P]NAD+ and PT identified a 40/41 kDa protein in heart and aorta from WKY and SHR and was significantly increased in the hearts (approximately 100%) and aorta (approximately 30-40%), from SHR as compared with WKY. Immunoblotting revealed an increase in the levels of the G-protein alpha-subunits Gi alpha-2 and Gi alpha-3 in heart and Gi alpha-2 in aorta, whereas no change in Go alpha was observed in heart from SHR and WKY. On the other hand, no differences were observed in CT labelling or immunoblotting of stimulatory G-protein (Gs) in heart and aorta from WKY and SHR. In addition, CT stimulated the adenylate cyclase activity in heart sarcolemma from WKY and SHR to a similar extent. These results were correlated with adenylate cyclase inhibition and stimulation by various hormones. Angiotensin II (AII), atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) and oxotremorine-mediated inhibition was found to be greater in SHR as compared with WKY, whereas the stimulatory effects of adrenaline, isoprenaline, dopamine and forskolin were diminished in SHR aorta as compared to WKY. These results indicate that regulatory protein G(i) is more expressed in SHR, which may be associated with the decreased responsiveness of stimulatory hormones and increased sensitivity of inhibitory hormones to stimulate/inhibit adenylate cyclase activity. It may thus be suggested that the enhanced G(i) activity may be one of the mechanisms responsible for the diminished vascular tone and impaired myocardial functions in hypertension.

Topics: Adenosine Diphosphate Ribose; Adenylate Cyclase Toxin; Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors; Angiotensin II; Animals; Aorta; Atrial Natriuretic Factor; Cholera Toxin; Female; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Hypertension; Immunoblotting; Myocardium; Oxotremorine; Pertussis Toxin; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred WKY; Virulence Factors, Bordetella

The beta-adrenergic receptor-adenylate cyclase system of the cardiac membranes in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) 14 weeks old was studied. The maximal activity of the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase stimulated by purified stimulatory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Ns) or forskolin was higher in SHR than in control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. However, adenylate cyclase activity stimulated by isoproterenol and GTP was the same between SHR and WKY rats. Although there was no difference in the amount of Ns which was measured by cholera toxin-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation, the functional activity of Ns in cholate-extracted membranes from SHR was significantly lower than that from WKY rats. There were no strain differences in the number and affinity of beta-adrenergic receptors; the function and amount of the inhibitory guanine nucleotide-binding protein (Ni), and the amount of beta gamma-subunits of Ns and Ni. These findings showed that there is an abnormal signal transduction in this system in SHR due to a reduction in the functional activity of alpha-subunits of Ns.

Topics: Adenylyl Cyclases; Animals; Cholera Toxin; Colforsin; Enzyme Activation; GTP-Binding Proteins; Guanosine 5'-O-(3-Thiotriphosphate); Guanosine Triphosphate; Hypertension; Isoproterenol; Myocardium; Rats; Rats, Inbred SHR; Rats, Inbred Strains; Rats, Inbred WKY; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; Sarcolemma; Thionucleotides