The podocytes are highly differentiated cells playing a key role in glomerular filtration. Vasoactive factors including angiotensin II (Ang II) and cyclic guanosine 5' monophosphate (cGMP) are synthesized by these cells upon stimulation as well as in the basal state. In this study we have tested whether angiotensin II affects the total synthesis of cGMP in primary culture of rat podocytes. The ...

BACKGROUND/AIMS In liver cirrhosis/portal hypertension, collaterals as varices may bleed and are influenced by vasoresponsiveness. An angiotensin blockade ameliorates portal hypertension but the influence on collaterals is unknown. METHODS Portal hypertension and cirrhosis were induced by portal vein (PVL) and common bile duct ligation (BDL). Hemodynamics, real-time PCR of angiotensin II rece...

The aldosterone response to angiotensin II is blunted in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). To determine whether this blunting is due to a defect in angiotensin II receptors, we assessed angiotensin II binding to intact adrenal glomerulosa cells in SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) that had been fed high or low sodium diets before sacrifice. In rats on high salt intake, we observ...

Many G protein-coupled receptors form dimers in cells. However, underlying mechanisms are barely understood. We report here that intracellular factor XIIIA transglutaminase crosslinks agonist-induced AT1 receptor homodimers via glutamine315 in the carboxyl-terminal tail of the AT1 receptor. The crosslinked dimers displayed enhanced signaling and desensitization in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition ...

INTRODUCTION Recently, we could show that angiotensin II, the reactive peptide of the blood pressure-regulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system, causes the formation of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage in kidneys and hearts of hypertensive mice. To further investigate on the one hand the mechanism of DNA damage caused by angiotensin II, and on the other hand possible intervention str...