Abstract-We examined the possibility that continuous activation of the human brain renin-angiotensin system causes cognitive impairment, using human renin (hRN) and human angiotensinogen (hANG) gene chimeric transgenic (Tg) mice. Cognitive function was evaluated by the shuttle avoidance test once a week from 10 to 20 weeks of age. The avoidance rate in wild-type mice gradually increased. In contrast, the avoidance rate in chimeric hRN/hANG-Tg mice also increased; however, no further increase in avoidance rate was observed from 14 weeks of age, and it decreased thereafter. Cerebral surface blood flow was markedly reduced in 20-week-old hRN/hANG-Tg mice. Superoxide anion production in the brain was already higher in 10-week-old hRN/hANG-Tg mice and further increased thereafter with an increase in NADPH oxidase activity. Moreover, expression of p47 phox and Nox4 in the brain of hRN/hANG-Tg mice also increased. Administration of an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, olmesartan (5.0 mg/kg per day), attenuated the increase in blood pressure and ameliorated cognitive decline with enhancement of cerebral surface blood flow and a reduction of oxidative stress in hRN/hANG-Tg mice. On the other hand, hydralazine (0.5 mg/kg per day) did not improve the decrease in avoidance rate, and did not influence cerebral surface blood flow or oxidative stress in hRN/hANG-Tg mice, in spite of a similar reduction of blood pressure to that by olmesartan. Moreover, we observed that treatment with Tempol improved impaired cognitive function in hRN/hANG-Tg mice. These results suggest that continuous activation of the brain renin-angiotensin system impairs cognitive function via stimulation of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor with a decrease in cerebral surface blood flow and an increase in oxidative stress. Key Words: angiotensin II receptors Ⅲ cognitive function Ⅲ blood flow Ⅲ oxidative stress Ⅲ transgenic mice D ementia is a common serious health problem that impairs quality of life. A continuous decline in cognitive function occurs as the natural aging course in both humans and animal models. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, including stroke, and contributes to the development of vascular dementia. 1 Several clinical studies, such as Perindopril Protection Against Recurrent Stroke Study, Systolic Hypertension in Europe, and Study on Cognition and Prognosis in the Elderly, have shown that antihypertensive drug treatment is associated with reduced cognitive decline. 2-4 However, it is not still clear which classes of antihypertensive drugs provide greater benefits than others.Activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays major roles in elevated blood pressure and the development of cerebrovascular disorders. All of the components of the classic RAS have been identified in the brain. 5,6 Recent clinical trials, such as the Losartan Intervention for Endpoint Reduction in Hypertensive Study, Morbidity and Mortality After Stroke, Eprosartan Compared With Nitrendipine for Secondary Prevention, and...

Background and Purpose-We examined the possibility that activation of the human brain renin-angiotensin system is involved in enhancement of ischemic brain damage using chimeric transgenic mice with human renin (hRN) and human angiotensinogen (hANG) genes. Methods-Chimeric (hRN/hANG-Tg) mice were generated by mating of hRN and hANG transgenic mice. Permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) by an intraluminal filament technique induced focal ischemic brain lesions. Results-hRN/hANG-Tg mice showed higher angiotensin II levels in the plasma and brain. The ischemic brain area at 24 hours after MCA occlusion was significantly enlarged in hRN/hANG-Tg mice with an enhanced neurological deficit compared to that in wild-type, hRN-Tg and hANG-Tg mice. The reduction of cerebral blood flow in the periphery region of the MCA territory after MCA occlusion was markedly exaggerated in hRN/hANG-Tg mice. Superoxide anion production in the brain and arteries was also increased significantly in hRN/hANG-Tg mice even before MCA occlusion and was further enhanced after MCA occlusion. Treatment with an AT 1 receptor blocker, valsartan (3.0 mg/kg per day), for 2 weeks significantly reduced the ischemic brain area and improved the neurological deficit after MCA occlusion in hRN/hANG-Tg mice, similar to those in wild-type, hRN-Tg, and hANG-Tg mice, with restoration of cerebral blood flow in the peripheral region and decreases in superoxide anion production and blood pressure.

These results suggest that renin inhibition by aliskiren improved insulin resistance and adipose tissue dysfunction in type 2 diabetic mice through an increase in insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and adipocyte differentiation, and a reduction of oxidative stress.

These results suggest that the combination of ARB with CCB synergistically inhibits vascular remodeling and that the inhibitory actions of ARB on vascular remodeling may vary depending on the combined CCB.