Pharmacological effects of MT-1207 in bilateral renal artery stenosis hypertension and its hypotensive targets validation

MT-1207 (MT) as a new antihypertensive drug is under clinical trial. However, its hypotensive mechanism has not been experimentally explored, and it is unknown whether MT can be used for bilateral renal artery stenosis hypertension. Using two-kidney two-clip (2K2C) to mimic bilateral renal artery stenosis in rats, a stroke-prone renovascular hypertension model, the present study further verified its antihypertensive effect, cardiovascular and renal protection, mortality reduction and lifespan prolongation, as well as demonstrated its two novel pharmacological effects for uric acid-lowering and cognition-improving. Notably, MT did not aggravate renal dysfunction; instead, it had beneficial effects on reducing serum uric acid level and maintaining serum K+ at a relatively stable level in 2K2C rats. In contrast, angiotensin receptor blocker losartan aggravated renal dysfunction in 2K2C rats. Mechanistically, MT hypotensive effect was dependent on its blockade of α1 and 5-HT2 receptors, since MT pretreatment abolished these receptor agonists-induced blood pressure elevations in vivo. Further evidence showed MT bound to and interacted with these receptor subtypes including α1A, α1B, α1D, 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors known for control of blood pressure. In conclusion, MT may be used for treatment of bilateral renal artery stenosis hypertension, different from losartan that is prohibited for treatment of bilateral renal artery stenosis hypertension. Targets validation of MT hypotensive mechanism and beneficial effects of MT on uric acid and cognitive function provide new insights for this novel multitarget drug, deserving clinical trial attention.