Angiotensin I converting enzyme activity in portal vein studied in normotensive rats and in models of primary and secondary hypertension

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Abstract
The effects of angiotensin I (AT I), angiotensin II (AT II) and the activity of AT I converting enzyme (ACE) were investigated in isolated portal veins of normotensive rats (WKR and NCR) and of rats with primary (SHR) and secondary (one clip 2 kidney renal; RHR) hypertension. Based on ED50values, the tissue sensitivity to AT II was slightly less in the portal veins of RHR than SHR, while the sensitivity of smooth muscle in NCR and WKR was similar to that of SHR. Angiotensin I induced contractions were inhibited by saralasin and by captopril, indicating presence of functionally active converting enzyme in this vascular tissue. The local concentration of AT II formed from AT I, was evaluated based on AT II dose response curves and AT I response magnitude. The AT II formation was essentially similar in SHR, WKR and NCR and slightly enhanced in RHR. Inhibition of AT II formation with captopril and/or blockade of AT II receptors with saralasin failed to alter the spontaneous myogenic activity of the portal vein. Captopril reduced smooth muscle activity only in concentration several orders of magnitude greater than that needed to inhibit ACE. The concentration of captopril needed to inhibit AT I responses was similar in all strains of rats. It is concluded that AT II is rapidly formed in the portal vein due to local conversion of AT I. In the RHR portal vein the extent of AT I conversion is increased and the tissue sensitivity to AT II is decreased possibly due to mechanisms involved in the development of renovascular hypertension.