Effect of calcium channel modulators on isolated endothelial cells

Agonist-stimulated calcium entry in primary cultures of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells

Primary cultures of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (HCMEC) were loaded with fura-2. The intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was measured by digital imaging microscopy. Agonists ATP (100 micro), thrombin (10 units/ml), and histamine (25 microM) induced a transient [Ca2+]i increase. Histamine (100 microM) induced a biphasic [Ca2+]i increase with an initial [Ca2+]i peak followed by a [Ca2+]i plateau. The [Ca2+]i plateau was blocked by the receptor-operated Ca2+ channel (ROC) blockers SK&F 96365 and NCDC, indicating a contribution by Ca2+ influx through ROC to the [Ca2+]i plateau. However, this [Ca2+]i plateau was not blocked by the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel (VGC) blocker diltiazem (DTZ). Depolarization with 80K+ or application of the VGC agonist BAY K 8644 did not alter the resting [Ca2+]i; but 80K+ reduced the histamine (100 microM) induced [Ca2+]i plateau. These results show that HCMEC are devoid of functional VGC. Thus the membrane potential (Em) regulates Ca2+ entry mainly by enhancing the electrochemical Ca2+ gradient, such that hyperpolarization increases while depolarization decreases [Ca2+]i. Blockade of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) by CPA increased [Ca2+]i. This effect was dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and reduced by iberiotoxin (IBTX) blockade of Ca2+-activated K+ channels (Kca), suggesting a role for Kca in regulating Ca2+ influx. Ca2+ is the principal activator of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which stimulates cyclic GMP production. The final result that the eNOS inhibitor L-NAME enhanced the histamine (100 microM) induced [Ca2+]i plateau suggests a negative feedback loop (via cGMP) of endothelial NO on its own synthesis in the regulation of endothelial [Ca2+]i signal.

Endothelial cell oxidant generation during K(+)-induced membrane depolarization

We tested the hypothesis that membrane depolarization may initiate oxidant generation in the endothelial cell. Depolarization was produced in bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (BPAEC) in monolayer culture with varying external K+, or with glyburide (10 microM), tetraethylammonium (TEA, 10 mM), gramicidin (1 microM), or nigericin (2 microM). Evaluation of bisoxonol fluorescence of BPAEC indicated concentration-dependent depolarization by high K+ (2% change in fluorescence/mV change in membrane potential in the 5.9-48 mM range of K+) and essentially complete depolarization with glyburide. Generation of oxidants was assessed with o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (o-PD) oxidation in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). There was a time-dependent increase in o-PD oxidation with 24 mM K+, nigericin, and gramicidin over 2 hours compared with control. In 1 hour o-PD oxidation increased 2.8-fold for 24 mM and 3.7-fold for 48 mM K+ compared with control. Catalase reduced 24 mM K(+)-induced o-PD oxidation by 50%, while Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) abolished the increase. Oxidation of o-PD was reduced by 57% in the absence of HRP in the system. With K+ channel blockade, o-PD oxidation increased 3.8-fold with glyburide and 4.6-fold with TEA compared with control. These data indicate formation of H2O2 and possibly other oxidants with depolarization and suggest involvement of K(+)-channels in this process.

Influence of age on the relaxation induced by nifedipine in aorta from spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats

1. Nifedipine induces relaxation in aortic segments from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) of 5-week-, 3-month-, 6-month- and 1.5-year-old precontracted with 50 mM K+ or 0.1 microM noradrenaline (NA). 2. In WKY rat segments precontracted with K+, nifedipine relaxation was reduced at 1.5 years. However, in SHR segments, the greatest relaxation was observed at 1.5 years. The relaxation elicited by nifedipine in segments from WKY of 6-month and 1.5-year-old precontracted with NA was higher than that reached at 5-week- and 3-month-old. However, the relaxation induced in SHR of 6-month and 1.5-year-old was only higher than that obtained at 5-week-old. 3. Relaxations elicited by nifedipine in segments from WKY precontracted with K+ were smaller than those observed in age-matched SHR segments. 4. The endothelium positively and negatively modulates the relaxation to nifedipine in segments from SHR and WKY rats of different ages precontracted with K+, respectively. However, in segments of both strain precontracted with NA, endothelium removal did not alter the relaxations obtained at different ages. 5. These results suggest that the relaxation elicited by nifedipine: (1) depends on the strain, with a tendency to be greater in the hypertensive strain; (2) is negatively and positively modulated by endothelium in WKY and SHR, respectively, and (3) is influenced by age, and this influence depends on both the contractile agent and the strain.

Isradipine affects histamine-induced cytosolic Ca2+ movements in human endothelial cells

Although endothelial actions of dihydropyridines remain controversial, isradipine has been observed to exert anti-atherosclerotic actions in which endothelium could be involved. This study was designed to investigate the direct effects of isradipine on cytosolic Ca2+ concentration in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Isradipine (from 10 nM to 1 microM) had no effect on unstimulated cells but dose-dependently decreased both the transient [Ca2+]i peak and the sustained increase induced by histamine. Its maximal effects were reached at 0.1 microM. In the absence of Ca2+ influx or in depolarized cells, 1 microM isradipine still significantly decreased the transient [Ca2+]i peak (by 23 +/- 8% and 42 +/- 11%). Ca2+ influx induced by re-establishment of transmembrane Ca2+ gradient was also inhibited by isradipine, as was that induced by 1 microM thapsigargin. These results demonstrate that isradipine is able to reduce both Ca2+ release from internal stores and the consequent Ca2+ entry in stimulated human endothelial cells.

Comparative drug influence on peroxide mediated increase of cytosolic calcium in human endothelial cells

The increase of cytosolic free calcium in human umbilical vein endothelial cells caused by peroxides was used as a model to determine and compare the putative cytoprotective properties of substances known to interfere with the generation or metabolism of reactive oxygen species. Hydrophilic hydrogen peroxide and lipophilic cumene hydroperoxide were used as sources of reactive oxygen. [Ca2+]i in endothelial cells was measured by the FURA method and the resting level was found to be 129.3 +/- 14.1 nM. Both peroxides were found to increase cytosolic calcium with dependence on the concentration and on the presence of extracellular calcium. Among the substances tested, only catalase and N-acetyl-cysteine were able to exhibit a significant cytoprotective effect.

Isolated rat glomerular cells demonstrate L-type Ca(2+)-channel activity

The presence of L-type calcium (Ca2+)-channels and the effects of Ca(2+)-channel antagonists on cells of rat glomeruli were investigated. Glomeruli were isolated by graded sieving and after preincubation (10 min) in zero Ca2+, the uptake of 45Ca2+ by glomerular cells was measured. Depolarization with KCl (50 mM) or the dihydropyridine agonist Bay K 8644 (10 microM) stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake by 13% and 24%, respectively, above control (100%), which was inhibited by nifedipine (Nif, 10 microM), P < 0.05, and by both S and R isomers of verapamil (Ver, 10 microM), P < 0.001. In a separate experimental preparation, isolated glomeruli were preloaded (45 min) with 45Ca2+. Following a 45 min perifusion (37 degrees C, CaCl2 1.26 mM, in the absence of 45Ca2+), both KCl (50 mM) and Bay K 8644 (10 microM) induced cellular 45Ca2+ efflux with peak values above control of 11% and 15%, respectively, (P < 0.05). Exposure to Bay K 8644 preceded by depolarization with KCl resulted in enhanced 45Ca2+ efflux identifying the presence of voltage-dependent Ca(2+)-channel activity. Cultured rat mesangial cells grown to confluence on coverslips were preloaded with Fura-2 and cytosolic Ca2+ was measured by microfluorometry. KCl (50 mM), gramicidin (2 microM) and/or Bay K 8644 (6 microM) stimulated Ca2+ influx which was inhibited by Ver (10 microM). Ver did not alter endothelin-stimulated Ca2+ signalling. We conclude that L-type Ca2+ channels are present on both rat glomerular (endothelial and/or mesangial) cells in vivo and on cultured mesangial cells, and their activation may be hormone specific.

Voltage-gated Ca entry in isolated bovine capillary endothelial cells: evidence of a new type of BAY K 8644-sensitive channel

Isolated bovine capillary endothelial cells have been examined for voltage-dependent Ca entry. All cells displayed a low threshold activity, with the main characteristics of a T-type transient current, when examined using whole-cell recording for activation and inactivation and cell-attached conditions or inside-out patches for the elementary conductance (8 pS). 25% of the cells displayed an additional sustained current in 5 mM CaCl2 above -40 mV, which was enhanced by application of BAY K 8644, but almost insensitive to superfusion with nicardipine. Two types of channels (2.8 and 21 pS, in 110 mM BaCl2) were shown to have a BAY K 8644 sensitivity. The large conductance channels were L-type channels. The smaller events were elicited at more hyperpolarized potentials (by some 30 mV). Their mean open time was 16 ms in control conditions. In presence of BAY K 8644, additional long open times were observed (up to 100 ms as compared to 7.8 ms for the time constants of the slow mode of the L-type channel). We refer to these channels as SB channels: of small conductance and sensitive to BAY K 8644. In the presence of nicardipine, SB channels are not noticeably modified, in contrast to the L-type openings which are abolished. Also, SB open times are close to control values when nicardipine is added after a BAY K 8644 application. We suggest that, at physiological concentrations of divalent ions, an SB-type activity is elicited above -40 mV which generates the low threshold sustained current.

In vivo binding of nimodipine in the brain: I. The effect of focal cerebral ischemia

We report the regional variation in [3H]nimodipine binding in vivo during focal cerebral ischemia. After intravenous injection, 30 min of circulation of [3H]nimodipine was sufficient to establish a secular equilibrium of distribution in the brain. Rats sustained left middle cerebral and common carotid artery occlusions for 5 min, and 4, 24, and 48 h (n greater than or equal to 6 epr group). They were decapitated 30 min after injection of 250 microCi of [3H]nimodipine and their brains were submitted to autoradiography. The concentrations of [3H]nimodipine in plasma and brain structures, corrected for metabolism of nimodipine, were used to calculate the regional volumes of distribution (V) in the ischemic left (L) and control right (R) hemispheres. Log (VL/VR) was then defined as the group mean of the logarithms of the left-to-right ratio of V of [3H]nimodipine. In the lateral caudate, binding of [3H]nimodipine on the ischemic side was highest within 5 min of occlusion. Log (VL/VR) in this region for the combined sham-operated and normal control rats and those after 5 min and 4 and 24 h of ischemia were -0.014 +/- 0.025, 0.137 +/- 0.056*, -0.201 +/- 0.367, and -0.049 +/- 0.370 (mean +/- SD, *represents p less than 0.01 compared with controls). By contrast, in the superior frontal cortex, values for log (VL/VR) in the same sequence were -0.016 +/- 0.025, 0.028 +/- 0.056, 0.284 +/- 0.228*, and 0.224 +/- 0.069*, thus showing a significant rise in [3H]nimodipine binding only at 4 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Inflammatory agonists that increase microvascular permeability in vivo stimulate cultured pulmonary microvessel endothelial cell contraction

Bovine pulmonary microvessel endothelial cells grown on a flexible substrate contract upon the addition of angiotensin II, thrombin, bradykinin, and U44069, a stable analogue of thromboxane A2. All these agents promote inflammation and increase paracellular permeability in vivo or in vitro. The contractile response is mediated by intracellular and extracellular free calcium: the response is inhibited by TMB-8, an intracellular Ca2+ chelator, and EGTA. Contraction is inhibited by trifluoroperazine, a Ca2(+)-calmodulin antagonist, and by ML-7, an inhibitor of myosin light-chain kinase. Preincubation with PMA, a protein kinase C activator, prevents contraction by angiotensin II. The inactive analogue 4-alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate does not inhibit contraction. In contrast cAMP, carbacyclin (a stable PGI2 analogue), and isoproterenol, agonists known to stabilize the microvascular barrier against inflammatory agents, relax pulmonary microvessel EC. This direct evidence of the contractile potential of microvessel endothelial cells lends support to the theory that endothelial contraction leads to increased junctional permeability.

Antagonistic modulatory roles of magnesium and calcium on release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor and smooth muscle tone

The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms associated with the reciprocal relation between magnesium and calcium on vascular smooth muscle tone in bovine pulmonary artery and vein. Rapid removal of magnesium from Krebs-bicarbonate medium used to bathe isolated rings of precontracted artery or vein caused transient endothelium- and calcium-dependent relaxation and cyclic GMP accumulation. Both responses were antagonized by oxyhemoglobin, methylene blue, or superoxide anion and were enhanced by superoxide dismutase. The transient relaxation was followed by sustained endothelium-independent contraction. Endothelium-denuded vascular rings contracted in response to extracellular magnesium depletion without alteration in cyclic GMP levels. The data suggest that vascular endothelium-derived nitric oxide is responsible for the calcium-dependent relaxation elicited by extracellular magnesium depletion. Indeed, in bioassay cascade studies, magnesium removal from the medium used to perfuse intact artery or vein enhanced the formation and/or release of an endothelium-derived relaxing factor by calcium-dependent mechanisms. In the absence of both extracellular magnesium and calcium, calcium readdition caused transient endothelium-dependent relaxation and cyclic GMP accumulation, and both responses were abolished by oxyhemoglobin or methylene blue. In the presence of magnesium, however, readdition of calcium to calcium-depleted medium caused only contractile responses. Addition of magnesium to calcium-containing medium consistently caused endothelium- and cyclic GMP-independent relaxation that was not altered by oxyhemoglobin or methylene blue. Thus, magnesium and calcium elicit reciprocal or mutually antagonistic effects at the levels of both endothelium-derived relaxing factor formation and/or release and smooth muscle contraction. This relation may be of physiological importance, and the possibility that a reduction in circulating magnesium levels could lead to calcium-mediated vasospasm may be of pathophysiological concern.

Effect of sodium fluoride on cytosolic free Ca2(+)-concentrations and cGMP-levels in endothelial cells

Sodium fluoride was used to investigate a possible involvement of G-proteins in the regulation of endothelial calcium channels. Incubation of cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells with sodium fluoride produced a dose-dependent increase in intracellular free calcium (EC50 approximately 5 mM). The effect strictly depended on the presence of extracellular CaCl2, indicating an enhanced influx of extracellular Ca2+ rather than a release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The Al3+ chelator deferoxamine abolished the stimulatory effect of sodium fluoride but did not interfere with the stimulatory effect of bradykinin. These data confirm the current hypothesis that the complex AlF-4 and not the fluoride anion activates G-proteins and exclude a direct inhibitory effect of deferoxamine on Ca2(+)-uptake. In contrast to isoproterenol and 5'-N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (NECA), which elevated endothelial cAMP-levels without affecting intracellular Ca2(+)-concentrations, sodium fluoride was not able to increase endothelial cAMP. This indicates that the effect of sodium fluoride on endothelial Ca2(+)-levels is not due to stimulation of a Gs-protein. Similar to its effect on cytoplasmic Ca2+, sodium fluoride also increased endothelial cGMP-levels which has recently been suggested to serve as biochemical marker for the formation of endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF). Thus, similar to the activation of receptor operated calcium channels, direct stimulation of a G-protein by sodium fluoride results in an increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and the formation of EDRF.