Heterodimerization of apelin and opioid receptors and cardiac inotropic and lusitropic effects of apelin in 2K1C hypertension: Role of pERK1/2 and PKC

2K1C hypertension increased the expression of KORs and heterodimerization of APJ and KORs. The heterodimerization was associated by reduction of ERK phosphorylation and altered the cardiac inotropic and lusitropic effects of apelin. These changes may participate in pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction in renovascular hypertension that is associated with subnormal level of serum apelin. Apelin- induced recovery of ERK1/2 phosphorylation and KOR-APJ dimerization may nominate apelin as a therapeutic goal in treatment of this kind of hypertension.