P38 MAPK was involved in angiotensin-induced migratory potential of adventitial fibroblasts from spontaneously hypertensive rat

Objective: To test whether P38 MAPK is involved in angiotensin II (Ang II)-enhanced migration potential of adventitial fibroblasts (AFs) from spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR).

Methods: Migratory potential was estimated by transwell chamber in vitro. Activation of P38 MAPK pathway was determined with phosphospecific antibodies by immunoblotting.

Results: Ang II induced migration of SHR-AFs was markedly increased in a dose-dependent manner when compared with WKY-AFs. Addition of the Ang II receptor type-1 (AT1-R) antagonist Losartan and P38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 suppressed Ang II-induced migration of SHR-AFs. Ang II could induce P38 MAPK phosphorylation in SHR-AFs in a time-and dose-dependent manner. Phosphorylation of P38 MAPK was suppressed by Losartan and SB202190.

Conclusions: This study indicated that Ang II-induced migration involves P38 MAPK pathway via AT1 receptor in aortic adventitial fibroblasts from SHR.