Cloning of cDNAs encoding human caldesmons

Caldesmon (CDM) is a potential actomyosin regulatory protein found in smooth muscle and nonmuscle cells. Domain mapping and physical studies suggest that CDM is an elongated molecule with an N-terminal myosin/calmodulin-binding domain and a C-terminal tropomyosin/actin/calmodulin-binding domain separated by a 40-nm-long central helix. An 1100-nucleotide (nt) cDNA probe encoding the C terminus of avian caldesmon (aCDM) was used to screen a human aorta library and clone smooth-muscle and non-muscle CDM-encoding cDNAs (CDM). The human (h) smooth-muscle hCDM is 3050-3630 nt long, having variation in length in the 3'-untranslated region. The predicted hCDM protein has a high degree of identity, greater than 90%, to aCDM in the N- and C-terminal-binding domains. The central helical domain is more variable, but retains characteristic repeated peptides and an 'i, i + 4' acidic/basic amino acid (aa) motif found in aCDM which can form intra-helical salt bridges to stabilize the central helix. The predicted smooth-muscle protein is 793 aa long (93,262 Da) with a calculated pI of 5.75. As is the case for the chicken, nonmuscle hCDM is missing the central helical domain, 256 aa overall. Our nonmuscle clone is not full length, but the C-terminal end is identical to the smooth-muscle form. If the N-terminal domain is identical, as it is in the chicken, the predicted protein is 537 aa (62,558 Da). Examination of the 'junctions' at either end of the deleted central domain gives a clear indication of the splice sites and suggests that the nonmuscle form is generated by exon skipping.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evidence for the presence of A1 and A2 adenosine receptors in the ventral aorta of the dogfish shark, Squalus acanthias

Isolated, endothelium-free rings of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) from the ventral aorta of the dogfish shark, Squalus acanthias, were used to examine the vasoactive effects of various adenosine agonists. Cumulative addition of 2-chloroadenosine (2 Cl-ADO) over the concentration range 10 nM-1 mM resulted in a biphasic response, with a significant increase in tension at 1 microM and a more significant decline in tension at 100 microM and 1 mM, suggesting that this tissue may possess both A1 and A2 adenosine receptors. N6-Cyclopentyladenosine (N-6 CPA) and N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine, R(-)isomer (R-PIA), generally considered to be more A1 specific, also produced slight, but significant increases in tension, but only at relatively high concentrations. The more specific A1 agonist, N6-(25)-[2-endo-norbonyl] adenosine [(S)-ENBA] produced a significant increase in tension at 1 pM, reaching 28% above control at 10 nM. The response to (S)-ENBA was also biphasic, with a fall in tension at 10 microM. The relatively non-specific agonist 5'-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA) produced a small, but significant, increase in tension at 1 microM, with no subsequent decline in tension at higher concentrations. These results allow us to assign a tentative structure-activity relationship (SAR) for an increase in tension of (S)-ENBA much much greater than R-PIA greater than or equal to 2-Cl ADO = N-6 CPA = NECA; for the decrease, the SAR is (S)-ENBA greater than 2-Cl ADO greater than R-PIA greater than N-6 CPA = NECA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cloned endothelium derived from autoimmune vascular disease retain structural and functional characteristics of normal endothelial cells

MRL/1pr mice demonstrate anatomic specificity in their development of vasculitis including the small- and medium-sized muscular arteries of the mesentery. To define the functional role of endothelium in vasculitis, we have cloned endothelial cells derived from inflamed small- and medium-sized arteries. Primary cells were derived by enzymatic dispersement and endothelial cells were selected by utilizing a combination of specific culture conditions. Cloned endothelium were developed utilizing limiting dilution cultures supplemented by endothelial cell growth factor. The cloned endothelial cells express many structural features of mature endothelial cells including Factor VIII-RA, non-muscle-specific actin, and Weibel-Palade bodies. Functionally, the clones express functional receptors for the scavenger pathway for LDL metabolism. The cells do not express Class I MHC antigens; however, IFN-beta and IFN-gamma stimulate Class I MHC expression after 24 h, which induces lysis of virus-infected cloned endothelium by Class I-restricted virus-primed T cells. In direct contrast to site-identical vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), endothelial cells do not spontaneously express Class II MHC antigens, nor do they secrete biologically relevant levels of IL-1 unless triggered by lipopolysaccharide. The availability of site-specific cloned endothelium along with cloned VSMCs from autoimmune mice should resolve major experimental controversies involving the pathophysiology of inflammatory vascular disease.

Characterization of a vasopressin-like peptide in rat and bovine blood vessels

The present study examined the possibility that blood vessels of the rat and cow contain arginine vasopressin (AVP) and that the vascular stores of this potent vasoconstrictor are of local, rather than blood-borne, origin. Vessels from rat or cow were homogenized in acid, and the supernatants were assayed for AVP by radioimmunoassay. AVP immunoreactivity was detected in all vessels taken from the rat including aorta, mesenteric artery, renal artery, vena cava, and renal vein, as well as atria of the heart and also in cow aorta. Blood vessels from hypophysectomized and Brattleboro rats also contained AVP at levels similar to those of intact control rats. Further characterization of this immunoreactive material showed that, in both radioimmunoassay and radioreceptor assay, vascular extracts produced competition curves, which were parallel to those of synthetic AVP. Additionally, immunoreactive AVP in aortic extracts comigrated with synthetic AVP and pituitary extract on both high-pressure liquid chromatography and Sephadex G-25 chromatography. Furthermore, intravenous administration of the aortic extract produced pressor responses in conscious rats, and these responses were significantly attenuated by pretreatment with a specific AVP V1-receptor antagonist. These data demonstrate that blood vessels contain an AVP-like peptide that appears indistinguishable from authentic AVP and further suggest that this vascular peptide is of local origin.

Caldesmon content of mammalian smooth muscles

In the present study we have used a quantitative immunoblotting method to measure the caldesmon content of a variety of smooth muscles with distinctly different contractile phenotypes. Two tonic vascular smooth muscles and several phasic smooth muscles were examined. The caldesmon, actin and myosin contents of each muscle type were measured. Smooth muscle from large arteries (i.e. bovine aorta and porcine carotid artery) had the lowest caldesmon content and phasic muscles (e.g. rat uterus and guinea pig taenia coli) had the highest. The molar ratio of monomeric caldesmon to monomeric actin was 1:205 for the aorta and carotid artery versus 1:22-28 for the taenia coli and uterus. The molar ratio of caldesmon to monomeric myosin heavy chain was 1:9 for the aorta and carotid versus 1:2 for the uterus and taenia coli. The caldesmon contents of canine trachealis and rabbit ileum were intermediate between these extremes. Evidence was found for the presence of both tissue- and species-specific caldesmon isoforms. The relatively high caldesmon content in rat uterus and guinea pig taenia coli suggests the possibility that the contractile phenotype associated with phasic smooth muscles may be dependent on the presence of caldesmon.

In situ ultrastructural characterization of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in normal rabbit aorta

We used a monoclonal antibody recognizing chondroitin sulfate (CS) to investigate by immunocytochemistry the characteristics displayed in situ by aortic proteoglycans (PG) containing CS side chains. The antibody specifically precipitated metabolically labeled PG from aortic extracts. Anti-CS specificity was also tested directly on tissue sections and was confirmed by the virtual abolition of immunolabeling on those previously digested with CS-specific enzymes. The overall CS-PG distribution assessed by light microscopy after embedding in Lowicryl KM4 by silver-enhanced immunogold recapitulated that obtained on frozen sections with immunoperoxidase. Extracellular concentrations of CS-PG were very high in the innermost regions of aorta and decreased in the media. The reaction was weak and diffuse in the adventitia. By electron microscopy, the detailed labeling of CS-PG discriminated patterns of organization at both the regional and the molecular level and enabled morphometric estimations. In relation to other components of the extracellular matrix, we found that CS-PG and elastin mutually excluded each other, while two types of CS-PG were differently associated with collagen within media or adventitia. The use of high-resolution immunodetection for the in situ characterization of aortic CS-PG could add specific information relevant to many biological processes in which these molecules have been implicated.

Evidence for multiple endothelin receptors in the guinea-pig pulmonary artery and trachea

1. The responses of the three peptides, endothelin 1 (ET-1), endothelin 2 (ET-2) and endothelin 3 (ET-3) were analysed on isolated circular segments of pulmonary arteries and trachea from the guinea-pig. 2. In the pulmonary artery, the vasomotor responses to the endothelins, expressed as the maximum contraction (Emax%), had the order ET-1 greater than ET-2 greater than ET-3 while the order of potency (pD2) was ET-1 = ET-2 greater than ET-3. ET-1 and ET-2 caused cross-desensitization, but did not affect the responses to ET-3. ET-3 did not cause cross-desensitization to ET-1 or ET-2 although it induced homologous desensitization. Finally, the effects of ET-1 and ET-2 were additive to those of ET-3. The additive effect of ET-3 to those of ET-1 or ET-2 was more difficult to demonstrate, given the profound contraction produced by ET-1 and to a lesser extent by ET-2. 3. In the trachea, the rank order of potency, additivity and desensitization were different from the pulmonary artery. Basically, all three peptides were equipotent but less potent than ET-1 in the artery. There was no evidence for additivity and only a slight tendency to tachyphylaxis was seen. 4. The guinea-pig pulmonary artery appears to be endowed with one receptor type which is sensitive to ET-1/ET-2 and with another receptor type which responds preferentially to ET-3. In the trachea, neither of these receptors appears to be present since all three peptides apparently act on a homogeneous population of receptors with characteristics different from those of the two arterial receptors. This suggests a third non-isopeptide selective type of endothelin receptor.

Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin in the developing kidney vasculature

To determine whether alpha-smooth muscle (alpha-SM) isoactin is expressed in the maturing kidney as well as the changes associated with maturation, we processed for immunocytochemistry kidney sections from Wistar-Kyoto rats at various prenatal (15, 17, 19, and 20 days) and postnatal (2, 5, 10, 15, and 90 days) ages using a monoclonal anti-alpha-SM actin antibody. At 15 days of gestation, only a few mesenchymal cells contained alpha-SM actin. However, other fetal vasculature structures (heart, aorta, peripheral blood vessels) expressed alpha-SM actin. Vascular localization was first observed at 17 days of gestation in larger corticomedullary vessels. As maturation progressed, actin expression accompanied the outward growth and branching of the kidney vasculature. During fetal life (17 days), alpha-SM actin also was expressed within juxtamedullary glomeruli. As the centrifugal maturation of nephrons proceeded, intraglomerular expression extended to outer cortical glomeruli. After 10 days of postnatal life, once glomerular development was completed, intraglomerular expression was no longer present. Peritubular capillaries expressed alpha-SM actin during early (fetal and neonatal) development, but not in the adult kidney. We conclude that 1) expression of alpha-SM actin in the developing kidney is delayed with respect to other vascular beds, 2) expression of alpha-SM actin follows the centrifugal pattern of nephrovascular development, and 3) glomerular and peritubular capillary expression of alpha-SM actin is a transient developmental phenomenon associated with active glomerulogenesis and capillary growth.

Altered signal transduction in vascular smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The hypothesis that signal transduction mediated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and angiotensin II (Ang II) is altered in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells from the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) was tested by measuring changes in the cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). [Ca2+]i was measured in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells from SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats using fura-2 as a calcium indicator and a microscopic digital image analysis system. Activation of cells with Ang II resulted in a prompt though transient rise in [Ca2+]i; the maximum increase was observed after 10-30-second intervals. On the other hand, activation of cells with PDGF BB produced an increase in [Ca2+]i with a 40-60-second lag period; the maximum increase was observed 2-4 minutes after the addition of PDGF. PDGF-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i were markedly inhibited by the addition of the calcium channel antagonist verapamil (100 microM) as well as by removal of calcium from the extracellular bathing medium. However, Ang II-stimulated [Ca2+]i was not significantly affected by the addition of verapamil or by removal of extracellular calcium. These results would indicate that PDGF-mediated increases in [Ca2+]i in VSM cells are predominantly via Ca2+ influx, whereas Ang II-mediated increases are due to calcium release from intracellular pools. Basal and PDGF- and Ang II-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i were significantly greater (p less than 0.05) in SHR VSM cells compared with WKY cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Digital imaging microscopy for intracellular Ca2+ in cultured single rat vascular smooth muscle cells using fluorescent Ca2+ indicator "fura-2"]

We presented the principle and methodology of digital imaging microscopy for intracellular Ca2+ in cultured single vascular smooth muscle cells of the rat using fluorescent Ca2+ indicator "fura-2". The methods seemed useful for studying the physiological and pathological phenomena in a single smooth muscle cell. Analysis of the spatial and temporal dynamics of intracellular Ca2+ might be crucial for studying the active sites of vasoactive or anesthetic drugs in a vascular smooth muscle cell as well as for understanding pathophysiology of the arterial spasm.

Does Ca2+ release by acetylcholine enhance the synthesis of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in smooth muscle of the porcine coronary artery?

A possible role was investigated of the Ca2+ released by acetylcholine (ACh) in the ACh-induced synthesis of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) in smooth muscle of the porcine coronary artery. In Ca(2+)-free solution, 10 microM ACh transiently increased the cellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and Ins(1,4,5)P3. Divalent cation ionophores abolished the increase in [Ca2+]i but not the synthesis of Ins(1,4,5)P3 induced by subsequent application of 10 microM ACh in Ca(2+)-free solution, suggesting that the Ca2+ released by Ins(1,4,5)P3 following application of ACh does not act to accelerate the ACh-induced synthesis of Ins(1,4,5)P3 in smooth muscle of the porcine coronary artery.

Non-muscle myosin isoforms and cell heterogeneity in developing rabbit vascular smooth muscle

A panel of monoclonal antibodies specific for cytoskeletal and cytocontractile protein markers has been used to study the expression of vimentin, desmin and alpha-smooth muscle (SM) actin, as well as non-muscle (NM) and SM myosin isoforms, in developing rabbit aorta. Immunofluorescence experiments show that in the vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC): (1) vimentin and alpha-actin of SM-type are homogeneously expressed among SMC, since the early stage (day 19, in uterus) of development; (2) desmin is heterogeneously distributed throughout all the developmental stages examined (from day 19, foetal, to day 90, post-natal); and (3) myosin isoform content in pre- and post-natal vascular SM is different when analyzed by anti-SM myosin (SM-E7) and anti-NM myosin (NM-F6, NM-A9 and NM-G2) antibodies. SM myosin in vascular SM is present as early as day 19 in uterus, being especially evident in the region facing the lumen of aortic wall, but not in the outermost layer in which NM myosin is present exclusively. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays indicate that the foetal aortic SM is specifically labeled by all the three anti-NM myosin antibodies. However, immunoreactivity of aortic SM with NM-F6 and NM-A9 disappears completely around birth. Conversely, NM-G2 binding is maintained during post-natal development up to day 45; between day 45 and day 90 immunoreactivity of aortic SMC with this antibody diminished progressively, without disappearing, in a small number of cells. In aortic SMC cultures from foetal and adult rabbits, NM myosin immunoreactivities appear to be differently distributed, i.e. according to the stress fiber system (NM-F6 and NM-G2), in a diffuse manner (NM-A9) or mainly localized at the level of the cortical cytoplasm (NM-G2). The fact that a different pattern of NM myosin antigenicity can also be shown in other cell types, such as in the endothelium and the cardiac pericytes as well as in the renal parenchyma, is consistent with the existence of multiple NM myosin in vascular SM isoforms whose expression is developmentally regulated.

An electron-microscopic study of smooth muscle cell dye coupling in the pig coronary arteries. Role of gap junctions

Arterial smooth muscles behave like a syncytium, since they are electrically coupled. It is generally assumed that electrical coupling and dye coupling are mediated by gap junctions. No gap junctions could be detected by transmission electron microscopy in media of coronary arteries. We looked for the presence of gap junction protein in vascular smooth muscle by immunohistochemistry with light microscopy. Immunohistologically detectable connexin is expressed by smooth muscle cells of the media of pig coronary arteries, where staining occurs as a discrete punctation. We investigated the dye coupling in strips of pig coronary artery. The fluorescent dye lucifer yellow was microiontophoretically injected into a smooth muscle cell through an intracellular microelectrode. The dye was visualized on the entire strip, then on semithin sections with a fluorescence microscope, and at the ultrastructural level by using an anti-lucifer yellow antibody revealed by the protein A-gold technique. In all the tissues examined, the cells were dye-coupled. We conclude that in arterial media the smooth muscle cells are dye-coupled, despite the absence of detectable gap junctions by transmission electron microscopy, and suggest that dye coupling could occur via isolated gap junction channels.

Association of glycosphingolipids with intermediate filaments of mesenchymal, epithelial, glial, and muscle cells

We reported recently that two glycosphingolipids (GSLs), globoside (Gb4) and ganglioside GM3, colocalized with vimentin intermediate filaments of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. To determine whether this association is unique to endothelial cells or to vimentin, we analyzed a variety of cell types. Double-label immunofluorescent staining of fixed, permeabilized cells, with and without colcemid treatment, was performed with antibodies against glycolipids and intermediate filaments. Globoside colocalized with vimentin in human and mouse fibroblasts, with desmin in smooth muscle cells, with keratin in keratinocytes and hepatoma cells, and with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in glial cells. Globoside colocalization was detected only with vimentin in MDCK and HeLa cells, which contain separate vimentin and keratin networks. GM3 ganglioside also colocalized with vimentin in human fibroblasts. Association of other GSLs with intermediate filaments was not detected by immunofluorescence, but all cell GSLs were detected in cytoskeletal fractions of metabolically labelled endothelial cells. These observations indicate that globoside colocalizes with vimentin, desmin, kertain and GFAP, with a preference for vimentin in cells that contain both vimentin and keratin networks. The nature of the association is not yet known. Globoside and GM3 may be present in vesicles associated with intermediate filaments (IF), or bound directly to IF or IF associated proteins. The prevalence of this association suggests that colocalization of globoside with the intermediate filament network has functional significance. We are investigating the possibility that intermediate filaments participate in the intracellular transport and sorting of glycosphingolipids.

Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan of arterial smooth muscle cells

Cell surface proteoglycans of aortic smooth muscle cells of atherosclerosis-susceptible White Carneau (WC) and atherosclerosis-resistant Show Racer (SR) pigeons were compared to determine differences that may be involved in the greater proliferative properties of cultured WC cells. Using [35S]-sodium sulfate and [3H]-glucosamine as labeling precursors, chondroitin sulfate-proteoglycan (CS-PG) and heparin sulfate-proteoglycan (HS-PG) were identified as distinct molecules associated with the plasma membrane. Heparan sulfate-proteoglycan was reduced up to 50% in WC compared with SR cells, and, based on interaction with ion-exchange resin, had a lower charge density. These differences were not observed for the CS-PG from the two cell types. The mode of association of the cell surface PG with the plasma membrane was examined. Dissociation with 1 mol/l (molar) sodium chloride indicated that less than 10% of total cell surface PG were ironically associated with the cells. The remainder required detergent extraction, suggesting hydrophobic interactions with the plasma membrane. Both CS-PG and HS-PG displayed affinity for octyl sepharose and both were identified in isolated plasma membranes. These data present the first description of a hydrophobic CS-PG that is a significant and distinct cell-associated PG in arterial smooth muscle cells. The observation of decreased and structurally altered HS-PG in WC compared with SR cells is consistent with a potential growth regulatory function for this molecule.

Localization of the DMDL gene-encoded dystrophin-related protein using a panel of nineteen monoclonal antibodies: presence at neuromuscular junctions, in the sarcolemma of dystrophic skeletal muscle, in vascular and other smooth muscles, and in proliferating brain cell lines

mAbs have been raised against different epitopes on the protein product of the DMDL gene, which is an autosomal homologue of the X-linked DMD gene for dystrophin. These antibodies provide direct evidence that DMDL protein is localized near acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junctions in normal and mdx mouse intercostal muscle. The primary location in tissues other than skeletal muscle is smooth muscle, especially in the vascular system, which may account for the wide tissue distribution previously demonstrated by Western blotting. The DMDL protein was undetectable in the nonjunctional sarcolemma of normal human muscle, but was observed in nonjunctional sarcolemma of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients, where dystrophin itself is absent or greatly reduced. The expression of DMDL protein is not restricted to smooth and skeletal muscle, however, since relatively large amounts are present in transformed brain cell lines of both glial and Schwann cell origin. This contrasts with the low levels of DMDL protein in adult brain tissue.

Abundant expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein in primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells accompanies serum-induced proliferation

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), which is responsible for producing hypercalcemia in patients with humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy, has recently been identified in several normal tissues. Because PTHrP, like parathyroid hormone (PTH), is known to exhibit vasodilatory properties, we investigated the expression and regulation of PTHrP mRNA in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC). We report here that PTHrP mRNA is expressed in SMC and is markedly induced by serum in a time- and concentration-dependent fashion. Addition of 10% fetal calf serum to serum-deprived, confluent cells, resulted in a marked induction of PTHrP mRNA by 2 h with a peak at 4-6 h. PTHrP was detected in SMC by immunocytochemistry and radioimmunoassay of conditioned medium, and was shown to be up-regulated within 24 h after the addition of serum. The serum induction of PTHrP mRNA was blocked by actinomycin D and by cycloheximide indicating the need for protein synthesis to evoke the serum effect on PTHrP gene transcription. In addition, treatment with dexamethasone, which has been previously shown to reduce the constitutive expression of PTHrP in human cancer cells, also blunted the serum induction of PTHrP mRNA in SMC. Treatment of quiescent cells with the serum mitogens platelet-derived growth factor or insulin-like growth factor-I had no effect on PTHrP, whereas the vasoactive peptides endothelin, norepinephrine and thrombin stimulated PTHrP expression. Exogenous addition of recombinant PTHrP-(1-141) had no significant effect on SMC DNA synthesis as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. In summary, the abundance of PTHrP mRNA and the characteristics of its regulation in SMC suggest a major role for PTHrP as a local modulator in vascular smooth muscle.

Cholesterol enrichment increases basal and agonist-stimulated calcium influx in rat vascular smooth muscle cells

The effect of cholesterol enrichment on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcium homeostasis was studied by evaluating calcium uptake, efflux, and intracellular content in cultured VSMC derived from the rat pulmonary artery. Incubation of VSMC with liposomes consisting of free cholesterol (FC) and phospholipid (2:1 molar ratio, 1 mg FC/ml medium) for 24 h resulted in a 69 +/- 19% increase (P less than 0.01; n = 10) in FC which was associated with a 73 +/- 11% increase (P less than 0.005; n = 10) in intracellular calcium content as assessed by isotopic equilibrium with 45Ca2+ and a 65 +/- 11% increase (P less than 0.024; n = 3) as assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Cholesterol enrichment caused a marked increase in the unidirectional calcium uptake rate from 0.026 +/- 0.03 to 0.158 +/- 0.022 nmol calcium/s per mg protein (P less than 0.01; n = 3), but had no effect on calcium efflux. Nifedipine (1 microM) reduced (P less than 0.05; n = 6) the effect of cholesterol enrichment on unidirectional calcium uptake by 78 +/- 16%; and verapamil (10 microM), diltiazem (1 microM), and nifedipine (1 microM) each significantly inhibited the effect of cholesterol enrichment on intracellular calcium accumulation. Exposure of cholesterol-enriched VSMC to cholesterol-poor liposomes for 24 h returned both FC and calcium contents to control levels. Serum- and serotonin-stimulated calcium uptakes were potentiated 3.7- and 1.7-fold, respectively, in cholesterol-enriched VSMC, whereas endothelin, vasopressin, and thrombin-stimulated calcium uptakes were not affected. We conclude that VSMC FC content plays a role in regulating cellular calcium homeostasis, both under basal conditions and in response to selected agonists.

Impaired elastin fiber assembly related to reduced 67-kD elastin-binding protein in fetal lamb ductus arteriosus and in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells treated with chondroitin sulfate

In the fetal ductus arteriosus (DA) disruption in the assembly of elastin fibers is associated with intimal thickening and we previously reported that fetal lamb DA smooth muscle cells incubated with endothelial conditioned medium produce two-fold more chondroitin sulfate (CS) compared with aorta (Ao) cells (Boudreau, N., and M. Rabinovitch. 1991. Lab. Invest. 64:187-199). We hypothesized that CS or dermatan sulfate (DS), both N-acetylgalactosamine glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), may be similar to free galactosugars in causing release of the 67-kD elastin binding protein (EBP) from the smooth muscle cell surfaces and impaired elastin fiber assembly. Using immunohistochemistry, immunoelectron microscopy, and western immunoblot we demonstrated a reduction in the 67-kD EBP in fetal lamb DA smooth muscle in tissue and in cultured cells. Also, reduced EBP was observed in fetal lamb and neonatal rat Ao smooth muscle cells incubated with N-acetylgalactosamine GAGs, CS, and DS, but not with N-acetylglucosamine containing GAGs, heparan sulfate (HS), or hyaluronan. Reduction in EBP was related to shedding from cell surfaces into the conditioned medium. This was associated with impaired elastin fiber assembly in cultured cells, assessed both morphologically and by a relative increase in tropoelastin and decrease in desmosines. The EBP extracted from smooth muscle cell membranes binds to an elastin affinity gel and can be eluted from it with CS but not with HS. Moreover, the amount of EBP extractable from smooth muscle cell membranes correlated with the morphologic assessment. We propose that increased CS or DS, may impair assembly of newly synthesized elastin in the media of the ductus arteriosus associated with the development of intimal thickening.

Downregulation of glomerular and vascular atrial natriuretic factor receptor subtypes by angiotensin II

We have previously reported that pressor doses of angiotensin II induce atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) release. Since the number of glomerular and vascular ANF receptors may vary inversely with plasma ANF levels, we investigated whether they are modified by angiotensin II. Male rats were infused intraperitoneally for 7 days with either a non-pressor (200 ng/kg per min) or a pressor (800 ng/kg per min) dose of angiotensin II. Sham-infused animals served as controls. Blood pressure and plasma C- and N-terminal ANF were higher, and atrial ANF concentrations lower, in pressor than in either non-pressor or sham-infused groups. Glomerular ANF receptor density was lower in pressor than in either non-pressor or sham-infused animals. The production of cyclic guanosine monophosphate by isolated glomeruli was significantly lower in pressor than in either non-pressor or sham-infused groups. Vascular ANF receptor density was lower in pressor than in either sham-infused or non-pressor rats. No difference in affinity was observed in any group for either glomerular or vascular ANF receptors. Neither the density nor the affinity of glomerular and vascular ANF receptors were affected by prior washing of the membranes with an acid solution (pH 5.0). Irreversible cross-linking of 125I-ANF followed by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in reducing conditions and autoradiography demonstrated that both high- and low-molecular weight receptors were downregulated in glomerular membranes, but only the low-molecular weight receptor was reduced in vascular membranes after a high-dose infusion of angiotensin II. We conclude that angiotensin II induces a true downregulation of its glomerular and vascular receptor subtypes, probably by increasing plasma ANF levels. A direct or indirect effect of angiotensin II on ANF receptor regulation cannot be eliminated, however.

Immunofluorescent study of heterogeneity in smooth muscle cells of human fetal vessels using antibodies to myosin, desmin, and vimentin

Immunofluorescence-microscopy was applied to study the distribution of desmin, vimentin, and smooth muscle myosin in smooth muscle of human fetal vessels. Serial cryostat sections of the vessels examined all reacted positively with myosin and vimentin antibodies. However, heterogeneous staining of the vessels with desmin antibodies was observed. Thus, 2 types of smooth muscle staining were documented--desmin-negative and desmin-positive. Elastic and muscular arteries of the fetus (aorta, femoral and branchial artery) were desmin-negative while femoral and branchial veins were desmin-positive. In umbilical cord arteries and veins, the distribution of desmin-positive cells was largely localized to the outer layer of media, but not to the inner layer. In placenta, both desmin-positive and desmin-negative vessels were also revealed. Thus, differences in desmin expression by human vascular smooth muscle cells already exists during early stages of ontogeny.

Androgen receptor localization in different cell types of the adult rat prostate

To better understand direct and indirect androgen action on rat prostatic growth and function, the various cell populations within the intact adult ventral, dorsal, and lateral prostate lobes were characterized for the presence or absence of androgen receptor (AR). Polyclonal rabbit antibodies raised against amino acids 1-21 of the rat AR (PG-21) were used in combination with a library of monoclonal antibodies directed against cell-specific antigens for positive cellular identification. Luminal epithelial cells were strongly AR positive, with an order of ventral greater than lateral greater than or equal to dorsal. In the lateral lobe, staining intensity was strongest in the peripheral regions, whereas a similar gradient was not apparent in the ventral and dorsal prostate. Basal epithelial cells were AR negative in all regions of the three lobes. Periacinar smooth muscle was strongly positive for AR, and this staining did not vary with the thickness of the muscle layer. Endothelial cells of the vasculature were AR negative, while the perivascular smooth muscle cells were AR positive. The majority of stromal fibroblasts were AR negative, although a number of AR-positive fibroblastic-appearing cells were observed within the ventral and dorsal lobes. Staining with ED2, a specific marker for tissue macrophages, revealed that fixed macrophages were present in significant quantities in the stroma of intact rat prostate lobes. Since these were frequently identified as AR positive, macrophages may partially account for the appearance of AR-positive stromal cells. Thus, the present findings indicate a complex pattern of AR expression among different cell types of the three prostate lobes. Cells types that express AR can potentially be considered as direct targets of androgen action, whereas those lacking AR should be considered as indirect targets or androgen-insensitive cells.

Characterization of the solubilized charybdotoxin receptor from bovine aortic smooth muscle

Monoiodotyrosine ([125I]ChTX) binds with high affinity to a single class of receptors present in bovine aortic smooth muscle sarcolemmal membranes that are functionally associated with the high-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channel [maxi-K channel; Vázquez, J., et al. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 265, 20902-20909]. Cross-linking experiments carried out with this preparation in the presence of [125I]ChTX and disuccinimidyl suberate indicate specific incorporation of radioactivity into a protein of Mr 35,000. The smooth muscle ChTX receptor can be solubilized in active form in the presence of selected detergents. Treatment of membranes with digitonin releases about 50% of the ChTX binding sites. The solubilized receptor retains the same biochemical and pharmacological properties that are characteristic of toxin interaction with membrane-bound receptors. The solubilized receptor binds specifically to wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose resin, suggesting that it is a glycoprotein. Functional ChTX binding sites can also be solubilized in 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylamino]-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPS). Sucrose density gradient centrifugation of either digitonin or CHAPS extracts indicates that the ChTX receptor has a high apparent sedimentation coefficient (s20,w = 23 and 18 S, respectively). Cross-linking experiments indicate that the appearance of the 35-kDa membrane protein correlates with ChTX binding activity after both wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose and sucrose density gradient centrifugation steps. Given the high apparent sedimentation coefficient of the ChTX receptor, the 35-kDa membrane protein may be a subunit of a higher molecular weight complex which forms the maxi-K channel in smooth muscle sarcolemma.

Circulating and tissue endothelin immunoreactivity in advanced atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is characterized by endothelial injury and the proliferation of arterial smooth-muscle cells. The latter may be a result of the release of growth factors from the vessel wall; such growth factors may include an endothelium-derived vasoconstrictor for peptide with mitogenic properties. We tested the hypothesis that plasma endothelin concentrations are elevated in persons with symptomatic atherosclerosis, independently of age.

METHODS

We measured plasma endothelin levels in 100 normal subjects and in 40 patients with atherosclerosis predominantly of the following types: aortic and peripheral vascular disease (14 patients), renovascular disease (9 patients) coronary artery disease (9 patients), and carotid disease (8 patients). We also performed immunohistochemical staining for endothelin in the walls of atherosclerotic vessels.

RESULTS

In the normal subjects, the mean (+/- SD) plasma endothelin concentration was 1.4 +/- 0.2 pmol per liter, with no correlation between age and plasma endothelin concentration (r = 0.13, P = 0.2). In the patients with symptomatic atherosclerosis, the mean plasma endothelin concentration was 3.2 +/- 1.2 pmol per liter (P less than 0.001), and there was a significant correlation between plasma endothelin and the number of sites of disease involvement (r = 0.89, P less than 0.001). In the immunohistochemical studies, endothelin-1-like immunoreactivity was observed in vascular smooth muscle as well as in endothelial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Endothelin may be a marker for arterial vascular disease. Whether it participates in the atherogenic process or is merely released from damaged endothelial cells is unclear.

Small GTP-binding proteins in bovine aortic smooth muscle

In bovine aortic smooth muscle, GTP-binding activity was equally distributed in the membrane and cytosol fractions. The most abundant GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) in each fraction were purified to near homogeneity and characterized. The most abundant G protein in the membrane fraction had a Mr value of about 22,000 (m22K G) as estimated on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacryl-amide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). m22K G and the human platelet smg p21, a ras p21 like G protein having the same effector domain as ras p21s, were eluted at the same retention time on C4 reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Moreover, m22K G was specifically recognized by an anti-smg p21 polyclonal antibody. m22K G was phosphorylated by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase with a stoichiometry of one phosphate/molecule of protein. The most abundant G protein in the cytosol fraction had a Mr value of about 21,000 (c21K G) as estimated on SDS-PAGE. c21K G was ADP-ribosylated by botulinum ADP-ribosyltransferase and about 0.4 mol of ADP-ribose was maximally incorporated into 1 mol of c21K G. c21K G and the bovine brain rhoA p21, another ras p21 like G protein, were eluted at the same retention time on C4 reversed-phase HPLC and migrated at the same position on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. These results indicate that the major G proteins in the membrane and cytosol fractions of bovine aortic smooth muscle are smg p21 and rhoA p21, respectively. Possible roles of these G proteins in vascular smooth muscle are discussed.

A 90-kDa surface antigen of immature smooth muscle cells is ICAM-1

A monoclonal antibody, designated 10F3, that reacts with an antigen of molecular mass 90,000 Da has been developed by immunization of BALB/c mice with smooth muscle cells in long-term culture. The cells were originally isolated from fetal human aorta. The 10F3 was identified as an antibody that reacts with the ICAM-1 molecule. ICAM-1 is a mesenchymal antigen that is lost during differentiation of cells other than endothelium but is reexpressed by the intimal cells of vessels involved in atherogenesis.

Phenotypic features of smooth muscle cells during the evolution of experimental carotid artery intimal thickening. Biochemical and morphologic studies

Balloon catheter denudation of rat carotid artery that results in significant medial damage is followed by marked intimal smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation associated with limited endothelial regrowth. In this report we demonstrate that: (a) SMC of the carotid media, preceding their intimal proliferation, develop a cytoskeletal profile and morphology consistent with a de-differentiated SMC phenotype; and (b) both medial and intimal SMC subsequently revert to a cytoskeletal profile and morphology reflecting incomplete but significant re-differentiation toward normal SMC phenotype. Specifically, early after balloon injury, SMC of the media and those that have migrated into the intima contain decreased amounts of actin, desmin, and tropomyosin and increased amounts of vimentin; moreover, beta-actin becomes the dominant actin isoform, whereas alpha-actin decreases as compared with that found in normal medial SMC. Late after balloon injury, actin is still less abundant, however, desmin, tropomyosin, and vimentin return toward normal values and both medial and intimal SMC again show a predominance of alpha-actin, although the endothelium does not regenerate over the central surface of intimal thickening in this model. The SMC surface to volume ratio significantly decreases early after balloon injury, whereas it is not significantly different late after balloon injury as compared with that of SMC of the normal carotid media. We demonstrate, furthermore that: (c) adjacent luminal SMC are interconnected by gap junctions and develop focal tight junctions, a feature not reported previously to occur in smooth muscle; these cells however do not form any well defined membrane specialization with the leading edge of endothelium, supporting the view that presence of modified SMC on the luminal surface of chronically denuded vessels is not responsible for the cessation of endothelial regrowth.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in human atheromatous plaques

Monocytes appear to be central to atherogenesis both as the progenitors of foam cells and as a potential source of growth factors mediating intimal hyperplasia, but the chemical messages which stimulate the influx of monocytes into human atheroma remain unknown. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a recently described molecule with powerful monocyte chemotactic activity expressed by monocytes, vascular endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells in culture. To begin to address the role of MCP-1 in vivo, we examined 10 normal arteries and 14 diseased human arteries for MCP-1 expression by in situ hybridization. MCP-1 mRNA was detected in 16% of 10,768 cells counted in human carotid endarterectomy specimens with highest expression seen in organizing thrombi (33%) and in macrophage rich areas bordering the necrotic lipid core (24%) as compared to the fibrous cap (8%) and the necrotic lipid core itself (5%). Based on immunohistochemical staining of serial sections and on cell morphology, MCP-1 mRNA appeared to be expressed by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), mesenchymal appearing intimal cells (MICs), and macrophages. By contrast, few cells expressing MCP-1 mRNA were found in normal arteries (less than 0.1%). These data suggest a potential role for MCP-1 in mediating monocytic infiltration of the artery wall.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) co-exists with tyrosine hydroxylase and potentiates the adrenergic contractile response of vascular smooth muscle in the human uterine artery

The human uterine artery was studied by immunocytochemistry and in vitro pharmacology. Nerve fibres containing immunoreactivity for neuropeptide Y (NPY) were encountered in the media, adventitia, smooth muscle layers and surrounding the vasa vasorum. Approximately 50% of the nerve fibres containing NPY also stored immunoreactivity for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and TH activity was found in no other fibres. Noradrenaline (NA) contracted the isolated uterine artery in a concentration dependent manner. The presence of increasing doses of NPY shifted the concentration-response curve for NA to the left. Consequently the pD2-values were increased indicating a potentiation of the adrenergic effects induced by NPY. The results demonstrate the existence of NPY in adrenergic nerve fibres surrounding the human uterine artery. A close co-operation between NPY and NA in the neuronal control of smooth muscle is suggested.

Identification of a 17-kDa protein associated with the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor in vascular and other smooth muscle types

The existence of the peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) in vascular smooth muscle has been demonstrated in this laboratory. The present study utilized the photoaffinity ligand [3H]PK14105 to identify the protein subunit in rat aortic and other smooth muscle types to which high affinity ligands for the PBR bind. [3H]PK14105 bound to mitochondrial fractions isolated from rat aortic smooth muscle with high affinity (Kd = 7.0 +/- 0.5 nM) and high density (Bmax = 10.1 +/- 1.5 pmol/mg protein). The rank order of potency of a series of PBR ligands displacing the binding was PK11195 approximately equal to Ro5-4864 greater than protoporphyrin IX greater than flunitrazepam greater than diazepam much greater than clonazepam. [3H]PK14105 bound with comparable affinity and density to mitochondria isolated from rat myometrium and gastric smooth muscle as well. With ultraviolet irradiation, [3H]PK14105 specifically labeled a single protein of approximately 17 kDa in all three smooth muscle types examined. This protein was identical in size to that identified by [3H]PK14105 in rat adrenal gland. In adrenal gland an additional, minor protein of approximately 43 kDa was also specifically labeled by [3H]PK14105. Utilizing a probe designed from the known nucleotide sequence of the PBR in rat adrenal gland, an mRNA transcript of approximately 0.8 kilobases in size was identified in rat aortic smooth muscle by Northern blot analysis. These data indicate that a protein subunit of approximately 17 kDa comprises, at least in part, the PBR not only in vascular smooth muscle, but also in other smooth muscle types and adrenal gland as well.

Kinetic studies on stereospecific recognition by the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor of the antagonist, S-145

1. The mechanism for the stereospecific recognition of the antagonist S-145 by the thromboxane A2 (TXA2)/prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) receptor was examined by ligand-binding techniques in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and in human platelet membranes. 2. Scatchard analysis revealed the existence of a single class of binding sites with the same maximum number for both [3H]-(+)-S-145 and [3H]-(-)-S-145 in both cell types. The dissociation constants (Kd) for the binding of the (+)-isomer in rat VSMCs and human platelet membranes were, respectively, 0.40 +/- 0.03 and 0.20 +/- 0.02 nM, each value being lower than that for the (-)-isomer (3.57 +/- 0.74 and 2.87 +/- 0.08 nM, respectively). 3. The rank orders of potency (Ki) for a series of TXA2/PGH2 ligands at inhibiting [3H]-(+)-S-145 binding were highly correlated with those determined for [3H]-(-)-S-145 binding in both cell preparations. 4. Kinetic analysis of the binding of both radioligands revealed a much lower dissociation rate constant (k-1) and a slightly greater association rate constant (k1) for the (+)-isomer compared to those for the (-)-isomer. 5. These results suggest that it is at the stage of dissociation from the TXA2/PGH2 receptor that the stereochemistry of the optical isomers of S-145 confers their difference in affinity for these receptors in rat VSMCs and human platelet membranes.

[Phenotype changes in smooth muscle cells of human coronary arteries during aging and during development of atherosclerosis]

The ultrastructure and the expression of cytoskeletal and contractile proteins were studied in the intimal cells of human coronary arteries (CA) taken at autopsy from 38 trauma victims aged 1 to 70 years. All intimal smooth muscle cells (SMC) of the CA from 2-4-year old children contained desmin, vimentin, myosin, and actin. In the normal intima of adolescents aged 14-16 years, only did some SMC contain desmin whereas in that of adults, they had no desmin, but expressed all other proteins. For example, some atherosclerotic plaques of CA exhibited desmin-positive SMC and smooth muscle myosin-free cells. The ultrastructure of SMC of atherosclerotic plaques showed profound polymorphism. In addition to typical SMC, the plaques displayed modified cells having a developed endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. The fact that the atherosclerotic plaques have cells differing in ultrastructural features and protein expression, which is specific to an earlier period of the body development suggests phenotypic changes in the cells and the latter acquiring new functions that are of great significance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Increased collagen gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells cultured in serum or isoleucine deprived medium

The relationship between type I and type III collagen gene expression and the growth state of cultured bovine vascular smooth muscle cells has been investigated. Growth was modulated by incubation of subconfluent cultures of smooth muscle cells in media containing concentrations of fetal calf serum ranging from 10% to 0.5%. As the serum concentration was lowered, the doubling time increased from 17 hours to 70 hours, and collagen mRNA levels increased as judged by Northern blot analysis. The levels of induction were 5- to 15-fold for alpha 1(I), 2- to 3-fold for alpha 2(I), and 4- to 7-fold for alpha 1(III). Metabolic cell labelling with precursor amino acids indicated that type I and type III procollagen synthesis was elevated approximately 2-fold as growth slowed. A similar 2-fold increase occurred upon translation of isolated RNAs in a rabbit reticulocyte cell-free system. Nuclear run-on analysis indicated that increased collagen transcription can account for part of the increase in mRNA levels following incubation in lowered fetal calf serum. To further examine the influence of proliferation on collagen gene expression, smooth muscle cells were cultured in isoleucine-free medium, which resulted in quiescence within 36 hours. Induction of collagen mRNA levels was observed within 24 hours of incubation in isoleucine-free medium. Thus, collagen gene expression increases as the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells is slowed by either deprivation of growth factors or essential amino acids. Regulation is mediated at several sites, including gene transcription and mRNA translation, and possibly post-transcriptional steps.

Persistence of an embryonic intermediate filament-associated protein in the smooth muscle cells of elastic arteries and in Purkinje fibres

During differentiation of most myogenic tissues, vimentin is transiently expressed as the intermediate filament (IF) protein subunit and is progressively replaced by desmin. However, smooth muscle cells of mature vascular tissue contain variable amounts of vimentin whose cellular content decreases as function of the distance from the heart. IFAPa-400 is a developmentally regulated IF crosslinker protein whose expression appears to parallel that of vimentin during chick myogenesis. Immunohistological and immunoblot techniques were employed to study the expression of this protein in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells of the adult chicken. As observed for vimentin, the expression of IFAPa-400 persists in the mature smooth muscle cells of the large arteries as they leave the heart. However, both of these proteins are down-regulated according to a proximo-distal gradient with respect to the distance from the heart. Conversely, desmin is much more abundant in the distal segments of the aorta. Thus, the co-ordinate expression of vimentin with IFAPa-400 may be a characteristic feature of elastic vascular tissue in which it could meet mechanical requirements close to those of the embryonic cells expressing them. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that the single cell type which continues to express the vimentin-IFAPa-400 combination in the mature heart is the Purkinje fibres, which are also subjected to high mechanical tensions but in which myofibrils are generally sparse compared to working myocytes.

Analytical procedures for a cryptic messenger RNA that mediates translational control of prostaglandin synthase by glucocorticoids

Expression of the enzyme prostaglandin H synthase in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells required epidermal growth factor (EGF) and type beta transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) and was inhibited by cycloheximide but not actinomycin D. Preincubation with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (0.5 microM) blocked the EGF-induced expression of prostaglandin H (PGH) synthase. Following dexamethasone addition, levels of hybridizable mRNA for PG synthase were reduced by over 90% within 1 h. After dexamethasone was removed, PG synthase mRNA recovered within 3 h by a process that was not inhibited by actinomycin D. These observations, together with other findings, suggested that the mRNA was being converted into some nonextractable and nontranslated form, probably by binding of a glucocorticoid-induced protein to the conserved 3' untranslated region. In order to investigate further the nature of this phenomenon, seven different literature procedures were evaluated for extracting and determining the PG synthase mRNA. Five of the seven procedures failed to detect hybridizable PG synthase mRNA in glucocorticoid-treated cells. Two procedures, however, recovered mRNA in both glucocorticoid-treated and control cells. A comparison of the protocols indicated that only those methods that incorporate a cationic detergent (sodium N-lauroylsarcosine), instead of anionic detergents in the lysis or homogenization buffers, successfully extract the glucocorticoid-suppressed PG synthase mRNA. Based upon these results two procedures are described, one that optimizes the extraction and determination of the glucocorticoid-suppressed (cryptic) form of the mRNA, and another which optimizes the analysis of normal mRNA without extracting the cryptic form. The results indicate that translational control of PG synthase by glucocorticoids is regulated by converting the mRNA into a cryptic form that is more firmly tissue bound than normal mRNA.

1,2-diacylglycerol content and its fatty acid composition in thoracic aorta of diabetic rats

These experiments were conducted to determine 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) in the thoracic aorta obtained from streptozocin-induced diabetic rats because 1,2-DAG is assumed to be a second messenger associated with phosphoinositide metabolism. After preincubation for a 25-min stabilization, 1,2-DAG content in isolated thoracic aortas 4 and 8 wk after streptozocin injection was significantly decreased by 42 and 31%, respectively, compared with age-matched control rats on 10-min norepinephrine stimulation (10(-5) M). However, 4 wk of daily insulin injection after 4 wk of untreated diabetes significantly shifted 1,2-DAG toward normal levels. Analysis of its fatty acid composition showed a significant difference between control and diabetic rat aortas at both 4 and 8 wk. In particular, the percentage of arachidonate, a precursor of eicosanoids, decreased. Such alteration in the fatty acid profile in diabetic rat aortas was inhibited by insulin treatment. 1,2-DAG content in the 8-wk diabetic group was also significantly decreased by 33% compared with control in the absence of norepinephrine, whereas 1,2-DAG content was lower than in the presence of norepinephrine in both the control and diabetic groups. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and phosphatidylcholine content in diabetic rat aortas was lower than control. Lower levels of 1,2-DAG in the thoracic aorta from diabetic rats were observed in the presence and absence of norepinephrine, suggesting that a defect in 1,2-DAG production may be associated with abnormalities of vascular smooth muscle responsiveness by agonists, as described previously.

Purified IP3 receptor from smooth muscle forms an IP3 gated and heparin sensitive Ca2+ channel in planar bilayers

The IP3 receptor of aortic smooth muscle, purified to near homogeneity, was incorporated into vesicle derived planar bilayers. The receptor forms channels which are gated by Ins(1,4,5)P3 (0.5 microM) and are permeable to Ca2+ (Ca2+ greater than K+ much greater than Cl-). Channel activation is specific for Ins(1,4,5)P3. Essentially no activation of channel currents was found for Ins(1,3,4)P3 or Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 at 10 microM. Heparin (25 micrograms/ml) blocked induced currents completely at all levels of activity while ATP (50 microM) increased mean current levels 2 to 4 fold. Ins(1,4,5)P3 activated mean currents increased non-linearly with voltage above about -40 mV applied voltage. Mean current levels could be reversibly adjusted by voltage to the single channel level (0 to -50 mV) or to macroscopic levels (-50 to -100 mV) over periods exceeding 1 h. Single channel events are characterized by fast transitions between predominantly non-resolved sublevels. Estimates of maximal single event currents yield a slope conductance of 32 +/- 4 pS (0 to -60 mV, 50 mM CaCl2). Thus, the purified IP3 receptor forms a channel with functional properties characteristic of IP3 triggered Ca2+ release.

Demonstration of actin filament stress fibers in microvascular endothelial cells in situ

We have developed a method for immunostaining the microvascular tree of rat mesenteric windows in situ. The procedure consists of three steps, i.e., mild fixation with formaldehyde, controlled proteolytic digestion of the mesothelial layer, and permeabilization with acetone. Discrimination between different microvascular segments was possible by double-fluorescent staining with antibodies to the smooth muscle isoform of alpha-actin and to nonmuscle myosin from platelets. Antibodies to nonmuscle myosin labeled numerous longitudinally oriented cables in endothelial cells of all microvascular segments (arterioles, metarterioles, pre-, mid-, and postcapillaries, small venules). Occasionally, the myosin-containing cables displayed the interrupted sarcomere-like staining pattern that is diagnostic for stress fibers. In contrast, staining of actin filaments with phalloidin-rhodamin resulted in a noninterrupted, continuous fluorescence of the stress fibers. A possible functional role of microvascular endothelial stress fibers is to serve as a tensile cytoskeletal scaffold that stabilizes the tubular, three-dimensional geometry of microvessels and, in addition, to help the endothelium resist the shear forces created by blood flow and by collision with red and white blood cells.

Characterization and changes of glycosphingolipids in the aorta of the Watanabe hereditable hyperlipidemic rabbit

Characterization and elucidation of the changes of glycosphingolipids in the aorta along with the progression of atherosclerosis were performed in the Watanabe hereditable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbit, an animal model for human familial hypercholesterolemia, as compared with in the normal rabbit. Neutral glycosphingolipids in aortae of both normal and WHHL rabbits were composed of glucosylceramide, galactosylceramide, lactosylceramide, globotriaosylceramide, globotetraosylceramide, and galactosylneolactotetraosylceramide. The total amount of neutral glycosphingolipids in the aorta of the WHHL rabbit (557 nmol/g tissue) was increased about 5-fold compared to the normal level (107 nmol/g tissue). Prominent increases were observed in glucosylceramide (13-fold the normal level) and lactosylceramide (12-fold the normal level). The amount of total gangliosides in the aorta of the WHHL rabbit (207 micrograms NeuAc/g tissue) was markedly increased, being about 12-fold the normal level (17 micrograms NeuAc/g tissue). GM3 ganglioside was increased about 11-fold compared to normal. GD3 ganglioside, which was almost undetectable in normal aorta, also showed a marked increase in that of the WHHL rabbit (51.7 micrograms NeuAc/g tissue). Sulfatide, which was absent in the aorta of the normal rabbit, was markedly accumulated in that of the WHHL rabbit (280 nmol/g tissue). The fatty acid composition of neutral glycosphingolipids of WHHL rabbit was found to include a higher amount of C23:0, which is the major fatty acid of glycolipids in serum lipoproteins. Gangliosides in the aorta of the WHHL rabbit contained more C16:0 than in the normal rabbit. Sphingosine of sulfatide in the aorta of the WHHL rabbit was composed of sphingenine (86%), sphinganine (9%), 4-D-hydroxysphinganine (4%), and 4-D-hydroxyeicosasphinganine (less than 1%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A novel myosin heavy chain isoform in vascular smooth muscle

Previous studies demonstrated two myosin heavy chain isoforms in vascular smooth muscles with SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; MHC1 (204 kDa) and MHC2 (200 kDa). We report the existence of a novel myosin heavy chain isoform, MHC3 (196 kDa), which was exclusively contained in inferior vena cava. Equal amount of MHC1 and MHC2 was observed in aorta and pulmonary artery, respectively. However, inferior vena cava contained only MHC3. Proteolytic artifact was refuted by immunoblotting of tissue homogenates without purification, or SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of myosin bands isolated by pyrophosphate gel electrophoresis. Furthermore, alpha-chymotryptic cleavage of MHC1, MHC2, and MHC3 displayed different peptide maps, indicating the primary structural difference among all three isoforms.

Troponin T- and troponin I-like proteins in bovine vascular smooth muscle

We have tested the hypothesis whether proteins with biochemical and immunochemical properties similar to those of troponin T (TnT) and troponin I (TnI) are expressed in bovine vascular smooth muscle (SM). Three monoclonal anti-TnT antibodies (TT-1, TT-2, and RV-C2) specific for the two isoforms of TnT present in the bovine cardiac muscle and two monoclonal antibodies (TI-1 and TI-5) reacting with cardiac TnI were used in this study. Anti-TnT antibodies were found to be unreactive with 1) skeletal and nonmuscle isoforms of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, a glycolytic enzyme that shares some structural homologies with skeletal TnT, and 2) calponin, a TnT-like calmodulin/tropomyosin binding protein with some antigenic properties in common with TnT. When tested on SM extracts from aorta or coronary arteries by Western blotting, the anti-TnT antibodies were able to react exclusively with one or two polypeptides whose electrophoretic mobility corresponds to the cardiac TnT subunits. Similarly, anti-TnI antibodies specifically recognized a component in the aortic or coronary SM extracts with electrophoretic properties identical to the cardiac TnI. Immunofluorescence analysis performed on the vascular SM cells of bovine aorta, coronary arteries, and intramural branches of coronary vessels confirmed the existence of cardiac troponin immunoreactivity in these tissues. In addition, differences in the distribution of cardiac TnT- and TnI-like proteins were evidenced in nonvascular and vascular SM cells. This study shows for the first time that polypeptides with some structural properties in common with cardiac TnT and TnI can be found in the vascular SM system.

The erythrocyte-type glucose transporter in blood vessels of primary and metastatic brain tumors

We previously demonstrated that brain microvessels have a high density of the erythrocyte-type glucose transporter and suggested this could be used as a marker of cells with "occluding" junctions. Now, we have studied by immunocytochemistry the tissue distribution of the glucose transporter in a variety of primary and metastatic human brain tumors with a monoclonal antibody to the glucose transporter of human erythrocytes. Microvessels in normal brain tissue distant from the tumor, and in brain surrounding the tumor, immunostained strongly for the glucose transporter. Microvessels in primary and metastatic tumors, however, lacked glucose transporter immunoreactivity. Only in the relatively benign juvenile cerebellar astrocytomas was glucose transporter immunoreactivity retained in some of the tumor microvessels. Because a high glucose transporter density is a marker of vessels with barrier properties, our results indicate that the vast majority of brain tumor microvessels do nc, have an intact blood-brain barrier.

Potassium channels in aortic microsomes: conductance, selectivity, barium-induced blockage and subconductance states

The activity of potassium channels of canine aortic sarcoplasmic reticulum was measured using the planar lipid bilayer-fusion technique. The channels have a conductance of 208 pS (400/100 mM K+ in cis/trans solutions) and potassium-to-sodium permeability ratio of 7.7 Ba2+ ions produced two main effects: one is the interruption of channel currents for tens to hundreds of milliseconds in a voltage-dependent manner, and the other is the appearance of a second conductance level with amplitude about 60% of the main level.

Characterization of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 binding to human monocytes

Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) stimulates chemotaxis of peripheral blood monocytes. In order to understand the biologic basis of this specific activity, binding studies of 125I-MCP-1 were undertaken. MCP-1 showed saturable binding to monocytes. Scatchard analysis of the monocyte binding data indicate that there are approximately 1,600 high affinity binding sites per monocyte with a Kd = 1.1 nM. Studies with synthetic peptides constructed according to the MCP-1 amino acid sequence indicate that a synthetic peptide, MCP-1[13-35], stimulates monocyte migration and competes with native MCP-1 for binding sites. Inhibition of MCP-1 binding was tested with chemotactic connective tissue proteins. No inhibition of MCP-1 binding was observed with either collagen, elastin-derived peptides or fibronectin. These results identify a single class of unique high affinity MCP-1 binding sites that are likely to recognize a peptide domain on MCP-1 which include the amino acids within the region, 13-35.

Appearance of alpha-smooth-muscle-actin-positive cells in hepatic fibrosis

The appearance of alpha-smooth-muscle-actin (alpha-smA)-positive cells during hepatic fibrosis was studied immunohistochemically in rat and human livers. In the normal rat liver, alpha-smA was observed only in vascular smooth muscle cells. With the progression of fibrosis induced by CCl4 injection, alpha-smA-positive cells appeared in the perisinusoidal space and the fibrous septa, and ultimately surrounded regenerative nodules. An increase of desmin-positive cells was recognized in the fibrotic areas and the perisinusoidal area. In the human liver, alpha-smA-positive cells appeared in the fibrotic area, whereas no desmin-positive cells were observed, except in vascular walls of the central vein and the portal tract, alpha-smA is a good marker for the detection of myofibroblast-like cells, and the appearance of alpha-smA in liver mesenchymal cells seems closely related to the process of hepatic fibrosis in both rat and man.

Inactivation of calcium channels in single vascular and visceral smooth muscle cells of the guinea-pig

Inactivation of currents carried through calcium channels by calcium (ICa), barium (IBa) and monovalent cations (In.s.) was studied in single smooth muscle cell (SMC) of the guinea-pig coronary artery and taenia caeci by the whole-cell patch-clamp method. The rate of ICa inactivation in the coronary artery SMC was correlated with ICa amplitude, and acceleration was observed with the increasing ICa peak amplitude. The availability curve of ICa in double-pulse experiments was found to be U-shaped, however, no complete restoration of ICa availability was observed. Inactivation of IBa was considerably slower than that of ICa. These findings may indicate that inactivation of calcium channels in the membrane of coronary artery SMC is, at least partially, a Ca-dependent process. However, some facts observed contradict the validity of this hypothesis for coronary artery SMC in contrast to taenia caeci: 1) elevation of external Ca2+ concentration did not affect the time course of ICa inactivation; 2) inactivation of In.s., i.e. without calcium entry into the cell, was faster than that of ICa. It was concluded that the characteristics of Ca channel inactivation were changed by the removal of divalent cations from extracellular solution. Differences and similarities in Ca channel inactivation between coronary artery and taenia caeci SMC are discussed.

Fibrocellular tissue response after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. An immunocytochemical analysis of the cellular composition

BACKGROUND

Restenosis after initial, successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is due to fibrocellular proliferation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The present study focused on the nature of fibrocellular tissue in humans by use of immunocytochemical techniques. Four hearts (five coronary arteries) were investigated; time lapse between PTCA and death varied between 20 days (two arteries) and 1 year 7 months. Proliferating cells stained positive with smooth muscle cell-specific monoclonal antibodies. Cells from early proliferative lesions (20 days) have a phenotypic expression different from cells in "old" lesions. Proliferating cells stained positive with vimentin but were negative with desmin, irrespective of the lesion's age.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate a change in actin isoform expression of smooth muscle cells while adapting to a pathological state.

The amino-terminal region of a proteochondroitin core protein, secreted by aortic smooth muscle cells, shares sequence homology with the pre-propeptide region of the biglycan core protein from human bone

Smooth muscle cells, isolated from rat and bovine aortae and grown in vitro, synthesize chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans which are secreted into the growth media. Analysis of metabolically [35S]-labeled macromolecules, employing ion-exchange chromatography, revealed a single peak of radioactivity, upon elution with a linear salt gradient. Treatment of the material with enzymes that specifically degrade chondroitin sulfate demonstrated that chondroitin-4-sulfate was the predominant species isolated from rat smooth muscle cells and that chondroitin-4-sulfate and dermatan sulfate were the predominant species isolated from bovine aortic smooth muscle cells. Treatment of the native proteoglycans with chondroitinase ABC and subsequent SDS-PAGE analysis of the digestion products resulted in the appearance of a band with an apparent molecular weight of 45,000. Electrotransfer of the core protein to Immobilon-P membrane and gas phase sequencing of the amino-terminal region revealed striking homology between the core proteins of the rat and bovine proteochondroitin with the pre-propeptide region of human bone biglycan.