Downloads provided by UsageCounts
G protein–coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) is a ubiquitous serine/threonine protein kinase able to phosphorylate and desensitize the active form of several G protein–coupled receptors. Given the lack of selective inhibitors for GRK2, we investigated the effects elicited by GRK2 inhibition in vascular responses using global adult hemizygous mice (GRK2 +/− ). The vasodilator responses to acetylcholine or isoproterenol were increased in aortas and mesenteric resistance arteries from GRK2 +/− mice compared with wild-type (WT) littermates. After angiotensin II (AngII) infusion, GRK2 +/− mice were partially protected against hypertension, vascular remodeling, and mechanical alterations, even when resting basal blood pressures were not significantly different. AngII infusion also (1) increased GRK2 levels in WT but not in GRK2 +/− vessels; (2) increased vasoconstrictor responses to phenylephrine in WT but not in GRK2 +/− mice; and (3) decreased vasodilator responses to acetylcholine and vascular pAkt and eNOS levels more in WT than in GRK2 +/− animals. Vascular NO production and the modulation of vasoconstrictor responses by endothelial-derived NO remained enhanced in GRK2 +/− mice infused with AngII. Thus, GRK2 +/− mice are resistant to the development of vascular remodeling and mechanical alterations, endothelial dysfunction, increased vasoconstrictor responses, and hypertension induced by AngII at least partially through the preservation of NO bioavailability. In conclusion, our results describe an important role for GRK2 in systemic hypertension and further establish that an inhibition of GRK2 could be a beneficial treatment for this condition.
Male, hypertension, G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2, 610, GRK2, Nitric Oxide, arteries, arteries ■ GRK2 ■ hypertension ■ nitric oxide, Mice, nitric oxide, 616, Animals, Vasoconstrictor Agents, Hemizygote, Angiotensin II, Nitric oxide, Arteries, Mice, Mutant Strains, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Vasodilation, Vasoconstriction, Hypertension, Female, Endothelium, Vascular, Signal Transduction
Male, hypertension, G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2, 610, GRK2, Nitric Oxide, arteries, arteries ■ GRK2 ■ hypertension ■ nitric oxide, Mice, nitric oxide, 616, Animals, Vasoconstrictor Agents, Hemizygote, Angiotensin II, Nitric oxide, Arteries, Mice, Mutant Strains, Mice, Inbred C57BL, Vasodilation, Vasoconstriction, Hypertension, Female, Endothelium, Vascular, Signal Transduction
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 37 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 10% |
| views | 84 | |
| downloads | 52 |

Views provided by UsageCounts
Downloads provided by UsageCounts