Angiotensin II type 1 receptor activation increases microvascular hydraulic permeability

In addition to its vasoconstricting effects, angiotensin II (Ang II) has also demonstrated the ability to modulate microvessel permeability. We hypothesized that activation of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1) would increase hydraulic permeability.

Hydraulic permeability (L(p)) was measured in rat mesenteric venules using the Landis micro-occlusion technique. Paired measures of L(p) were obtained at baseline and after perfusion with the AT1 agonist, [Sar(1)]-angiotensin II, at 10 micromol/L (n=6) and 100 micromol/L (n=6). Activation of the AT1 receptor was also achieved by perfusion with 20 nmol/L Ang II plus the angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2) antagonist, PD123319. In these studies, 30 micromol/L (n=6) and 300 micromol/L (n=6) of PD123319 were used.

[Sar(1)]-angiotensin II increased L(p) 2-fold with the 10 micromol/L dose (P=.04) and 4-fold with the 100 micromol/L dose (P < .001). The L(p) peak due to [Sar(1)]-angiotensin II occurred sooner than the peak observed with Ang II. PD123319 (30 micromol/L) plus 20 nmol/L Ang II increased L(p) 5-fold (P=.003), while PD123319 (300 micromol/L) plus 20 nmol/L Ang II increased L(p) 20-fold (P < .0001). The magnitude of the effect due to PD123319 (300 micromol/L) plus Ang II (20 nmol/L) was approximately twice the summation of effects due to PD123319 (300 micromol/L) alone and Ang II (20 nmol/L) alone.

We conclude that endothelial cell Ang II receptors play an important role in modulating transendothelial fluid flux. Activating the AT1 receptor increases L(p); the AT2 receptor may operate to oppose this action. Pharmacologic manipulation of Ang II receptors may be beneficial during shock states to limit intravascular fluid loss.