Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Effects Are Modulated by Endocannabinoid-Mediated CB₁ Receptor Activation

Angiotensin II (Ang II) has various cardiac effects and causes vasoconstriction. Ang II activates the type-1 angiotensin receptor-G_q/11 signaling pathway resulting in the release of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). We aimed to investigate whether cardiac Ang II effects are modulated by 2-AG-release and to identify the role of type-1 cannabinoid receptors (CB₁R) in these effects. Expression of CB₁R in rat cardiac tissue was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. To characterize short-term Ang II effects, increasing concentrations of Ang II (10^-9-10^-7 M); whereas to assess tachyphylaxis, repeated infusions of Ang II (10^-7 M) were administered to isolated Langendorff-perfused rat hearts. Ang II infusions caused a decrease in coronary flow and ventricular inotropy, which was more pronounced during the first administration. CB agonist 2-AG and WIN55,212-2 administration to the perfusate enhanced coronary flow. The flow-reducing effect of Ang II was moderated in the presence of CB₁R blocker O2050 and diacylglycerol-lipase inhibitor Orlistat. Our findings indicate that Ang II-induced cardiac effects are modulated by simultaneous CB₁R-activation, most likely due to 2-AG-release during Ang II signalling. In this combined effect, the response to 2-AG via cardiac CB₁R may counteract the positive inotropic effect of Ang II, which may decrease metabolic demand and augment Ang II-induced coronary vasoconstriction.