Expression of Concern to: The role of ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas1 receptor axis in glucocorticoid-induced intrauterine growth restriction.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Effect of thermal preconditioning on Hsp70 expression in the medulla oblongata and on hemodynamics during passive hyperthermia.

A short-term episode of elevated core body temperature that induces Hsp70 expression (thermal preconditioning) may protect against heatstroke during subsequent hyperthermia. The protective effects of thermal preconditioning may involve several cellular and immunological mechanisms and improvements in baroreflex sensitivity. To substantiate the hypothesis that the protective effect of thermal preconditioning also occurs in conditions with intact thermoregulation, we examined the evolution of spontaneous cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity and the protective effect of Hsp70 expression after thermal preconditioning in nonanesthetized Wistar-Kyoto rats with implanted telemetric transmitters.

Biphasic changes in spontaneous cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity during passive hyperthermia.

Successful adaptation to passive hyperthermia requires continual adjustment of circulation, which is mediated mainly by the autonomic nervous system. The goal of this study was to explore the alterations in spontaneous cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) during exposure to a hot environment. To continuously follow changes in core body temperature (Tc), haemodynamics, and BRS, male Wistar-Kyoto rats were implanted with telemetric transmitters.

The role of ACE2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas1 receptor axis in glucocorticoid-induced intrauterine growth restriction.

Background: Plasma and urine levels of the potent vasodilator Ang-(1-7) are elevated in mid and late pregnancy and are correlated with elevated placental angiogenesis, fetal blood flow, and rapid fetal growth. We hypothesized that Ang-(1-7), its receptor (Mas1) and the enzymes involved in Ang-(1-7) production (ACE2 and Membrane metallo-endopeptidase; MME) are down regulated in response to glucocorticoid administration contributing to IUGR.

Methods: Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with dexamethasone (DEX; 0.

Wistar rats resistant to the hypertensive effects of ouabain exhibit enhanced cardiac vagal activity and elevated plasma levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide.

Ouabain is a cardiac glycoside produced in the adrenal glands and hypothalamus. It affects the function of all cells by binding to Na+/K+-ATPase. Several lines of evidence suggest that endogenous ouabain could be involved in the pathogenesis of essential (particularly, salt-sensitive) hypertension.

Effect of preconditioning temperature on cardioprotection during global ischemia-reperfusion in the rat heart.

Background: Myocardial ischemic preconditioning (PC) is a protective intervention that aims to reduce the deleterious effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Objectives: : To assess the comparative efficacy of ischemic PC induced at hypothermic, normothermic and hyperthermic temperatures on the postischemic recovery of left ventricular contractile and coronary vascular functions in the aortic perfused rat heart model.

Methods: An isolated aorta-perfused (Langendorff) rat heart model was used.