Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats
07:31

A Model of Cardiac Remodeling Through Constriction of the Abdominal Aorta in Rats

Published on: December 2, 2016

Modulation of the apelin/APJ system in heart failure and atherosclerosis in man

Sarah L Pitkin1, Janet J Maguire, Rhoda E Kuc

  • 1Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Level 6 Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110 Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.

British Journal of Pharmacology
|July 24, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The apelin/APJ system shows altered expression in human cardiovascular disease, with decreased receptor density in heart failure and increased apelin in atherosclerotic arteries, suggesting a potential role in disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The apelin/APJ system plays a role in cardiovascular function.
  • Its involvement in human cardiovascular diseases is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in the apelin/APJ system at the protein level in human cardiovascular disease.
  • To determine changes in apelin peptide and apelin receptor expression in diseased cardiac and vascular tissues.

Main Methods:

  • Radioligand binding assays to quantify apelin receptor density in human cardiac tissue.
  • Radioimmunoassay to measure apelin peptide levels in cardiovascular tissues.
  • In vitro pharmacology and immunohistochemistry to assess apelin's vasoactive properties and localization in human coronary arteries.

Main Results:

  • Apelin receptor density was significantly reduced in the left ventricle of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy or ischemic heart disease.
  • Apelin peptide levels were unchanged in cardiac tissue but increased in atherosclerotic coronary arteries, localizing to plaques.
  • Apelin demonstrated potent vasoconstrictive effects on human coronary arteries.

Conclusions:

  • The apelin/APJ system is indeed altered in human cardiovascular and vascular diseases.
  • Reduced receptor density in heart failure may impair apelin's positive inotropic effects, contributing to contractile dysfunction.
  • Increased apelin in atherosclerotic arteries suggests a potential role in disease progression, warranting further investigation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Implantation of a Carotid Cuff for Triggering Shear-stress Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice07:51

Implantation of a Carotid Cuff for Triggering Shear-stress Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice

Published on: January 13, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System

The activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) contributes to cardiac remodeling, and inhibiting the RAAS is a pharmacological target in heart failure management. As a result, neurohumoral modulation is a crucial treatment principle for managing heart failure. This approach involves using medications like ACE inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), β-blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), and neutral...
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Regulation of the Cardiovascular System01:27

Regulation of the Cardiovascular System

The regulation of the cardiovascular system allows the body to adapt to various demands and maintain homeostasis.
The regulation of the cardiovascular system involves the autonomic nervous system (ANS), baroreceptors, and chemoreceptors, ensuring that heart rate and blood pressure are appropriately modulated in response to varying physiological demands.
The ANS comprises two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system enhances...