Endothelin-1-evoked arachidonic acid release: a Ca(2+)-dependent pathway

Alterations in NO/ROS ratio and expression of Trx1 and Prdx2 in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy

The development of cardiac hypertrophy is a complicated process, which undergoes a transition from compensatory hypertrophy to heart failure, and the identification of new biomarkers and targets for this disease is greatly needed. Here we investigated the development of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy in an in vitro experimental model. After the induction of hypertrophy with ISO treatment in H9c2 cells, cell surface area, cell viability, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were tested. Our data showed that the cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and NO/ROS balance varied during the development of cardiac hypertrophy in H9c2 cells. It was also found that the expression of thioredoxin1 (Trx1) and peroxiredoxin2 (Prdx2) was decreased during the cardiac hypertrophy of H9c2 cells. These results suggest a critical role for Trx1 and Prdx2 in the cardiac hypertrophy of H9c2 cells and in the transition from compensated hypertrophy to de-compensated hypertrophy in H9c2 cells, and our findings may have important implications for the management of this disease.

l-Arginine supplementation improves rats' antioxidant system and exercise performance

Reactive species have great importance in sports performance, once they can directly regulate energy production, muscular contraction, inflammation, and fatigue. Therefore, the redox control is essential for athletes' performance. Studies demonstrated that l-arginine has an important role in the synthesis of urea, cell growth and production of nitric oxide, moreover, there are indications that it is also able to induce benefits to muscle antioxidant system through the upregulation of some antioxidant enzymes, and by inhibiting some pathways of reactive species production. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of l-arginine supplementation on performance and oxidative stress of male rats (trained or not), submitted to a single session of high intensity exercise. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups, control (C), control+l-arginine (C + A), trained (T), and trained+l-arginine (T + A). The aerobic training was conducted for 8 weeks. Data of maximum speed and time from tests were used as indicators of performance. Variables related to oxidative stress and antioxidant system were also evaluated. Aerobic training was capable to induce enhancements on animals' exercise performance and on their redox state. Additionally, supplementation improved rats' physical performance on both groups, control and trained. Different improvements between groups on the antioxidant capacity were observed. Nevertheless, considering the ergogenic effect of l-arginine and the lack of all positive adaptations promoted by the exercise training, untrained animals may be more exposed to oxidative damages after the practice of intense exercises.

Genome-wide association and genomic prediction of breeding values for fatty acid composition in subcutaneous adipose and longissimus lumborum muscle of beef cattle

BACKGROUND

Identification of genetic variants that are associated with fatty acid composition in beef will enhance our understanding of host genetic influence on the trait and also allow for more effective improvement of beef fatty acid profiles through genomic selection and marker-assisted diet management. In this study, 81 and 83 fatty acid traits were measured in subcutaneous adipose (SQ) and longissimus lumborum muscle (LL), respectively, from 1366 purebred and crossbred beef steers and heifers that were genotyped on the Illumina BovineSNP50 Beadchip. The objective was to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for the fatty acid traits and to evaluate the accuracy of genomic prediction for fatty acid composition using genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) and Bayesian methods.

RESULTS

In total, 302 and 360 significant SNPs spanning all autosomal chromosomes were identified to be associated with fatty acid composition in SQ and LL tissues, respectively. Proportions of total genetic variance explained by individual significant SNPs ranged from 0.03 to 11.06% in SQ, and from 0.005 to 24.28% in the LL muscle. Markers with relatively large effects were located near fatty acid synthase (FASN), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), and thyroid hormone responsive (THRSP) genes. For the majority of the fatty acid traits studied, the accuracy of genomic prediction was relatively low (<0.40). Relatively high accuracies (> = 0.50) were achieved for 10:0, 12:0, 14:0, 15:0, 16:0, 9c-14:1, 12c-16:1, 13c-18:1, and health index (HI) in LL, and for 12:0, 14:0, 15:0, 10 t,12c-18:2, and 11 t,13c + 11c,13 t-18:2 in SQ. The Bayesian method performed similarly as GBLUP for most of the traits but substantially better for traits that were affected by SNPs of large effects as identified by GWAS.

CONCLUSIONS

Fatty acid composition in beef is influenced by a few host genes with major effects and many genes of smaller effects. With the current training population size and marker density, genomic prediction has the potential to predict the breeding values of fatty acid composition in beef cattle at a moderate to relatively high accuracy for fatty acids that have moderate to high heritability.

TRPV4 channel contributes to serotonin-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction and the enhanced vascular reactivity in chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a mechanosensitive channel in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Its upregulation by chronic hypoxia is associated with enhanced myogenic tone, and genetic deletion of trpv4 suppresses the development of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (CHPH). Here we further examine the roles of TRPV4 in agonist-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction and in the enhanced vasoreactivity in CHPH. Initial evaluation of TRPV4-selective antagonists HC-067047 and RN-1734 in KCl-contracted pulmonary arteries (PAs) of trpv4(-/-) mice found that submicromolar HC-067047 was devoid of off-target effect on pulmonary vasoconstriction. Inhibition of TRPV4 with 0.5 μM HC-067047 significantly reduced the sensitivity of serotonin (5-HT)-induced contraction in wild-type (WT) PAs but had no effect on endothelin-1 or phenylephrine-activated response. Similar shift in the concentration-response curve of 5-HT was observed in trpv4(-/-) PAs, confirming specific TRPV4 contribution to 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction. 5-HT-induced Ca(2+) response was attenuated by HC-067047 in WT PASMCs but not in trpv4(-/-) PASMCs, suggesting TRPV4 is a major Ca(2+) pathway for 5-HT-induced Ca(2+) mobilization. Nifedipine also attenuated 5-HT-induced Ca(2+) response in WT PASMCs but did not cause further reduction in the presence of HC-067047, suggesting interdependence of TRPV4 and voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels in the 5-HT response. Chronic exposure (3-4 wk) of WT mice to 10% O2 caused significant increase in 5-HT-induced maximal contraction, which was partially reversed by HC-067047. In concordance, the enhancement of 5-HT-induced contraction was significantly reduced in PAs of CH trpv4(-/-) mice and HC-067047 had no further effect on the 5-HT induced response. These results suggest unequivocally that TRPV4 contributes to 5-HT-dependent pharmaco-mechanical coupling and plays a major role in the enhanced pulmonary vasoreactivity to 5-HT in CHPH.

Physiology of endothelin and the kidney

Since its discovery in 1988 as an endothelial cell-derived peptide that exerts the most potent vasoconstriction of any known endogenous compound, endothelin (ET) has emerged as an important regulator of renal physiology and pathophysiology. This review focuses on how the ET system impacts renal function in health; it is apparent that ET regulates multiple aspects of kidney function. These include modulation of glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow, control of renin release, and regulation of transport of sodium, water, protons, and bicarbonate. These effects are exerted through ET interactions with almost every cell type in the kidney, including mesangial cells, podocytes, endothelium, vascular smooth muscle, every section of the nephron, and renal nerves. In addition, while not the subject of the current review, ET can also indirectly affect renal function through modulation of extrarenal systems, including the vasculature, nervous system, adrenal gland, circulating hormones, and the heart. As will become apparent, these pleiotropic effects of ET are of fundamental physiologic importance in the control of renal function in health. In addition, to help put these effects into perspective, we will also discuss, albeit to a relatively limited extent, how alterations in the ET system can contribute to hypertension and kidney disease.

Regulation of blood pressure and salt homeostasis by endothelin

Endothelin (ET) peptides and their receptors are intimately involved in the physiological control of systemic blood pressure and body Na homeostasis, exerting these effects through alterations in a host of circulating and local factors. Hormonal systems affected by ET include natriuretic peptides, aldosterone, catecholamines, and angiotensin. ET also directly regulates cardiac output, central and peripheral nervous system activity, renal Na and water excretion, systemic vascular resistance, and venous capacitance. ET regulation of these systems is often complex, sometimes involving opposing actions depending on which receptor isoform is activated, which cells are affected, and what other prevailing factors exist. A detailed understanding of this system is important; disordered regulation of the ET system is strongly associated with hypertension and dysregulated extracellular fluid volume homeostasis. In addition, ET receptor antagonists are being increasingly used for the treatment of a variety of diseases; while demonstrating benefit, these agents also have adverse effects on fluid retention that may substantially limit their clinical utility. This review provides a detailed analysis of how the ET system is involved in the control of blood pressure and Na homeostasis, focusing primarily on physiological regulation with some discussion of the role of the ET system in hypertension.

Hypouricemia linked to an overproduction of nitric oxide is an early marker of oxidative stress in female subjects with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to verify whether, early in the course of type 1 diabetes and assuming hyperglycemia as the only risk factor, women demonstrate a change in oxidative status due to an interaction between nitric oxide (NO) and uric acid production.

METHODS

Thirty-eight women with type 1 diabetes of less than 10 years' duration and with no diabetic complications were compared with 25 matched healthy female controls. Insulin, C-peptide, NO, HbA(1c) and oxidative stress metabolites were determined from venous blood samples taken from all patients after a 12 h overnight fast. Urine samples were used for urinary uric acid determination.

RESULTS

Most oxidative stress metabolites were significantly increased (p < 0.0001), while plasmatic and urinary uric acid levels were significantly lower (p < 0.0001) in patients with type 1 diabetes compared with controls. Mean NO levels were inversely related to uricemia. Bivariate regression analysis showed a significant correlation between plasmatic uric acid and NO (p = 0.004), ascorbic acid (p = 0.042), triglycerides (p = 0.014) and HbA(1c) (p < 0.0001). Linear multivariate regression analysis showed a significant relationship between HbA(1c) and plasmatic uric acid (beta = - 0.465, p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress is already present in the early stages of type 1 diabetes. We conclude that the initial increase in oxidative stress could be linked to a reduction in plasmatic levels of uric acid, which is probably directly caused by an overproduction of NO.

Nitric oxide production from nitrite occurs primarily in tissues not in the blood: critical role of xanthine oxidase and aldehyde oxidase

Recent studies have shown that nitrite is an important storage form and source of NO in biological systems. Controversy remains, however, regarding whether NO formation from nitrite occurs primarily in tissues or in blood. Questions also remain regarding the mechanism, magnitude, and contributions of several alternative pathways of nitrite-dependent NO generation in biological systems. To characterize the mechanism and magnitude of NO generation from nitrite, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, chemiluminescence NO analyzer, and immunoassays of cGMP formation were performed. The addition of nitrite triggered a large amount of NO generation in tissues such as heart and liver, but only trace NO production in blood. Carbon monoxide increased NO release from blood, suggesting that hemoglobin acts to scavenge NO not to generate it. Administration of the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor oxypurinol or aldehyde oxidase (AO) inhibitor raloxifene significantly decreased NO generation from nitrite in heart or liver. NO formation rates increased dramatically with decreasing pH or with decreased oxygen tension. Isolated enzyme studies further confirm that XO and AO, but not hemoglobin, are critical nitrite reductases. Overall, NO generation from nitrite mainly occurs in tissues not in the blood, with XO and AO playing critical roles in nitrite reduction, and this process is regulated by pH, oxygen tension, nitrite, and reducing substrate concentrations.

Involvement of extracellular Ca2+ influx through voltage-independent Ca2+ channels in endothelin-1 function

This article reviews the types and roles of voltage-independent Ca(2+) channels involved in the endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced functional responses such as vascular contraction, cell proliferation, and intracellular Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathways and discusses the molecular mechanisms for the activation of voltage-independent Ca(2+) channels by ET-1. ET-1 activates some types of voltage-independent Ca(2+) channels, such as Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channels (NSCCs) and store-operated Ca(2+) channels (SOCC). Extracellular Ca(2+) influx through these voltage-independent Ca(2+) channels plays essential roles in ET-1-induced vascular contraction, cell proliferation, activation of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase, regulation of proline-rich tyrosine kinase, and release of arachidonic acid. The experiments using various constructs of endothelin receptors reveal the importance of G(q) and G(12) families in activation of these Ca(2+) channels by ET-1. These findings provide a potential therapeutic mechanism of a functional interrelationship between G(q)/G(12) proteins and voltage-independent Ca(2+) channels in the pathophysiology of ET-1, such as in chronic heart failure, hypertension, and cerebral vasospasm.

Effect of endothelin antagonist (TAK-044) on cerebral ischemic volume, oxidative stress markers and neurobehavioral parameters in the middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke in rats

Stroke causes brain injury in millions of people world wide each year. Despite the enormity of problem, currently there is no established therapy, which can restore the blood flow at infracted area and also improve the neurological deficit. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of an endothelin antagonist (TAK-044) in middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion model of acute ischemic stroke in rats. Male Wistar rats were pretreated with TAK-044 (5 mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days and thereafter subjected to focal ischemia by occlusion of MCA using intraluminal thread for two hours. 30 min after reperfusion the animals were subjected to diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for assessment of protective effect. Twenty-four hours later the motor performance was tested and subsequently the animals were sacrificed for estimation of markers of oxidative stress; malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Control group received vehicle (saline) and similar experimental protocol was followed. In the TAK-044 pretreated group, percent hemispheric lesion area (% HLA) in DWI was significantly attenuated 17.5 +/- 0.5% as compared to control group 61.2 +/- 5.9%. Significant motor impairment, with significant elevated levels of MDA, decrease in GSH and SOD were observed in the vehicle treated MCA occluded rats. Pretreatment with TAK-044 prevented the motor impairment and significantly reversed the changes in markers of oxidative stress (MDA, GSH and SOD). In addition to well-known vasodilatory effect, TAK-044 has recently been documented to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects can contribute to the protection afforded by TAK-044 in the present study.

L-type calcium channels in the renal microcirculatory response to endothelin

The signaling pathways of endothelin (ET)-1-mediated vasoconstriction in the renal circulation have not been elucidated but appear to be distinct between ETAand ETBreceptors. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of L-type Ca2+channels in the vasoconstrictor response to ET-1 and the ETBreceptor agonist sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) in the rat kidney. Renal blood flow (RBF) was measured with an ultrasonic flow probe in anesthetized rats, and a microcatheter was inserted into the renal artery for drug infusion. All rats were given vehicle (0.9% NaCl) or three successive bolus injections (1, 10, and 100 pmol) of ET-1 or S6c at 30-min intervals ( n = 6 in each group). ET-1 and S6c produced dose-dependent decreases in RBF. The Ca2+channel blocker nifedipine (1.5 μg) significantly attenuated the RBF response only at the highest doses of ET-1 and S6c. In the isolated blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation, Ca2+channel blockade with diltiazem had a very small inhibitory effect on ET-1-induced decreases in afferent arteriolar diameter only at the lowest concentrations of ET-1. In vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from preglomerular vessels, ET-1 produced a typical biphasic Ca2+response, whereas S6c had no effect on cytosolic Ca2+. Furthermore, Ca2+channel blockade (diltiazem or Ni2+) had no effect on the peak or sustained increase in cytosolic Ca2+produced by ET-1. These results support the hypothesis that L-type Ca2+channels play only a minor role in the constrictor responses to ET-1 in the renal microcirculation.

Endothelins induce ETB receptor-mediated mechanical hypernociception in rat hindpaw: roles of cAMP and protein kinase C

The present study assesses the capacity of endothelins to induce mechanical hypernociception, and characterises the receptors involved and the contribution of cAMP and protein kinases A (PKA) and C (PKC) to this effect. Intraplantar administration of endothelin-1, endothelin-2 or endothelin-3 (3-30 pmol) induced dose- and time-dependent mechanical hypernociception, which was inhibited by BQ-788 (N-cys-2,6-dimethylpiperidinocarbonyl-l-gamma-methylleucyl-d-1-methoxycarboyl-d-norleucine; endothelin ET(B) receptor antagonist), but not BQ-123 (cyclo[d-Trp-d-Asp-Pro-d-Val-Leu]; endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonist; each at 30 pmol). The selective endothelin ET(B) receptor agonist BQ-3020 (N-Ac-Ala(11,15)-endothelin-1 (6-21)) fully mimicked the hypernociceptive effects of the natural endothelins. Treatments with indomethacin, atenolol or dexamethasone did not inhibit endothelin-1-evoked mechanical hypernociception. However, endothelin-1-induced mechanical hypernociception was potentiated by the cAMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor rolipram (4-[3-(cyclopentyloxy)-4-methoxyphenyl]-2-pyrrolidinone) and inhibited by the PKC inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin C, but was unaffected by the PKA inhibitor H89 (N-[2-((p-bromocinnamyl)amino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide). Thus, endothelins, acting through endothelin ET(B) receptors, induce mechanical hypernociception in the rat hindpaw via cAMP formation and activation of the PKC-dependent phosphorylation cascade.

Oral arginine improves intestinal recovery following ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat

Arginine and nitric oxide are critical to the normal physiology of the gastrointestinal tract and maintain the mucosal integrity of the intestine in various intestinal disorders. In the present study, we evaluate the effects of oral arginine (ARG) supplementation on intestinal structural changes, enterocyte proliferation, and apoptosis following intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) in the rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three experimental groups: sham rats underwent laparotomy and superior mesenteric artery mobilization, IR rats underwent superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 30 min following by 24 h of reperfusion, and IR-ARG rats were treated with enteral arginine given in drinking water (2%) 48 h before and following IR. Intestinal structural changes, enterocyte proliferation, and enterocyte apoptosis were determined 24 h following IR. A nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test was used for statistical analysis with p <0.05 considered statistically significant. IR rats demonstrated a significant decrease in bowel weight in duodenum and jejunum, mucosal weight in jejunum and ileum, and villus height in jejunum and ileum compared with control animals. IR rats also had a significantly lower cell proliferation index in jejunum and ileum and a higher apoptotic index in ileum compared with control rats. IR-ARG animals demonstrated greater duodenal and jejunal bowel weight; duodenal, jejunal, and ileal mucosal weight; and jejunal and ileal cell proliferation index compared with IR animals. In conclusion, oral ARG administration improves mucosal recovery following IR injury in the rat.

Protection of reduced-size liver for transplantation

The shortage of available organs for liver transplantation has motivated the development of new surgical techniques such as reduced-size liver transplantation. Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) associated with liver transplantation impairs liver regeneration. Ischemic preconditioning is effective against I/R injury in clinical practice of liver tumour resections. The present study evaluated the effect of ischemic preconditioning on reduced-size liver for transplantation and attempted to identify the underlying protective mechanisms. Hepatic injury and regeneration (transaminases, proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA] labeling index, and hepatocyte growth factor [HGF]) were assessed after reduced-size orthotopic liver transplantation (ROLT). Energy metabolism, oxidative stress, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were examined as possible mechanisms involved in liver regeneration. Ischemic preconditioning reduced transaminase levels and increased HGF levels and the percentage of PCNA-positive hepatocytes after ROLT. This was associated with a decrease in oxidative stress following ROLT, whereas energy metabolism and hepatic IL-6 and TNF release were unchanged. The benefits of ischemic preconditioning on hepatic injury and liver regeneration could be mediated, at least partially by nitric oxide. These results suggest a new potential application of ischemic preconditioning in reduced-size liver transplantation.

Endothelium-derived reactive oxygen species: their relationship to endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and vascular tone

Opinions on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the vasculature have shifted in recent years, such that they are no longer merely regarded as indicators of cellular damage or byproducts of metabolism--they may also be putative mediators of physiological functions. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), in particular, can initiate vascular myocyte proliferation (and, incongruously, apoptosis), hyperplasia, cell adhesion, migration, and the regulation of smooth muscle tone. Endothelial cells express enzymes that produce ROS in response to various stimuli, and H2O2 is a potent relaxant of vascular smooth muscle. H2O2 itself can mediate endothelium-dependent relaxations in some vascular beds. Although nitric oxide (NO) is well recognized as an endothelium-derived dilator, it is also well established, particularly in the microvasculature, that another factor, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), is a significant determinant of vasodilatory tone. This review primarily focuses on the hypothesis that H2O2 is an EDHF in resistance arteries. Putative endothelial sources of H2O2 and the effects of H2O2 on potassium channels, calcium homeostasis, and vascular smooth muscle tone are discussed. Furthermore, given the perception that ROS can more likely elicit cytotoxic effects than perform signalling functions, the arguments for and against H2O2 being an endogenous vasodilator are assessed.

Estrogen modulates xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase activity by a receptor-independent mechanism

Hypoxia causes up-regulation and activation of xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase (XDH/XO) in vitro and in the lungs in vivo. This up-regulation, and the likely corresponding production of reactive oxygen species, may underlie the pathogenesis of an array of disorders. Thus, compounds that prevent hypoxia-induced increase in XDH/XO activity may provide a therapeutic strategy in such disorders. The antioxidant properties of estrogens have been demonstrated in several studies. However, the effect of these compounds on XDH/XO has not been explored previously. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of estrogen on hypoxia-induced increase in XDH/XO activity. Rat pulmonary artery microvascular endothelial cells were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia in the presence or absence of 17beta- or 17alpha-estradiol. The XDH/XO enzyme and gene promoter activities were measured in different groups of cells. Hypoxia caused a twofold increase in XDH/XO enzymatic and promoter activity. Either of the estradiol stereoisomers prevented the hypoxia-induced increase in XDH/XO enzymatic activity, but not the promoter activity. ICI 182,780, an antagonist of the estrogen receptor, failed to block the inhibitory effect of estradiol on XDH/XO. In conclusion, 17alpha- and 17beta-estradiol modulate the hypoxia-induced regulation of XDH/XO activity at a posttranscriptional level by a receptor-independent mechanism.

Characterization of Ca2+ channels and G proteins involved in arachidonic acid release by endothelin-1/endothelinA receptor

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates two types of Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channels (designated NSCC-1 and NSCC-2) and a store-operated Ca2+ channel (SOCC) in Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing endothelinA receptors (CHO-ETAR). These channels can be distinguished by their sensitivity to Ca2+ channel blockers 1-(beta-[3-(4-methoxyphenyl) propoxy]-4-methoxyphenethyl)-1H-imidazole hydrochloride (SK&F 96365) and (R,S)-(3,4-dihydro-6,7-dimethoxy-isochinolin-1-yl)-2-phenyl-N,N-di[2-(2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]acetamid mesylate (LOE 908). NSCC-1 is sensitive to LOE 908 and resistant to SK&F 96365; NSCC-2 is sensitive to both blockers, and SOCC is resistant to LOE 908 and sensitive to SK&F 96365. In this study, we examined the mechanism of ET-1-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release. Both SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 inhibited ET-1-induced AA release with the IC50 values correlated to those of ET-1-induced Ca2+ influx. Moreover, combined treatment with these blockers abolished ET-1-induced AA release. Wortmannin and LY294002, inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), partially inhibited ET-1-induced AA release. LOE 908, but not SK&F 96365, inhibited ET-1-induced AA release in wortmannin-treated CHO-ETAR. ET-1 also induced AA release in CHO cells expressing ETAR truncated at the carboxyl terminal downstream of Cys385 (CHO-ETARDelta385) or an unpalmitoylated (Cys383 Cys385-388--> Ser383Ser385-388) ETAR (CHO-SerETAR), each of which is coupled with Gq or Gs/G12, respectively. In CHO-SerETAR, a dominant-negative mutant of G12 inhibited AA release. SK&F 96365 inhibited ET-1-induced AA release in CHO-ETARDelta385, whereas LOE 908 inhibited it in CHO-SerETAR. These results indicate the following: 1) ET-1-induced AA release depends on Ca2+ influx through NSCC-1, NSCC-2, and SOCC in CHO-ETAR; 2) Gq and G12 mediate AA release through ETAR in CHO cells; and 3) PI3K is involved in ET-1-induced AA release, which depends on NSCC-2 and SOCC.

Involvement of extracellular Ca2+ influx and epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase transactivation in endothelin-1-induced arachidonic acid release

1. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) activates two types of Ca(2+)-permeable nonselective cation channels (designated NSCC-1 and NSCC-2) and a store-operated Ca(2+) channel (SOCC) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). These channels can be distinguished by their sensitivity to Ca(2+)-channel blockers, SK&F 96365 and LOE 908. LOE 908 is sensitive to NSCC-1 and NSCC-2, and SK&F 96365 is sensitive to NSCC-2 and SOCC. Moreover, these channels play essential roles in ET-1-induced epidermal growth factor receptor protein tyrosine kinase (EGFR PTK) transactivation. The main purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the involvement of EGFR PTK transactivation in ET-1-induced arachidonic acid release in VSMCs. 2. Both SK&F 96365 and LOE 908 inhibited ET-1-induced arachidonic acid release with the IC(50) values correlated to those of ET-1-induced Ca(2+) influx. Moreover, combined treatment with these blockers abolished ET-1-induced arachidonic acid release. 3. AG1478, a specific inhibitor of EGFR PTK, inhibited ET-1-induced arachidonic acid release and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). The IC(50) values of AG1478 for ET-1-induced arachidonic acid release and ERK1/2 correlated well with those for ET-1-induced EGFR PTK transactivation. 4. Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, PD 98059, inhibited ET-1-induced arachidonic acid release. The IC(50) values of PD 98059 for ET-1-induced arachidonic acid release were similar to those for ET-1-induced ERK1/2 activity. In contrast, PD 98059 failed to inhibit ET-1-induced EGFR PTK transactivation. 5. These results indicate that (1) extracellular Ca(2+) influx through NSCCs and SOCC plays important roles for ET-1-induced arachidonic acid release, (2) EGFR PTK transactivation/ERK1/2 pathways are involved in ET-1-induced arachidonic acid release.

Cytoskeletal changes in hypoxic pulmonary endothelial cells are dependent on MAPK-activated protein kinase MK2

Exposure to hypoxia causes structural changes in the endothelial cell layer that alter its permeability and its interaction with leukocytes and platelets. One of the well characterized cytoskeletal changes in response to stress involves the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton and the formation of stress fibers. This report describes cytoskeletal changes in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells in response to hypoxia and potential mechanisms involved in this process. The hypoxia-induced actin redistribution appears to be mediated by components downstream of MAPK p38, which is activated in pulmonary endothelial cells in response to hypoxia. Our results indicate that kinase MK2, which is a substrate of p38, becomes activated by hypoxia, leading to the phosphorylation of one of its substrates, HSP27. Because HSP27 phosphorylation is known to alter actin distribution in response to other stimuli, we postulate that it also causes the actin redistribution observed in hypoxia. This notion is supported by the observations that similar actin redistribution occurs in cells overexpressing constitutively active MK2 or phosphomimicking HSP27 mutant. Overexpressing dominant negative MK2 blocks the effects of hypoxia on the actin cytoskeleton. Taken together these results indicate that hypoxia stimulates the p38-MK2-HSP27 pathway leading to significant alteration in the actin cytoskeleton.

Endothelin-1-induced arachidonic acid release by cytosolic phospholipase A2 activation in rat vascular smooth muscle via extracellular signal-regulated kinases pathway

The present study investigates whether endothelin-1 (ET-1), like noradrenaline (NA), stimulates the release of arachidonic acid (AA) via cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in rat tail artery. In tail artery segments labelled with [3H]AA, ET-1-induced AA release in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 1.3 nM. The effect of ET-1 was inhibited by bosentan and was insensitive to BQ788, suggesting the involvement of ETA receptor. The stimulation of AA release induced by ET-1 was prevented by arachydonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3), a selective inhibitor of cPLA2 and not by RHC80267, a diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor. Furthermore, PD98059, inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) cascade and calphostin C, a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor, prevented the stimulation of AA release induced by ET-1 and NA. Immunoblotting of the cytosolic fraction of rat tail arteries stimulated with ET-1 or NA showed an increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) phosphorylation and this effect was abolished by calphostin C treatment. These findings show that in rat tail artery ET-1 and NA induce a sequential activation of protein kinase C and extracellular signal-regulated kinases that results in stimulation of AA release via cPLA2 activation. This may represent a general pathway by which G-proteins coupled receptors stimulate AA release and its metabolites in vascular smooth muscle.

Modulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase by hypoxia in pulmonary artery endothelial cells

The effects of hypoxia on the regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) 2 expression were examined in cultured rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (EC). EC did not express NOS 2 mRNA or protein when exposed to normoxia or hypoxia unless they were pretreated with interleukin (IL)-1beta and/or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha for 24 h. Induction of NOS 2 by IL-1beta+TNF-alpha was significantly attenuated by concomitant exposure of EC to hypoxia or treatment of EC with antioxidants such as tiron, diphenyliodonium, and catalase, suggesting that NOS 2 expression is dependent on the production of reactive oxygen species. Degradation of IkappaB and activation of NF-kappaB, which were both induced by treatment of EC with cytokines, were not altered when the cells were exposed to hypoxia, suggesting that the modulation of NOS 2 expression by hypoxia is unrelated to NF-kappaB activation. Following stimulation with IL-1beta+TNF-alpha for 24 h, incubation of EC in normoxia resulted in a progressive decline in NOS 2 expression and a calculated half-life of approximately 6 h for NOS 2 mRNA. Hypoxia significantly prolonged the half-life of NOS 2 mRNA (17 h, P < 0.05 versus normoxic EC). The half-life of NOS 2 mRNA was also prolonged by actinomycin D treatment (19.5 and 29.5 h for normoxic and hypoxic EC, respectively), suggesting that transcription of an RNA destabilizing factor or RNAse contributes to NOS 2 mRNA degradation. In EC transiently transfected with the rat NOS 2 promoter, hypoxia and the combination of IL-1beta+TNF-alpha independently increased promoter activity 2.2- and 3-fold, respectively. As opposed to the attenuating effect that hypoxia had on IL-1beta+TNF-alpha- dependent induction of NOS 2 gene expression, the concomitant treatment with IL-1beta+TNF-alpha and hypoxia synergistically increased NOS 2 promoter activity 17.6-fold. Taken together, these results suggest that hypoxia alone does not induce NOS 2 expression in cultured pulmonary microvascular EC, but may modulate cytokine induction of this enzyme at pretranscriptional, transcriptional, and posttranscriptional levels.

Endothelin-1 decreases glutamate uptake in primary cultured rat astrocytes

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide that is also known to induce a wide spectrum of biological responses in nonvascular tissue. In this study, we found that ET-1 (100 nM) inhibited the glutamate uptake in cultured astrocytes expressing the glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST); astrocytes did not express the glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1). The V(max) and the K(m) of the glutamate uptake were reduced by 57% and 47%, respectively. Application of the ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonists BQ-123 and BQ-788 partly inhibited the ET-1-evoked decrease in the glutamate uptake, whereas the nonspecific ET receptor antagonist bosentan completely inhibited this decrease. Incubation of the cultures with pertussis toxin abolished the effect of ET-1 on the uptake. The ET-1-induced decrease in the glutamate uptake was independent of extracellular free Ca(2+) concentration, whereas the intracellular Ca(2+) antagonists thapsigargin and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino)octyl ester abolished the effect of ET-1 on the glutamate uptake. Incubation with the protein kinase C (PKC) antagonist staurosporine, but not with the fatty acid-binding protein bovine serum albumin, prevented the ET-1-induced decrease in the glutamate uptake. These results suggest that ET-1 impairs the high-affinity glutamate uptake in cultured astrocytes through a G protein-coupled mechanism, involving PKC and changes in intracellular Ca(2+).

Regulation of apoptosis by vasoactive peptides

Although originally discovered because of their ability to affect hemodynamics, vasoactive peptides have been found to function in a variety of capacities including neurotransmission, endocrine functions, and the regulation of cell proliferation. A growing body of evidence describes the ability of vasoactive peptides to regulate cell death by apoptosis in either a positive or negative fashion depending on the peptide and the type of target cell. The available evidence to date is strongest for the peptides endothelin, angiotensin II, vasoactive intestinal peptide, atrial natriuretic peptide, and adrenomedullin. Each of these peptides is discussed, with specific regard to apoptosis, in terms of regulatory activity, target cell specificity, and potential role in pulmonary physiology.

Phosphorylation of xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase in hypoxia

The enzyme xanthine oxidase (XO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several disease processes, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, because of its ability to generate reactive oxygen species. The expression of XO and its precursor xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) is regulated at pre- and posttranslational levels by agents such as lipopolysaccharide and hypoxia. Posttranslational modification of the protein, for example through thiol oxidation or proteolysis, has been shown to be important in converting XDH to XO. The possibility of posttranslational modification of XDH/XO through phosphorylation has not been adequately investigated in mammalian cells, and studies have reported conflicting results. The present report demonstrates that XDH/XO is phosphorylated in rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (RPMEC) and that phosphorylation is greatly increased ( approximately 50-fold) in response to acute hypoxia (4 h). XDH/XO phosphorylation appears to be mediated, at least in part, by casein kinase II and p38 kinase as inhibitors of these kinases partially prevent XDH/XO phosphorylation. In addition, the results indicate that p38 kinase, a stress-activated kinase, becomes activated in response to hypoxia (an approximately 4-fold increase after 1 h of exposure of RPMEC to hypoxia) further supporting a role for this kinase in hypoxia-stimulated XDH/XO phosphorylation. Finally, hypoxia-induced XDH/XO phosphorylation is accompanied by a 2-fold increase in XDH/XO activity, which is prevented by inhibitors of phosphorylation. In summary, this study shows that XDH/XO is phosphorylated in hypoxic RPMEC through a mechanism involving p38 kinase and casein kinase II and that phosphorylation is necessary for hypoxia-induced enzymatic activation.

Src and Rac mediate endothelin-1 and lysophosphatidic acid stimulation of the human brain natriuretic peptide promoter

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) gene expression accompanies cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 (ET) may be involved in the development of these diseases. ET has also been shown to activate phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)), and the resulting metabolites are important second messengers. We studied how ET and PLA(2) metabolites regulate BNP gene expression. The human BNP (hBNP) promoter (from -1818 to +100) coupled to a luciferase reporter gene was transferred into neonatal ventricular myocytes (NVMs), and luciferase activity was measured as an index of promoter activity. ET induced BNP mRNA in NVMs as assessed by Northern blot. It also stimulated the hBNP promoter, an effect completely inhibited by actinomycin D. To test the involvement of different PLA(2) isoforms, transfected cells were treated with various PLA(2) inhibitors before stimulation with ET. Only Ca(2+)-independent PLA(2) blockade prevented ET-stimulated hBNP promoter activity. The PLA(2) metabolite lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) also activated the hBNP promoter, but arachidonic acid itself did not. ET regulation of the hBNP promoter is pertussis toxin-sensitive. The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src and the small GTPase Rac mediate the effects of both ET and LPA in stimulation of the hBNP promoter. We studied the involvement of cis elements in ET-stimulated hBNP promoter activity. Deletion of BNP promoter sequences from -1818 to -408 and from -408 to -40 reduced the effect of ET by 60% and 80%, respectively. Moreover, ET-stimulated luciferase activity was reduced by 50% when the proximal GATA element was mutated. These data suggest that (1) ET activates the hBNP promoter through a transcriptional mechanism; (2) LPA, perhaps generated by iPLA(2), is involved in the effect of ET; (3) Src and Rac mediate ET and LPA stimulation of the hBNP promoter; and (4) ET regulation of the hBNP promoter targets both distal and proximal cis elements.

Contribution of upregulated airway endothelin-1 expression to airway smooth muscle and epithelial cell DNA synthesis after repeated allergen exposure of sensitized Brown-Norway rats

Endothelin-1 is a potent bronchoconstrictor peptide with pro-inflammatory and growth-promoting properties. After exposure of sensitized Brown-Norway rats to six repeated ovalbumin exposures, there was an increase in pro-endothelin (ET)-1 messenger RNA compared with saline-exposed control rats 24 h after the final exposure (P < 0.01). ET-1 immunoreactivity was increased sixfold in the bronchial epithelium of the larger conducting airways in the repeated allergen-exposed rats (P < 0.001). After repeated allergen exposure, there were increased rates of DNA synthesis in the airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells (P < 0.001) and epithelial cells (P < 0. 001) compared with saline-exposed controls, as measured by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Treatment with a dual endothelin A and B (ET(A+B)) receptor antagonist caused a significant attenuation in both ASM (P < 0.001) and epithelial cell (P < 0.001) bromodeoxyuridine incorporation compared with the allergen-challenged and vehicle-treated group. The dual ET(A+B) antagonist attenuated eosinophil recruitment into the airways (P < 0. 05) but had no significant effect on increased bronchial reactivity to acetylcholine in allergen-exposed rats. Increased levels of ET-1 in the airways may contribute to inflammation and ASM and epithelial cell DNA synthesis after repeated allergen exposure. Such processes may underlie increased proliferation of resident cells leading to airway wall remodeling in asthmatics.

Increase of [Ca(2+)]i and release of arachidonic acid via activation of M2 receptor coupled to Gi and rho proteins in oesophageal muscle

We have previously shown that acetylcholine-induced contraction of oesophageal circular muscle depends on activation of phosphatidylcholine selective phospholipase C and D, which result in formation of diacylglycerol, and of phospholipase 2 which produces arachidonic acid. Diacylglycerol and arachidonic acid interact synergistically to activate protein kinase C. We have therefore investigated the relationship between cytosolic Ca(2+) and activation of phospholipase A(2) in response to acetylcholine-induced stimulation, by measuring the intracellular free Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]i), muscle tension, and [3H] arachidonic acid release. Acetylcholine-induced contraction was associated with increased [Ca(2+)]i and arachidonic acid release in a dose-dependent manner. In Ca(2+)-free medium, acetylcholine did not produce contraction, [Ca(2+)]i increase, and arachidonic acid release. In contrast, after depletion of Ca(2+) stores by thapsigargin (3 microM), acetylcholine caused a normal contraction, [Ca(2+)]i increase and arachidonic acid release. The increase in [Ca(2+)]i and arachidonic acid release were attenuated by the M2 receptor antagonist methoctramine, but not by the M3 receptor antagonist p-fluoro-hexahydro siladifenidol. Increase in [Ca(2+)]i and arachidonic acid release by acetylcholine were inhibited by pertussis toxin and C3 toxin. These findings indicate that contraction and arachidonic acid release are mediated through muscarinic M2 coupled to Gi or rho protein activation and Ca(2+) influx. Acetylcholine-induced contraction and the associated increase in [Ca(2+)]i and release of arachidonic acid were completely reduced by the combination treatment with a phospholipase A(2) inhibitor dimethyleicosadienoic acid and a phospholipase D inhibitor pCMB. They increased by the action of the inhibitor of diacylglycerol kinase R59949, whereas they decreased by a protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine. These data suggest that in oesophageal circular muscle acetylcholine-induced [Ca(2+)]i increase and arachidonic acid release are mediated through activation of M2 receptor coupled to Gi or rho protein, resulting in the activation of phospholipase A(2) and phospholipase D to activate protein kinase C.

Regulation of xanthine oxidase by nitric oxide and peroxynitrite

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is a central mechanism of oxidative injury as occurs following ischemia. During the early period of reperfusion, both nitric oxide (NO(*)) and superoxide (O-*(2)) generation are increased leading to the formation of peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)); however, questions remain regarding the presence and nature of the interactions of NO(*) or ONOO(-) with XO and the role of this process in regulating oxidant generation. Therefore, we determined the dose-dependent effects of NO(*) and ONOO(-) on the O-*(2) generation and enzyme activity of XO, respectively, by EPR spin trapping of O-*(2) using 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide and spectrophotometric assay. ONOO(-) markedly inhibited both O-*(2) generation and XO activity in dose-dependent manner, while NO(*) from NO(*) gas in concentrations up to 200 microM had no effect. Furthermore, we observed that NO(*) donors such as NOR-1 also inhibited O-*(2) generation and XO activity; however, these effects were O-*(2)-dependent and blocked by superoxide dismutase or ONOO(-) scavengers. Finally, we found that ONOO(-) totally abolished the Mo(V) EPR spectrum. These changes were irreversible, suggesting oxidative disruption of the critical molybdenum center of the catalytic site. Thus, ONOO(-) formed in biological systems can feedback and down-regulate XO activity and O-*(2) generation, which in turn may serve to limit further ONOO(-) formation.

Reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide catalyzed by xanthine oxidoreductase

Xanthine oxidase (XO) was shown to catalyze the reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide (NO), under anaerobic conditions, in the presence of either NADH or xanthine as reducing substrate. NO production was directly demonstrated by ozone chemiluminescence and showed stoichiometry of approximately 2:1 versus NADH depletion. With xanthine as reducing substrate, the kinetics of NO production were complicated by enzyme inactivation, resulting from NO-induced conversion of XO to its relatively inactive desulfo-form. Steady-state kinetic parameters were determined spectrophotometrically for urate production and NADH oxidation catalyzed by XO and xanthine dehydrogenase in the presence of nitrite under anaerobic conditions. pH optima for anaerobic NO production catalyzed by XO in the presence of nitrite were 7.0 for NADH and </=6.0 for xanthine. Involvement of the molybdenum site of XO in nitrite reduction was shown by the fact that alloxanthine inhibits xanthine oxidation competitively with nitrite. Strong preference for Mo=S over Mo=O was shown by the relatively very low NADH-nitrite reductase activity shown by desulfo-enzyme. The FAD site of XO was shown not to influence nitrite reduction in the presence of xanthine, although it was clearly involved when NADH was the reducing substrate. Apparent production of NO decreased with increasing oxygen tensions, consistent with reaction of NO with XO-generated superoxide. It is proposed that XO-derived NO fulfills a bactericidal role in the digestive tract.

Cytochrome P450 and cyclooxygenase metabolites contribute to the endothelin-1 afferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor and calcium responses

Arachidonic acid metabolites contribute to the endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced decrease in renal blood flow, but the vascular sites of action are unknown. Experiments performed in vitro used the rat juxtamedullary nephron preparation combined with videomicroscopy. The response of afferent arterioles to ET-1 was determined before and after cytochrome P450 (CYP450) or cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. Afferent arteriolar diameter averaged 20+/-1 microm (n=17) at a renal perfusion pressure of 100 mm Hg. Superfusion with 0.001 to 10 nmol/L ET-1 caused a graded decrease in diameter of the afferent arteriole. Vessel diameter decreased by 30+/-2% and 41+/-2% in response to 1 and 10 nmol/L ET-1, respectively. The afferent arteriolar response to ET-1 was significantly attenuated during administration of the CYP450 hydroxylase inhibitor N-methylsulfonyl-12,12-dibromododec-11-enamide (DDMS), such that afferent arteriolar diameter decreased by 19+/-3% and 22+/-3% in response to 1 and 10 nmol/L ET-1, respectively. COX inhibition also greatly attenuated the vasoconstriction elicited by ET-1, whereas the CYP450 epoxygenase inhibitor N-methylsulfonyl-6-(2-proparglyoxyphenyl) hexanamide enhanced the ET-1-mediated vascular response. Additional studies were performed using freshly isolated smooth muscle cells prepared from preglomerular microvessels. Renal microvascular smooth muscle cells were loaded with the calcium-sensitive dye fura 2 and studied by use of single-cell fluorescence microscopy. Basal renal microvascular smooth muscle cell [Ca(2+)](i) averaged 95+/-3 nmol/L (n=42). ET-1 (10 nmol/L) increased microvascular smooth muscle cell [Ca(2+)](i) to a peak value of 731+/-75 nmol/L before stabilizing at 136+/-8 nmol/L. Administration of DDMS or the COX inhibitor indomethacin significantly attenuated the renal microvascular smooth muscle cell calcium response to ET-1. These data demonstrate that CYP450 hydroxylase and COX arachidonic acid metabolites contribute importantly to the afferent arteriolar diameter and renal microvascular smooth muscle cell calcium responses elicited by ET-1.

Pathogenic role of oxidative stress in vascular angiotensin-converting enzyme activation in long-term blockade of nitric oxide synthesis in rats

Inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis with N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) activates vascular angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and causes oxidative stress. We investigated the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of ACE activation in rats. Studies involved aortas of rats receiving no treatment, L-NAME, L-NAME plus L-arginine, or L-NAME plus an antioxidant drug (N-acetylcysteine, allopurinol, or ebselen) for 7 days. L-NAME significantly increased oxidative stress (O(2)(-)) and ACE activity. The increased O(2)(-) production was normalized by removal of endothelium. Immunohistochemistry showed the increased ACE activity in the endothelial layer. Treatment with antioxidant drugs did not affect the L-NAME-induced increase in systolic arterial pressure but did prevent increases in vascular O(2)(-) production and ACE activity. These results implicate oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of vascular ACE activation in rats with long-term inhibition of NO synthesis. The observed effects of antioxidant drugs on ACE activation do not appear to involve the hypertension induced by L-NAME.

Activation of the endothelin receptor inhibits the G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel by a phospholipase A2-mediated mechanism

To develop a malleable system to model the well-described, physiological interactions between Gq/11 - coupled receptor and Gi/o-coupled receptor signaling, we coexpressed the endothelin A receptor, the mu-opioid receptor, and the G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir 3) heteromultimers in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Activation of the Gi/o-coupled mu-opioid receptor strongly increased Kir 3 channel current, whereas activation of the Gq/11-coupled endothelin A receptor inhibited the Kir 3 response evoked by mu-opioid receptor activation. The magnitude of the inhibition of Kir 3 was channel subtype specific; heteromultimers composed of Kir 3.1 and Kir 3.2 or Kir 3.1 and Kir 3.4 were significantly more sensitive to the effects of endothelin-1 than heteromultimers composed of Kir 3.1 and Kir 3.5. The difference in sensitivity of the heteromultimers suggests that the endothelin-induced inhibition of the opioid- activated current was caused by an effect at the channel rather than at the opioid receptor. The endothelin-1-mediated inhibition was mimicked by arachidonic acid and blocked by the phospholipase A2 inhibitor arachidonoyl trifluoromethyl ketone. Consistent with a possible phospholipase A2-mediated mechanism, the endothelin-1 effect was blocked by calcium chelation with BAPTA-AM and was not affected by kinase inhibition by either staurosporine or genistein. The data suggest the hypothesis that Gq/11-coupled receptor activation may interfere with Gi/o-coupled receptor signaling by the activation of phospholipase A2 and subsequent inhibition of effector function by a direct effect of an eicosanoid on the channel.

Endothelin stimulates glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation via activation of endothelin ETA receptor in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a 21-amino acid peptide that binds to G-protein-coupled receptors to evoke biological responses. This report studies the effect of ET-1 on regulating glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. ET-1, but not angiotensin II, stimulated glucose uptake in a dose-dependent manner with an EC50 value of 0.29 nM and a 2.47-fold stimulation at 100 nM. ET-1 stimulated glucose uptake in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells but had no effect in undifferentiated cells, although ET-1 stimulated phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis to a similar degree in both. The 3T3-L1 cells expressed approximately 560,000 sites/cell of ETA receptor, which was not altered during differentiation. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining show that ET-1 stimulated the translocation of insulin-responsive aminopeptidase and GLUT4 to the plasma membrane. The effect of ET-1 on glucose uptake was blocked by A-216546, an antagonist selective for the ETA receptor. ET-1 treatment did not induce phosphorylation of insulin receptor beta-subunit, insulin receptor substrate-1, or Akt but stimulated the tyrosyl phosphorylation of a 75-kDa protein. Genistein (100 microM), an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases, inhibited ET-1-stimulated glucose uptake. Our results show that ET-1 stimulates GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 adipocytes via activation of ETA receptor.

Inhibition of xanthine oxidase and xanthine dehydrogenase by nitric oxide. Nitric oxide converts reduced xanthine-oxidizing enzymes into the desulfo-type inactive form

Xanthine oxidase (XO) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) were inactivated by incubation with nitric oxide under anaerobic conditions in the presence of xanthine or allopurinol. The inactivation was not pronounced in the absence of an electron donor, indicating that only the reduced enzyme form was inactivated by nitric oxide. The second-order rate constant of the reaction between reduced XO and nitric oxide was determined to be 14.8 +/- 1.4 M-1 s-1 at 25 degrees C. The inactivated enzymes lacked xanthine-dichlorophenolindophenol activity, and the oxypurinol-bound form of XO was partly protected from the inactivation. The absorption spectrum of the inactivated enzyme was not markedly different from that of the normal enzyme. The flavin and iron-sulfur centers of inactivated XO were reduced by dithionite and reoxidized readily with oxygen, and inactivated XDH retained electron transfer activities from NADH to electron acceptors, consistent with the conclusion that the flavin and iron-sulfur centers of the inactivated enzyme both remained intact. Inactivated XO reduced with 6-methylpurine showed no "very rapid" spectra, indicating that the molybdopterin moiety was damaged. Furthermore, inactivated XO reduced by dithionite showed the same slow Mo(V) spectrum as that derived from the desulfo-type enzyme. On the other hand, inactivated XO reduced by dithionite exhibited the same signals for iron-sulfur centers as the normal enzyme. Inactivated XO recovered its activity in the presence of a sulfide-generating system. It is concluded that nitric oxide reacts with an essential sulfur of the reduced molybdenum center of XO and XDH to produce desulfo-type inactive enzymes.

Upregulation of xanthine oxidase by lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1, and hypoxia. Role in acute lung injury

LPS and selected cytokines upregulate xanthine dehydrogenase/xanthine oxidase (XDH/XO) in cellular systems. However, the effect of these factors on in vivo XDH/XO expression, and their contribution to lung injury, are poorly understood. Rats were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia for 24 h after treatment with LPS (1 mg/kg) and IL-1beta (100 microg/kg) or sterile saline. Lungs were then harvested for measurement of XDH/XO enzymatic activity and gene expression, and pulmonary edema was assessed by measurement of the wet/dry lung weight ratio (W/D). Although treatment with LPS + IL-1beta or hypoxia independently produced a 2-fold elevation (p < 0. 05 versus exposure to normoxia and treatment with saline) in lung XDH/XO activity and mRNA, the combination of LPS + IL-1beta and hypoxia caused a 4- and 3.5-fold increase in these values, respectively. XDH/XO protein expression was increased 2-fold by hypoxia alone and 1.3-fold by treatment with LPS + IL-1beta alone or combination treatment. Compared with normoxic lungs, W/D was significantly increased by exposure to hypoxia, LPS + IL-1beta, or combination treatment. This increase was prevented by treatment of the animals with tungsten, which abrogated lung XDH/XO activity. In conclusion, LPS, IL-1beta, and hypoxia significantly upregulate lung XDH/XO expression in vivo. The present data support a role for this enzyme in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury.

Xanthine oxidase reaction with nitric oxide and peroxynitrite

Nitric oxide (.NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) inhibit enzymes that depend on metal cofactors or oxidizable amino acids for activity. Since xanthine oxidase (XO) is a 2(2Fe2S) enzyme having essential sulfhydryl groups linked with Mo-pterin cofactor function, the influence of .NO and ONOO- on purified bovine XO was determined. Physiological (</=1 microM) and supraphysiological (</=100 microM) concentrations of dissolved .NO gas did not inhibit the catalytic activity or alter the spectral characteristics of XO at 25 degreesC and pH 7.0, differing from reports showing XO inhibition by .NO. The apparent decrease in XO activity observed previously was the result of depressed rates of uric acid accumulation in XO assay systems, due to ONOO--mediated oxidation of uric acid upon reaction of residual .NO with XO-derived superoxide (O*-2). Nitric oxide derived from S-nitrosoglutathione also did not inhibit cultured vascular endothelial cell XO activity. In contrast, purified and vascular endothelial cell catalase, a heme enzyme reversibly inhibited by .NO, was inhibited by similar concentrations and rates of production of . NO. In contrast to .NO, ONOO- inhibited XO (0.2 microM, 50 mU/ml) with an IC50 of 57 microM (for 3 microM/min infusion of ONOO-) or 120 microM (for bolus addition of ONOO-). Addition of 1% bovine serum albumin, 50 microM xanthine, or 10 microM uric acid protected XO from inactivation by ONOO-. Thus, in the presence of purine substrates and other more readily oxidized components of the biological milieu, XO should not be inhibited by either .NO or ONOO-. These observations reveal that .NO will not serve as an indirect antioxidant by inhibiting XO-derived production of reactive species and that the XO-derived products O*-2 and uric acid readily modify the reactivities of .NO and ONOO-.

Effects of human plasma proteins on endothelin binding and function

We have previously shown that the endothelin (ET) isoforms ET-1 and ET-3 and ET receptor antagonists exhibit a high degree (> 98%) of binding to plasma proteins, especially serum albumin. This study examines the effects of human plasma proteins on ET-1 binding and ET-1 stimulated biologic responses. When ET-1 binding to rat pituitary MMQ cells was examined, human serum albumin (HSA) inhibited ET-1 binding in a concentration-dependent manner, with 92% inhibition observed at 5% (w/v) HSA. A similar observation was made when human plasma was tested. Surprisingly, addition of human plasma (0-100%) or HSA (0-5%) did not have a significant effect on ET-1-stimulated phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis in these cells. In human pericardial smooth-muscle cells, HSA again exhibited profound inhibitory effects on ET-1 binding; 5% HSA inhibited ET-1 binding by 84%. However, ET-1-stimulated arachidonic acid release in these cells was not significantly affected by HSA (0-5%). Addition of increasing concentrations of human plasma incrementally decreased the potency of PD-156707, and ETA-selective antagonist, on inhibiting ET-1-stimulated PI hydrolysis in the MMQ cells. These results suggest that, although ET-1 binding to the receptor is inhibited by human plasma proteins, especially HSA, ET-1-induced signal transduction is not significantly affected. Furthermore, plasma proteins decrease the potency of an ET receptor antagonist in inhibiting ET-1-stimulated biologic responses. This study may help to explain the discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo potencies of ET receptor antagonists.

Endothelin and isoproterenol counter-regulate cAMP and mitogen-activated protein kinases

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and cAMP are important components of the intracellular signaling pathways. We studied the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and isoproterenol (ISO) on the intracellular cAMP level in human pericardial smooth-muscle cells and investigated how these two ligands regulate the activity of MAPK (p42/p44 MAPK). ET-1 or ET-3 alone did not exhibit any effect on the cAMP level in these cells. In contrast, ISO at 10 microM caused a 12-fold increase in the accumulation of cAMP (370 +/- 70 pmol/ml vs. 31 +/- 5 pmol/ml). Addition of ET-1 attenuated ISO-stimulated cAMP accumulation by 50% in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 0.12 nM. ET-3 was 100-fold less potent (IC50 = 15 nM). The attenuating effect of ET-1 was completely blocked by 1 microM FR139317, suggesting that the effect is primarily mediated by the ETA receptor. In serum-deprived cells, the basal MAPK activity was low (0.07 +/- 0.01 nmoles Pi/mg/min). Addition of 10 nM ET-1 stimulated MAPK 15-fold within 5 min at 37 degrees C (1.08 +/- 0.02 nmoles Pi/mg/min). ISO alone (10 microM) had no significant effect on MAPK. However, ISO markedly attenuated ET-1-stimulated MAPK activity; a approximately 50% decrease in MAPK activity was observed in the presence of 10 microM ISO. Similar results were obtained when forskolin was tested. The effects of ISO and forskolin on attenuating ET-1-stimulated MAPK activity could be reversed by treating cells with H89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A. These results show that ET-1 partially attenuated the accumulation of cAMP induced by ISO, and that ISO attenuated the MAPK activity induced by ET-1, possibly via activation of protein kinase A. This study suggests that counter-regulation among various ligands and cross-talk among different signaling pathways may be required to modulate biologic functions in a living cell.

Role of protein kinase C alpha in endothelin-1 stimulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and arachidonic acid release in cultured cat iris sphincter smooth muscle cells

We have investigated the role and mechanism of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in endothelin-1 (ET-1)-induced arachidonic acid (AA) release in cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (CISM) cells. ET-1 increased AA release in a concentration (EC50=8 nM) and time-dependent (t1/2=1.2 min) manner. Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), but not phospholipase C (PLC), is involved in the liberation of AA in the stimulated cells. This conclusion is supported by the findings that ET-1-induced AA release is inhibited by AACOCF3, quinacrine and manoalide, PLA2 inhibitors, but not by U-73122, a PLC inhibitor, or by RHC-80267, a diacylglycerol lipase inhibitor. A role for PKC in ET-1-induced AA release is supported by the findings that the phorbol ester, PDBu, increased AA release by 96%, that prolonged treatment of the cells with PDBu resulted in the selective down regulation of PKCalpha and the complete inhibition of ET-1-induced AA release, and that pretreatment of the cells with staurosporine or RO 31-8220, PKC inhibitors, blocked the ET-1-induced AA release. Gö-6976, a compound that inhibits PKCalpha and beta specifically, blocked ET-1-induced AA release in a concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 8 nM. Thymeatoxin (0.1 microM), a specific activator of PKCalpha, beta, and gamma induced a 150% increase in AA release. Treatment of the cells with ET-1 caused significant translocation of PKCalpha, but not PKCbeta, from cytosol to the particulate fraction. These results suggest that PKCalpha plays a critical role in ET-1-induced AA release in these cells. Immunochemical analysis revealed the presence of cPLA2, p42mapk and p44mapk in the CISM cells. The data presented are consistent with a role for PKCalpha, but not for p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), in cPLA2 activation and AA release in ET-1-stimulated CISM cells since: (i) the PKC inhibitor, RO 31-8220, inhibited ET-1-induced AA release, cPLA2 phosphorylation and cPLA2 activity, but had no inhibitory effect on p42/p44 MAPK activation, (ii) genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibited ET-1-stimulated MAPK activity but had no inhibitory effect on AA release in the ET-1-stimulated cells. We conclude that in CISM cells, ET-1 activates PKCalpha, which activates cPLA2, which liberates AA for prostaglandin synthesis.

Endothelin attenuates apoptosis in human smooth muscle cells

An imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis is an important causal factor for disorders involving abnormal cell accumulation. Endothelin (ET)-1, a 21-amino-acid peptide with mitogenic and vasoconstricting activities, not only acts as a mitogen, but also attenuates paclitaxel-induced apoptosis in smooth muscle cells. In both human pericardial and prostatic smooth muscle cells, addition of ET-1 reduced paclitaxel-induced DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine on the cell surface, two characteristics of apoptosis. By comparison, angiotensin II, another vasoactive peptide, did not have a significant effect on apoptosis. The effect of ET-1 was dose-dependent with an EC50 of 1 nM. These results suggest that ET is a potential survival factor for smooth muscle cells, and that altered activity of the ET system in disease states has potential to contribute to aberrant cell growth.

Endothelin-1 stimulates the release of arachidonic acid and prostaglandins in cultured human ciliary muscle cells: activation of phospholipase A2

In the present study we have examined the effects and mechanisms of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on arachidonic acid (AA) release and prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in human ciliary muscle (HCM) cells. ET-1 stimulated AA release in a time (t1/2=1.5 min) and concentration-dependent (EC50=5 nM) manner, which is primarily mediated through the ETA receptor subtype. The AA liberated by ET-1 appears to derive mainly from the phosphoinositides and phosphatidylcholine. Our data show that phospholipase A2 (PLA2), but not phospholipase C (PLC), plays an important role in ET-1-induced AA release. This conclusion is supported by the following findings: (1) ET-1-evoked AA release was inhibited by the PLA2 inhibitors dexamethasone, mepacrine and manoalide in a concentration-dependent manner. Conversion of AA into PGE2 was inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitors in the following order: Indomethacin>naproxen >ibuprofen>NS-398>aspirin. (2) The phorbol ester, PDBu, an activator of protein kinase C, potentiated ET-1-induced AA release by 39%, but inhibited that of inositol phosphates formation by 62%. (3) Pretreatment of the labeled cells with isoproterenol lowered ET-1-induced inositol phosphates production, but had no effect on AA release. (4) U71322, a PLC inhibitor, inhibited ET-1-induced inositol phosphates production, but had no effect on that of AA release. (5) Pretreatment of the cells with pertussis toxin (0.1 microg ml-1) attenuated the stimulatory effects of ET-1 on AA release and PGE2 formation. These data demonstrate that ET-1 is a potent agonist for AA release and PG synthesis in HCM cells, and that PLA2, but not PLC, plays an important role in ET-1-induced AA release and PG synthesis. In ciliary muscle, AA and its metabolites play important roles in intracellular signalling, modulation of physiological processes, and regulation of intraocular pressure.