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Williams TA, Verhovez A, Milan A, Veglio F, Mulatero P. Protective effect of spironolactone on endothelial cell apoptosis. Endocrinology 2006; 147:2496-505. [PMID: 16497808 DOI: 10.1210/en.2005-1318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) undergo apoptosis in response to serum deprivation. We show that the nonspecific mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, spironolactone, protects from caspase-3 activation induced by serum deprivation in contrast to the selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, eplerenone, that is nonprotective. We also demonstrate that progesterone, hydrocortisone, and dexamethasone all protect HUVECs from serum-deprivation-induced caspase-3 activation, whereas aldosterone and dihydrotestosterone have no effect. Spironolactone has been demonstrated to display agonist activity only to the progesterone receptor (PR), and we additionally show that spironolactone and progesterone, but not eplerenone, inhibit mitochondrial cytochrome c release and cleavage of nuclear poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and increase cell viability. Additionally, the PR antagonist mifepristone (RU486) partially blocked the inhibitory effect of both spironolactone and progesterone on caspase-3 activation, cytochrome c release, and nuclear PARP cleavage. Nitric oxide (NO) protects HUVECs from apoptosis in response to various stimuli including serum-deprivation; however, the NO synthase inhibitor N-monomethyl-l-arginine, did not abolish inhibition of caspase-3 activation or PARP cleavage by spironolactone. Thus, we demonstrate that spironolactone protects HUVECs from serum-deprivation-induced apoptosis by inhibition of caspase-3 activity, cytochrome c release and PARP cleavage by a NO-independent mechanism; further, this effect is likely mediated by the agonist properties of spironolactone toward the PR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy A Williams
- Department of Medicine and Experimental Oncology, Hypertension Unit, University of Torino, Italy.
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52
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellmut G Augustin
- Dept. of Vascular Biology & Angiogenesis Research, Tumor Biology Center, Breisacher Str 117, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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53
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Girling JE, Rogers PAW. Recent advances in endometrial angiogenesis research. Angiogenesis 2005; 8:89-99. [PMID: 16211359 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-005-9006-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2004] [Accepted: 01/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This review summarises recent research into the mechanisms and regulation of endometrial angiogenesis. Understanding of when and by what mechanisms angiogenesis occurs during the menstrual cycle is limited, as is knowledge of how it is regulated. Significant endometrial endothelial cell proliferation occurs at all stages of the menstrual cycle in humans, unlike most animal models where a more precise spatial relationship exists between endothelial cell proliferation and circulating levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Recent stereological data has identified vessel elongation as a major endometrial angiogenic mechanism in the mid-late proliferative phase of the cycle. In contrast, the mechanisms that contribute to post-menstrual repair and secretory phase remodelling have not yet been determined. Both oestrogen and progesterone/progestins appear to have paradoxical actions, with recent studies showing that under different circumstances both can promote as well as inhibit endometrial angiogenesis. The relative contribution of direct versus indirect effects of these hormones on the vasculature may help to explain their pro- or anti-angiogenic activities. Recent work has also identified the hormone relaxin as a player in the regulation of endometrial angiogenesis. While vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is fundamental to endometrial angiogenesis, details of how and when different endometrial cell types produce VEGF, and how production and activity is controlled by oestrogen and progesterone, remains to be elucidated. Evidence is emerging that the different splice variants of VEGF play a major role in regulating endometrial angiogenesis at a local level. Intravascular neutrophils containing VEGF have been identified as having a role in stimulating endometrial angiogenesis, although other currently unidentified mechanisms must also exist. Future studies to clarify how endometrial angiogenesis is regulated in the human, as well as in relevant animal models, will be important for a better understanding of diseases such as breakthrough bleeding, menorrhagia, endometriosis and endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Girling
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Modena MG, Sismondi P, Mueck AO, Kuttenn F, Lignières BD, Verhaeghe J, Foidart JM, Caufriez A, Genazzani AR. New evidence regarding hormone replacement therapies is urgently required. Maturitas 2005; 52:1-10. [PMID: 15963666 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2005.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2004] [Revised: 04/21/2005] [Accepted: 05/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Controversies about the safety of different postmenopausal hormone therapies (HTs) started 30 years ago and reached a peak in 2003 after the publication of the results from the Women Health Initiative (WHI) trial and the Million Women Study (MWS) [Writing group for the women's health initiative investigations. Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women. JAMA 2002;288:321-33; Million women study collaborators. Breast cancer and hormone-replacement therapy in the million women study. Lancet 2003;362:419-27]. The single HT formulation used in the WHI trial for non hysterectomized women-an association of oral conjugated equine estrogens (CEE-0.625 mg/day) and a synthetic progestin, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA-2.5 mg/day)-increases the risks of venous thromboembolism, cardiovascular disease, stroke and breast cancer. The MWS, an observational study, showed an increased breast cancer risk in users of estrogens combined with either medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), norethisterone, or norgestrel. It is unclear and questionable to what extent these results might be extrapolated to other HRT regimens, that differ in their doses, compositions and administration routes, and that were not assessed in the WHI trial and the MWS. Significant results were achieved with the publication of the WHI estrogen-only arm study [Anderson GL, Limacher M, Assaf AR, et al. Effects of conjugated equine estrogen in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy: the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2004;291:1701-1712] in which hormone therapy was reserved to women who had carried out hysterectomy. What emerged from this study will allow us to have some important argument to develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Modena
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Institute of Cardiology, Modena, Italy.
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55
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Lee S, Jilani SM, Nikolova GV, Carpizo D, Iruela-Arispe ML. Processing of VEGF-A by matrix metalloproteinases regulates bioavailability and vascular patterning in tumors. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 169:681-91. [PMID: 15911882 PMCID: PMC2171712 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.200409115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 560] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical mediator of blood vessel formation during development and in pathological conditions. In this study, we demonstrate that VEGF bioavailability is regulated extracellularly by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) through intramolecular processing. Specifically, we show that a subset of MMPs can cleave matrix-bound isoforms of VEGF, releasing soluble fragments. We have mapped the region of MMP processing, have generated recombinant forms that mimic MMP-cleaved and MMP-resistant VEGF, and have explored their biological impact in tumors. Although all forms induced similar VEGF receptor 2 phosphorylation levels, the angiogenic outcomes were distinct. MMP-cleaved VEGF promoted the capillary dilation of existent vessels but mediated a marginal neovascular response within the tumor. In contrast, MMP-resistant VEGF supported extensive growth of thin vessels with multiple and frequent branch points. Our findings support the view that matrix-bound VEGF and nontethered VEGF provide different signaling outcomes. These findings reveal a novel aspect in the regulation of extracellular VEGF that holds significance for vascular patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunyoung Lee
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA
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56
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Rogers PAW, Martinez F, Girling JE, Lederman F, Cann L, Farrell E, Tresserra F, Patel N. Influence of different hormonal regimens on endometrial microvascular density and VEGF expression in women suffering from breakthrough bleeding. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:3341-7. [PMID: 16085661 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to quantify blood vessel density (BVD) and immunoreactive vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in endometrial biopsies taken from women suffering breakthrough bleeding (BTB) under different exogenous hormonal regimes. METHODS Endometrial biopsies from women in Melbourne with BTB were divided into four groups: combined-continuous hormone therapy (HT) (estrogen and progestin taken daily), cyclical HT (daily estrogen with progestin for 14 days each cycle), progestin-only, or no HT. Subjects from Barcelona were using the Mirena intrauterine levonorgestrel-releasing system for contraceptive purposes, with menstrual diaries for classification into four groups (amenorrhea, infrequent, regular and prolonged). Control biopsies from Melbourne were included in the study. Endometrial samples were immunostained for VEGF and blood vessel localization using an antibody to CD34. RESULTS Results showed that BVD was significantly reduced in the progestin-only treated group compared with the other three treatment groups (P = 0.028). In addition, all four Mirena BTB groups had significantly reduced BVD compared with controls. Considerable heterogeneity was observed in VEGF immunostaining within and between individual samples with no major differences between HT or Mirena. CONCLUSION These results provide strong evidence that unopposed progestins reduce endometrial BVD and that there is no link between VEGF immunostaining and BVD or BTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A W Rogers
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Clinic, Monash University Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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57
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Walter LM, Rogers PAW, Girling JE. The role of progesterone in endometrial angiogenesis in pregnant and ovariectomised mice. Reproduction 2005; 129:765-77. [PMID: 15923392 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The role of progesterone (and oestrogen) in endometrial angiogenesis remains controversial. The aims of this study were to quantify endometrial angiogenesis in pregnant mice and to investigate the role of progesterone in promoting endothelial cell proliferation in ovariectomized mice. Uteri were collected on days 1 to 4 of pregnancy when circulating progesterone concentrations were increasing, prior to implantation. Before dissection, mice were injected with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) enabling proliferating endothelial cells to be quantified with CD31/BrdU double-immunohistochemistry. There was a significant increase in proliferating endothelial cells on day 3 of pregnancy when plasma progesterone also increased. To determine if this endothelial cell proliferation was due to progesterone, an experiment was performed on ovariectomised mice. One group was treated with a single oestradiol injection on day 8 after ovariectomy, followed by a no-treatment day and three consecutive daily injections of progesterone. Other groups were treated with either the vehicle, oestradiol or progesterone injections only; all were dissected on day 13 following ovariectomy. Unexpectedly, mice treated with progesterone-only had the highest amount of endothelial cell proliferation and oestrogen priming was found to significantly reduce this progesterone-induced endothelial cell proliferation. To determine if this proliferation is mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a further experiment in which VEGF anti-serum was administered concurrently with the progesterone injections was performed. Endothelial cell proliferation was reduced but not abolished suggesting progesterone-induced endometrial angiogenesis is only partly mediated by VEGF. Results indicate that oestrogen priming is not required for progesterone to stimulate endometrial endothelial cell proliferation and that oestrogen inhibits progesterone-induced angiogenesis in ovariectomised mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Walter
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, Victoria, Australia 3168
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58
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Abstract
The female sex steroid hormones 17beta-estradiol and progesterone mediate their biological effects on development, differentiation, and maintenance of reproductive tract and other target tissues through gene regulation by nuclear steroid receptors that function as ligand-dependent transcription factors. However, not all effects of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone are mediated by direct control of gene expression. These hormones also have rapid stimulatory effects on the activities of a variety of signal transduction molecules and pathways and, in many cases, these effects appear to be initiated from the plasma cell membrane. There is growing evidence that a subpopulation of the conventional nuclear steroid receptor localized at the cell membrane mediates many of the rapid signaling actions of steroid hormones; however, novel membrane receptors unrelated to conventional steroid receptors have also been implicated. This chapter reviews the nature of the receptors that mediate rapid signaling actions of estrogen and progesterone and describes the signaling molecules and pathways involved, the mechanisms by which receptors couple with components of signaling complexes and trigger responses, and the target tissues and cell functions regulated by this mode of steroid hormone action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean P Edwards
- University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Department of Pathology and Program in Molecular Biology, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.
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59
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Ortiz-Rey JA, González-Ruiz A, San Miguel P, Alvarez C, Iglesias B, Antón I. Hobnail haemangioma associated with the menstrual cycle. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2005; 19:367-9. [PMID: 15857469 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2004.01168.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We report the third case in the literature of a hobnail haemangioma with cyclic changes throughout the menstrual cycle in a 36-year-old woman, suggesting a hormonal basis for the variations in the tumour. This patient was under oral contraceptive treatment due to ovarian endometriosis, making the clinical diagnosis difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Ortiz-Rey
- Department of Pathology, Centro Médico POVISA, Salamanca-5, 36211 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain.
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60
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Martins PJF, Galdieri LC, Souza FG, Andersen ML, Benedito-Silva AA, Tufik S, D'Almeida V. Physiological variation in plasma total homocysteine concentrations in rats. Life Sci 2005; 76:2621-9. [PMID: 15769485 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2004.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2004] [Accepted: 12/14/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Hyperhomocysteinemia was initially related to cardiovascular diseases; but homocysteine (Hcy) metabolism disturbances have more recently associated with a wide range of pathophysiological conditions including age-related diseases, disrupted circadian rhythms and gynaecological disorders. Since in many cases we do not know to what extent animal models are physiologically similar to human ones, this study aimed to track spontaneous variations in rat plasma Hcy concentrations during different physiological processes such as life cycle, 24 hours and estrous cycle. Plasma total Hcy concentrations were accessed by HPLC. Plasma Hcy concentration varied with age and newborns had the lowest values (2.94 +/- 0.47 micromol/L). Rats aged 10 days presented concentration similar to 3 month old animals (6.87 +/- 0.67 and 8.29 +/- 1.55 micromol/L respectively). Values decreased to 6.42 +/- 1.65 micromol/L at 6 months and 4.87 +/- 0.81 micromol/L at 28 months. Concerning circadian variations in Hcy concentration cosinor analysis showed acrophase in young rats at 1:09 pm, but no plasma Hcy circadian variations in aged rats. Female rats showed changes in Hcy concentration during the estrous cycle with higher values during the diestrous I (10.61 +/- 1.81 micromol/L) compared with the estrous (8.47 +/- 1.86 micromol/L) and diestrous II (7.68 +/- 1.58 micromol/L) phases. In conclusion, plasma Hcy concentration varied spontaneously with ontogenic development and during the estrous cycle and presented a circadian rhythm variation in young rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo José Forcina Martins
- Department of Psychobiology-Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Napoleão de Barros, 925-3rd floor (room 1), CEP 04024-002, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
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61
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Hermenegildo C, Oviedo PJ, García-Martínez MC, García-Pérez MA, Tarín JJ, Cano A. Progestogens stimulate prostacyclin production by human endothelial cells. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:1554-61. [PMID: 15734756 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deh803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of progestogens on endothelial physiology are poorly studied. Prostacyclin is a potent vasodilator synthesized by two isoforms of cyclooxygenase (COX) in endothelium. We examined the effects of two clinically used progestogens, progesterone and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), on prostacyclin production by cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the possible role of progesterone receptors and both COX enzymes. METHODS Cells were exposed to 1-100 nmol/l of either progesterone or MPA and prostacyclin production was measured in culture medium. RESULTS Both progestogens significantly increased prostacyclin release in a time- and dose-dependent manner, being higher than control after 24 h. Progesterone and MPA, both at 10 nmol/l, increased mRNA expression and protein content of both COX. All these effects were mediated through progesterone receptor activation, since they were abolished by treatment of cells with the progesterone receptor antagonist RU-486. Selective inhibitors of COX-1 and -2 (SC-560 and NS-398 respectively) reduced basal prostacyclin release, and eliminated increased production in response to progestogens. In combination with estradiol, progestogens had an additive effect without eliminating estradiol-induced prostacyclin production. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the hypothesis that progesterone and MPA increased HUVEC prostacyclin production in a progesterone receptor-dependent manner, by enhancing COX-1 and COX-2 expression and activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Hermenegildo
- Research Unit, Hospital Clínico Universitario of Valencia and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, 46010 Spain.
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62
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Jondet M, Letellier B, Verdys MT. Endometrial vascularization in levonorgestrel intrauterine device users; computerized microvessel measurement study. Contraception 2005; 71:60-4. [PMID: 15639075 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2004.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2004] [Revised: 07/06/2004] [Accepted: 07/12/2004] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Levonorgestrel use in the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUS) induces vascular distension within the superficial layer of the endometrium and massive pseudodecidualization. With a computer-assisted image analysis system, we objectively measured the vascular bed in LNG-IUS users and compared it to the physiological endometrium. A study was undertaken on 25 women using LNG-IUS, in an outpatient procedure at the time of removal of the IUS and compared with 11 normally cycling women (control group). Suction curette specimens were obtained just after retrieval of the IUS, and immunohistochemistry was carried out with a specific marker of the endothelial cells (CD31). Number of vessels decreased in the LNG-IUS group to 60/mm2 versus 124/mm2 in the control group, and mean vessel area increased to 1255 microm2 versus 157 microm2, respectively, in the control group. The decrease in mean vascular density and the increase of mean vessel area in the LNG-IUS group, compared to the control group, were both highly significant (p<.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Jondet
- Cabinet d'Anatomie et de Cytologie Pathologiques, 34 rue Ducouédic, 75014 Paris, France.
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63
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Mulac-Jericevic B, Conneely OM. Reproductive tissue-selective actions of progesterone receptors. ERNST SCHERING RESEARCH FOUNDATION WORKSHOP 2005:19-37. [PMID: 15704466 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-27147-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- B Mulac-Jericevic
- Department of Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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64
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Mulac-Jericevic B, Conneely OM. Reproductive tissue selective actions of progesterone receptors. Reproduction 2004; 128:139-46. [PMID: 15280552 DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormone, progesterone, plays a central coordinate role in diverse events associated with female reproduction. In humans and other vertebrates, the biological activity of progesterone is mediated by modulation of the transcriptional activity of two progesterone receptors, PR-A and PR-B. These receptors arise from the same gene and exhibit both overlapping and distinct transcriptional activities in vitro. To delineate the individual roles of PR-A and PR-B in vivo, we have generated mouse models in which expression of a single PR isoform has been ablated. Analysis of the reproductive phenotypes of these mice has indicated that PR-A and PR-B mediate mostly distinct but partially overlapping reproductive responses to progesterone. While selective ablation of the PR-A protein (PR-A knockout mice, PRAKO mice) shows normal mammary gland response to progesterone but severe uterine hyperplasia and ovarian abnormalities, ablation of PR-B protein (PRBKO mice) does not affect biological responses of the ovary or uterus to progesterone but results in reduced pregnancy-associated mammary gland morphogenesis. The distinct tissue-specific reproductive responses to progesterone exhibited by these isoforms are due to regulation of distinct subsets of progesterone-dependent target genes by the individual PR isoforms. This review will summarize our current understanding of the selective contribution of PR isoforms to the cellular and molecular actions of progesterone in reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biserka Mulac-Jericevic
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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65
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Peluso JJ, Pappalardo A, Fernandez G, Wu CA. Involvement of an unnamed protein, RDA288, in the mechanism through which progesterone mediates its antiapoptotic action in spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells. Endocrinology 2004; 145:3014-22. [PMID: 14988380 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) inhibits apoptosis of rat granulosa cells and spontaneously immortalized granulosa cells (SIGCs), which were derived from rat granulosa cells. Defining the mechanism through which P4 mediates its action has been difficult because these cells do not express the classic nuclear P4 receptor. Previous studies have shown that a P4 receptor antibody, C-262, detects a 60-kDa protein that is involved in regulating P4's antiapoptotic action. Using a C-262 affinity column, this 60-kDa protein was isolated and sequenced by mass spectrometry. This analysis revealed that the C-262-detectable protein is an unnamed protein referred to as RDA288. This protein has several putative hyaluronic acid binding sites. Further hyaluronic acid antagonizes (3)H-P4 binding to SIGCs and mimics P4's action, whereas exogenous hyaluronic acid binding protein attenuates P4's actions. RT-PCR demonstrated that RDA288 mRNA was present in SIGCs, immature rat ovary, lung, and skeletal muscle but was not present in several other organs. Forced expression of RDA288 increased the capacity of SIGCs to bind and respond to P4. An antibody was also developed against RDA288. Using this antibody in a Western blot protocol, RDA288 expression was confirmed in both SIGCs and granulosa cells. An immunohistochemical study detected RDA288 in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane components of granulosa cells of antral follicles. Immunocytochemical studies on living nonpermeabilized SIGCs revealed that RDA288 was present on the extracellular surface of the plasma membrane. Finally, pretreatment with the RDA288 antibody blocked P4's antiapoptotic actions. Taken together, these data suggest that RDA288 plays a significant role in mediating P4's antiapoptotic action in granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Peluso
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut 06030, USA.
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66
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Chataigneau T, Zerr M, Chataigneau M, Hudlett F, Hirn C, Pernot F, Schini-Kerth VB. Chronic treatment with progesterone but not medroxyprogesterone acetate restores the endothelial control of vascular tone in the mesenteric artery of ovariectomized rats. Menopause 2004; 11:255-63. [PMID: 15167304 DOI: 10.1097/01.gme.0000097847.95550.e3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine whether chronic administration of the natural hormone progesterone or a synthetic progestogen, medroxyprogesterone acetate, to ovariectomized rats affects the endothelial control of arterial tone in the isolated mesenteric artery. DESIGN Sham-operated rats received a daily subcutaneous injection of solvent (sesame oil), whereas ovariectomized rats received either sesame oil, progesterone (22 mg kg/day), or medroxyprogesterone acetate (22 mg kg/day) for 4 weeks, according to their respective group. RESULTS Phenylephrine-induced contractions were significantly increased (about 200% at 10 microM) by N-nitro-L-arginine, a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, in intact mesenteric arterial rings from the sham-operated but not from the ovariectomized group. The progesterone but not the medroxyprogesterone treatment restored the potentiating effect of N-nitro-L-arginine on phenylephrine-induced contraction (about 180% at 10 microM). Contractions to phenylephrine were not affected by the combination of charybdotoxin plus apamin, two inhibitors of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated responses, in all groups. Acetylcholine induced endothelium-dependent relaxations, which were partially inhibited by N-nitro-L-arginine and abolished by the combination of N-nitro-L-arginine plus charybdotoxin and apamin, in all groups. Acetylcholine induced similar charybdotoxin and apamin-sensitive hyperpolarizations in intact mesenteric artery segments from all groups. CONCLUSIONS Chronic administration of progesterone, but not medroxyprogesterone, to ovarictomized rats restores the endothelium-dependent attenuation of contractile responses to phenylephrine in mesenteric arterial rings through the endothelial formation of nitric oxide. Thus, an enhancement of the protective effect of endothelial cells on the arterial wall might contribute to the beneficial effect of certain progestogen-containing preparations during hormonal treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thierry Chataigneau
- Department of Pharmacology and Physico-Chemistry of Cellular and Molecular Interactions, College of Pharmacy, Louis Pasteur University, Illkirch, France
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67
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Dietrich W, Haitel A, Huber JC, Reiter WJ. Expression of estrogen receptors in human corpus cavernosum and male urethra. J Histochem Cytochem 2004; 52:355-60. [PMID: 14966202 DOI: 10.1177/002215540405200306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen, largely produced in testis and adrenal gland, may play important roles in male reproduction. Most of the effects of estrogens are mediated by binding of estrogen to one or both of the two estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes alpha and beta. Recently, they have been described in testis, prostate, and efferent ducts, mostly in rodents. The goal of this study was to prove the evidence of ERs in human corpus cavernosum and male urethra, exploring the protein expression of these receptors by immunohistochemistry. Corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum smooth muscle was immunoreactive for the androgen receptor (AR), ER alpha, and strongly for ER beta. Endothelial cells were negative for AR, sporadically positive for ER alpha, and positive for ER beta. Urethral epithelium showed strong nuclear expression of AR, predominantly in the basal cell layer, and nuclear expression of ER alpha in the intermediate cells. ER beta was highly expressed in almost all urethral nuclei and, much more weakly, in cytoplasm. Progesterone receptor (PGR) was negative in all cases and all tissues. These results represent the first report that ER alpha and particularly ER beta are regularly expressed in human penile tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolf Dietrich
- Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive, University of Vienna Medical School, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
The greater incidence of hypertension and coronary artery disease in men and postmenopausal women compared with premenopausal women has been related, in part, to gender differences in vascular tone and possible vascular protective effects of the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. However, vascular effects of the male sex hormone testosterone have also been suggested. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone receptors have been identified in blood vessels of human and other mammals and have been localized in the plasmalemma, cytosol, and nuclear compartments of various vascular cells, including the endothelium and the smooth muscle. The interaction of sex hormones with cytosolic/nuclear receptors triggers long-term genomic effects that could stimulate endothelial cell growth while inhibiting smooth muscle proliferation. Activation of plasmalemmal sex hormone receptors may trigger acute nongenomic responses that could stimulate endothelium-dependent mechanisms of vascular relaxation such as the nitric oxide-cGMP, prostacyclin-cAMP, and hyperpolarization pathways. Additional endothelium-independent effects of sex hormones may involve inhibition of the signaling mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction such as intracellular Ca2+ concentration and protein kinase C. The sex hormone-induced stimulation of the endothelium-dependent mechanisms of vascular relaxation and inhibition of the mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction may contribute to the gender differences in vascular tone and may represent potential beneficial vascular effects of hormone replacement therapy during natural and surgically induced deficiencies of gonadal hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Orshal
- Harvard Medical School, VA Boston Healthcare-Research, 1400 VFW Parkway 3/2B123, Boston, MA 02132, USA
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69
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Chantakru S, Wang WC, van den Heuvel M, Bashar S, Simpson A, Chen Q, Croy BA, Evans SS. Coordinate regulation of lymphocyte-endothelial interactions by pregnancy-associated hormones. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2004; 171:4011-9. [PMID: 14530321 PMCID: PMC2967521 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.171.8.4011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Precursors of uterine NK cells home to the uterus during early pregnancy from multiple lymphohemopoietic sources. In mouse uterine tissue, pregnancy markedly up-regulates both L-selectin- and alpha(4) integrin-dependent adhesion pathways for circulating human CD56(bright) cells, the phenotype of human uterine NK cells. Based on roles for these adhesion molecules in lymphocyte homing, we examined effects of pregnancy or the steroid hormones 17beta-estradiol or progesterone on lymphocyte-endothelial interactions in secondary lymphoid tissues and in uterus. From preimplantation gestation day 3, specialized high endothelial venules in peripheral lymph nodes and Peyer's patches supported elevated L-selectin and alpha(4)beta(7) integrin-dependent lymphocyte adhesion under shear throughout pregnancy, as compared with high endothelial venules of virgin or postpartum donors. Squamous endothelium from nonlymphoid tissue was not affected. Pregnancy-equivalent endothelial responses were observed in lymph nodes and Peyer's patches from ovariectomized mice receiving 17beta-estradiol and/or progesterone replacement therapy. Adhesion of human CD56(bright) cells to uteri from pregnant or hormone-treated ovariectomized mice was enhanced through L-selectin- and alpha(4) integrin-dependent mechanisms and involved multiple vascular adhesion molecules including mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1, VCAM-1, and peripheral lymph node addressin. Analysis of Tie2-green fluorescence protein transgenic mice demonstrated that CD56(bright) cells adhered primarily to vascular endothelium within the decidua basalis. Microdomain localization of adhesion involving large clusters of lymphocytes was induced on uteri from natural matings, but not pseudopregnancy. Steroid hormones also had independent effects on L-selectin function in splenic lymphocytes that mimicked physiological stimulation induced by pregnancy or fever-range temperatures. These results provide the first evidence for coordinated, organ-specific, steroid hormone-induced changes in lymphocyte homing mechanisms that could contribute to local and systemic immune responses during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirirak Chantakru
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Wan-Chao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm at Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263
| | | | - Siamak Bashar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Amanda Simpson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm at Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263
| | - B. Anne Croy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
| | - Sharon S. Evans
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm at Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Sharon Evans, Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm at Carlton Street, Buffalo, NY 14263., , Phone: 716-845-3421, FAX: 716-845-8906
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70
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Conneely OM, Mulac-Jericevic B, Lydon JP. Progesterone-dependent regulation of female reproductive activity by two distinct progesterone receptor isoforms. Steroids 2003; 68:771-8. [PMID: 14667967 DOI: 10.1016/s0039-128x(03)00126-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The steroid hormone, progesterone, is a central coordinator of all aspects of female reproductive activity. The physiological effects of progesterone are mediated by interaction of the hormone with specific intracellular progesterone receptors (PRs) that are expressed from a single gene as two protein isoforms and that are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors. Analysis of the structural and functional relationships of each isoform using in vitro systems has demonstrated that the PR-A and PR-B proteins have different transcription activation properties when liganded to progesterone. More recently, selective ablation of the PR-A and PR-B proteins in mice had facilitated examination of the contribution of the individual PR isoforms to the pleiotropic reproductive activities of progesterone. Analysis of the phenotypic consequences of these mutations on female reproductive function has provided proof of concept that the distinct transcriptional responses to PR-A and PR-B observed in cell-based transactivation assays are reflected in a distinct tissue-selective contribution of the individual isoforms to the reproductive activities of progesterone. In PR-A knock-out mice, in which the expression of the PR-A isoform is selectively ablated (PRAKO), the PR-B isoform functions in a tissue-specific manner to mediate a subset of the reproductive functions of PRs. Ablation of PR-A does not affect response of the mammary gland or thymus to progesterone but results in severe abnormalities in ovarian and uterine function leading to female infertility. More recent studies using PR-B knock-out (PRBKO) mice have shown that ablation of PR-B does not affect either ovarian, uterine or thymic responses to progesterone but results in reduced mammary ductal morphogenesis and alveologenesis during pregnancy. Thus, PR-A is both necessary and sufficient to elicit the progesterone-dependent reproductive responses necessary for female fertility, while the PR-B isoform is required to elicit normal proliferative and differentiative responses of the mammary gland to progesterone. This review will summarize our current understanding of the selective contribution of the two PR isoforms to progesterone action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla M Conneely
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, M-511, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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71
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Simoncini T, Mannella P, Fornari L, Caruso A, Varone G, Genazzani AR. In vitro effects of progesterone and progestins on vascular cells. Steroids 2003; 68:831-6. [PMID: 14667975 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2003.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The impact of progesterone on the cardiovascular system is relevant, but not as well characterized as the effects of estrogens. The recent early interruption of the conjugated equine estrogens (CEE)-medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) arm of the Women's Health Initiative trial, but not of the parallel CEE-only treatment arm, suggesting the possibility of harmful cardiovascular effects of the progestins, boosts the debate on the role of progesterone and progestins on the vascular tree. The data available up to now show the presence of important regulatory effects of progestagens on vascular cells. Additionally, the presence of a progestagen results in diverse modifications of the effects of estrogens, sometimes acting synergically, others being neutral or antagonizing estrogens' effects. Notwithstanding the availability of consistent observations on the functional effects of progestins on the cardiovascular system, the molecular mechanisms of progestins actions on vascular cells have been up to now only scarcely characterized. Novel mechanisms of signal transduction are being discovered for progesterone receptors in different tissues, some of which are independent of gene transcription regulation, and are therefore indicated as "nongenomic." Furthermore, the contribution to signal transduction of co-activators is currently widely investigated, in order to understand the ways to tissue-specificity and to engineer new progesterone receptor modulators. The understanding of the molecular basis of progesterone receptor signaling in vascular tissue is therefore of paramount importance for the development of hormonal agents with an optimal cardiovascular profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Simoncini
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Molecular and Cellular Gynecological Endocrinology Laboratory, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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72
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Welter BH, Hansen EL, Saner KJ, Wei Y, Price TM. Membrane-bound progesterone receptor expression in human aortic endothelial cells. J Histochem Cytochem 2003; 51:1049-55. [PMID: 12871986 DOI: 10.1177/002215540305100808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Observational studies demonstrate that estradiol and progesterone affect vasoreactivity. In animal studies, progesterone treatment causes immediate relaxation of precontracted arteries with inhibition of calcium influx in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells, suggesting a non-genomic mechanism of action. In this study we investigated the presence of novel membrane-bound progesterone receptors in human aortic endothelial cells and correlated the expression with cell-cycle stage. Western blotting analysis with an antibody directed to the hormone-binding domain of the classic progesterone receptors shows predominant bands at 100 and 60 kD, whereas analysis with an antibody to the DNA-binding region shows only the 100-kD band. In contrast, classic nuclear progesterone receptors B and A are identified at 116 and 94 kD in similarly processed T47D cells. Both novel bands localize to the membrane fraction after differential centrifugation. Plasma membrane-bound progesterone receptor was further shown with immunofluorescent antibody and ligand-binding studies in a small percentage of human aortic endothelial cells. Fluorescent activated cell sorting demonstrated that approximately 8% of the human aortic endothelial cells expressed a plasma membrane progesterone receptor and that a greater percentage of the expressing cells were in the G2/M-phase of the cell cycle. Treatment with progesterone conjugated to BSA did not show any significant cell-cycle changes. Plasma membrane-bound progesterone receptor in vascular endothelial cells may regulate the non-genomic actions of progesterone, and expression of the receptor appears to vary with cell cycle stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda H Welter
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Medicine, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
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73
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the mechanism of pathologic capillary leak in the critically ill patient. DESIGN Review of normal and altered physiology of the microvasculature. Review of recent literature describing pathogenesis, mediators, and interventions influencing capillary leak and microvascular repair. SETTING In vitro and in vivo studies, the latter including animal and human subjects. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Capillary leak with resultant edema develops in the critical care setting on the basis of perturbations in Starling's equation, primarily as a result of increased capillary permeability to larger molecules. This process is most likely fueled by inflammatory mediators or mechanical stress. Attempts to prevent or treat this process remain largely unsuccessful; resuscitation is more often symptomatic than therapeutic. Models of microvascular repair focus on discrete injury and may not be applicable to the recovery of capillary damage secondary to a systemic leak CONCLUSIONS Our understanding of capillary leak syndrome remains fragmented and weighted toward specific mediators contributing to the leak. The implications of extensive edema and the mechanism by which it resolves continue to be the subject of speculation rather than study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhonda S Fishel
- Department of Surgery, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, MD 21215, USA
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74
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Honisett SY, Pang B, Stojanovska L, Sudhir K, Komesaroff PA. Progesterone does not influence vascular function in postmenopausal women. J Hypertens 2003; 21:1145-9. [PMID: 12777951 DOI: 10.1097/00004872-200306000-00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protective functions of oestrogen therapy alone on cardiovascular risk parameters are well established; however, the action of progesterone on vascular parameters in an oestrogen-deprived environment is less clear. OBJECTIVES To examine the effects of progesterone alone on vascular function and hormone levels in postmenopausal women. DESIGN In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design study, 20 healthy postmenopausal women were tested before and after 6 weeks of treatment with micronized progesterone (100 mg/daily) and matching placebo. METHODS Tests included measurement of sex hormones and gonadatropin levels, lipids and measures of surrogate markers of vascular function including, blood pressure, flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, systemic arterial compliance and cutaneous vascular reactivity. RESULTS The mean (+/- SEM) age of subjects was 56.4 +/- 2.7 years and the average body mass index at the baseline visit was 27.1 +/- 1.0 kg/m2. Progesterone levels increased as a result of progesterone treatment (0.9 +/- 0.2 to 9.5 +/- 2.3 nmol/l, P = 0.001), whereas follicle-stimulating hormone levels decreased (75.1 +/- 11.4 to 67.6 +/- 10.0, P = 0.001). Systemic arterial compliance, flow mediated dilation, cutaneous vascular reactivity, blood pressure, body mass index, plasma levels of cholesterol, lipids and oestrogen were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that progesterone given without oestrogen does not adversely affect vascular function in postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzy Y Honisett
- Baker Medical Research Institute, Prahran, Melbourne, Australia
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75
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Lincoln DW, Larsen AM, Phillips PG, Bove K. Isolation of murine aortic endothelial cells in culture and the effects of sex steroids on their growth. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2003; 39:140-5. [PMID: 14505433 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-003-0008-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The lack of commercially available primary murine endothelial cells prompted us to isolate and cultivate this cell type. We report here the effect of sex steroids on the in vitro growth of murine aortic endothelial cells. Murine aortic endothelial cells were isolated by a combination of explant outgrowth from aortic rings and enzymatic digestion. The endothelial nature of the cells was verified by uptake of acylated low-density lipoprotein and positive staining for CD-31. Murine aortic endothelial cell growth is stimulated by physiological concentrations of estrogen. Progesterone, when given simultaneously with estrogen, inhibited the stimulatory growth effect of estrogen. Murine aortic endothelial cells grown in vitro continue to express messenger ribonucleic acid for proteins related to endothelial growth. These include vascular endothelial growth factor, its receptors Flt-1 and Flk-1, and the angiogenesis-associated transcription factor, Ets-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Lincoln
- Research Service, Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, New York 12208, USA
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76
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Lincoln DW, Phillips PG, Bove K. Estrogen-induced Ets-1 promotes capillary formation in an in vitro tumor angiogenesis model. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2003; 78:167-78. [PMID: 12725417 DOI: 10.1023/a:1022904624054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We employed an in vitro angiogenesis model that simulates the in vivo milieu for tumor capillary formation to study the direct effects of estrogen. 17beta-estradiol (E2) treatment significantly stimulated capillary sprouting within 8 h in co-cultures of rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) and mouse mammary tumor cells. Co-cultures treated with either progesterone (P4) or E2+P4 showed minimal endothelial cell (EC) sprouting when compared to E2 treated cultures. Treatment with the E2 agonist ICI 182,780 dramatically inhibited capillary formation, demonstrating E2-specificity. Within hours, of E2 treatment ECs isolated from tumor cell/EC co-cultures demonstrated a statistically significant increase in both mRNA and protein levels of the transcription factor Ets-1. We observed increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and decreased tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) mRNA levels in these ECs following E2 treatment. Ets-1 upregulates expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor, Flt-1 and we detected increased Flt-1 mRNA levels in ECs co-cultured with tumor cells following E2 treatment. Expression of Ets-1 contributes to destabilization of a quiescent EC phenotype in favor of an invasive angiogenic one, in part, by increasing expression of MMPs and integrin molecules that favor migration and invasion. Transfection of ECs with Ets-1 antisense prior to co-culture with E2 resulted in a 95% inhibition in capillary formation. We demonstrate here, for the first time that nanomolar concentrations of E2 directly and rapidly induced new capillary formation in a mammary tumor/EC co-culture system and suggest that this response may be mediated, in part, by an E2-induced increase in Ets-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Lincoln
- Research Service, Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA
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77
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Abstract
1. The greater incidence of hypertension and coronary artery disease in men and post-menopausal women compared with premenopausal women has suggested vascular protective effects of the female sex hormone oestrogen. However, vascular effects of the female sex hormone progesterone and the male sex hormone testosterone have also been suggested. 2. Oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone receptors have been identified in the plasmalemma, cytosol and nuclear compartments of vascular cells. The interaction of sex hormones with their specific receptors triggers not only long-term genomic vascular effects, but also acute non-genomic vascular responses. 3. Sex hormones may activate endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation pathways, including the nitric oxide-cGMP and prostacyclin-cAMP pathways and a hyperpolarizing factor pathway. 4. Sex hormones may also inhibit the mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction, such as [Ca2+]i, protein kinase C and other protein kinases. 5. The sex hormone-induced stimulation of endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation and inhibition of vascular smooth muscle contraction may contribute to the gender differences in vascular tone and may represent potential beneficial vascular effects of hormone-replacement therapy during natural and surgically induced deficiencies of gonadal hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janell Thompson
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Massachusetts 02132, USA
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78
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Abstract
Remodelling of the human endometrium occurs during the normal menstrual cycle. This process involves the disintegration of the superficial or functionalis layer of the endometrium following the fall in progesterone resulting from the demise of the corpus luteum and the reconstruction of a new layer without scarring. The degradative properties of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their presence in the endometrium during remodelling events suggests that they are effector molecules in this process. The features of menstruation parallel those of an inflammatory response and the abundance of leukocytes in the endometrium prior to the onset of menstruation indicates a role for these cells in the remodelling process. This review examines the relationship between leukocytes and the local production and activation of MMP within the endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lois A Salamonsen
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia.
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79
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Bongiovanni M, Viberti L, Pecchioni C, Papotti M, Thonhofer R, Hans Popper H, Sapino A. Steroid hormone receptor in pleural solitary fibrous tumours and CD34+ progenitor stromal cells. J Pathol 2002; 198:252-7. [PMID: 12237886 DOI: 10.1002/path.1195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Solitary fibrous tumours (SFT), originally described in the pleura, were subsequently recognized in numerous extrapleural sites. This suggests that a common stem cell, present in various organs and tissues, may be at the origin of SFT and that specific factors may be involved in the proliferation of such cells. Recently it has been described that steroid hormone receptors, progesterone receptors in particular, are expressed by extrapleural SFT. In addition, progesterone may participate as growth factor in many CD34(+) stromal neoplasms, which express low levels of the hormone receptors. The present study analysed the expression of androgen (AR), oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors in a series of 32 pleural SFT, 10 mesotheliomas and in reactive tissue of chronic pleuritis. ER and AR were never expressed by SFT or by chronic pleuritis, whereas PR were demonstrated in 2/16 "large" (>8 cm) and in 6/16 "small" (< or =8 cm) pleural SFT (all expressing CD34, bcl-2 and CD99). PR(+) SFT had a significantly higher proliferative activity (p = 0.04) (Ki-67 mean value 6.5%) and lower p27(kip1) (mean value 51.5%) expression than the PR(-) cases (Ki-67 mean value 3.81% and p27(kip1) mean value 57.86%). One of the cases expressing a high level of PR (80%) recurred 1 year after first surgery and the recurrence was PR(+) as well, but with a lower percentage of nuclear receptor expression (12%). In addition, in chronically inflamed subserosal tissue, a subpopulation of CD34(+) endothelial and interstitial dendritic cells was identified, which also expressed PR. These findings suggest that the CD34(+) submesothelial interstitial dendritic cells, activated during reactive processes, may be the stem cells that give rise to SFT, and that progesterone might participate in the growth of SFT through modulation of its specific receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Bongiovanni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Turin, Via Santena 7, 10126 Turin, Italy
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80
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Conneely OM, Jericevic BM. Progesterone regulation of reproductive function through functionally distinct progesterone receptor isoforms. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2002; 3:201-9. [PMID: 12215715 DOI: 10.1023/a:1020020308980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Orla M Conneely
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX 77030, USA.
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81
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Mares P, Dauzat M, Abramovici Y. Hormone replacement therapy with estradiol valerate and cyproterone acetate: effects on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation and arterial wall compliance. Maturitas 2002; 42:45-53. [PMID: 12020979 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-5122(02)00002-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to evaluate changes in vasomotor endothelium function and elastic properties of the brachial artery in postmenopausal women beginning hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with Climen(R), a 28-day sequential therapy combining estradiol valerate (E2V) 2 mg/day D1-D21 with cyproterone acetate (CPA) 1 mg/day D12-D22, followed by a 7-day treatment-free interval. METHODS Thirty-one women with natural or surgical menopause were included in an open multicenter study. Before treatment, at the end of the estrogen-only phase of cycle 1, and after the combined phase in cycles 1 and 3, endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDVD%) in the brachial artery was measured by the post-ischemia increase of the inner diameter, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured in the same artery by simultaneous continuous wave Doppler and photo-plethysmography. RESULTS compared to pre-treatment values, the median increase in EDVD was 14.3% after cycle 1 (P=0.0001) and 27.9% after cycle 3 (P=0.0001). CPA did not alter the effect of E2V on EDVD in cycle 1. Median arterial systolic pressure was unchanged, but median diastolic pressure fell from 70 to 67.5 mmHg (P=0.04) after cycle 3. Median PWV was reduced by 0.76 m/s after cycle 3 (relative reduction -9.3%) (P=0.035). There was a significant correlation between PWV and EDVD changes from pre-treatment values at the end of the 3rd cycle. CONCLUSION treatment of postmenopausal women with E2V/CPA led to an immediate and significant improvement in endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. The estrogen-related vasomotor effect was not suppressed by the progestogen CPA. The WV changes are consistent with slower improvement of arterial compliance in some women. The non-invasive measurement of EDVD and PWV is a convenient method for the evaluation of both mechanical and functional effects of combination HRT on the arterial wall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Mares
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Center, Nîmes, France
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82
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Selles J, Polini N, Alvarez C, Massheimer V. Nongenomic action of progesterone in rat aorta: role of nitric oxide and prostaglandins. Cell Signal 2002; 14:431-6. [PMID: 11882387 DOI: 10.1016/s0898-6568(01)00265-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of action of progesterone (Pg) on rat vascular tissue was investigated. We obtained evidence that 10-nM Pg inhibited platelet aggregation at 1-5 min. Previously, we reported that nitric oxide (NO) mediated this antiaggregatory effect. Rat aortic strips (RAS) NO synthase (NOS) activity in response to "in vitro" treatment with other sex steroids hormones was measured. The stimulatory action of Pg on NO production was specific for ovarian hormones and depends on sex. The effect was nongenomic since cycloheximide did not suppress the increment in NO induced by Pg. Finally, we demonstrated that Pg (5 min) increased prostacyclin release (42-182% above control) in a dose-dependent manner (1-100 nM). Indeed, indomethacin (10 microM) completely suppressed the increment in citrulline levels induced by the hormone. These results suggest that Pg exerts a direct nongenomic action on rat aortic metabolism, which involves NOS and cyclooxygenase (COX) activation and a cross-talk between NO- and prostacyclin (PGI(2))-dependent pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana Selles
- Cátedra de Analisis Clínicos II, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur, San Juan 670, B8000ICN, Bahia Blanca, Argentina
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83
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Besnard S, Heymes C, Merval R, Rodriguez M, Galizzi JP, Boutin JA, Mariani J, Tedgui A. Expression and regulation of the nuclear receptor RORalpha in human vascular cells. FEBS Lett 2002; 511:36-40. [PMID: 11821045 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)03275-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor alpha (RORalpha) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Using RT-PCR, RORalpha mRNA was identified in human aortic smooth muscle cells (hASMC), endothelial cells (EC), as well as in human mammary arteries and atherosclerotic plaques. We found a predominant expression of RORalpha1 in hASMC, and RORalpha4 in EC. RORalpha2 and RORalpha3 were not detected. In arteries, RORalpha4 was predominant compared with RORalpha1. In atherosclerotic plaques, RORalpha expression was significantly decreased. In hASMC stimulated with cytokines, RORalpha expression was increased by 2.5-fold. RORalpha mRNA was also significantly increased (approximately 2-fold) in hASMC and EC cultured under hypoxia.
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MESH Headings
- Aorta
- Arteriosclerosis/genetics
- Arteriosclerosis/metabolism
- Carotid Stenosis/genetics
- Carotid Stenosis/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/cytology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Humans
- Hypoxia/genetics
- Hypoxia/metabolism
- Interleukin-1/pharmacology
- Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology
- Mammary Arteries/cytology
- Mammary Arteries/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 1
- Oxygen/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Trans-Activators/genetics
- Trans-Activators/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology
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84
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Ma W, Tan J, Matsumoto H, Robert B, Abrahamson DR, Das SK, Dey SK. Adult tissue angiogenesis: evidence for negative regulation by estrogen in the uterus. Mol Endocrinol 2001; 15:1983-92. [PMID: 11682628 DOI: 10.1210/mend.15.11.0734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased uterine vascular permeability and angiogenesis are two major events of embryo implantation and placentation during pregnancy. These latter processes require coordinated, uterine-specific interactions between progesterone (P4) and estrogen (E) signaling. Although roles of these steroids have long been suspected, definitive functions of E and/or P4 in uterine angiogenesis still remain elusive. We have therefore exploited the availability of reporter and mutant mice to explore the regulation of angiogenesis in response to steroid hormonal changes in vivo. We present here molecular, genetic, physiological, and pharmacological evidence that E and P4 have different effects in vivo: E promotes uterine vascular permeability but profoundly inhibits angiogenesis, whereas P4 stimulates angiogenesis with little effect on vascular permeability. These effects of E and P4 are mediated by differential spatiotemporal expression of proangiogenic factors in the uterus.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Endothelial Growth Factors/genetics
- Endothelial Growth Factors/metabolism
- Estradiol/analogs & derivatives
- Estradiol/metabolism
- Estradiol/pharmacology
- Estrogen Antagonists/pharmacology
- Estrogen Receptor alpha
- Female
- Fulvestrant
- Hormone Antagonists/pharmacology
- Lymphokines/drug effects
- Lymphokines/genetics
- Lymphokines/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Mifepristone/pharmacology
- Neovascularization, Physiologic/drug effects
- Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology
- Progesterone/metabolism
- Progesterone/pharmacology
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/drug effects
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Receptors, Growth Factor/drug effects
- Receptors, Growth Factor/genetics
- Receptors, Growth Factor/metabolism
- Receptors, Prolactin/genetics
- Receptors, Prolactin/metabolism
- Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
- Uterus/blood supply
- Uterus/drug effects
- Uterus/physiology
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- W Ma
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Ralph L. Smith Research Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
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85
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Chaffin CL, Schwinof KM, Stouffer RL. Gonadotropin and steroid control of granulosa cell proliferation during the periovulatory interval in rhesus monkeys. Biol Reprod 2001; 65:755-62. [PMID: 11514338 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod65.3.755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Progesterone produced in response to the midcycle gonadotropin surge is essential for ovulation and luteinization of the primate follicle. Because cell-cycle arrest is associated with the initiation of luteinization, this study was designed to determine the dynamics and regulation of granulosa cell proliferation by gonadotropin and progesterone during the periovulatory interval in the primate follicle. Granulosa cells or ovaries were obtained from macaques undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation either before (0 h) or as long as 36 h following the administration of an ovulatory hCG bolus with or without a 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor with or without a nonmetabolizable progestin. The percentage of cells staining positive for Ki-67, a nuclear marker for cell proliferation, decreased (P < 0.05) within 12 h of hCG administration in a steroid-independent manner. Levels of cyclin D2 and E mRNA did not decline during the periovulatory interval; however, cyclin B1 mRNA was reduced significantly by 12 h. Steroid depletion increased (P < 0.05) cyclin B1 mRNA at both 12 and 36 h post-hCG and was reversible by progestin replacement at 36 h. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21(Cip1) was transiently increased 12 h post-hCG, whereas p27(Kip1) mRNA levels increased at 36 h in a steroid-independent fashion. These data suggest that a gonadotropin bolus inhibits mitosis in granulosa cells early (12 h) in the periovulatory interval, whereas progesterone may play a later, antiproliferative role in luteinized cells of primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Chaffin
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon Regional Primate Research Center, 505 NW 185th St., Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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86
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Taylor RN, Lebovic DI, Hornung D, Mueller MD. Endocrine and paracrine regulation of endometrial angiogenesis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 943:109-21. [PMID: 11594532 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb03795.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The human endometrium is a complex tissue comprised of different cell types, including epithelial, stromal, inflammatory, perivascular, and blood vessel cells. The hormonal receptivity and distribution of these cell populations change during the menstrual cycle. Cyclical endometrial growth is dependent on its ability to regenerate a vascular capillary network, which grows in parallel with the proliferation and differentiation of the endometrial lining. Natural hormonal effects on the endometrium and endocrine manipulation of this tissue, in response to the use of exogenous steroid therapies, can affect endometrial capillary proliferation and function, leading to clinical abnormalities of uterine bleeding. We propose that the regulation of endometrial angiogenesis is mediated indirectly via complex interactions among cell types. Our laboratory has focused on a prototypical member of the angiogenic proteins, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A. In this paper we present data demonstrating that VEGF-A expression in normal endometrial epithelial and stromal cells and in Ishikawa adenocarcinoma cells is increased by an ovarian steroid, estradiol. Infiltrating immune cells, particularly polymorphonuclear granulocytes, also are sources of VEGF-A. In inflammatory conditions involving the endometrium (e.g., endometriosis), a proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1beta, can mediate neoangiogenesis by inducing VEGF-A gene transcription. Thus, endometrial vascularization is effected by both endocrine and paracrine pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Taylor
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0556, USA.
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87
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Simon JA, Symons JP. Unscheduled bleeding during initiation of continuous combined hormone replacement therapy: a direct comparison of two combinations of norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol to medroxyprogesterone acetate and conjugated equine estrogens. Menopause 2001; 8:321-7. [PMID: 11528357 DOI: 10.1097/00042192-200109000-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether there are differences between continuous combined hormone replacement therapies on bleeding control. DESIGN Nine hundred and forty-five postmenopausal women were randomized to one of seven double-blind treatment groups (placebo, 0.25 mg norethindrone acetate (NA)/5 microg ethinyl estradiol (EE), 1 mg NA/5 microg EE, 0.5 mg NA/10 microg EE, 1 mg NA/10 microg EE, 5 microg EE, and 10 micro EE) or unmasked 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens (CEE)/2.5 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Treatment was for 12 months; subjects kept daily diaries recording whether they had bleeding and/or spotting. RESULTS The results focused on currently commercially available hormone replacement therapy products (femhrt [1 mg NA/5 microg EE] and Prempro [0.625 mg CEE/2.5 mg MPA]) as well as a high-dose NA/EE dose combination (1/10) over the first 6 months of use, the most critical period in establishing treatment adherence. At the end of month 6 there was a greater incidence of amenorrhea with both NA/EE dose combinations compared with CEE/MPA (p = 0.009 for 1 mg NA/5 microg EE and p = 0.006 for 1 mg NA/10 microg EE). Statistically significantly more women were amenorrheic at every month based on cumulative amenorrhea for 1 mg NA/5 microg (p < 0.05) compared with CEE/MPA; at months 3 and 6 more women were amenorrheic on 1 mg NA/10 microg EE compared with CEE/MPA using the cumulative amenorrhea parameter. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that statistically significantly more women attained amenorrhea based on various parameters when administered continuous combined NA/EE compared with CEE/MPA. The potential for long-term treatment compliance based on better bleeding control may optimize the opportunity to prevent osteoporosis as well as other associated health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Simon
- Women's Health Research Center, Laurel, Maryland, USA
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88
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Karas RH, van Eickels M, Lydon JP, Roddy S, Kwoun M, Aronovitz M, Baur WE, Conneely O, O’Malley BW, Mendelsohn ME. A complex role for the progesterone receptor in the response to vascular injury. J Clin Invest 2001. [DOI: 10.1172/jci200111374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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89
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Karas RH, van Eickels M, Lydon JP, Roddy S, Kwoun M, Aronovitz M, Baur WE, Conneely O, O'Malley BW, Mendelsohn ME. A complex role for the progesterone receptor in the response to vascular injury. J Clin Invest 2001; 108:611-8. [PMID: 11518735 PMCID: PMC209395 DOI: 10.1172/jci11374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2000] [Accepted: 06/18/2001] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies of hormone replacement therapy to prevent cardiovascular diseases have heightened interest in the cardiovascular effects of progestins. However, the role of the progesterone receptor (PR) in vascular biology has not been studied in vivo. We studied ovariectomized female PR knockout (PRKO) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates using the mouse carotid artery injury model. Placebo-treated PRKO mice showed significantly greater vascular medial hypertrophy and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation in response to vascular injury than did WT mice. Progesterone had no significant effect in the PRKO mice, but worsened the response to injury in WT mice. VSMCs cultured from PRKO mouse aortae were markedly hyperproliferative, and their growth was not affected by progesterone. In contrast to the in vivo findings, progesterone inhibited proliferation of WT-derived VSMCs. Furthermore, reintroduction of PR into PRKO-derived VSMCs using adenoviral methods restored progesterone-mediated inhibition of proliferation to these cells. This effect was reversed by the PR antagonist, RU 486. Thus, the effects of PR and progesterone differ markedly between cultured VSMCs and intact blood vessels. These data demonstrate a direct role for the PR in regulating the response to vascular injury and VSMC proliferation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carotid Artery Injuries
- Carotid Artery, Common/pathology
- Cell Division/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured/drug effects
- DNA Replication/drug effects
- Female
- Hormone Antagonists/pharmacology
- Hyperplasia
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Mifepristone/pharmacology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Ovariectomy
- Progesterone/antagonists & inhibitors
- Progesterone/pharmacology
- Receptors, Progesterone/deficiency
- Receptors, Progesterone/drug effects
- Receptors, Progesterone/genetics
- Receptors, Progesterone/physiology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/physiology
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- R H Karas
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, New England Medical Center Hospitals Inc., Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA
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90
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The Transcription of Genes. Biochemistry 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-012492543-4/50031-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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91
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Friedman A, Weiss S, Levy N, Meidan R. Role of tumor necrosis factor alpha and its type I receptor in luteal regression: induction of programmed cell death in bovine corpus luteum-derived endothelial cells. Biol Reprod 2000; 63:1905-12. [PMID: 11090464 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod63.6.1905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and its type I receptor (TNFRI) in structural luteolysis was investigated. A semiquatitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to characterize the pattern of TNFRI mRNA expression within the corpus luteum (CL) throughout the estrous cycle and its cellular distribution. Increase in TNFRI mRNA levels was recorded both in regressed luteal tissue and in CL of cows injected with prostaglandin F(2 alpha). All three major cell types composing the CL, steroidogenic (large and small) and endothelial cells expressed the TNFRI gene. A densitometric analysis of TNFRI mRNA expression revealed that resident endothelial cells had significantly higher levels of TNFRI mRNA than steroidogenic luteal cells. The physiological effects associated with TNFRI expression were investigated in the various luteal cell types. TNF alpha-induced programmed cell death (PCD) in dose- and time-dependent manners of cultured luteal endothelial cells (LECs) but not of in vitro luteinized steroidogenic cells. Several lines of evidence are provided to show that progesterone regulates luteal cell survival: 1) CL and LECs express progesterone receptor mRNA, 2) physiological levels of the steroid abolished TNF alpha-induced PCD of LECs, and 3) progesterone-producing cells are protected from PCD. In conclusion, this study suggests that TNF alpha-induced PCD during structural luteolysis is mediated by TNFRI, primarily affects endothelial cells, and that the decline in progesterone, preceding structural luteolysis, is a prerequisite for the initiation of apoptosis in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Friedman
- Section of Immunology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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92
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Abstract
The endometrium is one of the few tissues in the adult where physiological angiogenesis occurs. Studies of endometrial angiogenesis are complicated by the continual changes in tissue growth and regression during the menstrual cycle, and differences between the two different zones of the endometrium--the functionalis and basalis. The mechanisms of angiogenesis in the endometrium may be different to those in solid tumours, requiring a re-evaluation of the relative importance of various angiogenesis promoters and inhibitors. None of the angiogenesis promoters or inhibitors have yet been demonstrated beyond doubt to have a biological role in endometrial angiogenesis in vivo. Thus, the mechanisms, timing and control of angiogenesis in the endometrium are far from being fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Weston
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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93
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Faraci
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Pharmacology, and Physiology and Biophysics, Cardiovascular Center, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242-1081, USA
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94
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Iruela-Arispe ML, Lombardo M, Krutzsch HC, Lawler J, Roberts DD. Inhibition of angiogenesis by thrombospondin-1 is mediated by 2 independent regions within the type 1 repeats. Circulation 1999; 100:1423-31. [PMID: 10500044 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.100.13.1423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suppression of tumor growth by thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) has been associated with its ability to inhibit neovascularization. The antiangiogenic activity of TSP-1, as defined by cornea pocket assays, was previously mapped to the amino-terminal portion of the protein within the procollagen region and the type 1 repeats. METHODS AND RESULTS We evaluated the specificity and efficacy of different regions of TSP-1 using recombinant fragments of the protein on chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) angiogenesis and endothelial cell proliferation assays. In both assays, fragments containing the second and third type 1 repeats but not the procollagen region inhibited angiogenesis and endothelial cell proliferation. To further define the sequences responsible for the angiostatic effect of TSP-1, we used synthetic peptides. The CAM assay defined 2 sequences that independently suppressed angiogenesis. The amino-terminal end of the type 1 repeats showed higher potency for inhibiting angiogenesis driven by basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2), whereas the second region equally blocked angiogenesis driven by either FGF-2 or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Modifications of the active peptides revealed the specific amino acids required for the inhibitory response. One sequence included the conserved tryptophan residues in the amino-terminal end of the second and third type 1 repeats, and the other involved the amino acids that follow the CSVTCG sequence in the carboxy-terminus of these repeats. Both inhibition in the CAM assay and inhibition of breast tumor xenograft growth in nude mice were independent of the TGF-beta-activating sequence located in the second type 1 repeat. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that the type 1 repeats of TSP-1 contain 2 subdomains that may independently inhibit neovascularization. They also identify 2 independent pathways by which TSP-1 can block FGF-2 and VEGF angiogenic signals on endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Iruela-Arispe
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology and the Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, Calif 90095, USA.
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95
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Vázquez F, Hastings G, Ortega MA, Lane TF, Oikemus S, Lombardo M, Iruela-Arispe ML. METH-1, a human ortholog of ADAMTS-1, and METH-2 are members of a new family of proteins with angio-inhibitory activity. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:23349-57. [PMID: 10438512 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.33.23349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have studied two related proteins that contain a repeated amino acid motif homologous to the anti-angiogenic type 1 repeats of thrombospondin-1 (TSP1). Complete sequence analysis revealed no other similarities with TSP1, but identified unique signal sequences, as well as metalloprotease and disintegrin-like domains in the NH(2) termini. We named these proteins METH-1 and METH-2 due to the novel combination of metalloprotease and thrombospondin domains. Overall amino acid sequence identity between METH-1 and METH-2 is 51. 7%, yet transcript distribution revealed non-overlapping patterns of expression in tissues and cultured cell lines. To characterize these proteins functionally, we isolated full-length cDNAs, produced recombinant protein, and generated antisera to the recombinant proteins. Both METH-1 and METH-2 represent single copy genes, which encode secreted and proteolytically processed proteins. METH proteins suppressed fibroblast growth factor-2-induced vascularization in the cornea pocket assay and inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenesis in the chorioallantoic membrane assay. Suppression of vessel growth in both assays was considerably greater than that mediated by either thrombospondin-1 or endostatin on a molar basis. Consistent with an endothelial specific response, METH-1 and METH-2 were shown to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation, but not fibroblast or smooth muscle growth. We propose that METH-1 and METH-2 represent a new family of proteins with metalloprotease, disintegrin, and thrombospondin domains. The distinct distribution of each gene product suggests that each has evolved distinct regulatory mechanisms that potentially allow for fine control of activity during distinct physiological and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Vázquez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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