Interactions between angiotensin-(1-7), kinins, and angiotensin II in kidney and blood vessels

The heptapeptide angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) is currently considered one of the biologically active end products of the renin-angiotensin system. The formation of Ang-(1-7) by pathways independent of Ang II generation, the selectivity of its actions, and its peculiar property of exhibiting effects that are partially opposite of those of the parent compound, Ang II, confer a unique biochemical and functional profile to this peptide. In this article, we will review novel aspects of the biological actions of Ang-(1-7), dealing with its interaction with Ang II and kinins, especially in the kidney and blood vessels.Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Fac Med, Dept Pediat, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Lab Hipertensao, Inst Ciencias Biol, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biofis, BR-04023062 Sao Paulo, BrazilMax Delbruck Ctr Mol Med, Berlin, GermanyUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biofis, BR-04023062 Sao Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Altered renal response to acute volume expansion in transgenic rats harboring the human tissue kallikrein gene

The renal response to acute volume expansion was investigated in transgenic (TGR) rats harboring the human tissue kallikrein gene. After a primer injection of 0.9% NaCl (3 ml/100 g, i.v), Sprague-Dawley (SD) or TGR rats received a continuous infusion of 0.9% NaCl (15 μl/100 g/min, i.a.) through a catheter placed into the carotid artery. Acute volume expansion was produced by a second injection of 0.9% NaCl (2 ml/100 g, i.v.) 65 min after the first injection. Plasma vasopressin (AVP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) concentration was measured before and within 10 min of volume expansion. TGR animals presented a blunted response to acute volume expansion evidenced by an attenuated increase in total and fractional water and sodium excretion. Before or after volume expansion, plasma AVP and ANP did not differ between SD and TGR. Pre-treatment with the BK-B 2 antagonist HOE-140 (7.5 μg/100 g. i.a) partially improved the renal response of TGRs and severely blunted the response in SD rats. These data show that TGR (hKLK1) rats have an impaired renal response to acute volume expansion that can not be accounted for by changes in the release of AVP or ANP