Abstract
Background:
Aldosterone induces hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation and oxidative stress. Recent
in vitro
studies suggest that there may be cross-talk between angiotensin II and aldosterone pathways. We hypothesized that
in vivo
vascular effects of aldosterone require a functional angiotensin II type 1a receptor (Agtr1a).
Design and methods:
Eight to 10-week old male
agtr1a
knockout (
agtr1a
-/-
) and wild-type mice were implanted with a dummy pump or infused with aldosterone (600 μg/kg/d, s.c.) for 14 days while receiving 1% saline in the drinking water (n=8-10). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by telemetry. Endothelial function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were assessed in mesenteric arteries using pressurized myography and dihydroethidium staining, respectively. Levels of collagen by Sirius red staining and fibronectin, VCAM-1, and MCP-1 by immunofluorescence were determined in aortic sections.
Results:
Aldosterone-induced higher levels of SBP in
agtr1a
-/-
compared to wild-type mice (about 15 mmHg,
P
<0.01). Maximal vasodilatory responses to acetylcholine in mesenteric small arteries were similar in
agtr1a
-/-
and wild-type mice. Aldosterone reduced maximal vasodilatory responses to acetylcholine in wild-type mice by 48% (
P
<0.05) whereas there was no effect in
agtr1a
-/-
mice. Aldosterone increased ROS production 2-fold in mesenteric arteries of wild-type mice (
P
<0.05) whereas it had no effect in
agtr1a
-/-
mice. Aldosterone increased VCAM-1 (1.8-fold,
P
<0.05), MCP-1 (2.7-fold,
P
<0.05), fibronectin (3-fold,
P
<0.01) and collagen (3.9-fold,
P
<0.05) in aorta of wild-type but not in
agtr1a
-/-
mice.
Conclusion:
Aldosterone requires functional Agtr1a to induce small artery endothelial dysfunction and vascular oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis.