Ghrelin and Ang 1-7 have cumulative vasodilatory effects on pulmonary vessels.

Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone that has been shown to have vasodilator effects. Angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7) is a bioactive component of the renin-angiotensin system and may play an important role in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis.The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between ghrelin and a better known vasodilatator, Ang 1-7.The dose-dependent relaxing effects of ghrelin were assessed on pulmonary artery rings of male Wistar rats with intact endothelium in the absence or the presence of Ang 1-7. Ang 1-7 was added in the organ bath with 5 minutes before N(G)-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 1 micro/M) and indomethacin administration in the presence of cumulative doses of ghrelin.Our results showed that Ang 1-7 could improve and restore vasorelaxant effects of ghrelin on rat pulmonary rings with intact endothelium.Vasodilatatory actions of ghrelin are potentiated by Ang 1-7 and mediated by local synthesis of prostaglandins and nitric oxide.