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Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare disorder characterized by premature aging and death mainly because of myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart failure. The disease is provoked by progerin, a variant of lamin A expressed in most differentiated cells. Patients look healthy at birth, and symptoms typically emerge in the first or second year of life. Assessing the reversibility of progerin-induced damage and the relative contribution of specific cell types is critical to determining the potential benefits of late treatment and to developing new therapies. Methods: We used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to generate LmnaHGPSrev/HGPSrev (HGPSrev) mice engineered to ubiquitously express progerin while lacking lamin A and allowing progerin suppression and lamin A restoration in a time- and cell type–specific manner on Cre recombinase activation. We characterized the phenotype of HGPSrev mice and crossed them with Cre transgenic lines to assess the effects of suppressing progerin and restoring lamin A ubiquitously at different disease stages as well as specifically in vascular smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. Results: Like patients with HGPS, HGPSrev mice appear healthy at birth and progressively develop HGPS symptoms, including failure to thrive, lipodystrophy, vascular smooth muscle cell loss, vascular fibrosis, electrocardiographic anomalies, and precocious death (median lifespan of 15 months versus 26 months in wild-type controls, P

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death worldwide, and aging is its leading risk factor. Aging is much accelerated in Hutchinson&ndash, Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), an ultra-rare genetic disorder provoked by the ubiquitous expression of a mutant protein called progerin. HGPS patients die in their teens, primarily due to cardiovascular complications. The primary causes of age-associated CVD are endothelial dysfunction and dysregulated vascular tone, however, their contribution to progerin-induced CVD remains poorly characterized. In the present study, we found that progeroid LmnaG609G/G609G mice with ubiquitous progerin expression show both endothelial dysfunction and severe contractile impairment. To assess the relative contribution of specific vascular cell types to these anomalies, we examined LmnaLCS/LCSTie2Cretg/+ and LmnaLCS/LCSSm22&alpha, Cretg/+ mice, which express progerin specifically in endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), respectively. Whereas vessel contraction was impaired in mice with VSMC-specific progerin expression, we observed no endothelial dysfunction in mice with progerin expression restricted to VSMCs or ECs. Vascular tone regulation in progeroid mice was ameliorated by dietary sodium nitrite supplementation. Our results identify VSMCs as the main cell type causing contractile impairment in a mouse model of HGPS that is ameliorated by nitrite treatment.

[EN] Ageing is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The increased prevalence of CVD is partly due to the global increase in life expectancy. In this context, it is essential to identify the mechanisms by which ageing induces CVD, with the ultimate aim of reducing its incidence. Both atherosclerosis and heart failure significantly contribute to age-associated CVD morbidity and mortality. Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by the synthesis of progerin, which is noted for accelerated ageing and CVD. This mutant form of prelamin A induces generalised atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, and cardiac electrophysiological abnormalities, leading to premature ageing and death, mainly due to myocardial infarction and stroke. This review discusses the main vascular structural and functional abnormalities during physiological and premature ageing, as well as the mechanisms involved in the exacerbated CVD and accelerated ageing induced by the accumulation of progerin and prelamin A. Both proteins are expressed in non-HGPS individuals, and physiological ageing shares many features of progeria. Research into HGPS could therefore shed light on novel mechanisms involved in the physiological ageing of the cardiovascular system., [ES] El envejecimiento es el principal factor de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular (ECV) y su prevalencia está aumentando progresivamente debido en gran parte al incremento de la esperanza de vida a nivel mundial. En este contexto, es fundamental establecer cuáles son los mecanismos por los que el envejecimiento promueve el desarrollo de ECV, con el objetivo de reducir su incidencia. La aterosclerosis y la insuficiencia cardiaca contribuyen de manera significativa a la morbimortalidad por ECV asociada a la edad. El síndrome de progeria de Hutchinson-Gilford (HGPS) se caracteriza por un envejecimiento prematuro que cursa también con ECV acelerada. Se trata de un trastorno genético raro causado por la expresión de progerina, una forma mutada de la prelamina A. La progerina induce aterosclerosis masiva y alteraciones electrofisiológicas en el corazón, promueve el envejecimiento y finalmente la muerte prematura a una edad media de 14,6 anos, ˜ principalmente por infarto de miocardio o ictus cerebral. En esta revisión se discuten las principales alteraciones estructurales y funcionales que afectan al sistema vascular durante el envejecimiento fisiológico y prematuro, así como los mecanismos que subyacen a la aterosclerosis y al envejecimiento exagerados inducidos por la prelamina A y la progerina. Dado que ambas proteínas se expresan en individuos sin HGPS y muchas de las características del envejecimiento normal se presentan en la progeria, la investigación en el ámbito del HGPS podría contribuir a la identificación de nuevos mecanismos implicados en el envejecimiento cardiovascular fisiológico., The laboratory work carried out by V.A. was funded by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competition (MEIC; SAF2016-79490-R) and the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII, Spanish public health research institute) (RD12/0042/0028 and AC16/00091), with co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), TV3’s Fundació Marató (122/C/2015) and the Progeria research Foundation (Established Investigator Award 2014-52). The Biomedical Research Network Centres (CIBER) for Cardiovascular Diseases is an ISCIII initiative. L.C. received assistance from the ISCIII Cardiovascular Research Network’s Jordi Soler postdocotral grants programme, and M.R.H. received predoctoral assistance from the MEIC’s FPI (research staff training) programme (BES2011-043938). The CNIC (Spanish national cardiovascular research centre) receives support from the MEIC and the Fundación Pro-CNIC and has been accredited as a ‘‘Severo Ochoa’’ Centre of Excellence (MEIC SEV-2015-0505).

Phosphorylation at serine 10 (S10) is the major posttranslational modification of the tumor suppressor p27, and is reduced in both human and mouse atherosclerosis. Moreover, a lack of p27-phospho-S10 in apolipoprotein E-null mice (apoE-/-) leads to increased high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis associated with endothelial dysfunction and augmented leukocyte recruitment. In this study, we analyzed whether p27-phospho-S10 modulates additional endothelial functions and associated pathologies. Defective p27-phospho-S10 increases COX-2 activity in mouse aortic endothelial cells without affecting other key regulators of vascular reactivity, reduces endothelium-dependent dilation, and increases arterial contractility. Lack of p27-phospho-S10 also elevates aortic COX-2 expression and thromboxane A2 production, increases aortic lumen diameter, and aggravates angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm development in apoE-/- mice. All these abnormal responses linked to defective p27-phospho-S10 are blunted by pharmacological inhibition of COX-2. These results demonstrate that defective p27-phospho-S10 modifies endothelial behavior and promotes aneurysm formation via COX-2 activation. We thank Simon Bartlett for English editing, Fátima Sánchez-Cabo for help with statistical analysis, and the CNIC Animal Facility for animal care. This study was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (MEIC, grants SAF2013-46663-R and SAF2016-79490-R) and by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (grants RD12/0042/0028, RD12/0042/22 and PI1100406), with co-funding from the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). P.M-S. was supported by a FPU predoctoral fellowship from the Spanish Ministerio de Educación (REF. AP2009-01833), C.R. by a MEIC postdoctoral contract (REF. FPDI-2013-17423), and L.d.C. by a Jordi Soler postdoctoral grant from the Red de Investigación Cardiovascular (RETIC Program, Instituto de Salud Carlos III). The CNIC is supported by the MEIC and the Pro-CNIC Foundation, and is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (MEIC award SEV-2015-0505). Sí

Vascular stiffness is a major cause of cardiovascular disease during normal aging and in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a rare genetic disorder caused by ubiquitous progerin expression. This mutant form of lamin A causes premature aging associated with cardiovascular alterations that lead to death at an average age of 14.6 years. We investigated the mechanisms underlying vessel stiffness in LmnaG609G/G609G mice with ubiquitous progerin expression, and tested the effect of treatment with nitrites. We also bred LmnaLCS/LCSTie2Cre+/tgand LmnaLCS/LCSSM22αCre+/tg mice, which express progerin specifically in endothelial cells (ECs) and in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), respectively, to determine the specific contribution of each cell type to vascular pathology. We found vessel stiffness and inward remodeling in arteries of LmnaG609G/G609G and LmnaLCS/LCSSM22αCre+/tg, but not in those from LmnaLCS/LCSTie2Cre+/tgmice. Structural alterations in aortas of progeroid mice were associated with decreased smooth muscle tissue content, increased collagen deposition, and decreased transverse waving of elastin layers in the media. Functional studies identified collagen (unlike elastin and the cytoskeleton) as an underlying cause of aortic stiffness in progeroid mice. Consistent with this, we found increased deposition of collagens III, IV, V, and XII in the media of progeroid aortas. Vessel stiffness and inward remodeling in progeroid mice were prevented by adding sodium nitrite in drinking water. In conclusion, LmnaG609G/G609G arteries exhibit stiffness and inward remodeling, mainly due to progerin-induced damage to VSMCs, which causes increased deposition of medial collagen and a secondary alteration in elastin structure. Treatment with nitrites prevents vascular stiffness in progeria, This study was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MCIU, grants SAF2016‐79490‐R and SAF2016‐80305‐P), with co‐funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF, “Una manera de hacer Europa”). RvK and RKA are supported by NIH grants AG047373, T32‐GM008076, F31HL142160 and NSF grant CMMI 1548571. L.d.C. was supported by a Jordi Soler postdoctoral grant from the Red de Investigación Cardiovascular (RETIC Program, Instituto de Salud Carlos III), and A.S.‐L. was supported by a Severo Ochoa predoctoral grant from the MCIU (SVP‐2014‐068334) and by a grant from Asociación Apadrina la Ciencia‐Ford España‐Ford Motor Company Fund. The CNIC is supported by the MCIU and the Pro‐CNIC Foundation, and is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (SEV‐2015‐0505)

Aging, the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), is becoming progressively more prevalent in our societies. A better understanding of how aging promotes CVD is therefore urgently needed to develop new strategies to reduce disease burden. Atherosclerosis and heart failure contribute significantly to age-associated CVD-related morbimortality. CVD and aging are both accelerated in patients suffering from Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a rare genetic disorder caused by the prelamin A mutant progerin. Progerin causes extensive atherosclerosis and cardiac electrophysiological alterations that invariably lead to premature aging and death. This review summarizes the main structural and functional alterations to the cardiovascular system during physiological and premature aging and discusses the mechanisms underlying exaggerated CVD and aging induced by prelamin A and progerin. Because both proteins are expressed in normally aging non-HGPS individuals, and most hallmarks of normal aging occur in progeria, research on HGPS can identify mechanisms underlying physiological aging. Progeria Research Foundation (Established Investigator Award 2014-52). L.d.C. is the recipient of a Jordi Soler postdoctoral fellowship from the Red de Investigacion Cardiovascular at ISCIII. The CNIC is supported by the MEIC and the Pro-CNIC Foundation and is a Severo Ochoa Center of Excellence (MEIC award SEV-2015-0505).

Our study determines alterations in the vasoconstrictor response elicited by electric field stimulation (EFS) in mesenteric arteries from cirrhotic rats treated with CCl(4), and how calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) participates in this response. Vasoconstriction induced by EFS was analysed in the absence and presence of the CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP(8-37) in arterial segments from control and cirrhotic rats. The vasodilator response to exogenous CGRP was tested in both groups of rats, and the interference of the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ or the K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide was analysed only in segments from cirrhotic rats. The vasodilator response to the K(ATP) channel opener pinacidil and to 8-bromo-cyclic GMP was tested. The K(ATP) currents were recorded using the patch-clamp technique. Expression of receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), calcitonin receptor-like receptor, Kir 6.1 and sulfonylurea receptor 2B (SUR2B) was also analysed. Release of CGRP and cGMP was measured. The EFS-elicited vasoconstriction was less in segments from cirrhotic rats. The presence of CGRP(8-37) increased the EFS-induced response only in segments from cirrhotic rats. The CGRP-induced vasodilatation was greater in segments from cirrhotic rats, and was inhibited by ODQ or glibenclamide. Both pinacidil and 8-bromo-cyclic GMP induced a stronger vasodilator response in segments from cirrhotic rats. Pinacidil induced greater K(ATP) currents in cirrhotic myocytes. Expression of RAMP1, calcitonin receptor-like receptor, Kir 6.1 and SUR2B was not modified by liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis increased CGRP release, but did not modify cGMP formation. The decreased vasoconstrictor response to EFS in cirrhosis is mediated by increased vasodilator response to CGRP, as well as increased K(ATP) channel gating. This effect of CGRP may play a role in the splanchnic vasodilatation present in liver cirrhosis.

Objectives To investigate whether hypertension could modify the function of adrenergic, nitrergic, and sensory innervations involved in the electrical field stimulation-induced response in mesenteric arteries from female rats. Methods Vascular reactivity experiments were performed in endothelium-denuded mesenteric arteries from normotensive, Wistar–Kyoto and spontaneously hypertensive female rats; protein expression was measured by western blot; nitric oxide release was measured by fluorometry; calcitonin gene-related peptide and noradrenaline release were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Results The electrical field stimulation-induced contractions were significantly lower in segments from spontaneously hypertensive rats than those of Wistar–Kyoto rats. Hypertension did not modify either the response or release of noradrenaline. Preincubation with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester increased the electrical field stimulation-induced contractions only in segments from Wistar–Kyoto rats. The relaxation induced by the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside was similar in segments from both strains. The electrical field stimulation-induced nitric oxide release was decreased in segments from spontaneously hypertensive rats. The calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist CGRP(8–37) did not alter the electrical field stimulation-induced contractions in segments from Wistar–Kyoto rats but increased them in segments from spontaneously hypertensive rats. The calcitonin gene-related peptide-induced relaxation was increased in segments from spontaneously hypertensive rats. The expression of the 15-kDa active form of RAMP1 was increased in segments from spontaneously hypertensive rats. Conclusion In contrast to male rats, electrical field stimulation-induced contractions are decreased in hypertensive female rats. Nitrergic innervation plays a role in the development and/or maintenance of hypertension, whereas sensory innervation is a counteracting mechanism through the increased calcitonin gene-related peptide response.

Atherosclerosis is characterized by endothelial dysfunction and alterations in vascular reactivity, which can be investigated by wire myography. The method allows ex vivo monitoring of the transversal isometric tension developed by a vessel segment in response to different pathophysiological stimuli. Here we describe in detail how to use the wire myograph to evaluate endothelial function and vasoconstrictor or vasodilator properties of the vessel, as well as to identify and characterize different factors and molecular pathways that control vascular tone. We also describe how to use the wire myograph to analyze biomechanical and passive properties of vessels such as diameter and elasticity.

Atherosclerosis is characterized by endothelial dysfunction and alterations in vascular reactivity, which can be investigated by wire myography. The method allows ex vivo monitoring of the transversal isometric tension developed by a vessel segment in response to different pathophysiological stimuli. Here we describe in detail how to use the wire myograph to evaluate endothelial function and vasoconstrictor or vasodilator properties of the vessel, as well as to identify and characterize different factors and molecular pathways that control vascular tone. We also describe how to use the wire myograph to analyze biomechanical and passive properties of vessels such as diameter and elasticity.

© 2015 Villalpando et al., Benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) against cardiovascular diseases have been reported. Vascular tone regulation is largely mediated by endothelial factors whose release is modulated by sex hormones. Since the incidence of cardiovascular pathologies has been correlated with decreased levels of sex hormones, the aim of this study was to analyze whether a diet supplemented with the specific PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could prevent vascular changes induced by an impaired gonadal function. For this purpose, control and orchidectomized rats were fed with a standard diet supplemented with 5% (w/w) sunflower oil or with 3% (w/w) sunflower oil plus 2% (w/w) DHA. The lipid profile, the blood pressure, the production of prostanoids and nitric oxide (NO), and the redox status of biological samples from control and orchidectomized rats, fed control or DHA-supplemented diet, were analyzed. The vasodilator response and the contribution of NO, prostanoids and hyperpolarizing mechanisms were also studied. The results showed that orchidectomy negatively affected the lipid profile, increased the production of prostanoids and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and decreased NO production and the antioxidant capacity, as well as the participation of hyperpolarizing mechanisms in the vasodilator responses. The DHA-supplemented diet of the orchidectomized rats decreased the release of prostanoids and ROS, while increasing NO production and the antioxidant capacity, and it also improved the lipid profile. Additionally, it restored the participation of hyperpolarizing mechanisms by activating potassium. Since the modifications induced by the DHA-supplemented diet were observed in the orchidectomized, but not in the healthy group, DHA seems to exert cardioprotective effects in physiopathological situations in which vascular dysfunction exists., This study was supported by grants to MF from the Public Library of Science (PI1100406), Comunidad de Madrid (S2013/ABI2783, “INSPIRA1-CM”), Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, and Centro de Estudios América Latina (Grupo Santander-UAM).

This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License., This study analyzes whether the release of nitric oxide (NO) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) depends on the time lapsed since gonadal function is lost, and their correlation with the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) mediated by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). For this purpose, aortic and mesenteric artery segments from control and 6-weeks or 5-months orchidectomized rats were used to measure NO and TXA2 release. The results showed that the basal and acetylcholine (ACh)-induced NO release were decreased 6 weeks post-orchidectomy both in aorta and mesenteric artery, but were recovered 5 months thereafter up to levels similar to those found in arteries from control rats. The basal and AChinduced TXA2 release increased in aorta and mesenteric artery 6 weeks post-orchidectomy, and was maintained at high levels 5 months thereafter. Since we previously observed that orchidectomy, which decreased testosterone level, enlarged the muscular layer of mesenteric arteries, the effect of testosterone on VSMC proliferation was analyzed. The results showed that treatment of cultured VSMC with testosterone downregulated mitogenic signaling pathways initiated by the liganddependent activation of the EGFR. In contrast, the EGFR pathways were constitutively active in mesenteric arteries of longterm orchidectomized rats. Thus, the exposure of mesenteric arteries from control rats to epidermal growth factor (EGF) induced the activation of EGFR signaling pathways. However, the addition of EGF to arteries from orchidectomized rats failed to induce a further activation of these pathways. In conclusion, this study shows that the release of NO depends on the time lapsed since the gonadal function is lost, while the release of TXA2 is already increased after short periods post-orchidectomy. The alterations in these signaling molecules could contribute to the constitutive activation of the EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways after long period post-orchidectomy enhancing the proliferation of the vascular muscular layer. © 2014 del Campo et al., This work was supported by grants to M.F. from the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (PI1100406) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, and grants to A.V. from the Secretaría de Estado de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (SAF2011-23494), the Consejería de Educación de la Comunidad de Madrid (S2011/BMD-2349), and the European Commission (contract PITN-GA-2011-289033).

Sex hormones regulate vascular function through nitric oxide (NO), thromboxane A2 (TXA2), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) among other factors. Since NO, TXA2 and PGE2 are known to regulate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and downstream signaling pathways, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether the loss of ovarian function alters the production of these effectors regulating the activity of the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (MAPK-ERK1/2), an EGFR downstream pathway. For this purpose, mesenteric arteries from control and ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats (6-months old) were used to analyze: i) the release of NO, TXA2 and PGE2; ii) the vascular reactivity to acetylcholine (Ach), the NO donor sodium nitroprusside, the TXA2-mimetic compound U-46619, and exogenous PGE2; and iii) the activation status of MAPK(ERK1/2). Our results show that ovariectomy: i) does not change NO release while decreases its vasodilator action; ii) increases the release and vasoconstrictor action of TXA2 and PGE2; and iii) increases the basal activity of the MAPK(ERK1/2) pathway. We conclude that activation of the EGFR/MAPK axis by these effectors could contribute to increase the proliferation rate of vascular smooth muscle cells, leading to increase peripheral resistance and hypertension., Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (PI0011406) to MF.

Increasing evidence shows that sex hormones exert a protective effect on the vasculature, especially in the regulation of the active vasomotor responses. However, whether sex hormones affect vascular remodelling is currently unclear. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that testosterone in males and β-oestradiol in females prevent inward remodelling, possibly through inhibition of cross-linking activity induced by enzymes of the TG (transglutaminase) family. Small mesenteric arteries were isolated from male and female Wistar rats. Dose-dependent relaxation to testosterone and β-oestradiol was inhibited by the NO synthase inhibitor L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), confirming that these hormones induce NO release. When arteries were cannulated, pressurized and kept in organ culture with ET-1 (endothelin-1) for 3 days we observed strong vasoconstriction and inward remodelling. Remodelling was significantly inhibited by testosterone in males, and by β-oestradiol in females. This preventive effect of sex hormones was not observed in the presence of L-NAME. Inward remodelling was also reduced by the inhibitor of TG L682.777, both in males and females. In arteries from female rats, ET-1 increased TG activity, and this effect was prevented by β-oestradiol. L-NAME induced a significant increase in TG activity in the presence of sex hormones in arteries from both genders. We conclude that testosterone and β-oestradiol prevent constriction-induced inward remodelling. Inward remodelling, both in males and females, depends on NO and TG activity. In females, inhibition of inward remodelling could be mediated by NO-mediated inhibition of TG activity.

This study examines the downstream NO release pathway and the contribution of different vasodilator mediators in the acetylcholine-induced response in rat aorta 5-months after the loss of ovarian function. Aortic segments from ovariectomized and control female Sprague-Dawley rats were used to measure: the levels of superoxide anion, the superoxide dismutases (SODs) activity, the cGMP formation, the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) activity and the involvement of NO, cGMP, hydrogen peroxide and hyperpolarizing mechanisms in the ACh-induced relaxation. The results showed that ovariectomy did not alter ACh-induced relaxation; incubation with L-NAME, a NO synthase inhibitor, decreased the ACh-induced response to a lesser extent in aorta from ovariectomized than from control rats, while ODQ, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, decreased that response to a similar extent; the blockade of hyperpolarizing mechanisms, by precontracting arteries with KCl, decreased the ACh-induced response to a greater extent in aortas from ovariectomized than those from control rats; catalase, that decomposes hydrogen peroxide, decreased the ACh-induced response only in aorta from ovariectomized rats. In addition, ovariectomy increased superoxide anion levels and SODs activity, decreased cGMP formation and increased PKG activity. Despite the increased superoxide anion and decreased cGMP in aorta from ovariectomized rats, ACh-induced relaxation is maintained by the existence of hyperpolarizing mechanisms in which hydrogen peroxide participates. The greater contribution of hydrogen peroxide in ACh-induced relaxation is due to increased SOD activity, in an attempt to compensate for increased superoxide anion formation. Increased PKG activity could represent a redundant mechanism to ensure vasodilator function in the aorta of ovariectomized rats, This work was supported by grants (to MF) from the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias (PI1100406)

Our study determines alterations in the vasoconstrictor response elicited by electric field stimulation (EFS) in mesenteric arteries from cirrhotic rats treated with CCl(4), and how calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) participates in this response. Vasoconstriction induced by EFS was analysed in the absence and presence of the CGRP receptor antagonist CGRP(8-37) in arterial segments from control and cirrhotic rats. The vasodilator response to exogenous CGRP was tested in both groups of rats, and the interference of the guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ or the K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide was analysed only in segments from cirrhotic rats. The vasodilator response to the K(ATP) channel opener pinacidil and to 8-bromo-cyclic GMP was tested. The K(ATP) currents were recorded using the patch-clamp technique. Expression of receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), calcitonin receptor-like receptor, Kir 6.1 and sulfonylurea receptor 2B (SUR2B) was also analysed. Release of CGRP and cGMP was measured. The EFS-elicited vasoconstriction was less in segments from cirrhotic rats. The presence of CGRP(8-37) increased the EFS-induced response only in segments from cirrhotic rats. The CGRP-induced vasodilatation was greater in segments from cirrhotic rats, and was inhibited by ODQ or glibenclamide. Both pinacidil and 8-bromo-cyclic GMP induced a stronger vasodilator response in segments from cirrhotic rats. Pinacidil induced greater K(ATP) currents in cirrhotic myocytes. Expression of RAMP1, calcitonin receptor-like receptor, Kir 6.1 and SUR2B was not modified by liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis increased CGRP release, but did not modify cGMP formation. The decreased vasoconstrictor response to EFS in cirrhosis is mediated by increased vasodilator response to CGRP, as well as increased K(ATP) channel gating. This effect of CGRP may play a role in the splanchnic vasodilatation present in liver cirrhosis.

We evaluated the possible effects of long-term fenofibrate treatment on adrenergic, nitrergic and CGRP-ergic innervation function in mesenteric arteries from streptotozin-induced diabetic rats. We analysed the vasoconstrictor response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) and the effects of the α antagonist phentolamine, the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist CGRP (8-37) and the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME in segments from untreated and fenofibrate-treated (100 mg/kg/day) diabetic rats. The vasomotor responses to noradrenaline (NA), CGRP and the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were analysed, and NA, CGRP, and NO releases were measured. Neuronal NOS (nNOS), phosphorylated nNOS (P-nNOS), and RAMP1 protein expression were also analysed. Fenofibrate enhanced EFS-induced contractions. Phentolamine reduced EFS-induced contractions more in segments from fenofibrate-treated than in untreated rats. Fenofibrate increased vasoconstrictor response to NA and did not modify NA release. L-NAME increased EFS-induced contractions to a higher extent in segments from fenofibrate-treated than untreated rats. Fenofibrate did not change the vasodilator response to SNP but increased EFS-induced nitric oxide release. CGRP (8-37) increased EFS-induced contractions less in segments from fenofibrate-treated rats. Fenofibrate increased the vasodilator response to CGRP and reduced CGRP release. P-nNOS and RAMP1 expression were increased in segments from fenofibrate-treated rats, while nNOS expression remained unmodified. Fenofibrate enhances the vasoconstrictor response to EFS in diabetic rats. This effect is the functional result of the modifications of at least: (i) adrenergic function, enhanced by increased sensitivity to noradrenaline; (ii) nitrergic function, enhanced by increased neuronal NO release; and (iii) CGRP function, decreased by a reduction in CGRP release.