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Arterial structural changes in rats immunized by AT1-receptor peptide
Bin Wang1, Yu-Hua Liao, Zihua Zhou
1Laboratory of Cardiovascular Immunology, Institute of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
Heart and Vessels
|July 19, 2005
Summary
Anti-angiotensin II receptor type 1 (anti-AT1) antibodies were generated in rats via peptide immunization. These antibodies induced vascular changes and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, potentially contributing to hypertension pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Immunology
- Hypertension Pathogenesis
Background:
- Anti-angiotensin II receptor type 1 (anti-AT1) antibodies are implicated in hypertension development.
- Investigating the direct impact of anti-AT1 antibodies on vascular structure is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if immunization with AT1-receptor peptide induces vascular structural changes in rats.
- To elucidate the role of anti-AT1 antibodies in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and gene expression.
Main Methods:
- Wistar rats were immunized with a human AT1-receptor peptide for one year.
- Blood pressure, heart rate, and anti-AT1 antibody levels were monitored.
- Vascular structural changes, VSMC proliferation (BrdU incorporation), and gene expression (c-jun, c-fos mRNA) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Immunized rats developed anti-AT1 antibodies without significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
- Pathological arterial changes were observed in immunized rats.
- Purified anti-AT1 antibodies enhanced VSMC proliferation and upregulated c-jun expression, effects blocked by losartan.
Conclusions:
- Active immunization with AT1-receptor peptide successfully generated anti-AT1 antibodies.
- Anti-AT1 antibodies may contribute to hypertension by promoting VSMC proliferation via c-jun upregulation, leading to vascular remodeling.