The Orphan Receptor GPR35 Contributes to Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension and Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice

BACKGROUND: The orphan receptor G protein–coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) has been associated with a range of diseases, including cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure. To assess the potential for GPR35 as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease, this study investigated the cardiovascular phenotype of a GPR35 knockout mouse under both basal conditions and following pathophysiological stimulation. METHODS: Blood pressure was monitored in male wild-type and GPR35 knockout mice over 7–14 days using implantable telemetry. Cardiac function and dimensions were assessed using echocardiography, and cardiomyocyte morphology evaluated histologically. Two weeks of angiotensin II (Ang II) infusion was used to investigate the effects of GPR35 deficiency under pathophysiological conditions. Gpr35 messenger RNA expression in cardiovascular tissues was assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in blood pressure, cardiac function, or cardiomyocyte morphology in GPR35 knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. Following Ang II infusion, GPR35 knockout mice were protected from significant increases in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure or impaired left ventricular systolic function, in contrast to wild-type mice. There were no significant differences in Gpr35 messenger RNA expression in heart, kidney, and aorta following Ang II infusion in wild-type mice. CONCLUSIONS: Although GPR35 does not appear to influence basal cardiovascular regulation, these findings demonstrate that it plays an important pathological role in the development of Ang II–induced hypertension and impaired cardiac function. This suggests that GPR35 is a potential novel drug target for therapeutic intervention in hypertension.