Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase improves endothelial function and attenuates Ang II-induced contractility of mesenteric resistance arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Objectives: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) modulate vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth and contractility, important factors in blood pressure regulation. In the present in vivo study, we investigated whether short-term inhibition of ERK1/2-dependent signaling pathways influences vascular function and blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods: SHR and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were injected subcutaneously with either PD98059, selective MEK1/2 inhibitor (20 mg/kg), or vehicle. BP was measured by telemetry. Rats were killed 24 h after injection and small mesenteric arteries mounted as pressurized systems for morphometric analysis and assessment of endothelial function and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced contractility. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was measured by Western blots, using protein extracts from mesenteric arteries, aorta, heart and kidneys. Results: BP was higher (P < 0.01) in SHR than in WKY rats. PD98059 did not influence BP in either group. Endothelial-dependent relaxation (acetylcholine-induced), which was impaired in SHR, was improved by PD98059 (P < 0.05). Ang II increased contraction, with greater responses in SHR (Emax = 25 ± 4%) than WKY (Emax = 9 ± 3%) (P < 0.01). PD98059 reduced Ang II-induced contraction in SHR (Emax = 5.8 ± 0.4%) and WKY (Emax = 4 ± 0.4%). Vascular structure was unaltered by PD98059. Vascular and renal ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which was higher in SHR than WKY, was decreased by PD98059 in SHR. Conclusion: Short-term treatment with PD98059 improves endothelial function and vascular contractility without influencing BP in SHR. These findings provide evidence that vascular ERK1/2 activity is upregulated and that MEK1/2-sensitive signaling pathways play an important role in the regulation of vascular function in SHR. Acute inhibition of MEK1/2 does not alter blood pressure despite improved endothelial function and reduced arterial reactivity to Ang II