Biomedical subjects

Robin A Felder

Publications and source records attributed to Robin A Felder.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Intrarenal dopamine D1-like receptor stimulation induces natriuresis via an angiotensin type-2 receptor mechanism.

We explored the effects of direct renal interstitial stimulation of dopamine D(1)-like receptors with fenoldopam, a selective D(1)-like receptor agonist, on renal sodium excretion and angiotensin type-2 (AT(2)) receptor expression and cellular distribution in rats on a high-sodium intake. In contrast to vehicle-infused rats, sodium excretion increased in fenoldopam-infused rats during each of three 1-hour experimental periods (<0.001). Blood pressure was unaffected by vehicle or fenoldopam. In plasma membranes of renal cortical cells, fenoldopam increased D(1) receptor expression by 38% (P<0.05) and AT(2) receptor expression by 69% (P<0.01). In plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells, fenoldopam increased AT(2) receptor expression by 108% (P<0.01). In outer apical membranes of proximal tubule cells, fenoldopam increased AT(2) receptor expression by 59% (P<0.01). No significant change in total AT(2) receptor protein expression was detectable in response to fenoldopam. Fenoldopam-induced natriuresis was abolished when either PD-123319, a specific AT(2) receptor antagonist, or SCH-23390, a potent D(1)-like receptor antagonist, was coinfused with F (P<0.001). In summary, direct renal D(1)-like receptor activation increased urinary sodium excretion and the plasma membrane expression of AT(2) receptors in renal cortical and proximal tubule cells. D(1)-like receptor-induced natriuresis was abolished by intrarenal AT(2) receptor inhibition. These findings suggest that dopaminergic regulation of sodium excretion involves recruitment of AT(2) receptors to the outer plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells and that dopamine-induced natriuresis requires AT(2) receptor activation.

Anesthesia↗

PubMed2006

Activation of D3 dopamine receptor decreases angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression in rat renal proximal tubule cells.

The dopaminergic and renin angiotensin systems interact to regulate blood pressure. Disruption of the D(3) dopamine receptor gene in mice produces renin-dependent hypertension. In rats, D(2)-like receptors reduce angiotensin II binding sites in renal proximal tubules (RPTs). Because the major D(2)-like receptor in RPTs is the D(3) receptor, we examined whether D(3) receptors regulate angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptors in rat RPT cells. The effect of D(3) receptors on AT(1) receptors was studied in vitro and in vivo. The D(3) receptor agonist PD128907 decreased AT(1) receptor protein and mRNA in WKY RPT cells and increased it in SHR cells. PD128907 increased D(3) receptors in WKY cells but had no effect in SHR cells. D(3)/AT(1) receptors colocalized in RPT cells; D(3) receptor stimulation decreased the percent amount of D(3) receptors that coimmunoprecipitated with AT(1) receptors to a greater extent in WKY than in SHR cells. However, D(3) receptor stimulation did not change the percent amount of AT(1) receptors that coimmunoprecipitated with D(3) receptors in WKY cells and markedly decreased the coimmunoprecipitation in SHR cells. The D(3) receptor also regulated the AT(1) receptor in vivo because AT(1) receptor expression was increased in kidneys of D(3) receptor-null mice compared with wild type littermates. D(3) receptors may regulate AT(1) receptor function by direct interaction with and regulation of AT(1) receptor expression. One mechanism of hypertension may be related to increased renal expression of AT(1) receptors due decreased D(3) receptor regulation.

Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers↗

PubMed2006

Amelioration of genetic hypertension by suppression of renal G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4 expression.

Abnormalities in D1 dopamine receptor function in the kidney are present in some types of human essential and rodent genetic hypertension. We hypothesize that increased activity of G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4 (GRK4) causes the impaired renal D1 receptor function in hypertension. We measured renal GRK4 and D1 and serine-phosphorylated D1 receptors and determined the effect of decreasing renal GRK4 protein by the chronic renal cortical interstitial infusion (4 weeks) of GRK4 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (As-Odns) in conscious- uninephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and their normotensive controls, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Basal GRK4 expression and serine-phosphorylated D1 receptors were &90% higher in SHRs than in WKY rats and were decreased to a greater extent in SHRs than in WKY rats with GRK4 As-Odns treatment. Basal renal D1 receptor protein was similar in both rat strains. GRK4 As-Odns, but not scrambled oligodeoxynucleotides, increased sodium excretion and urine volume, attenuated the increase in arterial blood pressure with age, and decreased protein excretion in SHRs, effects that were not observed in WKY rats. These studies provide direct evidence of a crucial role of renal GRK4 in the D1 receptor control of sodium excretion and blood pressure in genetic hypertension.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms for diagnosis of salt-sensitive hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Salt-sensitive (SS) hypertension affects >30 million Americans and is often associated with low plasma renin activity. We tested the diagnostic validity of several candidate genes for SS and low-renin hypertension. METHODS: In Japanese patients with newly diagnosed, untreated hypertension (n = 184), we studied polymorphisms in 10 genes, including G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4 (GRK4), some variations of which are associated with hypertension and impair D1 receptor (D1R)-inhibited renal sodium transport. We used the multifactor dimensionality reduction method to determine the genotype associated with salt sensitivity (> or =10% increase in blood pressure with high sodium intake) or low renin. To determine whether the GRK4 genotype is associated with impaired D1R function, we tested the natriuretic effect of docarpamine, a dopamine prodrug, in normotensive individuals with or without GRK4 polymorphisms (n = 18). RESULTS: A genetic model based on GRK4 R65L, GRK4 A142V, and GRK4 A486V was 94.4% predictive of SS hypertension, whereas the single-locus model with only GRK4 A142V was 78.4% predictive, and a 2-locus model of GRK4 A142V and CYP11B2 C-344T was 77.8% predictive of low-renin hypertension. Sodium excretion was inversely related to the number of GRK4 variants in hypertensive persons, and the natriuretic response to dopaminergic stimulation was impaired in normotensive persons having > or =3 GRK4 gene variants. CONCLUSIONS: GRK4 gene variants are associated with SS and low-renin hypertension. However, the genetic model predicting SS hypertension is different from the model for low renin, suggesting genetic differences in these 2 phenotypes. Like low-renin testing, screening for GRK4 variants may be a useful diagnostic adjunct for detection of SS hypertension.

Asian People↗

PubMed2006

D3 dopamine receptor directly interacts with D1 dopamine receptor in immortalized renal proximal tubule cells.

D3 receptors act synergistically with D1 receptors to inhibit sodium transport in renal proximal tubules; however, the mechanism by which this occurs is not known. Because dopamine receptor subtypes can regulate and interact with each other, we studied the interaction of D3 and D1 receptors in rat renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells. The D3 agonist PD128907 increased the immunoreactive expression of D1 receptors in a concentration- and time-dependent manner; these effects were blocked by the D3 antagonist U99194A. PD128907 also transiently (15 minutes) increased the amount of cell surface membrane D1 receptors. Laser confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed that D3 receptor and D1 receptor colocalized in RPT cells more distinctly in Wistar-Kyoto rats than in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). In addition, D3 and D1 receptors could be coimmunoprecipitated, and this interaction was increased after D3 receptor agonist stimulation for 24 hours in Wistar-Kyoto rats but not in SHRs. We propose that the synergistic effects of D3 and D1 receptors may be caused by a D3 receptor-mediated increase in total, as well as cell surface membrane D1 receptor expression, and direct D3 and D1 receptor interaction, both of which are impaired in SHRs.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Mechanisms of disease: the role of GRK4 in the etiology of essential hypertension and salt sensitivity.

Hypertension and salt sensitivity of blood pressure are two conditions the etiologies of which are still elusive because of the complex influences of genes, environment, and behavior. Recent understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern sodium homeostasis is shedding new light on how genes, their protein products, and interacting metabolic pathways contribute to disease. Sodium transport is increased in the proximal tubule and thick ascending limb of Henle of the kidney in human essential hypertension. This Review focuses on the counter-regulation between the dopaminergic and renin-angiotensin systems in the renal proximal tubule, which is the site of about 70% of total renal sodium reabsorption. The inhibitory effect of dopamine is most evident under conditions of moderate sodium excess, whereas the stimulatory effect of angiotensin II is most evident under conditions of sodium deficit. Dopamine and angiotensin II exert their actions via G protein-coupled receptors, which are in turn regulated by G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs). Polymorphisms that lead to aberrant action of GRKs cause a number of conditions, including hypertension and salt sensitivity. Polymorphisms in one particular member of this family-GRK4-have been shown to cause hyperphosphorylation, desensitization and internalization of a member of the dopamine receptor family, the dopamine 1 receptor, while increasing the expression of a key receptor of the renin-angiotensin system, the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for identifying at-risk subjects, followed by selective treatment of hypertension and salt sensitivity, might center on restoring normal receptor function through blocking the effects of GRK4 polymorphisms.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

D5 dopamine receptor regulation of reactive oxygen species production, NADPH oxidase, and blood pressure.

Activation of D1-like receptors (D1 and/or D5) induces antioxidant responses; however, the mechanism(s) involved in their antioxidant actions are not known. We hypothesized that stimulation of the D5 receptor inhibits NADPH oxidase activity, and thus the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We investigated this issue in D5 receptor-deficient (D5-/-) and wild-type (D5+/+) mice. NADPH oxidase protein expression (gp91(phox), p47(phox), and Nox 4) and activity in kidney and brain, as well as plasma thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were higher in D5-/- than in D5+/+ mice. Furthermore, apocynin, an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, normalized blood pressure, renal NADPH oxidase activity, and plasma TBARS in D5-/- mice. In HEK-293 cells that heterologously expressed human D5 receptor, its agonist fenoldopam decreased NADPH oxidase activity, expression of one of its subunits (gp91(phox)), and ROS production. The inhibitory effect of the D5 receptor activation on NADPH oxidase activity was independent of cAMP/PKA but was partially dependent on phospholipase D2. The ability of D5 receptor stimulation to decrease ROS production may explain, in part, the antihypertensive action of D5 receptor activation.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

A new approach for treatment of hypertension: modifying D1 dopamine receptor function.

Essential hypertension is a major factor for myocardial infarction, heart failure and kidney failure. Dopamine plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension by regulating epithelial sodium transport and vasodilatation directly or indirectly with other hormones and humoral factors, such as reactive oxygen species and the renin-angiotensin system. Dopamine receptors are classified into five subtypes based on their structure and pharmacology. Among those dopamine receptor subtypes, D(1) receptor is the most important one, during conditions of moderate sodium intake, more than 50% of renal sodium excretion is regulated by D(1)-like receptors. Decreased renal dopamine production and/or impaired D(1) receptor function have been reported in hypertension. Disruption of D(1) receptor results in hypertension. In this paper, we review the mechanisms by which hypertension develops when D(1) receptor function is perturbed. We also discuss possible new approaches developing anti-hypertensive medicine by increasing renal dopamine production, enhancing D(1) receptor function, or modifying its interactions with other blood pressure-regulating systems.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

PubMed2006

[G protein kinase 4gammaA142V overexpression induced hypertension by downregulating D1 receptors in transgenic mice].

OBJECTIVE: Abnormalities in dopamine production and receptor function have been described in human essential hypertension and rodent models of genetic hypertension. We investigated the role of G protein kinase (GRK) 4gamma in essential hypertension in GRK4gamma mutant A142V transgenic mice. METHODS: Blood pressure, renal sodium excretion, D(1) receptor protein expression and phosphorylation were measured in GRK4gammaA142V transgenic mice and control mice. Moreover, the effects of GRK4 inhibition by antisense oligonucleotides on D(1) receptor expressions were determined in HK-2 cells. RESULTS: As compared with their control mice, GRK4gammaA142V transgenic mice had higher blood pressure, lower D(1) receptor expression (0.6 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.5 +/- 0.2, P < 0.05), higher D(1) receptor phosphorylation [(65 +/- 7) DU vs. (35 +/- 7) DU, P < 0.05] in renal cortical membranes and the diuretic and natriuretic effects after stimulation of renal D(1) receptor were impaired in GRK4gammaA142V transgenic mice. Inhibition of GRK4 expression (0.60 +/- 0.10 vs. 1.30 +/- 0.09, P < 0.05) by GRK4 antisense oligonucleotides upregulated D(1) receptor expression (1.5 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.1, P < 0.05) in HK-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that GRK4gammaA142V overexpression induced hypertension is mediated by dowregulated renal D(1) receptor expressions in GRK4gammaA142V transgenic mice.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Rat strain effects of AT1 receptor activation on D1 dopamine receptors in immortalized renal proximal tubule cells.

The dopaminergic and renin-angiotensin systems regulate blood pressure, in part, by affecting sodium transport in renal proximal tubules (RPTs). We have reported that activation of a D1-like receptor decreases AT1 receptor expression in the mouse kidney and in immortalized RPT cells from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The current studies were designed to test the hypothesis that activation of the AT1 receptor can also regulate the D1 receptor in RPT cells, and this regulation is aberrant in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Long-term (24 hours) stimulation of RPT cells with angiotensin II, via AT1 receptors increased total cellular D1 receptor protein in a time- and concentration-dependent manner in WKY but not in SHR cells. Short-term stimulation (15 minutes) with angiotensin II did not affect total cellular D1 receptor protein in either rat strain. However, in the short-term experiments, angiotensin II decreased cell surface membrane D1 receptor protein in WKY but not in SHR cells. D1 and AT1 receptors colocalized (confocal microscopy) and their coimmunoprecipitation was greater in WKY than in SHRs. However, AT1/D1 receptor coimmunoprecipitation was decreased by angiotensin II (10(-8) M/24 hours) to a similar extent in WKY (-22+/-8%) and SHRs (-22+/-12%). In summary, these studies show that AT1 and D1 receptors interact differently in RPT cells from WKY and SHRs. It is possible that an angiotensin II-mediated increase in D1 receptors and dissociation of AT1 from D1 receptors serve to counter regulate the long-term action of angiotensin II in WKY rats; different effects are seen in SHRs.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed2005

Altered AT1 receptor regulation of ETB receptors in renal proximal tubule cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The renin-angiotensin and endothelin systems regulate blood pressure, in part, by affecting renal tubular sodium transport. In rodents, ETB receptors decrease proximal tubular reabsorption, whereas AT1 receptors produce the opposite effect. We hypothesize that ETB and AT1 receptors interact at the receptor level, and that the interaction is altered in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). In immortalized renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, angiotensin II, via AT1 receptors, increased ETB receptor protein in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, in SHR RPT cells, angiotensin II (10(-8) M/24 hours) had no effect on ETB receptor protein. AT1/ETB receptors colocalized and co-immunoprecipitated in both rat strains but long-term angiotensin II (10(-8) M/24 hours) treatment increased AT1/ETB co-immunoprecipitation in WKY but not in SHR cells. Short-term angiotensin II (10(-8) M/15 minutes) treatment decreased ETB receptor phosphorylation in both WKY and SHR cells, and increased ETB receptors in RPT cell surface membranes of RPT cells in WKY but not SHRs. Basal cell surface membrane ETB receptor expression was also higher in WKY than in SHRs. We conclude that AT1 receptors regulate ETB receptors by receptor interaction and modulation of receptor expression. The altered AT1 receptor regulation of ETB receptors in SHRs may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed2005

Differential effects of angiotensin II type-1 receptor antisense oligonucleotides on renal function in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

The effect of selectively decreasing renal angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor expression on renal function and blood pressure has not been determined. Therefore, we studied the consequences of selective renal inhibition of AT1 receptor expression in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in vivo. Vehicle, AT1 receptor antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODN), or scrambled oligodeoxynucleotides were infused chronically into the cortex of the remaining kidney of conscious, uninephrectomized WKY and SHR on a 4% NaCl intake. Basal renal cortical membrane AT1 receptor protein was greater in SHR than in WKY. In WKY and SHR, AS-ODN decreased renal but not cardiac AT1 receptors. AT1 receptor AS-ODN treatment increased plasma renin activity to a greater extent in WKY than in SHR. However, plasma angiotensin II and aldosterone were increased by AS-ODN to a similar degree in both rat strains. In SHR, sodium excretion was increased and sodium balance was decreased by AS-ODN but had only a transient ameliorating effect on blood pressure. Urinary protein and glomerular sclerosis were markedly reduced by AS-ODN-treated SHR. In WKY, AS-ODN had no effect on sodium excretion, blood pressure, or renal histology but also modestly decreased proteinuria. The major consequence of decreasing renal AT1 receptor protein in the SHR is a decrease in proteinuria, probably as a result of the amelioration in glomerular pathology but independent of systemic blood pressure and circulating angiotensin II levels.

Aldosterone↗

PubMed2005

Interaction of angiotensin II type 1 and D5 dopamine receptors in renal proximal tubule cells.

Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor and D1 and D3 dopamine receptors directly interact in renal proximal tubule (RPT) cells from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). There is indirect evidence for a D5 and AT1 receptor interaction in WKY and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Therefore, we sought direct evidence of an interaction between AT1 and D5 receptors in RPT cells. D5 and AT1 receptors colocalized in WKY cells. Angiotensin II decreased D5 receptors in WKY cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner (EC50=2.7x10(-9) M; t(1/2)=4.9 hours), effects that were blocked by an AT1 receptor antagonist (losartan). In SHR, angiotensin II (10(-8) M/24 hours) also decreased D5 receptors (0.96+/-0.08 versus 0.72+/-0.08; n=12) and to the same degree as in WKY cells (1.44+/-0.07 versus 0.92+/-0.08). However, basal D5 receptors were decreased in SHR RPT cells (SHR 0.96+/-0.08; WKY 1.44+/-0.07; n=12 per strain; P<0.05) and renal brush border membranes of SHR compared with WKY (SHR 0.54+/-0.16 versus WKY 1.46+/-0.10; n=5 per strain; P<0.05). Angiotensin II decreased AT1 receptor expression in WKY (1.00+/-0.04 versus 0.72+/-0.08; n=8; P<0.05) but increased it in SHR (0.96+/-0.04 versus 1.32+/-0.08; n=8; P<0.05). AT(1) and D5 receptors also interacted in vivo; renal D5 receptor protein was higher in mice lacking the AT1A receptor (AT1A-/-; 1.61+/-0.31; n=6) than in wild-type littermates used as controls (AT1A+/+; 0.81+/-0.08; n=6; P<0.05), and renal cortical AT1 receptor protein was higher in D5 receptor null mice than in wild-type littermates (1.18+/-0.08 versus 0.84+/-0.07; n=4; P<0.05). We conclude that D5 and AT1 receptors interact with each other. Altered interactions between AT1 and dopamine receptors may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Angiotensin II↗

PubMed2005

Aberrant ETB receptor regulation of AT receptors in immortalized renal proximal tubule cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: The renin-angiotensin and endothelin systems interact to regulate blood pressure, in part, by affecting sodium transport in the kidney. Because angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor activation increases ETB receptor expression in renal proximal tubule cells from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rat, we hypothesize that ETB receptor activation may also regulate AT(1) receptor expression. Furthermore, ETB receptor regulation of the AT(1) receptor may be different in the WKY and spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). METHOD: AT(1) and ETB receptors were studied in immortalized renal proximal tubule cells from WKY and SHRs, using immunoblotting, confocal microscopic colocalization, and immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: In WKY renal proximal tubule cells, an ETB receptor agonist, BQ3020, decreased AT(1) receptor protein in a time- and concentration-dependent manner [median effective concentration (EC(50)) = 3.2 x 10(-10) mol/L, t(1/2)= 15 hours]. The inhibitory effect of BQ3020 (10(-8) mol/L/24 hours) on AT(1) receptor protein was blocked by an ETB receptor antagonist (BQ788). However, BQ3020 (10(-8) mol/L/24 hours) increased ETB receptor protein in WKY renal proximal tubule cells. In contrast, in SHR renal proximal tubule cells, BQ3020 (10(-8) mol/L/24 hours) no longer affected AT(1) or ETB receptor protein. AT(1)/ETB receptors colocalized and coimmunoprecipitated in WKY and SHRs. BQ3020 (10(-8) mol/L/15 minutes) treatment had no effect on AT(1)/ETB coimmunoprecipitation in WKY but decreased it in SHRs. BQ3020 (10(-8) mol/L/15 minutes) treatment increased AT(1) receptor phosphorylation in WKY, but decreased it in SHRs. CONCLUSION: ETB receptors regulate AT(1) receptors by direct physical receptor interaction and receptor expression. An impaired ETB receptor regulation of the AT(1) receptor may participate in the pathogenesis of high blood pressure in the SHR.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

D5 dopamine receptor regulation of phospholipase D.

D(1)-like receptors have been reported to decrease oxidative stress in vascular smooth muscle cells by decreasing phospholipase D (PLD) activity. However, the PLD isoform regulated by D(1)-like receptors (D(1) or D(5)) and whether abnormal regulation of PLD by D(1)-like receptors plays a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension are unknown. The hypothesis that the D(5) receptor is the D(1)-like receptor that inhibits PLD activity and serves to regulate blood pressure was tested using D(5) receptor mutant mice (D(5)(-/-)). We found that in the mouse kidney, PLD2, like the D(5) receptor, is mainly expressed in renal brush-border membranes, whereas PLD1 is mainly expressed in renal vessels with faint staining in brush-border membranes and collecting ducts. Total renal PLD activity is increased in D(5)(-/-) mice relative to congenic D(5) wild-type (D(5)(+/+)) mice. PLD2, but not PLD1, expression is greater in D(5)(-/-) than in D(5)(+/+) mice. The D(5) receptor agonist fenoldopam decreases PLD2, but not PLD1, expression and activity in human embryonic kidney-293 cells heterologously expressing the human D(5) receptor, effects that are blocked by the D(5) receptor antagonist SCH-23390. These studies show that the D(5) receptor regulates PLD2 activity and expression. The hypertension in the D(5)(-/-) mice is associated with increased PLD expression and activity. Impaired D(5) receptor regulation of PLD2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Dopamine receptor and hypertension.

Dopamine plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension by regulating epithelial sodium transport and reactive oxygen and by interacting with vasopressin, renin-angiotensin, and the sympathetic nervous system. Decreased renal dopamine production and/or impaired dopamine receptor function have been reported in hypertension. Disruption of any of the dopamine receptors (D(1), D(2), D(3), D(4), and D(5)) results in hypertension. In this paper, we review the mechanisms by which hypertension develops when dopamine receptor function is perturbed.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

[Hypertension in D3 dopamine receptor deficient mice].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms by which hypertension occurs in D(3) dopamine receptor null mice (D(3)-/-). METHODS: Several parameters, including blood pressure, renal sodium excretion, D(3) receptor protein and mRNA expression, plasma renin activity, norepinephrine concentration and AT(1) receptor expression were checked in D(3)-/- mice and their littermate wild type mice (D(3)+/+). Moreover, the vasorelaxant effect of D(3) receptor stimulation was measured with ex-vivo mesenteric artery isolated from Wistar-Kyoto rats. RESULTS: Blood pressure was higher in D(3)-/- mice compared with that in D(3)+/+ mice, salt-loading had no effect on blood pressure in both groups, at the last period, sodium excretion was lower in D(3)-/- mice as compared with D(3)+/+ mice, renal renin activity and AT(1) receptor expression were higher in D(3) -/- [corrected] mice than in D(3) +/+ [corrected] mice. In contrast, no difference of renal norepinephrine was found in two groups. When using angiotensin II subtype-1 receptor antagonist, the systolic blood pressure declined for a longer duration in mutant mice than in wild-type mice. Vaso-relaxation was found in ex-vivo isolated mesenteric artery when D(3) receptor was stimulated. CONCLUSIONS: Elevation of blood pressure in D(3)-/- mice might be related with impaired renal sodium excretion and vaso-relaxation in resistance artery.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Functional genomics of the dopaminergic system in hypertension.

Abnormalities in dopamine production and receptor function have been described in human essential hypertension and rodent models of genetic hypertension. Under normal conditions, D(1)-like receptors (D(1) and D(5)) inhibit sodium transport in the kidney and intestine. However, in the Dahl salt-sensitive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and in humans with essential hypertension, the D(1)-like receptor-mediated inhibition of epithelial sodium transport is impaired because of an uncoupling of the D(1)-like receptor from its G protein/effector complex. The uncoupling is receptor specific, organ selective, nephron-segment specific, precedes the onset of hypertension, and cosegregates with the hypertensive phenotype. The defective transduction of the renal dopaminergic signal is caused by activating variants of G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4 (GRK4: R65L, A142V, A486V). The GRK4 locus is linked to and GRK4 gene variants are associated with human essential hypertension, especially in salt-sensitive hypertensive subjects. Indeed, the presence of three or more GRK4 variants impairs the natriuretic response to dopaminergic stimulation in humans. In genetically hypertensive rats, renal inhibition of GRK4 expression ameliorates the hypertension. In mice, overexpression of GRK4 variants causes hypertension either with or without salt sensitivity according to the variant. GRK4 gene variants, by preventing the natriuretic function of the dopaminergic system and by allowing the antinatriuretic factors (e.g., angiotensin II type 1 receptor) to predominate, may be responsible for salt sensitivity. Subclasses of hypertension may occur because of additional perturbations caused by variants of other genes, the quantitative interaction of which may vary depending upon the genetic background.

Animals↗