Angiotensin-(1−7) attenuates the negative inotropic response to acetylcholine in the heart

Previous studies have suggested that the Angiotensin-(1−7) [(Ang-(1−7)] can change cardiac function by modulating the autonomic nervous system. However, it is unknown whether the Ang-(1−7) can modulate the effect of acetylcholine (ACh) in ventricular contractility. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether Ang-(1−7) modifies the amplitude of the cardiac cholinergic effects and if these effects are intrinsic to the heart. In anesthetized Wistar rats, Ang-(1−7) attenuated the effect of ACh in decreasing the left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP), dP/dt_max, and dP/dt_min, but did not modify the hypotensive effect of ACh. Similarly, Ang-(1−7) attenuated the reduction of the LVESP, dP/dt_max, and dP/dt_min evoked by ACh in isolated hearts. These effects were blocked by the Mas receptor antagonist, A-779, but not by the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor MDL-12,330 A. Ang-(1−7) also attenuated the reduction in the maximum contraction and relaxation speeds and the shortening promoted by ACh in isolated cardiomyocytes. These data show that Ang-(1−7) acting through Mas receptor counter-regulates the myocardial contractile response to ACh in an arterial pressure and heart rate-independent manner.