Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the adrenal glands of rats in various types of experimental hypertension

Abstract

Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a key role in maintaining homeostasis, which is disturbed in hypertension. Taking into account the lack of literature describing changes in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the adrenal glands under conditions of elevated arterial pressure, here we compare the expression of WNT4, WNT10A, β-catenin and GSK-3β in the adrenal glands of hypertensive rats of various etiologies. The studies were carried out on the adrenal glands of rats with spontaneous hypertension (SHR), renal-vascular (2K1C) and DOCA-salt. Immunohistochemical and PCR methods were used to identify the molecular components of the canonical signaling pathway and to evaluate gene expression. Immunoreactivity and expression of WNT4, WNT10A, β-catenin and GSK-3β in adrenals of SHR was decreased, compared to control rats. In adrenals of 2K1C rats intensity of immunohistochemical reaction and expression of WNT4 and β-catenin was lower, while immunoreactivity and expression of WNT10A and GSK-3β was higher, compared to normotensive animals. Significantly stronger immunoreaction and expression of WNT4, β-catenin and GSK-3β but weaker immunoreactivity and expression of WNT10A was noted in adrenals in DOCA-salt rats, compared to control rats. In conclusion, our data provide new molecular information indicating that the canonical WNT pathway is disrupted in the adrenal glands of hypertensive rats. They show that the dysregulation of the WNT pathway depends on the etiology of hypertension.

Comparative assessment of CacyBP/SIP, β‐catenin and cannabinoid receptors in the adrenals of hypertensive rats

“…This may be due to dysregulation of the mechanisms of β‐catenin and CacyBP/SIP dependence and protein degradation in a state of elevated blood pressure. Our previous studies showed similar results of the decrease in the content of β‐catenin in the adrenal glands and heart of rats in the same models of arterial hypertension 21,23 . On the other hand, Xiao et al 24 .…”

“…Our previous studies showed similar results of the decrease in the content of β-catenin in the adrenal glands and heart of rats in the same models of arterial hypertension. 21,23 On the other hand, Xiao et al 24 showed upregulated renal β-catenin in two models of hypertension (induced by angiotensin II infusion and nephrectomy) and decrease of the blood pressure due to inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin, which, according to these authors, indicates that overactive Wnt/β-catenin promotes hypertension. In one of our recent studies regarding canonical Wnt signalling, we also observed a marked increase in the intensity of β-catenin immunoreactivity in the kidneys of rats with spontaneous and renovascular hypertension.…”

LncRNA-GAS5 and β-Catenin as Independent Predictors of Asymptomatic Organ Damage in Nondiabetic Hypertensive Patients

“…The involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in numerous biological processes, such as embryogenic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and wound healing, has received a lot of attention recently . According to our findings, patients had higher levels of β-catenin than controls.…”

“…Zhao et al discovered that canonic Wnt/β-catenin signaling was important in mediating cardiac hypertrophy in hypertension. While Kasacka et al’s study found a significant decrease in the expression of the gene encoding β-catenin in systemic hypertension and a significant increase in the expression of the tested gene in hypertensive rats compared to control groups, such a difference in findings could be explained by the study groups’ different species.…”