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Biomedical subjects

Andrea D Eckhart

Publications and source records attributed to Andrea D Eckhart.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Cardiac S100A1 protein levels determine contractile performance and propensity toward heart failure after myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Diminished cardiac S100A1 protein levels are characteristic of ischemic and dilated human cardiomyopathy. Because S100A1 has recently been identified as a Ca2+-dependent inotropic factor in the heart, this study sought to explore the pathophysiological relevance of S100A1 levels in development and progression of postischemic heart failure (HF). METHODS AND RESULTS: S100A1-transgenic (STG) and S100A1-knockout (SKO) mice were subjected to myocardial infarction (MI) by surgical left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, and survival, cardiac function, and remodeling were compared with nontransgenic littermate control (NLC) and wild-type (WT) animals up to 4 weeks. Although MI size was similar in all groups, infarcted S100A1-deficient hearts (SKO-MI) responded with acute contractile decompensation and accelerated transition to HF, rapid onset of cardiac remodeling with augmented apoptosis, and excessive mortality. NLC/WT-MI mice, displaying a progressive decrease in cardiac S100A1 expression, showed a later onset of cardiac remodeling and progression to HF. Infarcted S100A1-overexpressing hearts (STG-MI), however, showed preserved global contractile performance, abrogated apoptosis, and prevention from cardiac hypertrophy and HF with superior survival compared with NLC/WT-MI and SKO-MI. Both Gq-protein-dependent signaling and protein kinase C activation resulted in decreased cardiac S100A1 mRNA and protein levels, whereas Gs-protein-related signaling exerted opposite effects on cardiac S100A1 abundance. Mechanistically, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ cycling and beta-adrenergic signaling were severely impaired in SKO-MI myocardium but preserved in STG-MI. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel proof-of-concept study provides evidence that downregulation of S100A1 protein critically contributes to contractile dysfunction of the diseased heart, which is potentially responsible for driving the progressive downhill clinical course of patients with HF.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Vascular smooth muscle migration and proliferation in response to lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is mediated by LPA receptors coupling to Gq.

Many G protein-coupled receptors can couple to multiple G proteins to convey their intracellular signaling cascades. The receptors for lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) possess this ability. LPA receptors are important mediators of a wide variety of biological actions including cell migration, proliferation and survival which are processes that can all have a considerable impact on vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and blood vessels. To date, confirmation of G proteins involved has mostly relied on the inhibition of Gi-mediated signaling via pertussis toxin (PTx). We were interested in the specific involvement of LPA-Gq-mediated signaling therefore we isolated aorta VSM cells (VSMCs) from transgenic mice that express a peptide inhibitor of Gq, GqI, exclusively in VSM. We detected both LPA1 and LPA2 receptor expression in mouse VSM whereas LPA1 and LPA3 were expressed in rat VSM. SM22-GqI did not alter LPA-induced migration but it was sufficient to attenuate LPA-induced proliferation. GqI expression also attenuated LPA-induced ERK1/2 and Akt activation by 40-50%. To test the feasibility of this peptide as a potential therapeutic agent, we also generated adenovirus encoding the GqI. Transient expression of GqI was capable of inhibiting both LPA-induced migration and proliferation of VSMCs isolated from rat and mouse. Furthermore, ERK activation in response to LPA was also attenuated in VSMCs with Adv-GqI. Therefore, LPA receptors couple to Gq in VSMC and mediate migration and proliferation which may be mediated through activation of ERK1/2 and Akt. Our data also suggest that both chronic and transient expression of the GqI peptide is an effective strategy to lower Gq-mediated LPA signaling and may be a successful therapeutic strategy to combat diseases with enhanced VSM growth such as occurs following angioplasty or stent implantation.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2005

S100A1 gene therapy preserves in vivo cardiac function after myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction (MI) represents an enormous clinical challenge as loss of myocardium due to ischemic injury is associated with compromised left ventricular (LV) function often leading to acute cardiac decompensation or chronic heart failure. S100A1 was recently identified as a positive inotropic regulator of myocardial contractility in vitro and in vivo. Here, we explore the strategy of myocardial S100A1 gene therapy either at the time of, or 2 h after, MI to preserve global heart function. Rats underwent cryothermia-induced MI and in vivo intracoronary delivery of adenoviral transgenes (4 x 10(10) pfu). Animals received saline (MI), the S100A1 adenovirus (MI/AdS100A1), a control adenovirus (MI/AdGFP), or a sham operation. S100A1 gene delivery preserved global in vivo LV function 1 week after MI. Preservation of LV function was due mainly to S100A1-mediated gain of contractility of the remaining, viable myocardium since contractile parameters and Ca(2+) transients of isolated MI/AdS100A1 myocytes were significantly enhanced compared to myocytes isolated from both MI/AdGFP and sham groups. Moreover, S100A1 gene therapy preserved the cardiac beta-adrenergic inotropic reserve, which was associated with the attenuation of GRK2 up-regulation. Also, S100A1 overexpression reduced cardiac hypertrophy 1 week post-MI. Overall, our data indicate that S100A1 gene therapy provides a potential novel treatment strategy to maintain contractile performance of the post-MI heart.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2005

Vascular smooth muscle overexpression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 elevates blood pressure, which segregates with sex and is dependent on Gi-mediated signaling.

BACKGROUND: Essential hypertension involves an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity and an associated decrease in beta-adrenergic receptor (AR)-mediated dilation. In addition, increased levels of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinases (GRKs), which regulate GPCR signaling, are associated with increased blood pressure (BP). METHODS AND RESULTS: We generated transgenic mice with approximately 2-fold vascular smooth muscle (VSM)-specific overexpression of GRK5 to recapitulate a selective aspect of hypertension and understand the impact on GPCR regulation of BP. VSM-GRK5 mice were hypertensive, with a 25% to 35% increase in BP, whereas there was no concomitant cardiac or VSM hypertrophy. BP elevations were segregated with sex, with male mice having higher levels than female mice, and ovariectomy did not alter this phenotype. BP was restored to control values with pertussis toxin Gi-signaling inhibition or chronic beta1AR inhibition after 7 days of CGP20712A, whereas the beta2AR antagonist ICI 118,551 was ineffective. Alpha1AR response was not altered, nor was betaAR-mediated dilation in male blood vessels, whereas norepinephrine sensitivity was increased. In contrast, female VSM-GRK5 blood vessels have diminished betaAR-mediated dilation and enhanced sensitivity to angiotensin II (Ang II). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that in both male and female mice, VSM-specific overexpression of GRK5 elevates BP mediated by Gi and, at least in part, by beta1AR in males and Ang II receptors in females. Understanding mechanisms underlying an increase in VSM-GRK5 may have a profound influence on the use and development of antihypertensive therapeutics.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2005

G protein coupling and second messenger generation are indispensable for metalloprotease-dependent, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor shedding through angiotensin II type-1 receptor.

A G protein-coupled receptor agonist, angiotensin II (AngII), induces epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) transactivation possibly through metalloprotease-dependent, heparin-binding EGF (HB-EGF) shedding. Here, we have investigated signal transduction of this process by using COS7 cells expressing an AngII receptor, AT1. In these cells AngII-induced EGFR transactivation was completely inhibited by pretreatment with a selective HB-EGF inhibitor, or with a metalloprotease inhibitor. We also developed a COS7 cell line permanently expressing a HB-EGF construct tagged with alkaline phosphatase, which enabled us to measure HB-EGF shedding quantitatively. In the COS7 cell line AngII stimulated release of HB-EGF. This effect was mimicked by treatment either with a phospholipase C activator, a Ca2+ ionophore, a metalloprotease activator, or H2O2. Conversely, pretreatment with an intracellular Ca2+ antagonist or an antioxidant blocked AngII-induced HB-EGF shedding. Moreover, infection of an adenovirus encoding an inhibitor of G(q) markedly reduced EGFR transactivation and HB-EGF shedding through AT1. In this regard, AngII-stimulated HB-EGF shedding was abolished in an AT1 mutant that lacks G(q) protein coupling. However, in cells expressing AT1 mutants that retain G(q) protein coupling, AngII is still able to induce HB-EGF shedding. Finally, the AngII-induced EGFR transactivation was attenuated in COS7 cells overexpressing a catalytically inactive mutant of ADAM17. From these data we conclude that AngII stimulates a metalloprotease ADAM17-dependent HB-EGF shedding through AT1/G(q)/phospholipase C-mediated elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species production, representing a key mechanism indispensable for EGFR transactivation.

ADAM Proteins↗
PubMed2005

Acute ischemic cardiac dysfunction is attenuated via gene transfer of a peptide inhibitor of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (betaARK1).

Acute myocardial ischemia is a critical adverse effect potentially occurring during cardiac procedures. A peptide inhibitor of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (betaARK1), betaARKct, has been successful in rescuing chronic myocardial ischemia. The present study focused on the effects of adenoviral-mediated betaARKct (Adv-betaARKct) delivery on left ventricle (LV) dysfunction induced by acute coronary occlusion. Rabbits received intracoronary delivery of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (n=9) or 5x10(11) viral particles of betaARKct (n=8). A loose prolene 5-0 Potz-loop suture was placed around the circumflex coronary artery (LCx) with both ends buried under the skin. Four days later, the suture was retrieved and pulled to occlude the LCx. Ischemia was confirmed by immediate ECG changes. LV function was continuously recorded for 45 min. Contractility (LVdP/dtmax), relaxation (LVdP/dtmin) and end diastolic pressure (EDP) were less impaired in the betaARKct group as compared to PBS (P<0.05, two-way ANOVA). betaAR density was higher in the ischemic area of the LV in the betaARKct group (betaARKct: 71.9+/-4.6 fmol/mg protein, PBS: 54.5+/-4.0 fmol/mg protein, P<0.05). Adenylyl cyclase activity was also improved basally and in response to betaAR stimulation. betaARK1 activation was less in the betaARKct group (P<0.05). Therefore, inhibition of myocardial betaARK1 may represent a new strategy to prevent LV dysfunction induced by acute coronary ischemia.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2004

Cardiac adenoviral S100A1 gene delivery rescues failing myocardium.

Cardiac-restricted overexpression of the Ca2+-binding protein S100A1 has been shown to lead to increased myocardial contractile performance in vitro and in vivo. Since decreased cardiac expression of S100A1 is a characteristic of heart failure, we tested the hypothesis that S100A1 gene transfer could restore contractile function of failing myocardium. Adenoviral S100A1 gene delivery normalized S100A1 protein expression in a postinfarction rat heart failure model and reversed contractile dysfunction of failing myocardium in vivo and in vitro. S100A1 gene transfer to failing cardiomyocytes restored diminished intracellular Ca2+ transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load mechanistically due to increased SR Ca2+ uptake and reduced SR Ca2+ leak. Moreover, S100A1 gene transfer decreased elevated intracellular Na+ concentrations to levels detected in nonfailing cardiomyocytes, reversed reactivated fetal gene expression, and restored energy supply in failing cardiomyocytes. Intracoronary adenovirus-mediated S100A1 gene delivery in vivo to the postinfarcted failing rat heart normalized myocardial contractile function and Ca2+ handling, which provided support in a physiological context for results found in myocytes. Thus, the present study demonstrates that restoration of S100A1 protein levels in failing myocardium by gene transfer may be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of heart failure.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2002

Myocardial gene transfer and overexpression of beta2-adrenergic receptors potentiates the functional recovery of unloaded failing hearts.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical assistance of the failing left ventricle (LV) can lead to functional recovery after a period of unloading, including restoration of beta-adrenergic receptor (betaAR) inotropic reserve. We tested whether prolonged LV unloading of failing rabbit hearts by use of a heterotopic transplantation technique could lead to recovery and whether adenoviral gene transfer of a beta2AR transgene (Adv-beta2AR) could alter this process. METHODS AND RESULTS: Heart failure was induced by coronary artery ligation in adult New Zealand White rabbits. After 4 weeks, failing hearts were heterotopically transplanted into recipient rabbits, allowing normal coronary perfusion but complete LV unloading. We also placed an LV latex balloon for remote access and in vivo physiological analysis. We found that there was reversal of signaling and functional abnormalities after 30 days of unloading. In another set of failing hearts, we randomly delivered, at the time of transplantation, either 2x10(11) viral particles of Adv-beta2AR or saline via the coronary arteries. Sham-operated animals with nonfailing hearts served as controls. After 5 days of unloading, in vivo LV contractility (LV dP/dt(max)) and relaxation (LV dP/dt(min)) were significantly decreased in saline-treated failing hearts compared with control nonfailing hearts (P<0.05). In failing hearts treated with Adv-beta2AR, however, LV dP/dt(max) and LV dP/dt(min) were improved in response to higher preloads (P<0.05) and betaAR stimulation (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Heterotopic transplantation in the rabbit does allow recovery of the failing heart, and beta2AR overexpression acutely enhances this functional improvement. Accordingly, genetic manipulation of betaAR signaling may represent a novel molecular adjunct to mechanical assistance to facilitate functional myocardial recovery.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2002

Beta-adrenergic receptor-mediated DNA synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts is dependent on transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and subsequent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases.

Cardiac hypertrophy often leads to heart failure and is associated with abnormal myocardial adrenergic signaling. This enlargement of myocardial mass can involve not only an increase in cardiomyocyte size, but increased proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts. A potential key player in the cardiac hypertrophic response is the ERK family of MAPKs. To gain mechanistic insight into adrenergic regulation of myocardial mitogenic signaling, we examined beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) stimulation of ERK activation and DNA synthesis in cultured adult rat cardiac fibroblasts, including the involvement of tyrosine kinases in this signaling pathway. Addition of the beta-AR agonist isoproterenol (ISO) to serum-starved cells induced DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner, and this was inhibited by selective inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Importantly and in agreement with the involvement of MAPKs and the EGFR in this response in cardiac fibroblasts, the EGFR inhibitor AG1478 attenuated ISO-induced ERK phosphorylation. Moreover, pretreatment with PP2, a selective inhibitor of the Src tyrosine kinase, attenuated both ISO-mediated EGFR phosphorylation and ERK activation. Furthermore, studies in these cardiac fibroblasts showed that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase contributed to beta-AR-mediated ERK activation, but not to EGFR activation. Finally, studies using selective inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases indicated that they and heparin-bound EGF shedding were involved in beta-AR-induced ERK activation and subsequent DNA synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts. Because these cells primarily express the beta(2)-AR subtype, our findings indicate that beta(2)-AR-mediated EGFR transactivation of intracellular tyrosine kinase signaling pathways is the major signaling pathway responsible for the adrenergic stimulation of mitogenesis of cardiac fibroblasts.

Androstadienes↗
PubMed2002

Inhibition of betaARK1 restores impaired biochemical beta-adrenergic receptor responsiveness but does not rescue CREB(A133) induced cardiomyopathy.

The myocardial beta-adrenergic receptor (betaAR) system plays a key role in dysfunctional signaling and physiology of the failing heart. Recently we described a murine model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) produced by cardiac-specific expression of a dominant negative form of the CREB transcription factor (CREB(A133) mice). CREB(A133) mice display abnormalities within the betaAR signaling system including loss of inotropic reserve. Rapid desensitization of betaARs is mediated by the betaAR kinase (betaARK1), which is upregulated during heart failure. Inhibition of betaARK1 activity in the heart via expression of a peptide inhibitor (betaARKct) has been shown to enhance myocardial function and to "rescue" several animal models of heart failure. To determine the role of betaAR dysfunction in the progression of DCM in the CREB(A133) mice, we interbred them with mice expressing the betaARKct. Concurrent expression of the betaARKct peptide and CREB(A133) in mouse hearts resulted in the normalization of elevated betaARK1 levels. This biochemical change resulted in partial restoration of isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity as well as improvement in fractional shortening in response to betaAR stimulation. Interestingly, the progression of DCM and premature mortality was not altered. Therefore, the pathogenesis of DCM in CREB(A133) mice does not appear to involve abnormal betaAR signaling as a key element in its pathological progression and accordingly, the restoration of betaAR signaling is not sufficient to prevent the development and progression of all forms of heart failure.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Expression of a beta-adrenergic receptor kinase inhibitor reverses dysfunction in failing cardiomyocytes.

The spontaneously hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) rat shares numerous functional and molecular characteristics of human heart failure (HF), including impairment of beta-adrenergic receptor (AR) signaling with decreased betaAR density and coupling to adenylyl cyclase as well as increased betaAR kinase (betaARK1) levels and activity. We examined the effects of betaARK1 inhibition on the signaling and contractile function in failing ventricular myocytes isolated from SHHF rat hearts. This was done by adenoviral-mediated gene transfer of the carboxy-terminal 194 amino acids of betaARK1 (betaARKct), which acts as an in vivo betaARK1 inhibitor. Basal cAMP production was reduced in cells from SHHF rat hearts (n=4) compared with that found in cells isolated from the hearts of age-matched Sprague-Dawley (SD) control rats (n=8; SHHF, 2.5+/-0.2% conversion [(3)H]adenine to cAMP, versus SD, 4.2+/-0.2%; P<0.01), as were cAMP responses to the beta-agonist iso-proterenol (ISO; SHHF, 5.2+/-0.2%, versus SD, 7.2+/-0.4%; P<0.01). Following betaARKct expression, SHHF cardiomyocytes displayed a significant increase in basal (6.6+/-0.6%, P<0.01) and ISO-stimulated cAMP production (8.8+/-0.6%, P<0.01) versus failing myocytes treated with an empty adenovirus. Concerning contractile function of these cells, betaARKct expression produced significant improvement in ISO (10(-6) M) stimulated (n=7 hearts) cell shortening, relaxation, and contraction compared with failing cells treated with the control empty virus (betaARKct, 39+/-11%, 70+/-18%, and 70+/-20%, versus empty virus, 1+/-7%, 5+/-5%, and 0+/-7%, respectively). Thus, these data indicate that targeted betaARK1 inhibition via genetic manipulation is a powerful therapeutic approach for improving the function of failing cardiomyocytes.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Donor heart contractile dysfunction following prolonged ex vivo preservation can be prevented by gene-mediated beta-adrenergic signaling modulation.

OBJECTIVES: Reperfusion after myocardial ischemia goes together with alteration of the beta-adrenergic (betaAR) signaling. Especially the level and catalytic activity of beta AR kinase (betaARK1) are increased. We hypothesized that myocardial expression of a betaARK1 inhibitor (betaARKct) may protect from post-reperfusion dysfunction. METHODS: Two groups of rabbits were treated by intracoronary delivery of either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or a solution of adenovirus carrying the betaARKct transgene (Adeno-betaARKct). At day 5, the hearts were explanted after cold cardioplegic arrest, and preserved at 4 degrees C for 4 h. Reperfusion was hemodynamically standardized on a Langendorff apparatus with oxygenated Krebs solution for 30 min before left ventricular (LV) pressure was recorded using an LV latex balloon connected to a pressure transducer. Non-arrested hearts immediately perfused on the Langendorff apparatus served as controls. RESULTS: LV contractility (LV dP/dt(max), P < 0.05) and relaxation (LV dP/dt(min), P < 0.05) were reduced, and end diastolic pressure (LV EDP) was increased after prolonged exposure to cold preservation solution as compared to normal control hearts, both under basal conditions and when stimulated with the betaAR agonist isoproterenol. However, these parameters remained within a normal range in Adeno-betaARKct-expressing hearts arrested and preserved for 4 h. Biochemical analysis shows a reduced betaAR density and an impaired signaling after reperfusion of hearts arrested for 4 h whereas it is normalized in Adeno-betaARKct-expressing hearts. CONCLUSION: Myocardial gene-mediated inhibition of betaARK1 via betaARKct expression avoids ventricular dysfunction after prolonged preservation. Therefore, this may represent a way of improving early results of cardiac transplantation and perioperative function.

Adenoviridae↗
PubMed2002

Heterotopic transplantation as a model to study functional recovery of unloaded failing hearts.

OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have demonstrated cardiac improvement in patients supported with a ventricular assist device, suggesting that reverse remodeling and myocardial recovery are possible. We developed an animal model of cardiac unloading by adapting a heterotopic transplantation technique and used it to examine the pattern of functional recovery in the left ventricle of the failing heart. METHODS: Heart failure was induced in adult New Zealand rabbits by coronary artery ligation with subsequent myocardial infarction. Animals undergoing sham operation served as a control group. After 4 weeks or 3 months, failing hearts were transplanted into the necks of recipient rabbits. A left ventricular latex balloon connected to subcutaneous tubing allowed repeated physiologic analysis on days 1 and after transplantation and then every 5 days until day 30. RESULTS: Contractility (left ventricular dP/dt(max)) and relaxation (left ventricular dP/dt(min)) were significantly lower in transplanted postinfarction hearts as compared to control hearts immediately after transplantation. Both left ventricular dP/dt(max) and left ventricular dP/dt(min) responses to increased preload and to beta-adrenergic stimulation progressively improved to a significantly higher level after 30 days of left ventricular unloading for the hearts that were transplanted 4 weeks after myocardial infarction. However, this functional improvement was not detected in failing hearts transplanted 3 months after infarction. CONCLUSIONS: This model of cardiac unloading appears at least partially to mimic conditions of ventricular assist devices. If performed early in the development of heart failure, it permits improvement of contractile dysfunction and restoration of cardiac responsiveness to mechanical and beta-adrenergic stimulation. Therefore this model may constitute a novel alternative in the study of reverse remodeling in unloaded failing hearts.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Vascular-targeted overexpression of G protein-coupled receptor kinase-2 in transgenic mice attenuates beta-adrenergic receptor signaling and increases resting blood pressure.

Cardiovascular regulation is tightly controlled by signaling through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). beta-Adrenergic receptors (ARs) are GPCRs that regulate inotropy and chronotropy in the heart and mediate vasodilation, which critically influences systemic vascular resistance. GPCR kinases (GRKs), including GRK2 (or betaARK1), phosphorylate and desensitize agonist-activated betaARs. Myocardial GRK2 levels are increased in heart failure and data suggest that vascular levels may also be elevated in hypertension. Therefore, we generated transgenic mice with vascular smooth muscle (VSM) targeted overexpression of GRK2, using a portion of the SM22alpha promoter, to determine its impact on vascular betaAR regulation. VSM betaAR signaling, as determined by adenylyl cyclase and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation assays, was attenuated when GRK2 was overexpressed 2- to 3-fold. In vivo vasodilation in response to betaAR stimulation using isoproterenol was attenuated and conscious resting mean arterial blood pressure was elevated from 96 +/- 2 mm Hg in nontransgenic littermate control (NLC) mice (n = 9) to 112 +/- 3 mm Hg and 117 +/- 2 mm Hg in two different lines of SM22alpha-GRK2 transgenic mice (n = 7 and n = 5, respectively; p < 0.05). Interestingly, medial VSM thickness was increased 30% from 29.8 +/- 1.6 microm in NLC mice (n = 6) to 39.4 +/- 1.6 microm in SM22alpha-GRK2 mice (n = 7) (p < 0.05) and vascular GRK2 overexpression was sufficient to cause cardiac hypertrophy. These data indicate that we have developed a unique mouse model of hypertension, providing insight into the contribution that vascular betaAR signaling makes toward resting blood pressure and overall cardiovascular regulation. Moreover, they suggest that GRK2 plays an important role in vascular control and may represent a novel therapeutic target for hypertension.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Gq-coupled receptor agonists mediate cardiac hypertrophy via the vasculature.

The Gq-coupled receptor-signaling pathway has been implicated in the cardiac hypertrophic response to stress, but little is actually known about the contributions of Gq signaling in either the heart or the vasculature. Therefore, we developed a line of transgenic mice that express a peptide inhibitor of Gq (GqI) in vascular smooth muscle to determine if vascular Gq signaling was important in the cardiac hypertrophic response. After chronic administration of the Gq agonists phenylephrine, serotonin, and angiotensin II, we observed an attenuation of mean arterial blood pressure and an inhibition of cardiac hypertrophy in the transgenic mice with vascular-specific GqI expression. In contrast, cardiac GqI peptide expression did not attenuate the hypertension or the cardiac hypertrophy. Importantly, all mice were capable of cardiac hypertrophy, because direct beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation induced a similar level of hypertrophy in both lines of transgenic mice. This clearly suggests that after chronic Gq-coupled receptor agonist administration, it is the hypertensive state induced by vascular Gq activation that mediates remodeling of the heart, rather than direct stimulation of cardiac Gq-coupled receptors. Thus, the contribution of vascular Gq-coupled signaling to the development of cardiac hypertrophy is significant and suggests that expression of the GqI peptide is a novel therapeutic strategy to lower Gq-mediated hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2000

Beta-Adrenergic gene therapy for cardiovascular disease.

Gene therapy using in vivo recombinant adenovirus-mediated gene transfer is an effective technique that offers great potential to improve existing drug treatments for the complex cardiovascular diseases of heart failure and vascular smooth muscle intimal hyperplasia. Cardiac-specific adenovirus-mediated transfer of the carboxyl-terminus of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (betaARKct), acting as a Gbetagamma-beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (betaARK)1 inhibitor, improves basal and agonist-induced cardiac performance in both normal and failing rabbit hearts. In addition, betaARKct adenovirus infection of vascular smooth muscle is capable of significantly diminishing neointimal proliferation after angioplasty. Therefore, further investigation is warranted to determine whether inhibition of betaARK1 activity and sequestration of Gbetagamma via an adenovirus that encodes the betaARKct transgene might be a useful clinical tool for the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies.

Journal Article↗