Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: EC:2.7.7.49 (reverse transcriptase)
31,746 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

The steroid aldosterone plays a major role in the maintenance of total body sodium homeostasis and also contributes to cardiovascular pathophysiology by mediating cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. In addition to classical adrenal production of aldosterone, endogenous tissue production of aldosterone has been observed in various organs; aldosterone biosynthesis in cardiac tissues, however, remains highly controversial. The current study provides a comprehensive evaluation of steroid hormone biosynthethic capabilities in multiple tissues from two distinct rat strains under unstimulated and stimulated conditions. Panels of tissues from Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats were probed for 11 beta-hydroxylase (P45011beta) and aldosterone synthase (P450aldo) by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Under unstimulated conditions, cardiac P45011beta and P450aldo were detected only in Wistar rats. Angiotensin II (100 microg/day) stimulated myocardial expression of both enzymes in both strains. Cerebral cortex and mesenteric artery message levels in both strains was reduced by angiotensin II. These data demonstrate the potential for local steroid synthesis in vascular, cardiac, renal, and neuronal tissues, and that biosynthesis of non-adrenal aldosterone may be differentially regulated between strains. This variability may thus resolve in part or whole the current controversy over the existence of non-adrenal steroidogenic systems.
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PMID:Tissue-specific corticosteroidogenesis in the rat. 1094 May

Ventricular pacing leads to a dilated myopathy in which cell death and myocyte hypertrophy predominate. Because angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulates myocyte growth and triggers apoptosis, we tested whether canine myocytes express the components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and whether the local RAS is upregulated with heart failure. p53 modulates transcription of angiotensinogen (Aogen) and AT(1) receptors in myocytes, raising the possibility that enhanced p53 function in the decompensated heart potentiates Ang II synthesis and Ang II-mediated responses. Therefore, the presence of mRNA transcripts for Aogen, renin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, chymase, and AT(1) and AT(2) receptors was evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in myocytes. Changes in the protein expression of these genes were then determined by Western blot in myocytes from control dogs and dogs affected by congestive heart failure. p53 binding to the promoter of Aogen and AT(1) receptor was also determined. Ang II in myocytes was measured by ELISA and by immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy. Myocytes expressed mRNAs for all the constituents of RAS, and heart failure was characterized by increased p53 DNA binding to Aogen and AT(1). Additionally, protein levels of Aogen, renin, cathepsin D, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and AT(1) were markedly increased in paced myocytes. Conversely, chymase and AT(2) proteins were not altered. Ang II quantity and labeling of myocytes increased significantly with cardiac decompensation. In conclusion, dog myocytes synthesize Ang II, and activation of p53 function with ventricular pacing upregulates the myocyte RAS and the generation and secretion of Ang II. Ang II may promote myocyte growth and death, contributing to the development of heart failure.
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PMID:Canine ventricular myocytes possess a renin-angiotensin system that is upregulated with heart failure. 1117 97

Angiotensin II increases afferent discharge from the carotid body in vitro. We hypothesized that angiotensin II receptors (AT receptors) are expressed functionally in the type-I cell of the carotid body. Cytosolic free [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) in type-I cells freshly dissociated from rat carotid bodies was measured spectrofluorimetrically. Angiotensin II (10-100 nM) concentration-dependently increased [Ca2+]i in type-I cells. The [Ca2+]i response was blocked by pretreatment with losartan (1 microM), an AT1 receptor antagonist, but not by blockade of AT2 receptors with PD- 123319 (1 microM). Moreover, the gene expression of AT1 receptors was assessed by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and gene transcripts of both AT1a and AT1b receptors were detected in the carotid body. In addition, immunohistochemical study revealed that AT1 immunoreactivity was localized in lobules of type-I cells in the carotid body. Taken together, these results suggest that type-I cells in the rat carotid body express functional angiotensin II receptors. The binding of angiotensin II to the AT1 receptors increases [Ca2+]i, a key step of the intracellular signalling cascade following the activation of the receptors. It is concluded that angiotensin II modulates carotid body chemoreceptor function directly via AT1 receptors in the type-I cell.
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PMID:Functional expression of angiotensin II receptors in type-I cells of the rat carotid body. 1121 10

Renal 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11beta-HSDs) are subject to modulation by various endogenous factors. 11beta-HSDs convert glucocorticoids into inactive 11-ketones and thereby determine tissue levels of active glucocorticoids and thus the extent of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. As such, modulation of the activity of renal 11beta-HSDs may contribute to the cascade of regulatory events involved in renal electrolyte water handling. We investigated whether renal 11beta-HSDs are modulated by elevated circulating angiotensin II. In rats infused for 2 wk with angiotensin II (250 ng/[kg x min] subcutaneously), plasma angiotensin II, aldosterone, and corticosterone were raised 5.1-, 10.7-, and 2.3-fold, respectively, compared with control rats. Angiotensin II infusion raised corticosterone 11beta-oxidation 1.46- and 1.35-fold in renal cortical proximal and distal tubules (enriched by Percoll centrifugation), respectively, but had no effect on 11beta-HSD1 and 11beta-HSD2 mRNA levels (semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction), except for distal tubular 11beta-HSD1 mRNA, which was decreased to 50%. In vitro treatment of freshly isolated tubules with angiotensin II for 45 min prior to assessment of 11beta-HSD activity showed no direct acute effects of angiotensin II on tubular corticosterone 11beta-oxidation. The enhanced renal tubular corticosterone 11beta-oxidation in vivo may partly protect renal GR and MR from elevated plasma corticosterone on angiotensin II infusion.
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PMID:Effect of angiotensin II on rat renal cortical 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. 1121 53

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is one of the most potent vasoconstrictor substances, yet paradoxically, Ang II may dilate certain vascular beds via an undefined mechanism. Ang II-induced vasoconstriction is mediated by the AT(1) receptor, whereas the relative expression and functional importance of the AT(2) receptor in regulating vascular resistance and blood pressure are unknown. We now report that Ang II induces relaxation of mesenteric microvessels and that this vasodilatory response was unaffected by losartan, an AT(1) receptor antagonist, but was inhibited by PD123,319, a selective antagonist of AT(2) receptors. In addition, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction studies revealed high amounts of AT(2) receptor mRNA in smooth muscle from these same microvessels. Ang II-induced relaxation was inhibited by either tetraethylammonium or iberiotoxin, suggesting involvement of the large-conductance, calcium- and voltage-activated potassium (BK(Ca)) channel. Subsequent whole-cell and single-channel patch-clamp studies on single myocytes demonstrated that Ang II increases the activity of BK(Ca) channels. As in our tissue studies, the effect of Ang II on BK(Ca) channels was inhibited by PD123,319, but not by losartan. In light of these consistent findings from tissue physiology, molecular studies, and cellular/molecular physiology, we conclude that Ang II relaxes microvessels via stimulation of the AT(2) receptor with subsequent opening of BK(Ca) channels, leading to membrane repolarization and vasodilation. These findings provide evidence for a novel endothelium-independent vasodilatory effect of Ang II.
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PMID:Angiotensin II relaxes microvessels via the AT(2) receptor and Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels. 1123 Feb 89

Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) the changes of the angiotensin II receptor subtype 1-a (AT1a) and 1-b (AT1b) mRNA levels were examined in hypertrophied ventricles caused by ventral aorta-caval fistula of SD rats. The results show as follows. (1) Three days after operation, the ventricular weight increased significantly, whereas the level of AT1a and AT1b mRNA in both ventricles remained unchanged. (2) Twelve days after operation, the weight increase of both ventricles was more evident, the levels of AT1a and AT1b mRNA in the right ventricle increased (by 62.6% and 72.0%), as compared with control. In the left ventricle, on the other hand, the level of AT1a mRNA increased by 79.0%, while the level of AT1b mRNA showed no obvious increase. (3) Thirty-five days after operation, the levels of AT1a and AT1b mRNA in both ventricles increased still more significant, (i.e., 70.0% and 83.9% in the right and 96.5% and 86.9% in the left). Moreover, 12 d and 35 d after operation, the level of AT1a mRNA was higher than that of AT1b mRNA in both ventricles. (4) There was a positive correlation between the degree of ventricular hypertrophy with the level of AT1 mRNA in ventricular myocardium (r = 0.6168-0.8223). The results suggest that the increased mRNA expression of AT1 in myocardial hypertrophy caused by volume overload may be a mechanism underlying the increased responsiveness of hypertrophic myocardial cells to Ang II, and a difference in the expression between AT1a and AT1b mRNAs in myocardial hypertrophy may be related to the different physiological or pathophysiological roles of Ang II, mediated by the two subtypes of AT1.
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PMID:[Dynamic changes of angiotensin II type-1 receptor mRNA expression in volume-overloaded ventricular hypertrophy]. 1132 71

The contribution of the angiotensin (Ang) II type 2 receptor (AT2R) to cardiac hypertrophy is still controversial. Here we examined the effect of overexpressing the human AT2R in cultured porcine cardiac fibroblasts (pFib) on proliferation, procollagen I mRNA expression, and - as putatively underlying signal-transduction pathways - on mitogen-activated protein kinase ERK1/ERK2 and phosphotyrosine phosphatase activities. As quantitated by 125I-(Sar1,Ile8)-Ang II binding, transduction of cardiac fibroblasts with the adenoviral AT2R expression vector led to a six- to tenfold higher AT2 than endogenous Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) expression. The overexpressed AT2R had the same apparent molecular mass as the endogenous AT2R in rat PC12W cells. Proliferation was not significantly lower in AT2R expressing pFib than in antisense-transduced controls (TA2) upon stimulation with Ang II (AT2R 110.5+/-4.8% vs. TA2 110.2+/-5.5%), Ang II plus the AT1R blocker Irbesartan (97.1+/-1.4% vs. 108.0+/-5.0; P=0.052) and the partial AT2R antagonist CGP42112 at the agonistic concentration of 50 nM (92.1+/-2.7% vs. 99.8+/-3.1%; P=0.053). Procollagen Ialpha2 (COL1A2) mRNA levels were quantitated by (a) northern blot analysis and (b) reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. COL1A2/GAPDH (a) and COL1A2/beta-actin (b) ratios revealed no differences between AT2R-transduced fibroblasts and antisense controls when stimulated with Ang II (1 microM, 24 h) plus Irbesartan and 10 ng/ml transforming growth factor beta1. Ang II stimulation of the endogenous AT1R increased extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 activities. This response was reduced by Irbesartan, but PD123319 had no effect. Time course and magnitude of Ang II stimulated ERK1/ERK2 activation was identical in AT2R-transduced and control cells. Also, neither simultaneous nor Ang II pre-stimulation, suggested to induce gene expression of the MAP kinase phosphatase 1, modulated phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated ERK1/ERK2 activation in AT2R-transduced pFib, in AT2R-transduced human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and in PC12W cells. By the use of a tyrosine phosphatase assay we observed an inhibition of phosphotyrosine phosphatase activity by 30.8% (P=0.009, n=5) after 5 min Ang II stimulation of AT2R-expressing pFib. Immunoprecipitation-tyrosine phosphatase assays revealed that inhibition of phosphotyrosine phosphatase 1B, which regulates insulin signaling, contributed to this effect. In conclusion, stimulation of the overexpressed human AT2R in porcine cardiac fibroblasts inhibited tyrosine phosphatase activity but had no significant effect on fibroblast functions related to cardiac fibrosis. It is conceivable that possible antifibrotic AT2R effects are species specific and/or require the interaction between fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes, probably via paracrine factors, or mechanical load.
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PMID:Adenovirus-mediated overexpression and stimulation of the human angiotensin II type 2 receptor in porcine cardiac fibroblasts does not modulate proliferation, collagen I mRNA expression and ERK1/ERK2 activity, but inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatases. 1169 64

The physiological effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) are mediated through specific AT(1) and AT(2) receptors. Tissue distribution and affinity of these receptors have been explored in binding studies, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation. Sequencing has also demonstrated gene polymorphisms for both AT(1) and AT(2) receptors. Numerous potent nonpeptide antagonists of angiotensin converting enzyme or of AT receptors have been developed, thus providing a precise analysis of the physiology of the renin-angiotensin system. AT(1) receptors are widely expressed throughout adult tissues, while AT(2) receptors are mainly expressed in the fetus. Receptor density on the cell surface is regulated by multiple hormonal, cytokine and metabolic factors, and is thus profoundly affected by various pathological conditions, especially in the myocardium, kidney and blood vessels. To date, the precise molecular basis for these modifications has not been fully explained, although it may rely in part upon AT receptor gene polymorphisms, which could thus constitute increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease. AT(1) and AT(2) receptor expression is therefore influenced by both age and environmental specifications and is likely to be increased by a diet rich in salt or cholesterol, thus justifying the use of Ang II receptor antagonists in morbidity-mortality studies in high-risk patients.
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PMID:[Exploring AT(1) and AT(2) angiotensin II receptors in humans]. 1203 85

A major source of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) superoxide is NAD(P)H oxidase. However, the molecular characteristics and regulation of this enzyme are unclear. We investigated whether VSMCs from human resistance arteries (HVSMCs) possess a functionally active, angiotensin II (Ang II)-regulated NAD(P)H oxidase that contains neutrophil oxidase subunits, including p22phox, gp91phox, p40phox, p47phox, and p67phox. mRNA expression of gp91phox homologues, nox1 and nox4, was also assessed in HVSMCs, human aortic smooth muscle cells, and rat VSMCs. HVSMCs were obtained from resistance arteries from gluteal biopsies of healthy subjects. gp91phox and nox4, but not nox1, were detected in HVSMCs. Nox1 and nox4, but not gp91phox, were expressed in human aortic smooth muscle cells and rat VSMCs. All NAD(P)H oxidase subunits were present in HVSMCs as detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting. Ang II increased NAD(P)H oxidase subunit abundance. These effects were inhibited by cycloheximide. Acute Ang II stimulation (10 to 15 minutes) increased p47phox serine phosphorylation and induced p47phox and p67phox translocation. This was associated with NAD(P)H oxidase activation. In cells transfected with gp91phox antisense oligonucleotides, Ang II-mediated actions were abrogated. NADPH-induced superoxide generation was reduced by gp91ds-tat and apocynin, inhibitors of p47phox-gp91phox interactions. Our results suggest that HVSMCs possess a functionally active gp91phox-containing neutrophil-like NAD(P)H oxidase. Ang II regulates the enzyme by inducing phosphorylation of p47phox, translocation of cytosolic subunits, and de novo protein synthesis. These novel findings provide insight into the molecular regulation of NAD(P)H oxidase by Ang II in HVSMCs. Furthermore, we identify differences in gp91phox homologue expression in VSMCs from rats and human small and large arteries.
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PMID:Expression of a functionally active gp91phox-containing neutrophil-type NAD(P)H oxidase in smooth muscle cells from human resistance arteries: regulation by angiotensin II. 1206 24

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 is important in fibrogenesis and has been involved in the pathogenesis of chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). The angiotensinogen (AGT) gene encodes the only glycoprotein known to be a precursor of the vasopressor angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is also a growth factor and a profibrogenic cytokine. It mediates the induction of TGF-beta1. We studied the relationship among the intragraft expression of AGT, TGF-beta1, and CAN in stable renal transplant patients (RTP). We used a competitive quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-ELISA assay to identify intragraft amounts of AGT expression in RTP and correlated it with TGF-beta1 mRNA expression. We studied and performed kidney biopsies on 12 RTP with long-functioning grafts and 6 RTP in the immediate posttransplantation period (7 days) who had acute tubular necrosis as control. Histology was based on Banff working classification criteria. Total RNA was isolated from biopsy specimens. For RT-PCR-ELISA, we created heterologous RNA competitors that coamplified with the same primers as AGT and TGF-beta1. Six of 12 long RTP had proteinuria >1000 mg/24 hr and 6 had proteinuria <1000 mg/24 hr. The differences between Banff grades (P =0.03), AGT, and TGF-beta1 levels by RT-PCR-ELISA were statistically significant between both groups (106.2+/-60.7 vs. 34.1+/-11.9 pg/microg total RNA [P =0.01] and 5954+/-5612 vs. 436+/-517 transcripts/microg total RNA [P =0.01], respectively). The control group showed AGT levels of 25+/-12.2 pg/microg total RNA and TGF-beta1 levels of 228+/-111 transcripts/microg total RNA, significant only for the higher proteinuria group (P=0.01 and P=0.04, respectively). There was a correlation between AGT and TGF-beta1 in both groups (r=0.96, P=0.001). We showed a relationship between mRNA expression of AGT and TGF-beta1 in kidney transplant patients with different grades of CAN and proteinuria.
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PMID:Intragraft messenger RNA expression of angiotensinogen: relationship with transforming growth factor beta-1 and chronic allograft nephropathy in kidney transplant patients. 1235 92


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