Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates hypertension in exercise-trained renal hypertensive rats

Angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] plays a counterregulatory role to angiotensin II in the renin-angiotensin system. In trained spontaneous hypertensive rats, Mas expression and protein are upregulated in ventricular tissue. Therefore, we examined the role of ANG-(1-7) on cardiac hemodynamics, cardiac functions, and cardiac remodeling in trained two-kidney one-clip hypertensive (2K1C) rats. For this purpose, rats were divided into sedentary and trained groups. Each group consists of sham and 2K1C rats with and without ANG-(1-7) infusion. Swimming training was performed for 1 h/day, 5 days/wk for 4 wk following 1 wk of swimming training for acclimatization. 2K1C rats showed moderate hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy without changing left ventricular function. Chronic infusion of ANG-(1-7) attenuated hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy only in trained 2K1C rats but not in sedentary 2K1C rats. Chronic ANG-(1-7) treatment significantly attenuated increases in myocyte diameter and cardiac fibrosis induced by hypertension in only trained 2K1C rats. The Mas receptor, ANG II type 2 receptor protein, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation in ventricles were upregulated in trained 2K1C rats. In conclusion, chronic infusion of ANG-(1-7) attenuates hypertension in trained 2K1C rats.