Angiotensin II-induced changes in guanine nucleotide binding and regulatory proteins

Systemic infusion of angiotensin II, a potent agonist, using doses that are initially subpressor, eventually produces sustained blood pressure elevation and reductions in glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient characterized by enhanced signal transduction to angiotensin II and other agonists. In this setting, there is a significant increased affinity of angiotensin II binding to smooth muscle and glomerular mesangial receptors and enhanced sensitivity and magnitude of angiotensin II-induced decrements in cyclic AMP. Since G proteins are important modulators of binding and signal transduction, the present studies were designed to test the hypothesis that differences in the relative amounts of G proteins may be present and have accounted for differences observed. G proteins were identified and quantitated by isoelectric focusing/sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, radiolabeling in the presence of activated toxins with [gamma-32P]NAD+, immunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting. A 168% and 465% increase in pertussis toxin-catalyzed ADP ribosylation of alpha 40-41 was found in angiotensin II-treated groups over control groups for glomerular and mesenteric membranes, respectively. Immunoblotting revealed a 250% and 35% increase in the levels of the Gi isoforms alpha i-2 and alpha i-3, respectively, and a decrease of 53% in alpha i-1 from the angiotensin II-treated group. No differences were observed in cholera toxin labeling or immunoblotting of Gs. These results demonstrate multiple mechanisms whereby angiotensin-induced signal transduction can be modulated involving both the receptors and G proteins. These observed differences in G proteins in systemic and renal vasculature accompanying angiotensin II infusion suggest the possibility of a regulatory role in the pathophysiology of angiotensin II-induced hypertension and renal disease.