Comparison of the contractile and calcium-increasing properties of platelet-activating factor and endothelin-1 in the rat mesenteric artery and vein

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) strongly enhances contractile mechanical activities in guinea pig and mouse urinary bladder

In this study, we investigated the effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on the basal tone and spontaneous contractile activities of guinea pig (GP) and mouse urinary bladder (UB) smooth muscle (UBSM) tissues to determine whether PAF could induce UBSM tissue contraction. In addition, we examined the mRNA expression of the PAF receptor, PAF-synthesizing enzyme (lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase, LPCAT), and PAF-degrading enzyme (PAF acetylhydrolase, PAF-AH) in GP and mouse UB tissues using RT-qPCR. PAF (10^-9-10^-6 M) strongly enhanced the basal tone and spontaneous contractile activities (amplitude and frequency) of GP and mouse UBSM tissues in a concentration-dependent manner. The enhancing effects of PAF (10^-6 M) on both GP and mouse UBSM contractile activities were strongly suppressed by pretreatment with apafant (a PAF receptor antagonist, GP: 10^-5 M; mouse: 3 × 10^-5 M). The PAF receptor (Ptafr), LPCAT (Lpcat1, Lpcat2), and PAF-AH (Pafah1b3, Pafah2) mRNAs were detected in GP and mouse UB tissues. These findings reveal that PAF strongly enhances the contractile mechanical activities of UBSM tissues through its receptor and suggest that the PAF-synthesizing and -degrading system exists in UBSM tissues. PAF may serve as both an endogenous UBSM constrictor and an endogenous mediator leading to detrusor overactivity.

Constriction of Retinal Venules to Endothelin-1: Obligatory Roles of ETA Receptors, Extracellular Calcium Entry, and Rho Kinase

Purpose

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide implicated in retinal venous pathologies such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion. However, underlying mechanisms contributing to venular constriction remain unknown. Thus, we examined the roles of ET-1 receptors, extracellular calcium (Ca²⁺), L-type voltage-operated calcium channels (L-VOCCs), Rho kinase (ROCK), and protein kinase C (PKC) in ET-1-induced constriction of retinal venules.

Methods

Porcine retinal venules were isolated and pressurized for vasoreactivity study using videomicroscopic techniques. Protein and mRNA were analyzed using molecular tools.

Results

Retinal venules developed basal tone and constricted concentration-dependently to ET-1. The ET_A receptor (ET_AR) antagonist BQ123 abolished venular constriction to ET-1, but ET_B receptor (ET_BR) antagonist BQ788 had no effect on vasoconstriction. The ET_BR agonist sarafotoxin S6c did not elicit vasomotor activity. In the absence of extracellular Ca²⁺, venules lost basal tone and ET-1–induced constriction was nearly abolished. Although L-VOCC inhibitor nifedipine also reduced basal tone and blocked vasoconstriction to L-VOCC activator Bay K8644, constriction of venules to ET-1 remained. The ROCK inhibitor H-1152 but not PKC inhibitor Gö 6983 prevented ET-1-induced vasoconstriction. Protein and mRNA expressions of ET_ARs and ET_BRs, along with ROCK1 and ROCK2 isoforms, were detected in retinal venules.

Conclusions

Extracellular Ca²⁺ entry via L-VOCCs is essential for developing and maintaining basal tone of porcine retinal venules. ET-1 causes significant constriction of retinal venules by activating ET_ARs and extracellular Ca²⁺ entry independent of L-VOCCs. Activation of ROCK signaling, without involvement of PKC, appears to mediate venular constriction to ET-1 in the porcine retina.

Endothelin-1: Biosynthesis, Signaling and Vasoreactivity

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is an extremely potent vasoconstrictor peptide originally isolated from endothelial cells. Its synthesis, mainly regulated at the gene transcription level, involves processing of a precursor by a furin-type proprotein convertase to an inactive intermediate, big ET-1. The latter peptide can then be cleaved directly by an endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE) into ET-1 or reach the active metabolite through a two-step process involving chymase hydrolyzing big ET-1 to ET-1 (1-31), itself needing conversion to ET-1 by neprilysin (NEP) to exert physiological activity. ET-1 signals through two G protein-coupled receptors, endothelin receptor A (ETA) and endothelin receptor B (ETB). Both receptors induce an increase in intracellular Ca(2+), mainly from the extracellular space through voltage-independent mechanisms, the receptor-operated channels and store-operated channels. ET-1 also induces signaling through epidermal growth factor receptor transactivation, oxidative stress induction, rho-kinase, and the activation (ETA) or inhibition (ETB) of the adenylate cyclase/cyclic adenosine monophosphate pathway. Arterial vasoconstriction is mediated mainly by the ETA receptor. ET-1, via endothelium-located ETB, relaxes arteries or constricts vessels following activation of the same receptor type on the smooth muscle, where it can interact with ETA. In addition, ETB-dependent vasoconstriction seems more prominent in the venous vasculature. A better understanding of how ET-1 is synthesized and how ETA and ETB receptors interact could help design better pharmacological agents in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases where targeting the ET-1 system is indicated.

Quinidine, but not eicosanoid antagonists or dexamethasone, protect the gut from platelet activating factor-induced vasoconstriction, edema and paralysis

Intestinal circulatory disturbances, atony, edema and swelling are of great clinical relevance, but the related mechanisms and possible therapeutic options are poorly characterized, in part because of the difficulties to comprehensively analyze these conditions. To overcome these limitations we have developed a model of the isolated perfused rat small intestine where all of these symptoms can be studied simultaneously. Here we used this model to study the role of eicosanoids, steroids and quinidine in platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced intestinal disorders. A vascular bolus of PAF (0.5 nmol) triggered release of thromboxane and peptidoleukotrienes into the vascular bed (peak concentration 35 nM and 0.8 nM) and reproduced all symptoms of intestinal failure: mesenteric vasoconstriction, translocation of fluid and macromolecules from the vasculature to the lumen and lymphatics, intestinal edema formation, loss of intestinal peristalsis and decreased galactose uptake. All effects of PAF were abolished by the PAF-receptor antagonist ABT491 (2.5 μM). The COX and LOX inhibitors ASA and AA861 (500 μM, 10 μM) did not exhibit barrier-protective effects and the eicosanoid antagonists SQ29548 and MK571 (10 μM, each) only moderately attenuated the loss of vascular fluid, the redistribution to the lumen and the transfer of FITC dextran to the lumen. The steroid dexamethasone (10 μM) showed no barrier-protective properties and failed to prevent edema formation. Quinidine (100 μM) inhibited the increase in arterial pressure, stabilized all the intestinal barriers, and reduced lymph production and the transfer of FITC dextran to the lymph. While quinidine by itself reduced peristalsis, it also obviated paralysis, preserved intestinal functions and prevented edema formation. We conclude that quinidine exerts multiple protective effects against vasoconstriction, edema formation and paralysis in the intestine. The therapeutic use of quinidine for intestinal ailments deserves further study.

Endothelin(A)-endothelin(B) receptor cross talk in endothelin-1-induced contraction of smooth muscle

The efficacy of selective endothelin (ET) receptor antagonists may be limited by a functional interaction between the ET(A) and ET(B) receptors. This interaction, also termed "cross talk", is characterized by the dependency of the inhibition of an ET-1 response due to antagonism of one ET receptor subtype upon concomitant antagonism of the other ET receptor subtype. Although a reduction in ET(A)-ET(B) receptor cross talk would presumably increase the efficacy of selective ET receptor antagonists, an approach that accomplishes this aim is largely absent due to a lack of mechanistic understanding. Toward this goal, we evaluated the characteristics and potential dependencies of cross talk in smooth muscle. Smooth muscle was adopted as an exemplar not only because cross talk is widely reported in this tissue type, thereby allowing numerous comparisons, but also significant controversy surrounds the use of selective versus nonselective ET receptor antagonists in ET-1-related pathophysiologies involving smooth muscle. Based on this evaluation, we suggest that ET(A)-ET(B) receptor cross talk is a dynamic process directed by either or both ET receptor subtypes and expressed to varying magnitudes depending on the ET-1 and selective ET receptor antagonist concentrations, tone due to intraluminal pressure/stretch, agonists acting at receptors other than the ET(A)/ET(B) receptors, and endothelial/epithelial function. It is speculated that ET(A)-ET(B) receptor cross talk occurs through signal transduction pathways along with changes at the receptor level. Pharmacologic intervention of the signaling pathways could increase the therapeutic efficacy of ET receptor antagonists.

Receptors and ionic transporters in nuclear membranes: new targets for therapeutical pharmacological interventions

Work from our group and other laboratories showed that the nucleus could be considered as a cell within a cell. This is based on growing evidence of the presence and role of nuclear membrane G-protein coupled receptors and ionic transporters in the nuclear membranes of many cell types, including vascular endothelial cells, endocardial endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes. The nuclear membrane receptors were found to modulate the functioning of ionic transporters at the nuclear level, and thus contribute to regulation of nuclear ionic homeostasis. Nuclear membranes of the mentioned types of cells possess the same ionic transporters; however, the type of receptors is cell-type dependent. Regulation of cytosolic and nuclear ionic homeostasis was found to be dependent upon a tight crosstalk between receptors and ionic transporters of the plasma membranes and those of the nuclear membrane. This crosstalk seems to be the basis for excitation–contraction coupling, excitation–secretion coupling, and excitation – gene expression coupling. Further advancement in this field will certainly shed light on the role of nuclear membrane receptors and transporters in health and disease. This will in turn enable the successful design of a new class of drugs that specifically target such highly vital nuclear receptors and ionic transporters.

Endothelin-1 attenuates increases in hydraulic conductivity due to platelet-activating factor via prostacyclin release

We previously showed that endothelin-1 (ET-1) and prostacyclin (PGI(2)) similarly attenuate increases in microvascular permeability induced by platelet-activating factor (PAF). This led us to hypothesize that ET-1 attenuates trans-endothelial fluid flux during PAF through PGI(2) release. We tested this hypothesis in three phases. First, bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells were exposed to 0.008-8 μM ET-1 and assayed for PGI(2) release. Second, to determine whether increased transmonolayer flux after PAF could be attenuated by ET-1 or PGI(2) and reversed by PGI(2) synthesis inhibition or PGI(2) receptor blockade, we measured endothelial cell transmonolayer flux after cells were exposed to 10 nM PAF plus 10 μM PGI(2) or 80 pM ET-1, with or without 500 μM tranylcypromine (PGI(2) synthase inhibitor) or 20 μM CAY-10441 (PGI(2) receptor blocker). Finally, hydraulic conductivity (L(p)) was measured in rat mesenteric venules in vivo after exposure to 10 nM PAF and 80 pM ET-1 with or without tranylcypromine (100 and 500 μM) or CAY-10441 (2 and 20 μM). We found that in vitro, ET-1 stimulated a dose-dependent increase in PGI(2) production (from 126 to 217 pg/ml, P < 0.01). Compared with PAF alone, PGI(2) plus PAF and ET-1 plus PAF decreased transmonolayer flux similarly by 52 and 46%, respectively (P < 0.01), while tranylcypromine and CAY-10441 reversed these effects by 92 and 47%, respectively (P < 0.05). In vivo, PAF increased L(p) fourfold (P < 0.01) and ET-1 attenuated this effect by 83% (P < 0.01). Tranylcypromine and CAY-10441 reversed the ET-1 attenuation in L(p) during PAF by 55 and 45%, respectively (P < 0.01). We conclude that ET-1 may stimulate endothelial cell PGI(2) release to attenuate the increases in transmonolayer flux and hydraulic conductivity secondary to PAF.

Endothelin modulates the cardiovascular effects of clonidine in the rat

Clonidine decreases mean arterial pressure (MAP) by acting as an α(2)-adrenergic receptor (AR) agonist in the central nervous system; it also acts on peripheral α-ARs to produce vasoconstriction. Endothelin (ET) has been shown to modulate the action of ARs. The present study was conducted to determine the involvement of ET in cardiovascular effects of clonidine. Intravenous administration of clonidine (10, 30 and 90μgkg(-1)) produced a dose-dependent decrease in MAP and heart rate (HR). Treatment with ET-1 (100, 300 and 900ngkg(-1)) significantly attenuated clonidine (10μgkg(-1)) induced fall in MAP and HR. Rats treated with ET-1 (900ngkg(-1)) showed an increase in MAP and HR after clonidine administration compared to untreated rats, while ET(A/B) antagonist, TAK-044 (1mgkg(-1)) and ET(A) antagonist, BMS-182874 (9mgkg(-1)) potentiated the hypotensive effect of clonidine. ET(B) receptor agonist, IRL-1620 (5μgkg(-1)) produced significant attenuation of clonidine induced fall in MAP and HR, while ET(B) receptor antagonist, BQ-788 (0.3mgkg(-1)), potentiated the hypotensive effect of clonidine. Prazosin (0.1mgkg(-1)) completely blocked ET-1 induced changes in cardiovascular effects of clonidine. Clonidine-induced contraction of rat abdominal aortic ring was potentiated by ET-1, which was completely blocked by prazosin. Clonidine produced an increase in ET(A) receptor expression in the brain and abdominal aorta while ET(B) receptors were not affected. It is concluded that ET enhances the responsiveness of vascular ARs to the constrictor effect of clonidine and ET antagonists potentiate the hypotensive effect of clonidine suggesting that a combination of ET antagonist with clonidine may be a useful option to treat hypertension.

Nuclear membrane receptors and channels as targets for drug development in cardiovascular diseases

The use of confocal microscopy has shown that the nucleus plays an important role in excitation-contraction and excitation-secretion coupling of several excitable and nonexcitable cardiovascular cells. It has shown that the nuclear membranes, like the sarcolemmal membrane, possess ionic transporters as well as G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which play a major role in modulating both cytosolic and nuclear ionic homeostasis and nuclear signalling. During spontaneous contraction of heart cells, the increase in cytosolic Ca2+ was immediately followed by a transient increase in nuclear Ca2+. The nuclear Ca2+ rise during excitation-contraction and excitation-secretion coupling was both dependent and independent of changes in cytosolic Ca2+. Nuclear membrane GPCRs, such as those of angiotensin II, neuropeptide Y, and ET-1, were functional and contributed to modulation of nuclear ionic homeostasis via direct and (or) indirect modulation of nuclear membrane ionic transporters such as channels, pumps, and exchangers. The signalling of nuclear membrane GPCRs may also contribute to modulation of gene expression, which may regulate proliferation and remodelling of cells and, indeed, life and death. Direct or indirect targeting of nuclear membrane ionic transporters and GPCRs may constitute a new target for drug action.

Nonpeptidic antagonists of ETA and ETB receptors reverse the ET-1-induced sustained increase of cytosolic and nuclear calcium in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells

Our previous work showed that ET-1 induced a concentration-dependent increase of cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca]c) and nuclear Ca2+ ([Ca]n) in human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs). In the present study, using hVSMCs and 3-dimensional confocal microscopy coupled to the Ca2+ fluorescent probe Fluo-3, we showed that peptidic antagonists of ETA and ETB receptors (BQ-123 (10(-6) mol/L) and BQ-788 (10(-7) mol/L), respectively) prevented, but did not reverse, ET-1-induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n. In contrast, nonpeptidic antagonists of ETA and ETB (respectively, BMS-182874 (10(-8)-10(-6) mol/L) and A-192621 (10(-7) mol/L)) both prevented and reversed ET-1-induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n. Furthermore, activation of the ETB receptor alone using the specific agonist IRL-1620 (10(-9) mol/L) induced sustained increases of [Ca]c and [Ca]n, and subsequent administration of ET-1 (10(-7) mol/L) further increased nuclear Ca2+. ET-1-induced increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n was completely blocked by extracellular application of the Ca2+ chelator EGTA. Pretreatment with the G protein inhibitors pertussis toxin (PTX) and cholera toxin (CTX) also prevented the ET-1 response; however, strong membrane depolarization with KCl (30 mmol/L) subsequently induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n. Pretreatment of hVSMCs with either the PKC activator phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate or the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide did not affect ET-1-induced sustained increase of intracellular Ca2+. These results suggest that both ETA- and ETB-receptor activation contribute to ET-1-induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n in hVSMCs. Moreover, in contrast to the peptidic antagonists of ET-1 receptors, the nonpeptidic ETA-receptor antagonist BMS-182874 and the nonpeptidic ETB-receptor antagonist A-192621 were able to reverse the effect of ET-1. Nonpeptidic ETA- and ETB-receptor antagonists may therefore be better pharmacological tools for blocking ET-1-induced sustained increase of intracellular Ca2+ in hVSMCs. Our results also suggest that the ET-1-induced sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n is not mediated via activation of PKC, but via a PTX- and CTX-sensitive G protein calcium influx through the R-type Ca2+ channel.

Interactions of multiple signaling pathways in neuropeptide Y-mediated bimodal vascular smooth muscle cell growth

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a sympathetic cotransmitter, acts via G protein-coupled receptors to stimulate constriction and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation through interactions with its Y1 receptors. However, VSMC proliferation appears bimodal, with high- and low-affinity peaks differentially blocked by antagonists of both Y1 and Y5 receptors. Here, we sought to determine the signaling mechanisms of NPY-mediated bimodal mitogenesis. In rat aortic VSMCs, NPY's mitogenic effect at all concentrations was blocked by pertussis toxin and was associated with decreased forskolin-stimulated cAMP levels. NPY also increased intracellular calcium levels; in contrast to mitogenesis, this effect was dose dependent. The rise in intracellular Ca2+ depended on extracellular Ca2+ and was mediated via activation of Y1 receptors, but not Y5 receptors. Despite differences in calcium, the signaling pathways activated at low and high NPY concentrations were similar. The mitogenic effect of the peptide at all doses was completely blocked by inhibitors of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), protein kinase C (PKC), and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, MEK1/2. Thus, in VSMCs, NPY-mediated mitogenesis signals primarily via Y1 receptors activating 2 Ca2+-dependent, growth-promoting pathways -- PKC and CaMKII. At the high-affinity peak, these 2 pathways are amplified by Y5 receptor-mediated, calcium-independent inhibition of the adenylyl cyclase - protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. All 3 mechanisms converge to the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) signaling cascade and lead to VSMC proliferation.

Pharmacological endothelin receptor interaction does not occur in veins from ET(B) receptor deficient rats

Heterodimerization of G-protein coupled receptors can alter receptor pharmacology. ET A and ET B receptors heterodimerize when co-expressed in heterologous expression lines. We hypothesized that ET A and ET B receptors heterodimerize and pharmacologically interact in vena cava from wild-type (WT) but not ET B receptor deficient (sl/sl) rats. Pharmacological endothelin receptor interaction was assessed by comparing ET-1-induced contraction in rings of rat thoracic aorta and thoracic vena cava from male Sprague Dawley rats under control conditions, ET A receptor blockade (atrasentan, 10 nM), ET B receptor blockade (BQ-788, 100 nM) or ET B receptor desensitization (Sarafotoxin 6c, 100 nM) and ET A plus ET B receptor blockade or ET A receptor blockade plus ET B receptor desensitization. In addition, similar pharmacological ET receptor antagonism experiments were performed in rat thoracic aorta and vena cava from WT and sl/sl rats. ET A but not ET B receptor blockade or ET B receptor desensitization inhibited aortic and venous ET-1-induced contraction. In vena cava but not aorta, when ET B receptors were blocked (BQ-788, 100 nM) or desensitized (S6c, 100 nM), atrasentan caused a greater inhibition of ET-1-induced contraction. Vena cava from WT but not sl/sl rats exhibited similar pharmacological ET receptor interaction. Immunocytochemistry was performed on freshly dissociated aortic and venous vascular smooth muscle cells to determine localization of ET A and ET B receptors. ET A and ET B receptors qualitatively co-localized more strongly to the plasma membrane of aortic compared to venous vascular smooth muscle cells. Our data suggest that pharmacological ET A and ET B receptor interaction may be dependent on the presence of functional ET B receptors and independent of receptor location.

Chronic Activation of Endothelin B Receptors

Endothelin (ET) exerts powerful pressor actions primarily through activation of the ET(A) receptor subtype. The ET(B) receptor (ET(B)R) subtype, on the other hand, is generally thought to initiate physiological actions that decrease arterial pressure. Such actions include clearing ET from the bloodstream, initiating endothelium-mediated vasodilation, and facilitating renal sodium and water excretion. The effect of long-term activation of the ET(B)R on arterial pressure, however, never has been directly tested. In this study we evaluated cardiovascular responses to chronic (5-day) activation of ET(B)R in male rats using continuous intravenous infusion of the selective agonist sarafotoxin 6c. Surprisingly, we found that sarafotoxin 6c caused a sustained increase in arterial pressure that rapidly reversed on termination of infusion. The hypertension was associated with increased renal excretion of sodium and water and decreased plasma volume. Alterations in daily sodium intake did not affect the magnitude of the hypertension. Hemodynamic studies revealed a decreased cardiac output and increased total peripheral resistance during sarafotoxin 6c infusion. Infusion of sarafotoxin 6c caused a small increase in plasma ET levels. Nevertheless, the hypertension was not affected by coadministration of a selective ET(A) receptor antagonist (atrasentan) but was completely prevented by treatment with a combined ET(A) receptor and ET(B)R antagonist (A186280). These experiments reveal for the first time that chronic activation of ET(B)R in rats causes sustained hypertension.

ROK contribution to endothelin-mediated contraction in aorta and mesenteric arteries following intermittent hypoxia/hypercapnia in rats

We reported previously that intermittent hypoxia with CO(2) to maintain eucapnia (IH-C) elevates plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) and arterial pressure. In small mesenteric arteries (sMA; inner diameter = 150 microm), IH-C augments ET-1 constrictor sensitivity but diminishes ET-1-induced increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, suggesting IH-C exposure increases both ET-1 levels and ET-1-stimulated Ca(2+) sensitization. Because Rho-associated kinase (ROK) can mediate Ca(2+) sensitization, we hypothesized that augmented vasoconstrictor sensitivity to ET-1 in arteries from IH-C-exposed rats is dependent on ROK activation. In thoracic aortic rings, ET-1 contraction was not different between groups, but ROK inhibition (Y-27632, 3 and 10 microM) attenuated ET-1 contraction more in IH-C than in sham arteries (50 +/- 11 and 78 +/- 7% vs. 41 +/- 12 and 48 +/- 9% inhibition, respectively). Therefore, ROK appears to contribute more to ET-1 contraction in IH-C than in sham aorta. In sMA, ROK inhibitors did not affect ET-1-mediated constriction in sham arteries and only modestly inhibited it in IH-C arteries. In ionomycin-permeabilized sMA with intracellular Ca(2+) concentration held at basal levels, Y-27632 did not affect ET-1-mediated constriction in either IH-C or sham sMA and ET-1 did not stimulate ROK translocation. In contrast, inhibition of myosin light-chain kinase (ML-9, 100 microM) prevented ET-1-mediated constriction in sMA from both groups. Therefore, IH-C exposure increases ET-1 vasoconstrictor sensitivity in sMA but not in aorta. Furthermore, ET-1 constriction is myosin light-chain kinase dependent and mediated by Ca(2+) sensitization that is independent of ROK activation in sMA but not aorta. Thus ET-1-mediated signaling in aorta and sMA is altered by IH-C but is dependent on different second messenger systems in small vs. large arteries.

Length-tension relationships of small arteries, veins, and lymphatics from the rat mesenteric microcirculation

The passive and active length-tension relationships of isolated rat mesenteric lymphatics (∼150 μm ID), and adjacent small arteries (∼240 μm) and veins (∼275 μm) were compared under isometric conditions using a wire myograph. About 60% of the lymphatic vessels developed spontaneous contractions in physiological saline solution at nominal preload. To maximally activate smooth muscle, 145 mM K++ 5 × 10−5M norepinephrine was used for arteries, and 145 mM K++ 1 × 10−6M substance P was used for lymphatics and veins. In response, arteries exhibited monotonic force development to a plateau level, whereas lymphatics and veins showed biphasic force development, consisting of a transient force peak followed by partial relaxation to a plateau over ∼5 min. The passive and the active length-tension curves were similar in shape among all three vessels. However, the maximal active tension of arteries (3.4 ± 0.42 mN/mm) was significantly greater than peak active tension (0.59 ± 0.04 mN/mm) or plateau tension (0.20 ± 0.04 mN/mm) in small veins and greater than peak active tension (0.34 ± 0.02 mN/mm) or plateau tension (0.21 ± 0.02 mN/mm) in lymphatics. Maximal active medial wall stress was similar between lymphatics and veins but was approximately fivefold higher in small arteries. For lymphatics, the pressure calculated from the optimal preload was significantly higher than that found previously in isobaric studies of isolated lymphatics, suggesting the capacity to operate at higher than normal pressures for increased responsiveness. Our results represent the first mechanical comparisons of arterial, venous, and lymphatic vessels in the same vasculature.

ETBreceptor dependent alteration in aortic responses to ET-1 in the cardiomyopathic hamsterThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special issue, entitled Second Messengers and Phosphoproteins—12th International Conference

The aim of this study was to verify whether an alteration in the aortic endothelin-1 (ET-1) response takes place in UM-X7.1 cardiomyopathic hamsters. Our results showed that ET-1 (10−12– 10−5 mol/L) induces dose-dependent sustained increases in tension in the intact and endothelium denuded aortas from both normal and cardiomyopathic hamsters. The EC50values of ET-1 of both intact and endothelium denuded aortas of normal hamsters were similar (2.2 × 10−9 mol/L and 1.8 × 10−9 mol/L, respectively). However, in cardiomyopathic hamsters, the EC50of ET-1 in intact aortas was higher (1.5 × 10−8 mol/L) than that of the endothelium denuded preparations (2.7 × 10−9 mol/L). The EC50of ET-1 in normal and cardiomyopathic hamster denuded aortas were similar. However, the EC50of ET-1 in intact aortas of cardiomyopathic hamster was higher (1.5 × 10−8 mol/L) than that of normal hamsters (2.2 × 10−9 mol/L). Pre-treatment with the ETAreceptor antagonist ABT-627 (10−5 mol/L) of intact and endothelium denuded aortas from both normal and cardiomyopathic hamsters significantly prevented ET-1 (10−7 mol/L) from inducing an increase in tension. Pre-treatment with the ETBreceptor antagonist A-192621 (10−5 mol/L) had no effect on the ET-1-induced increase in tension in endothelium denuded aortas of both normal and cardiomyopathic hamsters, as well as in intact preparations of normal animals. However, blockade of the ETBreceptors in intact aortas of cardiomyopathic hamsters significantly (p < 0.001) potentiated the ET-1-induced increase in tension. In summary, an attenuation of the contraction response to ET-1 was found in UM-X7.1 cardiomyopathic hamsters when compared with normal age-matched hamsters. This alteration of the ET-1 effect in the aortas of cardiomyopathic hamsters seems to be dependent on the presence of the endothelium and could be due, in part, to an increase in the contribution of endothelial ETBreceptors to relaxation, which in turn acts as a physiological depressor of ET-1 vasoconstriction. Our results suggest that an increase in the endothelium ETBreceptor density may play a role in the development of hypotension in UM-X7.1 cardiomyopathic hamsters.

Chronic ethanol consumption enhances phenylephrine-induced contraction in the isolated rat aorta

Changes in reactivity to phenylephrine in aortas isolated from 2-, 6-, and 10-week ethanol-treated rats and their age-matched control and isocaloric rats were investigated. Chronic ethanol consumption enhances the contractile response of endothelium-intact and -denuded rat aortic rings to phenylephrine, a response that is time-independent. Pretreatment with indomethacin reduced E(max) for phenylephrine in denuded aortas from ethanol-treated rats but not control or isocaloric rats. After indomethacin treatment, no differences in E(max) from phenylephrine were observed among the groups. SQ29548 ([1S-[1alpha-2alpha(Z)3alpha,4alpha]]-7-[3-[[(phenylamino)carbonyl]hydrazino]methyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid), an antagonist of prostaglandin H(2)/thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) receptors, did not alter phenylephrine-induced contraction in control or isocaloric aortas. However, in ethanol-treated aortas, E(max) was reduced to control level. Moreover, phenylephrine-stimulated release of thromboxane B(2), a stable metabolite of TXA(2), was higher in tissues from ethanol-treated rats. Simultaneous measurement of the changes in [Ca(2+)](i) and contraction induced by phenylephrine showed that both parameters are higher in the rat aorta from ethanol-treated rats. CaCl(2)-induced contraction in free Ca(2+) solution containing phenylephrine was increased in ethanol-treated aortas. Additionally, the enhancement in CaCl(2)-induced contraction was prevented by SQ29548. The major contribution of the present study is that it demonstrates a detailed description of the mechanisms involved in the enhancement of phenylephrine-induced contraction in rat aorta from ethanol-treated rats. We provided evidence that this response was not different among the three periods of treatment employed in this study and that it is maintained by two mechanisms: an increased release of vascular smooth muscle-derived vasoconstrictor prostanoids (probably TXA(2)) and an enhanced extracellular Ca(2+) influx.

Augmented Endothelin Vasoconstriction in Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Hypertension

We reported previously that simulating sleep apnea in rats by exposing them 7 hours per day to intermittent hypoxia/hypercapnia (IH) elevates plasma endothelin-1 and causes hypertension, which is reversed by an endothelin-1 antagonist. We hypothesized that in this model of sleep apnea–induced hypertension, vascular sensitivity to endothelin-1 is increased in combination with the elevated plasma endothelin-1 to cause the endothelin-1–dependent hypertension. In small mesenteric arteries with endothelial function disabled by passing air through the lumen, diameter and vessel wall [Ca 2+ ] were recorded simultaneously. IH arteries demonstrated increased constrictor sensitivity to endothelin-1 (percentage max constriction 100±0% IH versus 80±10% Sham; P <0.05). This was accompanied by increased calcium sensitivity of IH arteries. In contrast, constrictor sensitivity and increases in vessel wall [Ca 2+ ] to KCl and phenylephrine were not different between IH and Sham arteries. We have shown previously that endothelin-1 constriction in mesenteric arteries is mediated by endothelin A receptors. In the current study, the selective increase in endothelin-1 constriction in IH resistance arteries was accompanied by increased expression of endothelin A receptor expression (densitometry units 271±23 IH versus 158±25 Sham; P <0.05). Thus, IH hypertension appears to cause alterations in signaling components unique to endothelin-1 at the receptor level and in postreceptor signaling that increases calcium sensitivity during endothelin A activation. Future studies will determine the specific changes in vascular smooth muscle signaling in IH hypertension causing this augmented contractile phenotype.

Oxygen-dependent PAF receptor binding and intracellular signaling in ovine fetal pulmonary vascular smooth muscle

Circulating levels of platelet-activating factor (PAF) are high in the fetus, and PAF is active in maintaining high PVR in fetal hypoxia (Ibe BO, Hibler S, Raj J. J Appl Physiol 85: 1079-1085, 1998). PAF synthesis by fetal pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells (PVSMC) is high in hypoxia, but how oxygen tension affects PAF receptor (PAF-r) binding in PVSMC is not known. We studied the effect of oxygen tension on PAF-r binding and signaling in fetal PVSMC. PAF binding was saturable. PAF-r density (B(max): fmol/10(6) cells; means +/- SE, n = 6), 25.2 +/- 0.77 during hypoxia (Po(2) <40 Torr), was higher than 13.9 +/- 0.44 during normoxia (Po(2) approximately 100 Torr). K(d) was twofold lower in hypoxia than normoxia. PAF-r protein expression, 35-40% greater in hypoxia, was inhibited by cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, suggesting translational regulation. IP(3) release, an index of PAF-r-mediated cell signaling, was greater in hypoxia (EC(50): hypoxia, 2.94 +/- 0.61; normoxia, 5.85 +/- 0.51 nM). Exogenous PAF induced 50-90% greater intracellular calcium flux in cells during hypoxia, indicating hypoxia augments PAF-r-mediated cell signaling. PAF-r phosphorylation, with or without 5 nM PAF, was 40% greater in hypoxia. These data show 1) hypoxia upregulates PAF-r binding, PAF-r phosphorylation, and PAF-r-mediated intracellular signaling, evidenced by augmented IP(3) production and intracellular Ca(2+) flux; and 2) hypoxia-induced PAF-r phosphorylation results in activation of PAF-r-mediated signal transduction. The data suggest the fetal hypoxic environment facilitates PAF-r binding and signaling, thereby promoting PAF-mediated pulmonary vasoconstriction and maintenance of high PVR in utero.

Signal pathways involved in emodin-induced contraction of smooth muscle cells from rat colon

AIM: To investigate the effects induced by emodin on single smooth muscle cells from rat colon in vitro, and to determine the signal pathways involved.

METHODS: Cells were isolated from the muscle layers of Wistar rat colon by enzymatic digestion. Cell length was measured by computerized image micrometry. Intracellular Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]i) signals were studied using the fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicator fluo-3 and confocal microscopy. PKCα distribution at rest state or after stimulation was measured with immunofluorescence confocal microscopy.

RESULTS: (1) Emodin dose-dependently caused colonic smooth muscle cells contraction; (2) emodin induced an increase in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration; (3) the contractile responses induced by emodin were respectively inhibited by preincubation of the cells with ML-7 (an inhibitor of MLCK) and calphostin C (an inhibitor of PKC); and (4) Incubation of cells with emodin caused translocation of PKCα from cytosolic area to the membrane.

CONCLUSION: Emodin has a direct contractile effect on colonic smooth muscle cell. This signal cascade induced by emodin is initiated by increased [Ca²⁺]i and PKCα translocation, which in turn lead to the activation of MLCK and the suppression of MLCP. Both of them contribute to the emodin-induced contraction.

Developmental regulation of prostaglandin E2 synthase in porcine ductus arteriosus

The synthesis of PGE2, the major vasodilator prostanoid of the ductus arteriosus (DA), is catalyzed by PGE2 synthases (PGES). The factors implicated in increased PGE2 synthesis in the perinatal DA are not known. We studied the developmental changes of PGES along with that of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in the DA of fetal (75-90% gestation) and immediately postnatal newborn (NB) piglets. Levels of microsomal PGES (mPGES), COX-2, and PGE2 in the DA of NB were ∼7-fold higher than in fetus; activities of cytosolic PGES (cPGES) and cPLA2 in DA of the fetus and NB did not differ. Because platelet-activating factor (PAF) could regulate COX-2 expression, the former was measured and found to be more abundant in the DA of the NB than of fetus. PAF elicited an increase in mPGES, COX-2, and PGE2 in fetal DA to levels approaching those of the NB; cPGES, cPLA2, and COX-1 were unaffected. In perinatal NB DA, PAF receptor antagonists BN-52021 and THG-315 reduced mPGES, COX-2, and PGE2 levels and were associated with increased DA tone. It is concluded that PAF contributes in regulating DA tone by governing mPGES, COX-2, and ensuing PGE2 levels in the perinate.

Activation of sarcolemma and nuclear membranes ET-1 receptors regulates transcellular calcium levels in heart and vascular smooth muscle cells

The use of an ET-1 fluorescent probe in human heart and vascular smooth muscle cells showed that ET-1 receptors are present at both the sarcolemma and nuclear envelope membranes. The use of immunofluorescence studies showed that the ETA receptor was mainly present at the sarcolemma and cytosolic levels. However, the ETB receptor was present at the sarcolemma and the cytosol, as well as the nuclear envelope membranes and the nucleoplasm. In addition, ET-1 immunoreactivity was seen in the cytosol and the nucleus. Using Ca2+ fluorescent probes such as Fluo-3, Indo 1, and yellow cameleon, as well as confocal microscopy three-dimensional image measurement technique, stimulation of ET-1 receptors at the sarcolemma membranes induced an increase of cytosolic and nuclear free Ca2+ levels. This effect of extracellular ET-1 was blocked by removal of extracellular calcium. Direct stimulation of ET-1 receptors at the nuclear envelope membranes also induced an increase of intranuclear free Ca2+ level. Our results suggest that the stimulation of sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx by ET-1 seems to be due to the activation of ETA and ETB receptors. However, the increase of nucleoplasmic Ca2+ levels by cytosolic ET-1 seems to be mediated via the activation of ETB receptors. Activation of nuclear membranes ETB receptors seems to prevent nuclear Ca2+ overload and may protect the cell from apoptosis.

Angiotensin II AT1 receptor internalization, translocation and de novo synthesis modulate cytosolic and nuclear calcium in human vascular smooth muscle cells

The present study was designed to verify if human (h) Angiotensin II (Ang II) type-1 receptor (hAT1R) undergoes internalization, nuclear translocation, and de novo synthesis in primary culture of human aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMCs) and if overexpression of this receptor modulates sustained free cytosolic ([Ca]c) and nuclear ([Ca]n) calcium. 3-dimensional (3-D) confocal microscopy was used to monitor free intracellular Ca2+ and hAT1R-green fluorescence protein (GFP) fusion protein in cultured hVSMCs. Immunofluorescence studies showed the presence of hAT1R and the absence of hAT2R in normal hVSMCs. Using 3-D imaging technique, hAT1 receptors were localized at the sarcolemma and in the cytosolic and nuclear compartments. In native as well as in normal hAT1R or hAT1R-GFP overexpressing hVSMCs, Ang II (10(-9) and 10(-4) M) induced internalization and nuclear translocation of this type of receptor. The internalization of hAT1Rs is mediated via clathrin-coated pits and vesicles pathway. This phenomenon of trancellular trafficking of receptors was associated with an increase of hAT1R. The Ang II induced increase of hAT1R density was prevented by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. Overexpression of hAT1R and hAT1R-GFP decreased both basal cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+. In normal hVSMCs and low hAT1R-GFP overexpressing hVSMCs, Ang II (10(-15) to 10(-4) M) induced a dose-dependent sustained increase of [Ca]c and [Ca]n with an EC50 near 5 x 10(-11) and 5 x 10(-9) M, respectively. Our results suggest that hAT1Rs are the predominant type of Ang II receptors in aortic hVSMCs and are present in the sarcolemma, the cytosolic and the nuclear compartments. Ang II rapidly induces hAT1R internalization, nuclear translocation, as well as nuclear de novo synthesis of this receptor. The hAT1R overexpression in hVSMCs modulates sustained [Ca]c and [Ca]n.

Presence of neuropeptide Y and the Y1 receptor in the plasma membrane and nuclear envelope of human endocardial endothelial cells: modulation of intracellular calcium

The aims of the present study were to investigate the presence and distribution of NPY and the Y1 receptor in endocardial endothelial cells (EECs), to verify if EECs can release NPY, and to determine if the effect of NPY on intracellular calcium is mediated via the Y1 receptor. Immunofluorescence, 3-D confocal microscopy and radioimmunoassay techniques were used on 20-week-old human fetal EECs. Our results showed that NPY and the Y1 receptor are present in human EECs (hEECs) and that their distributions are similar, the fluorescence labelling being higher in the nucleus and more particularly at the level of the nuclear envelope when compared with the cytosol. Using radioimmunoassay, we demonstrated that EECs are a source of NPY and can secrete this peptide upon a sustained increase of intracellular calcium ([Ca]i). Using fluo-3 and 3-D confocal microscopy technique, superfusion of hEECs as well as EECs isolated from rat adult hearts with increasing concentrations of NPY induced a dose-dependent, sustained increase in free cytosolic and nuclear Ca2+ levels. This effect of NPY on EEC [Ca]i was completely reversible upon washout of NPY and was partially blocked by BIBP3226, a selective Y1 receptor antagonist. The results suggest that NPY and Y1 receptors are present in the EECs of 20-week-old human fetal heart and they share the same distribution and localization inside the cell. In addition, EECs are able to secrete NPY in response to an increase in [Ca]i, and the Y1 receptor as well as other NPY receptors seem to participate in mediating the effects of NPY on [Ca]i in these cells. Thus, NPY released by EECs may modulate excitation-secretion coupling of these cells.