Physiologic increases in extracellular sodium salt enhance coronary vasoconstriction and Ca2+ entry

Deleterious effect in endothelin receptor-mediated coronary artery smooth muscle contractility in high-salt diet rats

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

High-salt diet has been suggested to increase the risk of heart disease. However, the mechanisms underlying coronary artery tension dysfunction caused by high-salt diet are unclear. Previous studies have shown that coronary artery spasm is often induced by endothelin-1 (ET-1) and thromboxane, leading to myocardial ischemia, while the store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) function of coronary smooth muscle is very important in this process.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Tension measurements of endothelium-denuded coronary artery ring segments showed that vasocontraction induced by U46619, ET-1, orSTIM1/Orai1-mediated SOCE was significantly lower in 4% high-salt diet rats than in control rats fed a regular diet. The results of western blotting and immunohistochemistry assays showed lower expression levels of endothelial receptors ET_A and ET_B, STIM1 and Orai1 in coronary artery of high-salt intake rats compared with control rats. Fibrosis was observed by using Masson's trichrome staining and picrosirius red staining. The plasma ET-1 concentration in high-salt diet rats was significantly higher than that of controls. The interventricular septum and posterior wall of high-salt diet rats were significantly thickened.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that coronary artery tension was significantly decreased in 4% high-salt diet rats and that this decrease may be due to the change of endothelin receptor and its downstream pathway SOCE related protein expression in coronary artery. Coronary fibrosis was observed in rats fed with high-salt diet. This study provides potential mechanistic insights into high-salt intake-induced heart disease.

Nitric oxide and the cardiovascular system

Nitric oxide (NO) generated by endothelial cells to relax vascular smooth muscle is one of the most intensely studied molecules in the past 25 years. Much of what is known about NO regulation of NO is based on blockade of its generation and analysis of changes in vascular regulation. This approach has been useful to demonstrate the importance of NO in large scale forms of regulation but provides less information on the nuances of NO regulation. However, there is a growing body of studies on multiple types of in vivo measurement of NO in normal and pathological conditions. This discussion will focus on in vivo studies and how they are reshaping the understanding of NO's role in vascular resistance regulation and the pathologies of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The role of microelectrode measurements in the measurement of [NO] will be considered because much of the controversy about what NO does and at what concentration depends upon the measurement methodology. For those studies where the technology has been tested and found to be well founded, the concept evolving is that the stresses imposed on the vasculature in the form of flow-mediated stimulation, chemicals within the tissue, and oxygen tension can cause rapid and large changes in the NO concentration to affect vascular regulation. All these functions are compromised in both animal and human forms of hypertension and diabetes mellitus due to altered regulation of endothelial cells and formation of oxidants that both damage endothelial cells and change the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

A role for the sodium pump in H2O2-induced vasorelaxation in porcine isolated coronary arteries

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been proposed to act as a factor for endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) and EDH may act as a 'back up' system to compensate the loss of the NO pathway. Here, the mechanism of action of H2O2 in porcine isolated coronary arteries (PCAs) was investigated. Distal PCAs were mounted in a wire myograph and pre-contracted with U46619 (1nM-50μM), a thromboxane A2-mimetic or KCl (60mM). Concentration-response curves to H2O2(1μM-1mM), bradykinin (0.01nM-1μM), sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (10nM-10μM), verapamil (1nM-10μM), KCl (0-20mM) or Ca(2+)-reintroduction (1μM-10mM) were constructed in the presence of various inhibitors. Activity of the Na(+)/K(+)-pump was measured through rubidium-uptake using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. H2O2 caused concentration-dependent vasorelaxations with a maximum relaxation (Rmax) of 100±16% (mean±SEM), pEC50=4.18±0.20 (n=4) which were significantly inhibited by PEG-catalase at 0.1-1.0mM H2O2 (P<0.05). 10mM TEA significantly inhibited the relaxation up to 100μM H2O2 (P<0.05). 60mM K(+) and 500nM ouabain significantly inhibited H2O2-induced vasorelaxation producing a relaxation of 40.8±8.5% (n=5) and 47.5±8.6% (n=6) respectively at 1mM H2O2 (P<0.0001). H2O2-induced vasorelaxation was unaffected by the removal of endothelium, inhibition of NO, cyclo-oxygenase, gap junctions, SKCa, IKCa, BKCa Kir, KV, KATP or cGMP. 100μM H2O2 had no effects on the KCl-induced vasorelaxation or Ca(2+)-reintroduction contraction. 1mM H2O2 inhibited both KCl-induced vasorelaxation and rubidium-uptake consistent with inhibition of the Na(+)/K(+)-pump activity. We have shown that the vascular actions of H2O2 are sensitive to ouabain and high concentrations of H2O2 are able to modulate the Na(+)/K(+)-pump. This may contribute towards its vascular actions.

New insights into the contribution of arterial NCX to the regulation of myogenic tone and blood pressure

Plasma membrane protein Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells plays an important role in intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, Ca(2+) signaling, and arterial contractility. Recent evidence in intact animals reveals that VSM NCX type 1 (NCX1) is importantly involved in the control of arterial blood pressure (BP) in the normal state and in hypertension. Increased expression of vascular NCX1 has been implicated in human primary pulmonary hypertension and several salt-dependent hypertensive animal models. Our aim is to determine the molecular and physiological mechanisms by which vascular NCX influences vasoconstriction and BP normally and in salt-dependent hypertension. Here, we describe the relative contribution of VSM NCX1 to Ca(2+) signaling and arterial contraction, including recent data from transgenic mice (NCX1(smTg/Tg), overexpressors; NCX1(sm-/-), knockouts) that has begun to elucidate the specific contributions of NCX to BP regulation. Arterial contraction and BP correlate with the level of NCX1 expression in smooth muscle: NCX1(sm-/-) mice have decreased arterial myogenic tone (MT), vasoconstriction, and low BP. NCX1(smTg/Tg) mice have high BP and are more sensitive to salt; their arteries exhibit upregulated transient receptor potential canonical channel 6 (TRPC6) protein, increased MT, and vasoconstriction. These observations suggest that NCX is a key component of certain distinct signaling pathways that activate VSM contraction in response to stretch (i.e., myogenic response) and to activation of certain G-protein-coupled receptors. Arterial NCX expression and mechanisms that control the local (sub-plasma membrane) Na(+) gradient, including cation-selective receptor-operated channels containing TRPC6, regulate arterial Ca(2+) and constriction, and thus BP.

Cerebral microvascular nNOS responds to lowered oxygen tension through a bumetanide-sensitive cotransporter and sodium-calcium exchanger

Na(+) cotransporters have a substantial role in neuronal damage during brain hypoxia. We proposed these cotransporters have beneficial roles in oxygen-sensing mechanisms that increase periarteriolar nitric oxide (NO) concentration ([NO]) during mild to moderate oxygen deprivation. Our prior studies have shown that cerebral neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) is essential for [NO] responses to decreased oxygen tension and that endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is of little consequence. In this study, we explored the mechanisms of three specific cotransporters known to play a role in the hypoxic state: KB-R7943 for blockade of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, bumetanide for the Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter, and amiloride for Na(+)/H(+) cotransporters. In vivo measurements of arteriolar diameter and [NO] at normal and locally reduced oxygen tension in the rat parietal cortex provided the functional analysis. As previously found for intestinal arterioles, bumetanide-sensitive cotransporters are primarily responsible for sensing reduced oxygen because the increased [NO] and dilation were suppressed. The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger facilitated increased NO formation because blockade also suppressed [NO] and dilatory responses to decreased oxygen. Amiloride-sensitive Na(+)/H(+) cotransporters did not significantly contribute to the microvascular regulation. To confirm that nNOS rather than eNOS was primarily responsible for NO generation, eNOS was suppressed with the fusion protein cavtratin for the caveolae domain of eNOS. Although the resting [NO] decreased and arterioles constricted as eNOS was suppressed, most of the increased NO and dilatory response to oxygen were preserved because nNOS was functional. Therefore, nNOS activation secondary to Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter and Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger functions are key to cerebral vascular oxygen responses.

Mitochondria buffer NCX-mediated Ca2+-entry and limit its diffusion into vascular smooth muscle cells

The reverse-mode of the Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger (NCX) mediates Ca(2+)-entry in agonist-stimulated vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and plays a central role in salt-sensitive hypertension. We investigated buffering of Ca(2+)-entry by peripheral mitochondria upon NCX reversal in rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC). [Ca(2+)] was measured in mitochondria ([Ca(2+)](MT)) and the sub-plasmalemmal space ([Ca(2+)](subPM)) with targeted aequorins and in the bulk cytosol ([Ca(2+)](i)) with fura-2. Substitution of extracellular Na(+) by N-methyl-d-glucamine transiently increased [Ca(2+)](MT) ( approximately 2microM) and [Ca(2+)](subPM) ( approximately 1.3microM), which then decreased to sustained plateaus. In contrast, Na(+)-substitution caused a delayed and tonic increase in [Ca(2+)](i) (<100nM). Inhibition of Ca(2+)-uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) (30microM cyclopiazonic acid) or mitochondria (2microM FCCP or 2microM ruthenium red) enhanced the elevation of [Ca(2+)](subPM). These treatments also abolished the delay in the [Ca(2+)](i) response to 0Na(+) and increased its amplitude. Extracellular ATP (1mM) caused a peak and plateau in [Ca(2+)](i), and only the plateau was inhibited by KB-R7943 (10microM), a selective blocker of reverse-mode NCX. Evidence for ATP-mediated NCX-reversal was also found in changes in [Na(+)](i). Mitochondria normally exhibited a transient elevation of [Ca(2+)] in response to ATP, but inhibiting the mitochondrial NCX with CGP-37157 (10microM) unmasked an agonist-induced increase in mitochondrial Ca(2+)-flux. This flux was blocked by KB-R7943. In summary, mitochondria and the sarcoplasmic reticulum co-operate to buffer changes in [Ca(2+)](i) due to agonist-induced NCX reversal.

Transport of extracellular l-arginine via cationic amino acid transporter is required during in vivo endothelial nitric oxide production

In cultured endothelial cells, 70-95% of extracellular l-arginine uptake has been attributed to the cationic amino acid transporter-1 protein (CAT-1). We tested the hypothesis that extracellular l-arginine entry into endothelial cells via CAT-1 plays a crucial role in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production during in vivo conditions. Using l-lysine, the preferred amino acid transported by CAT-1, we competitively inhibited extracellular l-arginine transport into endothelial cells during conditions of NaCl hyperosmolarity, low oxygen, and flow increase. Our prior studies indicate that each of these perturbations causes NO-dependent vasodilation. The perivascular NO concentration ([NO]) and blood flow were determined in the in vivo rat intestinal microvasculature. Suppression of extracellular l-arginine transport significantly and strongly inhibited increases in vascular [NO] and intestinal blood flow during NaCl hyperosmolarity, lowered oxygen tension, and increased flow. These results suggest that l-arginine from the extracellular space is accumulated by CAT-1. When CAT-1-mediated transport of extracellular l-arginine into endothelial cells was suppressed, the endothelial cell NO response to a wide range of physiological stimuli was strongly depressed.

Calcium-dependent changes in potassium currents in guinea-pig coronary artery smooth muscle cells after acute cobalt loading in vivo

The aim of the present study was to determine whether cobalt poisoning induces haem oxidase isoenzyme-1 (HO-1) in coronary artery smooth muscle, or accounts for any changes in coronary smooth muscle cell (SMCs) membrane ionic currents that could result from this type of heavy metal poisoning. In SMCs isolated from cobalt-treated guinea-pig coronaries, K+ channel currents (IK) were much smaller than those in cells isolated from non-treated animals. Haemin (HO substrate) increased IK concentration dependently. This effect was mimicked by 1% CO and was abolished by pretreatment of cells with a competitive HO inhibitor, by inhibitors of guanylyl cyclase, protein kinase G or phospholipase C, as well as by blocking inositol trisphosphate-dependent Ca release, or sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase, or by bathing cells in Ca-free external solution. Expression of the Na/Ca exchanger-1 (NCX-1) protein was reduced substantially in SMCs from coronary arteries of cobalt-treated animals. No expression of HO-1 was detected. It is concluded that acute cobalt poisoning in vivo depresses Ca-sensitive K currents via CO-dependent modulation of intracellular calcium availability, most probably by suppressing the expression of NCX-1 protein.

Sodium channels are required during in vivo sodium chloride hyperosmolarity to stimulate increase in intestinal endothelial nitric oxide production

NaCl hyperosmolarity increases intestinal blood flow during food absorption due in large part to increased NO production. We hypothesized that in vivo, sodium ions enter endothelial cells during NaCl hyperosmolarity as the first step to stimulate an increase in intestinal endothelial NO production. Perivascular NO concentration ([NO]) and blood flow were determined in the in vivo rat intestinal microvasculature at rest and under hyperosmotic conditions, 330 and 380 mosM, respectively, before and after application of bumetanide (Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) cotransporter inhibitor) or amiloride (Na(+)/H(+) exchange channel inhibitor). Suppressing amiloride-sensitive Na(+)/H(+) exchange channels diminished hypertonicity-linked increases in vascular [NO], whereas blockade of Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) channels greatly suppressed increases in vascular [NO] and intestinal blood flow. In additional experiments we examined the effect of sodium ion entry into endothelial cells. We proposed that the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger extrudes Na(+) in exchange for Ca(2+), thereby leading to the calcium-dependent activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We blocked the activity of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger during 360 mosM NaCl hyperosmolarity with KB-R7943; complete blockade of increased vascular [NO] and intestinal blood flow to hyperosmolarity occurred. These results indicate that during NaCl hyperosmolarity, sodium ions enter endothelial cells predominantly through Na(+)-K(+)-2Cl(-) channels. The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger then extrudes Na(+) and increases endothelial Ca(2+). The increase in endothelial Ca(2+) causes an increase in eNOS activity, and the resultant increase in NO increases intestinal arteriolar diameter and blood flow during NaCl hyperosmolarity. This appears to be the major mechanism by which intestinal nutrient absorption is coupled to increased blood flow.