Contribution of Ang (1-7) to Sex Differences in the Renal T cell Profile Following Chronic Ang II Infusion (LB714)

Angiotensin (Ang) II is pro-inflammatory, and T cells contribute to Ang II hypertension in male animal models; little is known in females. Initial studies treated 12 wk old male and female Sprague Dawley rats (SD) with Ang II (200 ng/kg/min) and renal T cell profiles were measured via flow cytometry. Ang II increased renal T cell infiltration in both sexes; as well as immuno-suppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs) only in kidneys of female SD (p=0.004), and male SD had greater increases in pro-inflammatory Th17 cells (p<0.001). We have previously shown that females also have greater renal Ang (1-7) levels than males, and Ang (1-7) has been suggested to be anti-inflammatory. Therefore, the goal of the current study was to test the hypothesis that chronic Ang II infusion increases renal T cells in both sexes; however, greater Ang (1-7) results in more Tregs in females than males. Additional male and female SD were treated with Ang II, or Ang II plus the Ang (1-7) mas receptor antagonist A-779 (48 µg/kg/hr). ...