Central angiotensin 1-7 triggers brown fat thermogenesis.

We tested the hypothesis that third ventricular (3V) injections of angiotensin 1-7 (Ang 1-7) increases thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT), and whether the Mas receptor mediates this response. First, in male Siberian hamsters (n = 18), we evaluated the effect of Ang 1-7 in the interscapular BAT (IBAT) temperature and, using selective Mas receptor antagonist A-779, the role of Mas receptor in this response. Each animal received 3V injections (200 nL), with 48 h intervals: saline; Ang 1-7 (0.03, 0.3, 3, and 30 nmol); A-779 (3 nmol); and Ang 1-7 (0.3 nmol) + A-779 (3 nmol). IBAT temperature increased after 0.3 nmol Ang 1-7 compared with Ang 1-7 + A-779 at 20, 30, and 60 min. Also, 0.3 nmol Ang 1-7 increased IBAT temperature at 10 and 20 min, and decreased at 60 min compared with pretreatment. IBAT temperature decreased after A-779 at 60 min and after Ang 1-7 + A-779 at 30 and 60 min compared with the respective pretreatment. A-779 and Ang 1-7 + A-779 decreased core temperature at 60 min compared with 10 min. Then, we evaluated blood and tissue Ang 1-7 levels, and the expression of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) in IBAT. Male Siberian hamsters (n = 36) were killed 10 min after one of the injections. No changes were observed in blood glucose, serum and IBAT Ang 1-7 levels, and ATGL. Ang 1-7 (0.3 nmol) increased p-HSL expression compared with A-779 and increased p-HSL/HSL ration compared with other injections. Ang 1-7 and Mas receptor immunoreactive cells were found in brain regions that coincide with the sympathetic nerves outflow to BAT. In conclusion, 3V injection of Ang 1-7 induced thermogenesis in IBAT in a Mas receptor-dependent manner.