FIG. 3.
Adipokines and immune cells in PVAT and blood pressure regulation. Vasodilators, such as BNP, bind to receptors on PVAT adipocytes and activate the guanylyl cyclase cascade signaling via GTP-cGMP-PKG, which induces secretion of adiponectin through phosphorylation of AMPK. Adiponectin from PVAT adipocytes dilates VSMC by opening Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BKCa) on VSMC. Also, adiponectin promotes M1 macrophage (M1Φ) to M2Φ polarization, which, together with activation of B cells and T cells by PVAT-derived leptin, blocks Ang II-induced VSMC contraction. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of the Ang II effects by those immune cells remain unclear. AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; BNP, brain natriuretic peptide; PKG, cGMP-dependent protein kinase. Color images are available online.