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Article
Mass Spectrometry for the Molecular Imaging of Angiotensin Metabolism in Kidney
American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Nadja Grobe, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Khalid M. Elased, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • David R. Cool, Wright State University - Main Campus
  • Mariana Morris, Wright State University - Main Campus
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-15-2012
Abstract

To better understand the tissue distribution and activity of enzymes involved in angiotensin II (Ang II) processing, we developed a novel molecular imaging method using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Mouse kidney sections (12 μm) were incubated with 10–1,000 μmol/l Ang II for 5–15 min at 37°C. The formed peptides Ang III and Ang-(1–7) were identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF. A third metabolite, Ang-(1–4), was generated from further degradation of Ang-(1–7). Enzymatic processing of Ang II was dose and time dependent and absent in heat-treated kidney sections. Distinct spatial distribution patterns (pseudocolor images) were observed for the peptides. Ang III was localized in renal medulla, whereas Ang-(1–7)/Ang-(1–4) was present in cortex. Regional specific peptide formation was confirmed using microdissected cortical and medullary biopsies. In vitro studies with recombinant enzymes confirmed activity of peptidases known to generate Ang III or Ang-(1–7) from Ang II: aminopeptidase A (APA), Ang-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), prolyl carboxypeptidase (PCP), and prolyl endopeptidase (PEP). Renal medullary Ang III generation was blocked by APA inhibitor glutamate phosphonate. The ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 and PCP/PEP inhibitor Z-pro-prolinal reduced cortical Ang-(1–7) formation. Our results establish the power of MALDI imaging as a highly specific and information-rich analytical technique that will further aid our understanding of the role and site of Ang II processing in cardiovascular and renal pathologies.

DOI
10.​1152/​ajpendo.​00515.​2011
Citation Information
Nadja Grobe, Khalid M. Elased, David R. Cool and Mariana Morris. "Mass Spectrometry for the Molecular Imaging of Angiotensin Metabolism in Kidney" American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism Vol. 302 Iss. 8 (2012) p. E1016 - E1024 ISSN: 0193-1849
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/khalid_elased/3/