Pulsatile stretch induces release of angiotensin II and oxidative stress in human endothelial cells:: Effects of ACE inhibition and AT1 receptor antagonism
Mechanical forces and the activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may alter the NO/O-2(center dot-) balance, imparing endothelial nitric oxide (NO) availability. This study investigates the link between RAS and NO/O-2(center dot-) balance in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) exposed to pulsatile stretch with and without ACE inhibitor quinaprilat or angiotensin II type 1 (AT(1)) receptor antagonist losartan. Pulsatile stretch increased Ang II levels and O-2(center dot-) production, reducing NO release. RAS blockade with quinaprilat or losartan restored the balance between NO and O-2(center dot-). These results provide a molecular basis for understanding the vascular protective effects of ACE inhibition and AT(1) receptor antagonism.