Venular endothelium in vitro: isolation and characterization

Wall structures of myocardial precapillary arterioles and postcapillary venules reexamined and reconstructed in vitro for studies on barrier functions

The barrier functions of myocardial precapillary arteriolar and postcapillary venular walls (PCA or PCV, respectively) are of considerable scientific and clinical interest (regulation of blood flow and recruitment of immune defense). Using enzyme histochemistry combined with confocal microscopy, we reexamined the cell architecture of human PCA and PVC and reconstructed appropriate in vitro models for studies of their barrier functions. Contrary to current opinion, the PCA endothelial tube is encompassed not by smooth muscle cells but rather by a concentric layer of pericytes cocooned in a thick, microparticle-containing extracellular matrix (ECM) that contributes substantially to the tightness of the arteriolar wall. This core tube extends upstream into the larger arterioles, there additionally enwrapped by smooth muscle. PCV consist of an inner layer of large, contractile endothelial cells encompassed by a fragile, wide-meshed pericyte network with a weakly developed ECM. Pure pericyte and endothelial cell preparations were isolated from PCA and PCV and grown in sandwich cultures. These in vitro models of the PCA and PCV walls exhibited typical histological and functional features. In both plasma-like (PLM) and serum-containing (SCM) media, the PCA model (including ECM) maintained its low hydraulic conductivity (L(P) = 3.24 ± 0.52·10(-8)cm·s(-1)·cmH(2)O(-1)) and a high selectivity index for transmural passage of albumin (SI(Alb) = 0.95 ± 0.02). In contrast, L(P) and SI(Alb) in the PCV model (almost no ECM) were 2.55 ± 0.32·10(-7)cm·s(-1)·cmH(2)O(-1) and 0.88 ± 0.03, respectively, in PLM, and 1.39 ± 0.10·10(-6)cm·s(-1)·cmH(2)O(-1) and 0.49 ± 0.04 in SCM. With the use of these models, systematic, detailed studies on the regulation of microvascular barrier properties now appear to be feasible.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor induced angio-oedema: a review of the pathophysiology and risk factors

Angio-oedema (AE) is a known adverse effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) therapy. Over the past several decades, evidence of failure to diagnose this important and potentially fatal reaction is commonly found in the literature. Because this reaction is often seen first in the primary care setting, a review was undertaken to analyse and document the keys to both diagnostic criteria as well as to investigate potential risk factors for ACE-I AE occurrence. A general review of published literature was conducted through Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database, targeting ACE-I-related AE pathomechanism, diagnosis, epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical decision making and treatment. The incidence and severity of AE appears to be on the rise and there is evidence of considerable delay in diagnosis contributing to significant morbidity and mortality for patients. The mechanism of AE due to ACE-I drugs is not fully understood, but some genomic and metabolomic information has been correlated. Additional epidemiologic data and clinical treatment outcome predictors have been evaluated, creating a basis for future work on the development of clinical prediction tools to aid in risk identification and diagnostic differentiation. Accurate recognition of AE by the primary care provider is essential to limit the rising morbidity associated with ACE-I treatment-related AE. Research findings on the phenotypic indicators relevant to this group of patients as well as basic research into the pathomechanism of AE are available, and should be used in the construction of better risk analysis and clinical diagnostic tools for ACE-I AE.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity in patients with ACE-inhibitor-associated angioedema

Bradykinin and substance P have been implicated as mediators in angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)-associated angioedema. Studies investigating the metabolism of bradykinin in sera from patients with a history of ACEI-associated angioedema and controls suggest that there is a defect in a non-ACE, non-kininase I pathway of bradykinin degradation, such as the aminopeptidase P (APP)/dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) pathway. This study tested the hypothesis that serum APP or DPPIV activity is decreased in patients with ACEI-associated angioedema. APP and DPPIV activity were measured in sera collected from patients during ACEI-associated angioedema, from patients with a remote history of ACEI-associated angioedema, and from normotensive and untreated hypertensive controls. The effects of acute and chronic ACEI and corticosteroid treatment on serum DPPIV activity were also assessed. DPPIV activity was similar in normotensive volunteers (37.8 +/- 6.3 nmol/mL per min), in untreated hypertensive subjects who had been exposed previously to ACEI without angioedema (36.2 +/- 4.3 nmol/mL per min), in hypertensive patients with a remote history of angioedema (35.1 +/-8.5 nmol/mL per min), and in chronically ACEI-treated hypertensive subjects (36.1 +/- 5.6 nmol/mL per min). DPPIV activity decreased with increasing age (R(2)=0.10, P=0.016). Subject group significantly affected DPPIV activity (F=6.208, P=0.016) such that DPPIV activity was significantly lower in patients with ACEI-associated angioedema (26.9 +/- 4.1 nmol/mL per min) than in normotensive controls, in previously ACEI-exposed untreated hypertensive volunteers, or in ACEI-treated hypertensive volunteers, even after controlling for age. There was no effect of acute ACE inhibition or corticosteroids on DPPIV activity. With respect to APP activity, there was no difference between groups. These results suggest that DPPIV activity is depressed in individuals with hypertension during acute ACEI-associated angioedema.

Hypoxia-induced alterations in Ca(2+) mobilization in brain microvascular endothelial cells

To investigate the possible cellular mechanisms of the ischemia-induced impairments of cerebral microcirculation, we investigated the effects of hypoxia/reoxygenation on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells (BBEC). In the cells kept in normal air, ATP elicited Ca(2+) oscillations in a concentration-dependent manner. When the cells were exposed to hypoxia for 6 h and subsequent reoxygenation for 45 min, the basal level of [Ca(2+)](i) was increased from 32.4 to 63.3 nM, and ATP did not induce Ca(2+) oscillations. Hypoxia/reoxygenation also inhibited capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE), which was evoked by thapsigargin (Delta[Ca(2+)](i-CCE): control, 62.3 +/- 3.1 nM; hypoxia/reoxygenation, 17.0 +/- 1.8 nM). The impairments of Ca(2+) oscillations and CCE, but not basal [Ca(2+)](i), were restored by superoxide dismutase and the inhibitors of mitochondrial electron transport, rotenone and thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA). By using a superoxide anion (O(2)(-))-sensitive luciferin derivative MCLA, we confirmed that the production of O(2)(-) was induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation and was prevented by rotenone and TTFA. These results indicate that hypoxia/reoxygenation generates O(2)(-) at mitochondria and impairs some Ca(2+) mobilizing properties in BBEC.

Cardiac microvascular endothelial cells express alpha-smooth muscle actin and show low NOS III activity

We established a culture system of porcine coronary microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC) with high cellular yield and purity >98%. Endothelial origin was confirmed by immunostaining, immunoblotting and fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analysis using low-density lipoprotein uptake, CD31, von Willebrand factor, and the lectin Dolichos biflorus agglutinin. MVEC were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin in culture and in myocardium, as confirmed by FACS. Of the primary MVEC, approximately 30% expressed nitric oxide synthase (NOS) III in numbers decreasing from the first passage (6 +/- 1%) to the second passage (4 +/- 1%; P < 0.001 vs. primary isolates), whereas approximately 100% of aortic endothelial cells (AEC) expressed NOS III. In AEC, NOS III activity (pmol citrulline. mg protein-1. min-1) was 80 +/- 10 and was nearly abolished in the absence of calcium (5 +/- 1, P < 0.001). In primary MVEC, however, NOS III activity in the presence and absence of calcium was 20 +/- 4 and 25 +/- 5, respectively. We conclude that cardiac MVEC, in contrast to AEC, contain alpha-smooth muscle actin, show low-grade NOS III activity, and provide a suitable in vitro system for the study of endothelial pathophysiology.

Smooth muscle cell proliferation in response to co-culture with venous and arterial endothelial cells

PURPOSE

The critical role of endothelial cells (ECs) in arterial disease is well established, but little is known of their role in venous disease. Previous studies suggest inherent differences between arteries and veins: arterial stenoses demonstrate a large lipid component, whereas hemodialysis-related venous stenoses are characterized by marked smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. This study compares effects of venous versus arterial ECs on SMC proliferation in co-culture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human saphenous vein ECs (HSV-ECs) or human aortic ECs (HA-ECs) were cultured on the underside of 10-micron, porous polycarbonate membranes and allowed to grow to confluence for 48 hours. After EC confluence, human aortic SMCs (HA-SMCs) were cultured on the membranes opposite the EC (day 0). On days 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8, membranes were harvested (n = 3 per day), stained with Hoechst dye, and HA-SMCs were counted by fluorescence microscopy. Controls were HA-SMCs cultured alone. Comparisons were made by two-way multivariate analysis of variance.

RESULTS

During the entire 8-day period, there was significant induction of HA-SMC proliferation by both HSV-ECs (P = .0003) and HA-ECs (P = .0012). Maximal inductions were 88% +/- 11% for HSV-ECs (P = .0015) and 24% +/- 6% for HA-ECs (P = .0015). HSV-ECs exhibited a three- to ninefold greater induction than HA-ECs (P = .0003).

CONCLUSION

HSV-ECs induce adjacent HA-SMC proliferation, possibly in a paracrine manner to a significantly greater extent than HA-ECs.

Isolation of granulosa-like cells from the bovine secretory corpus luteum and their characterization in long-term culture

BACKGROUND

The isolation of cells termed type 5 from the bovine corpus luteum was recently reported. Since these cells were reminiscent of immature granulosa cells, their morphological and functional relationship requires further investigation in view of the novel concept of corpus luteum growth. It suggests that putative stem cells of unknown origin supply the pool of small luteal cells.

METHODS

Bovine corpora lutea were mechanically dispersed, cell suspensions separated over a Percoll density gradient, and type 5 cells purified by colony transfer. Granulosa cells were harvested from small-sized antral follicles. Observations were carried out at the light and electron microscopical level. 3 beta-Hydroxy-steroid-dehydrogenase was localized histochemically in addition to intracellular lipid droplets stained with nile red. Immunolocalization was used to study Factor VIII antigen presence, the architecture of the cytoskeleton, as well as the occurrence of neuronal cell adhesion molecules, and of neuronal cadherin-like molecules. The uptake of acetylated low density lipoprotein was examined. As for progesterone concentration, cells were seeded at low density on day zero. Cell numbers and progesterone levels of supernatants were determined on day 10 in culture.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Type 5 cells behaved morphologically like immature granulosa cells, yet the total cell number and the progesterone concentration differed for type 5 cells compared to granulosa cells. The addition of LH had no influence on the progesterone concentration as seen for either type 5 cells or for granulosa cells. It is concluded that type 5 cells, which were originally mistaken for microvascular endothelial cells, display similarities with immature granulosa cells. Type 5 cells may play a role in renewal of luteal cells.

Differential adhesion of granulocytes to five distinct phenotypes of cultured microvascular endothelial cells

Adhesion of isolated human polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) to five different phenotypes of cultured microvascular endothelial cells derived from bovine corpora lutea was investigated by measuring the myeloperoxidase content of cell lysates. Untreated and interleukin 1 (IL-1) -pretreated confluent monolayers were overlaid with unstimulated and phorbol ester (PMA)-stimulated PMNs in the absence and presence of the monoclonal antibody IB4 recognizing and functionally blocking beta 2 (CD18) of the leukocyte integrins. Unstimulated PMN adhesion was highest on type 4, followed by type 3 and 5 endothelial cells. This adhesion was not inhibited by treatment with IB4. IL-1 pretreatment of endothelial cells resulted in a significant increase of PMN adhesion on types 1, 2, and 4, most of which was also beta 2 integrin-independent. PMA-stimulation of PMNs increased adhesion to maximal values on cell types 1 and 5, which was largely blocked by IB4. Type 2 endothelial cells supported significantly less PMA-stimulated PMN adhesion than all other types. In the presence of IB4, adhesion of PMNs to untreated and IL-1-pretreated type 3 and 4 endothelial cells was significantly reduced by PMA. This reduction of beta 2 integrin-independent adhesion by PMA stimulation is compatible with possible shedding of the lectin-like leukocyte adhesion molecule, L-selectin, from PMNs. Differential PMN adhesion may reflect distinctive expression of endothelial adhesion molecules in different phenotypes of microvascular endothelial cells. Endothelial specialization within the microcirculation may have important functional consequences for the inflammatory response in vivo.

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

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

Binding sites for vascular endothelial growth factor are localized on endothelial cells in adult rat tissues

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a secreted heparin-binding mitogen; its growth-promoting activity is limited to vascular endothelial cells in vitro and VEGF also stimulates angiogenesis in vivo. To identify target cells for VEGF and investigate the potential physiological role of this factor, iodinated recombinant human VEGF (125I-rhVEGF) was used for in vitro ligand autoradiography on tissue sections from adult rats. 125I-rhVEGF exhibited saturable, displaceable binding to a single class of sites with high affinity and low capacity in all tissues and organs examined. Colocalization of 125I-rhVEGF binding with Factor VIII-like immunoreactivity demonstrated binding sites associated with vascular endothelial cells of both fenestrated and nonfenestrated microvessels and the endothelium of large vessels, while no displaceable binding was evident on nonendothelial cells. Specific binding was associated with quiescent as well as proliferating vessels. These findings support the hypothesis that VEGF plays a specific role in both the maintenance and in the induction of growth of vascular endothelial cells.

Neutral endopeptidase and kininase II mediate glucocorticoid inhibition of neurogenic inflammation in the rat trachea

Glucocorticoids inhibit plasma extravasation induced in the rat tracheal mucosa by substance P and other tachykinins released from sensory nerves. This study was performed to determine whether this antiinflammatory effect of glucocorticoids is mediated by the tachykinin-degrading enzymes neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and kininase II (angiotensin converting enzyme, ACE). In addition, we studied the effect of dexamethasone on a nonpeptide inflammatory mediator, platelet-activating factor (PAF), which is not degraded by NEP or ACE. Adult male pathogen-free F344 rats were treated for 2 d with dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg per d i.p.), or with the vehicle used to dissolve the steroid. The magnitude of plasma extravasation produced by an intravenous injection of substance P (5 micrograms/kg) or PAF (10 micrograms/kg) was then assessed by using Monastral blue pigment as an intravascular tracer. The role of NEP and ACE activities in the changes produced by dexamethasone was investigated by examining the effect of the selective inhibitors of these enzymes, phosphoramidon and captopril. Dexamethasone reduced the substance P-induced extravasation by 57% but did not affect the PAF-induced extravasation. The suppressive effect of dexamethasone on substance P-induced extravasation was completely reversed by simultaneously inhibiting NEP and ACE activities, but the inhibition of these enzymes had no effect on PAF-induced extravasation, regardless of whether the rats were pretreated with dexamethasone or not. These results suggest that NEP and ACE mediate a selective inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids on neurogenic plasma extravasation.

Inducible perivascular cells contribute to the neochondrogenesis in grafted perichondrium

Autogeneic perichondrium was implanted above the cremaster muscle of the rat, and the new formation of two types of cartilage (types I and and II) was confirmed. Also, granulation tissue was observed before the type II cartilage formation. Under these conditions, the contribution to the neocartilage of graft bed derived cells, mainly of the venule pericytes, was studied. To follow the pericyte lineage, we used a marker--Monastral Blue B--the administration of which was based on the principle of vascular labeling. While the perichondrium was kept free, before its implantation, the preformed (preexisting) venules in the cremaster muscle were exclusively labeled with Monastral Blue B, which was incorporated into the cytoplasm of pericytes and endothelial cells. After perichondrium implantation, the following sequence in tracer distribution was demonstrated. During the earlier stages, labeling was restricted to the pericytes and endothelial cells of venules in the graft bed. Later the tracer was observed in some endothelial cells and pericytes of the growing vessels and in fibroblast-like cells of the granulation tissue. Finally, some type II neochondrocytes appeared labeled. Tracer was not found in type I neochondrocytes. The presence of label in type II neochondrocytes demonstrates that they arise from progenitor cells present in the graft bed, principally from small venule pericytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Different phenotypes of cultured microvessel endothelial cells obtained from bovine corpus luteum. Study by light microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Morphological heterogeneity has not been documented for cultured endothelial cells isolated from the microvascular bed of any organ. As the corpus luteum depends on a rich microvascularization, endothelial cells were dislodged from developing corpora lutea by mechanical dissection followed either by collagenase digestion or by no digestion. Cell separation was carried out by Percoll density centrifugation. Although the yield of intact cells was higher with collagenase treatment than without, successful endothelial cell cultures were only established when cells remained untreated. Viewed by light microscopy after an average lag phase of 10 days, five different phenotypes of endothelial cells were found under similar simple culture conditions: isomorphic epithelioid, polymorphic epithelioid, spindle-shaped, round, and phase-dense phenotypes. Monolayers appeared within 2-4 weeks. After an additional period of 2-4 weeks, tubular forms with a specific pattern were noted for types 1-3, the so-called pseudotubular forms for type 4, and none for type 5. Cell types differed in their cytochemical and immunocytochemical responses. Examined by SEM, type 1 displayed a more conspicuous surface anatomy than type 2. Types 3-5 demonstrated striking cell processes that were characteristic of each type. Tubular forms of types 1 and 2 showed cell borders and a marked increase in surface specializations, whereas tubular forms of type 3 lacked detectable cell borders in the absence of a striking surface anatomy. Pseudotubular forms of type 4 developed no particular spatial organization. Thus, for the first time, morphological evidence is provided that different endothelial cell types are obtained from diverse segments of the microvascular bed.

Distinction between vascular smooth muscle cells and myoepithelial cells in primary monolayer cultures of human breast tissue

We report on the discrimination of vascular smooth muscle cells and myoepithelial cells in primary cultures of human breast tissue. Breast tissue was disaggregated enzymatically and the resulting organoids seeded in monolayer culture on collagen-coated plastic in serum-free medium CDM3a. Two main types of organoids were present after enzymatic digestion. One resembled small blood vessels and the other interlobular ducts or acini of the breast gland epithelium. Within 3 to 8 d after plating the organoids migrated into typical monolayer islets. These monolayer islets were evaluated using phase contrast microscopy and further tagged with monoclonal antibodies for immunocytochemical demonstration of Factor VIII-related antigen, muscle iso-forms of actin, type IV collagen, vimentin, desmin, and keratins. It is concluded that vascular smooth muscle cells resembled myoepithelial cells by expressing vimentin filaments, depositing type IV collagen, and showing immunoreactivity to muscle iso-forms of actin. However, whereas vascular smooth muscle cells were associated with endothelial cells and sometimes expressed desmin, myoepithelial cells appeared together with luminal epithelial cells and expressed cytokeratins.