Modulation of L-type Ca2+ current by isoprenaline, carbachol and phorbol ester in cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle (A7r5) cells

Activation of PKC results in improved contractile effects and Ca cycling by inhibition of PP2A-B56α

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) represents a heterotrimer that is responsible for the dephosphorylation of important regulatory myocardial proteins. The present study was aimed to test whether the phosphorylation of PP2A-B56α at Ser⁴¹ by PKC is involved in the regulation of myocyte Ca²⁺ cycling and contraction. For this purpose, heart preparations of wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice overexpressing the non-phosphorylatable S41A mutant form (TG) were stimulated by administration of the direct PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), and functional effects were studied. PKC activation was accompanied by the inhibition of PP2A activity in WT cardiomyocytes, whereas this effect was absent in TG. Consistently, the increase in the sarcomere length shortening and the peak amplitude of Ca²⁺ transients after PMA administration in WT cardiomyocytes was attenuated in TG. However, the co-stimulation with 1 µM isoprenaline was able to offset these functional deficits. Moreover, TG hearts did not show an increase in the phosphorylation of the myosin-binding protein C after administration of PMA but was detected in corresponding WT. PMA modulated voltage-dependent activation of the L-type Ca²⁺ channel (LTCC) differently in the two genotypes, shifting V_1/2a by +1.5 mV in TG and by 2.4 mV in WT. In the presence of PMA, I_CaL inactivation remained unchanged in TG, whereas it was slower in corresponding WT. Our data suggest that PKC-activated enhancement of myocyte contraction and intracellular Ca²⁺ signaling is mediated by phosphorylation of B56α at Ser⁴¹, leading to a decrease in PP2A activity.

Cyclic AMP relaxation of rat aortic smooth muscle is mediated in part by decrease of depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores and inhibition of capacitative calcium entry

Despite a large number of studies, the mechanism by which 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) induces vasorelaxation is not fully understood. The comparison between results obtained in different vessels or species has often been the source of conflicting reports. In order to shed more light onto this mechanism, we studied the effects of forskolin in phenylephrine-pre-contracted endothelium-denuded rat aorta and measured cAMP levels in rat aortic myocytes by enzyme-immunoassay. Nanomolar forskolin relaxed phenylephrine-induced contractions. This effect was mimicked by dibutyryl-cAMP and was potentiated by rolipram or a p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) inhibitor (SB-203580). Nifedipine and verapamil partially relaxed phenylephrine-induced contractions, while further application of cAMP-elevating agents fully relaxed these contractions. In Ca(2+)-free extracellular solution, forskolin reduced phenylephrine-induced transient contractions and reduced the Ca(2+)-induced contraction after depletion of intracellular stores. Nanomolar concentrations of forskolin increased basal cAMP levels only in the presence of rolipram or phenylephrine, which did not modify intracellular levels of cAMP by themselves. In conclusion, relaxation by cAMP is mediated in part by decrease of depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores and inhibition of capacitative calcium entry. This study provides the first evidence that inhibition of PDE4 or p38-MAPK potentiates the vasodilator effect of cAMP-elevating agents in rat aortic myocytes.

Cyclic nucleotide-dependent relaxation pathways in vascular smooth muscle

Vascular smooth muscle tone is controlled by a balance between the cellular signaling pathways that mediate the generation of force (vasoconstriction) and release of force (vasodilation). The initiation of force is associated with increases in intracellular calcium concentrations, activation of myosin light-chain kinase, increases in the phosphorylation of the regulatory myosin light chains, and actin-myosin crossbridge cycling. There are, however, several signaling pathways modulating Ca(2+) mobilization and Ca(2+) sensitivity of the contractile machinery that secondarily regulate the contractile response of vascular smooth muscle to receptor agonists. Among these regulatory mechanisms involved in the physiological regulation of vascular tone are the cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP), which are considered the main messengers that mediate vasodilation under physiological conditions. At least four distinct mechanisms are currently thought to be involved in the vasodilator effect of cyclic nucleotides and their dependent protein kinases: (1) the decrease in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]c), (2) the hyperpolarization of the smooth muscle cell membrane potential, (3) the reduction in the sensitivity of the contractile machinery by decreasing the [Ca(2+)]c sensitivity of myosin light-chain phosphorylation, and (4) the reduction in the sensitivity of the contractile machinery by uncoupling contraction from myosin light-chain phosphorylation. This review focuses on each of these mechanisms involved in cyclic nucleotide-dependent relaxation of vascular smooth muscle under physiological conditions.

Possible Involvement of Ca Activated K Channels, SK Channel, in the Quercetin-Induced Vasodilatation

Effects of quercetin, a kind of flavonoids, on the vasodilating actions were investigated. Among the mechanisms for quercetin-induced vasodilatation in rat aorta, the involvement with the Ca(2+) activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channel was examined. Pretreatment with NE (5 microM) or KCl (60 mM) was carried out and then, the modulation by quercetin of the constriction was examined using rat aorta ring strips (3 mm) at 36.5. Quercetin (0.1 to 100 microM) relaxed the NE-induced vasoconstrictions in a concentration-dependent manner. NO synthesis (NOS) inhibitor, NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA), at 100 microM reduced the quercetin (100 microM)-induced vasodilatation from 97.8+/-3.7% (n=10) to 78.0+/-11.6% (n=5, p<0.05). Another NOS inhibitor, L-NG-nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), at 100 microM also had the similar effect. In the presence of both 100 microM L-NMMA and 10 microM indomethacin, the quercetin-induced vasodilatation was further attenuated by 100 microM tetraethylammonium (TEA, a K(Ca) channel inhibitor). Also TEA decreased the quercetin-induced vasodilatation in endothelium-denuded rat aorta. Used other K(Ca) channel inhibitors, the quercetin-induced vasodilatation was attenuated by 0.3 microM apamin (a SK channel inhibitor), but not by 30 nM charybdotoxin (a BK and IK channel inhibitor). Quercetin caused a concentration-dependent vasodilatation, due to the endothelium-dependent and -independent actions. Also quercetin contributes to the vasodilatation selectively with SK channel on smooth muscle.

In vitro pharmacological actions of sinomenine on the smooth muscle and the endothelial cell activity in rat aorta

Vasodilating actions of sinomenine were examined using rat aorta ring strips. Sinomenine (0.1 to 100 microM) dilated norepinephrine (NE, 5 microM)-induced vasoconstriction in a concentration-dependent manner reaching 68.8+/-5.1% (n=6, P<0.01) at a concentration of 100 microM. Sinomenine (100 microM) also attenuated KCl (60 mM) and phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDB, a protein kinase C, PK-C, activator, 300 nM)-induced vasoconstriction by 86.9+/-8.5% (n=6, P<0.01) and 49.9+/-9.8% (n=6, P<0.01), respectively. Pretreatment with nicardipine (a Ca2+ channel antagonist), staurosporine (a PK-C inhibitor), NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA, a nitric oxide, NO, synthesis inhibitor), and indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) were carried out. Nicardipine (0.1 microM) led to a significant decrease in the vasodilating potential of sinomenine (at 100 microM, 68.8+/-5.1% vs. 35.5+/-6.9%; n=5, P<0.001). Pretreatment with staurosporine (30 nM) reduced sinomenine-associated vasodilation from 68.8+/-5.1% to 49.5+/-7.7% (n=5, P<0.001), and L-NMMA (100 microM) and indomethacin (10 microM), to 25.3+/-2.3% (n=5, P<0.001) and to 37.1+/-9.3% (n=5, P<0.001), respectively. The responses were almost similar to the results without endothelium. Therefore, these results indicate that sinomenine causes the vasorelaxation by the mechanisms involved with the inhibitions of Ca2+ channel and PK-C activity, and also with the activations of NO and prostaglandin (PG) I2 syntheses in endothelium.

Electropharmacological actions of Ginkgo biloba extract on vascular smooth and heart muscles

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is composed mostly of two constituents: One is terpenoids (such as bilobalide, ginkgolides A, B and C), and the other is flavonoids (such as quercetin and rutin). After oral administration of GBE (160 mg) to healthy volunteers, the plasma concentrations of ginkgolides A and B and bilobalide are 41.8, 5.6 and 37.6 ng/ml, respectively. GBE and bilobalide cause a potent concentration-dependent relaxation. NG-Monomethyl-l-arginine acetate (l-NMMA), an NO synthesis inhibitor, reduces the vasodilation induced by GBE. Furthermore, the vasorelaxation of GBE is attenuated in Ca2+-free medium. Bilobalide possesses similar mechanisms. The other constituents also produce vasorelaxation. On the other hand, all the compounds markedly modify the action potential configuration in guinea pig ventricular cardiomyocytes. GBE prolongs the action potential duration (APD), whereas bilobalide shortens the APD. In patch-clamp experiments, GBE markedly inhibits the Ca2+ current (ICa), the delayed rectifier K+ current (IK) and the inwardly rectifying K+ current (IK1). On the contrary bilobalide enhances the ICa and IK currents concentration-dependently. The other constituents do not cause their actions in a uniform direction. In the rat sino-atrial (SA) node, GBE causes a negative chronotropic effect. These results indicate that GBE and the constituents produce effective electropharmacological actions in the cardiomyocytes and cause vasodilation, mainly due to the inhibitions of Ca2+ influx through the Ca2+ channel and the activation of NO release in the endothelium and aortic vascular muscles.

Cross-talk between beta-adrenergic stimulation and estrogen receptors: isoproterenol inhibits 17beta-estradiol-induced gene transcription in A7r5 cells

The hypothesis that cross-talk between membrane-active beta-adrenergic agonists and estrogens includes beta-adrenergic modulation of estrogen receptor (ER)-regulated gene expression was investigated. Vascular smooth muscle-derived A7r5 cells were transfected with an ERalpha expression plasmid (pCR3.1-hERalpha), the estrogen response element (ERE)-linked reporter pERE-E1b-luciferase (ERE-Luc), and pCMV-beta-galactosidase using a lysine-conjugated adenovirus transfection method. Hormone or agonist treatment and harvest followed 6 hours and 24 hours later, respectively. Treatment with 17beta-estradiol (E(2), 1 nmol/L) significantly stimulated ERE-Luc activity. Isoproterenol (10-9 to 10-6 mol/L) treatment alone did not stimulate ERE-Luc activity. Cotreatment with both E(2) and isoproterenol resulted in complete inhibition of E(2)-stimulated ERE-Luc activity. This isoproterenol effect was prevented by the beta-adrenergic antagonist propanolol (10-6 mol/L). Adrenomedullin treatment in these cells (1-50 nmol/L) did not inhibit ER/ERE-Luc activity, whether in the presence or absence of E(2). Moreover, isoproterenol did not affect vitamin D-stimulated VDRE-Luc expression, indicating that the inhibitory effect of isoproterenol on E(2)-directed ERE-Luc expression is specific among nuclear transcription factor receptors. Moreover, in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, there was no effect of isoproterenol on ER/ERE-directed transcription in the absence or presence of E(2), demonstrating tissue specificity of this isoproterenol effect. These studies demonstrate cross-talk between the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol and ER-directed reporter gene expression in A7r5 cells. Furthermore, this cross-talk is specific with respect to agonist, nuclear receptor species, and cell type. These observations may have important implications both for the use of beta-adrenergic agents to treat hypertension and for possible gender-related differences in cardiovascular regulation.

High-glucose enhances a thromboxane A2-induced aortic contraction mediated by an alteration of phosphatidylinositol turnover

The effect of the thromboxane A(2) analogue U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-11alpha,9alpha-epoxymethanoprostaglandin F(2)(alpha)) on sustained contraction in the mouse aorta was investigated. U46619 induced concentration-dependent (1 - 100 nM) increases in contraction. These contractile responses were enhanced significantly under high-glucose-physiological salt solution (HG-PSS) (2-fold greater than normal-PSS) conditions. This hyperactivation may be associated with aortic dysfunction in diabetes. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. HG-PSS enhanced U46619-induced accumulation of endogenous diacylglycerol (DG). Phospholipase C inhibitor (U73122) suppressed DG accumulation under normal conditions; however, suppression was not observed under high-glucose conditions. The HG-PSS-induced enhancement of contraction was inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (calphostin C). This result indicated that accumulated DG might increase PKC activity, which then stimulates DG kinase activation as a feedback mechanism. DG kinase inhibition also suppressed HG-PSS-induced enhancement of contraction. Increased myo-inositol incorporation was detected under high-glucose conditions, indicating an acceleration of phosphatidylinositol (PI)-turnover. Moreover, rho kinase inhibitor (Y27632) suppressed U46619-induced contraction exclusively in normal-PSS. These findings indicated that HG-PSS treatment increases DG synthesis derived from incorporated glucose, PKC and DG kinase activation, and enhances the U46619-induced contraction via acceleration of PI-turnover. This series of responses may be involved in the dysfunction of aorta under high-glucose conditions occurring in association with diabetes.

Mechanisms for the vasodilations induced by Ginkgo biloba extract and its main constituent, bilobalide, in rat aorta

Vasodilating actions of Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) and bilobalide, a main constituent, were examined using rat aorta ring strips. GBE at the concentration ranges from 0.03 to 3 mg/ml had a potent concentration-dependent relaxation, reaching 70 +/- 4.5% (n = 6, P < 0.001) at 3 mg/ml. Bilobalide at 0.1 to 100 microM also caused the relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner. At 100 microM, bilobalide caused dilation by 17.6 +/- 3.9% (n = 7, P < 0.05). NG-monomethyl-L-arginine acetate (L-NMMA)(100 microM), an NO synthesis inhibitor, reduced the vasodilation of GBE (3 mg/ml) to 57.6 +/- 2.5% (n = 6, P < 0.05), and was accompanied with a decrease in the rate of relaxation. Tetraethylammonium (TEA)(100 microM), a Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel inhibitor, also decreased the GBE (3 mg/ml)-induced relaxation to 63.1 +/- 4.6% (n = 6), but not significantly. Indomethacin tended to reduce the GBE (3 mg/ml)-induced vasorelaxation to 67.3 +/- 4.1% (n = 6). In contrast, the vasorelaxation of GBE (3 mg/ml) was strongly attenuated to 53 +/- 6.1% (n = 7, P < 0.05) in Ca(2+)-free medium. Similarly, the vasorelaxation induced by bilobalide significantly decreased both by pretreatment with NO inhibitor (L-NMMA) and in Ca(2+)-free solution. These results indicate that the relaxation induced by GBE would be due to the inhibition of Ca(2+) influx through the Ca(2+) channel and the activation of NO release, and might be in part due to the inhibitions of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) current and PGI(2) release, in the endothelium and aortic vascular muscles. Bilobalide possesses the similar mechanisms for the vasodilation.

Enhancement effect under high-glucose conditions on U46619-induced spontaneous phasic contraction in mouse portal vein

The effect of the thromboxane A(2) analog 9,11-dideoxy-11alpha, 9alpha-epoxymethanoprostaglandin F(2alpha) (U46619) on spontaneous phasic contractions in the mouse portal vein was studied. U46619 induced concentration-dependent (1-100 nM) increases in amplitude, frequency, and contractile period (ON-time) of the contraction. Both amplitude and ON-time were enhanced significantly under high-glucose (HG; 4-fold greater than normal) conditions. This hyperactivation may be associated with portal vein dysfunction in diabetes. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. HG enhanced the U46619-induced accumulation of endogenous diacylglycerol (DG). Phospholipase C inhibition suppressed accumulation under normal conditions; however, this suppression was not observed under HG conditions. The HG-induced enhancement of U46619-induced contraction was inhibited by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibition. This finding indicated that accumulated DG might increase PKC activity. Activated PKC stimulated DG kinase activation as a feedback mechanism. DG kinase inhibition also suppressed the HG-induced enhancement of contraction. Increased myo-inositol incorporation was detected under HG conditions, indicating an acceleration of phosphatidylinositol (PI) turnover. This acceleration was inhibited by PKC and DG kinase inhibitors. These findings indicated that HG treatments increased DG synthesis derived from incorporated glucose, PKC, and DG kinase activation. These responses induce hyperactivation of the amplitude and contractile period of contraction mediated by acceleration of PI turnover. This series of responses may be involved in the dysfunction of the portal vein under the HG conditions occurring with diabetes.

Different effects of mibefradil and amlodipine on coronary vessels and during beta-adrenergic stimulation in conscious dogs

Coronary effects of Ca -channel blockers mibefradil and amlodipine were compared in conscious dogs. Ten dogs were instrumented for measurement of aortic and left ventricular pressures, circumflex coronary blood flow velocity (CBFv), and coronary diameter (CD). A permanent catheter was implanted in the circumflex coronary artery. At doses having no systemic effects (7.5-150 micro g/kg), mibefradil and amlodipine increased CBFv and CD dose dependently. At the same dose, mibefradil increased less CBFv than amlodipine. However, for a similar increase in CBFv induced by amlodipine, mibefradil increased CD more. BAY K8644, an L-type Ca -channel agonist, prevented the CBFv and CD responses to amlodipine, but minimally affected the coronary responses to mibefradil. Intracoronary isoproterenol (6 ng/kg) increased LV dP/dt max, CBFv, and CD. Amlodipine markedly altered these responses, while mibefradil did not affect LV inotropic response and slightly altered CBFv response to isoproterenol. Thus, in conscious dogs, both mibefradil and amlodipine exert coronary vasodilation, with different patterns on coronary conductance and resistance vessels and during beta-adrenergic stimulation. These differences could be related to their actions on different Ca channels.

Conventional protein kinase C mediates phorbol-dibutyrate-induced cytoskeletal remodeling in a7r5 smooth muscle cells

Phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) induced the formation of podosome-like structures together with partial disassembly of actin stress fibers in A7r5 smooth muscle cells. These podosomes contained alpha-actinin, F-actin, and vinculin and exhibit a tubular, column-like structure arising perpendicularly from the bottom of PDBu-treated cells. The conventional protein kinase C (PKC) antagonist, GO6976, inhibited PDBu-induced cytoskeletal remodeling at 0.1 microM, whereas the novel PKC antagonist, rottlerin, was ineffective at 10 microM. PDBu induced the translocation of the conventional PKC-alpha but not the novel PKC-delta to the sites of podosome formation in A7r5 cells. Although partial disassembly of actin stress fibers was observed in both Y-27632- and PDBu-treated cells, focal adhesions were much reduced in number and size only in Y-27632-treated cells. Furthermore, PDBu restored focal adhesions in Y-27632-treated cells. Live video fluorescence microscopy of alpha-actinin GFP revealed a lag phase of about 20 min prior to the rapid formation and dynamic reorganization of podosomes during PDBu treatment. These findings suggest that conventional PKCs mediate PDBu-induced formation of dynamic podosome-like structures in A7r5 cells, and Rho-kinase is unlikely to be the underlying mechanism. The podosome columns could represent molecular scaffolds where PKC-alpha phosphorylates regulatory proteins necessary for Ca(2+) sensitization in smooth muscle cells.

Cilnidipine is a novel slow-acting blocker of vascular L-type calcium channels that does not target protein kinase C

Cilnidipine is a novel dihydropyridine (DHP) antagonist. However, its pharmacological effects on vascular DHP-sensitive L-type channels and protein kinase C (PKC)-mediated arterial contraction is incompletely understood. To address this issue, we studied the effects of cilnidipine on multi-subunit, C-class L-type Ca2+ channels in rat aortic A7r5 cells, as well as on Ca2+ channel (L-type) alpha1C-b and (T-type) alpha1G subunits in the Xenopus oocyte expression system. Cilnidipine dose- and time-dependently inhibited Ba2+ currents in A7r5 cells, with half-maximal inhibitions (IC50) at 10 nmol/l after 10 min. Unlike classical pharmacological Ca2+ channel blockers, cilnidipine's block of Ca2+ currents did not reach steady-state levels within 10 min, indicating steady-state half-maximal inhibition of native, multi-subunit L-type channels at < 10 nmol/l. In contrast, smooth muscle alpha1Cb currents were blocked by cilnidipine at much higher doses (steady-state IC50, 20 micromol/l) whereas alpha1G currents were not inhibited by cilnidipine (30 micromol/l). Cilnidipine dose-dependently inhibited depolarization- and Ca2+-induced contractions of rat aortic rings, with an IC50 of 10 nmol/l at 10 min. However, the onset of the effects was very slow, with approximately 71% inhibition by 3 nmol/l cilnidipine after 90 min exposure to cilnidipine. In contrast, cilnidipine did not inhibit phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (100 nmol/l)-mediated contractions. We conclude that cilnidipine represents an extremely slow-acting DHP that targets multi-subunit L-type channels, but not PKC in arterial smooth muscle. Because cilnidipine is less potent in cells expressing the pore-forming alpha1C-b subunit, the data further suggest that this unique slow-acting mechanism of cilnidipine is mediated by a complex interaction of cilnidipine with alpha1C-b and accessory channel subunits.

Mechanisms and physiological significance of the cholinergic control of pancreatic beta-cell function

Acetylcholine (ACh), the major parasympathetic neurotransmitter, is released by intrapancreatic nerve endings during the preabsorptive and absorptive phases of feeding. In beta-cells, ACh binds to muscarinic M(3) receptors and exerts complex effects, which culminate in an increase of glucose (nutrient)-induced insulin secretion. Activation of PLC generates diacylglycerol. Activation of PLA(2) produces arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine. These phospholipid-derived messengers, particularly diacylglycerol, activate PKC, thereby increasing the efficiency of free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)) on exocytosis of insulin granules. IP3, also produced by PLC, causes a rapid elevation of [Ca(2+)](c) by mobilizing Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum; the resulting fall in Ca(2+) in the organelle produces a small capacitative Ca(2+) entry. ACh also depolarizes the plasma membrane of beta-cells by a Na(+)- dependent mechanism. When the plasma membrane is already depolarized by secretagogues such as glucose, this additional depolarization induces a sustained increase in [Ca(2+)](c). Surprisingly, ACh can also inhibit voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels and stimulate Ca(2+) efflux when [Ca(2+)](c) is elevated. However, under physiological conditions, the net effect of ACh on [Ca(2+)](c) is always positive. The insulinotropic effect of ACh results from two mechanisms: one involves a rise in [Ca(2+)](c) and the other involves a marked, PKC-mediated increase in the efficiency of Ca(2+) on exocytosis. The paper also discusses the mechanisms explaining the glucose dependence of the effects of ACh on insulin release.

Iloprost inhibits inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated calcium mobilization stimulated by angiotensin II in cultured preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells

In a previous study of cultured preglomerular vascular smooth muscle cells, it was demonstrated that, although the stable prostacyclin analog iloprost alone had no effect on the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+](i)), it did significantly attenuate the increase in [Ca2+](i) stimulated by angiotensin II (AngII). In this study, the mechanisms by which iloprost interacts with calcium signaling pathways stimulated by AngII were examined. [Ca2+](i) was assessed using the calcium-sensitive fluorescent dye fura-2. Initial studies identified two major components of the [Ca2+](i) response to AngII in this homogeneous preparation of vascular smooth muscle cells from renal resistance vessels. Mobilization of internal stores was evident as an immediate TMB-8-sensitive peak increase in [Ca2+](i) (52 +/- 6 to 297 +/- 26 nM, P: < 0.001) in a calcium-free medium. After [Ca2+](i) had returned to baseline levels during continued AngII stimulation, a nifedipine-sensitive entry pathway was revealed by the sustained stimulatory effect of added external calcium, which increased [Ca2+](i) to 112 +/- 13 nM (P: < 0.001). Coadministration of iloprost with AngII attenuated both the immediate peak (154 +/- 14 nM) and sustained plateau (61 +/- 9 nM) phases. Increases in endogenous levels of cAMP induced by the phosphodiesterase inhibitor milrinone mirrored the actions of iloprost, suggesting that the prostacyclin analog exerted its actions via cAMP activation. Blockade of cAMP-dependent protein kinase with KT 5720 reversed the effects of both iloprost and milrinone. When iloprost or milrinone was introduced after the initial mobilization peak had dissipated, the plateau phase of calcium entry was unchanged (92 +/- 9 nM). The concept that iloprost does not directly modulate calcium entry was further supported by data showing that the activation of L-type calcium channels by BAY-K 8644 was unchanged during iloprost treatment. On the basis of the observation that iloprost did not alter thapsigargin stimulation of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, it is concluded that the actions of cAMP are distinct from increasing calcium uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This study provides new information on the ability of iloprost to primarily attenuate inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate-mediated calcium mobilization via cAMP, with secondary inhibition of L-type calcium entry channels. These data clarify the mechanism by which prostaglandins buffer AngII constriction in resistance arterioles.

Ca2+ signalling in rat vascular smooth muscle cells: a role for protein kinase C at physiological vasoconstrictor concentrations of vasopressin

Physiological vasoconstrictor concentrations of Arg8-vasopressin (AVP, 10-100 pM) stimulate oscillations (spikes) in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in A7r5 rat vascular smooth muscle cells. These Ca2+ spikes are dependent on L-type voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels and increase in frequency with increasing AVP concentration. The signal transduction pathway responsible for this effect was examined in fura-2-loaded A7r5 cell monolayers. The serine/threonine phosphatase inhibitor calyculin A (5 nM) sensitized A7r5 cells to AVP, resulting in the stimulation of Ca2+ spiking by 1-10 pM AVP. Calyculin A alone did not stimulate Ca2+ spiking. The protein kinase C (PKC) activator 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 100 pM to 200 nM), also stimulated Ca2+ spiking and this effect was additive with a submaximal concentration of AVP (50 pM). The PKC inhibitors Ro-31-8220 (1 microM) and calphostin C (250 nM) completely blocked the stimulation of Ca2+ spiking by either PMA or AVP. alpha, beta, gamma, delta, epsilon, zeta and &lamdda; isoforms of PKC were detected in A7r5 cells by Western blot analysis. Time-dependent redistribution of PKC-alpha, -delta and -epsilon isoforms between the membrane and cytosolic fractions occurred in response to 100 pM AVP. Pretreatment for 24 h with 1 microM PMA downregulated expression of PKC-alpha and -delta, but not PKC-epsilon, and prevented the Ca2+-spiking responses to either 1 nM PMA or 100 pM AVP. Neither the release of intracellular Ca2+ by 1 microM AVP nor the increase in [Ca2+]i in response to elevated extracellular [K+] was prevented by the PMA pretreatment. We conclude that PKC activation is a necessary step in the signal transduction pathway linking low concentrations of AVP to Ca2+ spiking in A7r5 cells.

Farnesol blocks the L-type Ca2+ channel by targeting the alpha 1C subunit

We recently demonstrated that farnesol, a 15-carbon isoprenoid, blocks L-type Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle cells. To elucidate farnesol's mechanism of action, we performed whole-cell and perforated-patch clamp experiments in rat aortic A7r5 cells and in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) C9 cells expressing smooth muscle Ca2+ channel alpha 1C subunits. Farnesol dose-dependently and voltage-independently inhibited Ba2+ currents in both A7r5 and CHOC9 cells, with similar half-maximal inhibitions at 2.6 and 4.3 micromol/L, [corrected] respectively (P=NS). In both cell lines, current inhibition by farnesol was prominent over the whole voltage range without changes in the current-voltage relationship peaks. Neither intracellular infusion of the stable GDP analogue guanosine-5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) (100 micromol/L) [corrected] via the patch pipette nor strong conditioning membrane depolarization prevented the inhibitory effect of farnesol, which indicates G protein-independent inhibition of Ca2+ channels. In an analysis of the steady-state inactivation curve for voltage dependence, farnesol induced a significant, negative shift ( approximately 10 mV) of the potential causing 50% channel inactivation in both cell lines (P<0. 001). In contrast, the steepness factor characterizing the voltage sensitivity of the channels was unaffected. Unlike pharmacological Ca2+ channel blockers, farnesol blocked Ca2+ currents in the resting state: initial block was 63+/-8% in A7r5 cells and 50+/-9% in CHOC9 cells at a holding potential of -80 mV. We then gave 500 mg/kg body weight farnesol by gavage to Sabra hypertensive and normotensive rats and found that farnesol reduced blood pressure significantly in the hypertensive strain for at least 48 hours. We conclude that farnesol may represent an endogenous smooth muscle L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist. Because farnesol is active in cells expressing only the pore-forming alpha1 subunit, the data further suggest that this subunit represents the molecular target for farnesol binding and principal action. Finally, farnesol has a blood pressure-lowering action that may be relevant in vivo.

Arterial nerve growth factor (NGF) mRNA, protein, and vascular smooth muscle cell NGF secretion in hypertensive and hyperactive rats

Elevated levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) protein and NGF mRNA have been reported in the vessels of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR: hypertensive, hyperactive) compared to Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. Elevated NGF may be involved in the development of hypertension in SHRs. We examined vascular NGF mRNA and protein content and the regulation of NGF secretion by vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from two inbred strains (WKHT: hypertensive; WKHA: hyperactive) derived from SHRs and WKYs. Our goal was to determine if receptor-mediated defects in NGF regulation play a role in increased secretion of VSMC NGF from hypertensive animals. Tissue NGF mRNA content was determined by competitive, quantitative RT-PCR. Tissue NGF and NGF content in cultured VSMC-conditioned medium was quantified using a two-site ELISA. Tail artery NGF mRNA was elevated in WKHTs compared to WKHAs. Tissue NGF protein was elevated in WKHT aorta, mesenteric, and tail artery compared to WKHAs. Pharmacologically induced increases in NGF output were blocked with inhibition of transcription or protein synthesis. Basal NGF secretion by WKHT VSMCs was significantly higher than WKHAs. The observed increases in VSMC NGF output in SHRs over WKYs in response to beta-adrenergic agents are not preserved in the WKHT:WKHA comparison. Protein kinase C-dependent increases in SHR VSMC NGF appear in both WKHTs and WKHAs. In contrast, elevated NGF levels due to disturbances in alpha-adrenergic, peptidergic, and purinergic control of NGF output are features common to both genetic models of hypertension (SHR and WKHT). These results suggest that the defect in smooth muscle NGF metabolism observed in SHRs cosegregates with a hypertensive rather than a hyperactive phenotype. Moreover, altered receptor-mediated regulation (alpha-adrenergic, peptidergic, and purinergic) of VSMC NGF production may contribute to elevated vascular tissue NGF, suggesting a mechanism leading to the high levels of NGF associated with hypertension in SHRs and WKHTs.

PKC activity modulates availability and long openings of L-type Ca2+ channels in A7r5 cells

The possibility that protein kinase C (PKC) could control the activity of L-type Ca2+ channels in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle-derived cells in the absence of agonist stimulation was investigated using the patch-clamp technique. Consistent with the possibility that L-type Ca2+ channels are maximally phosphorylated by PKC under these conditions, we show that 1) activation of PKC with the phorbol ester phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate was ineffective in modulating whole cell and single-channel currents, 2) inhibition of PKC activity with staurosporine or chelerythrine inhibited channel activity, 3) inhibition of protein phosphatases by intracellular dialysis of okadaic acid did not affect whole cell currents, and 4) the inhibitory effect of staurosporine was absent in the presence of okadaic acid. The inhibition of Ca2+ currents by PKC inhibitors was due to a decrease in channel availability and long open events, whereas the voltage dependence of the open probability and the single-channel conductance were not affected. The evidence suggests that in resting, nonstimulated A7r5 cells there is a high level of PKC activity that modulates the gating of L-type Ca2+ channels.

Possible involvement of protein kinase C in the modulation of inotropic and chronotropic effects induced by ouabain in rat right atrial muscles

Modulations of the inotropic and chronotropic effects of ouabain and protein kinase C (PKC) stimulation with phorbol esters in rat right atria were examined. Cumulative administration of ouabain (3-30 microM) caused a positive inotropic effect in a concentration-dependent manner, but did not produce a chronotropic effect. A single administration of ouabain (30 microM) also had similar effects: + 74.4 +/- 8.4% (n = 23, P < 0.01) in the contractile force and -0.7 +/- 1.3% (n = 23, P > 0.05) in the sinus rate. Addition of phorbol esters reinforced the ouabain-evoked positive inotropic effect: 26.5 +/- 8.9% (n = 6, P < 0.05) with 100 microM 4-beta-phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDB), and 6.4 +/- 3.3% (n = 6, P > 0.05) with 100 microM 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Simultaneously, the mixture of ouabain and phorbol ester raised the resting tension. Phorbol esters alone caused a positive inotropic effect (by about 21-27%). Non-PKC activating phorbol ester, 4-alpha-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (PDD, 100 microM), did not have any effect. Pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor (staurosporine 100 microM) significantly decreased the ouabain-induced positive inotropic effect and caused a negative chronotropic effect, but H-7 (1-(5-isoquinolinylsulphonyl)-2-methylpiperazine dihydrochloride) (5 microM) had no effect. These results suggest that PKC stimulation may be involved in the ouabain-evoked responses in the right atria of rat as seen by increased cellular Ca2+ concentration (and Ca(2+)-sensitivity); thus the positive inotropic effect may not be due only to modulation of Na+/K+ pump activity.

Dual cell cycle-specific mechanisms mediate the antimitogenic effects of nitric oxide in vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

To determine the cell cycle specificity and intracellular mechanisms involved in inhibition by nitric oxide (NO) of vascular smooth muscle cell mitogenesis.

METHODS

Cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells were synchronized by serum withdrawal, treated with the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and the cyclic GMP analog 8-Br-cGMP at various times during cell cycle progression, and DNA synthesis measured during the S phase. Two additional NO donors, 5-nitroso-glutathione and diethylamine NONOate, were used to confirm the inhibition of DNA synthesis by S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine, and the ability of two antagonists of free NO to reverse the effects of NO donors was also evaluated. Bypass of ribonucleotide reductase by use of exogenous deoxynucleosides was attempted to determine whether inhibition of this S-phase enzyme was the mechanism by which NO inhibited DNA synthesis during the S phase.

RESULTS

Vascular smooth muscle cell mitogenesis was inhibited by cyclic GMP (cGMP) up to late G1 phase of the cell cycle, which corresponded to the point of greatest sensitivity to exogenous NO. In contrast to cGMP, three different NO donors inhibited DNA synthesis when added to cells synchronized in S phase, beyond the restriction point of cell cycle control in late G1 phase. This S-phase inhibition was reversible by removal of the NO donor or addition of two NO antagonists and was not observed with non-NO analogs of the donors. Inhibition by NO donors in S phase was neither reversed by the guanylate cyclase inhibitor methylene blue nor mimicked by exogenous cGMP. The S-phase inhibition by all three NO donors was reversed partially by bypass of ribonucleotide reductase, establishing this enzyme as an S-phase target of NO.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that NO inhibits smooth muscle mitogenesis by cGMP-dependent and -independent mechanisms acting at distinct points in the cell cycle. NO is the first endogenous substance to have been shown to inhibit mitogenesis beyond the restriction point in late G1 phase, suggesting that it plays a role in regulation of cells that have lost normal mechanisms of G1 growth control, such as the hyperproliferative smooth muscle cells noted in hypertension and restenosis.

Modulation of Ca(2+)-activated K+ current by isoprenaline, carbachol, and phorbol ester in cultured (and fresh) rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells

1. Effects of isoprenaline (ISO), carbachol, and phorbol ester on the outward K+ currents in single cultured (or fresh) rat aortic vascular smooth muscle (A7r5 and A-10) cells were examined using a whole-cell voltage-clamp (at room temperature 22 degrees C). 2. With 10 mM EGTA in the pipette solution, the delayed rectifier K+ current (IK) was activated by Ca2+ at pCa 7 more than at pCa 10, and was TEA (10 mM) and apamin (200 nM) sensitive, which represents a Ca(2+)-activated K+ current (IKCa). 3. In cultured A7r5 cells, isoprenaline (1 and 5 microM) and carbachol (0.1 and 1 microM) inhibited IKCa. Phorbol ester, 4-beta-phorbol-12, 13-dibutyrate (PDB), at 0.1 and 1 microM also inhibited IKCa, and increased the inhibitory effects induced by isoprenaline (1 microM). 4. In fresh aortic cells, these drugs, at the same concentrations, also produced the similar effects. 5. In A-10 cells, PDB (1 microM) enhanced the transient outward current (4-AP-sensitive), but ISO (1 microM) inhibited the current. 6. These results suggest that the IKCa current would be inhibited by cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP) and also by PK-C stimulation, and thereby be directly contributed to excitation-contraction coupling of the vascular smooth muscle cells.