Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States with the characteristics of sympathetic overactivity and activation of the renin-angiotensin system. These are the primary therapeutic targets for this syndrome. In this project, we propose three aims to explore the potential benefit of over expressing angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) expression in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) in rats with CHF. Moreover we will also determine the underlying mechanisms involved in the sympatho-inhibitory effects of AT2R overexpression in the RVLM. It has been firmly established that, in contrast to the influences of the AT1R, the AT2R facilitates the neuronal potassium channel and current, which hyperpolarizes membrane potential and suppresses neuronal excitability. On the other hand, our preliminary experiments show a down regulation of AT2R protein expression in the RVLM of rats with CHF. These phenomena lead us to postulate that a decrease in AT2R signaling in the RVLM contributes to sympatho-excitation of this syndrome by elevating the excitability of presympathetic neurons. Our global hypothesis in this proposal is that over expression of the AT2R in the RVLM by gene transfer will reduce or normalize sympathetic activation in CHF, and therefore benefit this syndrome. In preliminary experiments, we have successfully produced a rat model in which the AT2R is selectively over expressed in the RVLM by direct delivery of AT2R viral vectors into this area. Employing this animal model, we will test our hypothesis by pursuing the following 3 Specific Aims.
AIM 1 : To determine the hemodynamic, cardiac function, and sympathetic outflow in normal and CHF rats with overexpression of AT2R in the RVLM.
This Aim i ncludes two components. First, we will determine the chronic effects of over expressing AT2R in the RVLM on arterial blood pressure (AP), heart rate (HR), cardiac function, and norepinephrine excretion in conscious normal and CHF rats. In addition, water intake, urine excretion, and body weight will be measured. Second, we will observe the acute effects of microinjecting agonists and antagonists of AT1R and AT2R into the RVLM with AT2R over expression on AP, HR, and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA). We will also explore the involvement of intracellular AR2R signaling sympatho-inhibition. This includes the NO/cGMP and PLA2/AA/12-LO/PP2A pathways.
AIM 2 : To determine the effects of overexpressing AT2R on single presympathetic neuronal activity in the RVLM of anesthetized rats. We will directly record extracellular single unit firing of RVLM presympathetic neurons following overexpression of AT2R.
AIM 3 : To determine the effects of overexpressing AT2R on potassium current of presympathetic neurons in the RVLM. Employing patch clamp and brainstem slice preparations, we will directly record potassium currents of presympathetic neurons following overexpression of AT2R. These studies will lead to an enhanced understanding of angiotensin signaling in presympathetic neurons in the setting of CHF. They will highlight the importance of a balance between AT1 and AT2 receptor signaling in setting the level of sympatho-excitation and identify possible new targets for therapy in CHF.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed research will provide insights into the sympatho-inhibitiory effects of over expression of Angiotensin type 2 receptors in a specific brain area in rats with chronic heart failure. The results from this project will provide a potential strategy for the treatment of sympatho-excitatory diseases such as heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HL093028-04
Application #
8242721
Study Section
Hypertension and Microcirculation Study Section (HM)
Program Officer
Krull, Holly
Project Start
2009-04-15
Project End
2015-03-31
Budget Start
2013-04-01
Budget End
2014-03-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$349,896
Indirect Cost
$114,276
Name
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
168559177
City
Omaha
State
NE
Country
United States
Zip Code
68198
Gao, Juan; Zucker, Irving H; Gao, Lie (2014) Activation of central angiotensin type 2 receptors by compound 21 improves arterial baroreflex sensitivity in rats with heart failure. Am J Hypertens 27:1248-56
Shao, Chunhong; Yu, Li; Gao, Lie (2014) Activation of angiotensin type 2 receptors partially ameliorates streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male rats by islet protection. Endocrinology 155:793-804
Yu, Li; Shao, Chunhong; Gao, Lie (2014) Developmental expression patterns for angiotensin receptors in mouse skin and brain. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 15:139-49
Chao, Jie; Yang, Lu; Buch, Shilpa et al. (2013) Angiotensin II increased neuronal stem cell proliferation: role of AT2R. PLoS One 8:e63488
Chao, Jie; Gao, Juan; Parbhu, Karma-Jaya K et al. (2013) Angiotensin type 2 receptors in the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord: negative regulation of sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure. Int J Cardiol 168:4046-55
Shao, Chunhong; Zucker, Irving H; Gao, Lie (2013) Angiotensin type 2 receptor in pancreatic islets of adult rats: a novel insulinotropic mediator. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 305:E1281-91
Gao, Juan; Chao, Jie; Parbhu, Karma-Jaya K et al. (2012) Ontogeny of angiotensin type 2 and type 1 receptor expression in mice. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 13:341-52
Gao, Lie; Zucker, Irving H (2011) AT2 receptor signaling and sympathetic regulation. Curr Opin Pharmacol 11:124-30
Gao, Juan; Zhang, Hao; Le, Khang D et al. (2011) Activation of central angiotensin type 2 receptors suppresses norepinephrine excretion and blood pressure in conscious rats. Am J Hypertens 24:724-30
Yu, Li; Zheng, Mingqi; Wang, Wei et al. (2010) Developmental changes in AT1 and AT2 receptor-protein expression in rats. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 11:214-21

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