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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Assessment of Vascular Tone Responsiveness using Isolated Mesenteric Arteries with a Focus on Modulation by Perivascular Adipose Tissues
Published on: June 3, 2019
[Renin-angiotensin system in mesenteric adipose tissues in rats with metabolic syndrome]
Li-qun Ma1, Li-li Zhang, Ya-ping Zhang
1Department of Hypertension and Endocrinology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China.
Objective:
To investigate the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in mesenteric adipose tissues and effect of angiotensin II on adipocyte differentiation.
Methods:
Thirty normal 8-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into groups on normal diet and high-fat diet. The rats on high-fat diet for 24 weeks developed the metabolic syndrome respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of mesenteric adipose tissue were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. Lipid drop in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and mature adipocytes were observed using oil-red O staining. The fluorescence microscope was used to detect cytosolic-free calcium in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and mature adipocytes.
Results:
The expressions of angiotensinogen, angiotensin converting enzyme, angiotensin II receptor type 1 in mesenteric adipose tissue were significantly increased in rats with metabolic syndrome compared with those in rats on normal diet (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). After administration of angiotensin II , no lipid droplet in 3T3 -L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes were observed, however, intensive lipid droplet in adipocyte was found after administration of captopril and candesartan. Angiotensin II increased the intracellular-free calcium concentration in preadipocytes (P < 0. 01 ) , which was blocked by captopril and candesartan; in contrast, angiotensin II effect was blunt in mature adipocyte. Captopril and candesartan partially recovered the angiotensin II -mediated increase of cytosolic-free calcium.
Conclusion:
RAS in the mesenteric adipose tissues is active in rats with metabolic syndrome, and antagonization of RAS can recover the lipogenesis of adipocyte.
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