Open AccessParticipation of calcium channels in the action of angiotensin II in astrocytes
Author(s) -
Thales Augusto Oliveira Dias,
Sílvia Graciela Ruginsk
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Conference proceedings
DOI - 10.5327/1516-3180.299
Subject(s) - verapamil , endocrinology , medicine , astrocyte , angiotensin ii , renin–angiotensin system , calcium , biology , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , central nervous system , blood pressure
Background: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is the main regulator of blood pressure and blood volume, with most effects being mediated by angiotensin II (Ang-II) - responsible, in the central nervous system, for actions such as thirst and sodium appetite. Astrocytes are believed to mediate such a response, as they express receptors for Ang-II and respond directly to dehydration with impacting morphological changes in the synaptic microenvironment. Many of its functions involve L-type calcium channels (LTCCs). Objectives: Evaluate the participation of LTCCs in the effects induced by AngII in cultured hypothalamic astrocytes. Methods: The effect of incubation with verapamil on the morphological responses induced by Ang-II was evaluated in hypothalamic astrocyte culture, by analyzing the expression of the cytoskeletal protein GFAP and the cell viability by the MTT assay, by immunofluorescence. Results: Incubation with Ang-II reduced the cell area considerably due to GFAP expression in relation to the control group (DMEM p<0.001), indicating that the results observed on GFAP expression did not result from cell death. Conclusion: Incubation with Ang-II alters the astrocyte morphology, reducing its area, effect at least in part, blocked by the action of Verapamil, indicating the participation of LTCCs in the mediation of this process.