Potential role of angiotensin‐(1–7) in the improvement of vascular insulin sensitivity after a bout of exercise

• Published in: Experimental physiology Vol. 105; no. 4; pp. 600 - 605
• Main Authors: Gallardo‐Ortíz, Itzell A., Villalobos‐Molina, Rafael, Echeverría‐Rodríguez, Omar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.04.2020
• Subjects: Angiotensin; angiotensin‐(1–7); Aorta; Carbachol; exercise; Insulin; insulin sensitivity; Physical training; Renin; renin–angiotensin system; Vasoactive agents; Vasodilation; vasorelaxation; insulin sensitivity; angiotensin-(1-7); exercise; vasorelaxation; renin-angiotensin system
• ISSN: 0958-0670; 1469-445X
• DOI: 10.1113/EP088464

NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? What is the mechanism by which a bout of exercise increases subsequent insulin‐stimulated vasodilatation? What is the main finding and its importance? Angiotensin‐(1–7) through the Mas receptor participates in enhanced insulin‐induced vasorelaxation after a bout of exercise in healthy rats. This new potential role of angiotensin‐(1–7) could help in understanding how physical activity improves vascular insulin sensitivity in normal and insulin‐resistant states. Exercise increases insulin‐stimulated vasodilatation, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. This study was performed to investigate the possible involvement of angiotensin‐(1–7) (Ang‐(1–7)), a vasoactive peptide of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), in enhanced vascular insulin sensitivity after a bout of exercise. Male Wistar rats were subjected to swimming for 2.5 h. After exercise, carbachol‐ or insulin‐induced relaxation in aorta was assessed. Prior exercise improved insulin‐stimulated vasorelaxation; however, this insulin‐sensitizing effect was prevented by the selective Mas receptor (MasR; an Ang‐(1–7) receptor) antagonist A779. Carbachol‐mediated vascular relaxation was not modified by exercise. These results suggest that Ang‐(1–7) acting through MasR participates in the enhancement of vascular insulin sensitivity after an exercise session. This new potential role of Ang‐(1–7) could help in understanding how exercise improves vascular insulin sensitivity in normal and insulin‐resistant states.