Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of several key components of the renin-angiotensin system in the pancreas. In the present study, the localization of angiotensin II receptor subtypes, type I (AT1) and type II (AT2), in the mouse and the rat pancreas was studied by immunocytochemistry using specific antipeptide antibodies against the second extracellular loops of AT1 and AT2 receptors in conjunction with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In the mouse, immunoreactivity for AT1 and AT2 was observed predominantly in the endothelia of the blood vessels and the epithelia of the pancreatic ductal system. Similar distribution of immunoreactivity for AT1 and AT2 was also observed. However, the intensity of immunoreactivity for AT1 and AT2 was stronger in the rat than that found in the mouse pancreas. Much weaker immunostaining for both AT1 and AT2, as compared with that found in ductal regions, was also found in the acini of the rodent pancreas. Together with the previous findings, the present results suggest that AT1 and/or AT2 receptors may play a role in regulating pancreatic functions in the rodent.

Aim: To explore the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway, especially STAT3 acetylation, in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced pro-fibrotic responses in renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods: Rat renal tubular epithelial cell line (NRK-52E) was used. STAT3 acetylation, phosphorylation and Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) phosphorylation, as well as the expression of fibronectin, collagen IV, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and p300 were examined using Western blotting. The level and localization of STAT3 phosphorylation on Tyr705 were detected with fluorescence immunocytochemistry. The cells were transfected with a plasmid vector carrying p300 gene or siRNA targeting p300 to regulate p300 expression. Results: Overexpression of p300 significantly increased STAT3 acetylation on Lys685, STAT3 phosphorylation on Tyr705, and the expression of TGF-β1, collagen IV and fibronectin in the cells. Treatment of the cells with Ang II (1 μmol/L) significantly increased STAT3 phosphorylation on Tyr705 through JAK2 activation, and dose-dependently increased the expression of fibronectin, collagen IV and TGF-β1. Pretreatment with curcumin, an inhibitor of JAK2 and p300, blocked Ang II-induced effects. Knockdown of p300 significantly decreased STAT3 acetylation on Lys685, and abolished Ang II-stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation on Tyr705, whereas pretreatment of the cells with C646, a selective inhibitor of p300, inhibited Ang II-induced STAT3 nuclear translocation and the expression of TGF-β1, collagen IV and fibronectin. Pretreatment of the cells with AG490, a JAK2 inhibitor, markedly inhibited Ang II-induced STAT3 phosphorylation on Tyr705 and fibronectin expression. Conclusion: P300-dependent STAT3 acetylation is necessary for Ang II-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and the consequent pro-fibrotic responses in renal tubular epithelial cells in vitro.

Aim: To explore the relationship between the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling and renal fibrosis. Methods: Rat renal tubular epithelial NRK-52E cells were treated with angiotensin II (Ang II), nicotinamide (an inhibitor of NAD + -dependent class III protein deacetylases, SIRT1-7), or resveratrol (an activator of SIRT1). Mice underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were used for in vivo studies. Renal interstitial fibrosis was observed with HE and Masson's trichrome staining. STAT3 acetylation and phosphorylation, fibronectin, collagen I, collagen IV, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels were examined using Western blotting. Results: Nicotinamide (0.625-10 mmol/L) dose-dependently increased STAT3 acetylation on Lys685 and phosphorylation on Tyr705 in NRK-52E cells, accompanied by accumulation of fibronectin and collagen IV. Ang II increased STAT3 phosphorylation on Tyr705 and the expression of fibronectin, collagen IV and α-SMA in the cells. Pretreatment with resveratrol (12.5 μmol/L) blocked Ang II-induced effects in the cells. UUO induced marked STAT3 phosphorylation, fibronectin, collagen IV and α-SMA accumulation, and renal interstitial fibrosis in the obstructed kidneys, which were significantly attenuated by daily administration of resveratrol (100 mg/kg). Conclusion: STAT3 acetylation plays an important role in activation of STAT3 signaling pathway and consequent renal fibrosis.