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Moccia F, Brunetti V, Soda T, Berra-Romani R, Scarpellino G. Cracking the Endothelial Calcium (Ca 2+) Code: A Matter of Timing and Spacing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16765. [PMID: 38069089 PMCID: PMC10706333 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A monolayer of endothelial cells lines the innermost surface of all blood vessels, thereby coming into close contact with every region of the body and perceiving signals deriving from both the bloodstream and parenchymal tissues. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) is the main mechanism whereby vascular endothelial cells integrate the information conveyed by local and circulating cues. Herein, we describe the dynamics and spatial distribution of endothelial Ca2+ signals to understand how an array of spatially restricted (at both the subcellular and cellular levels) Ca2+ signals is exploited by the vascular intima to fulfill this complex task. We then illustrate how local endothelial Ca2+ signals affect the most appropriate vascular function and are integrated to transmit this information to more distant sites to maintain cardiovascular homeostasis. Vasorelaxation and sprouting angiogenesis were selected as an example of functions that are finely tuned by the variable spatio-temporal profile endothelial Ca2+ signals. We further highlighted how distinct Ca2+ signatures regulate the different phases of vasculogenesis, i.e., proliferation and migration, in circulating endothelial precursors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Valentina Brunetti
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Roberto Berra-Romani
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla 72410, Mexico;
| | - Giorgia Scarpellino
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (V.B.); (G.S.)
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2
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Knighten JM, Aziz T, Pleshinger DJ, Annamdevula N, Rich TC, Taylor MS, Andrews JF, Macarilla CT, Francis CM. Algorithm for biological second messenger analysis with dynamic regions of interest. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284394. [PMID: 37167308 PMCID: PMC10174521 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Physiological function is regulated through cellular communication that is facilitated by multiple signaling molecules such as second messengers. Analysis of signal dynamics obtained from cell and tissue imaging is difficult because of intricate spatially and temporally distinct signals. Signal analysis tools based on static region of interest analysis may under- or overestimate signals in relation to region of interest size and location. Therefore, we developed an algorithm for biological signal detection and analysis based on dynamic regions of interest, where time-dependent polygonal regions of interest are automatically assigned to the changing perimeter of detected and segmented signals. This approach allows signal profiles to be rigorously and precisely tracked over time, eliminating the signal distortion observed with static methods. Integration of our approach with state-of-the-art image processing and particle tracking pipelines enabled the isolation of dynamic cellular signaling events and characterization of biological signaling patterns with distinct combinations of parameters including amplitude, duration, and spatial spread. Our algorithm was validated using synthetically generated datasets and compared with other available methods. Application of the algorithm to volumetric time-lapse hyperspectral images of cyclic adenosine monophosphate measurements in rat microvascular endothelial cells revealed distinct signal heterogeneity with respect to cell depth, confirming the utility of our approach for analysis of 5-dimensional data. In human tibial arteries, our approach allowed the identification of distinct calcium signal patterns associated with atherosclerosis. Our algorithm for automated detection and analysis of second messenger signals enables the decoding of signaling patterns in diverse tissues and identification of pathologic cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Knighten
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Takreem Aziz
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Donald J Pleshinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Naga Annamdevula
- Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Thomas C Rich
- Department of Pharmacology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Mark S Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Joel F Andrews
- Bioimaging Core Facility, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Christian T Macarilla
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
| | - C Michael Francis
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
- Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
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3
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Sánchez-Recillas A, Navarrete-Vázquez G, Hidalgo-Figueroa S, Bonilla-Hernández M, Ortiz-Andrade R, Ibarra-Barajas M, Yáñez-Pérez V, Sánchez-Salgado JC. Pharmacological characterization of the cardiovascular effect of Nibethione: ex vivo, in vivo and in silico studies. J Pharm Pharmacol 2020; 72:1186-1198. [PMID: 32500554 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This work describes the vasorelaxant and antihypertensive effects and the mechanism of action on vascular smooth muscle cells of Nibethione, a synthetic thiazolidinedione derivative. Additionally, evidence of its cytotoxicity is assessed. METHODS Nibethione (NB) was synthesized, and its vasorelaxant effect and mechanism of action were assessed through ex vivo experiments. Molecular docking studies were used to predict the mode of interaction with L-type Ca2+ channel, and in vivo antihypertensive activity was assayed on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The cytotoxicity potential was evaluated in porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs) from primary explants. KEY FINDINGS Nibethione vasorelaxant effect was efficient on KCl (80 mm) and NE-contraction. This effect was deleteriously modified in the presence of potassium channel block drugs, while the maximal contraction induced with NE was significantly decreased by NB; the CaCl2 -induced contraction was abolished entirely. In vivo experiments showed that NB decreased diastolic blood pressure in 20.3 % after its administration on SHR. The molecular docking showed that NB blocks L-type Ca2+ channel, and in vitro tests showed that NB did not produce cytotoxic activity on PAECs (IC50 >1000 µm). CONCLUSIONS Nibethione showed in vivo antihypertensive and ex vivo vasorelaxant effects with implication of voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channel blocking, and this may contribute to the research of novel antihypertensive drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Sánchez-Recillas
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México
| | - Gabriel Navarrete-Vázquez
- Laboratorio de Química Farmacéutica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, México
| | - Sergio Hidalgo-Figueroa
- CONACyT, IPICYT/Consorcio de Investigación, Innovación y Desarrollo para las Zonas Áridas, San Luis Potosí, México
| | | | - Rolffy Ortiz-Andrade
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México
| | - Maximiliano Ibarra-Barajas
- Unidad de Investigación en Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Autónoma de México, Tlalnepantla de Baz, México
| | - Víctor Yáñez-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México
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4
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Piali L, Birker-Robaczewska M, Lescop C, Froidevaux S, Schmitz N, Morrison K, Kohl C, Rey M, Studer R, Vezzali E, Hess P, Clozel M, Steiner B, Bolli MH, Nayler O. Cenerimod, a novel selective S1P 1 receptor modulator with unique signaling properties. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2018; 5. [PMID: 29226621 PMCID: PMC5723703 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1 ) modulators sequester circulating lymphocytes within lymph nodes, thereby preventing potentially pathogenic autoimmune cells from exiting into the blood stream and reaching inflamed tissues. S1P1 receptor modulation may thus offer potential to treat various autoimmune diseases. The first nonselective S1P1-5 receptor modulator FTY720/fingolimod/Gilenya® has successfully demonstrated clinical efficacy in relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. However, cardiovascular, hepatic, and respiratory side-effects were reported and there is a need for novel S1P1 receptor modulators with better safety profiles. Here, we describe the discovery of cenerimod, a novel, potent and selective S1P1 receptor modulator with unique S1P1 receptor signaling properties and absence of broncho- and vasoconstrictor effects ex vivo and in vivo. Cenerimod dose-dependently lowered circulating lymphocyte counts in rats and mice after oral administration and effectively attenuated disease parameters in a mouse experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) model. Cenerimod has potential as novel therapy with improved safety profile for autoimmune diseases with high unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Piali
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Markus Rey
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Studer
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Patrick Hess
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | - Beat Steiner
- Idorsia Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
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Toussaint F, Charbel C, Allen BG, Ledoux J. Vascular CaMKII: heart and brain in your arteries. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2016; 311:C462-78. [PMID: 27306369 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00341.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
First characterized in neuronal tissues, the multifunctional calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a key signaling component in several mammalian biological systems. Its unique capacity to integrate various Ca(2+) signals into different specific outcomes is a precious asset to excitable and nonexcitable cells. Numerous studies have reported roles and mechanisms involving CaMKII in brain and heart tissues. However, corresponding functions in vascular cell types (endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells) remained largely unexplored until recently. Investigation of the intracellular Ca(2+) dynamics, their impact on vascular cell function, the regulatory processes involved and more recently the spatially restricted oscillatory Ca(2+) signals and microdomains triggered significant interest towards proteins like CaMKII. Heteromultimerization of CaMKII isoforms (four isoforms and several splice variants) expands this kinase's peculiar capacity to decipher Ca(2+) signals and initiate specific signaling processes, and thus controlling cellular functions. The physiological functions that rely on CaMKII are unsurprisingly diverse, ranging from regulating contractile state and cellular proliferation to Ca(2+) homeostasis and cellular permeability. This review will focus on emerging evidence of CaMKII as an essential component of the vascular system, with a focus on the kinase isoform/splice variants and cellular system studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Toussaint
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Chimène Charbel
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, Université de Montréal, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce G Allen
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal Quebec, Canada; and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal Quebec, Canada
| | - Jonathan Ledoux
- Research Center, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal Quebec, Canada; and
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6
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Francis M, Xu N, Zhou C, Stevens T. Transient Receptor Potential Channel 4 Encodes a Vascular Permeability Defect and High-Frequency Ca(2+) Transients in Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 186:1701-9. [PMID: 27083517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The canonical transient receptor potential channel 4 (TRPC4) comprises an endothelial store-operated Ca(2+) entry channel, and TRPC4 inactivation confers a survival benefit in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Endothelial Ca(2+) signals mediated by TRPC4 enhance vascular permeability in vitro, but the contribution of TRPC4-dependent Ca(2+) signals to the regulation of endothelial permeability in PAH is poorly understood. We tested the hypothesis that TRPC4 increases vascular permeability and alters the frequency of endothelial Ca(2+) transients in PAH. We measured permeability in isolated lungs, and found that TRPC4 exaggerated permeability responses to thapsigargin in Sugen/hypoxia-treated PAH rats. We compared endothelial Ca(2+) activity of wild-type with TRPC4-knockout rats using confocal microscopy, and evaluated how Ca(2+) signals were influenced in response to thapsigargin and sequential treatment with acetylcholine. We found that thapsigargin-stimulated Ca(2+) signals were increased in PAH, and recovered by TRPC4 inactivation. Store depletion revealed bimodal Ca(2+) responses to acetylcholine, with both short- and long-duration populations. Our results show that TRPC4 underlies an exaggerated endothelial permeability response in PAH. Furthermore, TRPC4 increased the frequency of endothelial Ca(2+) transients in severe PAH, suggesting that TRPC4 provides a Ca(2+) source associated with endothelial dysfunction in the pathophysiology of PAH. This phenomenon represents a new facet of the etiology of PAH, and may contribute to PAH vasculopathy by enabling inflammatory mediator flux across the endothelial barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Francis
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Ningyong Xu
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Chun Zhou
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Troy Stevens
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama; Department of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama.
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7
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Kerr PM, Wei R, Tam R, Sandow SL, Murphy TV, Ondrusova K, Lunn SE, Tran CHT, Welsh DG, Plane F. Activation of endothelial IKCa channels underlies NO-dependent myoendothelial feedback. Vascul Pharmacol 2015; 74:130-138. [PMID: 26362477 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Agonist-induced vasoconstriction triggers a negative feedback response whereby movement of charged ions through gap junctions and/or release of endothelium-derived (NO) limit further reductions in diameter, a mechanism termed myoendothelial feedback. Recent studies indicate that electrical myoendothelial feedback can be accounted for by flux of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) through myoendothelial gap junctions resulting in localized increases in endothelial Ca(2+) to activate intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium (IKCa) channels, the resultant hyperpolarization then conducting back to the smooth muscle to attenuate agonist-induced depolarization and tone. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that activation of IKCa channels underlies NO-mediated myoendothelial feedback. Functional experiments showed that block of IP3 receptors, IKCa channels, gap junctions and transient receptor potential canonical type-3 (TRPC3) channels caused endothelium-dependent potentiation of agonist-induced increase in tone which was not additive with that caused by inhibition of NO synthase supporting a role for these proteins in NO-mediated myoendothelial feedback. Localized densities of IKCa and TRPC3 channels occurred at the internal elastic lamina/endothelial-smooth muscle interface in rat basilar arteries, potential communication sites between the two cell layers. Smooth muscle depolarization to contractile agonists was accompanied by IKCa channel-mediated endothelial hyperpolarization providing the first demonstration of IKCa channel-mediated hyperpolarization of the endothelium in response to contractile agonists. Inhibition of IKCa channels, gap junctions, TRPC3 channels or NO synthase potentiated smooth muscle depolarization to agonists in a non-additive manner. Together these data indicate that rather being distinct pathways for the modulation of smooth muscle tone, NO and endothelial IKCa channels are involved in an integrated mechanism for the regulation of agonist-induced vasoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Kerr
- Faculty of Health and Community Studies, MacEwan University, Robbins Health Learning Centre, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4S2, Canada.
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Raymond Tam
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Shaun L Sandow
- Inflammation and Healing Cluster, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland 4558, Australia.
| | - Timothy V Murphy
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW2052, Australia.
| | - Katarina Ondrusova
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Stephanie E Lunn
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Cam Ha T Tran
- Hotchkiss Brain and Libin Cardiovascular Research Institutes, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, AlbertaT2N-4N1, Canada.
| | - Donald G Welsh
- Hotchkiss Brain and Libin Cardiovascular Research Institutes, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, AlbertaT2N-4N1, Canada.
| | - Frances Plane
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 2H7, Canada; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AlbertaT6G 2H7, Canada.
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8
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Francis M, Waldrup J, Qian X, Taylor MS. Automated analysis of dynamic Ca2+ signals in image sequences. J Vis Exp 2014:51560. [PMID: 24962784 PMCID: PMC4195352 DOI: 10.3791/51560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular Ca(2+) signals are commonly studied with fluorescent Ca(2+) indicator dyes and microscopy techniques. However, quantitative analysis of Ca(2+) imaging data is time consuming and subject to bias. Automated signal analysis algorithms based on region of interest (ROI) detection have been implemented for one-dimensional line scan measurements, but there is no current algorithm which integrates optimized identification and analysis of ROIs in two-dimensional image sequences. Here an algorithm for rapid acquisition and analysis of ROIs in image sequences is described. It utilizes ellipses fit to noise filtered signals in order to determine optimal ROI placement, and computes Ca(2+) signal parameters of amplitude, duration and spatial spread. This algorithm was implemented as a freely available plugin for ImageJ (NIH) software. Together with analysis scripts written for the open source statistical processing software R, this approach provides a high-capacity pipeline for performing quick statistical analysis of experimental output. The authors suggest that use of this analysis protocol will lead to a more complete and unbiased characterization of physiologic Ca(2+) signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Josh Waldrup
- Department of Physiology, University of South Alabama
| | - Xun Qian
- Department of Physiology, University of South Alabama
| | - Mark S Taylor
- Department of Physiology, University of South Alabama;
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9
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Dora KA, Garland CJ. Linking hyperpolarization to endothelial cell calcium events in arterioles. Microcirculation 2013; 20:248-56. [PMID: 23311991 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Our understanding of the relationship between EC membrane potential and Ca(2+) entry has been shaped historically by data from cells in culture. Membrane hyperpolarization was associated with raised cytoplasmic [Ca(2+) ] ascribed to the increase in the inward electrochemical gradient for Ca(2+) , as ECs are generally thought to lack VGCC. Ca(2+) influx was assumed to reflect the presence of an undefined Ca(2+) "leak" channel, although the original research articles with isolated ECs did not elucidate which Ca(2+) influx channel was involved or indeed if a transporter might contribute. Overall, these early studies left many unanswered questions, not least whether a similar mechanism operates in native ECs that are coupled to each other and, in many smaller arteries and arterioles, to the adjacent vascular SMCs via gap junctions. This review discusses whether Ca(2+) leak through constitutively active EC Ca(2+) channels or a more defined, gated pathway might underlie the reported link between enhanced Ca(2+) entry and hyperpolarization. Electrophysiological evidence from ECs in isolation is compared with those in intact arteries and arterioles and the possible physiological relevance of EC Ca(2+) entry driven by hyperpolarization discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Dora
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
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10
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TRPC4 inactivation confers a survival benefit in severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 183:1779-1788. [PMID: 24113457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure with lumen-occluding neointimal and plexiform lesions. Activation of store-operated calcium entry channels promotes contraction and proliferation of lung vascular cells. TRPC4 is a ubiquitously expressed store-operated calcium entry channel, but its role in PAH is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that TRPC4 promotes pulmonary arterial constriction and occlusive remodeling, leading to right ventricular failure in severe PAH. Severe PAH was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats and in wild-type and TRPC4-knockout Fischer 344 rats by a single subcutaneous injection of SU5416 [SU (semaxanib)], followed by hypoxia exposure (Hx; 10% O2) for 3 weeks and then a return to normoxia (Nx; 21% O2) for 3 to 10 additional weeks (SU/Hx/Nx). Although rats of both backgrounds exhibited indistinguishable pulmonary hypertensive responses to SU/Hx/Nx, Fischer 344 rats died within 6 to 8 weeks. Normoxic and hypertensive TRPC4-knockout rats recorded hemodynamic parameters similar to those of their wild-type littermates. However, TRPC4 inactivation conferred a striking survival benefit, due in part to preservation of cardiac output. Histological grading of vascular lesions revealed a reduction in the density of severely occluded small pulmonary arteries and in the number of plexiform lesions in TRPC4-knockout rats. TRPC4 inactivation therefore provides a survival benefit in severe PAH, associated with a decrease in the magnitude of occlusive remodeling.
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11
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Welsh DG, Taylor MS. Cell-cell communication in the resistance vasculature: the past, present, and future. Microcirculation 2012; 19:377-8. [PMID: 22640016 DOI: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2012.00195.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication among neighboring vascular cells plays an important role in blood flow control. In this overview, we highlight a series of expert opinion articles focused on key issues related to the foundational nature and functional importance of electrical and second messenger communication. These manuscripts are written in an opinionated manner to provoke thought and to illuminate new emerging areas of investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald G Welsh
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute & Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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