Phorbol ester promotes a sustained down-regulation of endothelin receptors and cellular responses to endothelin in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Endothelin-1 protects human melanocytes from UV-induced DNA damage by activating JNK and p38 signalling pathways

Endothelin-1 is a paracrine factor with mitogenic, melanogenic and survival effects on cultured human melanocytes. We report that endothelin-1 signalling reduced the generation and enhanced the repair of ultraviolet radiation (UV)-induced DNA photoproducts, and inhibited apoptosis of human melanocytes, without increasing cAMP levels, melanin content or proliferation. Treatment with endothelin-1 activated the MAP kinases JNK and p38, as evidenced by phosphorylation of their target, activating transcription factor-2 (ATF-2). Endothelin-1 also enhanced the phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ATF-2 by UV. The effects of endothelin-1 were dependent on increasing intracellular calcium mobilization by endothelin B receptor signalling. Activation of both JNK and p38 was required for reducing DNA photoproducts, but only JNK partially contributed to the survival effect of endothelin-1. ATF-2 activation depended mainly on JNK, yet was not sufficient for the effect of endothelin-1 on UV-induced DNA damage, suggesting the requirement for other JNK and p38 targets for this effect. Our results underscore the significance of endothelin-1 and endothelin B receptor signalling in reducing the genotoxic effects of UV via activating JNK and p38, hence restoring genomic stability of melanocytes.

Modulation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in melanocytes

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is constitutively produced by keratinocytes, but has no known epidermal target cell. We now report that normal human melanocytes (Mc) maintained in serum-free, hormone-, and growth factor-supplemented medium lacking phorbol ester and choleragen constitutively express VEGF receptor-1 (VEGFR-1), VEGFR-2, and neuropilin-1. Furthermore, stimulation of Mc with VEGF165 isoform leads to phosphorylation of VEGFR-2, the receptor responsible for most of the VEGF-mediated effects in endothelial cells, suggesting that the receptor is functional. Interestingly, in Mc, VEGFR-2 expression is induced by ultraviolet irradiation and is downregulated by VEGF and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Prolonged culture (>8 weeks) in the presence of phorbol ester abrogates VEGFR-2 expression, explaining previous reports that Mc do not express VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. These data suggest that VEGF may play a role in Mc behavior in skin.

alpha-Melanocortin and endothelin-1 activate antiapoptotic pathways and reduce DNA damage in human melanocytes

UV radiation is an important etiologic factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. Constitutive pigmentation and the ability to tan are considered the main photoprotective mechanism against sun-induced carcinogenesis. Pigmentation in the skin is conferred by epidermal melanocytes that synthesize and transfer melanin to keratinocytes. Therefore, insuring the survival and genomic stability of epidermal melanocytes is critical for inhibiting photocarcinogenesis, particularly melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. The paracrine factors alpha-melanocortin and endothelin-1 are critical for the melanogenic response of cultured human melanocytes to UV radiation. We report that alpha-melanocortin and endothelin-1 rescued human melanocytes from UV radiation-induced apoptosis and reduced DNA photoproducts and oxidative stress. The survival effects of alpha-melanocortin and endothelin-1 were mediated by activation of the melanocortin 1 and endothelin receptors, respectively. Treatment of melanocytes with alpha-melanocortin and/or endothelin-1 before exposure to UV radiation activated the inositol triphosphate kinase-Akt pathway and increased the phosphorylation and expression of the microphthalmia-related transcription factor. Treatment with alpha-melanocortin and/or endothelin-1 enhanced the repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and reduced the levels of hydrogen peroxide induced by UV radiation. These effects are expected to reduce genomic instability and mutagenesis.

Mitogen- and ultraviolet-B-induced signaling pathways in normal human melanocytes

In normal human melanocytes various mitogens activate the mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK1/2 and the downstream transcription factor CREB (Ca2+/cAMP response element binding protein). Endothelin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, and alpha-melanotropin interact synergistically to stimulate human melanocyte proliferation. The former two mitogens phosphorylated ERK1/2, its substrate p90rsk, and CREB. Alpha-melanotropin, forskolin, or dibutyryl cAMP failed to phosphorylate any of those targets, however. The concomitant presence of endothelin-1, basic fibroblast growth factor, and alpha-melanotropin significantly potentiated CREB phosphorylation. The mitogen-induced phosphorylation of p90rsk and CREB was dependent on ERK1/2 activation, and was mediated by intracellular calcium mobilization and by protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase activation, but not by activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A. Exposure of melanocytes to ultraviolet radiation B resulted in the phosphorylation of the stress-induced mitogen- activated protein kinases p38 and JNK/SAPK, but not ERK1/2. Ultraviolet radiation B induced the phosphorylation of CREB via a pathway that was partially dependent on p38, but had no effect on p90rsk or ERK1/2. Therefore, in human melanocytes, CREB is a common downstream target for distinct effectors that are involved in either mitogenic signaling or stress signaling initiated by ultraviolet radiation B.

Endothelin-1-induced mesangial cell contraction involves activation of protein kinase C-alpha, -delta, and -epsilon

In endothelin-1 (ET-1)-stimulated mesangial cells, to identify the independent roles of calcium and protein kinase C (PKC) causing contraction, the changes in planar surface area in response to ET-1, ionomycin, or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) were compared. ET-1, PMA, and ionomycin reduced planar area to 49 +/- 3%, 56 +/- 3%, and 78 +/- 2% of basal (means +/- SE, n = 40-50 cells), respectively. ET-1 or ionomycin increased cytosolic calcium from 80 +/- 7 to 220 +/- 30 nM or 97 +/- 10 to 192 +/- 10 nM, respectively. The myosin light chain kinase inhibitor, ML-7, blunted ET-1- but not PMA-stimulated contraction (82 +/- 3% and 48 +/- 6% of time 0, respectively). Cells pretreated with 10 microM chelerythrine for 1 h or PMA for 24 h failed to contract to either ET-1 or PMA. To identify the specific PKC isoform response to ET-1, cytosolic, membrane, and particulate fractions of mesangial cell lysates were immunoblotted with PKC isoform-specific polyclonal antibodies. ET-1 increased membrane PKC-alpha, -delta, and -epsilon to 173 +/- 30%, 162 +/- 26%, and 166 +/- 11% of basal (P < 0.05 vs. basal), respectively, and decreased PKC-delta and PKC-epsilon in the cytosol to 56 +/- 11% and 37 +/- 6% of basal, respectively (P < 0.05). ET-1 increased particulate PKC-delta and PKC-epsilon to 172 +/- 15% and 187 +/- 33% of basal (P < 0.05), respectively. PKC-alpha in the cytosol and particulate fractions was not altered by ET-1, but translocation to the nucleus and cell periphery was observed by confocal immunofluorescence imaging. Ionomycin did not change PKC isoform distribution. PKC-zeta was expressed but unaltered by ET-1. Therefore, mesangial cell ET-1-stimulated contraction not only involves a calcium-dependent pathway but also includes the activation of one or more PKC-alpha, -delta, and -epsilon, but not PKC-zeta.

Reduction of renal mass is lethal in mice lacking vimentin. Role of endothelin-nitric oxide imbalance

Modulation of vascular tone by chemical and mechanical stimuli is a crucial adaptive phenomenon which involves cytoskeleton elements. Disruption, by homologous recombination, of the gene encoding vimentin, a class III intermediate filament protein mainly expressed in vascular cells, was reported to result in apparently normal phenotype under physiological conditions. In this study, we evaluated whether the lack of vimentin affects vascular adaptation to pathological situations, such as reduction of renal mass, a pathological condition which usually results in immediate and sustained vasodilation of the renal vascular bed. Ablation of 3/4 of renal mass was constantly lethal within 72 h in mice lacking vimentin (Vim-/-), whereas no lethality was observed in wild-type littermates. Death in Vim-/- mice resulted from end-stage renal failure. Kidneys from Vim-/- mice synthesized more endothelin, but less nitric oxide (NO), than kidneys from normal animals. In vitro, renal resistance arteries from Vim-/- mice were selectively more sensitive to endothelin, less responsive to NO-dependent vasodilators, and exhibited an impaired flow (shear stress)- induced vasodilation, which is NO dependent, as compared with those from normal littermates. Finally, in vivo administration of bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, totally prevented lethality in Vim-/- mice. These results suggest that vimentin plays a key role in the modulation of vascular tone, possibly via the tuning of endothelin-nitric oxide balance.

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.

Prevention of delayed vasospasm by an endothelin ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123: change of ETA receptor mRNA expression in a canine subarachnoid hemorrhage model

The authors investigated the roles of endothelin (ET)-1 and the ETA receptor in the pathogenesis of delayed cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A study was made of the preventive effect of a novel ETA receptor antagonist, BQ-123, on vasospasm and the expression of the ETA receptor messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) using a canine two-hemorrhage SAH model. Continuous intrathecal administration of BQ-123 (5 x 10(-6) mol/day) prevented narrowing of the basilar artery on Day 7 after SAH in 97.6% of cases in the study group versus 70.7% of cases in the control group (p < 0.05). While expression of the mRNA-coding ETA receptor was not detected in the control animals, it markedly increased on Day 3 after SAH and was also detected on Day 7. The results suggest that endothelin-1 and the ETA receptor participate in the pathogenesis of delayed cerebral vasospasm following SAH.

Regulation of endothelin-induced Ca2+ mobilization in smooth muscle cells by protein kinase C

We have investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in regulating vascular smooth muscle cell responses to endothelin (ET). During the initial phase of the response, ET stimulated rapid formation of diacylglycerol due to rapid and transient activation of phosphatidyl inositol-specific phospholipase C and to rapid and prolonged activation of phospholipase D. Concurrently, ET stimulated translocation of PKC activity that reached a peak at 1 min and remained elevated for at least 20 min. Activation of PKC produced early inhibitory effects. Treatment of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) 5 min before stimulation with ET inhibited total inositol phosphate formation by > 50%. Because each inositol phosphate isomer was equally affected, the target appears to be either phospholipase C or some upstream component of the receptor coupling mechanism. Activation of PKC was important for sustained response to ET. Treatment of cells with staurosporine significantly reduced sustained elevation of cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) normally seen with ET. We had previously shown that sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i initiated by ET was due to continued activity of L-type Ca2+ channels. Our current data suggest that PKC is important in this response. For example, staurosporine inhibited both ET-induced 45Ca2+ and Mn2+ entry occurring 10 min after stimulation of influx mechanisms by the agonist. Similarly, pretreatment of cells for 18 h with phorbol dibutyrate depleted the cells of PKC and blocked the sustained activity of Ca2+ entry mechanisms stimulated by ET. Finally, PMA initiated a slowly developing, sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation by hypoxia of endothelin-1-stimulated phospholipase D activity in sheep pulmonary artery cultured smooth muscle cells

1. The aim of the study was to characterize the effects of hypoxia on agonist-stimulated phospholipase D (PLD) and phospholipase C activity of sheep pulmonary artery cultured smooth muscle cells. 2. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and the protein kinase C (PKC) activator tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA), stimulated a time- and concentration-dependent increase in [3H]-phosphatidylbutanol accumulation. This was abolished by pretreatment of the cells with the PKC inhibitor, Ro-318220, suggesting that agonist-stimulated phospholipase D activity is dependent upon the activation of PKC. 3. Hypoxia (PO2 20 mmHg for 30 min) stimulated basal [3H]-phosphatidylbutanol accumulation by approximately 2 fold and this activity was abolished by preincubation of the cells with 10 microM Ro-318220. 4. In cells preincubated in low O2 containing medium for 30 min, the subsequent agonist-stimulated accumulation of [3H]-phosphatidylbutanol was reduced. However, the decrease in stimulation was greater for ET-1 and 5-HT than for TPA. 5. ET-1 and TPA stimulated a time-dependent increase in protein kinase C- mediated psuedosubstrate phosphorylation. Following preincubation for 30 min in low O2 containing media, basal pseudosubstrate phosphorylation increased whilst the fold stimulation by TPA and ET-1 decreased. 6. In cells preincubated in low O2 containing medium, ET-1-stimulated [3H]-inositol phosphate accumulation was reduced by approximately 30-40%. This reduction was reversed by preincubation of the cells with Ro-318220. 7. These results suggest a role for PKC in the effects of hypoxia on PLD in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells.

Endothelin-1 acts as an autocrine growth factor for normal human keratinocytes

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an endothelium-derived 21 amino acid vasoconstrictor peptide possessing two intrachain disulfide bridges. Recently it has become evident that isoforms of ET (ET-1, -2, and -3) have a wide range of pharmacological effects in various tissues and act as autocrine/paracrine factors. We demonstrate here that ET-1 is secreted from normal human keratinocytes and may work as an autocrine growth factor through a specific receptor. In this study, human foreskin keratinocytes were cultured in serum-free MCDB 153 medium. Cell growth and [3H] thymidine incorporation in low and high Ca++ concentration media was stimulated by ET-1, -2, and -3 with similar potencies. The strongest response was observed at 10 nM ETs, whereas stimulatory activity was reduced at 100 nM. ETs suppressed keratinocyte differentiation as measured by reactivity with involucrin antibody. Plasminogen activator activity (mainly urokinase) in the medium was also stimulated by the addition of 10 nM ETs. ET-1-like immunoreactivity measured by radioimmunoassay was 1.4 fmol/day/10(6) cells in non-treated condition medium. Among the various cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta stimulated ET-1 secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The strongest response (ten-fold) was observed upon the addition of 10 ng/ml TNF-alpha. Scatchard plot analysis of [125I] ET-1 binding to keratinocytes revealed the presence of a single class of high affinity receptors (KD 50 pM, 9 x 10(3) sites/cell). Binding was competitively inhibited by the addition of unlabeled ET-1 and -2 with similar affinities and by ET-3 with weaker affinity. ET-1 mRNA expression in keratinocytes was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and was increased by treatment with 10 ng/ml TNF-alpha. These results suggest that ET-1 acts as an autocrine growth factor for keratinocytes through a specific receptor.

Endothelin (ETA) receptor number and calcium signalling are up-regulated by protein kinase C-beta 1 overexpression

To evaluate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in regulation of cellular responsiveness to mitogens, we used rat 6 (R6) fibroblasts that stably overexpress the beta 1 isoenzyme of protein kinase C (PKC-beta 1). The potent vasoconstrictor and mitogen endothelin-1 (ET-1; 100 nM) was substantially more effective in stimulating InsP3 accumulation in PKC-beta 1-overexpressing fibroblasts (PKC3 cells) than in control fibroblasts lacking the PKC-beta 1 cDNA insert. PKC3 cells were found to express a 7-fold greater number of endothelin receptors than did control cells, whereas both cell lines showed equivalent Kd values. These receptors were of the ETA subtype, as defined by a 1000-fold greater affinity for ET-1 than for ET-3. Changes in intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in response to ET-1 measured with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2 showed that ET-1 was more potent and efficacious in stimulating [Ca2+]i in PKC3 cells than in control fibroblasts. The ET-1-induced Ca2+ rise was completely blocked by the selective ETA antagonist BQ123, but only slightly diminished by extracellular application of 2 mM EGTA. In contrast with the effects of PKC-beta 1 overexpression on responsiveness to ET-1, alpha-thrombin, which was previously found to have a weaker effect on InsP3 accumulation in PKC-beta 1-overexpressing cells, was also a less effective stimulator of [Ca2+]i in PKC3 cells than in control cells. These results demonstrate that, although the Ca2+ response to alpha-thrombin is diminished by PKC-beta 1 overexpression, ETA receptor number and cellular responsiveness to ET-1 are increased in PKC-beta 1-overexpressing cells.

Activation of protein kinase C reduces thromboxane receptors in glomeruli and mesangial cells

The potential role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the modulation of thromboxane A2 (TX) receptor density was evaluated in intact glomeruli and cultured renal mesangial cells (MC) from the rat. Incubation of glomeruli with 0.1 microM phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) or 30 mM glucose for four hours activated PKC as reflected by increased in situ phosphorylation of the 80 kDa MARCKS protein, a specific endogenous substrate for PKC. High affinity binding to TX receptors, as assessed from the binding of the stable TX antagonist [3H]-Sq-29548 (Sq), was decreased 30% in glomeruli exposed to PDBu and 28% in glomeruli incubated in 30 mM D-glucose for four hours. Concurrent incubation with 0.05 microM of the PKC inhibitor staurosporine blocked both MARCKS protein phosphorylation and the decrease in TX receptor sites in response to either PDBu or 30 mM glucose. Neither 30 mM L-glucose nor 30 mM mannitol altered glomerular PKC activity or TX receptor density, thus excluding an osmotic effect of D-glucose, and implicating cellular metabolism of glucose in the expression of these actions. Inhibition of endogenous production of TX with indomethacin during exposure of glomeruli to 30 mM glucose did not prevent the decrease in TX binding. Homologous down-regulation of TX receptors mediated by endogenous TX was therefore not implicated in this action of glucose. The affinity of the glomerular receptor sites for [3H]-Sq was not affected by PKC activation. MC in passages 3 to 7 also demonstrated high affinity sites for [3H]-Sq (Kd, 2.8 nM). Culture of MC with PDBu (0.05 or 0.1 microM) for four hours decreased TX receptor density.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pharmacological characteristics of the positive inotropic effect of angiotensin II in the rabbit ventricular myocardium

1. In order to elucidate the mechanism underlying the positive inotropic effect (PIE) of angiotensin II (AII), we measured changes in phosphoinositide hydrolysis and contractile force induced by AII in the rabbit ventricular myocardium. 2. AII (1.0 nM-3 microM) produced a PIE in a concentration-dependent manner in the presence of bupranolol (0.3 microM) and prazosin (0.1 microM), the maximal response being about 40% of that to isoprenaline and the EC50 30 nM. 3. The PIE of AII was associated with a concentration-dependent increase in the total duration of contraction; the time to peak force and the relaxation time were prolonged. 4. AII (10 nM-30 microM) elicited an accumulation of [3H]-inositol monophosphate in a concentration-dependent manner in rabbit ventricular slices prelabelled with myo-[3H]-inositol. 5. The PIE and the accumulation of [3H]-inositol monophosphate induced by AII were inhibited by a non-selective AII receptor antagonist, saralasin (10 nM-1 microM) and by a selective AT1 receptor antagonist, losartan (10 nM-1 microM), but not a selective AT2 receptor antagonist, PD 123319 (1 microM). 6. A tumour-promoting phorbol ester, phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu, 10-100 nM), inhibited the AII-induced PIE and [3H]-inositol monophosphate accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner. 7. These results suggest that AII exerts a PIE through activation of AT1 receptors and subsequent acceleration of phosphoinositide hydrolysis. Activation of protein kinase C by PDBu may inhibit the AII-induced stimulation of phosphoinositide hydrolysis and thereby the PIE of AII in the rabbit ventricular myocardium.

Comparison of the vasoconstrictor responses induced by endothelin and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate in bovine cerebral arteries

The vascular effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were compared with those elicited by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB), an activator of the protein kinase C (PKC), to analyze the involvement of this enzyme on ET-1 responses. PDB and ET-1 caused slow-developing contractions (sustained and transient, respectively), which were reduced by the PKC inhibitor, staurosporine (1 and 10 nM). Only the contractile effects evoked by ET-1 were reduced in Ca-free medium and by the Ca channel antagonist, nifedipine (1 microM), and increased by the Ca channel agonist, BAY K 8644 (10 nM). PDB (10 and 30 nM) preincubation reduced the vasoconstriction elicited by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; 0.01, 0.1 and 1 microM) in a way dependent on phorbol concentration and preincubation time, whereas ET-1 (1 nM) increased the contractile response to 5-HT (0.1 microM). Furthermore, PDB (0.1 microM) also reduced the responses elicited by ET-1 (30 microM) and vice versa. ET-1 (0.1 microM) induced transient translocation of PKC activity from the cytosol to the membrane, which was less than that produced by PDB (0.1 microM). Electrical stimulation induced [3H]noradrenaline (NA) release, which was increased by PDB (10 and 100 nM) and not affected by ET-1 (10 nM). These results indicate: (1) the responses induced by PDB and ET-1 were independent and dependent on extracellular Ca, respectively; (2) PKC is involved in NA release and 5-HT responses, but mainly in desensitization of these responses, and (3) PKC is activated by ET-1 and is implicated in vascular actions of ET-1, but other mechanisms, such as the activation of ET-1 receptors and opening of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca channels also appear to be involved.

Oxidized low density lipoproteins stimulate phosphoinositide turnover in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

Atherogenesis is associated with alterations in the properties of different cell types, including monocytes/macrophages (foam cell formation), platelets (increased aggregation), endothelial cells (injury), and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) (lipid accumulation or foam cell formation). Oxidized low density lipoproteins (ox-LDL) play a key role in this vascular pathology. This study investigated the ability of ox-LDL to elicit chemical signaling events in cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Ox-LDL was found to stimulate phospholipase C-mediated phosphoinositide turnover in human VSMCs. This response occurred rapidly (within 1 minute) and at low concentrations of ox-LDL (half-maximal effective concentration, approximately 5 micrograms/ml). Ox-LDL-stimulated inositol phosphate accumulation in human VSMCs was inhibited by pretreatment of cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and with compounds that elevate cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP. Ca2+ antagonists also blocked the effects of ox-LDL on phosphoinositide turnover. Inhibitors of receptor-endocytotic processes (including receptor clustering, cross-linking, and cytoskeleton-dependent internalization) effectively prevented ox-LDL-induced inositol phosphate generation. The data suggest that ox-LDL promotes phospholipase C-mediated phosphoinositide turnover in a manner analogous to that for other Ca(2+)-mobilizing hormones. The results also support an association between phosphoinositide turnover and receptor-mediated endocytosis. Prevention of the direct effects of ox-LDL on SMCs could prove an interesting therapeutic avenue for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Endothelin receptors on cultured fetal rat diencephalic glia

The recently described family of proteins, the endothelins, are produced in neurons and bind to extravascular sites in the CNS. To characterize these receptors, we carried out studies on cultures of fetal rat diencephalic glia. Scatchard analysis of saturation binding studies was done for astrocytes (greater than 95% glial fibrillary acidic protein positive). For endothelin 3 (ET-3) and ET-1, respectively, a single receptor class of KD 0.41 +/- 0.05 and 0.62 +/- 0.04 nM and a receptor density of 42 +/- 0.8 and 58 +/- 1.1 fmol/mg of glial protein was found. Bound and cross-linked 125I-ET-3 or ET-1 showed a single predominant receptor band at Mr 52,000 on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; a minor band at 50,000 was also seen. At concentrations equal to the receptor KD, the major brain form of ET, ET-3, stimulated a nearly 200% increase in the incorporation of tritiated thymidine into glia. ET-3 and ET-1 significantly impaired the ability of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) to generate cyclic GMP, and isoproterenol to generate cyclic AMP. The ability of ET to inhibit ANP-induced cyclic GMP generation was reversed by cycloheximide and actinomycin-D, whereas the inhibition of isoproterenol-induced cyclic AMP generation was partially and significantly blocked by inhibitors of calcium influx, protein kinase C action, or G protein activation, as well. Astrocytes from this part of the brain are a potential target cell for endothelin, assuming these findings are present in vivo. This neuropeptide may serve as a growth stimulator for astrocytes and modulator of the actions of catecholamines or ANP on glia by inhibiting second messenger generation.

Differences in the regulation of endothelin-1- and lysophosphatidic-acid-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation in rat-1 fibroblasts

Endothelin-1 (ET-1)- and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-stimulated PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis has been studied in Rat-1 fibroblasts. Although both agonists caused the dose-dependent accumulation of inositol phosphates, a number of differences were observed. LPA induced a transient increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 mass which returned to basal levels within 90 s, whereas the response to ET-1 did not desensitize, with levels remaining at 3-4 times basal values for up to 15 min. Stimulated decreases in mass levels of PtdIns(4,5)P2 mirrored Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation for both agonists. Experiments with electropermeabilized cells demonstrated that the effects of both agonists are stimulated by a phospholipase C controlled by a guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory protein; however, there are differences in the nature of these interactions. The inositol phosphate response to ET-1 is poorly potentiated by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) and markedly inhibited by guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP[S]), whereas that to LPA is potentiated by GTP[S] but is relatively insensitive to GDP[S]. In addition, LPA decreased the lag time for the onset of GTP[S]-stimulated [3H]InsP3 accumulation, whereas ET-1 was without effect. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment of the cells inhibited LPA-stimulated, but not ET-1-stimulated, inositol phosphate formation in both intact and permeabilized cells, suggesting that the site of protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation may be blocked in ET-1-stimulated Rat-1 cells. The results indicate that the receptor-G-protein-phospholipase C interaction for the two agonists may not conform to the same model.

Changes in responsiveness of the canine basilar artery to endothelin-1 after subarachnoid hemorrhage

The effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on the basilar arteries from control and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) dogs were examined. The maximal contraction of the basilar artery in response to ET-1 was markedly decreased in the SAH group. Treatment with 10(-8)M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) reduced the contractile responses to ET-1 in the basilar arteries from control dogs. ET-1-induced contractions of the basilar arteries from control dogs were similar to those in strips from SAH dogs by the treatment with 10(-8) M PMA. Ca(2+)-induced contraction of the basilar arteries which were depolarized with isotonic K+ (64 mM) were significantly attenuated in SAH dogs. Treatment with PMA also reduced the contractile responses to Ca2+ in the basilar arteries from control dogs. These results indicate that decreased contractile responses of the basilar arteries to ET-1 and Ca2+ in the SAH group may be related to changes in the activity of the protein kinase C in vascular smooth muscle.

Vascular activities of the endothelins

The endothelins are a family of novel 21 amino-acid peptides and are the most potent vasoconstrictor substances yet discovered. The endothelins not only produce prolonged pressor responses in intact animals but they also constrict large and small arterial and venous vessels studied as isolated vascular preparations, influence autonomic transmission, exert positive inotropic effects on the heart and have been shown to be capable of releasing EDRF, prostanoids and atrial natriuretic factor. Release of endothelins occurs after de novo synthesis which may be stimulated by various agonists, fluid-flow and possibly hypoxia. The endothelins have been implicated in the pathophysiology of a variety of cardiovascular disorders but their precise role remains to be elucidated.

Stimulation of the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate and phosphatidylcholine by endothelin, a complete mitogen for Rat-1 fibroblasts

The mitogenic activity of endothelin and its ability to stimulate PtdIns(4,5)P2 and phosphatidylcholine turnover in Rat-1 fibroblasts was studied. Stimulated incorporation of [3H]thymidine occurred in the absence of any other added growth factors. The endothelins stimulated rapid generation of both Ins(1,4,5)P3 and choline. Endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 were equipotent in stimulating both responses, but endothelin-3 was less potent. Endothelin-1-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 generation reached a maximum at 5 s and then declined; however, the response was long-lived, with a 4.5-fold elevation over basal still observed after 15 min. Endothelin-stimulated choline generation was observed with no increase in choline phosphate; indeed, the apparent level of this metabolite fell after 30 min of stimulation, presumably due to the observed stimulation of phosphatidylcholine synthesis. The endothelin-stimulated increase in choline generation was abolished in cells where protein kinase C was down-regulated. However, endothelin-stimulated choline generation was greater than that observed in response to a protein kinase C-activating phorbol ester, raising the possibility that the peptide activates phospholipase D by both protein kinase C-dependent and -independent mechanisms.