Evidence for a role of AT2 receptors at the CVLM in the cardiovascular changes induced by low-intensity physical activity in renovascular hypertensive rats

In the present study, we evaluated the involvement of the rennin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the control of the blood pressure (BP), baroreceptor-mediated bradycardia and the reactivity of caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM) neurons to Ang II and to AT2 receptor antagonist in sedentary or trained renovascular hypertensive rats. Physical activity did not significantly change the baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) or the sensitivity of the baroreflex bradycardia in normotensive Sham rats. However, in 2K1C hypertensive rats, physical activity induced a significant fall in baseline MAP and HR and produced an improvement of the baroreflex function (bradycardic component). The microinjections of Ang II into the CVLM produced similar decreases in MAP in all groups, Sham and 2K1C, sedentary and trained rats. The hypotensive effect of Ang II at the CVLM was blocked by previous microinjection of the AT2 receptors antagonist, PD123319, in all groups of rats. Unexpectedly, microinjection of PD123319 at the CVLM produced a depressor effect in 2K1C sedentary that was attenuated in 2K1C trained rats. No significant changes in MAP were observed after PD123319 in Sham rats, sedentary or trained. These data showed that low-intensity physical activity is effective in lowering blood pressure and restoring the sensitivity of the baroreflex bradycardia, however these cardiovascular effects are not accompanied by changes in the responsiveness to Ang II at CVLM in normotensive or hypertensive, 2K1C rats. In addition, the blood pressure changes observed after AT2 blockade in 2K1C rats suggest that hypertension may trigger an imbalance of AT1/AT2 receptors at the CVLM that may be restored, at least in part, by low-intensity physical activity.