Proteinase activated receptor-2 counterbalances the vascular effects of endothelin-1 in fibrotic tight-skin mice.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

The majority of the severe vascular complications in fibrosis are a consequence of a deregulated activity of mediators controlling vasomotor tone. One of the most important of these mediators is endothelin-1 (ET-1). Here, we have investigated the role of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) in the vascular dysfunction in a model of fibrosis, using tight-skin (Tsk) mice.

Experimental approach

Aortas were collected from Tsk, transgenic over-expressing PAR2 (TgPAR2), PAR2 deficient (PAR2^-/- ) or the corresponding WT mice. Histological and immunohistochemistry analysis for α-smooth muscle actin, PAR2 and ET-1 receptors were performed on aorta sections. Vascular responses to phenylephrine, ET-1 and PAR2 activating peptide (PAR2-AP) were assesse

SUBMITTER: Roviezzo F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5659994 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature