Vascular alpha-1D-adrenoceptors are overexpressed in aorta of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor null mouse: role of increased angiotensin II.

ABSTRACT: 1 The hypothesis that alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors may mediate the pro-hypertensive actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) was tested in isolated aorta (alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor bearing tissue) of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor null mouse (AhR(-/-)), which shows increased levels of Ang II, cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension. 2 The effect of captopril (an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) on both blood pressure and aortic alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor expression and function in mice were determined. 3 Basal blood pressure was higher in AhR(-/-) mice, while captopril therapy decreased it to wild-type (WT) values. 4 Aortas of adult WT and AhR(-/-) mice were stimulated by phenylephrine or noradrenaline to induce contraction; the maximal effect was higher in AhR(-/-) mice, without a significant change in

SUBMITTER: Villalobos-Molina R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2674951 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Apr-Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature