A hipertensão arterial essencial é caracterizada pela elevação crônica da pressão arterial e representa o principal fator de risco para doenças cardiovasculares e renais. O rim participa do controle da pressão arterial e alterações intrínsecas no manuseio renal de sódio desempenham papel importante na patogênese da hipertensão essencial. Os túbulos proximais renais são responsáveis pela reabsorção da maior parte do sódio filtrado nos glomérulos e a maior parte da reabsorção de sódio neste segmento faz-se através da troca de Na+ por H+ em membrana apical, mediada pela isoforma 3 do trocador Na+/H+ (NHE3). Entretanto, os dados existentes referentes à modulação renal do NHE3 em modelos de hipertensão são ainda conflitantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as possíveis alterações funcionais do trocador Na+/H+ NHE3 em túbulo proximal renal na linhagem SHR no estágio de préhipertensão (5 semanas) e de hipertensão (14 semanas) e investigar se estas alterações são acompanhadas de alterações na atividade e na expressão da proteína cinase A (PKA) e de proteínas fosfatase-1 (PP1). Por meio de microperfusão estacionária in vivo mediu-se a atividade do NHE3 em túbulo proximal e verificou-se que a reabsorção de bicarbonato foi reduzida em 62 ± 6 % (P < 0,001) na transição do J-SHR para o A-SHR enquanto foi aumentada em 113 ± 10 % (P < 0,001) na transição entre o J-WKY e o A-WKY. A atividade estimulada do NHE3 em J-SHR é decorrente da redistribuição do NHE3 do domínio intermicrovilar (IMV) para o domínio das microvilosidades (MMV) e do baixo nível de fosforilação da serina 552, sítio consenso para a PKA. Por outro lado, durante a fase de hipertensão, a atividade diminuída do NHE3 deve-se à sua redistribuição para o IMV e ao aumento da fosforilação na serina 552. Para testar a hipótese de que os níveis de fosforilação do NHE3 estariam aumentados em túbulo proximal de SHR adulto devido ao aumento da atividade da PKA e/ou à diminuição na atividade da PP1, foram avaliados tanto os níveis de fosforilação quanto a atividade do NHE3 em SHR jovens e adultos em resposta ao 6MB-cAMP (análogo ao cAMP que ativa especificamente a PKA). O JSHR apresentou um aumento tanto nos níveis de fosforilação da serina 552 (179 ± 14 %, P < 0,001) quanto nos de inibição da atividade (65 ± 10 %, P < 0,001) do NHE3 em relação ao J-SHR em resposta ao 6MB-cAMP. Já no A-SHR, a fosforilação da serina 552 aumentou moderadamente (36 ± 4 %, P < 0,01), assim como inibiu moderadamente (23 ± 9 %, P < 0,05) a atividade do NHE3 em resposta ao 6MBcAMP. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que não houve alteração da atividade da PKA entre os animais nem ao longo da idade e nem entre as linhagens. Por sua vez, o JSHR apresentou maior atividade da PP1 que o A-SHR (1640 ± 107 vs. 940 ± 119 pM/?g, P < 0,01). Além disso, houve uma diminuição na expressão da PP1? no ASHR (32 ± 8 %, P < 0,01) quando comparado ao J-SHR. Os dados sugerem que o NHE3 é diferencialmente regulado antes e após o desenvolvimento da hipertensão em SHR por mecanismos que envolvem modificações pós-transcricionais e distribuição subcelular. Além do mais, a regulação diferencial dos níveis de fosforilação do NHE3 tubular proximal antes e após o desenvolvimento da hipertensão em SHR é devida, provavelmente, a alterações na atividade e na expressão da PP1 / Essential hypertension is characterized by chronic elevation of blood pressure and represents the major risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases. The kidney participates in the blood pressure control and intrinsic changes in renal sodium handling play an important role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. The renal proximal tubule is responsible for reabsorption of the great majority of sodium that is filtered by the glomerulus and the principal apical membrane mechanism for sodium reabsorption in this nephron is Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3)- mediated Na+/H+ exchange. However, conflicting data have been reported with regard to NHE3 modulation in experimental models of hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the possible functional changes of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 in the renal proximal tubule of SHR both at the pre-hypertensive (5 weeks) and at hypertensive (14 weeks) stages and to investigate whether these changes were accompanied by changes in the activity and/or expression of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). Proximal tubule NHE3 activity was measured by means of stationary microperfusion. Bicarbonate reabsorption was found to be decreased by 62 ± 6 % (P < 0.001) in the transition from youth to adulthood in SHR (Y-SHR to A-SHR), whereas in the transition from Y-WKY to A-WKY it increased by 113 ± 10 % (P < 0.001). Stimulated NHE3 activity in Y-SHR was due to redistribution of NHE3 from intermicrovilar domain (IMV) to microvilar domain (MMV) and to a lower level of serine 552 phosphorylation, a consensus site for PKA. Conversely, during the hypertensive stage, decreased NHE3 activity was due to increased redistribution of NHE3 to the IMV domain and increased phosphorylation at serine 552. To test the hypothesis that the increased levels of NHE3 phosphorylation in the proximal tubule of adult SHR were due to increased PKA activity and/or decreased PP1 activity, it was evaluated both phosphorylation levels and activity of NHE3 in young and adult SHR in response to 6MB-cAMP (an cAMP analog that specifically activates PKA). Y-SHR showed an increase both in the phosphorylation levels at serine 552 (179 ± 14 %, P < 0.001) and in the inhibition of NHE3 transport activity (65 ± 10 %, P < 0.001) compared to Y-SHR in response to 6MB-cAMP. With respect to A-SHR, the phosphorylation of serine 552 was slightly increased (36 ± 4 %, P < 0.01) and NHE3 activity was mildly inhibited (23 ± 9 %, P < 0.05) in response to 6MB-cAMP. Additionally, PKA activity remained unchanged with both age and strain. Nevertheless, Y-SHR exhibited higher PP1 activity than A-SHR (1640 ± 107 vs. 940 ± 119 pM/?g, P < 0.01). Furthermore, PP1? expression was decreased in the renal cortex of A-SHR (32 ± 8 %, P < 0.01) compared to Y-SHR. Taken together, these data suggest that NHE3 is differentially regulated before and after development of hypertension in SHR by mechanisms involving post-translational modifications and subcellular distribution. Moreover, the differential regulation of proximal tubule NHE3 phosphorylation levels before and after development of hypertension in SHR is most likely due to changes on the activity and expression of PP1

<p>Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to illuminate how individuals living with SHR, experience its impact on accessibility, financial security and social relationships.</p><p>Method: A qualitative approach was used. The participants were recruited by advertising on the website for “The network for people with odor intolerance”. The data was collected by written descritive texts from the participants and analysed with qualitative content analysis.</p><p>Results: The results showed that the informants experienced an extensive lack of accessibility in society. It was difficult to move around in society, to visit public buildings and facilities and it was almost impossible to find a suitable place to live. Regarding financial security they had a reduced income due to difficulties to earn their living in combination with increased expenses because of the disease and they had difficulties to get the support they needed from authorities. This created an insecure financial situation. Further, the findings showed that their social relationships had been affected. Socializing with others had become hard and troublesome, they had become limited in doing social activities and they got support from some but these persons became limited. Six themes permeated the categories in all three content areas: “Being limited”, “Being forced to behave incompatible with your true personality”, “Experiencing a lack of understanding and respect from others”, “Experiencing insecurity”, “Being dependent on others” and “Being forced to choose between the plague and cholera”. <strong></strong></p> / <p>Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att belysa hur individer som lever med sensorisk hyperreaktivitet (SHR) upplever dess påverkan på tillgänglighet, ekonomisk trygghet och sociala relationer.</p><p>Metod: Kvalitativ metod användes och deltagarna rekryterades via Internet genom annonsering på nätverket för doftöverkänsligas hemsida. Datainsamlingen skedde genom skrivna berättelser från deltagarna och data analyserades sedan med kvalitativ innehållsanalys.</p><p>Resultat: Resultatet visade att informanterna upplevde en omfattande brist på tillgänglighet i samhället. Det var svårt att röra sig i samhället, att besöka offentliga lokaler och inrättningar samt att det var nästan omöjligt att hitta en lämplig bostad. Deras ekonomiska trygghet var påverkad genom att de hade minskad inkomst på grund av svårigheter att försörja sig i kombination med ökade utgifter orsakade av sjukdomen samt att de hade svårigheter att få det stöd de behövde från myndigheter. Detta skapade en otrygg ekonomisk situation. Deras sociala relationer hade blivit påverkade av sjukdomen. Att umgås med andra hade blivit jobbigt och besvärligt, deras sociala aktiviteter hade blivit begränsade och de fick stöd av vissa men dessa personer blev då begränsade. Sex teman genomsyrade kategorierna i alla tre innehållsområdena: "Vara begränsad", "Vara tvungen att bete sig oförenligt med sin rätta personlighet", "Uppleva brist på förståelse och respekt från andra", "Uppleva otrygghet", "Vara beroende av andra" och "Vara tvungen att välja mellan pest eller kolera"</p>

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to illuminate how individuals living with SHR, experience its impact on accessibility, financial security and social relationships. Method: A qualitative approach was used. The participants were recruited by advertising on the website for “The network for people with odor intolerance”. The data was collected by written descritive texts from the participants and analysed with qualitative content analysis. Results: The results showed that the informants experienced an extensive lack of accessibility in society. It was difficult to move around in society, to visit public buildings and facilities and it was almost impossible to find a suitable place to live. Regarding financial security they had a reduced income due to difficulties to earn their living in combination with increased expenses because of the disease and they had difficulties to get the support they needed from authorities. This created an insecure financial situation. Further, the findings showed that their social relationships had been affected. Socializing with others had become hard and troublesome, they had become limited in doing social activities and they got support from some but these persons became limited. Six themes permeated the categories in all three content areas: “Being limited”, “Being forced to behave incompatible with your true personality”, “Experiencing a lack of understanding and respect from others”, “Experiencing insecurity”, “Being dependent on others” and “Being forced to choose between the plague and cholera”. / Syfte: Syftet med denna studie var att belysa hur individer som lever med sensorisk hyperreaktivitet (SHR) upplever dess påverkan på tillgänglighet, ekonomisk trygghet och sociala relationer. Metod: Kvalitativ metod användes och deltagarna rekryterades via Internet genom annonsering på nätverket för doftöverkänsligas hemsida. Datainsamlingen skedde genom skrivna berättelser från deltagarna och data analyserades sedan med kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Resultatet visade att informanterna upplevde en omfattande brist på tillgänglighet i samhället. Det var svårt att röra sig i samhället, att besöka offentliga lokaler och inrättningar samt att det var nästan omöjligt att hitta en lämplig bostad. Deras ekonomiska trygghet var påverkad genom att de hade minskad inkomst på grund av svårigheter att försörja sig i kombination med ökade utgifter orsakade av sjukdomen samt att de hade svårigheter att få det stöd de behövde från myndigheter. Detta skapade en otrygg ekonomisk situation. Deras sociala relationer hade blivit påverkade av sjukdomen. Att umgås med andra hade blivit jobbigt och besvärligt, deras sociala aktiviteter hade blivit begränsade och de fick stöd av vissa men dessa personer blev då begränsade. Sex teman genomsyrade kategorierna i alla tre innehållsområdena: "Vara begränsad", "Vara tvungen att bete sig oförenligt med sin rätta personlighet", "Uppleva brist på förståelse och respekt från andra", "Uppleva otrygghet", "Vara beroende av andra" och "Vara tvungen att välja mellan pest eller kolera"

L’hypertrophie du ventricule gauche (HVG) est un processus adaptif et compensatoire qui se développe conséquemment à l’hypertension artérielle pour s’opposer à l’élévation chronique de la pression artérielle. L’HVG est caractérisée par une hypertrophie des cardiomyocytes suite à l’augmentation de la synthèse d’ADN, une prolifération des fibroblastes, une augmentation du dépôt de collagène et une altération de la matrice extracellulaire (MEC). Ces changements génèrent des troubles de relaxation et mènent au dysfonctionnement diastolique, ce qui diminue la performance cardiaque. La suractivité du système nerveux sympathique (SNS) joue un rôle essentiel dans le développement de l’hypertension artérielle et de l’HVG à cause de la libération excessive des catécholamines et de leurs effets sur la sécrétion des cytokines pro-inflammatoires et sur les différentes voies de signalisation hypertrophiques et prolifératives. Le traitement antihypertenseur avec de la moxonidine, un composé sympatholytique d’action centrale, permet une régression de l’HVG suite à une réduction soutenue de la synthèse d'ADN et d’une stimulation transitoire de la fragmentation de l'ADN qui se produit au début du traitement. En raison de l’interaction entre l’HVG, les cytokines inflammatoires, le SNS et leurs effets sur les protéines de signalisation hypertrophiques, l’objectif de cette étude est de détecter dans un modèle animal d’hypertension artérielle et d’HVG, les différentes voies de signalisation associées à la régression de l’HVG et à la performance cardiaque. Des rats spontanément hypertendus (SHR, 12 semaines) ont reçu de la moxonidine à 0, 100 et 400 µg/kg/h, pour une période de 1 et 4 semaines, via des mini-pompes osmotiques implantées d’une façon sous-cutanée. Après 4 semaines de traitement, la performance cardiaque a été mesurée par écho-doppler. Les rats ont ensuite été euthanasiés, le sang a été recueilli pour mesurer les concentrations des cytokines plasmatiques et les cœurs ont été prélevés pour la détermination histologique du dépôt de collagène et de l'expression des protéines de signalisation dans le ventricule gauche. Le traitement de 4 semaines n’a eu aucun effet sur les paramètres systoliques mais a permis d’améliorer les paramètres diastoliques ainsi que la performance cardiaque globale. Par rapport au véhicule, la moxonidine (400 µg/kg/h) a permis d’augmenter transitoirement la concentration plasmatique de l’IL-1β après une semaine et de réduire la masse ventriculaire gauche. De même, on a observé une diminution du dépôt de collagène et des concentrations plasmatiques des cytokines IL-6 et TNF-α, ainsi qu’une diminution de la phosphorylation de p38 et d’Akt dans le ventricule gauche après 1 et 4 semaines de traitement, et cela avec une réduction de la pression artérielle et de la fréquence cardiaque. Fait intéressant, les effets anti-hypertrophiques, anti-fibrotiques et anti-inflammatoires de la moxonidine ont pu être observés avec la dose sous-hypotensive (100 µg/kg/h). Ces résultats suggèrent des effets cardiovasculaires bénéfiques de la moxonidine associés à une amélioration de la performance cardiaque, une régulation de l'inflammation en diminuant les niveaux plasmatiques des cytokines pro-inflammatoires ainsi qu’en inhibant la MAPK p38 et Akt, et nous permettent de suggérer que, outre l'inhibition du SNS, moxonidine peut agir sur des sites périphériques. / Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an adaptive and compensatory process that develops in hypertension to oppose the chronic elevation of blood pressure. LVH is characterized by hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes following the increase in DNA synthesis, proliferation of fibroblasts, increased collagen deposition and alteration of the extracellular matrix (ECM). These changes generate relaxation and diastolic dysfunction which reduced cardiac performance. The overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system plays an essential role in the development of hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy pathogenesis due to the excessive release of catecholamines and norepinephrine spillover and their effects on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and hypertrophic signaling pathways. Antihypertensive treatment with moxonidine, a centrally acting sympatholytic imidazoline compound, results in prevention of left ventricular hypertrophy, resulting from a sustained reduction of DNA synthesis and transient stimulation of DNA fragmentation that occur early after treatment. Due to the interaction between LVH, inflammatory cytokines, the SNS and their effects on hypertrophic signaling proteins, the objective of this study is to detect in an animal model of hypertension and LVH, the different signaling pathways associated with regression of LVH and cardiac performance. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR, 12 weeks old) received moxonidine at 0, 100 and 400 µg/kg/h, for 1 and 4 weeks, via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. After 4 weeks of treatment, cardiac performance was measured by echo-Doppler. Then the rats were euthanized, blood was collected for measurement of plasma cytokines and hearts for histologic determination of collagen deposition and for measurement of left ventricular expression of downstream signaling proteins. Treatment for 4 weeks had no effect on systolic parameters but improved diastolic parameters and global cardiac performance. Compared to vehicle, moxonidine (400 µg/kg/h) transiently increased plasma IL-1β after 1 week and reduced left ventricular mass. Similarly, there was a decrease in collagen deposition and plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α, and decreased phosphorylation of p38 and Akt in the left ventricle after 1 and 4 weeks treatment, in association with reduced blood pressure and heart rate. Interestingly, the anti-hypertrophic, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory effects of moxonidine were observed with a sub-hypotensive dose (100µg/kg/h). These results suggest the beneficial cardiovascular effects of moxonidine associated with improved cardiac performance, regulation of inflammation by decreasing pro-inflammatory plasma levels, inhibition of p38 MAPK and Akt, and allow us to suggest that besides inhibiting the SNS, moxonidine may act on peripheral sites.

O emprego de \"Total Genome Scan\" em modelos genéticos de doenças complexas tem sido fundamental para seleção de regiões cromossômicas envolvidas com traços complexos. Em nosso laboratório, identificamos cinco regiões cromossômicas associadas ao traço quantitativo pressão arterial (BP-QTL) que explicam 43% da variação da pressão arterial numa progênie obtida a partir de animais espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e \"Brown Norway\" (BN). Os BP-QTLs foram, então, validados por desenvolvimento de linhagens congênicas, incluindo uma para o cromossomo 4 (SHR.BN4) cuja substituição das sequências SHR pelo do animal BN levou a redução da pressão arterial sistólica basal (~14 mm Hg). O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as variantes genéticas candidatas neste intervalo cromossômico com base em diferenças no padrão de expressão gênica e na presença de alterações genéticas não sinônimas \"missense\" ou em regiões regulatórias conservadas que possam estar envolvidas na gênese da hipertensão. Identificamos 533 genes com expressão renal, dentre os 682 do intervalo, sendo que 28 apresentaram padrão de expressão diferente entre amostras de animais adultos (congênico vs. SHR) e seis apresentaram alterações não sinônimas \"missense\". É importante salientar que dos genes diferentemente expressos, encontramos alterações estruturais em regiões conservadas com potencial de participar na regulação em 11. Em conjunto, utilizamos uma plataforma integrada para selecionar 34 genes candidatos no cromossomo 4, dos quais 17 genes serão priorizados, para ser investigados quanto sua contribuição na hipertensão arterial do SHR e na hipertensão primária humana / Total genome scan in genetic models of complex diseases have been instrumental to select candidate genes underlying complex traits. We previously mapped 5 blood pressure related quantitative trait loci (BP-QTLs) that explain about 43% of the BP variance in a progeny derived from Spontaneous Hypertensive Rat (SHR) and Brown Norway (BN) rats. The BP-QTLs were then validated by derivation of congenic strains, including one for chromosome 4 (SHR.BN4) in which a segment from BN replaced the SHR sequences reducing basal systolic BP (~14 mm Hg). The aim of this project is to identify the candidate genetic variants within the chromosome interval based on differences in renal gene expression patterns and structural changes in both non-synonymous missense or within adjacent regulatory sequences that may contribute to hypertension. We identified 533 genes with renal expression, out of 682 in the interval, in which 28 presented differences in expression pattern in adult samples (congenic vs. SHR) and six presented non-synonymous missense alterations. In addition, 11 out of 28 differentially expressed genes showed structural alterations in adjacent conserved regions that potentially contribute to gene regulation. Taken together, using the proposed combination of strategies, we selected 34 hypertensive candidate genes in chromosome 4, in which 17 will be prioritized, to be further explored to assess their contribution to hypertension in the SHR and to essential hypertension in humans

A hipertensão arterial essencial é caracterizada pela elevação crônica da pressão arterial e representa o principal fator de risco para doenças cardiovasculares e renais. O rim participa do controle da pressão arterial e alterações intrínsecas no manuseio renal de sódio desempenham papel importante na patogênese da hipertensão essencial. Os túbulos proximais renais são responsáveis pela reabsorção da maior parte do sódio filtrado nos glomérulos e a maior parte da reabsorção de sódio neste segmento faz-se através da troca de Na+ por H+ em membrana apical, mediada pela isoforma 3 do trocador Na+/H+ (NHE3). Entretanto, os dados existentes referentes à modulação renal do NHE3 em modelos de hipertensão são ainda conflitantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as possíveis alterações funcionais do trocador Na+/H+ NHE3 em túbulo proximal renal na linhagem SHR no estágio de préhipertensão (5 semanas) e de hipertensão (14 semanas) e investigar se estas alterações são acompanhadas de alterações na atividade e na expressão da proteína cinase A (PKA) e de proteínas fosfatase-1 (PP1). Por meio de microperfusão estacionária in vivo mediu-se a atividade do NHE3 em túbulo proximal e verificou-se que a reabsorção de bicarbonato foi reduzida em 62 ± 6 % (P < 0,001) na transição do J-SHR para o A-SHR enquanto foi aumentada em 113 ± 10 % (P < 0,001) na transição entre o J-WKY e o A-WKY. A atividade estimulada do NHE3 em J-SHR é decorrente da redistribuição do NHE3 do domínio intermicrovilar (IMV) para o domínio das microvilosidades (MMV) e do baixo nível de fosforilação da serina 552, sítio consenso para a PKA. Por outro lado, durante a fase de hipertensão, a atividade diminuída do NHE3 deve-se à sua redistribuição para o IMV e ao aumento da fosforilação na serina 552. Para testar a hipótese de que os níveis de fosforilação do NHE3 estariam aumentados em túbulo proximal de SHR adulto devido ao aumento da atividade da PKA e/ou à diminuição na atividade da PP1, foram avaliados tanto os níveis de fosforilação quanto a atividade do NHE3 em SHR jovens e adultos em resposta ao 6MB-cAMP (análogo ao cAMP que ativa especificamente a PKA). O JSHR apresentou um aumento tanto nos níveis de fosforilação da serina 552 (179 ± 14 %, P < 0,001) quanto nos de inibição da atividade (65 ± 10 %, P < 0,001) do NHE3 em relação ao J-SHR em resposta ao 6MB-cAMP. Já no A-SHR, a fosforilação da serina 552 aumentou moderadamente (36 ± 4 %, P < 0,01), assim como inibiu moderadamente (23 ± 9 %, P < 0,05) a atividade do NHE3 em resposta ao 6MBcAMP. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que não houve alteração da atividade da PKA entre os animais nem ao longo da idade e nem entre as linhagens. Por sua vez, o JSHR apresentou maior atividade da PP1 que o A-SHR (1640 ± 107 vs. 940 ± 119 pM/?g, P < 0,01). Além disso, houve uma diminuição na expressão da PP1? no ASHR (32 ± 8 %, P < 0,01) quando comparado ao J-SHR. Os dados sugerem que o NHE3 é diferencialmente regulado antes e após o desenvolvimento da hipertensão em SHR por mecanismos que envolvem modificações pós-transcricionais e distribuição subcelular. Além do mais, a regulação diferencial dos níveis de fosforilação do NHE3 tubular proximal antes e após o desenvolvimento da hipertensão em SHR é devida, provavelmente, a alterações na atividade e na expressão da PP1 / Essential hypertension is characterized by chronic elevation of blood pressure and represents the major risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases. The kidney participates in the blood pressure control and intrinsic changes in renal sodium handling play an important role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. The renal proximal tubule is responsible for reabsorption of the great majority of sodium that is filtered by the glomerulus and the principal apical membrane mechanism for sodium reabsorption in this nephron is Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3)- mediated Na+/H+ exchange. However, conflicting data have been reported with regard to NHE3 modulation in experimental models of hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the possible functional changes of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 in the renal proximal tubule of SHR both at the pre-hypertensive (5 weeks) and at hypertensive (14 weeks) stages and to investigate whether these changes were accompanied by changes in the activity and/or expression of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). Proximal tubule NHE3 activity was measured by means of stationary microperfusion. Bicarbonate reabsorption was found to be decreased by 62 ± 6 % (P < 0.001) in the transition from youth to adulthood in SHR (Y-SHR to A-SHR), whereas in the transition from Y-WKY to A-WKY it increased by 113 ± 10 % (P < 0.001). Stimulated NHE3 activity in Y-SHR was due to redistribution of NHE3 from intermicrovilar domain (IMV) to microvilar domain (MMV) and to a lower level of serine 552 phosphorylation, a consensus site for PKA. Conversely, during the hypertensive stage, decreased NHE3 activity was due to increased redistribution of NHE3 to the IMV domain and increased phosphorylation at serine 552. To test the hypothesis that the increased levels of NHE3 phosphorylation in the proximal tubule of adult SHR were due to increased PKA activity and/or decreased PP1 activity, it was evaluated both phosphorylation levels and activity of NHE3 in young and adult SHR in response to 6MB-cAMP (an cAMP analog that specifically activates PKA). Y-SHR showed an increase both in the phosphorylation levels at serine 552 (179 ± 14 %, P < 0.001) and in the inhibition of NHE3 transport activity (65 ± 10 %, P < 0.001) compared to Y-SHR in response to 6MB-cAMP. With respect to A-SHR, the phosphorylation of serine 552 was slightly increased (36 ± 4 %, P < 0.01) and NHE3 activity was mildly inhibited (23 ± 9 %, P < 0.05) in response to 6MB-cAMP. Additionally, PKA activity remained unchanged with both age and strain. Nevertheless, Y-SHR exhibited higher PP1 activity than A-SHR (1640 ± 107 vs. 940 ± 119 pM/?g, P < 0.01). Furthermore, PP1? expression was decreased in the renal cortex of A-SHR (32 ± 8 %, P < 0.01) compared to Y-SHR. Taken together, these data suggest that NHE3 is differentially regulated before and after development of hypertension in SHR by mechanisms involving post-translational modifications and subcellular distribution. Moreover, the differential regulation of proximal tubule NHE3 phosphorylation levels before and after development of hypertension in SHR is most likely due to changes on the activity and expression of PP1

Para avaliar as repercussões da insuflação prolongada da cavidade peritoneal com gás carbônico sobre a hipertensão arterial essencial, utilizou-se ratos machos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e como normotensos ratos machos Wistar-Kioto (WKY). No total foram utilizados 34 animais, sendo 22 SHRs e 12 WKYs, onde os ratos SHR foram distribuídos aleatoriamente aos grupos G1 e G3. O primeiro grupo (G1) com 12 animais SHRs e o segundo (G2) com 12 animais WKYs foram expostos a pneumoperitônio com dióxido de carbono por 120 minutos, enquanto que o terceiro grupo (G3) com 10 animais SHRs, passou por insuflação da cavidade peritoneal, seguida de punção com trocarte e esvaziamento do pneumoperitônio. Os animais deste grupo permaneceram anestesiados e com o abdome puncionado por 2 horas. Previamente a confecção do pneumoperitônio, a artéria e veia femorais direita foram dissecadas e canuladas. A artéria foi conectada ao transdutor de pressão para o registro contínuo da pressão arterial (PA), após a coleta inicial de 0,2 ml para dosagem da gasometria basal e 0,8 ml para as dosagens de uréia (U) e creatinina (Cr) basais. A veia femoral foi uttilizada para a expansão volêmica lenta com 10 ml de solução fisiológica após a coleta inicial de 1,0 ml de sangue arterial. Feito isto, procedeu-se a insuflação e punção abdominal mantendo ou não o pnemoperitônio, conforme o grupo. Foram feitas medidas da pressão arterial a cada 15 minutos e 5 minutos após o esvaziamento do abdome. Após a última aferição, foi colhido aproximandamente 3 ml de sangue arterial e 1 ml para a gasometria mais dosagem da U e Cr. A análise multivariada para medidas repetidas ao longo do tempo permitiu concluir que: nos cinco minutos após a desinsuflação, houve diferença estatística significante (p<0,0001) nas pressões arteriais sistólica, diastólica e média no G1 com uma curva ascendente em relação ao G2 e G3; O pH diminuiu (p<0,0001) de maneira similar nos três grupos de intervenção, enquanto a pCO2 aumentou (p<0,0001) de maneira similar nos três grupos de intervenção; não houve mudanças significativas na creatinina (p=0,3232); a uréia apresentou um efeito de momento com significância estatística (p<0,0001) e a atividade da renina plasmática foi significativamente maior no G2 em relação aos outros dois grupos / To assess the effects of prolonged peritoneal cavity insufflation with carbon dioxide on the essential hypertension, a experimental study was designed using male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and male normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY). Thirty-four animals were used, 22 SHRs and 12 WKYs, where SHR rats were randomly assigned to groups G1 and G3. The first group (G1) with 12 animals SHRs and second group (G2) with 12 animals WKYs were exposed to pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide for 120 minutes, while the third group (G3) with 10 animals SHRs, had the peritoneal cavity insufflated, followed by puncture with trocarte and released the pneumoperitoneum. The animals of this group remained anesthetized and the abdomen punctured by 2 hours. Before making the pneumoperitoneum, right femoral artery and vein were dissected and cannulated. The artery was connected to the transducer pressure for the continuous recording of blood pressure (BP), after the initials blood samples: 0.2 ml for blood gases measurement and 0.8 ml for urea (U) and creatinine (Cr ). The femoral vein was used to volume expansion with 10 ml of saline solution after the initial sample of 1.0 ml arterial blood. Afterwards, a pnemoperitoneum insufflation and maintaining is done or not, depending on group. Blood pressure was recorded every 15 minutes and 5 minutes after pnemoperitoneum released. After last blood pressure record, a 3.0 ml blood sample was collected to measure plasma renin activity (PRA), and 1.0 ml for blood gases measurement, urea (U) and creatinine (Cr). The multivariate analysis for repeated measurements over time has concluded that: five minutes after pnemoperitoneum released, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure has significant statistic differences (p <0.0001) in G1 with an upward curve in relation to G2 and G3; The pH decreased (p <0.0001) in a similar way in the three groups of intervention, while pCO2 increased (p <0.0001) in a similar way in the three groups of intervention, with no significant changes in creatinine (p = 0.3232), but the urea had a moment effect with statistical significance (p <0.0001) and the plasma renin activity (PRA) was significantly higher in G2 compared with the other two groups

La voie de signalisation des phosphoinositides joue un rôle clé dans la régulation du tonus vasculaire. Plusieurs études rapportent une production endogène de l’angiotensin II (Ang II) et de l’endothéline-1 (ET-1) par les cellules musculaires lisses vasculaires (CMLVs) de rats spontanément hypertendus (spontaneously hypertensive rats : SHR). De plus, l’Ang II exogène induit son effet prohypertrophique sur les CMLVs selon un mécanisme dépendant de la protéine Gqα et de la PKCẟ. Cependant, le rôle de l’axe Gqα/PLCβ/PKCẟ dans l’hypertrophie des CMLVs provenant d’un modèle animal de l’hypertension artérielle n’est pas encore étudié. L’objectif principal de cette thèse est d’examiner le rôle de l’axe Gqα/PLCβ1 dans les mécanismes moléculaires de l’hypertrophie des CMLVs provenant d’un modèle animal d’hypertension artérielle essentielle (spontaneously hypertensive rats : SHR). Nos premiers résultats indiquent que contrairement aux CMLVs de SHR âgés de 12 semaines (absence d’hypertrophie cardiaque), les CMLVs de SHR âgés de 16 semaines (présence d’hypertrophie cardiaque) présentent une surexpression protéique endogène de Gqα et de PLCβ1 par rapport aux CMLVs de rats WKY appariés pour l’âge. L’inhibition du taux d’expression protéique de Gqα et de PLCβ1 par des siRNAs spécifiques diminue significativement le taux de synthèse protéique élevé dans les CMLVs de SHR. De plus, la surexpression endogène des Gqα et PLCβ1, l’hyperphosphorylation de la molécule ERK1/2 et le taux de synthèse protéique élevé dans les CMLVs de SHR de 16 semaines ont été atténués significativement par des antagonistes des récepteurs AT1 (losartan) et ETA (BQ123), mais pas par l’antagoniste du récepteur ETB (BQ788). L’inhibition pharmacologique des MAPKs par PD98059 diminue significativement la surexpression endogène de Gqα/PLCβ1 et le taux de synthèse protéique élevé dans les CMLVs de SHR. D’un côté, l’inhibition du stress oxydatif (par DPI, inhibiteur de la NAD(P)H oxidase, et NAC , molécule anti-oxydante), de la molécule c-Src (PP2) et des récepteurs de facteurs de croissance (AG1024 (inhibiteur de l’IGF1-R), AG1478 (inhibiteur de l’EGFR) et AG1295 (inhibiteur du PDGFR)) a permis d’atténuer significativement la surexpression endogène élevée de Gqα/PLCβ1 et l’hypertrophie des CMLVs de SHR. D’un autre côté, DPI, NAC et PP2 atténuent significativement l’hyperphosphorylation de la molécule c-Src, des RTKs (récepteurs à activité tyrosine kinase) et de la molécule ERK1/2. Dans une autre étude, nous avons aussi démontré que la PKCẟ montre une hyperphosphorylation en Tyr311 dans les CMLVs de SHR comparées aux CMLVs de WKY. La rottlerin, utilisée comme inhibiteur spécifique de la PKCẟ, inhibe significativement cette hyperphosphorylation en Tyr311 dépendamment de la concentration. L’inhibition de l’activité de la PKCẟ par la rottlerin a été aussi associée à une atténuation significative de la surexpression protéique endogène de Gqα/PLCβ1 et l’hypertrophie des CMLVs de SHR. De plus, l’inhibition pharmacologique de l’activité de la PKCẟ, en amont du stress oxydatif, a permis d’inhiber significativement l’activité de la NADPH, le taux de production élevée de l’ion superoxyde ainsi que l’hyperphosphorylation de la molécule ERK1/2, de la molécule c-Src et des RTKs. À notre surprise, nous avons aussi remarqué une surexpression protéique de l’EGFR et de l’IGF-1R dans les CMLVs de SHR à l’âge de 16 semaines. L’inhibition pharmacologique de l’activité de la PKCẟ, de la molécule c-Src et du stress oxydatif a permis d’inhiber significativement la surexpression protéique endogène de ces RTKs. De plus, l’inhibition de l’expression protéique de l’EGFR et de la molécule c-Src par des siRNA spécifiques atténue significativement le taux d’expression protéique élevé de Gqα et de PLCβ1 ainsi que le taux de synthèse protéique élevé dans les CMLVs de SHR. Des siRNAs spécifiques à la PKCẟ ont permis d’atténuer significativement le taux de synthèse protéique élevé dans les CMLVs de SHR et confirment le rôle important de la PKCẟ dans les mécanismes moléculaires de l’hypertrophie des CMLVs selon une voie dépendante du stress oxydatif. En conclusion, ces résultats suggèrent un rôle important de l’activation endogène de l’axe Gqα-PLCβ-PKCẟ dans le processus d’hypertrophie vasculaire selon un mécanisme impliquant une activation endogène des récepteurs AT1/ETa, de la molécule c-Src, du stress oxidatif, des RTKs et des MAPKs. / Vascular Gqα signaling has been shown to regulate cardiovascular contractility and growth. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from SHR have been shown to exhibit enhanced endogenous production of angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothéline-1 (ET-1). In addition, exogenous Ang II was shown to induce VSMC hypertrophy through Gqα and PKCẟ signaling. However, studies on the role of Gqα/PLCβ1 proteins and PKCẟ signaling in VSMC hypertrophy in animal model of essential hypertension are lacking. The objective of the present thesis is to examine the role of Gqα/PLCβ1 proteins and the associated signaling pathways in VSMC hypertrophy using spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). VSMC from 16 week-old SHR (presence of cardiac hypertrophy) and not from 12 week-old SHR (absence of cardiac hypertrophy) exhibited enhanced levels of Gqα/PLCβ1 proteins as compared to age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The knockdown of Gqα and PLCβ1 in VSMC from 16 week-old SHR by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides and/or siRNA resulted in attenuation of protein synthesis. In addition, the enhanced expression of Gqα/PLCβ1 proteins, enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and enhanced protein synthesis in VSMC from SHR were attenuated by Ang II AT1 and ET-1 ETA receptor antagonists losartan and BQ123, respectively, but not by ETB receptor antagonist BQ788. In addition, PD98059 decreased the enhanced expression of Gqα/PLCβ1 and protein synthesis in VSMC from SHR. Since oxidative stress has been shown to be increased in hypertension, we tested the role of oxidative stress in enhanced expression of Gqα and PLCβ1 proteins and VSMC hypertrophy in SHR and further explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for this response. The increased expression of Gqα and PLCβ1 proteins as well as increased protein synthesis exhibited by VSMC from SHR were significantly attenuated by antioxidants: N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a scavenger of superoxide anion, DPI, an inhibitor of NAD(P)H oxidase, PP2 (c-Src inhibitor), AG1024 (IGFR inhibitor), AG1478 (EGFR inhibitor) and AG1295 (PDGFR inhibitor). In addition, the levels of IGF-1R and EGFR proteins and not of PDGFR were also enhanced in VSMC from 16 week-old SHR which were attenuated significantly by NAC, DPI and PP2. Furthermore, the inhibition of oxidative stress and c-Src molecule also attenuated the enhanced phosphorylation of IGF-1R, PDGFR, EGFR and EKR1/2 in VSMC from SHR. To further confirm our results, the knockdown of EGFR and c-Src with specific siRNA was also associated with a significant decrease in the enhanced expression of Gqα and PLCβ1 proteins and enhanced protein synthesis in VSMC from SHR. In another study we showed also that VSMC from 16 week-old SHR exhibit enhanced phosphorylation of PKCδ at Tyrosine 311 (Tyr311) as compared to VSMCs from WKY rats which was attenuated by rottlerin (PKCδ inhibitor) in a concentration dependant-manner. Furthermore, rottlerin also attenuated the increased production of superoxide anion, NAD(P)H oxidase activity, c-Src phosphorylation and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in VSMC from SHR. In addition, rottlerin and PKCδ-siRNA also attenuated the enhanced protein synthesis in VSMCs from SHR. The increased expression of Gqα, PLCβ1, IGF-1R and EGFR exhibited by VSMC from SHR were also attenuated by rottlerin in a concentration dependant manner. Rottlerin also inhibited significantly the enhanced phosphorylation of IGF-1R, PDGFR and EGFR in VSMCs from SHR and WKY. These results suggest that the enhanced levels of endogenous Ang II and ET-1 enhanced the expression of Gqα/PLCβ1 proteins in VSMC from 16 week-old SHR and result in VSMC hypertrophy. On the other hand, the enhanced oxidative stress, c-Src and PKCẟ activation, through the transactivation of growth factor receptors and MAPK signaling contribute to enhanced expression of Gqα and PLCβ1 proteins and resultant enhanced protein synthesis.

Master of Science / Department of Psychology / Kimberly Kirkpatrick / Several studies have examined timing and impulsive choice behavior in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) as a possible pre-clinical model for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, the strain has not been specifically selected for the traits of ADHD and as a result their appropriateness as a model has been questioned. This study investigated whether SHR would exhibit timing deficits, poor reward processing and impulsive behavior in comparison to the Wistar Kyoto (WKY) control strain in a discrete-trial choice task. In addition, as a first approach to find another potential animal model of ADHD, we evaluated a strain that has shown high levels of impulsivity, the Lewis (LEW) rats and compared them with the Wistar (WIS) rats. In the first phase of the experiment, rats could chose a lever associated with a Smaller-sooner (SS) reward of 1 pellet delivered after 10 s and a Larger-later (LL) reward of 2 pellets delivered after 30 s. Subsequently, the rats were exposed to different phases, where the reward on the LL choice was increased to 3 and 4 pellets and where the delay to the SS choice was increased to 15 and 20 s. The SHR and WKY strains did not differ in their timing or choice behavior. In comparison to WIS, LEW showed timing deficits in both manipulations and deficits in choice behavior in the delay manipulation, indicating deficits in time processing. Individual differences among the rat within a strain accounted a significant proportion of the total variance and contributed more variance than the strain of the rat. These results indicate that the SHR and LEW strains are not sufficiently homogeneous with respect to impulsive choice behavior to be considered as viable models for impulse control disorders such as ADHD.

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