Sphingosine-1-phosphate modulation of basal permeability and acute inflammatory responses in rat venular microvessels

The Microvascular-Lymphatic Interface and Tissue Homeostasis: Critical Questions That Challenge Current Understanding

Lymphatic and blood microvascular networks play critical roles in the clearance of excess fluid from local tissue spaces. Given the importance of these dynamics in inflammation, tumor metastasis, and lymphedema, understanding the coordinated function and remodeling between lymphatic and blood vessels in adult tissues is necessary. Knowledge gaps exist because the functions of these two systems are typically considered separately. The objective of this review was to highlight the coordinated functional relationships between blood and lymphatic vessels in adult microvascular networks. Structural, functional, temporal, and spatial relationships will be framed in the context of maintaining tissue homeostasis, vessel permeability, and system remodeling. The integration across systems will emphasize the influence of the local environment on cellular and molecular dynamics involved in fluid flow from blood capillaries to initial lymphatic vessels in microvascular networks.

Chuanzhitongluo capsule ameliorates microcirculatory dysfunction in rats: Efficacy evaluation and metabolic profiles

Background: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Microcirculatory dysfunction is the foremost hindrance for a good clinical prognosis in ischemic stroke patients. Clinical researches show that Chuanzhitongluo capsule (CZTL) has a curative effect during the recovery period of ischemic stroke, which contributes to a good prognosis. However, it is not known whether CZTL treats ischemic stroke by ameliorating microcirculation dysfunction.

Objective: In this study, we investigated the influence of CZTL on microcirculation and its underlying mechanism.

Methods: A rat model of acute microcirculatory dysfunction was established by stimuli of adrenaline and ice water. The microcirculatory damage in model rats and the efficacy of CZTL were assessed by detecting laser speckle contrast imaging, coagulation function, hemorheology, vasomotor factor and microcirculation function. The potential mechanism of CZTL action was explored by the untargeted metabolomic analysis based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry.

Results: Laser speckle contrast imaging showed that model rats suffered low perfusion in ears, feet and tails, and CZTL treatment increased microcirculatory blood flow. Coagulation function detection results showed that CZTL diminished the reduction of thrombin time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and the elevated fibrinogen level caused by acute microcirculatory dysfunction. Furthermore, CZTL could recover the increased blood viscosity as well as the abnormal vasomotor and microcirculation function in rats with acute microcirculatory dysfunction. Metabolomics analysis indicated that CZTL might regulate sphingolipid metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism to exert protective effects on microcirculation.

Conclusion: These results elucidated that CZTL was highly effective against microcirculatory dysfunction and its potential mechanisms related with the modulation of sphingolipid and arachidonic acid metabolic pathways. The present study provided a new perspective on the clinical application of CZTL, and it contribute to explore novel therapeutic drug against microcirculatory dysfunction.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate and its regulatory role in vascular endothelial cells

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive metabolite of sphingomyelin. S1P activates a series of signaling cascades by acting on its receptors S1PR1-3 on endothelial cells (ECs), which plays an important role in endothelial barrier maintenance, anti-inflammation, antioxidant and angiogenesis, and thus is considered as a potential therapeutic biomarker for ischemic stroke, sepsis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cancers, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. We presently review the levels of S1P in those vascular and vascular-related diseases. Plasma S1P levels were reduced in various inflammation-related diseases such as atherosclerosis and sepsis, but were increased in other diseases including type 2 diabetes, neurodegeneration, cerebrovascular damages such as acute ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, angina, heart failure, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, community-acquired pneumonia, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Then, we highlighted the molecular mechanism by which S1P regulated EC biology including vascular development and angiogenesis, inflammation, permeability, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), which might provide new ways for exploring the pathogenesis and implementing individualized therapy strategies for those diseases.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate-induced nitric oxide production simultaneously controls endothelial barrier function and vascular tone in resistance arteries

The regulations of endothelial permeability and vascular tone by sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) have been well-studied independently. Little is known about whether the effects of S1P on endothelial permeability can directly influence vascular tone in resistance arteries, which impact blood flow. The endothelium forms a partial barrier that regulates access of circulating agonists to underlying vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). We hypothesized that physiological concentrations of circulating S1P simultaneously control endothelial barrier function and vascular tone through endothelial production of nitric oxide (NO). We adapted the pressure myograph system to simultaneously measure both functions in pressurized mesenteric compared to uterine resistance arteries from wild-type and eNOS KO mice. We established that: 1) S1P interacting directly with the endothelium inside pressurized arteries generates NO that limits endothelial permeability; 2) an intact endothelium forms a partial physical barrier that regulates access of intraluminal S1P to the underlying VSMCs and 3) S1P infused lumenally also generates NO through eNOS that counterbalances the constriction induced by S1P that is able to access VSMCs and this is critical to control vascular tone. We conclude that targeting the S1P signaling system, particularly the capacity to produce NO could be clinically important in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Molecular Dambusters: What Is Behind Hyperpermeability in Bradykinin-Mediated Angioedema?

In the last few decades, a substantial body of evidence underlined the pivotal role of bradykinin in certain types of angioedema. The formation and breakdown of bradykinin has been studied thoroughly; however, numerous questions remained open regarding the triggering, course, and termination of angioedema attacks. Recently, it became clear that vascular endothelial cells have an integrative role in the regulation of vessel permeability. Apart from bradykinin, a great number of factors of different origin, structure, and mechanism of action are capable of modifying the integrity of vascular endothelium, and thus, may participate in the regulation of angioedema formation. Our aim in this review is to describe the most important permeability factors and the molecular mechanisms how they act on endothelial cells. Based on endothelial cell function, we also attempt to explain some of the challenging findings regarding bradykinin-mediated angioedema, where the function of bradykinin itself cannot account for the pathophysiology. By deciphering the complex scenario of vascular permeability regulation and edema formation, we may gain better scientific tools to be able to predict and treat not only bradykinin-mediated but other types of angioedema as well.

Endothelial Protrusions in Junctional Integrity and Barrier Function

Endothelial cells of the microcirculation form a semi-permeable diffusion barrier between the blood and tissues. This permeability of the endothelium, particularly in the capillaries and postcapillary venules, is a normal physiological function needed for blood-tissue exchange in the microcirculation. During inflammation, microvascular permeability increases dramatically and can lead to tissue edema, which in turn can lead to dysfunction of tissues and organs. The molecular mechanisms that control the barrier function of endothelial cells have been under investigation for several decades and remain an important topic due to the potential for discovery of novel therapeutic strategies to reduce edema. This review highlights current knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that lead to endothelial hyperpermeability during inflammatory conditions associated with injury and disease. This includes a discussion of recent findings demonstrating temporal protrusions by endothelial cells that may contribute to intercellular junction integrity between endothelial cells and affect the diffusion distance for solutes via the paracellular pathway.

Development and application of a UHPLC-MS/MS metabolomics based comprehensive systemic and tissue-specific screening method for inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress

Oxidative stress and inflammation are underlying pathogenic mechanisms associated with the progression of several pathological conditions and immunological responses. Elucidating the role of signalling lipid classes, which include, among others, the isoprostanes, nitro fatty acids, prostanoids, sphingoid bases and lysophosphatidic acids, will create a snapshot of the cause and effect of inflammation and oxidative stress at the metabolic level. Here we describe a fast, sensitive, and targeted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry metabolomics method that allows the quantitative measurement and biological elucidation of 17 isoprostanes as well as their respective isomeric prostanoid mediators, three nitro fatty acids, four sphingoid mediators, and 24 lysophosphatidic acid species from serum as well as organ tissues, including liver, lung, heart, spleen, kidney and brain. Application of this method to paired mouse serum and tissue samples revealed tissue- and serum-specific stress and inflammatory readouts. Little correlation was found between localized (tissue) metabolite levels compared with the systemic (serum) circulation in a homeostatic model. The application of this method in future studies will enable us to explore the role of signalling lipids in the metabolic pathogenicity of stress and inflammation during health and disease.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate Maintains Normal Vascular Permeability by Preserving Endothelial Surface Glycocalyx in Intact Microvessels

OBJECTIVE

S1P was found to protect the ESG by inhibiting MMP activity-dependent shedding of ESG in cultured endothelial cell studies. We aimed to further test that S1P contributes to the maintenance of normal vascular permeability by protecting the ESG in intact microvessels.

METHODS

We quantified the ESG in post-capillary venules of rat mesentery and measured the vascular permeability to albumin in the presence and absence of 1 μM S1P. We also measured permeability to albumin in the presence of MMP inhibitors and compared the measured permeability with those predicted by a transport model for the inter-endothelial cleft.

RESULTS

We found that in the absence of S1P, the fluorescence intensity of the FITC-anti-HS-labeled ESG was ~10% of that in the presence of S1P, whereas the measured permeability to albumin was ~6.5-fold of that in the presence of S1P. Similar results were observed with MMP inhibition. The predictions by the mathematical model further confirmed that S1P maintains microvascular permeability by preserving ESG.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that S1P contributes to the maintenance of normal vascular permeability by protecting the ESG in intact microvessels, consistent with parallel observation in cultured endothelial monolayers.

In Development-A New Paradigm for Understanding Vascular Disease

Under physiological conditions, the arterial endothelium exerts a powerful protective influence to maintain vascular homeostasis. However, during the development of vascular disease, these protective activities are lost, and dysfunctional endothelial cells actually promote disease pathogenesis. Numerous investigations have analyzed the characteristics of dysfunctional endothelium with a view to understanding the processes responsible for the dysfunction and to determining their role in vascular pathology. This review adopts an alternate approach: reviewing the mechanisms that contribute to the initial formation of a healthy protective endothelium and on how those mechanisms may be disrupted, precipitating the appearance of dysfunctional endothelial cells and the progression of vascular disease. This approach, which highlights the role of endothelial adherens junctions and vascular endothelial-cadherin in endothelial maturation and endothelial dysfunction, provides new insight into the remarkable biology of this important cell layer and its role in vascular protection and vascular disease.

Molecular Regulation of Sprouting Angiogenesis

The term angiogenesis arose in the 18th century. Several studies over the next 100 years laid the groundwork for initial studies performed by the Folkman laboratory, which were at first met with some opposition. Once overcome, the angiogenesis field has flourished due to studies on tumor angiogenesis and various developmental models that can be genetically manipulated, including mice and zebrafish. In addition, new discoveries have been aided by the ability to isolate primary endothelial cells, which has allowed dissection of various steps within angiogenesis. This review will summarize the molecular events that control angiogenesis downstream of biochemical factors such as growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), and lipids. These and other stimuli have been linked to regulation of junctional molecules and cell surface receptors. In addition, the contribution of cytoskeletal elements and regulatory proteins has revealed an intricate role for mobilization of actin, microtubules, and intermediate filaments in response to cues that activate the endothelium. Activating stimuli also affect various focal adhesion proteins, scaffold proteins, intracellular kinases, and second messengers. Finally, metalloproteinases, which facilitate matrix degradation and the formation of new blood vessels, are discussed, along with our knowledge of crosstalk between the various subclasses of these molecules throughout the text. Compr Physiol 8:153-235, 2018.

The protective role of sphingosine-1-phosphate against the action of the vascular disrupting agent combretastatin A-4 3-O-phosphate

Solid tumours vary in sensitivity to the vascular disrupting agent combretastatin A-4 3-O-phosphate (CA4P), but underlying factors are poorly understood. The signaling sphingolipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), promotes vascular barrier integrity by promoting assembly of VE-cadherin/β-catenin complexes. We tested the hypothesis that tumour pre-treatment with S1P would render tumours less susceptible to CA4P. S1P (1μM) pretreatment attenuated an increase in endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayer permeability induced by 10μM CA4P. Intravenously administered S1P (8mg/kg/hr for 20 minutes then 2mg/kg/hr for 40 minutes), reduced CA4P-induced (30mg/kg) blood flow shut-down in fibrosarcoma tumours in SCID mice (n≥7 per group), as measured by tumour retention of an intravenously administered fluorescent lectin. A trend towards in vivo protection was also found using laser Doppler flowmetry. Immunohistochemical staining of tumours ex vivo revealed disrupted patterns of VE-cadherin in vasculature of mice treated with CA4P, which were decreased by pretreatment with S1P. S1P treatment also stabilized N-cadherin junctions between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in culture, and stabilized tubulin filaments in HUVEC monolayers. We conclude that the rapid shutdown of tumour microvasculature by CA4P is due in part to disruption of adherens junctions and that S1P has a protective effect on both adherens junctions and the endothelial cell cytoskeleton.

Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Treatment Can Ameliorate Microvascular Leakage Caused by Combined Alcohol Intoxication and Hemorrhagic Shock

Fluid resuscitation following hemorrhagic shock is often problematic, with development of prolonged hypotension and edema. In addition, many trauma patients are also intoxicated, which generally worsens outcomes. We directly investigated how alcohol intoxication impacts hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation-induced microvascular leakage using a rat model with intravital microscopic imaging. We also tested the hypothesis that an endothelial barrier-protective bioactive lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), could ameliorate the microvascular leakage following alcohol intoxication plus hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Our results show that alcohol intoxication exacerbated hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation-induced hypotension and microvascular leakage. We next found that S1P effectively could reverse alcohol-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction using both cultured endothelial cell monolayer and in vivo models. Lastly, we observed that S1P administration ameliorated hypotension and microvascular leakage following combined alcohol intoxication and hemorrhagic shock, in a dose-related manner. These findings suggest the viability of using agonists that can improve microvascular barrier function to ameliorate trauma-induced hypotension, offering a novel therapeutic opportunity for potentially improving clinical outcomes in patients with multi-hit injuries.

Pathogenesis of vascular leak in dengue virus infection

Endothelial dysfunction leading to vascular leak is the hallmark of severe dengue. Vascular leak typically becomes clinically evident 3-6 days after the onset of illness, which is known as the critical phase. This critical phase follows the period of peak viraemia, and lasts for 24-48 hr and usually shows rapid and complete reversal, suggesting that it is likely to occur as a result of inflammatory mediators, rather than infection of the endothelium. Cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-α, which are known to be elevated in the critical phase of dengue, are likely to be contributing factors. Dengue NS1, a soluble viral protein, has also been shown to disrupt the endothelial glycocalyx and thus contribute to vascular leak, although there appears to be a discordance between the timing of NS1 antigenaemia and occurrence of vascular leak. In addition, many inflammatory lipid mediators are elevated in acute dengue viral infection such as platelet activating factor (PAF) and leukotrienes. Furthermore, many other inflammatory mediators such as vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-2 have been shown to be elevated in patients with dengue haemorrhagic fever, exerting their action in part by inducing the activity of phospholipases, which have diverse inflammatory effects including generation of PAF. Platelets have also been shown to significantly contribute to endothelial dysfunction by production of interleukin-1β through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and also by inducing production of inflammatory cytokines by monocytes. Drugs that block down-stream immunological mediator pathways such as PAF may also be beneficial in the treatment of severe disease.

The role of atrial natriuretic peptide to attenuate inflammation in a mouse skin wound and individually perfused rat mesenteric microvessels

We tested the hypothesis that the anti‐inflammatory actions of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) result from the modulation of leukocyte adhesion to inflamed endothelium and not solely ANP ligation of endothelial receptors to stabilize endothelial barrier function. We measured vascular permeability to albumin and accumulation of fluorescent neutrophils in a full‐thickness skin wound on the flank of LysM‐EGFP mice 24 h after formation. Vascular permeability in individually perfused rat mesenteric microvessels was also measured after leukocytes were washed out of the vessel lumen. Thrombin increased albumin permeability and increased the accumulation of neutrophils. The thrombin‐induced inflammatory responses were attenuated by pretreating the wound with ANP (30 min). During pretreatment ANP did not lower permeability, but transiently increased baseline albumin permeability concomitant with the reduction in neutrophil accumulation. ANP did not attenuate acute increases in permeability to histamine and bradykinin in individually perfused rat microvessels. The hypothesis that anti‐inflammatory actions of ANP depend solely on endothelial responses that stabilize the endothelial barrier is not supported by our results in either individually perfused microvessels in the absence of circulating leukocytes or the more chronic skin wound model. Our results conform to the alternate hypothesis that ANP modulates the interaction of leukocytes with the inflamed microvascular wall of the 24 h wound. Taken together with our previous observations that ANP reduces deformability of neutrophils and their strength of attachment, rolling, and transvascular migration, these observations provide the basis for additional investigations of ANP as an anti‐inflammatory agent to modulate leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions.

Regulation of pulmonary endothelial barrier function by kinases

The pulmonary endothelium is the target of continuous physiological and pathological stimuli that affect its crucial barrier function. The regulation, defense, and repair of endothelial barrier function require complex biochemical processes. This review examines the role of endothelial phosphorylating enzymes, kinases, a class with profound, interdigitating influences on endothelial permeability and lung function.

Activation of RhoA, but Not Rac1, Mediates Early Stages of S1P-Induced Endothelial Barrier Enhancement

Compromised endothelial barrier function is a hallmark of inflammation. Rho family GTPases are critical in regulating endothelial barrier function, yet their precise roles, particularly in sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-induced endothelial barrier enhancement, remain elusive. Confluent cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) or human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMEC) were used to model the endothelial barrier. Barrier function was assessed by determining the transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) using an electrical cell-substrate impedance sensor (ECIS). The roles of Rac1 and RhoA were tested in S1P-induced barrier enhancement. The results show that pharmacologic inhibition of Rac1 with Z62954982 failed to block S1P-induced barrier enhancement. Likewise, expression of a dominant negative form of Rac1, or knockdown of native Rac1 with siRNA, failed to block S1P-induced elevations in TER. In contrast, blockade of RhoA with the combination of the inhibitors Rhosin and Y16 significantly reduced S1P-induced increases in TER. Assessment of RhoA activation in real time using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor showed that S1P increased RhoA activation primarily at the edges of cells, near junctions. This was complemented by myosin light chain-2 phosphorylation at cell edges, and increased F-actin and vinculin near intercellular junctions, which could all be blocked with pharmacologic inhibition of RhoA. The results suggest that S1P causes activation of RhoA at the cell periphery, stimulating local activation of the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesions, and resulting in endothelial barrier enhancement. S1P-induced Rac1 activation, however, does not appear to have a significant role in this process.

Endothelial Nogo-B regulates sphingolipid biosynthesis to promote pathological cardiac hypertrophy during chronic pressure overload

We recently discovered that endothelial Nogo-B, a membrane protein of the ER, regulates vascular function by inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), in de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis. Here, we show that endothelium-derived sphingolipids, particularly sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), protect the heart from inflammation, fibrosis, and dysfunction following pressure overload and that Nogo-B regulates this paracrine process. SPT activity is upregulated in banded hearts in vivo as well as in TNF-α-activated endothelium in vitro, and loss of Nogo removes the brake on SPT, increasing local S1P production. Hence, mice lacking Nogo-B, systemically or specifically in the endothelium, are resistant to the onset of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of SPT with myriocin restores permeability, inflammation, and heart dysfunction in Nogo-A/B-deficient mice to WT levels, whereas SEW2871, an S1P₁ receptor agonist, prevents myocardial permeability, inflammation, and dysfunction in WT banded mice. Our study identifies a critical role of endothelial sphingolipid biosynthesis and its regulation by Nogo-B in the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and proposes a potential therapeutic target for the attenuation or reversal of this clinical condition.

Microperfusion Technique to Investigate Regulation of Microvessel Permeability in Rat Mesentery

Experiments to measure the permeability properties of individually perfused microvessels provide a bridge between investigation of molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating vascular permeability in cultured endothelial cell monolayers and the functional exchange properties of whole microvascular beds. A method to cannulate and perfuse venular microvessels of rat mesentery and measure the hydraulic conductivity of the microvessel wall is described. The main equipment needed includes an intravital microscope with a large modified stage that supports micromanipulators to position three different microtools: (1) a beveled glass micropipette to cannulate and perfuse the microvessel; (2) a glass micro-occluder to transiently block perfusion and enable measurement of transvascular water flow movement at a measured hydrostatic pressure, and (3) a blunt glass rod to stabilize the mesenteric tissue at the site of cannulation. The modified Landis micro-occlusion technique uses red cells suspended in the artificial perfusate as markers of transvascular fluid movement, and also enables repeated measurements of these flows as experimental conditions are changed and hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressure difference across the microvessels are carefully controlled. Measurements of hydraulic conductivity first using a control perfusate, then after re-cannulation of the same microvessel with the test perfusates enable paired comparisons of the microvessel response under these well-controlled conditions. Attempts to extend the method to microvessels in the mesentery of mice with genetic modifications expected to modify vascular permeability were severely limited because of the absence of long straight and unbranched microvessels in the mouse mesentery, but the recent availability of the rats with similar genetic modifications using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology is expected to open new areas of investigation where the methods described herein can be applied.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate induced synthesis of glycocalyx on endothelial cells

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) protects glycocalyx against shedding, playing important roles in endothelial functions. We previously found that glycocalyx on endothelial cells (ECs) was shed after plasma protein depletion. In the present study, we investigated the role of S1P on the recovery of glycocalyx, and tested whether it is mediated by phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. After depletion of plasma protein, ECs were treated with S1P for another 6h. And then, the major components of glycocalyx including syndecan-1 with attached heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) on endothelial cells were detected using confocal fluorescence microscopy. Role of PI3K in the S1P-induced synthesis of glycocalyx was confirmed by using the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). Syndecan-1 with attached HS and CS were degraded with duration of plasma protein depletion. S1P induced recovery of syndecan-1 with attached HS and CS. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abolished the effect of S1P on recovery of glycocalyx. Thus, S1P induced synthesis of glycocalyx on endothelial cells and it is mediated by PI3K pathway.

Lysophosphatidic Acid and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate: A Concise Review of Biological Function and Applications for Tissue Engineering

The presentation and controlled release of bioactive signals to direct cellular growth and differentiation represents a widely used strategy in tissue engineering. Historically, work in this field has primarily focused on the delivery of large cytokines and growth factors, which can be costly to manufacture and difficult to deliver in a sustained manner. There has been a marked increase over the past decade in the pursuit of lipid mediators due to their wide range of effects over multiple cell types, low cost, and ease of scale-up. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) are two bioactive lysophospholipids (LPLs) that have gained attention for use as pharmacological agents in tissue engineering applications. While these lipids can have similar effects on cellular response, they possess distinct chemical backbones, mechanisms of synthesis and degradation, and signaling pathways using a discrete set of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). LPA and S1P predominantly act extracellularly on their GPCRs and can directly regulate cell survival, differentiation, cytokine secretion, proliferation, and migration--each of the important functions that must be considered in regenerative medicine. In addition to these potent physiological functions, these LPLs play pivotal roles in a number of pathophysiological processes. To capitalize on the promise of these molecules in tissue engineering, these lipids have been incorporated into biomaterials for in vivo delivery. Here, we survey the effects of LPA and S1P on both cellular- and tissue-level phenotypes, with an eye toward regulating stem/progenitor cell growth and differentiation. In particular, we examine work that has translational applications for cell-based tissue engineering strategies in promoting cell survival, bone and cartilage engineering, and therapeutic angiogenesis.

The Ins and Outs of Small GTPase Rac1 in the Vasculature

The Rho family of small GTPases forms a 20-member family within the Ras superfamily of GTP-dependent enzymes that are activated by a variety of extracellular signals. The most well known Rho family members are RhoA (Ras homolog gene family, member A), Cdc42 (cell division control protein 42), and Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1), which affect intracellular signaling pathways that regulate a plethora of critical cellular functions, such as oxidative stress, cellular contacts, migration, and proliferation. In this review, we describe the current knowledge on the role of GTPase Rac1 in the vasculature. Whereas most recent reviews focus on the role of vascular Rac1 in endothelial cells, in the present review we also highlight the functional involvement of Rac1 in other vascular cells types, namely, smooth muscle cells present in the media and fibroblasts located in the adventitia of the vessel wall. Collectively, this overview shows that Rac1 activity is involved in various functions within one cell type at distinct locations within the cell, and that there are overlapping but also cell type-specific functions in the vasculature. Chronically enhanced Rac1 activity seems to contribute to vascular pathology; however, Rac1 is essential to vascular homeostasis, which makes Rac1 inhibition as a therapeutic option a delicate balancing act.

Involvement of local lamellipodia in endothelial barrier function

Recently we observed that endothelial cells cultured in tightly confluent monolayers display frequent local lamellipodia, and that thrombin, an agent that increases endothelial permeability, reduces lamellipodia protrusions. This led us to test the hypothesis that local lamellipodia contribute to endothelial barrier function. Movements of subcellular structures containing GFP-actin or VE-cadherin-GFP expressed in endothelial cells were recorded using time-lapse microscopy. Transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) served as an index of endothelial barrier function. Changes in both lamellipodia dynamics and TER were assessed during baseline and after cells were treated with either the barrier-disrupting agent thrombin, or the barrier-stabilizing agent sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). The myosin II inhibitor blebbistatin was used to selectively block lamellipodia formation, and was used to test their role in the barrier function of endothelial cell monolayers and isolated, perfused rat mesenteric venules. Myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation was assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Rac1 and RhoA activation were evaluated using G-LISA assays. The role of Rac1 was tested with the specific inhibitor NSC23766 or by expressing wild-type or dominant negative GFP-Rac1. The results show that thrombin rapidly decreased both TER and the lamellipodia protrusion frequency. S1P rapidly increased TER in association with increased protrusion frequency. Blebbistatin nearly abolished local lamellipodia protrusions while cortical actin fibers and stress fibers remained intact. Blebbistatin also significantly decreased TER of cultured endothelial cells and increased permeability of isolated rat mesenteric venules. Both thrombin and S1P increased MLC phosphorylation and activation of RhoA. However, thrombin and S1P had differential impacts on Rac1, correlating with the changes in TER and lamellipodia protrusion frequency. Overexpression of Rac1 elevated, while NSC23766 and dominant negative Rac1 reduced barrier function and lamellipodia activity. Combined, these data suggest that local lamellipodia, driven by myosin II and Rac1, are important for dynamic changes in endothelial barrier integrity.

The role of sphingosine-1-phosphate in endothelial barrier function

Loss of endothelial barrier function is implicated in the etiology of metastasis, atherosclerosis, sepsis and many other diseases. Studies suggest that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), particularly HDL-bound S1P (HDL-S1P) is essential for endothelial barrier homeostasis and that HDL-S1P may be protective against the loss of endothelial barrier function in disease. This review summarizes evidence providing mechanistic insights into how S1P maintains endothelial barrier function, highlighting the recent findings that implicate the major S1P carrier, HDL, in the maintenance of the persistent S1P-signaling needed to maintain endothelial barrier function. We review the mechanisms proposed for HDL maintenance of persistent S1P-signaling, the evidence supporting these mechanisms and the remaining fundamental questions.

The role of actin-binding proteins in the control of endothelial barrier integrity

The endothelial barrier of the vasculature is of utmost importance for separating the blood stream from underlying tissues. This barrier is formed by tight and adherens junctions (TJ and AJ) that form intercellular endothelial contacts. TJ and AJ are integral membrane structures that are connected to the actin cytoskeleton via various adaptor molecules. Consequently, the actin cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in regulating the stability of endothelial cell contacts and vascular permeability. While a circumferential cortical actin ring stabilises junctions, the formation of contractile stress fibres, e. g. under inflammatory conditions, can contribute to junction destabilisation. However, the role of actin-binding proteins (ABP) in the control of vascular permeability has long been underestimated. Naturally, ABP regulate permeability via regulation of actin remodelling but some actin-binding molecules can also act independently of actin and control vascular permeability via various signalling mechanisms such as activation of small GTPases. Several studies have recently been published highlighting the importance of actin-binding molecules such as cortactin, ezrin/radixin/moesin, Arp2/3, VASP or WASP for the control of vascular permeability by various mechanisms. These proteins have been described to regulate vascular permeability under various pathophysiological conditions and are thus of clinical relevance as targets for the development of treatment strategies for disorders that are characterised by vascular hyperpermeability such as sepsis. This review highlights recent advances in determining the role of ABP in the control of endothelial cell contacts and vascular permeability.

cAMP with other signaling cues converges on Rac1 to stabilize the endothelial barrier- a signaling pathway compromised in inflammation

cAMP is one of the most potent signaling molecules to stabilize the endothelial barrier, both under resting conditions as well as under challenge of barrier-destabilizing mediators. The two main signaling axes downstream of cAMP are activation of protein kinase A (PKA) as well as engagement of exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) and its effector GTPase Rap1. Interestingly, both pathways activate GTP exchange factors for Rac1, such as Tiam1 and Vav2 and stabilize the endothelial barrier via Rac1-mediated enforcement of adherens junctions and strengthening of the cortical actin cytoskeleton. On the level of Rac1, cAMP signaling converges with other barrier-enhancing signaling cues induced by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) rendering Rac1 as an important signaling hub. Moreover, activation of Rap1 and inhibition of RhoA also contribute to barrier stabilization, emphasizing that regulation of small GTPases is a central mechanism in this context. The relevance of cAMP/Rac1-mediated barrier protection under pathophysiologic conditions can be concluded from data showing that inflammatory mediators causing multi-organ failure in systemic inflammation or sepsis interfere with this signaling axis on the level of cAMP or Rac1. This is in line with the well-known efficacy of cAMP to abrogate the barrier breakdown in response to most barrier-compromising stimuli. New is the notion that the tight endothelial barrier under resting conditions is maintained by (1) continuous cAMP formation induced by hormones such as epinephrine or (2) by activation of Rac1 downstream of S1P that is secreted by erythrocytes and activated platelets.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate protects endothelial glycocalyx by inhibiting syndecan-1 shedding

Endothelial cells (ECs) are covered by a surface glycocalyx layer that forms part of the barrier and mechanosensing functions of the blood-tissue interface. Removal of albumin in bathing media induces collapse or shedding of the glycocalyx. The electrostatic interaction between arginine residues on albumin, and negatively charged glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the glycocalyx have been hypothesized to stabilize the glycocalyx structure. Because albumin is one of the primary carriers of the phospholipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), we evaluated the alternate hypothesis that S1P, acting via S1P1 receptors, plays the primary role in stabilizing the endothelial glycocalyx. Using confocal microscopy on rat fat-pad ECs, we demonstrated that heparan sulfate (HS), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and ectodomain of syndecan-1 were shed from the endothelial cell surface after removal of plasma protein but were retained in the presence of S1P at concentrations of >100 nM. S1P1 receptor antagonism abolished the protection of the glycocalyx by S1P and plasma proteins. S1P reduced GAGs released after removal of plasma protein. The mechanism of protection from loss of glycocalyx components by S1P-dependent pathways was shown to be suppression of metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. General inhibition of MMPs protected against loss of CS and syndecan-1. Specific inhibition of MMP-9 and MMP-13 protected against CS loss. We conclude that S1P plays a critical role in protecting the glycocalyx via S1P1 and inhibits the protease activity-dependent shedding of CS, HS, and the syndecan-1 ectodomain. Our results provide new insight into the role for S1P in protecting the glycocalyx and maintaining vascular homeostasis.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate: distribution, metabolism and role in the regulation of cellular functions

The role of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in regulation of cellular functions and cell protection is reviewed. S1P, along with other sphingolipid metabolites, is believed to act as an intracellular second messenger and as an extracellular mediator molecule. S1P chemistry, production and metabolism are described. Cellular receptors for S1P and their tissue specificity are described. Platelets and erythrocytes have a crucial significance in blood transport of S1P. Hypoxic conditions induce an increase in S1P, which initiates a set of cytoprotective events via its cellular receptors. S1P involvement in regulation of cell migration, myogenesis, control of skeletal muscle function is described. It is shown that S1P balance disturbances may mediate pathological state. S1P system implication in regulation of the most important cellular functions allows considering it as a prospective remedial target.

Tonic regulation of vascular permeability

Our major theme is that the layered structure of the endothelial barrier requires continuous activation of signalling pathways regulated by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and intracellular cAMP. These pathways modulate the adherens junction, continuity of tight junction strands, and the balance of synthesis and degradation of glycocalyx components. We evaluate recent evidence that baseline permeability is maintained by constant activity of mechanisms involving the small GTPases Rap1 and Rac1. In the basal state, the barrier is compromised when activities of the small GTPases are reduced by low S1P supply or delivery. With inflammatory stimulus, increased permeability can be understood in part as the action of signalling to reduce Rap1 and Rac1 activation. With the hypothesis that microvessel permeability and selectivity under both normal and inflammatory conditions are regulated by mechanisms that are continuously active, it follows that when S1P or intracellular cAMP are elevated at the time of inflammatory stimulus, they can buffer changes induced by inflammatory agents and maintain normal barrier stability. When endothelium is exposed to inflammatory conditions and subsequently exposed to elevated S1P or intracellular cAMP, the same processes restore the functional barrier by first re-establishing the adherens junction, then modulating tight junctions and glycocalyx. In more extreme inflammatory conditions, loss of the inhibitory actions of Rac1-dependent mechanisms may promote expression of more inflammatory endothelial phenotypes by contributing to the up-regulation of RhoA-dependent contractile mechanisms and the sustained loss of surface glycocalyx allowing access of inflammatory cells to the endothelium.

Microvascular permeability to water is independent of shear stress, but dependent on flow direction

Endothelial cells in a cultured monolayer change from a "cobblestone" configuration when grown under static conditions to a more elongated shape, aligned with the direction of flow, after exposure to sustained uniform shear stress. Sustained blood flow acts to protect regions of large arteries from injury. We tested the hypothesis that the stable permeability state of individually perfused microvessels is also characteristic of flow conditioning. In individually perfused rat mesenteric venular microvessels, microvascular permeability, measured as hydraulic conductivity (Lp), was stable [mean 1.0 × 10(-7) cm/(s × cmH2O)] and independent of shear stress (3-14 dyn/cm(2)) for up to 3 h. Vessels perfused opposite to the direction of normal blood flow exhibited a delayed Lp increase [ΔLp was 7.6 × 10(-7) cm/(s × cmH2O)], but the increase was independent of wall shear stress. Addition of chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid to perfusates increased the shear stress range, but did not modify the asymmetry in response to flow direction. Increased Lp in reverse-perfused vessels was associated with numerous discontinuities of VE-cadherin and occludin, while both proteins were continuous around the periphery of forward-perfused vessels. The results are not consistent with a general mechanism for graded shear-dependent permeability increase, but they are consistent with the idea that a stable Lp under normal flow contributes to prevention of edema formation and also enables physiological regulation of shear-dependent small solute permeabilities (e.g., glucose). The responses during reverse flow are consistent with reports that disturbed flows result in a less stable endothelial barrier in venular microvessels.

Caveolin-1 regulates Rac1 activation and rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial hyperpermeability induced by TNF-α

A multiplicity of vital cellular and tissue level functions are controlled by caveolin-1 and it is considered to be an important candidate for targeted therapeutics. Rac1-cortactin signaling plays an important role in maintaining the functions of the endothelial barrier in microvascular endothelial cells. The activity of Rac1 has been shown to be regulated by caveolin-1. Therefore, the present study investigated the consequences of down-regulating caveolin-1 and the subsequent changes in activity of Rac1 and the endothelial barrier functions in primary rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMVECs). RPMVECs were transfected with a small hairpin RNA duplex to down-regulate caveolin-1 expression. This procedure significantly increased the activity of Rac1. Moreover, down-regulation of caveolin-1 attenuated TNF-α-induced decrease in TER, increase in the flux of FITC-BSA and the disappearance of cortactin from the cell periphery in RPMVEC. Rac1 inhibitors significantly abolished this barrier-protective effect induced by down-regulation of caveolin-1 in response to TNF-α in RPMVECs. In conclusion, our data suggest a mechanism for the regulation of Rac1 activity by caveolin-1, with consequences for activation of endothelial cells in response to TNF-α.

Erythrocyte-derived sphingosine-1-phosphate stabilizes basal hydraulic conductivity and solute permeability in rat microvessels

Exogenous sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a lipid mediator in blood, attenuates acute microvascular permeability increases via receptor S1P1 to stabilize the endothelium. To evaluate the contribution of erythrocytes as an endogenous source of S1P to the regulation of basal permeability, we measured permeability coefficients in intact individually perfused venular microvessels of rat mesentery. This strategy also enabled the contributions of other endogenous S1P sources to be evaluated. Apparent permeability coefficients (P(S)) to albumin and α-lactalbumin and the hydraulic conductivity of mesenteric microvessels were measured in the presence or absence of rat erythrocytes or rat erythrocyte-conditioned perfusate. Rat erythrocytes added to the perfusate were the principal source of S1P in these microvessels. Basal P(S) to albumin was stable and typical of blood-perfused microvessels (mean 0.5 × 10(-6) cm/s) when erythrocytes or erythrocyte-conditioned perfusates were present. When they were absent, P(S) to albumin or α-lactalbumin increased up to 40-fold (over 10 min). When exogenous S1P was added to perfusates, permeability returned to levels comparable with those seen in the presence of erythrocytes. Addition of SEW 2871, an agonist specific for S1P1, in the absence of red blood cells reduced P(S)(BSA) (40-fold reduction) toward basal. The specific S1P1 receptor antagonist (W-146) reversed the stabilizing action of erythrocytes and increased permeability (27-fold increase) in a manner similar to that seen in the absence of erythrocytes. Erythrocytes are a primary source of S1P that maintains normal venular microvessel permeability. Absence of erythrocytes or conditioned perfusate in in vivo and in vitro models of endothelial barriers elevates basal permeability.

Myosin light chain kinase signaling in endothelial barrier dysfunction

Microvascular barrier dysfunction is a serious problem that occurs in many inflammatory conditions, including sepsis, trauma, ischemia-reperfusion injury, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Barrier dysfunction permits extravasation of serum components into the surrounding tissue, leading to edema formation and organ failure. The basis for microvascular barrier dysfunction is hyperpermeability at endothelial cell-cell junctions. Endothelial hyperpermeability is increased by actomyosin contractile activity in response to phosphorylation of myosin light chain by myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). MLCK-dependent endothelial hyperpermeability occurs in response to inflammatory mediators (e.g., activated neutrophils, thrombin, histamine, tumor necrosis factor alpha, etc.), through multiple cell signaling pathways and signaling molecules (e.g., Ca(++) , protein kinase C, Src kinase, nitric oxide synthase, etc.). Other signaling molecules protect against MLCK-dependent hyperpermeability (e.g., sphingosine-1-phosphate or cAMP). In addition, individual MLCK isoforms play specific roles in endothelial barrier dysfunction, suggesting that isoform-specific inhibitors could be useful for treating inflammatory disorders and preventing multiple organ failure. Because endothelial barrier dysfunction depends upon signaling through MLCK in many instances, MLCK-dependent signaling comprises multiple potential therapeutic targets for preventing edema formation and multiple organ failure. The following review is a discussion of MLCK-dependent mechanisms and cell signaling events that mediate endothelial hyperpermeability.

Junctional protein regulation by sphingosine kinase 2 contributes to blood-brain barrier protection in hypoxic preconditioning-induced cerebral ischemic tolerance

Protection of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is correlated with improved outcome in stroke. Sphingosine kinase (SphK)-directed production of sphingosine-1-phosphate, which we previously documented as being vital to preconditioning-induced stroke protection, mediates peripheral vascular integrity via junctional protein regulation. We used a hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) model in adult wild-type and SphK2-null mice to examine the isoform-specific role of SphK2 signaling for ischemic tolerance to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion and attendant BBB protection. Reductions in infarct volume and BBB permeability in HPC-treated mice were completely lost in SphK2-null mice. Hypoxic preconditioning-induced attenuation of postischemic BBB disruption in wild types, evidenced by reduced extravascular immunoglobulin G intensity, suggests direct protection of BBB integrity. Measurement of BBB junctional protein status in response to HPC revealed SphK2-dependent increases in triton-insoluble claudin-5 and VE-cadherin, which may serve to strengthen the BBB before stroke. Postischemic loss of VE-cadherin, occludin, and zona occludens-1 in SphK2-null mice with prior HPC suggests that SphK2-dependent protection of these adherens and tight junction proteins is compulsory for HPC to establish a vasculoprotective phenotype. Further elucidation of the mediators of this endogenous, HPC-activated lipid signaling pathway, and their role in protecting the ischemic BBB, may provide new therapeutic targets for cerebrovascular protection in stroke patients.

Effect of platelet concentrate on quality of life after periradicular surgery: a randomized clinical study

INTRODUCTION

Control of postoperative discomfort might enhance the patient's quality of life and treatment acceptance. The aim of the present randomized single-blind study was to evaluate whether the use of platelet concentrate during endodontic surgery might have a favorable impact on pain and other factors related to patient's quality of life during the first week after surgery.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with periapical lesion were treated with modern endodontic surgical procedure (control group). In another 18 patients, in adjunct to surgical procedure, platelet concentrate was applied on the root end in liquid form, within the bone defect in clot form, and over the suture in liquid form (test group). All patients completed a questionnaire for evaluation of main symptoms and daily activities during the first week after surgery. The outcomes of the questionnaires of the 2 groups were statistically compared.

RESULTS

The test group showed significantly less pain and swelling, fewer analgesics taken, and improved functional activities as compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The adjunct of platelet concentrate to the endodontic surgical procedure produced significant beneficial effect to patients' quality of life during the early postoperative stage.

Attenuation by sphingosine-1-phosphate of rat microvessel acute permeability response to bradykinin is rapidly reversible

To evaluate the hypothesis that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and cAMP attenuate increased permeability of individually perfused mesenteric microvessels through a common Rac1-dependent pathway, we measured the attenuation of the peak hydraulic conductivity (L(p)) in response to the inflammatory agent bradykinin (BK) by either S1P or cAMP. We varied the extent of exposure to each agent (test) and measured the ratio L(p)(test)/L(p)(BK alone) for each vessel (anesthetized rats). S1P (1 μM) added at the same time as BK (concurrent, no pretreatment) was as effective to attenuate the response to BK (L(p) ratio: 0.14 ± 0.05; n = 5) as concurrent plus pretreatment with S1P for 30 min (L(p) ratio: 0.26 ± 0.06; n = 11). The same pretreatment with S1P, but with no concurrent S1P, caused no inhibition of the BK response (L(p) ratio 1.07 ± 0.11; n = 8). The rapid on and off action of S1P demonstrated by these results was in contrast to cAMP-dependent changes induced by rolipram and forskolin (RF), which developed more slowly, lasted longer, and resulted in partial inhibition when given either as pretreatment or concurrent with BK. In cultured endothelium, there was no Rac activation or peripheral cortactin localization at 1 min with RF, but cortactin localization and Rac activation were maximal at 1 min with S1P. When S1P was removed, Rac activation returned to control within 2 min. Because of such differing time courses, S1P and cAMP are unlikely to act through fully common effector mechanisms.

Role of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the vascular responses to inflammation

Inflammation is a complex and potentially life-threatening condition that involves the participation of a variety of chemical mediators, signaling pathways, and cell types. The microcirculation, which is critical for the initiation and perpetuation of an inflammatory response, exhibits several characteristic functional and structural changes in response to inflammation. These include vasomotor dysfunction (impaired vessel dilation and constriction), the adhesion and transendothelial migration of leukocytes, endothelial barrier dysfunction (increased vascular permeability), blood vessel proliferation (angiogenesis), and enhanced thrombus formation. These diverse responses of the microvasculature largely reflect the endothelial cell dysfunction that accompanies inflammation and the central role of these cells in modulating processes as varied as blood flow regulation, angiogenesis, and thrombogenesis. The importance of endothelial cells in inflammation-induced vascular dysfunction is also predicated on the ability of these cells to produce and respond to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Inflammation seems to upset the balance between nitric oxide and superoxide within (and surrounding) endothelial cells, which is necessary for normal vessel function. This review is focused on defining the molecular targets in the vessel wall that interact with reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide to produce the characteristic functional and structural changes that occur in response to inflammation. This analysis of the literature is consistent with the view that reactive oxygen and nitrogen species contribute significantly to the diverse vascular responses in inflammation and supports efforts that are directed at targeting these highly reactive species to maintain normal vascular health in pathological conditions that are associated with acute or chronic inflammation.

Beta-adrenergic stimulation contributes to maintenance of endothelial barrier functions under baseline conditions

OBJECTIVES

cAMP signaling within the endothelium is known to reduce paracellular permeability and to protect against loss of barrier functions under various pathological conditions. Because activation of β-adrenergic receptors elevates cellular cAMP, we tested whether β-adrenergic receptor signaling contributes to the maintenance of baseline endothelial barrier properties.

METHODS

We compared hydraulic conductivity of rat postcapillary venules in vivo with resistance measurements and with reorganization of endothelial adherens junctions in cultured microvascular endothelial cells downstream of β-adrenergic receptor-mediated changes of cAMP levels.

RESULTS

Inhibition of β-adrenergic receptors by propranolol increased hydraulic conductivity, reduced both cAMP levels and TER of microvascular endothelial cell monolayers and induced fragmentation of VE-cadherin staining. In contrast, activation by epinephrine both increased cAMP levels and TER and resulted in linearized VE-cadherin distribution, however this was not sufficient to block barrier-destabilization by propranolol. Similarly, PDE inhibition did not prevent propranolol-induced TER reduction and VE-cadherin reorganization whereas increased cAMP formation by AC activation enhanced endothelial barrier functions under baseline conditions and under conditions of propranolol treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that generation of cAMP mediated by activation of β-adrenergic receptor signaling contributes to the maintenance of endothelial barrier properties under baseline conditions.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate prevents permeability increases via activation of endothelial sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 in rat venules

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been demonstrated to enhance endothelial barrier function in vivo and in vitro. However, different S1P receptor subtypes have been indicated to play different or even opposing roles in the regulation of vascular barrier function. This study aims to differentiate the roles of endogenous endothelial S1P subtype receptors in the regulation of permeability in intact microvessels using specific receptor agonist and antagonists. Microvessel permeability was measured with hydraulic conductivity (L(p)) in individually perfused rat mesenteric venules. S1P-mediated changes in endothelial intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was measured in fura-2-loaded venules. Confocal images of fluorescent immunostaining illustrated the spatial expressions of three S1P subtype receptors (S1P(R1-3)) in rat venules. The application of S1P (1 μM) in the presence of S1P(R1-3) inhibited platelet-activating factor- or bradykinin-induced permeability increase. This S1P effect was reversed only with a selective S1P(R1) antagonist, W-146, and was not affected by S1P(R2) or S1P(R3) antagonists JTE-013 and CAY-10444, respectively. S1P(R1) was also identified as the sole receptor responsible for S1P-mediated increases in endothelial [Ca(2+)](i). S1P(R2) or S1P(R3) antagonist alone affected neither basal L(p) nor platelet-activating factor-induced permeability increase. The selective S1P(R1) agonist, SEW-2871, showed similar [Ca(2+)](i) and permeability effect to that of S1P. These results indicate that, despite the presence of S1P(R1-3) in the intact venules, only the activation of endothelial S1P(R1) is responsible for the protective action of S1P on microvessel permeability and that endogenous S1P(R2) or S1P(R3) did not exhibit functional roles in the regulation of permeability under basal or acutely stimulated conditions.