Many peptide receptors are of pharmaceutical interest and there is thus a need for new ligands for such receptors. Unfortunately, peptides are not suitable as orally administrated drugs since they are associated with poor absorption, rapid metabolism and low sub-receptor selectivity. One approach that should allow identification of more drug-like ligands is to use the structural information of the endogenous ligand to develop peptidomimetic compounds. The main objective of the work described in this thesis was to convert angiotensin II (Ang II, Asp-Arg-Val-Tyr-Ile-His-Pro-Phe) to small drug-like compounds with retained bioactivity at the AT2 receptor. The study was performed step-wise via incorporation of well-defined secondary structure mimetics and repeated truncation of the peptide. Five scaffolds, comprising a benzene ring as a central element, suitable as a γ-turn or dipeptide mimetics were designed and synthesized. In order to decorate the scaffolds, a method of microwave-assisted alkoxycarbonylation was developed. After incorporation of the scaffolds into Ang II-related peptides or peptide fragments, the affinities for both the AT1 and the AT2 receptor were determined. In the first series of ligands, two tyrosine-related scaffolds were introduced as γ-turn mimetics in Ang II. All five pseudopeptides exhibited good affinities for the AT2 receptor. One compound was chosen for functional studies and was shown to act as an AT2 receptor agonist. After truncation of Ang II it was shown that C-terminal pentapeptide analogs were AT2 receptor selective agonists. A series of pseudopeptides comprising tyrosine-related scaffolds, derived from the pentapeptides, displayed high AT2 receptor affinities. Two compounds had agonistic effect at the AT2 receptor. This study revealed that the N-terminal part was of less importance while a C-terminal Ile residue was a key element for enhanced AT2 receptor affinity. In the final set of compounds, the peptide was truncated to tripeptide C-terminal fragments. After replacing His-Pro by a histidine-related scaffold small drug-like peptidomimetic compounds with nanomolar affinity for the AT2 receptor were identified.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aim of this study was to verify the type of angiotensin II (AngII) receptor involved in nuclear maturation of bovine oocytes and the possible participation of bradykinin (BK) as a mediator of AngII in this process. The first experiment was conducted to analyze the type of AngII receptor, for this cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured for 7 or 12h in the presence of follicular hemisections and AngII (10-11M), with or without the antagonists losartan (10-6M; selective for AT1 receptor), PD123319 (10-6M; selective for AT2 receptor) or saralasin (10-7M; AT1 and AT2 antagonist). Additionally, two control groups were used where the oocytes were cultivated in the absence or presence of follicular hemisections (positive and negative control, respectively). Oocytes cultured for 7h in the presence AngII reached 70,4% germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). When losartan was added to the maturation medium with AngII, the GVBD oocytes did not have any difference (73,2%), however when COCs were cultured in the presence of AngII + PD123319, the nuclear maturation was lower (52,1%; P<0,05). The cultivation of the oocytes for a larger period (12h) did not cause a significant difference in relation to those 7h treatments (P<0,05). These data indicate that the AT2 receptor mediate the actions of AngII during the nuclear maturation in bovine. In a second experiment, the effect of different concentrations of PD123319 was verified in the oocytes nuclear maturation in the presence of AngII (10-11M) and follicular hemisections. The culture was accomplished by 7h in a similar experimental design as previous experiment and it was verified that the inhibition induced by the antagonist happened in a dose-dependent way and there is lineal relation between concentration of PD and rates of obtained RVG (P=0,0306). To verify the participation of BK in the action mechanism of AT2 receptors, the oocytes were cultured in the presence of AngII (10-11M) and follicular hemisections with or without Hoe-140 (antagonist of B2 receptors of BK) in different concentrations (10-6, 10-7, 10-8 and 10-9M) for 7h. In this experiment, there was not any difference in the rates of GVBD oocytes among the groups treated with the antagonist and the AngII group (P>0,05). These data allow to infer that AngII acts in the nuclear maturation of the bovines oocytes activating the AT2 receptors and that the BK/receptor B2 pathway is not involved in that process. / O objetivo deste estudo foi de verificar o tipo de receptor da angiotensina II (AngII) envolvido na maturação nuclear de oócitos bovinos e a possível participação da bradicinina (BK) como mediadora da AngII nesse processo. O primeiro experimento foi conduzido para analisar o tipo de receptor, para isso os complexos cumulus-oócitos (CCOs) foram cultivados por 7 ou 12h na presença de hemiseções foliculares e AngII (10-11M), com ou sem os antagonistas losartan (10-6M; seletivo para receptores AT1), PD123319 (10-6M; seletivo para receptores AT2) ou saralasina (10-7M; antagonista AT1 e AT2). Adicionalmente, foram utilizados dois grupos controle, onde os oócitos foram cultivados na ausência ou na presença de hemiseções foliculares (controle positivo e negativo, respectivamente). Oócitos cultivados por 7h em presença de AngII atingiram 70,4% de rompimento da vesícula germinativa (RVG). Quando o losartan foi adicionado ao meio de cultivo com AngII, não houve diferença na percentagem de oócitos em RVG (73,2%), porém, quando os CCOs foram incubados na presença de AngII + PD123319, houve queda significativa na maturação nuclear (52,1%; P<0,05). O cultivo dos oócitos por um período maior (12h) não causou diferença significativa em relação a esses tratamentos quando foram realizados às 7h (P<0,05). Esses dados indicam que os receptores AT2 mediam as ações da AngII na maturação nuclear em bovinos. Em um segundo experimento, foi verificado o efeito de diferentes concentrações de PD123319 na maturação nuclear dos oócitos na presença de AngII (10-11M) e hemiseções foliculares. O cultivo foi realizado por 7h em um delineamento similar ao do experimento anterior e verificou-se que a inibição induzida pelo antagonista ocorreu de maneira dosedependente e há relação linear entre concentração de PD e índices de RVG obtidos (P=0,0306). Para verificar a participação da BK no mecanismo de ação dos receptores AT2, os oócitos foram cultivados na presença de AngII (10-11M) e hemiseções foliculares com ou sem Hoe-140 (antagonista de receptores B2 da BK) em diferentes concentrações (10-6, 10-7, 10-8 e 10-9M) por 7h. Nesse experimento, não houve diferença nos índices de oócitos que atingiram RVG entre os grupos tratados com o antagonista e o grupo AngII (P>0,05). Esses dados permitem inferir que a AngII atua na maturação nuclear dos oócitos bovinos ativando os receptores AT2 e que a via BK/receptor B2 não está envolvida nesse processo.

A hipótese do estudo é a de que a Angiotensina II (AngII) é capaz de desencadear processos inflamatórios iniciais que compõem parte dos mecanismos envolvidos na lesão vascular ou no seu progresso. Os objetivos foram avaliar a expressão de marcadores iniciais de inflamação em resposta à ação da AngII e por qual receptor (AT1 ou AT2) esta levaria à expressão destes marcadores inflamatórios. O estudo foi realizado em camundongos machos C57Bl/6J submetidos ao tratamento com doses subpressoras de AngII, bloqueadores dos receptores AT1 e AT2 e uma combinação destes. Os tempos de tratamento foram determinados através de uma curva de tempo-resposta feita com injeções de AngII. Após definição da curva temporal foram preparados 6 grupos de animais: controle, tratados AngII, Losartan, AngII+Losartan, PD123319 e AngII+PD123319. Foram feitas avaliações dos marcadores inflamatórios nos corações por imunohistoquímica para citocinas IL-1<font face=\"Symbol\">b e IL-6, TNF<font face=\"Symbol\">a, TGF-<font face=\"Symbol\">b e MCP-1, a molécula de adesão ICAM-1, e foram quantificados a IL-6 e o TNF-<font face=\"Symbol\">a séricos pela técnica ELISA. / The study hypothesis is that the angiotensin II (Ang II) is capable of triggering inflammatory processes that comprise the initial part of the mechanisms involved in vascular injury or in progress. The objectives were to evaluate the expression of early markers of inflammation in response to the action of Ang II and which receptor (AT1 and AT2) this would lead to the expression of these inflammatory markers. The study was conducted in male C57Bl/6J mice undergoing treatment with subpressor doses of AngII, blockers of AT1 and AT2 receptors and a combination thereof. Treatment times were determined using a time-response curve performed with injections of AngII. After definition of time curve were prepared six animal groups: control, treated Ang II, losartan, Ang II + losartan, PD123319 and Ang II + PD123319. Evaluations were made in the hearts of inflammatory markers by immunohistochemistry for IL-1<font face=\"Symbol\">b and IL-6, TNF<font face=\"Symbol\">a, TGF-<font face=\"Symbol\">b and MCP-1, the adhesion TNF-<font face=\"Symbol\">a serum by ELISA.

Submitted by Renata Lopes (renatasil82@gmail.com) on 2017-06-22T18:06:10Z No. of bitstreams: 1 alansantospimentel.pdf: 908522 bytes, checksum: 481a497653c77923c89d08522bba1820 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-08-07T19:24:28Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 alansantospimentel.pdf: 908522 bytes, checksum: 481a497653c77923c89d08522bba1820 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-08-07T19:24:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 alansantospimentel.pdf: 908522 bytes, checksum: 481a497653c77923c89d08522bba1820 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-03-07 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / FAPEMIG - Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais / Objetivo: avaliar o efeito do bloqueio central do receptor AT2 para angiotensina II nas respostas termorregulatórias em ratos durante o exercício físico. Material e métodos: foram utilizados ratos Wistar, não treinados, pesando entre 240-350 g. Os animais portavam cânula no ventrículo cerebral lateral direito para administração de 2 μL de PD (10 μg, n = 7) ou de 0,15 M NaCl (SAL, n = 7). A temperatura corporal interna (Tc), determinada por telemetria através de sensor de temperatura implantado na cavidade intraperitoneal do rato, e a temperatura da cauda (Tcauda) foram medidas durante o repouso e enquanto os animais realizavam exercício submáximo a uma velocidade de 18 m/min, 5 % de inclinação, até a fadiga. A partir dos dados obtidos foram determinados: a taxa de aquecimento corporal (BHR), a taxa de calor acumulado (HSR), o limiar térmico de vasodilatação da cauda (TTcV), o tempo total de exercício (TTE) e o trabalho (W). Resultados: Durante o repouso, a Tc dos animais de ambos os grupos permaneceu estável e diferenças não foram encontradas entre os tratamentos. Observou-se que a administração icv de PD promoveu aumento de 17 % no TTE (18 ± 1,8 min, PD vs. 15 ± 2,1 min, SAL, p < 0,01) e de 20 % no W quando comparado com os controles (4,62 ± 0,34 kgm, PD vs. 3,74 ± 0,4 kgm, SAL, p < 0,01). Apesar dos ratos injetados com PD apresentarem aumento semelhante da Tc durante o exercício físico, no ponto de fadiga verificou-se maior variação da Tc (2,37 ± 0,24 °C, PD; 1,73 ± 0,21 °C, SAL, p< 0,05). Entretanto, durante o exercício físico, diferenças não foram encontradas entre a BHR (0,14 ± 0,01 °C.min-1, PD vs. 0,13 ± 0,02 °C.min-1, SAL), a HSR (33,75 ± 1,37 cal. min-1, PD vs. 30,9 ± 2,82 cal. min-1, SAL) e o TTcV (37,75 ± 0,12 °C, PD vs. 37,61 ± 0,15 °C, SAL) entre os grupos. Adicionalmente, a partir do 13° minuto até a fadiga, a variação da Tcauda foi maior nos animais PD (4,87± 0,44 °C, PD; 3,10 ± 0,57 °C, SAL, p<0,05), que se mostrou intimamente relacionado com o TTE aumentado (r= 0,871, p <0,01). Conclusões: Os dados mostram que o bloqueio do receptor AT2 melhora o balanço térmico durante o exercício físico devido a maior habilidade de dissipar calor, consequentemente contribuindo para aprimoramento do desempenho físico. / Aim: The aim of the study was to verify the effect of central angiotensin ll AT2 receptor blockade in thermoregulatory responses during exercise in rats. Material and methods: Wistar rats weighing between 250 and 350g. Were implanted with a guide cannula in the right lateral cerebral ventricle for administration of 2µL PD (10 μg, n = 7) or 0,15 M NaCl (SAL, n = 7). The internal body temperature (Tb) was determined by telemetry via a temperature sensor implanted in the animal's intraperitoneal cavity. The tail temperature (Ttail) was measured using a temperature sensor attached to the animal's tail. Both temperatures were measured continuously, during resting and while the animals performed submaximal exercise at a speed of 18m/min and 5% inclination, until failure. From the data obtained, body heating rate (BHR), heat storage rate (HSR), body temperature threshold for tail vasodilation (TTbV), time to fatigue (TTF) and workload (W) were determined. Results: Tb remained stable in both group, and no difference was seen between treatments during a resting period. It was observed that icv administration of PD promoted an increase of 17% in the TTF (18 ± 1,8 min, PD vs. 15 ± 2,1 min, SAL, p < 0,01), and of 20% in the W, when compared with controls (4,62 ± 0,34 kgm, PD vs. 3,74 ± 0,4 kgm, SAL, p < 0,01). Despite that the rats injected with PD exhibited similar increase in Tb during exercise, at fatigue point it was found greater variation of Tb (2,37 ± 0,24 °C, PD; 1,73 ± 0,21 °C, SAL, p< 0,05). However, no difference was seen between BHR (0,14 ± 0,01 °C.min-1, PD vs. 0,13 ± 0,02 °C.min-1, SAL), HSR (33,75 ± 1,37 cal. min-1, PD vs. 30,9 ± 2,82 cal. min-1, SAL) and TTbV (37,75 ± 0,12 °C, PD vs. 37,61 ± 0,15 °C, SAL) in both group. Additionally, from the 13° minute of exercise until fatigue, Ttail variation was higher in PD animals (4,87 ± 0,44 °C, PD; 3,10 ± 0,57 °C, SAL, p<0,05), and closely related with the increased TTF (r= 0,871, p <0,01). Conclusion: The data shows that AT2 receptor blockade improves heat balance during exercise due to better ability to dissipate heat, which contributed to superior exercise performance.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The aim of this work was to investigate the role of angiotensin II (Ang II) in the mechanism of ovulation in the bovine, using an in vivo model, through the injection of the Ang II receptor antagonists in mature follicles. The animals were pre-synchronized and when the follicles reached a minimum diameter of 12mm, they received the treatments and were challenged with an IM application of GnRH-analogous. The intrafolicular application of 100 μM of saralasin blocked the ovulation only before estrous; therefore, before the LH surge (14.3% e 83.3% cows ovulated in the saralasin and control group, respectively; P<0.05). Based in these results, a second experiment was carried out to determine the moment in which Ang II plays critical role in the ovulation. Saralasin blocked ovulation only when applied at 0 and 6 hours (16.7 e 42.9% in the 0 and 6 hours groups, respectively) but not at 12 hours (100%) after GnRh-analogous treatment (P<0.001). To determine which Ang II receptor is involved in the LH-induced ovulation, an intrafolicular application of losartan (AT1-Ang II receptor-antagonist), PD123,319 (AT2 antagonist), losartan+PD123,319 or saline was performed at the moment in which the cows were challenged with GnRH-analogous. The ovulation was inhibited by PD123,319 and losartan+PD123,319 application (50.0 e 33.3% on ovulation rate, respectively), but not by the application of losartan or saline solution (100% in both the groups). The results demonstrated that Ang II plays a basic role in the early mechanism of bovine ovulation via AT2 receptor subtype. / O presente trabalho teve por objetivo averiguar o papel da angiotensina II (Ang II) no mecanismo de ovulação em bovinos, utilizando um modelo in vivo através da injeção de inibidores da AngII em folículos pré-ovulatórios. Os animais foram pré-sincronizados e quando os folículos atingiram um diâmetro mínimo de 12mm, receberam os tratamentos e foram desafiados com uma aplicação IM de análogo de GnRH. A aplicação intrafolicular de 100μM de saralasina bloqueou a ovulação somente quando realizada antes do início do cio, ou seja, antes do pico de LH (14,3% e 83,3% das vacas ovularam nos grupos saralasina e controle, respectivamente; P<0,05). Baseado nesses resultados, foi delineado um segundo experimento para determinar o momento em que a Ang II desempenha papel crítico na ovulação. Quando a saralasina foi aplicada 0 e 6 horas após a aplicação do análogo do GnRH, houve um bloqueio da ovulação (16,7% e 42,9%, para os grupos 0 e 6 horas, respectivamente), mas não quando esta foi aplicada 12 horas após a aplicação de GnRH (100%; P<0,001). Para determinar qual receptor está envolvido no mecanismo de ovulação induzido por Ang II, foi realizada uma aplicação intrafolicular de losartan (inibidor dos receptores AT1 de Ang II), PD123,319 (inibidor AT2), losartan+PD123,319 ou solução fisiológica em folículos pré-ovulatórios desafiados com GnRH. A ovulação foi inibida pela aplicação de PD123,319 e losartan+PD123,319 (50% e 33,3%, respectivamente), mas não pela aplicação de losartan ou solução fisiológica (100% em ambos os grupos). Os resultados apresentados demonstram que a Ang II desempenha um papel fundamental na regulação da ovulação em bovinos via receptores AT2.

Mémoire numérisé par la Direction des bibliothèques de l'Université de Montréal.

The insulin resistance syndrome [INSR] is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and affects up to 25% of the Australian population. The mechanism underlying the relationship between the INSR and increased cardiovascular risk is controversial. We postulated that perturbations in the renin-angiotensin system [RAS] and endothelium-derived NO may be implicated in the development of early vascular changes in the INSR. Repeated measurements of arterial stiffness [using digital photoplethysmography] and haemodynamic parameters in response to vasoactive medications were used to demonstrate the functional expression of angiotensin II [Ang II] receptors and NO synthase [NOS]. Ang II acts via two main receptor sub-types: the Ang II type 1 [AT1] and Ang II type 2 [AT2] receptors. The AT1 receptor is central to the development of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. The role of AT2 receptors in humans is controversial but is postulated to counter-act AT1 receptor mediated effects in diseased vascular beds. We demonstrated increased AT1 and AT2 receptor-mediated effects in small to medium-sized arteries of subjects with early INSR [Chapter 6]. In addition, functional expression of AT2 receptors in adult insulin resistant humans [Chapter 5], but not in healthy volunteers [Chapter 4] was demonstrated. AT1 receptor blockade in subjects with early INSR resulted in improvements in vascular function, with a consequent functional down-regulation of AT2 receptors [Chapter 7]. Functional NOS expression was demonstrated to be increased in subjects with early INSR compared with healthy controls [Chapter 6]. This was postulated to be a homeostatic response to counteract early vascular changes in subjects with early INSR. AT1 receptor blockade in these subjects reduced functional NOS expression [Chapter 8]. In conclusion, patients with early INSR represent a model of early disease where early intervention may be able to reverse the process incited by the initial exposure to multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Early vascular changes in these individuals are mediated at least in part, by increased AT1 receptor activity and/or expression, and may be detected by changes in arterial stiffness indices and non-invasive vascular reactivity studies. There is a compensatory increase in AT2 receptor and NOS expression/activity to counter-act these vascular changes.

The insulin resistance syndrome [INSR] is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and affects up to 25% of the Australian population. The mechanism underlying the relationship between the INSR and increased cardiovascular risk is controversial. We postulated that perturbations in the renin-angiotensin system [RAS] and endothelium-derived NO may be implicated in the development of early vascular changes in the INSR. Repeated measurements of arterial stiffness [using digital photoplethysmography] and haemodynamic parameters in response to vasoactive medications were used to demonstrate the functional expression of angiotensin II [Ang II] receptors and NO synthase [NOS]. Ang II acts via two main receptor sub-types: the Ang II type 1 [AT1] and Ang II type 2 [AT2] receptors. The AT1 receptor is central to the development of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. The role of AT2 receptors in humans is controversial but is postulated to counter-act AT1 receptor mediated effects in diseased vascular beds. We demonstrated increased AT1 and AT2 receptor-mediated effects in small to medium-sized arteries of subjects with early INSR [Chapter 6]. In addition, functional expression of AT2 receptors in adult insulin resistant humans [Chapter 5], but not in healthy volunteers [Chapter 4] was demonstrated. AT1 receptor blockade in subjects with early INSR resulted in improvements in vascular function, with a consequent functional down-regulation of AT2 receptors [Chapter 7]. Functional NOS expression was demonstrated to be increased in subjects with early INSR compared with healthy controls [Chapter 6]. This was postulated to be a homeostatic response to counteract early vascular changes in subjects with early INSR. AT1 receptor blockade in these subjects reduced functional NOS expression [Chapter 8]. In conclusion, patients with early INSR represent a model of early disease where early intervention may be able to reverse the process incited by the initial exposure to multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Early vascular changes in these individuals are mediated at least in part, by increased AT1 receptor activity and/or expression, and may be detected by changes in arterial stiffness indices and non-invasive vascular reactivity studies. There is a compensatory increase in AT2 receptor and NOS expression/activity to counter-act these vascular changes.

The insulin resistance syndrome [INSR] is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and affects up to 25% of the Australian population. The mechanism underlying the relationship between the INSR and increased cardiovascular risk is controversial. We postulated that perturbations in the renin-angiotensin system [RAS] and endothelium-derived NO may be implicated in the development of early vascular changes in the INSR. Repeated measurements of arterial stiffness [using digital photoplethysmography] and haemodynamic parameters in response to vasoactive medications were used to demonstrate the functional expression of angiotensin II [Ang II] receptors and NO synthase [NOS]. Ang II acts via two main receptor sub-types: the Ang II type 1 [AT1] and Ang II type 2 [AT2] receptors. The AT1 receptor is central to the development of arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction. The role of AT2 receptors in humans is controversial but is postulated to counter-act AT1 receptor mediated effects in diseased vascular beds. We demonstrated increased AT1 and AT2 receptor-mediated effects in small to medium-sized arteries of subjects with early INSR [Chapter 6]. In addition, functional expression of AT2 receptors in adult insulin resistant humans [Chapter 5], but not in healthy volunteers [Chapter 4] was demonstrated. AT1 receptor blockade in subjects with early INSR resulted in improvements in vascular function, with a consequent functional down-regulation of AT2 receptors [Chapter 7]. Functional NOS expression was demonstrated to be increased in subjects with early INSR compared with healthy controls [Chapter 6]. This was postulated to be a homeostatic response to counteract early vascular changes in subjects with early INSR. AT1 receptor blockade in these subjects reduced functional NOS expression [Chapter 8]. In conclusion, patients with early INSR represent a model of early disease where early intervention may be able to reverse the process incited by the initial exposure to multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Early vascular changes in these individuals are mediated at least in part, by increased AT1 receptor activity and/or expression, and may be detected by changes in arterial stiffness indices and non-invasive vascular reactivity studies. There is a compensatory increase in AT2 receptor and NOS expression/activity to counter-act these vascular changes.

No description available.