Cardiovascular role of urotensin II: effect of chronic infusion in the rat.
Urotensin II (UII) is a potent vaso-active peptide thought to have multiple roles in the regulation of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. The actions of UII are complex and difficult to interpret given its systemic hemodynamic effects and variable action on different vascular beds and isolated vessels. Direct effects of UII on the myocardium, include myocyte hypertrophy, extracellular matrix deposition and contractility. These observations, together with elevated plasma levels found in disease, are common traits reported in other pathophysiologically implicated neurohormonal systems. In this review, we include original data obtained from chronic infusion of UII in rats. We report a reduction in first derivative of left ventricular pressure (+dP/dt), as well as an increase in the ratio of left ventricular collagen I:III, that may contribute to the reduced myocardial contractility observed in these animals.
NHMRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Therapeutics, Departments of Medicine and Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road, Prahran, Vic. 3181, Australia.
Andrew R
AR
Kompa
Walter G
WG
Thomas
Fiona
F
See
Alex
A
Tzanidis
Ross D
RD
Hannan
Henry
H
Krum
D000818:Animals; D002320:Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects*; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D051381:Rats; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000502:physiology; D014579:Urotensins / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000502:physiology*
D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D014579:Urotensins; C473142:Uts2r protein, rat; C029677:urotensin II