Effect of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade on conduit artery tone in subtotally nephrectomized rats

Background: Angiotensin II type 1 (AT 1 ) receptor antagonists provide end-organ protection and enhance resistance artery relaxation in uremia. The effect of AT 1 blockade on conduit artery function in renal failure is unknown. Methods: The influence of 8-week losartan therapy (20 mg/kg/day) on tone of isolated main branch mesenteric arterial rings was studied in 5/6 nephrectomized (NX) rats. Blood and urine chemistry were examined, and AT 1 receptors quantified using autoradiography. Results: NX rats showed decreased creatinine clearance without change in blood pressure. Losartan did not influence these variables, although [ 125 I]-Sar 1, Ile8-angiotensin II binding to renal AT 1 receptors was significantly prevented. Vasoconstriction to endothelin-1 was reduced by losartan in NX and Sham rats. Vasorelaxation to acetylcholine was attenuated in untreated but not in losartan-treated NX rats, and experiments with Ca 2+ -activated K + channel blockers suggested that impaired endothelium-mediated response after NX was due to deficient relaxation via K + channels. Endothelium-independent relaxation to levcromakalim, adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K + channel agonist, was impaired in untreated but not in losartan-treated NX rats. Conclusion: Losartan reduced conduit artery vasoconstriction to endothelin-1 and augmented vasorelaxation via K + channels in NX rats, although blood pressure and renal function were unchanged. Therefore, AT 1 blockade confers functional benefits to large arteries in renal failure.