Central mechanisms involved in pilocarpine-induced pressor response

Pilocarpine (cholinergic muscarinic agonist) injected peripherally may act centrally to produce pressor responses; in the present study, using c-fos immunoreactive expression, we investigated the forebrain and brainstem areas activated by pressor doses of intravenous (i.v.) pilocarpine. In addition, the importance of vasopressin secretion and/or sympathetic activation and the effects of lesions in the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region in awake rats were also investigated. In male Holtzman rats, pilocarpine (0.04 to 4 mu mol/kg b.w.) i.v. induced transitory hypotension followed by long lasting hypertension. Sympathetic blockade with prazosin (1 mg/kg b.w.) i.v. or AV3V lesions (1 day) almost abolished the pressor response to i. v. pilocarpine (2 mu mol/kg b.w.), whereas the vasopressin antagonist (10 mu g/kg b.w.) i.v. reduced the response to pilocarpine. Pilocarpine (2 and 4 mu mol/kg b.w.) i.v. increased the number of c-fos immunoreactive cells in the subfornical organ, paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus, organ vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, median preoptic nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract and caudal and rostral ventrolateral medulla. These data suggest that i.v. pilocarpine activates specific forebrain and brainstem mechanisms increasing sympathetic activity and vasopressin secretion to induce pressor response. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chronic ouabain treatment exacerbates blood pressure elevation in spontaneously hypertensive rats: the role of vascular mechanisms

Objective Hypertensive rats are more sensitive to the pressor effects of acute ouabain than normotensive rats. We analyzed the effect of chronic ouabain (similar to 8.0 mu g/day, 5 weeks) treatment on the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar-Kyoto rats and the contribution of vascular mechanisms. Methods Responses to acetylcholine and phenylephrine were analyzed in isolated tail arteries. Protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were also investigated. Results Ouabain treatment enhanced blood pressure only in SHRs. The pD(2) for acetylcholine was decreased in arteries from SHRs compared with Wistar-Kyoto rats, and ouabain did not change this parameter. However, ouabain was able to increase the pD(2) to phenylephrine in SHRs. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or potassium channel blockade by tetraetylamonium increased the response to phenylephrine in SHRs, with a smaller increase in response observed in ouabain-treated SHRs. In addition, indomethacin (a COX inhibitor) and ridogrel (a thromboxane A(2) synthase inhibitor and prostaglandin H(2)/thromboxane A(2) receptor antagonist) decreased contraction to phenylephrine in tail rings from ouabain-treated SHRs. Protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase was unaltered following ouabain treatment in SHRs, whereas COX-2 expression was increased. Conclusion Chronic ouabain treatment further increases the raised blood pressure of SHRs. This appears to involve a vascular mechanism, related to a reduced vasodilator influence of nitric oxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor and increased production of vasoconstrictor prostanoids by COX-2. These data suggest that the increased plasma levels of ouabain could play an important role in the maintenance of hypertension and the impairment of endothelial function. J Hypertens 27:1233-1242 (C) 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Direct action of aldosterone on bicarbonate reabsorption in in vivo cortical proximal tubule

Pergher PS, Leite-Dellova D, de Mello-Aires M. Direct action of aldosterone on bicarbonate reabsorption in in vivo cortical proximal tubule. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 296: F1185-F1193, 2009. First published February 18, 2009; doi:10.1152/ajprenal.90217.2008.-The direct action of aldosterone (10(-12) M) on net bicarbonate reabsorption (J(HCO3)(-)) was evaluated by stationary microperfusion of an in vivo middle proximal tubule (S2) of rat kidney, using H ion-sensitive microelectrodes. Aldosterone in luminally perfused tubules caused a significant increase in J(HCO3)(-) from a mean control value of 2.84 +/- 0.08 [49/19 (n degrees of measurements/n degrees of tubules)] to 4.20 +/- 0.15 nmol.cm(-2).s(-1) (58/10). Aldosterone perfused into peritubular capillaries also increased J(HCO3)(-), compared with basal levels during intact capillary perfusion with blood. In addition, in isolated perfused tubules aldosterone causes a transient increase of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)), monitored fluorometrically. In the presence of ethanol ( in similar concentration used to prepare the hormonal solution), spironolactone (10(-6) M, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist), actinomycin D (10(-6) M, an inhibitor of gene transcription), or cycloheximide (40 mM, an inhibitor of protein synthesis), the J(HCO3)(-) and the [Ca(2+)](i) were not different from the control value; these drugs also did not prevent the stimulatory effect of aldosterone on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i). However, in the presence of RU 486 alone [10(-6) M, a classic glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist], a significant decrease on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i) was observed; this antagonist also inhibited the stimulatory effect of aldosterone on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i). These studies indicate that luminal or peritubular aldosterone (10(-12) M) has a direct nongenomic stimulatory effect on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i) in proximal tubule and that probably GR participates in this process. The data also indicate that endogenous aldosterone stimulates J(HCO3)(-) in middle proximal tubule.

TRPV1 receptors modulate retinal development

We investigated the possible participation of TRPV1 channels in retinal apoptosis and overall development. Retinas from newborn, male albino rats were treated in vitro with capsazepine, a TRPV1 antagonist. The expression of cell cycle markers was not changed after TRPV1 blockade, whereas capsazepine reduced the number of apoptotic cells throughout the retina,increased ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation and slightly reduced JNK phosphorylation. The expression of BAD, Bcl-2, as well as integral and cleaved capsase-3 were similar in all experimental conditions. Newborn rats were kept for 2 months after receiving high doses of capsazepine. In their retinas, calbindin and parvalbumin protein levels were upregulated, but only the number of amacrine-like, parvalbumin-positive cells was increased. The numbers of calretinin, calbindin, ChAT, vimentin, PKC-alpha and GABA-positive cells were similar in both conditions. Protein expression of synapsin Ib was also increased in the retinas of capsazepine-treated rats. Calretinin, vimentin, GFAP, synapsin Ia, synaptophysin and light neurofilament protein levels were not changed when compared to control values. Our results indicate that TRPV1 channels play a role in the control of the early apoptosis that occur during retinal development, which might be dependent on MAPK signaling. Moreover, it seems that TRPV1 function might be important for neuronal and synaptic maturation in the retina. (C) 2011 ISDN. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reduced cytokine production by glycogen-elicited peritoneal cells from diabetic rats

IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-2 alpha/beta, and IL-10 measurements were performed in elicited peritoneal cells from control, diabetic, and insulin-treated diabetic rats. Production/liberation of these cytokines was decreased in elicited peritoneal cells from diabetic rats. These changes were abolished by insulin treatment of diabetic rats. The alterations observed might be involved in the impaired inflammatory response and high occurrence of apoptosis observed in neutrophils under diabetic states.

Aldosterone induces endothelial dysfunction in resistance arteries from normotensive and hypertensive rats by increasing thromboxane A(2) and prostacyclin

Background and purpose: The present study was designed to assess whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activation is involved in the effects of chronic aldosterone treatment on endothelial function of mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA) from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Experimental approach: Relaxation to acetylcholine was measured in MRA from both untreated and aldosterone-treated strains. Vasomotor responses to prostacyclin and U46619 were also analysed. Release of 6-oxo-prostaglandin (PG)F(1 alpha) and thromboxane B(2) (TxB(2)) was determined by enzyme immunoassay. COX-2 protein expression was measured by western blot. Key results: Aldosterone reduced acetylcholine relaxation in MRA from both strains. In MRA from both aldosterone-treated strains the COX-1/2 or COX-2 inhibitor (indomethacin and NS-398, respectively), Tx2 synthesis inhibitor (furegrelate), prostacyclin synthesis inhibitor (tranylcypromine) or Tx2/PG2 receptor antagonist (SQ 29 548), but not COX-1 inhibitor SC-560, increased acetylcholine relaxation. In untreated rats this response was increased only in SHR. Prostacyclin elicited a biphasic vasomotor response: lower concentrations elicited relaxation, whereas higher concentrations elicited contraction that was reduced by SQ 29 548. Aldosterone increased the acetylcholine-stimulated production of 6-oxo-PGF(1 alpha) and TxB(2) in MRA from both strains. COX-2 expression was higher in both strains of rats treated with aldosterone. Conclusions and implications: Chronic treatment with aldosterone impaired endothelial function in MRA under normotensive and hypertensive conditions by increasing COX-2-derived prostacyclin and thromboxane A(2). As endothelial dysfunction participates in the pathogenesis of many cardiovascular disorders we hypothesize that anti-inflammatory drugs, specifically COX-2 inhibitors, could ameliorate vascular damage in patients with elevated aldosterone production.

Amyloid beta-peptide activates nuclear factor-kappa B through an N-methyl-D-aspartate signaling pathway in cultured cerebellar cells

Amyloid P-peptide (A beta) likely causes functional alterations in neurons well prior to their death. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B), a transcription factor that is known to play important roles in cell survival and apoptosis, has been shown to be modulated by A beta in neurons and glia, but the mechanism is unknown. Because A beta has also been shown to enhance activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, we investigated the role of NMDA receptor-mediated intracellular signaling pathways in A beta-induced NF-kappa B activation in primary cultured rat cerebellar cells. Cells were treated with different concentrations of A beta 1-40 (1 or 2 mu M) for different periods (6, 12, or 24 hr). MK-801 (NMDA antagonist), manumycin A and FTase inhibitor 1 (farnesyltransferase inhibitors), PP1 (Src-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor), PD98059 [mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor], and LY294002 [phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-k) inhibitor] were added 20 min before A beta treatment of the cells. A beta induced a time- and concentration-dependent activation of NF-kappa B (1 mu M, 12 hr); both p50/p65 and p50/p50 NF-kappa B dimers were involved. This activation was abolished by MK-801 and attenuated by manumycin A, FTase inhibitor 1, PP1, PD98059, and LY294002. AP at 1 mu M increased the expression of inhibitory protein I kappa B, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-1 beta as shown by RTPCR assays. Collectively, these findings suggest that AP activates NF-kappa B by an NMDA-Src-Ras-like protein through MAPK and PI3-k pathways in cultured cerebellar cells. This pathway may mediate an adaptive, neuroprotective response to A beta. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Ventrolateral medulla mechanisms involved in cardiorespiratory responses to central chemoreceptor activation in rats

A rise in arterial PCO(2) stimulates breathing and sympathetic activity to the heart and blood vessels. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) and glutamatergic mechanisms in the Botzinger/C1 region (Botz/C1) in these responses. Splanchnic sympathetic nerve discharge (sSND) and phrenic nerve discharge (PND) were recorded in urethane-anesthetized, sino-aortic-denervated, vagotomized, and artificially ventilated rats subjected to hypercapnia (end-expiratory CO(2) from 5% to 10%). Phrenic activity was absent at end-expiratory CO(2) of 4%, and strongly increased when end-expiratory CO(2) reached 10%. Hypercapnia also increased sSND by 103 +/- 7%. Bilateral injections of the GABA-A agonist muscimol (2 mM) into the RTN eliminated the PND and blunted the sSND activation (Delta = +56 +8%) elicited by hypercapnia. Injections of NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5 (100 mM), non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6,7-dinitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX; 100 mM) or metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist (+/-)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG; 100 mM) bilaterally into the Botz/C1 reduced PND (Delta = +43 +/- 7%, +52 +/- 6% or +56 +/- 11%, respectively). MCPG also reduced sSND (Delta = +41 +/- 7%), whereas AP-5 and DNQX had no effect. In conclusion, the increase in sSND caused by hypercapnia depends on increased activity of the RTN and on metabotropic receptors in the Botz/C1, whereas PND depends on increased RTN activity and both ionotropic and metabotropic receptors in the Botz/C1.

Important GABAergic mechanism within the NTS and the control of sympathetic baroreflex in SHR

Inhibitory neurotransmission has an important role in the processing of sensory afferent signals in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), particularly in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediated neurotransmission within the NTS produces an inhibition of the baroreflex response of splanchnic sympathetic nerve discharge (sSND). In urethane-anesthetized, artificially ventilated and vagotomized male SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats we compared baroreflex-response curves evoked after bilateral injections into the NTS of the GABA-A antagonist bicuculline (25 pmol/50 nl) or the GABA-B antagonist CGP 35348 (5 nmol/50 nl). Baseline MAP in SHR was higher than the WKY rats (SHR: 153+/-5, vs. WKY: 112+/-6 mm Hg, p<0.05). Bilateral injection of bicuculline or CGP 35348 into the NTS induced a transient (5 min) reduction in MAP (Delta = -26+/-4 and -41+/-6 mm Hg, respectively vs. saline Delta = +4+/-3 mm Hg, p<0.05) and sSND (Delta = -21+/-13 and -78+/-7%, respectively vs. saline: Delta = +6+/-4% p<0.05). Analysis of the baroreceptor curve revealed a decrease in the lower plateau (43+/-11 and 15+/-5%, respectively vs. saline: 78+/-6%, p<0.05) and an increase in the sympathetic gain of baroreflex (6.3+/-0.3, 7.2+/-0.8% respectively vs. saline: 4.2+/-0.4%, p<0.05). Bicuculline or CGP35348 into the NTS in WKY rats did not change MAP, sSND and sympathetic baroreflex gain. These data indicate that GABAergic mechanisms within the NTS act tonically reducing sympathetic baroreflex gain in SHR. Crown Copyright (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier By. All rights reserved.

TRPV1 receptors are involved in protein nitration and Muller cell reaction in the acutely axotomized rat retina

We report here the protein expression of TRPV1 receptor in axotomized rat retinas and its possible participation in mechanisms involved in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Adult rats were subjected to unilateral, intraorbital axotomy of the optic nerve, and the retinal tissue was removed for further processing. TRPV1 total protein expression decreased progressively after optic nerve transection, reaching 66.2% of control values 21 days after axotomy. The number of cells labeled for TRPV1 in the remnant GCL decreased after 21 days post-lesion (to 63%). Fluoro-jade B staining demonstrated that the activation of TRPV1 in acutely-lesioned eyes elicited more intense neuronal degeneration in the GCL and in the inner nuclear layer than in sham-operated retinas. A single intraocular injection of capsazepine (100 mu M), a TRPV1 antagonist, 5 days after optic nerve lesion, decreased the number of GFAP-expressing Muller cells (72.5% of control values) and also decreased protein nitration in the retinal vitreal margin (75.7% of control values), but did not affect lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, retinal explants were treated with capsaicin (100 mu M), and remarkable protein nitration was then present, which was reduced by blockers of the constitutive and inducible nitric oxide synthases (7-NI and aminoguanidine, respectively). TRPV1 activation also increased GFAP expression, which was reverted by both TRPV1 antagonism with capsazepine and by 7-NI and aminoguanidine. Given that Muller cells do not express TRPV1, we suppose that the increased GFAP expression in these cells might be elicited by TRPV1 activation and by its indirect effect upon nitric oxide overproduction and peroxynitrite formation. We incubated Fluorogold pre-labeled retinal explants in the presence of capsazepine (1 mu M) during 48 h. The numbers of surviving RGCs stained with fluorogold and the numbers of apoptotic cells in the GCL detected with TUNEL were similar in lesioned and control retinas. We conclude that TRPV1 receptor expression decreased after optic nerve injury due to death of TRPV1-containing cells. Furthermore, these data indicate that TRPV1 might be involved in intrinsic protein nitration and Muller cell reaction observed after optic nerve injury. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contribution of excitatory amino acid receptors of the retrotrapezoid nucleus to the sympathetic chemoreflex in rats

In the present study, we evaluated the role of glutamatergic mechanisms in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) in changes of splanchnic sympathetic nerve discharge (sSND) and phrenic nerve discharge (PND) elicited by central and peripheral chemoreceptor activation. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), sSND and PND were recorded in urethane-anaesthetized, vagotomized, sino-aortic denervated and artificially ventilated male Wistar rats. Hypercapnia (10% CO(2)) increased MAP by 32 +/- 4 mmHg, sSND by 104 +/- 4% and PND amplitude by 101 +/- 5%. Responses to hypercapnia were reduced after bilateral injection of the NMDA receptor antagonist D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (AP-5; 100mm in 50 nl) in the RTN (MAP increased by 16 +/- 3 mmHg, sSNDby 82 +/- 3% and PND amplitudeby 63 +/- 7%). Bilateral injection of the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6,7-dinitro-quinoxaline-2,3-dione(DNQX; 100 mm in 50 nl) and the metabotropic receptor antagonist (+/-)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG; 100mm in 50 nl) in the RTN did not affect sympathoexcitatory responses induced by hypercapnia. Injection of DNQX reduced hypercapnia-induced phrenic activation, whereas MCPG did not. In animals with intact carotid chemoreceptors, bilateral injections of AP-5 and DNQX in the RTN reduced increases in MAP, sSND and PND amplitude produced by intravenous injection of NaCN (50 mu g kg(-1)). Injection of MCPG in the RTN did not change responses produced by NaCN. These data indicate that RTN ionotropic glutamatergic receptors are involved in the sympathetic and respiratory responses produced by central and peripheral chemoreceptor activation.

Switching control of sympathetic activity from forebrain to hindbrain in chronic dehydration

We investigated the mechanisms responsible for increased blood pressure and sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) caused by 2-3 days dehydration (DH) both in vivo and in situ preparations. In euhydrated (EH) rats, systemic application of the AT(1) receptor antagonist Losartan and subsequent pre-collicular transection (to remove the hypothalamus) significantly reduced thoracic (t) SNA. In contrast, in DH rats, Losartan, followed by pre-collicular and pontine transections, failed to reduce tSNA, whereas transection at the medulla-spinal cord junction massively reduced tSNA. In DH but not EH rats, selective inhibition of the commissural nucleus tractus solitarii (cNTS) significantly reduced tSNA. Comparable data were obtained in both in situ and in vivo (anaesthetized/conscious) rats and suggest that following chronic dehydration, the control of tSNA transfers from supra-brainstem structures (e. g. hypothalamus) to the medulla oblongata, particularly the cNTS. As microarray analysis revealed up-regulation of AP1 transcription factor JunD in the dehydrated cNTS, we tested the hypothesis that AP1 transcription factor activity is responsible for dehydration-induced functional plasticity. When AP1 activity was blocked in the cNTS using a viral vector expressing a dominant negative FosB, cNTS inactivation was ineffective. However, tSNA was decreased after pre-collicular transection, a response similar to that seen in EHrats. Thus, the dehydration-induced switch in control of tSNA from hypothalamus to cNTS seems to be mediated via activation of AP1 transcription factors in the cNTS. If AP1 activity is blocked in the cNTS during dehydration, sympathetic activity control reverts back to forebrain regions. This unique reciprocating neural structure-switching plasticity between brain centres emphasizes the multiple mechanisms available for the adaptive response to dehydration.

Novel endogenous peptide agonists of cannabinoid receptors

Hemopressin (Hp), a 9-residue alpha-hemoglobin-derived peptide, was previously reported to function as a CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist (1). In this study, we report that mass spectrometry (MS) data from peptidomics analyses of mouse brain extracts identified N-terminally extended forms of Hp containing either three (RVD-Hp alpha) or two (VD-Hp alpha) additional amino acids, as well as a beta-hemoglobinderived peptide with sequence similarity to that of hemopressin (VD-Hp beta). Characterization of the alpha-hemoglobin-derived peptides using binding and functional assays shows that in contrast to Hp, which functions as a CB(1) cannabinoid receptor antagonist, both RVD-Hp alpha and VD-Hp alpha function as agonists. Studies examining the increase in the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 levels or release of intracellular Ca(2+) indicate that these peptides activate a signal transduction pathway distinct from that activated by the endo-cannabinoid, 2-arachidonoylglycerol, or the classic CB(1) agonist, Hu-210. This finding suggests an additional mode of regulation of endogenous cannabinoid receptor activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the CB(1) receptor is involved in the integration of signals from both lipid-and peptide-derived signaling molecules.-Gomes, I., Grushko, J. S., Golebiewska, U., Hoogendoorn, S., Gupta, A., Heimann, A. S., Ferro, E. S., Scarlata, S., Fricker, L. D., Devi, L. A. Novel endogenous peptide agonists of cannabinoid receptors. FASEB J. 23, 3020-3029 (2009). www.fasebj.org

Ethanol-induced sensitization depends preferentially on D(1) rather than D(2) dopamine receptors

Behavioral sensitization, defined as a progressive increase in the locomotor stimulant effects elicited by repeated exposure to drugs of abuse, has been used as an animal model for drug craving in humans. The mesoaccumbens dopaminergic system has been proposed to be critically involved in this phenomenon; however, few studies have been designed to systematically investigate the effects of dopaminergic antagonists on development and expression of behavioral sensitization to ethanol in Swiss mice. We first tested the effects of D(1) antagonist SCH-23390 (0-0.03 mg/kg) or D(2) antagonist Sulpiride (0-30 mg/kg) on the locomotor responses to an acute injection of ethanol (2.0 g/kg). Results showed that all tested doses of the antagonists were effective in blocking ethanol`s stimulant effects. In another set of experiments, mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with SCH-23390 (0.01 mg/kg) or Sulpiride (10 mg/kg) 30 min before saline or ethanol injection, for 21 days. Locomotor activity was measured weekly for 20 min. Four days following this pretreatment, all mice were challenged with ethanol. Both antagonists attenuated the development of ethanol sensitization, but only SCH-23390 blocked the expression of ethanol sensitization according to this protocol. When we tested a single dose (30 min before tests) of either antagonist in mice treated chronically with ethanol, both antagonists attenuated ethanol-induced effects. The present findings demonstrate that the concomitant administration of ethanol with D(1) but not D(2) antagonist prevented the expression of ethanol sensitization, suggesting that the neuroadaptations underlying ethanol behavioral sensitization depend preferentially on D(1) receptor actions. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

O-GlcNAcylation contributes to the vascular effects of ET-1 via activation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway

Aims Glycosylation with beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAcylation) is one of the most complex post-translational modifications. The cycling of O-GlcNAc is controlled by two enzymes: UDP-NAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAcase (OGA). We recently reported that endothelin-1 (ET-1) augments vascular levels of O-GlcNAcylated proteins. Here we tested the hypothesis that O-GlcNAcylation contributes to the vascular effects of ET-1 via activation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway. Methods and results Incubation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) with ET-1 (0.1 mu M) produces a time-dependent increase in O-GlcNAc levels. ET-1-induced O-GlcNAcylation is not observed when VSMCs are previously transfected with OGT siRNA, treated with ST045849 (OGT inhibitor) or atrasentan (ET(A) antagonist). ET-1 as well as PugNAc (OGA inhibitor) augmented contractions to phenylephrine in endothelium-denuded rat aortas, an effect that was abolished by the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632. Incubation of VSMCs with ET-1 increased expression of the phosphorylated forms of myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT-1), protein kinase C-potentiated protein phosphatase 1 inhibitor protein (protein kinase C-potentiated phosphatase inhibitor-17), and myosin light chain (MLC) and RhoA expression and activity, and this effect was abolished by both OGT siRNA transfection or OGT inhibition and atrasentan. ET-1 also augmented expression of PDZ-Rho GEF (guanine nucleotide exchange factor) and p115-Rho GEF in VSMCs and this was prevented by OGT siRNA, ST045849, and atrasentan. Conclusion We suggest that ET-1 augments O-GlcNAcylation and this modification contributes to increased vascular contractile responses via activation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway.