Des études récentes ont montré que les produits de glycation avancée (AGE) pouvaient jouer un rôle dans la pathogénèse des troubles vasculaires en insuffisance rénale. Nous avons alors émis l’hypothèse que l’augmentation de la concentration des AGE observé dans le cas d’insuffisance rénale joue un rôle important dans la pathogenèse de l’hypertension artérielle, entre autres, en aggravant la dysfonction endothéliale et les dommages vasculaires. De plus, nous croyions que les effets des AGE sur la dysfonction endothéliale sont causés par l’activation des récepteurs RAGE sur les cellules vasculaires. Pour vérifier ces hypothèses nous avons étudié dans un premier temps l’effet du S100b, un agoniste des récepteurs des AGE (RAGE), sur la réponse vasodilatatrice dépendante de l’endothélium au carbachol et la réponse vasoconstrictrice à la phényléphrine et l’ET-1 sur des segments d’aorte de rats in vitro montés dans des bains à organe, et, dans un deuxième temps, l’effet du S100b sur la fonction endothéliale, notamment l’expression de la NO synthase endothéliale (eNOS) et la production des radicaux libres de l’oxygène (ROS). Les résultats obtenus indiquent que le S100b induit une diminution de la réponse vasorelaxante dépendante du NO au carbachol. Par contre, le S100b entraine une augmentation de la réponse vasoconstrictrice à la phényléphrine. Ce dernier effet n’est pas modifié dans les vaisseaux dénudés de l’endothélium, ni l’inhibition de la production de NO dans les vaisseaux intacts. L’effet du S100b est néanmoins atténué en présence d’indométacine, un inhibiteur de la cyclo-oxygénase, suggérant que l’activation des RAGE module la production de certaines eicosanoides. Enfin, le S100b induit une diminution de la réponse vasoconstrictrice à l’ET-1 qui est bloquée en présence de L-NAME, un inhibiteur de la production de NO. Ces derniers résultats indiquent que l’effet du S100b sur la réponse vasoconstrictrice à l’ET-1 dépend de la relâche de NO. Par ailleurs les résultats obtenus sur des segments d’aorte de rats et des cellules endothéliales en culture indiquent que le S100b n’affecte pas la production de ROS dans les segments d’aorte, bien qu’il stimule leur production dans les cellules endothéliales isolées. Par contre, le S100b tend à augmenter l’expression de la eNOS dans l’endothélium des vaisseaux en culture. En conclusion, la stimulation des RAGE avec le S100b affecte la réponse aux agents vasoconstricteurs et vasodilatateurs sur des segments d’aorte de rats normaux de façon dépendante et, possiblement, indépendante de l’endothélium. Ces effets seraient causés, en partie, par la modulation de la relâche de NO et de l’expression de la eNOS, ainsi que par la production d’eicosanoides et de ROS et, possiblement, l’activation du système endothélinergique. Ainsi, les AGE peuvent affecter le tonus vasculaire en modifiant la fonction endothéliale. / Recent studies suggest that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) could play an important role in vascular pathogenesis in kidney disease. We hypothesized that increased AGEs concentrations in kidney disease play an important role in the pathogenesis of arterial hypertension, by increasing endothelial dysfunction and vascular damages. Furthermore, we believe that the effects of AGEs on endothelial dysfunction are caused by the activation of AGEs receptors (RAGE) on vascular cells. To test this hypothesis, we studied first the effect of S100b, an AGEs receptor agonist, on the endothelium dependent vasodilatation response to carbachol and the vasoconstriction response to phenylephrine and ET-1 on rats thoracic aorta segments in vitro placed in organ bath, and, secondly, the effect of S100b on the endothelial function, especially the expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results indicate that S100b induces a decrease in the NO dependent vasodilatation response to carbachol, but an increase in the vasoconstriction response to phenylephrine. This effect of S100b on phenylephrine response is not modified in vessels without endothelium, nor following the inhibition of the NO production in intact vessels. The effect of S100b is however decreased with indometacine, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, suggesting that RAGE activation modulates the production of eicosanoids. Finally, S100b induces a decrease in the vasoconstriction response to ET-1 that is blocked in presence of L-NAME, a NO production inhibitor. These results indicate that the effect of S100b on the vasoconstriction response to ET-1 is dependent on NO release. In addition, results obtained on cultured rat aorta segments and endothelial cells indicate that S100b does not affect the production of ROS althouch it stimulates their production in isolated endothelial cells. Otherwise, S100b tend to increase the expression of eNOS in the endothelium of cultured vessels. In conclusion, the stimulation of RAGE by S100b affects the response to vasoconstrictors and vasodilators agents on intact rat thoracic aorta segments in an endothelium dependant and, possibly, independent manner. These effects may be related, in part, to the modulation of NO release and eNOS expression, the production of eicosanoids and ROS, and, possibly, the activation of the endothelinergic system. Thus, AGEs could affect vascular tone through the modulation of the endothelial function.

De nombreuses réactions enzymatiques sont à l’origine de processus physiologiques au sein des organismes vivants. Ces réactions sont basées sur des transferts de protons et d’électrons et con-duisent souvent à la production d’espèces secondaires. Parmi elles, les espèces réactives de l’oxygène et de l’azote (ROS, RNS) présentent un intérêt particulier puisqu’elles jouent un double rôle : d’une part en permettant à l’organisme de réagir à un stress par l’activation de voie de signalisation redox, et d’autre part ces ROS et RNS peuvent causer des dommages tissulaires et être à l’origine de dys-fonctionnement (stress oxydant) au sein de l’organisme. La haute réactivité de ces espèces induit leurs faibles durées de vie (ns-min) et rend l’étude de certaines réactions enzymatiques difficiles en solu-tion. Ce projet de thèse a pour objectif de développer un microréacteur biomimétique pour l’étude d’activités enzymatiques produisant des ROS/RNS. En effet, en confinant une réaction au sein d’un compartiment de taille équivalente à celle d’une cellule (20-100 μm de diamètre), les espèces générées (H2O2, NO•, NO2-) doivent pouvoir être sondées in situ avec une résolution cinétique et quantitative. Des vésicules unilamellaires géantes sont formées en conditions physiologiques et servent de micro-réacteurs pour l’analyse des activités enzymatiques de la glucose oxydase et des NO-synthases. La microscopie de fluorescence permet l’observation des vésicules et le suivi du déclenchement de la réaction assuré par microinjection. Les espèces produites sont ensuite détectées en temps réel par électrochimie afin de déchiffrer à terme les différentes voies enzymatiques des NO-Synthases. / Enzymatic reactions are involved in many physiological phenomena in living organisms. These reactions are based on protons and electrons transfers and can lead to the production of by-products. Among them, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS) are of great interest as they play a double role: on the one hand by allowing the organism to react to a stress by the activation of signaling redox pathways, and on the other hand, ROS and RNS can cause oxidative damages to tissues ensuing dysfunctions in the organism. The high reactivity of such species induce their short lifetimes (ns-min) and leads to uncertainties when it comes to the study of some enzymatic reactions in bulk. This PhD project aims to develop a biomimetic microreactor for the study of enzymatic ac-tivities producing ROS/RNS. Indeed, by confining a reaction within a cell-sized compartment (20-100 μm diameter), the generated species (H2O2, NO•, NO2-) could be analyzed in situ with a quantita-tive and kinetic resolution. Giant unilamellar vesicles are formed in physiological conditions and are used as microreactors for the monitoring of enzymatic activities of glucose oxidase and NO-synthases. Fluorescence microscopy allows individual vesicle observation and the monitoring of reactions trig-gered by microinjection. Then, released species are detected in real-time by electrochemistry in order to decipher the diverse enzymatic pathways of NO-Synthases.

O sistema nervoso simpático (SNS) desempenha importante papel sobre o controle da pressão arterial assim como o endotélio, pela liberação de fatores de relaxamento e contração que atuam sobre a modulação do tônus vascular. A hipertensão renovascular (2R-1C) está associada à elevada produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, hiperatividade do SNS e disfunção endotelial. A hipótese deste trabalho é de que os agonistas adrenérgicos noradrenalina (NOR) e adrenalina (ADR), catecolaminas endógenas, promovam efeito anti-contrátil devido à ativação da eNOS em aorta de ratos 2R-1C. Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar se a ativação de adrenoceptores (AR) com NOR ou ADR leva à maior ativação da eNOS em aortas de ratos 2R-1C do que em 2R e os mecanismos relacionados. Realizamos curvas concentração-efeito para NOR ou ADR, em aortas com ou sem endotélio de ratos 2R e 2R-1C em ausência (controle) ou presença dos antagonistas ?-AR (propranolol), ?2-AR (ioimbina), e inibidor não seletivo da NOS (L-NAME). Por western blot, verificamos a fosforilação do resíduo de ativação da enzima eNOS, Serina1177 (Ser1177), via ativação de ?-AR ou ?-AR, pela NOR ou ADR em aortas com endotélio, de ratos 2R e 2R-1C e se a via PI3K/AKT e o H2O2 estariam envolvidos nesse processo. Avaliamos a produção de NO pelas células endoteliais isoladas de ratos 2R e 2R-1C, por citometria de fluxo. Realizamos a dosagem de NOR e ADR plasmática e tecidual (adrenais) por meio de HPLC. Nos estudos de reatividade vascular avaliamos a potência (pD2) e eficácia (Emax) dos agonistas em induzir contração. O Emax da NOR foi menor na contração de aorta de ratos 2R-1C comparada a 2R, provavelmente devido à maior atividade da eNOS evidenciada pelo efeito do L-NAME em aorta de 2R-1C. A particularidade mais significativa da resposta da NOR é de que em aorta de ratos 2R-1C, a NOR promove a maior fosforilação de Ser1177 via ?-AR, e esta envolve a participação da via PI3K/AKT e do H2O2, não havendo alteração dos níveis plasmáticos e tecidual de NOR entre 2R e 2R-1C. O estímulo com ADR, em aorta de 2R-1C, promoveu aumento da atividade da eNOS, certificada pelo efeito do L-NAME, que pode contribuir para o menor Emax da ADR em 2R-1C do que em 2R. Entretanto, a ADR promoveu maior fosforilação de Ser1177 via ?-AR, em aorta de ratos 2R-1C, e esta não envolve participação da via PI3K/AKT e do H2O2. Os níveis teciduais de ADR foram semelhantes entre 2R e 2R- 1C, mas a concentração plasmática de ADR foi menor em 2R-1C do que em 2R. Não houve diferença na produção de NO pelas células endoteliais entre 2R e 2R-1C. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a ativação de ?-AR com NOR envolve participação de H2O2 e da via PI3K/AKT para maior ativação da eNOS em aortas de ratos 2R-1C, mecanismo que pode contribuir para o menor Emax da NOR em aorta de 2R-1C. A ADR ao ativar ?-AR leva à maior ativação da eNOS, porém sem participação efetiva de H2O2 e da via PI3K/AKT em aortas de ratos 2R-1C. / The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays important role on the arterial pressure control as well the vascular endothelium by relaxing and contractile factors release that modulates the vascular tone. The renovascular hypertension (2K-1C) is related to the increased production of oxygen reactive species, SNS hyperactivity and endothelium dysfunction. The hypothesis of this work is that the adrenoceptor (AR) agonists noradrenaline (NOR) and adrenaline (ADR), the endogenous catecholamine promote anti-contractile effect due to eNOS activation in 2K-1C rat aorta. This study aimed to investigate if AR activation by NOR or ADR leads to the increased activation of eNOS in 2K-1C rat aorta, and the mechanisms activated by these agonists. Concentration-effect curves were constructed for NOR or ADR, in intactendothelium or denuded aortas isolated from 2K-1C and 2K rats in the absence (control) or in the presence of the AR antagonists propranolol (?-AR) or yohimbine (?2-AR), or the non-selective NOS inhibitor, L-NAME. By using western blot, we have veryfied the the effects of activation of ?-AR ou ?-AR and the phosphorylation of NOS activation site Serine1177 (Ser1177) by NOR or ADR in intact endothelium aorta from 2K and 2K-1C and also whether the PI3K/AKT pathway and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are related to this phosphorylation. We evaluated by flow cytometry the NO production in the isolated endotelial cells from 2K and 2K-1C. Plasma and tissue (adrenal) levels of NOR and ADR were measured by HPLC. In the vascular reactivity studies, we evaluated the potency (pD2) and efficacy (Emax) of the agonists in inducing contraction. The Emax induced by NOR was lower in 2K-1C than in 2K rat probably due to the higher activity of eNOS as shown by the effect of L-NAME. The most interesting finding was in 2K-1C aorta that NOR increases the Ser1177 phosphorylation via ?-AR activation that involves the signaling trough PI3K/AKT and H2O2. There is no differences in NOR at the plasma and tissue levels between 2K-1C and 2K. ADR activates more eNOS in 2K-1C rat aorta as shown by the effect of LNAME. It could contribute to the lower Emax of ADR in 2K-1C than in 2K. However, ADR increased Ser1177 phosphorylation via ?-AR activation in 2K-1C rat aorta, which does not involve PI3K/AKT and H2O2 pathway. The tissue levels of ADR were not different between 2K-1C and 2K, but the plasma concentration of ADR was lower in 2K-1C than in 2K. There was no difference in the NO production in the endothelial cells from 2K-1C and 2K. Taken together, our results suggest that ?-AR activation by NOR involves H2O2 and PI3K/AKT that activates eNOS in 2K-1C rat aorta that could contribute to the lower contractile effect induced by NOR in 2K-1C. ?-AR activation by ADR leads to the eNOS activation without activation of H2O2 and PI3K/AKT pathway in 2K-1C rat aorta.

O endotélio vascular desempenha um papel central no controle do tônus vascular pela liberação de fatores relaxantes derivados do endotélio (EDRFs) e fatores contráteis derivados do endotélio (EDCFs). O óxido nítrico (NO) é um dos mais importantes mediadores da vasodilatação, sua produção é catalisada pelas enzimas NO-sintases (NOS). A eNOS é constitutiva e depende do Ca2+ para ser ativada. A fosfolipase A2 (cPLA2), também é dependente de Ca2+, esta enzima é responsável pela conversão de fosfolipídeos de membrana a ácido araquidônico, o precursor de prostanóides, tais como prostaciclina (PGI2) e tromboxano (TXA2). A disfunção endotelial está relacionada com uma menor biodisponibilidade de NO e maior produção de EDCFs e está presente em várias doenças cardiovasculares, como hipertensão arterial. Embora esta disfunção seja multifatorial, o aumento da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) parece contribuir de forma considerável. O aumento na [Ca2+]c está relacionado com o aumento na produção de EROs e liberação de EDCFs. Em nosso estudo, utilizamos o ionóforo de cálcio A23187 para avaliar as alterações na sinalização celular decorrentes da mobilização de cálcio, independente da ativação de receptores, que ocorrem na hipertensão arterial. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as respostas vasculares desencadeadas pelo aumento da [Ca2+]c promovido pelo A23187 em aorta de ratos normotensos (2R) e hipertensos renais (2R-1C). Verificamos que o A23187 induz efeito vasodilatador dependente da produção de NO em aortas de ratos 2R e 2R-1C, pois o relaxamento foi abolido na presença do inibidor da NOS (L-NAME), bem como em aortas sem endotélio. Em aortas de ratos 2R-1C, mas não em aortas de ratos 2R, verificamos a participação da PGI2 no efeito vasodilatador induzido pelo A23187. A produção de PGI2 está aumentada em aortas de ratos 2R-1C em comparação com aortas de ratos 2R, o que indica que esse prostanóide está ativando receptores TP, induzindo contração. O A23187 induziu efeito contrátil de forma independente do endotélio em aorta de ratos 2R. Entretanto, em aortas com endotélio, de ratos 2R-1C o efeito contrátil está prejudicado. O efeito anti-contrátil em aortas de ratos 2R-1C é devido à produção de NO, que está aumentada a ponto de impedir a contração induzida pelo A23187. Verificamos que a contração induzida pelo A23187 é dependente da produção dos prostanóides contráteis, TXA2 e PGI2, que ativam os receptores TP, pois quando utilizamos o inibidor da ciclooxigenase (ibuprofeno) o efeito contrátil foi atenuado. Além disso, quando utilizamos o antagonista dos receptores TP (SQ29548) o efeito foi completamente abolido. O estímulo com A23187 aumentou a produção de TXA2 em aorta de ratos 2R e 2R-1C. Porém, a produção em aorta de ratos 2R-1C foi maior do que aquela observada em aorta de ratos 2R. Observamos que a catalase atenuou a resposta contrátil induzida pelo A23187, demonstrando que o peróxido de hidrogênio modula positivamente a contração induzida pelo A23187. / The vascular endothelium plays a pivotal role in the vascular tone due to the release of relaxing factors (EDRFs) and contractile factors (EDCFs). Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important EDRFs involved in the vasodilation and it is produced by the NO-synthases (NOS). eNOS is a constitutive isoform and its activity is dependent of the transient calcium. Besides eNOS, other important enzymes are modulated by Ca2+ such as phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). This enzyme converts membrane phospholipids to araquidonic acid, responsible for the formation of the prostanoids prostaciclin (PGI2) and thromboxane (TXA2). Endothelial dysfunction is related to the decreased NO bioavailability and increased production of EDCFs. It is present in several cardiovascular disorders like hypertension. Endothelial dysfunction is a multifactorial proccess that is also caused by the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) is related to augmented ROS and EDCFs production. In the present study, we have used the calcium ionophore A23187 in order to evaluate the altered cellular signaling caused by [Ca2+]c in a receptor activation-independent way that occurs in hypertension. This work aimed to study the vascular responses stimulated by A23187 in normotensive rat (2K) aorta and in renal hypertensive (2K-1C) rat aorta. We have verified that A23187 induces vasodilator effect dependent on the production of NO in 2K and 2K- 1C rat aortas. The vascular relaxation was abolished by the non-selective NOS inhibitor (L-NAME) and by the endothelium removal. In 2K-1C but not in 2K rat aortas, PGI2 contributes to He vasodilator effect induced by A23187. PGI2 production is greater in 2K-1C than in 2K rat aortas, which suggests that PGI2 activates TP receptors inducing contraction. The contractile effect of A23187 is endotheliumdependent in 2K rat aorta. However, in 2K-1C intact-endothelium aortas, the contractile effect of A23187 is impaired. The anti-contractile effect is due to increased NO production that inhibits the contractile response to A23187. The contractile response induced by A23187 is dependent of the prostanoid production like TXA2 and PGI2 that activate TP receptors because this response is inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor (ibuprofen). In addition, this effect was abolished by the TP receptor antagonist (SQ29548). TXA2 production was stimulated with A23187 in 2K and 2K-1C rat aorta, which was greater in 2K-1C than in 2K rat aorta. We have also observed that catalase blunted the contractile response induced by A23187. These results suggest that hydrogen peroxide positively modulates A23187-induced contractile response.

O sistema nervoso simpático (SNS) desempenha importante papel sobre o controle da pressão arterial assim como o endotélio, pela liberação de fatores de relaxamento e contração que atuam sobre a modulação do tônus vascular. A hipertensão renovascular (2R-1C) está associada à elevada produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, hiperatividade do SNS e disfunção endotelial. A hipótese deste trabalho é de que os agonistas adrenérgicos noradrenalina (NOR) e adrenalina (ADR), catecolaminas endógenas, promovam efeito anti-contrátil devido à ativação da eNOS em aorta de ratos 2R-1C. Este estudo teve por objetivo investigar se a ativação de adrenoceptores (AR) com NOR ou ADR leva à maior ativação da eNOS em aortas de ratos 2R-1C do que em 2R e os mecanismos relacionados. Realizamos curvas concentração-efeito para NOR ou ADR, em aortas com ou sem endotélio de ratos 2R e 2R-1C em ausência (controle) ou presença dos antagonistas ?-AR (propranolol), ?2-AR (ioimbina), e inibidor não seletivo da NOS (L-NAME). Por western blot, verificamos a fosforilação do resíduo de ativação da enzima eNOS, Serina1177 (Ser1177), via ativação de ?-AR ou ?-AR, pela NOR ou ADR em aortas com endotélio, de ratos 2R e 2R-1C e se a via PI3K/AKT e o H2O2 estariam envolvidos nesse processo. Avaliamos a produção de NO pelas células endoteliais isoladas de ratos 2R e 2R-1C, por citometria de fluxo. Realizamos a dosagem de NOR e ADR plasmática e tecidual (adrenais) por meio de HPLC. Nos estudos de reatividade vascular avaliamos a potência (pD2) e eficácia (Emax) dos agonistas em induzir contração. O Emax da NOR foi menor na contração de aorta de ratos 2R-1C comparada a 2R, provavelmente devido à maior atividade da eNOS evidenciada pelo efeito do L-NAME em aorta de 2R-1C. A particularidade mais significativa da resposta da NOR é de que em aorta de ratos 2R-1C, a NOR promove a maior fosforilação de Ser1177 via ?-AR, e esta envolve a participação da via PI3K/AKT e do H2O2, não havendo alteração dos níveis plasmáticos e tecidual de NOR entre 2R e 2R-1C. O estímulo com ADR, em aorta de 2R-1C, promoveu aumento da atividade da eNOS, certificada pelo efeito do L-NAME, que pode contribuir para o menor Emax da ADR em 2R-1C do que em 2R. Entretanto, a ADR promoveu maior fosforilação de Ser1177 via ?-AR, em aorta de ratos 2R-1C, e esta não envolve participação da via PI3K/AKT e do H2O2. Os níveis teciduais de ADR foram semelhantes entre 2R e 2R- 1C, mas a concentração plasmática de ADR foi menor em 2R-1C do que em 2R. Não houve diferença na produção de NO pelas células endoteliais entre 2R e 2R-1C. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que a ativação de ?-AR com NOR envolve participação de H2O2 e da via PI3K/AKT para maior ativação da eNOS em aortas de ratos 2R-1C, mecanismo que pode contribuir para o menor Emax da NOR em aorta de 2R-1C. A ADR ao ativar ?-AR leva à maior ativação da eNOS, porém sem participação efetiva de H2O2 e da via PI3K/AKT em aortas de ratos 2R-1C. / The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) plays important role on the arterial pressure control as well the vascular endothelium by relaxing and contractile factors release that modulates the vascular tone. The renovascular hypertension (2K-1C) is related to the increased production of oxygen reactive species, SNS hyperactivity and endothelium dysfunction. The hypothesis of this work is that the adrenoceptor (AR) agonists noradrenaline (NOR) and adrenaline (ADR), the endogenous catecholamine promote anti-contractile effect due to eNOS activation in 2K-1C rat aorta. This study aimed to investigate if AR activation by NOR or ADR leads to the increased activation of eNOS in 2K-1C rat aorta, and the mechanisms activated by these agonists. Concentration-effect curves were constructed for NOR or ADR, in intactendothelium or denuded aortas isolated from 2K-1C and 2K rats in the absence (control) or in the presence of the AR antagonists propranolol (?-AR) or yohimbine (?2-AR), or the non-selective NOS inhibitor, L-NAME. By using western blot, we have veryfied the the effects of activation of ?-AR ou ?-AR and the phosphorylation of NOS activation site Serine1177 (Ser1177) by NOR or ADR in intact endothelium aorta from 2K and 2K-1C and also whether the PI3K/AKT pathway and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are related to this phosphorylation. We evaluated by flow cytometry the NO production in the isolated endotelial cells from 2K and 2K-1C. Plasma and tissue (adrenal) levels of NOR and ADR were measured by HPLC. In the vascular reactivity studies, we evaluated the potency (pD2) and efficacy (Emax) of the agonists in inducing contraction. The Emax induced by NOR was lower in 2K-1C than in 2K rat probably due to the higher activity of eNOS as shown by the effect of L-NAME. The most interesting finding was in 2K-1C aorta that NOR increases the Ser1177 phosphorylation via ?-AR activation that involves the signaling trough PI3K/AKT and H2O2. There is no differences in NOR at the plasma and tissue levels between 2K-1C and 2K. ADR activates more eNOS in 2K-1C rat aorta as shown by the effect of LNAME. It could contribute to the lower Emax of ADR in 2K-1C than in 2K. However, ADR increased Ser1177 phosphorylation via ?-AR activation in 2K-1C rat aorta, which does not involve PI3K/AKT and H2O2 pathway. The tissue levels of ADR were not different between 2K-1C and 2K, but the plasma concentration of ADR was lower in 2K-1C than in 2K. There was no difference in the NO production in the endothelial cells from 2K-1C and 2K. Taken together, our results suggest that ?-AR activation by NOR involves H2O2 and PI3K/AKT that activates eNOS in 2K-1C rat aorta that could contribute to the lower contractile effect induced by NOR in 2K-1C. ?-AR activation by ADR leads to the eNOS activation without activation of H2O2 and PI3K/AKT pathway in 2K-1C rat aorta.

L'abeille en contention peut associer une récompense sucrée au scan antennaire d'une plaque métallique. Pour étudier le rôle des récepteurs nicotiniques dans cet apprentissage, des antagonistes nicotiniques (mécamylamine, MLA ou α-bungarotoxine) ou un inhibiteur de la NO-synthase (le L-NAME) ont été injectés dans l'hémolymphe à des doses sans effet sur la perception ou la motricité. La mécamylamine a bloqué le rappel de la trace mnésique et l'apprentissage en un essai sans affecter la formation de la mémoire à long terme (MLT) qui se produit spécifiquement durant l'apprentissage en plusieurs essais. Par contre, le L-NAME, l'α- bungarotoxine et le MLA ne bloquent que la formation de la MLT. Cette dissociation pharmacologique indique l'existence de plusieurs types fonctionnels de récepteurs nicotiniques. Ceux qui sont sensibles au MLA et à l'α-bungarotoxine seraient couplés à la NO-synthase.

O endotélio vascular desempenha um papel central no controle do tônus vascular pela liberação de fatores relaxantes derivados do endotélio (EDRFs) e fatores contráteis derivados do endotélio (EDCFs). O óxido nítrico (NO) é um dos mais importantes mediadores da vasodilatação, sua produção é catalisada pelas enzimas NO-sintases (NOS). A eNOS é constitutiva e depende do Ca2+ para ser ativada. A fosfolipase A2 (cPLA2), também é dependente de Ca2+, esta enzima é responsável pela conversão de fosfolipídeos de membrana a ácido araquidônico, o precursor de prostanóides, tais como prostaciclina (PGI2) e tromboxano (TXA2). A disfunção endotelial está relacionada com uma menor biodisponibilidade de NO e maior produção de EDCFs e está presente em várias doenças cardiovasculares, como hipertensão arterial. Embora esta disfunção seja multifatorial, o aumento da produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) parece contribuir de forma considerável. O aumento na [Ca2+]c está relacionado com o aumento na produção de EROs e liberação de EDCFs. Em nosso estudo, utilizamos o ionóforo de cálcio A23187 para avaliar as alterações na sinalização celular decorrentes da mobilização de cálcio, independente da ativação de receptores, que ocorrem na hipertensão arterial. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as respostas vasculares desencadeadas pelo aumento da [Ca2+]c promovido pelo A23187 em aorta de ratos normotensos (2R) e hipertensos renais (2R-1C). Verificamos que o A23187 induz efeito vasodilatador dependente da produção de NO em aortas de ratos 2R e 2R-1C, pois o relaxamento foi abolido na presença do inibidor da NOS (L-NAME), bem como em aortas sem endotélio. Em aortas de ratos 2R-1C, mas não em aortas de ratos 2R, verificamos a participação da PGI2 no efeito vasodilatador induzido pelo A23187. A produção de PGI2 está aumentada em aortas de ratos 2R-1C em comparação com aortas de ratos 2R, o que indica que esse prostanóide está ativando receptores TP, induzindo contração. O A23187 induziu efeito contrátil de forma independente do endotélio em aorta de ratos 2R. Entretanto, em aortas com endotélio, de ratos 2R-1C o efeito contrátil está prejudicado. O efeito anti-contrátil em aortas de ratos 2R-1C é devido à produção de NO, que está aumentada a ponto de impedir a contração induzida pelo A23187. Verificamos que a contração induzida pelo A23187 é dependente da produção dos prostanóides contráteis, TXA2 e PGI2, que ativam os receptores TP, pois quando utilizamos o inibidor da ciclooxigenase (ibuprofeno) o efeito contrátil foi atenuado. Além disso, quando utilizamos o antagonista dos receptores TP (SQ29548) o efeito foi completamente abolido. O estímulo com A23187 aumentou a produção de TXA2 em aorta de ratos 2R e 2R-1C. Porém, a produção em aorta de ratos 2R-1C foi maior do que aquela observada em aorta de ratos 2R. Observamos que a catalase atenuou a resposta contrátil induzida pelo A23187, demonstrando que o peróxido de hidrogênio modula positivamente a contração induzida pelo A23187. / The vascular endothelium plays a pivotal role in the vascular tone due to the release of relaxing factors (EDRFs) and contractile factors (EDCFs). Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important EDRFs involved in the vasodilation and it is produced by the NO-synthases (NOS). eNOS is a constitutive isoform and its activity is dependent of the transient calcium. Besides eNOS, other important enzymes are modulated by Ca2+ such as phospholipase A2 (cPLA2). This enzyme converts membrane phospholipids to araquidonic acid, responsible for the formation of the prostanoids prostaciclin (PGI2) and thromboxane (TXA2). Endothelial dysfunction is related to the decreased NO bioavailability and increased production of EDCFs. It is present in several cardiovascular disorders like hypertension. Endothelial dysfunction is a multifactorial proccess that is also caused by the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increased cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) is related to augmented ROS and EDCFs production. In the present study, we have used the calcium ionophore A23187 in order to evaluate the altered cellular signaling caused by [Ca2+]c in a receptor activation-independent way that occurs in hypertension. This work aimed to study the vascular responses stimulated by A23187 in normotensive rat (2K) aorta and in renal hypertensive (2K-1C) rat aorta. We have verified that A23187 induces vasodilator effect dependent on the production of NO in 2K and 2K- 1C rat aortas. The vascular relaxation was abolished by the non-selective NOS inhibitor (L-NAME) and by the endothelium removal. In 2K-1C but not in 2K rat aortas, PGI2 contributes to He vasodilator effect induced by A23187. PGI2 production is greater in 2K-1C than in 2K rat aortas, which suggests that PGI2 activates TP receptors inducing contraction. The contractile effect of A23187 is endotheliumdependent in 2K rat aorta. However, in 2K-1C intact-endothelium aortas, the contractile effect of A23187 is impaired. The anti-contractile effect is due to increased NO production that inhibits the contractile response to A23187. The contractile response induced by A23187 is dependent of the prostanoid production like TXA2 and PGI2 that activate TP receptors because this response is inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor (ibuprofen). In addition, this effect was abolished by the TP receptor antagonist (SQ29548). TXA2 production was stimulated with A23187 in 2K and 2K-1C rat aorta, which was greater in 2K-1C than in 2K rat aorta. We have also observed that catalase blunted the contractile response induced by A23187. These results suggest that hydrogen peroxide positively modulates A23187-induced contractile response.

De nombreuses études ont indiqué que la consommation régulière d’aliments riches en polyphénols comme le vin rouge, le thé, ou les fruits est associée à une réduction du risque de pathologies cardiovasculaires chez l’homme et les animaux. L’effet bénéfique des polyphénols sur le système cardiovasculaire est dû, au moins en partie, à leur action directe sur les vaisseaux sanguins en améliorant la fonction endothéliale. En effet, de nombreuses études indiquent que les polyphénols induisent des relaxations dépendantes de l’endothélium dans les artères isolées en stimulant la formation endothéliale de monoxyde d’azote (NO). La comparaison des relaxations induites par 13 jus et purées de fruits différents dans les artères coronaires de porc a permis de sélectionner l’Aronia melanocarpa en raison de sa grande activité et de sa forte teneur en polyphénols. L’Aronia melanocarpa est un puissant inducteur de relaxations dépendantes de l’endothélium en stimulant la formation endothéliale de NO. Cette formation accrue de NO implique l’activation rédox-sensible de la voie Src/PI3-kinase/Akt qui va phosphoryler la NO synthase sur son site activateur entraînant une formation rapide de NO. A plus long terme, l’Aronia melanocarpa stimule l’expression de la NO synthase via un mécanisme rédox-sensible impliquant les voies PI3-kinase/Akt, JNK, et p38 MAPK, et entraînant la phosphorylation inactivatrice des facteurs de transcription FoxO1 et Fox3a; cet effet prévient la régulation négative de l’expression de la NO synthase endothéliale. En conclusion,nos études révèlent le potentiel d’Aronia melanocarpa à améliorer la protection vasculaire par la stimulation soutenue de la formation de NO. / Many studies indicated that the regular consumption of drink or food rich in polyphenols like red wine, green tea, fruits, vegetables and chocolate is associated with a reduction of the risk of cardiovascular pathologies in human and animals. The beneficial effect of polyphenols, well known as antioxidants, on the cardiovascular system is due at least partly to their direct action on the blood-vessels by improving the endothelial function. Indeed, many studies indicate that the polyphenols induce the endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in the isolated arteries by stimulating the formation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO). Comparing the endothelium-dependent relaxations induced by 13 different fruit juices and purees in the isolated porcine coronary arteries, Aronia melanocarpa was selected due to its high activity and the highest polyphenol content. Aronia melanocarpa is a potent inducer of endothelium-dependent relaxation in coronary artery by stimulating the formation of endothelial NO. This increased formation of NO involves the redox-sensitive activation of the Src/PI3-kinase/Akt pathway leading to the phosphorylation of eNOS at the activation site, Ser1177, during the rapid formation. Further for the long-term, Aronia melanocarpa stimulates the expression of eNOS via a redox-sensitive mechanism involving PI3-kinase/Akt, JNK, p38 MAPK pathways and the subsequent inactivation of transcription factors FoxO1 and FoxO3a by phosphorylation; this effect prevents their negative regulation of eNOS expression. In conclusion, our studies reveal the potential of Aronia melanocarpa to improve vascular protection by stimulating in a constant way the formation of endothelial NO.

La résistance à l’insuline joue un rôle dans le développement de l’obésité, du diabète de type 2 et des maladies cardiovasculaires. Cette étude avait pour but de caractériser les dérèglements vasculaires et métaboliques chez le rat insulino-résistant nourri avec un régime HFHS (high fat high sucrose). La sensibilité à l’insuline, la fonction endothéliale et l’expression de la protéine eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) ont été étudiées. Les résultats démontrent que le régime HFHS entraînerait une altération de la vasodilatation associée à une réduction de l’expression de eNOS dans les muscles squelettiques et l’aorte thoracique. De plus, une diminution de la biodisponibilité du NO (monoxyde d’azote) a été observée chez les rats HFHS lié à une augmentation des nitrotyrosines et de l’endothéline. Cette étude démontre que la protéine eNOS est importante dans le développement des maladies vasculaires et métaboliques et qu’il existe une interaction gène-environnement dans la régulation du NO. / Insulin resistance (IR) plays a role in the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study was initiated to characterize vascular and metabolic dysregulations in a rat model with IR fed a high fat high sucrose diet (HFHS). Insulin sensitivity, endothelial function and eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) gene expression were studied. The results indiquate that the HFHS diet induce an alteration of the vasodilation associated with a reduction of eNOS protein expression in skeletal muscles and thoracic aorta. Also, a reduction of NO (nitric oxide) bioavailability was observed, linked with an augmentation of nitrotyrosine and endothelin. This study show that eNOS is crucial in the development of metabolic and vascular diseases and that there is a geneenvironnement interaction in NO regulation.

La résistance à l' insuline du muscle squelettique se situe au niveau des étapes subséquentes à la liaison de l'hormone à son récepteur. L' origine de la résis'tance à l'insuline n est pas identifiée avec précision, bien que l'on sache qu'une association de plusieurs facteurs en soit responsable. Parmi ces facteurs de risque, nous avons identifié la synthase inductible du monoxyde d'azote (NO). Cette enzyme (iN OS) a la particularité de produire de fortes concentrations de NO e'n réponse à divers stimuli inflammatoires. Les études présentées dans cette thèse perniettent de mieux comprendre l' implication de cette enzyme dans la résistance à l' insuline ainsi que les mécanismes d'action via lesquels le NO inhibe 1 action de l' insuline. Dans la première étude, nous avons confirmé dans un modèle cellulaire de muscles la capacité de iNOS à causer un défaut du transport du glucose en réponse à l'insuline. Nous avons toutefois également observé que les adipocytes ne développaient pas ce défaut suite à l' induction de l'enzyme. Dans une seconde étude, nous avons cherché à comprendre le mécanisme par lequel la production de NO pouvait être reliée à la résistance à l' insuline. Nous avons montré que la génération d'un oxydant découlant de la synthèse de NO, le peroxynitrite (ONOO-), causait la nitration de tyrosine de la molécule IRS-l et ainsi interfère dans la cascade des étapes de signalisation de l' insuline. Dans une troisième étude, nous avons démontré que l'incubation de muscles in vitro causait des altérations dans la captation de glucose via l' induction de iNOS causée par le procédé d' incubation. Finalement, dans une quatrième étude, nous proposons un mécanisme d'inhibition de iNOS pouvant être mis à profit dans la recherche de cibles thérapeutiques contre la résistance à l' insuline. Nous avons démontré que l'activati.on de la kinase sensible à l'AMP (AMPK) réduisait l' induction de iNOS, tant au niveau cellulaire (myocytes, adipocytes et macrophages) que dans les muscles et le tissu adipeux de rats traités à la lipopolysaccharide (LPS). L' ensemble de nos études précise l'implication de iNOS dans la résistance à l' insuline associée à l'inflammation et oriente la recherche vers de nouvelles pistes et un certain nombre d'applications thérapeutiques.