1.Cardiovascular effects of angiotensin A: a novel peptide of the renin-angiotensin system.
Coutinho DC1, Foureaux G1, Rodrigues KD1, Salles RL1, Moraes PL1, Murça TM1, De Maria ML1, Gomes ER2, Santos RA2, Guatimosim S2, Ferreira AJ3. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst. 2014 Dec;15(4):480-6. doi: 10.1177/1470320312474856. Epub 2013 Feb 5.
INTRODUCTION: Angiotensin (Ang) A was first identified in human plasma and it differs from Ang II in Ala(1) instead of Asp(1). Here, we hypothesized that the actions of this peptide might explain, at least partially, the limited effects of AT1R antagonists in certain cardiovascular diseases.
2.Reduction of angiotensin A and alamandine vasoactivity in the rabbit model of atherogenesis: differential effects of alamandine and Ang(1-7).
Habiyakare B1, Alsaadon H, Mathai ML, Hayes A, Zulli A. Int J Exp Pathol. 2014 Aug;95(4):290-5. doi: 10.1111/iep.12087. Epub 2014 Jun 20.
Novel treatments are necessary to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Alamandine binds to MrgD and is reported to induce vasodilation via stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), but its role in atherogenic blood vessels is yet to be determined. To determine the vasoactive role of alamandine and its precursor AngA in diseased aorta, New Zealand White rabbits were fed a diet containing 1% methionine + 0.5% cholesterol + 5% peanut oil for 4 weeks (MC, n = 5) or control (n = 6). In abdominal aorta, alamandine (1 μM) was added 30 min before a dose-response curve to angiotensin II or AngA (1 nM-1 μM), and immunohistochemistry was used to identify MrgD receptors and eNOS. The thoracic aorta, renal, carotid and iliac arteries were mounted in organ baths. Rings were precontracted with phenylephrine, then a bolus dose of alamandine (1 μM) was added 10 min before a dose-response curve to acetylcholine (0.01 μM-10 μM).