Phorbol ester dissociates endothelin-stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis and arachidonic acid release in vascular smooth muscle cells

Involvement of presynaptic voltage-dependent Kv3 channel in endothelin-1-induced inhibition of noradrenaline release from rat gastric sympathetic nerves

We previously reported that two types of K(+) channels, the BK type Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel coupled with phospholipase C (PLC) and the voltage-dependent K(+) channel (Kv channel), are, respectively, involved in the prostanoid TP receptor- and muscarinic M(2) receptor-mediated inhibition of noradrenaline (NA) release from rat gastric sympathetic nerves. In the present study, therefore, we examined whether these K(+) channels are involved in endothelin-1-induced inhibition of NA release, using an isolated, vascularly perfused rat stomach. The gastric sympathetic postganglionic nerves around the left gastric artery were electrically stimulated twice at 2.5 Hz for 1 min, and endothelin-1 was added during the second stimulation. Endothelin-1 (1, 2 and 10 nM) dose-dependently inhibited gastric NA release. Endothelin-1 (2 nM)-induced inhibition of NA release was neither attenuated by PLC inhibitors [U-73122 (3 μM) and ET-18-OCH(3) (3 μM)] nor by Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel blockers [charybdotoxin (0.1 μM) (a blocker of BK type K(+) channel) and apamin (0.3 μM) (a blocker of SK type K(+) channel)]. The endothelin-1-induced inhibitory response was also not attenuated by α-dendrotoxin (0.1 μM) (a selective inhibitor of Kv1 channel), but abolished by 4-aminopyridine (20 μM) (a selectively inhibitory dose for Kv3 channel). These results suggest the involvement of a voltage-dependent Kv3 channel in the endothelin-1-induced inhibition of NA release from the gastric sympathetic nerves in rats.

An In Vivo Mouse Model of Human Skin Substitute Containing Spontaneously Sorted Melanocytes Demonstrates Physiological Changes after UVB Irradiation

Human skin substitutes (HSS) have been developed for repairing burns and other acute or chronic wounds. But although the clinical utility of HSS is well known, scant attention has been paid to their cosmetic properties, especially with regard to color compatibility with the patient's complexion. In this study, we generated an HSS from mixed cell slurries containing keratinocytes and fibroblasts with and without melanocytes on the back of severe combined immunodeficient mice by means of a spontaneous cell-sorting technique. At 16 wk after grafting, Caucasian donor-derived HSS with melanocytes were macroscopically clearly darker than those without melanocytes, and a more darkly pigmented HSS was produced when cells from donors of African descent were seeded. Immunohistochemistry of c-kit, S-100, and HMB45, as well as Fontana-Masson staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that melanocytes spontaneously localized to the basal layer. Melanosome transfer to keratinocytes was correctly reorganized, and melanin was evenly dispersed in the basal and suprabasal layers. Colorimetric analysis showed a significantly lower L-value by day 14 following irradiation with 120 mJ per cm2 ultraviolet-B (UVB) (p<0.01), whereas epidermal thickness increased by 50% 1 d after exposure (p<0.01), indicating a normal physiological response to UVB irradiation. These findings suggest that HSS with spontaneously sorted melanocytes offer a means of treating both the structural and cosmetic aspects of skin conditions and trauma, such as pigmentary disorders and skin wounds, by allowing manipulation of the color and population of donor melanocytes.

Biphasic expression of two paracrine melanogenic cytokines, stem cell factor and endothelin-1, in ultraviolet B-induced human melanogenesis

Stem cell factor (SCF) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) have been reported to be up-regulated at the protein and gene levels in human epidermis after ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation and to play central roles in UVB-induced pigmentation. However, little is known about the time sequence of SCF and ET-1 expression in UVB-exposed human epidermis and the coordination of their roles during epidermal pigmentation. To clarify such parameters in UVB-exposed human skin, we measured the expression patterns of SCF and ET-1 (as well as of their corresponding receptors) at the gene level at various times during UVB-induced human pigmentation. When human forearm skin was exposed to UVB radiation at two minimal erythemal doses, the expression of SCF mRNA transcripts was significantly enhanced at 3 days after irradiation with an early decrease and subsequently constant expression of SCF receptor (c-KIT) mRNA transcripts. In contrast, up-regulation of ET-1 and endothelin B receptor (ET(B)R) mRNA expression was synchronized at 5 to 10 days after irradiation in concert with an increased expression of tyrosinase mRNA transcripts and the increase in pigmentation. In parallel the expression of tyrosinase and ET(B)R proteins as well as ET-1 was up-regulated at 7 to 10 days after irradiation, whereas KIT protein decreased at 3 days after irradiation and returned to the nonirradiated control level at 5 days after irradiation. When cultured human melanocytes were treated with human recombinant SCF, ET(B)R protein expression and the binding of (125)I-labeled ET-1 to the ET(B)R were significantly increased, further suggesting the preferential and coordinated role of early expression of SCF in UVB-induced melanogenesis. These findings suggest that SCF/KIT signaling is predominantly involved in the early phase of UVB-induced human pigmentation during which it stimulates the ET-1/ET(B)R linkage that is associated with the later phase of UVB-induced melanogenesis.

Endothelin receptor antagonists restore morphine analgesia in morphine tolerant rats

Several neurotransmitter mechanisms have been proposed to play a role in the development of morphine tolerance. The present study provides evidence for the first time that endothelin (ET) antagonists can restore morphine analgesia in morphine tolerant rats. Tolerance to morphine was induced by subcutaneous implantation of six morphine pellets during a 7-day period. The degree of tolerance to morphine was measured by determining analgesic response (tail-flick latency) and hyperthermic response to morphine sulfate (8 mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.)) in placebo and morphine pellet implanted rats. The maximal tail-flick latency in morphine pellet-vehicle treated rats (7.54 s) was significantly lower (P<0.05) when compared to placebo pellet-vehicle treated rats (10s), indicating that tolerance developed to the analgesic effect of morphine. In separate sets of experiments, ET antagonists, BQ123 (10 microg, intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.)) and BMS182874 (50 microg, i.c.v.) were administered in placebo and morphine tolerant rats. BQ123 was injected twice daily for 7 days and once on day 8. BMS182874 was administered only on day 8. Morphine (8 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered 30min after BQ123 or BMS182874 administration. It was found that both BQ123 and BMS182874 potentiated morphine analgesia in placebo and morphine tolerant rats. BQ123 potentiated tail-flick latency by 30.0% in placebo tolerant rats and 94.5% in morphine tolerant rats compared to respective controls. BMS182874 potentiated tail-flick latency by 30.2% in placebo tolerant rats and 66.7% in morphine tolerant rats. Morphine-induced hyperthermic effect was also potentiated by BQ123 and BMS182874. The duration of analgesic action was also prolonged by BQ123 and BMS182874. The effect of BMS182874 was less as compared to BQ123. BQ123 and BMS182874 are selective ET(A) receptor antagonists. Therefore, it is concluded that ET(A) receptor antagonists restore morphine analgesia in morphine tolerant rats.

Potentiation of morphine analgesia by BQ123, an endothelin antagonist

Several neurotransmitter mechanisms have been proposed to play a role in the actions of morphine. The present study is the first to provide evidence that central endothelin (ET) mechanisms are involved in the modulation of pharmacological actions of morphine. The effect of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of endothelin-A (ET(A)) antagonist, BQ123, on morphine-induced analgesia, hyperthermia, and catalepsy was determined in the rat. Morphine produced a significant increase in tail-flick latency as compared to control group. Pretreatment with BQ123 significantly potentiated the effect and duration of morphine (2 and 8 mg/kg, s.c.)-induced analgesia as compared to vehicle-pretreated control rats. The hyperthermic effect of morphine was not only significantly greater in BQ123-pretreated rats but also lasted for more than 6 h. ET antagonist, BQ123, did not affect the pharmacological effect of morphine on cataleptic behavior. These studies demonstrate that BQ123, a specific ET(A) receptor antagonist, significantly potentiated morphine-induced analgesia and hyperthermia in rats without affecting morphine-induced cataleptic behavior. [(3)H]-Naloxone binding was carried out to determine the possibility of BQ123 acting on opiate receptors. It was found that morphine could displace [(3)H]-naloxone but BQ123 did not affect [(3)H]-naloxone binding even at 1,000 nM concentration. Therefore, it can be concluded that BQ123 does not act on opioid receptors. This is the first report suggesting that an ET(A) antagonist, BQ123, significantly potentiates the analgesic effect of morphine, possibly through a nonopioid mechanism.

Cyclooxygenase inhibitors attenuate endothelin ET(B) receptor-mediated contraction in human temporal artery

It is well documented that endothelin ET(B) receptor-mediated contraction develops in artery segments incubated in culture and that the reaction is augmented by proinflammatory cytokines, but little is known of the mechanisms involved. Segments of human temporal artery were incubated in organ culture for 2 days in the absence or presence of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), with or without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids or a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. Thereafter, contractions were induced by the selective endothelin ET(B) receptor agonist, sarafotoxin S6c. Acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacin, nimesulide and rofecoxib were all effective in eliminating the increase in endothelin ET(B) receptor-mediated contraction induced by interleukin-1 beta, but only indomethacin and rofecoxib significantly reduced the spontaneous development of this reaction in cultured arteries. Dexamethasone and methylprednisolone augmented the reaction, and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor had no effect. The results clearly indicate a role for cyclooxygenase, most likely cyclooxygenase-2, in endothelin ET(B) receptor-mediated contraction in this preparation.

Endothelin-evoked Release of Arachidonic Acid from Mouse Astrocytes in Primary Culture

In striatal astrocytes, receptors for the vasoactive peptide endothelin (ET) are associated with several intracellular signalling pathways: ET-1 increases the breakdown of phosphoinositides, induces a sustained influx of Ca2+ and inhibits the isoproterenol-induced formation of cAMP (Marin et al., J. Neurochem., 56, 1270 - 1275, 1991). In the present study, it will be shown that ET-1 and ET-3 markedly stimulate the release of arachidonic acid (AA) from cultured astrocytes from the mouse striatum (EC50=3 and 7 nM for ET-1 and ET-3, respectively), mesencephalon and cerebral cortex. The ET-1-evoked release of AA probably resulted from the activation of a phospholipase A2, since it required extracellular Ca2+ and was prevented by mepacrine but not by RHC 80267, an inhibitor of diacylglycerol lipase. The ET-1-induced release of AA was shown to be partially mediated by a guanine nucleotide-binding protein sensitive to pertussis toxin but not to cholera toxin. A cAMP-dependent process is not involved since the ET-1-evoked release of AA was not affected when cells were incubated with either isoproterenol or 8-bromo-cAMP. The ET-1-evoked release of AA could be mimicked by the co-application of a calcium ionophore and a protein kinase C activator. However, staurosporine, a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C, which blocked the release of AA induced by the combined application of ionomycin and phorbol 12-myristate 12-acetate (PMA), was without effect on the ET-1-evoked response, indicating that protein kinase C is not directly involved in the ET-1-induced release of AA. Furthermore, the responses induced by ET-1 and by PMA were found to be additive. These results suggest that (1) ET-1 receptors are coupled to the release of AA by a mechanism independent of both protein kinase C activation and the adenylate cyclase pathway, possibly via the activation of phospholipase A2, (2) different mechanisms (or different phospholipase A2 subtypes) are involved in the control of AA release in astrocytes.

Endothelin-1-induced potentiation of adrenergic responses in the rabbit pulmonary artery: role of thromboxane A(2)

To examine whether low concentrations of endothelin-1 potentiate the vasoconstrictor response to adrenergic stimulation, we recorded the isometric response of rings of rabbit pulmonary artery to electrical stimulation and noradrenaline. Endothelin-1 (10(-10) M) potentiated the contractions induced by electrical stimulation and noradrenaline. The endothelin ET(B) receptor antagonist (2,6-dimethylpiperidinecarbonyl-gamma-methyl-Leu-N(in)-[Methoxycarbonyl]-D-Trp-D-Nle) (BQ-788, 10(-6) M), but not the endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonist cyclo(D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu-D-TRP) (BQ-123, 10(-6) M), inhibited the potentiating effects of endothelin-1. Pretreatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, the thromboxane synthase inhibitor furegrelate and the thromboxane receptor antagonist [1S-[1alpha,2alpha(Z),3alpha,4alpha]]-7-[3-[[[[(1-oxoheptyl)amino]acetyl]amino] methyl]-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (SQ-30741) (all at 10(-5) M) prevented the potentiation induced by endothelin-1 on adrenergic stimulation. The Ca(2+) channel antagonist nifedipine (10(-6) M) did not affect the potentiation induced by endothelin-1. The results indicate that endothelin-1 potentiates the responses to electrical stimulation and noradrenaline by activating endothelin ET(B) receptors. This potentiation depends on the production of cyclooxygenase-generated factors, probably thromboxane A(2).

Src and Rac mediate endothelin-1 and lysophosphatidic acid stimulation of the human brain natriuretic peptide promoter

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) gene expression accompanies cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET) may be involved in the development of these diseases. ET has also been shown to activate phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), and the resulting metabolites are important second messengers. We studied how ET and PLA(2) metabolites regulate BNP gene expression. The human BNP (hBNP) promoter (from -1818 to +100) coupled to a luciferase reporter gene was transferred into neonatal ventricular myocytes (NVMs), and luciferase activity was measured as an index of promoter activity. ET induced BNP mRNA in NVMs as assessed by Northern blot. It also stimulated the hBNP promoter, an effect completely inhibited by actinomycin D. To test the involvement of different PLA(2) isoforms, transfected cells were treated with various PLA(2) inhibitors before stimulation with ET. Only Ca(2+)-independent PLA(2) blockade prevented ET-stimulated hBNP promoter activity. The PLA(2) metabolite lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) also activated the hBNP promoter, but arachidonic acid itself did not. ET regulation of the hBNP promoter is pertussis toxin-sensitive. The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src and the small GTPase Rac mediate the effects of both ET and LPA in stimulation of the hBNP promoter. We studied the involvement of cis elements in ET-stimulated hBNP promoter activity. Deletion of BNP promoter sequences from -1818 to -408 and from -408 to -40 reduced the effect of ET by 60% and 80%, respectively. Moreover, ET-stimulated luciferase activity was reduced by 50% when the proximal GATA element was mutated. These data suggest that (1) ET activates the hBNP promoter through a transcriptional mechanism; (2) LPA, perhaps generated by iPLA(2), is involved in the effect of ET; (3) Src and Rac mediate ET and LPA stimulation of the hBNP promoter; and (4) ET regulation of the hBNP promoter targets both distal and proximal cis elements.

Evolution of streptozotocin-pancreatic damage in the rat: modulatory effect of endothelins on the nitridergic and prostanoid pathway

Many lines of evidence indicate that an increased pancreatic production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs) is found in the pancreas of streptozotocin-diabetic rats and that endothelins (ETs) are closely related to the nitridergic and prostanoid pathway in several tissues. In the present study the relationship between NO, ETs, and PGs has been explored in isolated pancreatic tissue from streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Pancreatic ET levels are higher in pancreatic tissues from diabetic (D) rats compared to control (C) animals. The addition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors (1 mM N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, 600 microM N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine) in the incubating medium reduces and NO donors (SIN-1, 300 microM spermine suppress, NONOate 100 microM) increases ET levels in pancreatic slices from C and D animals. PGE(2) (10(-7) M) increases and indomethacin (10(-6) M) decreases ET pancreatic production only in D but not in C tissues when added into the incubating bath. When tissues are incubated in the presence of endothelin 1 (ET-1) (10(-7) M), NOS activity is higher in C pancreas, while the ET-receptor antagonist bosentan (B) decreases NOS levels in D but not in C tissues. When pancreatic arachidonic acid (AA) conversion to prostaglandins was explored, ET-1 increased PGF(2alpha), PGE(2), and TXB(2) levels in C but not in D tissues. B abolishes TXB(2) increment due to the diabetic state, but failed in modulating AA conversion to 6-keto PGF(1alpha), PGF2(alpha) and PGE(2) in D pancreas. Our results show an alteration in AA metabolism, ET production, and NO increment associated with pancreatic damage due to streptozotocin.

Vascular biology of endothelin signal transduction

1. Endothelins regulate cell function by interacting with two classes of cell surface receptors, ETA and ETB receptors. Both receptor types are members of the heptahelical transmembrane-spanning receptor superfamily and couple via G-proteins to multiple intracellular effectors. 2. Many of the cellular responses induced by endothelins are mediated by changes in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration. Stimulation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) formation promotes release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores via IP3-sensitive Ca2+ channels. This mechanism accounts for the initial transient peak of the Ca2+ elevation. The entry of Ca2+ across the plasma membrane through multiple types of Ca2+ channels is responsible for the sustained phase of Ca2+ elevation and, together, both mechanisms regulate cell function. 3. Endothelin-mediated Ca2+ signals vary markedly in duration, spatial organization and temporal pattern. The elevations in Ca2+ are sustained, transient or oscillatory and occur either globally or are localized to discrete spatial domains. These different Ca2+ signals, which are dependent on the availability of specific ion channels, control distinct cellular functions. Ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ release channels may be important in determining the organization of the Ca2+ signal. 4. Endothelin-induced Ca2+ elevations near the plasma membrane stimulate the opening of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ and Cl- channels. These channels are key regulators of membrane potential and, consequently, regulate the activity of voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx pathways. 5. Endothelin regulates the growth and differentiation of cells. It markedly potentiates the mitogenic response of other growth factors, an effect that involves activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade and induction of early response genes. 6. Finally, the vascular actions of endothelin are influenced by the relative expression of specific ion channels, the spatial and temporal pattern of the Ca2+ signal and the cellular composition of the vascular wall.

Endothelin-1 stimulates c-fos mRNA expression in C6 glioma cells via MAP kinase pathway

Exposure of C6 glioma cells to endothelin-1 (ET-1) caused dose-dependent (10(-11) M to 10(-7) M) increments in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and c-fos mRNA expression (4.5-fold) that were abolished by the endothelinA receptor antagonist, BQ610, and by inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122. ET-1 stimulated c-fos mRNA expression was also inhibited by protein kinase C inhibition (chelerythrine) and by the MAP kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059, but not by inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, protein kinase A type I or II, calmodulin kinase II, or calcium channel blockade. C6 cells treated with ET-1 demonstrated a significant increase in MAP kinase activity as evidenced by Western blotting. These results indicate a mechanism of long-term signaling by ET-1 involving an ET(A) receptor-mediated, phospholipase C(beta)-linked pathway that is dependent on protein kinase C and MAP kinase activation.

Discovery and development of an endothelin A receptor-selective antagonist PD 156707

PD 156707 is a highly potent, selective antagonist of the ETA receptor that has demonstrated efficacy in a number of different disease models. The next few years will be exciting in the field of ET research as several compounds progress through clinical development. It is our hope that the efficacy that data demonstrated to date with PD 156707 will some day be translated into real hope for the patients who are waiting beyond the confines of our research laboratories.

ET-1 modulates KCa-channel activity and arterial tension in normoxic and hypoxic human pulmonary vasculature

The molecular mechanisms by which endothelin (ET)-1 induces pulmonary hypertension are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of ET-1 on outward K+ currents of normoxic and chronically hypoxic human pulmonary arterial (PA) smooth muscle cells (HPSMCs). In normoxic HPSMCs, ET-1 has dual effects. In intact cells, 5 nM ET-1 activates the large-conductance and Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa)-channel current [IK(Ca)] by increasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration, whereas it directly inhibits IK(Ca) in isolated membrane patches. At a higher concentration (10 nM), ET-1-induced IK(Ca) inhibition predominates. In hypoxic HPSMCs, ET-1 at 5 nM significantly reduces IK(Ca). The ETA-receptor antagonist BQ-123 reverses the ET-1-induced decrease in IK(Ca). Chronic BQ-123 treatment also prevents the hypoxia-induced decrease in IK(Ca). In PA rings obtained from human organ donors, ET-1 causes a concentration-dependent increase in tension. The ET-1-mediated increase in tension is reversed by a KCa-channel agonist. The increase in tension at the highest concentration studied (9 nM) was more pronounced in PA rings obtained from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These results imply that an ET-1-induced decrease in IK(Ca) contributes to chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.

Increased expression of endothelin receptors in the vasculature of portal hypertensive rats: role in splanchnic hemodynamics

Portal hypertension (PHT) is characterized by increased portal pressure caused in part by a reduction in mesenteric vascular resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of endothelin (ET) and specific ET receptors in maintaining the vasculopathy of PHT. PHT was created in Sprague-Dawley rats by a partial portal vein ligation. Control animals were sham-operated. ET receptor expression was determined in the superior mesenteric artery of sham and PHT rats by in situ autoradiography, radioligand binding analysis, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). The pressor response to ET-1 was determined in vitro using isolated vascular rings and in vivo by measuring mean arterial pressure, splanchnic blood flow, and portal venous pressure following treatment with ET and selective ET receptor antagonists. The pressor response to ET in vitro was significantly enhanced in PHT concomitant with increased ET-A and ET-B receptor expression. There was a significant increase in the peak pressor response to ET (10 microg/kg intravenously) in portal hypertensive rats without any significant change in plasma ET-1 levels. There was no significant difference in the peak splanchnic blood flow or portal venous pressure response following ET-A receptor blockade with JKC-301 infusion (200 microg/kg intravenously). In contrast, ET-B receptor blockade with IRL-1038 (200 microg/kg intravenously) preferentially decreased splanchnic blood flow and portal venous pressure in portal hypertensive rats. These data suggest that enhanced ET-B receptor expression in portal hypertensive vessels contributes to the maintenance of elevated portal pressure in these animals.

Behavioral signs of acute pain produced by application of endothelin-1 to rat sciatic nerve

We examined whether endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictive peptide secreted in high concentration by metastatic prostate cancer cells, produces endothelin receptor-dependent pain behavior when applied to rat sciatic nerve. ET-1 (200-800 microM) applied to the epineurial surface of rat sciatic nerve produced reliable, robust, unilateral hindpaw flinching lasting 60 min. Pre-emptive systemic morphine completely blocked this effect in a naloxone-reversible manner, suggesting that this behavior was pain-related. Equipotent doses of epineurially applied epinephrine had no effect, suggesting that ET-1 effects are on tissue sites other than sciatic nerve microvessels. Prior and co-administration of BQ-123, an endothelin-A (ET(A)) receptor antagonist, also blocked ET-1-induced hindpaw flinching establishing that pain behavior induced by ET-1 application to rat sciatic nerve is ET(A) receptor mediated.

Role of protein kinase C alpha in endothelin-1 stimulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and arachidonic acid release in cultured cat iris sphincter smooth muscle cells

We have investigated the role and mechanism of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release in cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (CISM) cells. ET-1 increased AA release in a concentration (EC50=8 nM) and time-dependent (t1/2=1.2 min) manner. Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), but not phospholipase C (PLC), is involved in the liberation of AA in the stimulated cells. This conclusion is supported by the findings that ET-1-induced AA release is inhibited by AACOCF3, quinacrine and manoalide, PLA2 inhibitors, but not by U-73122, a PLC inhibitor, or by RHC-80267, a diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor. A role for PKC in ET-1-induced AA release is supported by the findings that the phorbol ester, PDBu, increased AA release by 96%, that prolonged treatment of the cells with PDBu resulted in the selective down regulation of PKCalpha and the complete inhibition of ET-1-induced AA release, and that pretreatment of the cells with staurosporine or RO 31-8220, PKC inhibitors, blocked the ET-1-induced AA release. Gö-6976, a compound that inhibits PKCalpha and beta specifically, blocked ET-1-induced AA release in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 8 nM. Thymeatoxin (0.1 microM), a specific activator of PKCalpha, beta, and gamma induced a 150% increase in AA release. Treatment of the cells with ET-1 caused significant translocation of PKCalpha, but not PKCbeta, from cytosol to the particulate fraction. These results suggest that PKCalpha plays a critical role in ET-1-induced AA release in these cells. Immunochemical analysis revealed the presence of cPLA2, p42mapk and p44mapk in the CISM cells. The data presented are consistent with a role for PKCalpha, but not for p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), in cPLA2 activation and AA release in ET-1-stimulated CISM cells since: (i) the PKC inhibitor, RO 31-8220, inhibited ET-1-induced AA release, cPLA2 phosphorylation and cPLA2 activity, but had no inhibitory effect on p42/p44 MAPK activation, (ii) genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibited ET-1-stimulated MAPK activity but had no inhibitory effect on AA release in the ET-1-stimulated cells. We conclude that in CISM cells, ET-1 activates PKCalpha, which activates cPLA2, which liberates AA for prostaglandin synthesis.

Endothelin-1 stimulates the release of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins in cultured human ciliary muscle cells: activation of phospholipase A2

In the present study we have examined the effects and mechanisms of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on arachidonic acid (AA) release and prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in human ciliary muscle (HCM) cells. ET-1 stimulated AA release in a time (t1/2=1.5 min) and concentration-dependent (EC50=5 nM) manner, which is primarily mediated through the ETA receptor subtype. The AA liberated by ET-1 appears to derive mainly from the phosphoinositides and phosphatidylcholine. Our data show that phospholipase A2 (PLA2), but not phospholipase C (PLC), plays an important role in ET-1-induced AA release. This conclusion is supported by the following findings: (1) ET-1-evoked AA release was inhibited by the PLA2 inhibitors dexamethasone, mepacrine and manoalide in a concentration-dependent manner. Conversion of AA into PGE2 was inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitors in the following order: Indomethacin>naproxen >ibuprofen>NS-398>aspirin. (2) The phorbol ester, PDBu, an activator of protein kinase C, potentiated ET-1-induced AA release by 39%, but inhibited that of inositol phosphates formation by 62%. (3) Pretreatment of the labeled cells with isoproterenol lowered ET-1-induced inositol phosphates production, but had no effect on AA release. (4) U71322, a PLC inhibitor, inhibited ET-1-induced inositol phosphates production, but had no effect on that of AA release. (5) Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (0.1 microg ml-1) attenuated the stimulatory effects of ET-1 on AA release and PGE2 formation. These data demonstrate that ET-1 is a potent agonist for AA release and PG synthesis in HCM cells, and that PLA2, but not PLC, plays an important role in ET-1-induced AA release and PG synthesis. In ciliary muscle, AA and its metabolites play important roles in intracellular signalling, modulation of physiological processes, and regulation of intraocular pressure.

Structure-activity relationships in a series of orally active gamma-hydroxy butenolide endothelin antagonists

The design of potent and selective non-peptide antagonists of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its related isopeptides are important tools defining the role of ET in human diseases. In this report we will describe the detailed structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies that led to the discovery of a potent series of butenolide ETA selective antagonists. Starting from a micromolar screening hit, PD012527, use of Topliss decision tree analysis led to the discovery of the nanomolar ET(A) selective antagonist PD155080. Further structural modifications around the butenolide ring led directly to the subnanomolar ETA selective antagonist PD156707, IC50's = 0.3 (ET(A)) and 780 nM (ET(B)). This series of compounds exhibited functional activity exemplified by PD156707. This derivative inhibited the ETA receptor mediated release of arachidonic acid from rabbit renal artery vascular smooth muscle cells with an IC50 = 1.1 nM and also inhibited the ET-1 induced contraction of rabbit femoral artery rings (ETA mediated) with a pA2 = 7.6. PD156707 also displayed in vivo functional activity inhibiting the hemodynamic responses due to exogenous administration of ET-1 in rats in a dose dependent fashion. Evidence for the pH dependence of the open and closed tautomerization forms of PD156707 was demonstrated by an NMR study. X-ray crystallographic analysis of the closed butenolide form of PD156707 shows the benzylic group located on the same side of the butenolide ring as the gamma-hydroxyl and the remaining two phenyl groups on the butenolide ring essentially orthogonal to the butenolide ring. Pharmacokinetic parameters for PD156707 in dogs are also presented.

Inhibitors of endothelin

With the advent of the first generation of both selective and nonselective endothelin antagonists being a relatively recent event, the manifold therapeutic potentials of these compounds are only now being explored clinically. Undoubtedly, numerous clinical utilities for these compounds will soon be realized.

The role of endothelins in the paracrine control of the secretion and growth of the adrenal cortex

Endothelins (ETs) are a family of vasoactive peptides (ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3) mainly secreted by vascular endothelium and widely distributed in the various body systems, where they play major autocrine/paracrine regulatory functions, acting via two subtypes of receptors (ETA and ETB): Adrenal cortex synthesizes and releases ETS and expresses both ETA and ETB. Zona glomerulosa possesses both ETA and ETB, whereas zona fasciculata/reticularis is almost exclusively provided with ETB. ETS exert a strong mineralocorticoid and a less intense glucocorticoid secretagogue action, mainly via ETB receptors. ETS also appear to enhance the growth and steroidogenic capacity of zona glomerulosa and to stimulate its proliferative activity. This trophic action of ETS is likely to be mediated mainly by ETA receptors. The intraadrenal release of ETS undergoes a multiple regulation, with the rise in blood flow rate and the local release of nitric oxide being the main stimulatory factors. Data are also available that indicate that ETS may also have a role in the pathophysiology of primary aldosteronism caused by adrenal adenomas and carcinomas.

1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 stimulation of phospholipases C and D in muscle cells involves extracellular calcium and a pertussis-sensitive G protein

The steroid hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] activates in chick myoblasts the breakdown of phosphoinositides by phospholipase C and the hydrolysis of phosphatidylcholine by phospholipase D. Extracellular Ca2+ requirement and GTP-binding protein mediation of 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent activation of phospholipases C and D were investigated in cells prelabelled with [3H]glycerol or [3H]arachidonic acid. Generation of diacylglycerol by phospholipase C and phosphatidylethanol by phospholipase D were shown to be dependent on extracellular calcium, since both responses were suppressed by EGTA and the Ca(2+)-channel blockers nifedipine and verapamil, and were mimicked by the calcium ionophore A23187. The G-protein activators guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) and AlF4- strongly enhanced diacylglycerol and phosphatidylethanol release in myoblasts while guanosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate), which inhibits G-protein-mediated signals, abolished 1,25(OH)2D3-dependent diacylglycerol and phosphatidylethanol release. Bordetella pertussis toxin pretreatment suppressed the hormone action. These results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3-stimulation of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C and phospholipase D in chick myoblasts is mediated by a pertussis-sensitive GTP-binding protein(s) and the influx of extracellular calcium.

Endothelin-1-evoked arachidonic acid release: a Ca(2+)-dependent pathway

Endothelins (ET) are potent vasoconstricting peptides with 21 amino acid residues. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulates arachidonic acid (AA) release in human pericardial smooth muscle cells (HPSMC), which is primarily mediated through the ETA receptor. Manoalide, an inhibitor for phospholipase A2, inhibited the ET-1-evoked response by 50% at 1 microM. RHC-80267, an inhibitor for diacylglycerol lipase, did not have a significant effect. The Ca2+ ionophore A-23187 at 2 microM greatly stimulated AA release in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. ET-1 (10 nM) evoked a robust Ca2+ response. The intracellular Ca2+ concentration reached a peak after 10 s and gradually decreased to a new plateau level in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. ET-1-evoked AA release closely followed the change in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ or treating cells with 250 microM bis(2-amino-5-methylphenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetraacetoxymethyl ester (MAPTAM; an intracellular Ca2+ chelator) greatly reduced ET-1-stimulated AA release. The protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, staurosporine (1 microM) and chelerythrine chloride (2.5 microM), inhibited ET-1-evoked AA release by 70%. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a PKC activator, potentiated the effect of ET on AA release. The data suggest that the effect of ET on AA release in HPSMC is via phospholipase A2, which is modulated by Ca2+ and PKC.

Regulation of endothelin receptors by nitric oxide in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells

Two important mediators of endothelium-dependent regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone and proliferation are nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET-1). An imbalance between NO and ET-1 may contribute to the alterations in vascular tone characteristic of cardiovascular disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether NO regulates ET receptors in cultured rat superior mesenteric artery vascular smooth muscle cells (RVSMC). Chronic treatment of quiescent RVSMC with any one of three chemically dissimilar NO-generating drugs, S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) produced a significant dose- and time-dependent increase in the number of ET-A receptors, while concomitantly increasing the affinity of ET-1 for this receptor. This effect was mimicked by both 8-bromo-cGMP and 8-bromo-cAMP. The requirement of both protein and RNA synthesis and activation of a cAMP-dependent protein kinase (A-kinase) was demonstrated following inhibition of this regulation by cycloheximide, actinomycin D and KT5720 (a specific A-kinase inhibitor), respectively. In addition, the cytokine interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) which induced NOS activity with subsequent NO synthesis in vascular smooth muscle, also caused a similar upregulation of ET receptors. This effect was attenuated in the presence of the specific NOS inhibitor, L-NAME. To assess the possible functional consequences of this NO-mediated upregulation, the effect of SNAP pretreatment on isolated vessel reactivity was determined. In both superior mesenteric artery and thoracic aorta rings, SNAP pretreatment caused a significant increase in the maximal force of contraction to ET-1. Collectively, these data suggest that NO regulates ET-A receptors in vitro through a cGMP-dependent mechanism via activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase. We conclude that a similar interaction between NO and ET-1 may be operational in vivo.

Pertussis toxin sensitive endothelin-1 coupling to inositol phosphate formation via a GTP-binding protein: comparison in SHR and WKY cultured aortic smooth muscle cells

The effects of pertussis toxin on endothelin-1 and noradrenaline coupling to inositol phosphate (IP) formation was investigated in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells from 14 week SHR and WKY rats. Endothelin-1 (10(-6) M) stimulated IP formation was decreased in cells from SHR compared to WKY (WKY 1117 +/- 157, SHR 668 +/- 85% of basal). Pre-incubation with pertussis toxin produced a significant and similar reduction in endothelin stimulated IP production in both SHR (54% reduction) and WKY (55%). However, the observed reduction in endothelin-1 stimulated IP accumulation was still apparent in SHR when compared to WKY. Pertussis toxin preincubation followed by removal of extracellular calcium reduced further the endothelin responses by similar amounts in SHR and WKY cells, but SHR stimulated IP formation remained significantly decreased compared to WKY. The extent of pertussis toxin ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha was similar in both SHR and WKY cells. Endothelin-1 produced a reduction in the extent of ADP-ribosylation of Gi alpha and this was of similar magnitude in both SHR and WKY cell membranes. In contrast, noradrenaline stimulated IP formation was unaffected by pertussis toxin pre-incubation. It was concluded that SHR cells do not appear to have an alteration in endothelin-1 activated, pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein coupling to IP formation or in the dependence of inositol phosphate formation on extracellular calcium.

Effect of phorbol ester on phosphoinositide hydrolysis and calcium mobilization induced by endothelin-1 in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells

Regulation of the increase in inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production and intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) by protein kinase C (PKC) was investigated in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs). Stimulation of TSMCs by endothelin-1 (ET-1) led to IP3 formation and caused an initial transient peak followed by a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. Pretreatment of TSMCs with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 microM) for 30 min blocked the ET-1-induced IP3 formation and Ca2+ mobilization. However, this inhibition was reduced after incubating the cells for 8 h with PMA. Following preincubation, ET-1-induced Ca2+ mobilization recovered with time and reached the same extent of control cells within 48 h. The concentrations of PMA that gave half-maximal inhibition (-logEC50) of ET-1-induced IP3 formation and increase in [Ca2+]i were 8.6 and 8.4 M, respectively. Prior treatment of TSMCs with staurosporine (1 microM), a PKC inhibitor, inhibited the ability of PMA to attenuate ET-1-induced responses, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of PMA is mediated through the activation of PKC. In parallel with the effect of PMA on the ET-1-induced IP3 formation and Ca2+ mobilization, a change of PKC activity was observed in TSMCs. PMA rapidly decreased PKC activity in the cytosol of TSMCs, while increasing it transiently in the membranes within 30 min. Thereafter the membrane-associated PKC activity decreased and persisted for at least 24 h of PMA treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of PKC may inhibit the phosphoinositide hydrolysis and consequently attenuate the [Ca2+]i increase or inhibit independently both responses. The PMA-induced inhibition of responses to ET-1 was associated with an increase in membranous PKC activity.

U-73122, a phospholipase C antagonist, inhibits effects of endothelin-1 and parathyroid hormone on signal transduction in UMR-106 osteoblastic cells

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) increase calcium transients in rodent osteoblastic cells. To investigate the role of phospholipase C (PLC) in these hormone-stimulated calcium signals, the effects of U-73122 (1-[6-[[17 beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)- trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione), a reported PLC inhibitor, and its inactive analog, U-73343 (1-[6[[17 beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl]amino]hexyl]- 1H-pyrrolidine-2,5-dione), were determined. Intracellular calcium transients were measured in UMR-106 cells with the fluorescent indicator fluo-3. In normal calcium containing medium, prior exposure (3 min) to U-73122 inhibited ET-1 and PTH stimulated calcium transients in a dose-dependent (0.2-10 microM) manner with an IC50 of 1.5-1.8 microM. A concentration of 6-8 microM was required for complete inhibition of responses to 100 nM ET-1 or PTH. U-73343 elicited no effects over this concentration range. In cells in which external calcium was reduced to less than 1 microM by the addition of EGTA, ET-1 signals were completely inhibited by 4-6 microM U-73122 and the IC50 was 0.8 microM. In the low external calcium medium, the PTH response was abolished by 2 microM U-73122 (IC50 = 0.5 microM). U-73122, 8 microM, significantly (P < 0.01) inhibited the effect of ET-1 on inositol trisphosphate production at 3 min whereas U-73343 did not. Pertussis toxin (100 ng/ml) likewise significantly inhibited the effect of ET-1 on phosphoinositol turnover as well as on intracellular calcium concentration. In conclusion, the results support the hypothesis that PLC plays a role in the calcium transients elicited by ET-1 and PTH, and that ET-1 transmits its signal in part via a pertussis toxin sensitive G-protein coupled receptor. Furthermore they suggest that U-73122 is useful for investigating PLC-mediated process in osteoblastic cells.

Endothelin-1 stimulates cytosolic phospholipase A2 activity and gene expression in rat glomerular mesangial cells

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulates vascular smooth muscle and mesangial cells to release prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which can attenuate the vasoconstrictor and mitogenic effects of this peptide. Phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-mediated release of arachidonic acid from the sn-2 position of membrane phospholipids is thought to be one of the rate-limiting steps in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. We evaluated the role of ET-1 to regulate gene expression, protein synthesis and enzymatic activity of cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2), an intracellular form of the PLA2 enzyme family, in cultured rat mesangial cells using both acute and chronic incubation protocols. Acute ET-1-induced stimulation of cPLA2 activity was maximal after 10 minutes (181.1 +/- 6.84% of control), persisted for 40 minutes and did not require new protein synthesis. Heparin, a potent inhibitor of intracellular Ca2+ increase as well as mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation and cell proliferation, did not affect the rapid cPLA2 stimulation by ET-1. Chronic incubation of glomerular mesangial cells with ET-1 (1 to 24 hr) led to time- and dose-dependent increases in cPLA2 mRNA expression which was maximal after six hours, persisted up to 24 hours and which was accompanied by both cPLA2 protein formation, as assessed by Western analysis, as well as by stimulation of enzymatic activity. Inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide increased basal cPLA2 mRNA accumulation in quiescent mesangial cells, and the combination of ET-1 and cycloheximide resulted in a greater induction of cPLA2 gene expression when compared to ET-1 alone. Actinomycin D treatment blocked the effect of ET-1 on cPLA2 mRNA accumulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Sarafotoxin-induced calcium mobilization in cultured dog tracheal smooth muscle cells

Sarafotoxin b (S6b)-induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were monitored in cultured canine tracheal smooth muscle cells (TSMCs) by a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2. S6b elicited an initial transient peak followed by a sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i. BQ-123, an endothelin-A (ETA) receptor antagonist, had a high affinity to block the rise in [Ca2+]i response to S6b. In the absence of external Ca2+, only an initial transient peak of [Ca2+]i was seen, the sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i could then be evoked by addition of 1.8 mM Ca2+. Ca2+ influx was required for the changes of [Ca2+]i, since the Ca(2+)-channel blockers, diltiazem, verapamil, and Ni2+, decreased both the initial and sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i in response to S6b. TSMCs pretreated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 microM) for 30 min attenuated Ca2+ mobilization induced by S6b, which was reversed by staurosporine, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor. The change of [Ca2+]i induced by S6b was attenuated by cholera toxin pretreatment, but not by pertussis toxin. These data demonstrate that the initial detectable increase in [Ca2+]i stimulated by S6b is due to the activation of ETA receptors and subsequent release of Ca2+ from internal stores, whereas the contribution of external Ca2+ follows and partially involves a diltiazem- and verapamil-sensitive process. The inhibition of PMA on S6b-induced Ca2+ mobilization was inversely correlated with membraneous PKC activity.

Expression of a functional endothelin (ETA) receptor in human meningiomas

Endothelin (ET) receptor subtypes (ETA and ETB) in human meningiomas were characterized using quantitative receptor autoradiography. A single class of high-affinity 125I-ET-1 binding sites was localized in all meningioma tissue studied (dissociation constant: 2.4 +/- 0.3 nM, maximum binding capacity: 319 +/- 66 fmol/mg (mean +/- standard error of the mean for 13 tumors)). Unlabeled ET-1 showed a strong affinity for 125I-ET-1 binding to tissue sections of the tumors with a 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) of 2.9 +/- 0.7 x 10(-9) M, whereas ET-3 showed a much lower affinity (IC50: 8.4 +/- 2.5 x 10(-6) M). Sarafotoxin S6c, a selective agonist for the ETB receptor, could not compete for 125I-ET-1 binding to meningiomas. Endothelin-1 significantly stimulated deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis in a dose-dependent manner in cultured human meningioma cells. In contrast, no significant stimulation of DNA synthesis occurred with an S6c concentration up to 10(-7) M. Pretreatment of the meningioma cells with pertussis toxin, a bacterial toxin that adds adenosine 5'-diphosphate-ribose to the alpha subunit of guanine nucleotide binding (G) proteins such as Gi or G(o), induced a concentration-dependent reduction in ET-stimulated DNA synthesis in meningioma cells, but did not affect the epidermal growth factor-induced DNA synthesis. These observations suggest that the ETA receptor is predominantly expressed in human meningioma tissue and that ET may act as a growth factor on the meningioma cells by interacting with the ETA receptor and by pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanisms.

Vasoconstrictive peptides induce endothelin-1 and prostanoids in human cerebromicrovascular endothelium

Vasoconstrictive peptides and prostanoids have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and vasospasm. Recently, we have shown that human cerebromicrovascular endothelium [human brain endothelial cells (HBEC)] constitutively produces both endothelin-1 (ET-1) and prostanoids. The vasoactive peptides, arginine vasopressin (AVP) or angiotensin II (ANG II), stimulated secretion of both immunoreactive ET-1 and prostanoids from HBEC by a receptor-mediated induction of phospholipase C (PLC) and PLA2. The release of constitutive or AVP- or ANG II-induced ET-1 occurred at different rates during the 24-h incubation of HBEC in serum-free medium. The temporal profile of AVP-stimulated production of prostanoids differed from that of ANG II. AVP-induced release of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) persisted for 24 h, whereas ANG II-stimulated PGD2 was only seen during the first 4 h of incubation. ANG II maximally stimulated PGI2 secretion during the 4- to 8-h interval, whereas AVP did not stimulate PGI2 secretion. Dexamethasone (Dxm), indomethacin (Indo), and nordihydroguaiaretic acid, the respective inhibitors of PLA2-cyclooxygenase II, cyclooxygenase, and lipoxygenase, increased both constitutive and AVP- or ANG II-stimulated secretion of ET-1. Dxm also decreased AVP- or ANG II-stimulated production of PGD2 and PGF2 alpha. These results indicate an interrelationship between HBEC production of ET-1 and prostanoids, which may play a role in regulating cerebral microcirculation.

Desensitization by protein kinase C activation differentially uncouples formyl peptide receptors from effector enzymes in HL-60 granulocytes

The hypothesis that protein kinase C (PKC) participates in agonist-mediated desensitization of formyl peptide receptors in HL-60 granulocytes was tested. fMet-Leu-Phe and leukotriene B4(LTB4) produced homologous desensitization of agonist-stimulated intracellular calcium transients. Pre-treatment with the PKC activator, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA; 10 nM), abolished both fMet-Leu-Phe and LTB4-stimulated calcium transients. Membranes prepared from control HL-60 granulocytes (NM) or cells treated with 10 nM PMA (PMA-M) demonstrated increased formyl peptide receptor and G protein density, as determined by radioligand binding and pertussis toxin- and cholera toxin-catalysed ADP ribosylation. fMet-Leu-Phe stimulation of guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]-triphosphate (GTP gamma S) binding and GTP hydrolysis and GDP inhibition of fMet-Leu-Phe binding were not different between NM and PMA-M. Pre-treatment with 10 nM PMA did not inhibit subsequent fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated superoxide generation or phospholipase D activation. We conclude that PKC desensitizes fMet-Leu-Phe-stimulated phospholipase C, but not phospholipase D, responses and that PKC activation does not mediate agonist-induced desensitization of formyl peptide receptors.

Eicosanoid-induced Ca2+ release and sustained contraction in Ca(2+)-free media are mediated by different signal transduction pathways in rat aorta

1. The effects of 12-O-tetradecanoyl 4 beta-phorbol 13-acetate (beta-TPA) on the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production, Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca2+ stores and sensitization of contractile apparatus, induced by prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) and U46619, a thromboxane A2-mimetic, were studied, using fura-2-loaded and -unloaded rat thoracic aortic strips. 2. Both eicosanoids had characteristic patterns of responses in Ca(2+)-free, 2 mM EGTA-containing solution (Ca(2+)-free solution). They induced transient increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) without corresponding transient contraction, but produced delayed, sustained contraction, where [Ca2+]i was returned to the basal level. 3. Treatment with beta-TPA for 60 min reduced the eicosanoids-induced IP3 production, suggesting that the treatment inhibits PIP2 breakdown. 4. The treatment also attenuated [Ca2+]i transient induced by the eicosanoids, but not by caffeine (an IP3-independent releaser of stored Ca2+), in fura-2-loaded preparations incubated in Ca(2+)-free solution. 5. In contrast in the presence of beta-TPA, the sustained contractions evoked by the eicosanoids in Ca(2+)-free solution were potentiated, suggesting that the sites of actions of beta-TPA and the eicosanoids may differ from each other. 6. PGF2 alpha and U46619 utilize different and parallel signal transduction pathways to release Ca2+ by IP3 produced by PIP2 breakdown (beta-TPA-sensitive), and to increase the sensitivity of contractile apparatus, in which protein kinase C may not be involved (beta-TPA-insensitive).

Comparison of endothelin-1 and noradrenaline stimulated inositol phosphate formation in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive and Wistar Kyoto rats

Total [3H]-inositol phosphate formation was measured in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells from 6 and 14 week spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) normotensive rats. Basal inositol phosphate formation was significantly increased in cells cultured from SHR compared to WKY at both 6 and 14 weeks as was basal phosphatidylinositol formation. This difference in basal values was apparent after 9 h or more incubation with [3H]-myoinositol. Both endothelin-1 and noradrenaline stimulated inositol phosphate formation was unchanged in cultured smooth muscle cells from 6-week SHR compared to WKY. In cultured smooth muscle cells from 14-week SHR a decrease was observed in endothelin-1 stimulated inositol phosphate formation compared to controls. Noradrenaline stimulated inositol phosphate formation was increased in cultured cells from 14 week SHR. Endothelin-1 and noradrenaline stimulated inositol phosphate formation does not appear to be involved in the development (at 6 weeks) of hypertension in this model. However, in established hypertension (14 weeks) cells from SHR have altered total [3H] inositol phosphate formation in response to stimulation with noradrenaline and endothelin-1 although these changes are in opposite directions. Therefore, in cultured smooth muscle cells from 14-week rats noradrenaline and endothelin-1 appear to be regulated independently with regard to their effects on the phosphatidylinositol cycle.

Sarafotoxins and endothelins: evolution, structure and function

The venom of the burrowing asp Atractaspis engaddensis contains several 21 amino acid residue peptides known as sarafotoxins. The sarafotoxins are homologous to the mammalian endothelin family, and they have similar biological activities. This review covers recent advances in the study of the chemical and biological properties of the sarafotoxins and endothelins.

Production of eicosanoids in response to endothelin-1 and identification of specific endothelin-1 binding sites in airway epithelial cells

The effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on arachidonate metabolism in the respiratory epithelium was investigated in primary cultures of feline tracheal epithelial cells. Subconfluent epithelial cell cultures were stimulated by ET-1, and eicosanoid generation was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HLPC) of 3H-labeled arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites and by radioimmunoassay (RIA) of corresponding nonradiolabeled HPLC elution. The HPLC chromatograms of [3H]AA-prelabeled samples revealed that ET-1 (10(-5) M) augmented the release of prostaglandin (PG) E2, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), PGF2 alpha, and AA. RIA of corresponding nonradiolabeled HPLC elution demonstrated a significantly increased release of PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and 12-HETE as well as 5-HETE in response to ET-1 stimulation. 5-HETE release from ET-1-stimulated cells was further identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The stimulating effect of ET-1 on AA metabolism was dose dependent (10(-5) to 10(-7) M) and peaked within 1 h with a progressive decline over the subsequent hours. Using 125I-labeled ET-1 as radioligand, the presence of specific binding sites for ET-1 was demonstrated in cultured feline tracheal epithelial cells. ET-1 binding reached equilibrium within 1 h at 37 degrees C. Scatchard analysis suggested the existence of two saturable binding sites, with the estimated equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of 35.3 pM and maximal binding capacity (Bmax) of 15.0 fmol/10(7) cells for the higher affinity binding site and Kd of 205.9 pM and Bmax of 35.0 fmol/10(7) cells for the lower affinity binding site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The structure and specificity of endothelin receptors: their importance in physiology and medicine

In addition to involvement in vascular endothelium-smooth muscle communication, the secretion of and receptors for, endothelins are widely distributed. Two cloned receptor subtypes are G-protein-coupled to several intracellular messengers, predominantly inositol phosphates. From a knowledge of structure-activity relationships and peptide conformations, details of receptor architecture and selective agents, including nonpeptides and antagonists, have been discovered. From the nature of the actions of endothelins, receptor distributions (including CNS) and plasma levels, it is concluded that they are paracrine factors normally involved in long-term cellular regulation, but which may be important in several pathologies, many of which are stress-related.

Inositol-lipid-specific phospholipase C isoenzymes and their differential regulation by receptors

Images

Activation of phospholipase D by endothelin-1 and other pharmacological agents in rabbit iris sphincter smooth muscle

The stimulation of phospholipase D (PLD) activity by endothelin-1 (ET1) was investigated in rabbit iris sphincter prelabelled with [3H]myristic acid. In the presence of 0.5% ethanol, ET1 caused a time- and dose-dependent increase in the production of [3H]phosphatidylethanol ([3H]PEt). Within 30 s the peptide increased PEt formation by 30% and after 5 min increased it by 140%. The EC50 value for ET1-stimulated PEt formation was found to be 30 nM. This value is appreciably lower than the EC50 we previously obtained for ET1-induced inositol trisphosphate production (45 nM), but considerably higher than that for arachidonic acid release (1 nM). PEt formation was significantly stimulated by prostaglandin F20, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), chloroform, A23187 and A1F4-, but it was not affected by carbachol or the platelet-activating factor. PDBu-stimulated PEt formation was blocked by staurosporine and it was not potentiated by A23187. Staurosporine had no effect on ET1-stimulated PEt formation. Our data indicate that ET1 stimulation of PLD occurs independently of protein kinase C activation, phospholipase C activation and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, and phospholipase A2 activation. In this tissue the ET1 receptor is probably coupled to the three phospholipases through several G-proteins, and this appears to be species and receptor type specific.

Hepatic effects of endothelin. Receptor characterization and endothelin-induced signal transduction in hepatocytes

Endothelin, a potent vasoactive peptide originally isolated from the vascular endothelial cells, exerts glycogenolytic and vasoconstrictive actions in the perfused rat liver. In this paper we demonstrate high-affinity binding sites for endothelin-1 (ET-1) on rat hepatocytes. Upon incubation at 37 degrees C, association of ET-1 with hepatocytes occurred in a time-dependent manner, was maximal between 3 and 6 h, and subsequently declined; at this temperature ET-1 was rapidly internalized with the internalized ligand exceeding the surface-bound ligand at all time points. The rate of association of 125I-ET-1 with hepatocytes was much slower when the binding assay was performed at 4 degrees C; sequestration of ET-1 in hepatocytes was also substantially reduced at this temperature. ET-1 was extremely potent in stimulating phosphoinositide metabolism in hepatocytes, with significant activation of this signal transduction process occurring at ET-1 concentrations as low as 0.1 pM, with an EC50 of 1 pM. The effect of ET-1 was coupled via a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein. Cholera toxin did not affect ET-1-mediated phosphoinositide metabolism and neither toxin influenced the association of 125I-ET-1 with hepatocytes. PAGE of hepatocyte membranes following exposure of the cells to 125I-ET-1 and cross-linking revealed labelling of three major proteins with apparent molecular masses of 32, 49 and 72 kDa. 125I-ET-1 labelling of each of these proteins was inhibited by unlabelled ET-1, whereas unlabelled ET-3 inhibited the labelling of only the 32 and 49 kDa proteins. 125I-ET-3 labelled the 49 kDa protein and this labelling was inhibited by both unlabelled ET-1 and ET-3. Each of these receptors appears to be functional, since both ET-1 and ET-3 stimulated phosphoinositide metabolism in hepatocytes. Down-regulation of ET-1 association and desensitization of ET-1-induced phosphoinositide metabolism occurred upon incubation of hepatocytes with the homologous ligand. Following down-regulation, the ET-1 receptor was restored to the surface of the hepatocyte by prolonged incubation, although the ET-1-stimulated phosphoinositide response remained inhibited even after complete recovery of the ET-1 association capability. These results demonstrate the presence of multiple high-affinity receptors for ET-1 on hepatocytes and the direct action of this peptide on hepatic parenchymal cells via the phosphoinositide signal transduction pathway.

Phospholipase C responses in cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats

We tested the hypothesis that increased systemic vascular resistance in spontaneously hypertensive rats may be secondary to enhanced phospholipase C activity in response to vasoconstrictor stimuli. Activation of phospholipase C by angiotensin II (Ang II), thromboxane A2, arginine vasopressin, and endothelin-1 was compared in cultured glomerular mesangial cells and mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells taken from 13- to 14-week-old hypertensive and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (blood pressure, 185 +/- 1 versus 135 +/- 2 mm Hg). Phospholipase C was assessed by measuring cytosolic free calcium and by the accumulation of radiolabeled inositol phosphates. Basal cytosolic calcium did not differ between mesangial cells taken from both strains but was greater in smooth muscle cells from hypertensive rats (210.1 +/- 8.2 versus 149.2 +/- 4.7 nM). The responsiveness of cytosolic calcium and inositol phosphate accumulation to Ang II was significantly enhanced in mesangial cells from hypertensive rats (10(-7) M Ang II: peak increase of calcium, 1,266 +/- 181 versus 603 +/- 93 nM; percent increment of inositol phosphates at 1 minute, 266 +/- 26 versus 98 +/- 10%). Vascular smooth muscle cells from hypertensive rats, when compared with normotensive rats, showed a similar augmentation of Ang II-stimulated intracellular calcium and inositol phosphates. Thromboxane A2-induced enhancement of intracellular calcium and inositol phosphate accumulation in vascular smooth muscle cells was also greater in hypertensive animals. However, the responses to vasopressin and endothelin in mesangial or vascular smooth muscle cells did not differ between the normotensive and hypertensive animals. There was no significant difference in Ang II receptor number and affinity between hypertensive- and normotensive-derived mesangial cells. We conclude that genetically increased blood pressure in rats may be secondary to enhanced post-receptor signaling in glomerular mesangial cells activated by Ang II and to enhanced signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells stimulated by either Ang II or thromboxane A2.

Endothelin-elicited stimulation of phospholipase C is mediated by guanine nucleotide binding protein(s)

In permeabilized C6 glioma cells and NIH 3T3 cells, the peptide endothelin 1 (ET-1) in combination with GTP gamma S stimulates the formation of inositol phosphates. In the presence of 10 microM GTP gamma S, ET-1 induces the formation of inositol phosphates with an EC50 value of 2.5 nM for C6 glioma cells and 1.6 nM for NIH 3T3 cells. The analogous peptide endothelin 3 (ET-3) is less potent than ET-1 in such action. In NIH 3T3 cells, ET-1+GTP gamma S-induced formation of inositol phosphates could be detected after 1 min of stimulation, and it increased for up to 30 min. ET-1-induced effects were partially reduced by pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (1 microgram/ml) in C6 glioma cells, but were unaffected in NIH 3T3 cells. In binding studies in whole C6 cells and NIH 3T3 cells, specific binding for [125I]ET-1 was detected. Cross-linking of [125I]ET-1 in whole C6 cells revealed the presence of two binding proteins for ET-1 of 74 kDa and 55 kDa. ET-1 at 100 nM inhibited the labeling of both proteins by [125I]ET-1. However, ET-3 inhibited the labeling of the 55 kDa protein only. The results provide direct evidence for endothelin receptor coupling to phospholipase C through guanine nucleotide binding (G) proteins. In addition, in C6 cells, endothelin-mediated phospholipase C activation is partially inhibited by pertussis toxin pretreatment. The endothelin receptor involved in phospholipase C stimulation in C6 cells seems to correspond to a 74 kDa protein which binds ET-1 but not ET-3.