Expression of human angiotensinogen-renin in rat: effects on transcription and heart function

In double transgenic rats (dTGR) harboring the human angiotensinogen (hAOGEN) and human renin (hREN) genes, we studied cardiac transcript levels of hypertrophy-related, Ca(2+) regulatory, and beta-adrenoceptor-associated proteins. The contractile properties and the cellular signaling of isolated hearts exposed to (-)isoproterenol and/or angiotensin (Ang) I were evaluated. dTGR developed hypertension of 174.1+/- 7.6 versus 109.6 +/- 2.0 mm Hg (P<0.05) in Sprague-Dawley rats and heart hypertrophy. In hearts of dTGR, the transcript levels of ANP, beta-MHC, and alpha-MHC were altered (percentage versus Sprague-Dawley rats, 100%) by 304%, 178%, and 78%, respectively. Transcript levels of L-type Ca(2+) channel, Ca(2+) release channel, SERCA2a, phospholamban, G(i)- and G(s)-proteins were unchanged. Isolated hearts of dTGR indicated higher baseline contractility versus Sprague-Dawley rats. (-)Isoproterenol-modified contractility occurred in both groups; however, the extent (predrug value, 100%) was less in hearts of dTGR versus Sprague-Dawley rats (+dP/dt, 310 +/- 42% versus 534 +/- 63%; P<0.05). Interestingly, (-)isoproterenol shortened the relaxation time by equivalent to 25% in both groups. This finding was reflected by a protein kinase A-related phospholamban phosphorylation. Ang I depressed the heart contractility but did not interact with the protein kinase A pathway. In conclusion, we have found that expression of the hAOGEN-hREN complex in dTGR elicited specific effects on transcripts of ANP and myofibrillar proteins. Although the beta-adrenergically mediated relaxation was not impaired in the hypertrophied hearts, the extent of beta-adrenergic inotropic responsiveness was reduced.