Simultaneous oscillations in the membrane potential of pig coronary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells

Vascular mechanotransduction

This review aims to survey the current state of mechanotransduction in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), including their sensing of mechanical stimuli and transduction of mechanical signals that result in the acute functional modulation and longer-term transcriptomic and epigenetic regulation of blood vessels. The mechanosensors discussed include ion channels, plasma membrane-associated structures and receptors, and junction proteins. The mechanosignaling pathways presented include the cytoskeleton, integrins, extracellular matrix, and intracellular signaling molecules. These are followed by discussions on mechanical regulation of transcriptome and epigenetics, relevance of mechanotransduction to health and disease, and interactions between VSMCs and ECs. Throughout this review, we offer suggestions for specific topics that require further understanding. In the closing section on conclusions and perspectives, we summarize what is known and point out the need to treat the vasculature as a system, including not only VSMCs and ECs but also the extracellular matrix and other types of cells such as resident macrophages and pericytes, so that we can fully understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the blood vessel as a whole, thus enhancing the comprehension, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vascular diseases.

Rat retinal vasomotion assessed by laser speckle imaging

Vasomotion is spontaneous or induced rhythmic changes in vascular tone or vessel diameter that lead to rhythmic changes in flow. While the vascular research community debates the physiological and pathophysiological consequence of vasomotion, there is a great need for experimental techniques that can address the role and dynamical properties of vasomotion in vivo. We apply laser speckle imaging to study spontaneous and drug induced vasomotion in retinal network of anesthetized rats. The results reveal a wide variety of dynamical patterns. Wavelet-based analysis shows that (i) spontaneous vasomotion occurs in anesthetized animals and (ii) vasomotion can be initiated by systemic administration of the thromboxane analogue U-46619 and the nitric-oxide donor S-nitroso-acetylDL-penicillamine (SNAP). Although these drugs activate different cellular pathways responsible for vasomotion, our approach can track the dynamical changes they cause.

Is Vasomotion in Cerebral Arteries Impaired in Alzheimer's Disease?

A substantial body of evidence supports the hypothesis of a vascular component in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cerebral hypoperfusion and blood-brain barrier dysfunction have been indicated as key elements of this pathway. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a cerebrovascular disorder, frequent in AD, characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in cerebral blood vessel walls. CAA is associated with loss of vascular integrity, resulting in impaired regulation of cerebral circulation, and increased susceptibility to cerebral ischemia, microhemorrhages, and white matter damage. Vasomotion— the spontaneous rhythmic modulation of arterial diameter, typically observed in arteries/arterioles in various vascular beds including the brain— is thought to participate in tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery regulation. Vasomotion is impaired in adverse conditions such as hypoperfusion and hypoxia. The perivascular and glymphatic pathways of Aβ clearance are thought to be driven by the systolic pulse. Vasomotion produces diameter changes of comparable amplitude, however at lower rates, and could contribute to these mechanisms of Aβ clearance. In spite of potential clinical interest, studies addressing cerebral vasomotion in the context of AD/CAA are limited. This study reviews the current literature on vasomotion, and hypothesizes potential paths implicating impaired cerebral vasomotion in AD/CAA. Aβ and oxidative stress cause vascular tone dysregulation through direct effects on vascular cells, and indirect effects mediated by impaired neurovascular coupling. Vascular tone dysregulation is further aggravated by cholinergic deficit and results in depressed cerebrovascular reactivity and (possibly) impaired vasomotion, aggravating regional hypoperfusion and promoting further Aβ and oxidative stress accumulation.

Myoendothelial contacts, gap junctions, and microdomains: anatomical links to function?

In several species and in many vascular beds, ultrastructural studies describe close contact sites between the endothelium and smooth muscle of <∼20nm. Such sites are thought to facilitate the local action of signaling molecules and/or the passage of current, as metabolic and electrical coupling conduits between the arterial endothelium and smooth muscle. These sites have the potential for bidirectional communication between the endothelium and smooth muscle, as a key pathway for coordinating vascular function. The aim of this brief review is to summarize the literature on the ultrastructural anatomy and distribution of key components of MECC sites in arteries. In addition to their traditional role of facilitating electrical coupling between the two cell layers, data on the role of MECC sites in arteries, as signaling microdomains involving a spatial localization of channels, receptors and calcium stores are highlighted. Diversity in the density and specific characteristics of MECC sites as signaling microdomains suggests considerable potential for functional diversity within and between arteries in health and disease.

Vasomotion - what is currently thought?

This minireview discusses vasomotion, which is the oscillation in tone of blood vessels leading to flowmotion. We will briefly discuss the prevalence of vasomotion and its potential physiological and pathophysiological relevance. We will also discuss the models that have been suggested to explain how a coordinated oscillatory activity of the smooth muscle tone can occur and emphasize the role of the endothelium, the handling of intracellular Ca(2+) and the role of smooth muscle cell ion conductances. It is concluded that vasomotion is likely to enhance tissue dialysis, although this concept still requires more experimental verification, and that an understanding at the molecular level for the pathways leading to vasomotion is beginning to emerge.

Role of potassium channels in coronary vasodilation

K+ channels in coronary arterial smooth muscle cells (CASMC) determine the resting membrane potential ( Em) and serve as targets of endogenous and therapeutic vasodilators. Em in CASMC is in the voltage range for activation of L-type Ca2+ channels; therefore, when K+ channel activity changes, Ca2+ influx and arterial tone change. This is why both Ca2+ channel blockers and K+ channel openers have such profound effects on coronary blood flow; the former directly inhibits Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels, while the latter indirectly inhibits Ca2+ influx by hyperpolarizing Em and reducing Ca2+ channel activity. K+ channels in CASMC play important roles in vasodilation to endothelial, ischemic and metabolic stimuli. The purpose of this article is to review the types of K+ channels expressed in CASMC, discuss the regulation of their activity by physiological mechanisms and examine impairments related to cardiovascular disease.

Hyperoxia reduces basal release of nitric oxide and contracts porcine coronary arteries

AIM

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether changes in nitric oxide (NO) concentration is involved in hyperoxia-induced vasoconstriction in porcine conduit coronary arteries.

METHODS

The effect of hyperoxia on NO release and vasoconstriction was evaluated by tension recording, microsensor measurements, and immunoblotting in porcine conduit coronary arteries contracted with U46619 or 5-hydroxytryptamine.

RESULTS

In endothelium-intact segments exchanging 20% O2, 5% CO2, 75% N2 (normoxia) for 95% O2, 5% CO2 (hyperoxia) increased contraction. In segments without endothelium hyperoxia-evoked contraction was abolished, but restored by an encircling donor segment with endothelium. An inhibitor of NOS, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, 300 mum), reduced hyperoxic contraction and basal NO concentration by, respectively, 38 +/- 12% and 46 +/- 3% (P < 0.05, n = 9). A NO donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), increased NO concentration and evoked relaxation to the same levels in normoxic and hyperoxic conditions. beta-actin and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression was similar in normoxic and hyperoxic arterial segments. Phosphorylation of eNOS was unaltered in normoxia vs. hyperoxia, but phosphorylation of eNOS-Ser(1177) was increased and phosphorylation of eNOS-Thr(495) decreased by U46619. Blockers of ATP-sensitive, voltage-dependent and calcium-activated K+ channels did not change hyperoxic contraction. However, high extracellular K+ concentration or a second and third exposure to hyperoxia decreased contraction.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides direct evidence that hyperoxia reduces basal release of NO leading to depletable endothelium-dependent vasoconstriction in porcine coronary arteries independent of changes in eNOS phosphorylation.

[Mechanisms underlying enhanced vasodilator responses to various vasodilator agents following endothelium removal in rat mesenteric resistance arteries]

We reported that vasodilator responses to various vasodilator agents were augmented by endothelium removal. To explain this mechanism, we hypothesized that endothelium removal eliminates the release of endothelium-derived contracting factor EDCF, which counteracts the vasodilation. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Therefore the present study investigated the second messenger system further to investigate the mechanisms underlying enhanced vasodilator response after endothelium removal in rat mesenteric resistance arteries. Mesenteric vascular beds isolated from Wistar rats were perfused and perfusion pressure was measured. The vascular endothelium was removed by 30-s perfusion of sodium deoxycholate. Vasodilator responses to sodium nitroprusside (SNP) perfusion were markedly augmented and prolonged by endothelium removal. In preparations with intact endothelium and active tone, 5-min perfusion of sodium azide (non-specific guanylate cyclase (GC) activator), ANP (membrane-linked GC activator), and 8-Br-cGMP (cGMP analogue) caused a concentration-dependent vasodilation that was markedly augmented by endothelium removal. However, vasodilation induced by YC-1 and BAY41-2272 (selective soluble GC activator) was not augmented by endothelium removal. When methylene blue (soluble GC inhibitor) was present in the medium, SNP caused a concentration-dependent vasodilation in the preparation with intact endothelium, which was less augmented by endothelium removal compared with control (preparation without methylene blue). These findings suggest that endothelium removal affects intracellular cGMP-mediated signal transduction system in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Pacemaking through Ca2+ stores interacting as coupled oscillators via membrane depolarization

This study presents an investigation of pacemaker mechanisms underlying lymphatic vasomotion. We tested the hypothesis that active inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R)-operated Ca(2+) stores interact as coupled oscillators to produce near-synchronous Ca(2+) release events and associated pacemaker potentials, this driving action potentials and constrictions of lymphatic smooth muscle. Application of endothelin 1 (ET-1), an agonist known to enhance synthesis of IP(3), to quiescent lymphatic smooth muscle syncytia first enhanced spontaneous Ca(2+) transients and/or intracellular Ca(2+) waves. Larger near-synchronous Ca(2+) transients then occurred leading to global synchronous Ca(2+) transients associated with action potentials and resultant vasomotion. In contrast, blockade of L-type Ca(2+) channels with nifedipine prevented ET-1 from inducing near-synchronous Ca(2+) transients and resultant action potentials, leaving only asynchronous Ca(2+) transients and local Ca(2+) waves. These data were well simulated by a model of lymphatic smooth muscle with: 1), oscillatory Ca(2+) release from IP(3)R-operated Ca(2+) stores, which causes depolarization; 2), L-type Ca(2+) channels; and 3), gap junctions between cells. Stimulation of the stores caused global pacemaker activity through coupled oscillator-based entrainment of the stores. Membrane potential changes and positive feedback by L-type Ca(2+) channels to produce more store activity were fundamental to this process providing long-range electrochemical coupling between the Ca(2+) store oscillators. We conclude that lymphatic pacemaking is mediated by coupled oscillator-based interactions between active Ca(2+) stores. These are weakly coupled by inter- and intracellular diffusion of store activators and strongly coupled by membrane potential. Ca(2+) store-based pacemaking is predicted for cellular systems where: 1), oscillatory Ca(2+) release induces depolarization; 2), membrane depolarization provides positive feedback to induce further store Ca(2+) release; and 3), cells are interconnected. These conditions are met in a surprisingly large number of cellular systems including gastrointestinal, lymphatic, urethral, and vascular tissues, and in heart pacemaker cells.

C-type natriuretic peptide: a new endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor?

Vascular relaxation mediated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) is important for resistance artery function and is underpinned by hyperpolarization of the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessel wall. Debate surrounds the identity of EDHF and its mechanism of action, with the consensus being that there is no universal EDHF. Regional differences in vascular function reflect the complex mechanisms of EDHF. Two primary mechanistic pathways are implicated: (i) myoendothelial gap junctions mediating the spread of endothelial cell hyperpolarization or small signaling molecules (or both) to the smooth muscle; and (ii) diffusible mediators released from the endothelium, including K+ and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Here, we discuss the evidence for and against C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), the latest candidate for a diffusible mediator.

Reduced hyperpolarization in endothelial cells of rabbit aortic valve following chronic nitroglycerine administration

This study was undertaken to determine whether long-term in vivo administration of nitroglycerine (NTG) downregulates the hyperpolarization induced by acetylcholine (ACh) in aortic valve endothelial cells (AVECs) of the rabbit and, if so, whether antioxidant agents can normalize this downregulated hyperpolarization. ACh (0.03-3 microM) induced a hyperpolarization through activations of both apamin- and charybdotoxin-sensitive Ca2+-activated K+ channels (K(Ca)) in rabbit AVECs. The intermediate-conductance K(Ca) channel (IK(Ca)) activator 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO, 0.3 mM) induced a hyperpolarization of the same magnitude as ACh (3 microM). The ACh-induced hyperpolarization was significantly weaker, although the ACh-induced [Ca2+]i increase was unchanged, in NTG-treated rabbits (versus NTG-untreated control rabbits). The hyperpolarization induced by 1-EBIO was also weaker in NTG-treated rabbits. The reduced ACh-induced hyperpolarization seen in NTG-treated rabbits was not modified by in vitro application of the superoxide scavengers Mn-TBAP, tiron or ascorbate, but it was normalized when ascorbate was coadministered with NTG in vivo. Superoxide production within the endothelial cell (estimated by ethidium fluorescence) was increased in NTG-treated rabbits and this increased production was normalized by in vivo coadministration of ascorbate with the NTG. It is suggested that long-term in vivo administration of NTG downregulates the ACh-induced hyperpolarization in rabbit AVECs, possibly through chronic actions mediated by superoxide.

Homocysteine inhibits store-mediated calcium entry in human endothelial cells: evidence for involvement of membrane potential and actin cytoskeleton

The role of homocysteine for store-operated calcium influx was investigated in human umbilical cord endothelial cell line. Homocysteine significantly decreased thapsigargin-evoked Ca2+ entry, membrane hyperpolarization and actin polymerization. GSH and DTT prevented homocysteine-induced inhibition of thapsigargin-evoked Ca2+ entry, membrane hyperpolarization and actin polymerization; while GSSG had the opposite effect. Homocysteine blocked large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK(Ca)) channels in a concentration-dependent manner and related to the redox status of the endothelial cells. BK(Ca) channels opener NS1619 reversed thapsigargin-evoked Ca2+ entry, membrane hyperpolarization and actin polymerization; BK(Ca) channels inhibitor iberiotoxin had the opposite effect. The findings suggest that homocysteine is involved in store-regulated Ca2+ entry through membrane potential-dependent and actin cytoskeleton-dependent mechanisms, redox status of homocysteine and BK(Ca) channels may play a regulatory role in it.

Endothelium-dependent smooth muscle hyperpolarization: do gap junctions provide a unifying hypothesis?

An endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) that is distinct from nitric oxide (NO) and prostanoids has been widely hypothesized to hyperpolarize and relax vascular smooth muscle following stimulation of the endothelium by agonists. Candidates as diverse as K(+) ions, eicosanoids, hydrogen peroxide and C-type natriuretic peptide have been implicated as the putative mediator, but none has emerged as a 'universal EDHF'. An alternative explanation for the EDHF phenomenon is that direct intercellular communication via gap junctions allows passive spread of agonist-induced endothelial hyperpolarization through the vessel wall. In some arteries, eicosanoids and K(+) ions may themselves initiate a conducted endothelial hyperpolarization, thus suggesting that electrotonic signalling may represent a general mechanism through which the endothelium participates in the regulation of vascular tone.

Vasomotion: cellular background for the oscillator and for the synchronization of smooth muscle cells

1. Vasomotion is the oscillation of vascular tone with frequencies in the range from 1 to 20 min(-1) seen in most vascular beds. The oscillation originates in the vessel wall and is seen both in vivo and in vitro. 2. Recently, our ideas on the cellular mechanisms responsible for vasomotion have improved. Three different types of cellular oscillations have been suggested. One model has suggested that oscillatory release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores is important (the oscillation is based on a cytosolic oscillator). A second proposed mechanism is an oscillation originating in the sarcolemma (a membrane oscillator). A third mechanism is based on an oscillation of glycolysis (metabolic oscillator). For the two latter mechanisms, only limited experimental evidence is available. 3. To understand vasomotion, it is important to understand how the cells synchronize. For the cytosolic oscillators synchronization may occur via activation of Ca2+-sensitive ion channels by oscillatory Ca2+ release. The ensuing membrane potential oscillation feeds back on the intracellular Ca2+ stores and causes synchronization of the Ca2+ release. While membrane oscillators in adjacent smooth muscle cells could be synchronized through the same mechanism that sets up the oscillation in the individual cells, a mechanism to synchronize the metabolic-based oscillators has not been suggested. 4. The interpretation of the experimental observations is supported by theoretical modelling of smooth muscle cells behaviour, and the new insight into the mechanisms of vasomotion has the potential to provide tools to investigate the physiological role of vasomotion.

K(+)-induced vasodilation in the rat kidney is dependent on the endothelium and activation of K+ channels

Increased extracellular K+ is reported to cause endothelium-independent vasodilation and K+ has been proposed as an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. However, the endothelium is endowed with K+ channels that may also be responsive to increased K+. We examined the vasodilator effect of bolus administration of 20, 40 and 60 micromol KCl in the rat isolated kidney in which perfusion pressure was elevated with phenylephrine. KCl produced dose-dependent vasodilator responses that were virtually abolished by removal of the endothelium which also abolished the vasodilator effect of bradykinin without affecting that to nitroprusside. The vasodilator effect of KCl was unaffected by inhibition of cyclooxygenase, nitric oxide synthase or cytochrome P450 but reduced by inhibition of K+ channels with tetraethylammonium (TEA). Barium chloride reduced the vasodilator effects of KCl but charybdotoxin/apamin was without effect. These results indicate that KCl results in endothelium-dependent vasodilation that is independent of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins and cytochrome P450 but dependent on activation of endothelial K+ channels.

Homocellular conduction along endothelium and smooth muscle of arterioles in hamster cheek pouch: unmasking an NO wave

We investigated roles for homocellular (endothelium or smooth muscle) and heterocellular (myoendothelial) conduction pathways along hamster cheek pouch arterioles in vivo (n=64; diameter, 33+/-1 microm). Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasoactive agents were delivered from micropipettes (0.5 or 1 second pulse) onto an arteriole while observing diameter changes at defined distances along the vessel. Acetylcholine (ACh) produced maximal diameter (63+/-1 microm) locally and vasodilation conducted rapidly ( approximately 10 microm response at 2 mm, <1 second). Responses to bradykinin (BK) were similar, whereas sodium nitroprusside produced maximal dilation locally without conduction. KCl evoked biphasic conduction of vasoconstriction and vasodilation, whereas phenylephrine (PE) produced conducted vasoconstriction. Disrupting the integrity of endothelium as a conduction pathway using focal light-dye treatment (LDT) abolished conducted vasodilation to BK and to KCl but not to ACh. Disruption of smooth muscle integrity with LDT abolished conducted vasoconstriction with no effect on conducted vasodilation. After LDT of respective cell layers at sites 1 mm apart, vasodilation to ACh conducted past disrupted smooth muscle or disrupted endothelium, but not beyond both sites in series. The loss of conduction after selective LDT indicates a lack of effective myoendothelial coupling along the arteriolar wall. During NO synthase inhibition (L-NA, 100 micromol/L), conducted vasodilation was abolished to BK and to KCl yet remained intact to ACh. However, after LDT of smooth muscle, L-NA inhibited conduction to ACh by 60%. Thus, conduction of vasodilation entails a wave of NO release along arteriolar endothelium that is masked when smooth muscle provides a parallel conduction pathway.

Selective blockade of endothelial Ca2+-activated small- and intermediate-conductance K+-channels suppresses EDHF-mediated vasodilation

1. Activation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+)-channels (K(Ca)) has been suggested to play a key role in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated vasodilation. However, due to the low selectivity of commonly used K(Ca)-channel blockers it is still elusive which endothelial K(Ca)-subtypes mediate hyperpolarization and thus initiate EDHF-mediated vasodilation. 2. Using the non-cytochrome P450 blocking clotrimazole-derivatives, 1-[(2-chlorophenyl) diphenylmethyl]-1H-pyrazole (TRAM-34) and 2-(2-chlorophenyl)-2,2-diphenylacetonitrile (TRAM-39) as highly selective IK1-inhibitors, we investigated the role of the intermediate-conductance K(Ca) (rIK1) in endothelial hyperpolarization and EDHF-mediated vasodilation. 3. Expression and function of rIK1 and small-conductance K(Ca) (rSK3) were demonstrated in situ in single endothelial cells of rat carotid arteries (CA). rIK1-currents were blocked by TRAM-34 or TRAM-39, while rSK3 was blocked by apamin. In current-clamp experiments, endothelial hyperpolarization in response to acetylcholine was abolished by the combination of apamin and TRAM-34. 4. In phenylephrine-preconstricted CA, acetylcholine-induced NO and prostacyclin-independent vasodilation was almost completely blocked by ChTX, CLT, TRAM-34, or TRAM-39 in combination with the SK3-blocker apamin. Apamin, TRAM-34, and CLT alone or sulphaphenzole, a blocker of the cytochrome P450 isoform 2C9, were ineffective in blocking the EDHF-response. 5. In experiments without blocking NO and prostacyclin synthesis, the combined blockade of SK3 and IK1 reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation. 6. In conclusion, the use of selective IK1-inhibitors together with the SK3-blocker apamin revealed that activation of both K(Ca), rIK1 and rSK3 is crucial in mediating endothelial hyperpolarization and generation of the EDHF-signal while the cytochrome P450 pathway seems to play a minor or no role in rat CA.

Smooth muscle membrane potential modulates endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat basilar artery via myo-endothelial gap junctions

The release of endothelium-derived relaxing factors, such as nitric oxide (NO), is dependent on an increase in intracellular calcium levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) within endothelial cells. Endothelial cell membrane potential plays a critical role in the regulation of [Ca(2+)](i) in that calcium influx from the extracellular space is dependent on membrane hyperpolarization. In this study, the effect of inhibition of vascular smooth muscle delayed rectifier K(+) (K(DR)) channels by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat basilar artery to acetylcholine (ACh) was assessed. ACh-evoked endothelium-dependent relaxations were inhibited by N-(Omega)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) or 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), confirming a role for NO and guanylyl cyclase. 4-AP (300 microM) also suppressed ACh-induced relaxation, with the maximal response reduced from approximately 92 to approximately 33 % (n = 11; P < 0.01). However, relaxations in response to exogenous NO, applied in the form of authentic NO, sodium nitroprusside or diethylamineNONOate (DEANONOate), were not affected by 4-AP treatment (n = 3-11). These data are not consistent with the view that 4-AP-sensitive K(DR) channels are mediators of vascular hyperpolarization and relaxation in response to endothelium-derived NO. Inhibition of ACh-evoked relaxation by 4-AP was reversed by pinacidil (0.5-1 microM; n = 5) or 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid (18betaGA; 5 microM; n = 5), indicating that depolarization and electrical coupling of the smooth muscle to the endothelium were involved. 4-AP caused depolarization of both endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells of isolated segments of basilar artery (mean change 11 +/- 1 and 9 +/- 2 mV, respectively; n = 15). Significantly, 18betaGA almost completely prevented the depolarization of endothelial cells (n = 6), but not smooth muscle cells (n = 6) by 4-AP. ACh-induced hyperpolarization of endothelium and smooth muscle cells was also reduced by 4-AP, but this inhibition was not observed in the combined presence of 4-AP and 18betaGA. These data indicate that 4-AP can induce an indirect inhibition of endothelium-dependent relaxation in the rat basilar artery by electrical coupling of smooth muscle membrane depolarization to the endothelium via myo-endothelial gap junctions.

Differential activation of ion channels by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)- and ryanodine-sensitive calcium stores in rat basilar artery vasomotion

Spontaneous, rhythmical contractions, or vasomotion, can be recorded from cerebral vessels under both normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Using electrophysiology to study changes in membrane potential, the ratiometric calcium indicator Fura-2 AM to study changes in [Ca(2+)](i) in both the arterial wall and in individual smooth muscle cells (SMCs), and video microscopy to study changes in vessel diameter, we have investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying vasomotion in the juvenile rat basilar artery. During vasomotion, rhythmical oscillations in both membrane potential and [Ca(2+)](i) were found to precede rhythmical contractions. Nifedipine depolarized SMCs and abolished rhythmical contractions and depolarizations. [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in the arterial wall became reduced and irregular, while [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations in adjacent SMCs were no longer synchronized. BAPTA-AM, thapsigargin and U73122 hyperpolarized SMCs, relaxed the vessel, decreased basal calcium levels and abolished vasomotion. Chloride substitution abolished rhythmical activity, depolarized SMCs, increased basal calcium levels and constricted the vessel, while niflumic acid and DIDS abolished vasomotion. Ryanodine, charybdotoxin and TRAM-34, but not iberiotoxin, 4-aminopyridine or apamin, each depolarized SMCs and increased the frequency of rhythmical depolarizations and [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations. We conclude that vasomotion in the basilar artery depends on the release of intracellular calcium from IP(3) (inositol 1,4,5,-trisphosphate)-sensitive stores which activates calcium-dependent chloride channels to depolarize SMCs. Depolarization in turn activates voltage-dependent calcium channels, synchronizing contractions of adjacent cells through influx of extracellular calcium. Subsequent calcium-induced calcium release from ryanodine-sensitive stores activates an intermediate conductance potassium channel, hyperpolarizing the SMCs and providing a negative feedback pathway for regeneration of the contractile cycle.

Myoendothelial electrical coupling in arteries and arterioles and its implications for endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor

1. Considerable progress has been made over the past decade in evaluating the presence of electrical coupling between the endothelial and smooth muscle layers of blood vessels, prompted, in part, by ultrastructural evidence for the presence of myoendothelial junctions. 2. In a variety of vessels ranging in size from conduit arteries down to small arterioles, action potentials have been recorded from endothelial cells that were associated with constriction of the vessels and/or occurred in synchrony with and were indistinguishable from action potentials recorded from the smooth muscle. From these results, it is now firmly established that myoendothelial electrical coupling occurs in at least some blood vessels. 3. Spread of hyperpolarizing current from the endothelium to the smooth muscle is the most likely explanation of the smooth muscle hyperpolarization attributed to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. Because this hyperpolarization can evoke considerable relaxation of the smooth muscle, myoendothelial electrical coupling has important implications for endothelial regulation of the contractile activity of blood vessels.

Voltage independence of vasomotion in isolated irideal arterioles of the rat

The cellular mechanisms underlying vasomotion of irideal arterioles from juvenile rats have been studied using electrophysiological methods, ratiometric calcium measurements and video microscopy. Vasomotion was not affected by removal of the endothelium. Spontaneous contractions were preceded by spontaneous depolarizations. Both were abolished by the intracellular calcium chelator, BAPTA AM (20 microM), but not by ryanodine (10 microM), suggesting a dependence on the cyclical release of calcium from intracellular stores, other than those operated by ryanodine receptors. Oscillations were little changed when the membrane potential of short segments of arteriole was either depolarized or hyperpolarized. When the segments were voltage clamped, oscillating inward currents were recorded, indicating that the changes in membrane potential were voltage independent. Vasomotion was preceded by intracellular calcium oscillations and both were abolished by inhibitors of phospholipase C (U73122, 10 microM), phospholipase A(2) (AACOCF(3), 30 microM) and protein kinase C (chelerythrine chloride, 5 microM, and myristoylated protein kinase C peptide, 10 microM). Inhibition of vasomotion by the dual lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, NDGA (10 microM), the lipoxygenase inhibitor, ETI (1 microM) but not by the cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors, aspirin (10 microM) and indomethacin (10 microM), or the cytochrome P450 inhibitor 17-ODYA (10 microM), suggested an involvement of the lipoxygenase pathway. The observations suggest that vasomotion of iris arterioles is voltage independent and results from the cyclical release of calcium from IP(3)-sensitive stores which are activated by cross talk between the phospholipase C and phospholipase A(2) pathways in vascular smooth muscle.

Signal transduction of physiological concentrations of vasopressin in A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells. A role for PYK2 and tyrosine phosphorylation of K+ channels in the stimulation of Ca2+ spiking

The signal transduction pathway linking physiological concentrations of [Arg(8)]vasopressin (AVP) to an increase in frequency of Ca(2+) spiking was examined in confluent cultures of A7r5 vascular smooth muscle cells. Immunoprecipitation/Western blot studies revealed a robust increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, PYK2, in A7r5 cells treated with 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or ionomycin. 100 pm AVP also induced PYK2 tyrosine phosphorylation, and this effect was inhibited by protein kinase C inhibitors Ro-31-8220 (1-10 microm) or chelerythrine chloride (1-20 microm). In fura-2-loaded A7r5 cells, the stimulation of Ca(2+) spiking by 100 pm AVP or 1 nm 4beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate was completely blocked by PP2 (10 microm, a Src family kinase inhibitor). Salicylate (20 mm, recently identified as a PYK2 inhibitor) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, tyrphostin A47 (50 microm), but not its inactive analog, tyrphostin A63, also blocked AVP-stimulated Ca(2+) spiking. PYK2 phosphorylation was inhibited by both PP2 and salicylate, whereas tyrphostin A47 failed to inhibit PYK2 tyrosine phosphorylation. ERK1/2 kinases did not appear to be involved because 1) 100 pm AVP did not appreciably increase ERK1/2 phosphorylation and U-0126 (2.5 microm) did not inhibit AVP-stimulated Ca(2+) spiking; and 2) epidermal growth factor (10 nm) robustly stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation but did not induce Ca(2+) spiking. Delayed rectifier K(+) channels may mediate the PYK2 activity because Kv1.2 channel protein co-immunoprecipitated with PYK2 and tyrosine phosphorylation of Kv1.2 was stimulated by AVP and inhibited by Ro-31-8220, PP2, and salicylate but not tyrphostin A47. Our findings are consistent with a role for PYK2 and phosphorylation of K(+) channels in the stimulation of Ca(2+) spiking by physiological concentrations of AVP.

Glycyrrhetinic derivatives inhibit hyperpolarization in endothelial cells of guinea pig and rat arteries

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives have been used to implicate gap junctions in vasorelaxation attributed to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). The aim of this study was to assess whether GA compounds affect endothelial cell hyperpolarization. Membrane potentials were recorded from dye-identified endothelial and smooth muscle cells of guinea pig coronary and rat mesenteric arteries. GA derivatives had varied effects on the resting membrane potential: depolarization, hyperpolarization, or no effect, depending on the artery. 18alpha-GA (50 microM) had a small variable effect on ACh-induced hyperpolarizations in endothelial cells. 18beta-GA (30 microM) and carbenoxolone (100 microM) significantly reduced ACh-induced hyperpolarizations in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscle action potentials in rat tail arteries were smaller and slower in the presence of 18beta-GA. Nerve-induced excitatory junction potentials were inhibited by 18beta-GA and carbenoxolone, whereas the time course of their decay initially increased and then decreased. In conclusion, the GA compounds had a range of effects. Their inhibition of the EDHF hyperpolarization and relaxation in the smooth muscle may stem from the inhibition of endothelial cell hyperpolarization.

Role of smooth muscle cells on endothelial cell cytosolic free calcium in porcine coronary arteries

We tested the hypothesis that the cytosolic free calcium concentration in endothelial cells is under the influence of the smooth muscle cells in the coronary circulation. In the left descending branch of porcine coronary arteries, cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was estimated by determining the fluorescence ratio of two calcium probes, fluo 4 and fura red, in smooth muscle and endothelial cells using confocal microscopy. Acetylcholine and potassium, which act directly on smooth muscle cells to increase [Ca(2+)](i), were found to indirectly elevate [Ca(2+)](i) in endothelial cells; in primary cultures of endothelial cells, neither stimulus affected [Ca(2+)](i), yet substance P increased the fluorescence ratio twofold. In response to acetylcholine and potassium, isometric tension developed by arterial strips with intact endothelium was attenuated by up to 22% (P < 0.05) compared with strips without endothelium. These findings suggest that stimuli that increase smooth muscle [Ca(2+)](i) can indirectly influence endothelial cell function in porcine coronary arteries. Such a pathway for negative feedback can moderate vasoconstriction and diminish the potential for vasospasm in the coronary circulation.

Impaired hyperpolarization in regenerated endothelium after balloon catheter injury

Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (K(Ca)) channels control endothelial Ca(2+) homeostasis and the formation of vasodilators. After angioplasty, dysfunction of the regenerated endothelium leads to abnormal vasoregulation. In this study, we tested the expression and function of K(Ca) channels in regenerated endothelium at 6 weeks after balloon catheter injury of rat carotid arteries (CAs) by using single-cell reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, patch-clamp techniques, and analysis of vasoreactivity. In single regenerated endothelial cells (ECs), the percentage of ECs expressing the K(Ca) genes, rSK3 (12+/-8%) and rIK1 (22+/-9%), was significantly lower compared with the percentage of native ECs expressing these genes (rSK3 58+/-8%, rIK1 64+/-10%). In patch-clamp experiments, K(Ca) currents and acetylcholine-induced hyperpolarization were markedly reduced in regenerated ECs (shift of membrane potential -6+/-3 mV) compared with those in native ECs (shift of membrane potential -21+/-5 mV). In pressure myograph experiments, acetylcholine-induced dilation was impaired in reendothelialized CAs compared with normal CAs. Intraluminal application of the K(Ca) blocker apamin and charybdotoxin inhibited dilation by 30% in normal CAs but was without effect in reendothelialized CAs. Intraluminal application of 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (100 micromol/L), an opener of K(Ca) channels, evoked dilation by 29% in normal CAs but had no effect in reendothelialized CAs. In conclusion, the impaired expression of K(Ca) channels in regenerated endothelium results in defective hyperpolarization and impaired dilation. Thus, the impaired K(Ca) channel function contributes to functional alterations of regenerated endothelium after angioplasty.

EDHF is not K+ but may be due to spread of current from the endothelium in guinea pig arterioles

Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-attributed hyperpolarizations and relaxations were recorded simultaneously from submucosal arterioles of guinea pigs with the use of intracellular microelectrodes and a video-based system, respectively. Membrane currents were recorded from electrically short segments of arterioles under single-electrode voltage clamp. Substance P evoked an outward current with a current-voltage relationship that was well described by the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation for a K+ current, consistent with the involvement of intermediate- and small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels. 1-Ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone relaxed the arterioles and evoked hyperpolarizations that were blocked by charybdotoxin, but not by iberiotoxin. Application of K+induced depolarization under conditions in which EDHF evoked hyperpolarization. The Ba2+-sensitive component of the K+-induced current was inwardly rectifying, in contrast to the outwardly rectifying current evoked by substance P. EDHF-attributed hyperpolarizations in dye-identified smooth muscle cells were indistinguishable from those recorded from dye-identified endothelial cells in the same arterioles. These results provide evidence that EDHF is not K+ but may involve electrotonic spread of hyperpolarization from the endothelial cells to the smooth muscle cells.

K+ currents underlying the action of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor in guinea-pig, rat and human blood vessels

Membrane currents attributed to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) were recorded in short segments of submucosal arterioles of guinea-pigs using single microelectrode voltage clamp. The functional responses of arterioles and human subcutaneous, rat hepatic and guinea-pig coronary arteries were also assessed as changes in membrane potential recorded simultaneously with contractile activity. The current-voltage (I-V) relationship for the conductance due to EDHF displayed outward rectification with little voltage dependence. Components of the current were blocked by charybdotoxin (30-60 nM) and apamin (0.25-0.50 microM), which also blocked hyperpolarization and prevented EDHF-induced relaxation. The EDHF-induced current was insensitive to Ba2+ (20-100 microM) and/or ouabain (1 microM to 1 mM). In human subcutaneous arteries and guinea-pig coronary arteries and submucosal arterioles, the EDHF-induced responses were insensitive to Ba2+ and/or ouabain. Increasing [K+]o to 11-21 mM evoked depolarization under conditions in which EDHF evoked hyperpolarization. Responses to ACh, sympathetic nerve stimulation and action potentials were indistinguishable between dye-labelled smooth muscle and endothelial cells in arterioles. Action potentials in identified endothelial cells were always associated with constriction of the arterioles. 18beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid (30 microM) and carbenoxolone (100 microM) depolarized endothelial cells by 31 +/- 6 mV (n = 7 animals) and 33 +/- 4 mV (n = 5), respectively, inhibited action potentials in smooth muscle and endothelial cells and reduced the ACh-induced hyperpolarization of endothelial cells by 56 and 58 %, respectively. Thus, activation of outwardly rectifying K+ channels underlies the hyperpolarization and relaxation due to EDHF. These channels have properties similar to those of intermediate conductance (IKCa) and small conductance (SKCa) Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Strong electrical coupling between endothelial and smooth muscle cells implies that these two layers function as a single electrical syncytium. The non-specific effects of glycyrrhetinic acid precludes its use as an indicator of the involvement of gap junctions in EDHF-attributed responses. These conclusions are likely to apply to a variety of blood vessels including those of humans.

Electrical coupling between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in hamster feed arteries: role in vasomotor control

Endothelial cells (ECs) govern smooth muscle cell (SMC) tone via the release of paracrine factors (eg, NO and metabolites of arachidonic acid). We tested the hypothesis that ECs can promote SMC relaxation or contraction via direct electrical coupling. Vessels (resting diameter, 57+/-3 microm; length, 4 mm) were isolated, cannulated, and pressurized (75 mm Hg; 37 degrees C). Two microelectrodes were used to simultaneously impale 2 cells (ECs or SMCs) in the vessel wall separated by 500 microm. Impalements of one EC and one SMC (n=26) displayed equivalent membrane potentials at rest, during spontaneous oscillations, and during hyperpolarization and vasodilation to acetylcholine. Injection of -0.8 nA into an EC caused hyperpolarization ( approximately 5 mV) and relaxation of SMCs (dilation, approximately 5 microm) along the vessel segment. In a reciprocal manner, +0.8 nA caused depolarization ( approximately 2 mV) of SMCs with constriction ( approximately 2 microm). Current injection into SMCs while recording from ECs produced similar results. We conclude that ECs and SMCs are electrically coupled to each other in these vessels, such that electrical signals conducted along the endothelium can be directly transmitted to the surrounding smooth muscle to evoke vasomotor responses.

Incidence of myoendothelial gap junctions in the proximal and distal mesenteric arteries of the rat is suggestive of a role in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated responses

Although the chemical nature of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) remains elusive, electrophysiological evidence exists for electrical communication between smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells suggesting that electrotonic propagation of hyperpolarization may explain the failure to identify a single chemical factor as EDHF. Anatomical evidence for myoendothelial gap junctions, or the sites of electrical coupling, is, however, rare. In the present study, serial-section electron microscopy and reconstruction techniques have been used to examine the incidence of myoendothelial gap junctions in the proximal and distal mesenteric arteries of the rat where EDHF responses have been reported to vary. Myoendothelial gap junctions were found to be very small in the mesenteric arteries, the majority being <100 nm in diameter. In addition, they were significantly more common in the distal compared with the proximal regions of this arterial bed. Pentalaminar gap junctions between adjacent endothelial cells were much larger and were common in both proximal and distal mesenteric arteries. These latter junctions were frequently found near the myoendothelial gap junctions. These results provide the first evidence for the presence of sites for electrical communication between endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells in the mesenteric vascular bed. Furthermore, the relative incidence of these sites suggests that there may be a relationship between the activity of EDHF and the presence of myoendothelial gap junctions.

Integration of non-linear cellular mechanisms regulating microvascular perfusion

It is becoming increasingly evident that interactions between the different cell types present in the vessel wall and the physical forces that result from blood flow are highly complex. This short article will review evidence that irregular fluctuations in vascular resistance are generated by non-linearity in the control mechanisms intrinsic to the smooth muscle cell and can be classified as chaotic. Non-linear systems theory has provided insights into the mechanisms involved at the cellular level by allowing the identification of dominant control variables and the construction of one-dimensional iterative maps to model vascular dynamics. Experiments with novel peptide inhibitors of gap junctions have shown that the coordination of aggregate responses depends on direct intercellular communication. The sensitivity of chaotic trajectories to perturbation may nevertheless generate a high degree of variability in the response to pharmacological interventions and altered perfusion conditions.

Mechanisms underlying spontaneous rhythmical contractions in irideal arterioles of the rat

1. Mechanisms underlying spontaneous rhythmical contractions have been studied in irideal arterioles of the rat using video microscopy and electrophysiology. 2. Rhythmical contractions (4 min-1) were more common during the second and third postnatal weeks and were always preceded by large, slow depolarizations (5-40 mV). 3. Spontaneous contractions were unaffected by tetrodotoxin (1 microM), neurotransmitter receptor antagonists, the sympathetic neurone blocker, guanethidine (5 microM) or sensory neurotoxin, capsaicin (1 microM). 4. Stimulation of sensory nerves inhibited spontaneous activity and this was not prevented by L-NAME (10 microm). 5. L-NAME (10 microm) caused an increase in frequency of spontaneous contractions, while forskolin (30 nM), in the presence of L-NAME, abolished spontaneous, but not nerve-mediated, contractions. 6. Spontaneous activity was not affected by felodipine (1 nM) or nifedipine (1 microM), but was abolished by cadmium chloride (1 microM) or superfusion with calcium-free solution. 7. Caffeine (1 mM), thapsigargin (2 microM) and cyclopiazonic acid (3 microM), but not ryanodine (3 microM), abolished spontaneous and nerve-mediated contractions. After preincubation in L-NAME (10 microM), cyclopiazonic acid abolished spontaneous contractions only. 8. Spontaneous depolarizations and contractions were abolished by 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (20 microM). 9. Results suggest that spontaneous rhythmical contractions are myogenic and result from the cyclical release of calcium from intracellular stores, without a contribution from voltage-dependent calcium channels. Intercellular coupling through gap junctions appears to be essential for co-ordination of these events which could be modulated by nitric oxide and increases in cAMP. The possibility that different intracellular stores underly spontaneous and nerve-mediated contractions is discussed.

Voltage-dependent K(+) current in capillary endothelial cells isolated from guinea pig heart

Capillary fragments were isolated from guinea pig hearts, and their electrical properties were studied using the perforated-patch and cell-attached mode of the patch-clamp technique. A voltage-dependent K(+) current was discovered that was activated at potentials positive to -20 mV and showed a sigmoid rising phase. For depolarizing voltage steps from -128 to +52 mV, the time to peak was 71 +/- 5 ms (mean +/- SE) and the amplitude of the current was 3.7 +/- 0.5 pA/pF in the presence of 5 mM external K(+). The time course of inactivation was exponential with a time constant of 7.2 +/- 0.5 s at +52 mV. The current was blocked by tetraethylammonium (inhibitory constant approximately 3 mM) but was not affected by charybdotoxin (1 microM) or apamin (1 microM). In the cell-attached mode, depolarization-activated single-channel currents were found that inactivated completely within 30 s; the single-channel conductance was 12.3 +/- 2.4 pS. The depolarization-activated K(+) current described here may play a role in membrane potential oscillations of the endothelium.

Tension oscillation in arteries and its abnormality in hypertensive animals

1. The mechanisms of oscillatory contraction of arterial smooth muscle in vitro are discussed. 2. The membrane potential and cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration in smooth muscle cells oscillate in the presence of agonists. 3. The oscillatory change in the membrane potential of smooth muscle cells is related to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. 4. Gap junctions between smooth muscle cells play important roles in the synchronized oscillation of the cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration in this population of cells. 5. Endothelial cells may increase or decrease the tension oscillation of smooth muscle cells. 6. In arteries from hypertensive rats, an increase in membrane excitability and the number of gap junctions between smooth muscle cells and impaired endothelial function are the main factors responsible for the modulation of tension oscillation.

Alteration of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations in porcine coronary arteries with regenerated endothelium

The present study was designed to test the ability of regenerated endothelium to evoke endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations. Hyperpolarizations induced by serotonin and bradykinin were compared in isolated porcine coronary arteries with native or regenerated endothelium, 4 weeks after balloon endothelial denudation. The experiments were performed in the presence of inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase (Nomega-nitro-L-arginine) and cyclooxygenase (indomethacin). The transmembrane potential was measured using conventional glass microelectrodes. Smooth muscle cells from coronary arteries with regenerated endothelium were depolarized in comparison with control coronary arteries from the same hearts. Spontaneous membrane potential oscillations of small amplitude or spikes were observed in some of these arteries but never in arteries with native endothelium. In coronary arteries from control pigs, both serotonin and bradykinin induced concentration-dependent hyperpolarizations. In the presence of ketanserin, 10 micromol/L serotonin induced a transient hyperpolarization in control coronary arteries. Four weeks after balloon denudation, the response to serotonin was normal in arteries with native endothelium, but the hyperpolarization was significantly lower in coronary arteries with regenerated endothelium. In control arteries, the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization obtained with bradykinin (30 nmol/L) was reproducible. Four weeks after balloon denudation, comparable hyperpolarizations were obtained in coronary arteries with native endothelium. By contrast, in arteries with regenerated endothelium, the hyperpolarization to bradykinin became voltage-dependent. In the most depolarized cells, the hyperpolarization to bradykinin was augmented. The changes in resting membrane potential and the alteration in endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations observed in the coronary arteries with regenerated endothelium may contribute to the reduced response to serotonin and the unchanged relaxation to bradykinin described previously.

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and intercellular electrical coupling in guinea-pig mesenteric arterioles

1. Using the conventional whole-cell clamp method, the electrical responses of individual smooth muscle and endothelial cells to acetylcholine (ACh) were observed in multicellular preparations where the two types of cells remained in close apposition. 2. In both types of cells, ACh induced similar hyperpolarizing responses which, when recorded in current clamp mode, had two phases (an initial fast and a second slower phase). 3. After blocking gap junctions, including myoendothelial junctions, with 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, ACh induced an outward current with two phases in voltage-clamped endothelial cells. The outward current appeared around -90 mV and increased linearly with the membrane depolarization. 4. In smooth muscle cells, ACh failed to induce a membrane current after gap junctions had been blocked with 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid. The inhibition of ACh-induced response by 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid was observed using either sharp or patch electrodes. 5. Nominally Ca2+-free solution reduced the initial phase and abolished the second phase of ACh-induced responses of endothelial cells. Both phases were also reduced by charybdotoxin (CTX). 6. Our results indicate that in guinea-pig mesenteric arterioles, ACh hyperpolarizes endothelial cells by activating Ca2+-activated K+ channels which are sensitive to CTX. On the other hand, hyperpolarizing responses detected in smooth muscle cells seem to originate in endothelial cells and conduct to the muscle layer via myoendothelial gap junctions.

Inhibition of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization by endothelial prostanoids in guinea-pig coronary artery

1. In smooth muscle of the circumflex coronary artery of guinea-pig, acetylcholine (ACh, 10(-6) M) produced an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization consisting of two components. An initial component that occurs in the presence of ACh and a slow component that developed after ACh had been withdrawn. Each component of the hyperpolarization was accompanied by an increase in membrane conductance. 2. Indomethacin (5 x 10(-6) M) or diclofenac (10(-6) M), both inhibitors of cyclooxygenase, abolished only the slow hyperpolarization. The initial hyperpolarization was not inhibited by diclofenac nor by nitroarginine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. 3. Both components of the ACh-induced hyperpolarization were abolished in the presence of atropine (10(-6) M) or high-K solution ([K+]0 = 29.4 mM). 4. The interval between ACh-stimulation required to generate an initial hyperpolarization of reproducible amplitude was 20 min or greater, but it was reduced to less than 5 min after inhibiting cyclooxygenase activity. Conditioning stimulation of the artery with substance P (10(-7) M) also caused a long duration (about 20 min) inhibition of the ACh-response. 5. The amplitude of the hyperpolarization generated by Y-26763, a K+-channel opener, was reproducible within 10 min after withdrawal of ACh. 6. Exogenously applied prostacyclin (PGI2) hyperpolarized the membrane and reduced membrane resistance in concentrations over 2.8 x 10(-9)M. 7. At concentrations below threshold for hyperpolarization and when no alteration of membrane resistance occurred, PGI2 inhibited the initial component of the ACh-induced hyperpolarization. 8. It is concluded that endothelial prostanoids, possibly PGI2, have an inhibitory action on the release of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.

Acetylcholine-induced membrane potential changes in endothelial cells of rabbit aortic valve

1. Using a microelectrode technique, acetylcholine (ACh)-induced membrane potential changes were characterized using various types of inhibitors of K+ and Cl- channels in rabbit aortic valve endothelial cells (RAVEC). 2. ACh produced transient then sustained membrane hyperpolarizations. Withdrawal of ACh evoked a transient depolarization. 3. High K+ blocked and low K+ potentiated the two ACh-induced hyperpolarizations. Charybdotoxin (ChTX) attenuated the ACh-induced transient and sustained hyperpolarizations; apamin inhibited only the sustained hyperpolarization. In the combined presence of ChTX and apamin, ACh produced a depolarization. 4. In Ca2+-free solution or in the presence of Co2+ or Ni2+, ACh produced a transient hyperpolarization followed by a depolarization. In BAPTA-AM-treated cells, ACh produced only a depolarization. 5. A low concentration of A23187 attenuated the ACh-induced transient, but not the sustained, hyperpolarization. In the presence of cyclopiazonic acid, the hyperpolarization induced by ACh was maintained after ACh removal; this maintained hyperpolarization was blocked by Co2+. 6. Both NPPB and hypertonic solution inhibited the membrane depolarization seen after ACh washout. Bumetanide also attenuated this depolarization. 7. It is concluded that in RAVEC, ACh produces a two-component hyperpolarization followed by a depolarization. It is suggested that ACh-induced Ca2+ release from the storage sites causes a transient hyperpolarization due to activation of ChTX-sensitive K+ channels and that ACh-activated Ca2+ influx causes a sustained hyperpolarization by activating both ChTX- and apamin-sensitive K+ channels. Both volume-sensitive Cl- channels and the Na+-K+-Cl- cotransporter probably contribute to the ACh-induced depolarization.

Blockade by 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid of intercellular electrical coupling in guinea-pig arterioles

1. Intercellular electrical communication between smooth muscle and endothelial cells was examined in guinea-pig mesenteric arterioles using the whole-cell patch-clamp method. The time course of the current required to impose a 10 mV voltage clamp step was used to determine the extent of electrical coupling between them. Currents recorded from both smooth muscle and endothelial cells relaxed in a multi-exponential manner, indicating the existence of electrical coupling between cells. 2. 18beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid, a gap junction blocker, quickly blocked electrical communication at 40 microM, while neither heptanol nor octanol did so at concentrations of up to 1 mM. 3. In the current clamp mode, repetitive spikes, induced by 10 mM Ba2+ solutions, could be recorded from both kinds of cells. After blocking gap junctions, spikes could only be recorded from the smooth muscle cell layer, indicating that they had been conducted through myoendothelial junctions. 4. In endothelial cells, acetylcholine (ACh, 3 microM) induced hyperpolarizing responses, which had two phases (an initial fast and a second slower phase) in the current clamp condition. This ACh response persisted in the presence of 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid, although this compound seemed to make the membrane slightly leaky. 5. After blocking gap junctions, the membrane potential of a single cell in a multicellular preparation could be well clamped. Thus, 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid may be useful in studying the function of both arteriolar smooth muscle and endothelial cells while they remain located within a multicellular preparation.

Physiological features of visceral smooth muscle cells, with special reference to receptors and ion channels

Visceral smooth muscle cells (VSMC) play an essential role, through changes in their contraction-relaxation cycle, in the maintenance of homeostasis in biological systems. The features of these cells differ markedly by tissue and by species; moreover, there are often regional differences within a given tissue. The biophysical features used to investigate ion channels in VSMC have progressed from the original extracellular recording methods (large electrode, single or double sucrose gap methods), to the intracellular (microelectrode) recording method, and then to methods for recording from membrane fractions (patch-clamp, including cell-attached patch-clamp, methods). Remarkable advances are now being made thanks to the application of these more modern biophysical procedures and to the development of techniques in molecular biology. Even so, we still have much to learn about the physiological features of these channels and about their contribution to the activity of both cell and tissue. In this review, we take a detailed look at ion channels in VSMC and at receptor-operated ion channels in particular; we look at their interaction with the contraction-relaxation cycle in individual VSMC and especially at the way in which their activity is related to Ca2+ movements and Ca2+ homeostasis in the cell. In sections II and III, we discuss research findings mainly derived from the use of the microelectrode, although we also introduce work done using the patch-clamp procedure. These sections cover work on the electrical activity of VSMC membranes (sect. II) and on neuromuscular transmission (sect. III). In sections IV and V, we discuss work done, using the patch-clamp procedure, on individual ion channels (Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Cl-; sect. IV) and on various types of receptor-operated ion channels (with or without coupled GTP-binding proteins and voltage dependent and independent; sect. V). In sect. VI, we look at work done on the role of Ca2+ in VSMC using the patch-clamp procedure, biochemical procedures, measurements of Ca2+ transients, and Ca2+ sensitivity of contractile proteins of VSMC. We discuss the way in which Ca2+ mobilization occurs after membrane activation (Ca2+ influx and efflux through the surface membrane, Ca2+ release from and uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and dynamic changes in Ca2+ within the cytosol). In this article, we make only limited reference to vascular smooth muscle research, since we reviewed the features of ion channels in vascular tissues only recently.

Central role of heterocellular gap junctional communication in endothelium-dependent relaxations of rabbit arteries

1. The contribution of gap junctions to endothelium-dependent relaxation was investigated in isolated rabbit conduit artery preparations pre-constricted by 10 microM phenylephrine (PhE). 2. Acetylcholine (ACh) relaxed the thoracic aorta by approximately 60 % and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) by approximately 90 %. A peptide possessing sequence homology with extracellular loop 2 of connexin 43 (Gap 27, 300 microM) inhibited relaxation by approximately 40 % in both artery types. Gap 27 also attenuated the endothelium-dependent component of the relaxation induced by ATP in thoracic aorta but did not modify force development in response to PhE. 3. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 300 microM), an inhibitor of NO synthase, attenuated ACh-induced relaxation by approximately 90 % in the aorta but only by approximately 40 % in SMA (P < 0.05). Residual L-NAME-insensitive relaxations were almost abolished by 300 microM Gap 27 in aorta and inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion in SMA (approximately 50 % at 100 microM and approximately 80 % at 10 mM). Gap 27 similarly attenuated the endothelium-dependent component of L-NAME-insensitive relaxations to ATP in aorta. 4. Responses to cyclopiazonic acid, which stimulates endothelium-dependent relaxation through a receptor-independent mechanism, were also attenuated by Gap 27, whereas this peptide exerted no effect on the NO-mediated relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside in preparations denuded of endothelium. 5. ACh-induced relaxation of 'sandwich' mounts of aorta or SMA were unaffected by Gap 27 but completely abolished by L-NAME. 6. We conclude that direct heterocellular communication between the endothelium and smooth muscle contributes to endothelium-dependent relaxations evoked by both receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The inhibitory effects of Gap 27 peptide do not involve homocellular communication within the vessel wall or modulation of NO release or action.

Electrical properties of iridial arterioles of the rat

When intracellular recordings were made from iridial arterioles, the cells had membrane potentials of about -65 mV and perivascular nerve stimulation evoked a membrane depolarization. When these cells were labeled with lucifer yellow, all cells that responded to perivascular nerve stimulation had the morphological characteristics of smooth muscle cells. Cells with the morphological characteristics of endothelial cells were never stained. When impaled with two separate recording electrodes, the smooth muscle layer was shown to form an electrical syncytium with a membrane time constant of approximately 80 ms and an electrical length constant of approximately 900 microns. At the ultrastructural level, areas of close apposition were frequently observed between adjacent smooth muscle cells and between adjacent endothelial cells. On the other hand, at contacts between smooth muscle and endothelial cells, the membranes characteristically had much larger separations. The observations show that individual smooth muscle cells are electrically coupled to their neighbors, but the morphological studies raise the possibility that in these arterioles the endothelial and muscle layers are electrically separate.

Functional electrical properties of the endothelium in lymphatic vessels of the guinea-pig mesentery

1. The resting and agonist-stimulated properties of endothelial cells and electrical communication between the endothelium and smooth muscle were investigated in open segments of guinea-pig mesenteric lymphatic vessels using intracellular microelectrodes. 2. Endothelial cells had a mean resting membrane potential (RMP) of -71.5 +/- 0.5 mV (n = 100) which was significantly different from the value of -60.8 +/- 1.1 mV (n = 75) recorded in smooth muscle. 3. Acetylcholine (ACh, 5-10 microM) generally evoked an initial hyperpolarization followed by depolarization (mean 3.4 +/- 0.5 mV and 15.4 +/- 1.0 mV, respectively, n = 75). 4. Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels were likely to underlie the ACh-induced hyperpolarization as this response exhibited an increased in membrane conductance, was larger in 0.5 mM K+ solution and was blocked by charybdotoxin (50 nM). 5. The endothelium did not exhibit a response to nitric oxide (NO) as the NO-donor sodium nitroprusside did not alter the RMP and the electrical responses to ACh were not affected by the NO-synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro L-arginine at a concentration which markedly inhibited smooth muscle hyperpolarization. 6. Electrical coupling between the endothelium and smooth muscle was not functional as there was extremely limited electrical continuity (1 in 12, endothelial/smooth muscle cell simultaneous recordings) and bradykinin, noradrenaline and isoprenaline caused different electrical responses in the two cell types. 7. These results provide the first description of RMP and electrical responses to various agonists in the lymphatic endothelium and its lack of functional electrical coupling with the smooth muscle.

K+ channels which contribute to the acetylcholine-induced hyperpolarization in smooth muscle of the guinea-pig submucosal arteriole

1. Membrane potentials were recorded from submucosal arterioles (diameter, 30-80 microns) of the guinea-pig small intestine, using conventional microelectrode techniques. In control solution the resting membrane potential was about -73 mV, and the addition of 0.5 mM Ba2+ depolarized the membrane to about -43 mV. 2. ACh (10 nM to 10 microM), or substance P (0.1 microM), caused a membrane hyperpolarization in preparations which had been depolarized by Ba2+ but not in control preparations. ACh produced a sustained hyperpolarization, whereas substance P produced a transient hyperpolarization, without being affected by either nitroarginine (0.1 mM) or indomethacin (10 microM). 3. In the presence of 50 microM BAPTA (acetoxymethyl ester form), the membrane potentials were not altered in the control solution or in the presence of Ba2+, but Ba2+ caused a smooth depolarization of the membrane. Following this procedure, both ACh and substance P caused membrane depolarization instead of hyperpolarization, suggesting that the ACh- and substance P-induced hyperpolarization in arteriolar smooth muscle are intracellular [Ca2+] dependent. 4. In short segments (200-500 microns) of arteriole, the time constant of electrotonic potentials produced by passing current pulses through the recording electrode was about 75 ms. The addition of Ba2+ increased both the input resistance and the time constant. 5. The hyperpolarizations produced by ACh or substance P were associated with a reduction in the amplitude and the time constant of electrotonic potential. 6. The reversal potential for the ACh-induced hyperpolarization, estimated from the current-voltage relationship, was about -86 mV, a value close to the equilibrium potential for K+. 7. In the presence of 50 nM charybdotoxin the hyperpolarization produced by ACh became transient and was reduced in amplitude: the residual response was further reduced by apamin (0.1 microM). The response produced by substance P was also reduced by 50 nM charybdotoxin: again the residual response was sensitive to 0.1 microM apamin. The hyperpolarizations produced by either ACh or substance P were insensitive to glibenclamide (10 microM) and 4-aminopyridine (1 mM). 8. It is suggested that in submucosal arterioles of the guinea-pig ileum, ACh- or substance P-induced hyperpolarizations of smooth muscle result from activation of both charybdotoxin-sensitive and apamin-sensitive K+ channels, with the former being predominant. The results are discussed in relation to the possible involvement of one or more endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factors in ACh- and substance P-induced hyperpolarization.

Porcine aortic endothelial gap junctions: identification and permeation by caged InsP3

Gap junction channels permit the direct intercellular transfer of ions and small molecules and allow electrotonic coupling within tissues. Porcine aortic endothelial cells were extensively coupled, as assessed by gap junctional transfer of Lucifer yellow and the fluorescent calcium indicators fluo-3 and furaptra, but were not permeable to rhodamine B isothiocyanate-dextran 10S. The subunit composition of gap junction channels of porcine aortic endothelial cells was characterised using both northern blot analysis and RT-PCR techniques. Messenger RNA encoding connexins 37 and 43, but not 26, 32 or 40, were found in freshly isolated and cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells. Western blots using antipeptide antibodies raised to unique sequences of connexins 37, 40 and 43 showed the presence of connexins 37 and 43, but no connexin 40 was detected. Immunostaining with anticonnexin 43 antibodies showed extensive punctate fluorescent decoration of contacting membranes, whilst antibodies to connexin 37 showed predominantly intracellular staining. Caged InsP3 was found to readily permeate endothelial gap junctions. These results show that primary cultures of porcine aortic endothelial cells express connexin 37 and 43, and provide strong evidence that the second messenger molecule InsP3 can permeate porcine endothelial gap junctions.

Developmental remodeling of the internal elastic lamina of rabbit arteries: effect of blood flow

We examined remodeling of the internal elastic lamina (IEL) of rabbit arteries from 3 to 23 weeks of age. The IELs were fenestrated at all ages; however, the sizes of the fenestrae increased dramatically during postnatal development. Mean areas occupied by the individual fenestrae of the carotid artery IEL increased from 11.3 +/- 0.7 microns2 in 3-week-old rabbits to 61.2 +/- 5.5 microns2 in adult rabbits. The estimated number of fenestrae per vessel also increased greatly, from 2.68 x 10(5) to 9.27 x 10(5); however, the increased number of fenestrae did not keep pace with growth of the artery, since fenestrae per square millimeter decreased by 26%. Large increases in the size of fenestrae were also observed in the renal and iliac arteries, although greater decreases in fenestrae per square millimeter occurred with age (70% in iliac arteries). Morphological assessments suggested that enlarging fenestrae frequently fuse with neighbors. By contrast with other arteries, the IEL of the abdominal aorta was not a continuous fenestrated sheet in young animals, perhaps reflecting the extensive remodeling that this vessel undergoes in the postnatal period. We decreased common carotid blood flow by 70% in 5 rabbits at 10 weeks of age by ligating the ipsilateral external carotid artery, and we approximately doubled blood flow in 5 others at the same age, by contralateral common carotid ligation. At 15 weeks of age, fenestrae in the artery carrying increased flow were 39% larger than fenestrae in the control artery, whereas fenestrae were 53.5% smaller after 70% decreases in flow (P < .05). We conclude that flow-dependent enlargement of fenestrae contributes to developmental remodeling of the IEL. Remodeling of the IEL may also have important implications for transport of materials and cell-cell communication between the intima and media.

Inwardly rectifying K+ channels in freshly dissociated coronary endothelial cells from guinea-pig heart

1. Inwardly rectifying K+ (IK(IR)) currents of freshly dissociated coronary endothelial cells from guinea-pig heart were investigated with the perforated-patch technique. 2. The whole-cell current-voltage relationship of endothelial cells showed strong inward rectification. Increasing the extracellular K+ resulted in an increase of inward currents. The slope conductance of the cells in the potential range negative to the calculated potassium equilibrium potential (EK) with 5, 60 and 150 mM external potassium was 0.18 +/- 0.14, 0.55 +/- 0.50 and 0.63 +/- 0.29 nS (mean +/- S.D.), respectively. 3. To quantify the steepness of inward rectification, the voltage dependence of the chord conductance of the cells was fitted with a Boltzmann function. The slope factor k describing the steepness of the relationship was 6.8 +/- 1.5 mV. 4. Extracellular barium induced a potential- and time-dependent block of inward currents through endothelial KIR channels. Half-maximum inhibition of IK(IR) currents was achieved with < or = 1 microM barium at a membrane potential of -70 mV in a solution containing 60 mM K+. 5. Whole-cell inward currents revealed the opening and closing of single KIR channels. The single-channel conductance was 26 +/- 3 pS with 60 mM external K+ and 33 +/- 6 pS with 150 mM external K+. 6. Our results suggest that the electrical properties of freshly dissociated endothelial cells are to a large extent determined by five to sixty active strong inwardly rectifying K+ (KIR) channels.

Endothelium-dependent vasodilators do not cause propagated intercellular Ca2+ waves in vascular endothelial monolayers

Local application of a number of vasoactive agents affects vasomotor tone not only downstream to the point of application but also upstream. The mechanism(s) of upstream propagation is unknown. In endothelial cell monolayers, mechanical stimulation of one cell leads to intercellular propagation of increases in endothelial cell (EC) [Ca2+]i. In this study, we tested whether increases in EC [Ca2+]i induced by the local application of the endothelium-dependent vasodilators ATP, bradykinin and acetylcholine could spread across the monolayer. We demonstrate that unlike the response seen to a mechanical stimulus, there was no significant propagation of increases in EC [Ca2+]i levels in response to localized application of these agents. These findings suggest that upstream vasodilation in response to endothelium-dependent vasodilators is not mediated by propagation of EC [Ca2+]i waves and suggest that other electrical or chemical signals are responsible.