Functional changes in adenylyl cyclases and associated decreases in relaxation responses in mesenteric arteries from diabetic rats

Adenylyl cyclase isoforms 5 and 6 in the cardiovascular system: complex regulation and divergent roles

Adenylyl cyclases (ACs) are crucial effector enzymes that transduce divergent signals from upstream receptor pathways and are responsible for catalyzing the conversion of ATP to cAMP. The ten AC isoforms are categorized into four main groups; the class III or calcium-inhibited family of ACs comprises AC5 and AC6. These enzymes are very closely related in structure and have a paucity of selective activators or inhibitors, making it difficult to distinguish them experimentally. AC5 and AC6 are highly expressed in the heart and vasculature, as well as the spinal cord and brain; AC6 is also abundant in the lungs, kidney, and liver. However, while AC5 and AC6 have similar expression patterns with some redundant functions, they have distinct physiological roles due to differing regulation and cAMP signaling compartmentation. AC5 is critical in cardiac and vascular function; AC6 is a key effector of vasodilatory pathways in vascular myocytes and is enriched in fetal/neonatal tissues. Expression of both AC5 and AC6 decreases in heart failure; however, AC5 disruption is cardio-protective, while overexpression of AC6 rescues cardiac function in cardiac injury. This is a comprehensive review of the complex regulation of AC5 and AC6 in the cardiovascular system, highlighting overexpression and knockout studies as well as transgenic models illuminating each enzyme and focusing on post-translational modifications that regulate their cellular localization and biological functions. We also describe pharmacological challenges in the design of isoform-selective activators or inhibitors for AC5 and AC6, which may be relevant to developing new therapeutic approaches for several cardiovascular diseases.

Mechanisms of Vascular CaV1.2 Channel Regulation During Diabetic Hyperglycemia

Diabetes is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. A major underlying factor in diabetes is the excessive glucose levels in the bloodstream (e.g., hyperglycemia). Vascular complications directly result from this metabolic abnormality, leading to disabling and life-threatening conditions. Dysfunction of vascular smooth muscle cells is a well-recognized factor mediating vascular complications during diabetic hyperglycemia. The function of vascular smooth muscle cells is exquisitely controlled by different ion channels. Among the ion channels, the L-type CaV1.2 channel plays a key role as it is the main Ca2+ entry pathway regulating vascular smooth muscle contractile state. The activity of CaV1.2 channels in vascular smooth muscle is altered by diabetic hyperglycemia, which may contribute to vascular complications. In this chapter, we summarize the current understanding of the regulation of CaV1.2 channels in vascular smooth muscle by different signaling pathways. We place special attention on the regulation of CaV1.2 channel activity in vascular smooth muscle by a newly uncovered AKAP5/P2Y11/AC5/PKA/CaV1.2 axis that is engaged during diabetic hyperglycemia. We further describe the pathophysiological implications of activation of this axis as it relates to myogenic tone and vascular reactivity and propose that this complex may be targeted for developing therapies to treat diabetic vascular complications.

Vascular CaV1.2 channels in diabetes

Diabetic vasculopathy is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the diabetic population. Hyperglycemia, one of the central metabolic abnormalities in diabetes, has been associated with vascular dysfunction due to endothelial cell damage. However, studies also point toward vascular smooth muscle as a locus for hyperglycemia-induced vascular dysfunction. Emerging evidence implicates hyperglycemia-induced regulation of vascular L-type Ca²⁺ channels Ca_V1.2 as a potential mechanism for vascular dysfunction during diabetes. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of vascular Ca_V1.2 channels and their regulation during physiological and hyperglycemia/diabetes conditions. We will emphasize the role of Ca_V1.2 in vascular smooth muscle, the effects of elevated glucose on Ca_V1.2 function, and the mechanisms underlying its dysregulation in hyperglycemia and diabetes. We conclude by examining future directions and gaps in knowledge regarding Ca_V1.2 regulation in health and during diabetes.

Therapeutic Potential of Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors for Endothelial Dysfunction- Related Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are considered a major health problem worldwide, being the main cause of mortality in developing and developed countries. Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by a decline in nitric oxide production and/or bioavailability, increased oxidative stress, decreased prostacyclin levels, and a reduction of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor is considered an important prognostic indicator of various CVD. Changes in cyclic nucleotides production and/ or signalling, such as guanosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cGMP) and adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cAMP), also accompany many vascular disorders that course with altered endothelial function. Phosphodiesterases (PDE) are metallophosphohydrolases that catalyse cAMP and cGMP hydrolysis, thereby terminating the cyclic nucleotide-dependent signalling. The development of drugs that selectively block the activity of specific PDE families remains of great interest to the research, clinical and pharmaceutical industries. In the present review, we will discuss the effects of PDE inhibitors on CVD related to altered endothelial function, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, stroke, aging and cirrhosis. Multiple evidences suggest that PDEs inhibition represents an attractive medical approach for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction-related diseases. Selective PDE inhibitors, especially PDE3 and PDE5 inhibitors are proposed to increase vascular NO levels by increasing antioxidant status or endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and activation and to improve the morphological architecture of the endothelial surface. Thereby, selective PDE inhibitors can improve the endothelial function in various CVD, increasing the evidence that these drugs are potential treatment strategies for vascular dysfunction and reinforcing their potential role as an adjuvant in the pharmacotherapy of CVD.

Cellular and molecular effects of hyperglycemia on ion channels in vascular smooth muscle

Diabetes affects millions of people worldwide. This devastating disease dramatically increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disorders. A hallmark metabolic abnormality in diabetes is hyperglycemia, which contributes to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications. These cardiovascular complications are, at least in part, related to hyperglycemia-induced molecular and cellular changes in the cells making up blood vessels. Whereas the mechanisms mediating endothelial dysfunction during hyperglycemia have been extensively examined, much less is known about how hyperglycemia impacts vascular smooth muscle function. Vascular smooth muscle function is exquisitely regulated by many ion channels, including several members of the potassium (K+) channel superfamily and voltage-gated L-type Ca2+ channels. Modulation of vascular smooth muscle ion channels function by hyperglycemia is emerging as a key contributor to vascular dysfunction in diabetes. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how diabetic hyperglycemia modulates the activity of these ion channels in vascular smooth muscle. We examine underlying mechanisms, general properties, and physiological relevance in the context of myogenic tone and vascular reactivity.

Purinergic Signaling During Hyperglycemia in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

The activation of purinergic receptors by nucleotides and/or nucleosides plays an important role in the control of vascular function, including modulation of vascular smooth muscle excitability, and vascular reactivity. Accordingly, purinergic receptor actions, acting as either ion channels (P2X) or G protein-coupled receptors (GCPRs) (P1, P2Y), target diverse downstream effectors, and substrates to regulate vascular smooth muscle function and vascular reactivity. Both vasorelaxant and vasoconstrictive effects have been shown to be mediated by different purinergic receptors in a vascular bed- and species-specific manner. Purinergic signaling has been shown to play a key role in altering vascular smooth muscle excitability and vascular reactivity following acute and short-term elevations in extracellular glucose (e.g., hyperglycemia). Moreover, there is evidence that vascular smooth muscle excitability and vascular reactivity is severely impaired during diabetes and that this is mediated, at least in part, by activation of purinergic receptors. Thus, purinergic receptors present themselves as important candidates mediating vascular reactivity in hyperglycemia, with potentially important clinical and therapeutic potential. In this review, we provide a narrative summarizing our current understanding of the expression, function, and signaling of purinergic receptors specifically in vascular smooth muscle cells and discuss their role in vascular complications following hyperglycemia and diabetes.

β-Adrenoceptor subtypes and cAMP role in adrenaline- and noradrenaline-induced relaxation in the rat thoracic aorta

Object We identified the β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) subtypes responsible for the relaxant responses to adrenaline (AD) and noradrenaline (NA) in the rat thoracic aorta and examined the role of cAMP which is involved in these relaxant responses. Methods The effects of β-AR antagonists or the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ 22,536 on AD- and NA-induced relaxant responses in phenylephrine-induced contraction and increases in cAMP levels were examined in isolated, endothelium-denuded rat thoracic aorta segments. Results AD-induced relaxation was completely suppressed by propranolol (10⁻⁷ M) or by ICI-118,551 (10⁻⁸ M) plus atenolol (10⁻⁶ M), and was also very strongly inhibited by ICI-118,551 (10⁻⁸ M) alone. AD (10⁻⁵ M) increased tissue cAMP levels by approximately 1.9-fold compared with that in non-stimulated aortic tissue, but did not significantly increase cAMP levels in the presence of ICI-118,551 (10⁻⁸ M) or SQ 22,536 (10⁻⁴ M). AD-induced relaxation was strongly suppressed by SQ 22,536 (10⁻⁴ M). NA-induced relaxation was almost completely suppressed by atenolol (10⁻⁶ M) plus ICI-118,551 (10⁻⁸ M) although it was hardly affected by ICI-118,551 (10⁻⁸ M) alone. NA (10⁻⁵ M) increased tissue cAMP levels by approximately 2.2-fold compared with that in non-stimulated aortic tissue, but did not significantly increase cAMP levels in the presence of atenolol (10⁻⁶ M) or SQ 22,536 (10⁻⁴ M). NA-induced relaxation was strongly suppressed by SQ 22,536 (10⁻⁴ M). Conclusion In rat thoracic aorta, AD- and NA-induced relaxations, which are both strongly dependent on increased tissue cAMP levels, are mainly mediated through β₂- and β₁-adrenoceptors respectively.

Adenylyl cyclase 5-generated cAMP controls cerebral vascular reactivity during diabetic hyperglycemia

Elevated blood glucose (hyperglycemia) is a hallmark metabolic abnormality in diabetes. Hyperglycemia is associated with protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated stimulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in arterial myocytes resulting in increased vasoconstriction. However, the mechanisms by which glucose activates PKA remain unclear. Here, we showed that elevating extracellular glucose stimulates cAMP production in arterial myocytes, and that this was specifically dependent on adenylyl cyclase 5 (AC5) activity. Super-resolution imaging suggested nanometer proximity between subpopulations of AC5 and the L-type Ca2+ channel pore-forming subunit CaV1.2. In vitro, in silico, ex vivo and in vivo experiments revealed that this close association is critical for stimulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in arterial myocytes and increased myogenic tone upon acute hyperglycemia. This pathway supported the increase in L-type Ca2+ channel activity and myogenic tone in two animal models of diabetes. Our collective findings demonstrate a unique role for AC5 in PKA-dependent modulation of L-type Ca2+ channel activity and vascular reactivity during acute hyperglycemia and diabetes.

Impairment of amyloid precursor protein alpha-processing in cerebral microvessels of type 1 diabetic mice

The mechanisms underlying dysfunction of cerebral microvasculature induced by type 1 diabetes (T1D) are not fully understood. We hypothesized that in cerebral microvascular endothelium, α-processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is impaired by T1D. In cerebral microvessels derived from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1D mice protein levels of APP and its α-processing enzyme, a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10) were significantly decreased, along with down-regulation of adenylate cyclase 3 (AC3) and enhanced production of thromboxane A₂ (TXA₂). In vitro studies in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) revealed that knockdown of AC3 significantly suppressed ADAM10 protein levels, and that activation of TXA₂ receptor decreased APP expression. Furthermore, levels of soluble APPα (sAPPα, a product of α-processing of APP) were significantly reduced in hippocampus of T1D mice. In contrast, amyloidogenic processing of APP was not affected by T1D in both cerebral microvessels and hippocampus. Most notably, studies in endothelial specific APP knockout mice established that genetic inactivation of APP in endothelium was sufficient to significantly reduce sAPPα levels in the hippocampus. In aggregate, our findings suggest that T1D impairs non-amyloidogenic processing of APP in cerebral microvessels. This may exert detrimental effect on local concentration of neuroprotective molecule, sAPPα, in the hippocampus.

Myocyte membrane and microdomain modifications in diabetes: determinants of ischemic tolerance and cardioprotection

Cardiovascular disease, predominantly ischemic heart disease (IHD), is the leading cause of death in diabetes mellitus (DM). In addition to eliciting cardiomyopathy, DM induces a ‘wicked triumvirate’: (i) increasing the risk and incidence of IHD and myocardial ischemia; (ii) decreasing myocardial tolerance to ischemia–reperfusion (I–R) injury; and (iii) inhibiting or eliminating responses to cardioprotective stimuli. Changes in ischemic tolerance and cardioprotective signaling may contribute to substantially higher mortality and morbidity following ischemic insult in DM patients. Among the diverse mechanisms implicated in diabetic impairment of ischemic tolerance and cardioprotection, changes in sarcolemmal makeup may play an overarching role and are considered in detail in the current review. Observations predominantly in animal models reveal DM-dependent changes in membrane lipid composition (cholesterol and triglyceride accumulation, fatty acid saturation vs. reduced desaturation, phospholipid remodeling) that contribute to modulation of caveolar domains, gap junctions and T-tubules. These modifications influence sarcolemmal biophysical properties, receptor and phospholipid signaling, ion channel and transporter functions, contributing to contractile and electrophysiological dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, ischemic intolerance and suppression of protective signaling. A better understanding of these sarcolemmal abnormalities in types I and II DM (T1DM, T2DM) can inform approaches to limiting cardiomyopathy, associated IHD and their consequences. Key knowledge gaps include details of sarcolemmal changes in models of T2DM, temporal patterns of lipid, microdomain and T-tubule changes during disease development, and the precise impacts of these diverse sarcolemmal modifications. Importantly, exercise, dietary, pharmacological and gene approaches have potential for improving sarcolemmal makeup, and thus myocyte function and stress-resistance in this ubiquitous metabolic disorder.

Regulation of smooth muscle contractility by competing endogenous mRNAs in intracranial aneurysms

Alterations in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) contribute to the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysms (IAs), but the genetic mechanisms underlying these alterations are unclear. We used microarray analysis to compare tissue small noncoding RNA and messenger RNA expression profiles in vessel wall samples from patients with late-stage IAs. We identified myocardin (MYOCD), a key contractility regulator of vascular SMCs, as a critical factor in IA progression. Using a multifaceted computational and experimental approach, we determined that depletion of competitive endogenous RNAs (ARHGEF12, FGF12, and ADCY5) enhanced factors that downregulate MYOCD, which induces the conversion of SMCs from differentiated contractile states into dedifferentiated phenotypes that exhibit enhanced proliferation, synthesis of new extracellular matrix, and organization of mural thrombi. These effects may lead to the repair and maintenance of IAs. This study presents guidelines for the prediction and validation of the IA regulator MYOCD in competitive endogenous RNA networks and facilitates the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic tools for IAs.

The functional state of hormone-sensitive adenylyl cyclase signaling system in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) induces a large number of diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular, and some other systems of the organism. One of the main causes of the diseases is the changes in the functional activity of hormonal signaling systems which lead to the alterations and abnormalities of the cellular processes and contribute to triggering and developing many DM complications. The key role in the control of physiological and biochemical processes belongs to the adenylyl cyclase (AC) signaling system, sensitive to biogenic amines and polypeptide hormones. The review is devoted to the changes in the GPCR-G protein-AC system in the brain, heart, skeletal muscles, liver, and the adipose tissue in experimental and human DM of the types 1 and 2 and also to the role of the changes in AC signaling in the pathogenesis and etiology of DM and its complications. It is shown that the changes of the functional state of hormone-sensitive AC system are dependent to a large extent on the type and duration of DM and in experimental DM on the model of the disease. The degree of alterations and abnormalities of AC signaling pathways correlates very well with the severity of DM and its complications.

Mechanisms underlying reduced P2Y(1) -receptor-mediated relaxation in superior mesenteric arteries from long-term streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM

Extracellular nucleotides activate cell-surface purinergic (P2) receptors, contribute to the local regulation of vascular tone and play important roles in pathophysiological states. However, little is known about the vasodilator effects of P2Y(1) -receptor activation in diabetic states. We hypothesized that in a model of established type 1 diabetes, long-term streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, the arterial relaxation elicited by a P2Y(1) -receptor agonist would be impaired.

METHODS

Relaxations to adenosine 5'-diphosphate sodium salt (ADP), 2-MeSADP (selective P2Y(1) -receptor agonist) and adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium salt (ATP) were examined in superior mesenteric artery rings from long-term STZ-induced diabetic rats (at 50-57 weeks after STZ injection). ADP-stimulated nitric oxide (NO) production in the superior mesenteric artery was assessed by measuring the levels of NO metabolites. Mesenteric artery expressions of P2Y(1) receptor, and ADP-stimulated levels of phosphorylated endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) (at Ser(1177) and at Thr(495) ) and eNOS were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Arteries from diabetic rats exhibited (vs. those from age-matched control rats): (i) reduced ADP-induced relaxation, which was partly or completely inhibited by endothelial denudation, by NOS inhibitor treatment and by a selective P2Y(1) -receptor antagonist, (ii) reduced 2-MeSADP-induced relaxation, (iii) reduced ADP-stimulated release of NO metabolites and (iv) impaired ADP-induced stimulation of eNOS activity (as evidenced by reduced the fold increase in eNOS phosphorylation at Ser(1177) with no difference in fold increase in eNOS phosphorylation at Thr(495) ). The protein expression of P2Y(1) receptor did not differ between diabetic and control arteries.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that P2Y(1) -receptor-mediated vasodilatation is impaired in superior mesenteric arteries from long-term type 1 diabetic rats. This impairment is because of reduced P2Y(1) -receptor-mediated NO signalling, rather than to reduced P2Y(1) -receptor expression.

Impaired β-adrenoceptor-induced relaxation in small mesenteric arteries from DOCA-salt hypertensive rats is due to reduced K(Ca) channel activity

β-Adrenoceptor (β-AR)-mediated relaxation plays an important role in the regulation of vascular tone. β-AR-mediated vascular relaxation is reduced in various disease states and aging. We hypothesized that β-AR-mediated vasodilatation is impaired in DOCA-salt hypertension due to alterations in the cAMP pathway. β-AR-mediated relaxation was determined in small mesenteric arteries from DOCA-salt hypertensive and control uninephrectomized (Uni) rats. To exclude nitric oxide (NO) and cyclooxygenase (COX) pathways, relaxation responses were determined in the presence of l-NNA and indomethacin, NO synthase inhibitor and COX inhibitors, respectively. Isoprenaline (ISO)-induced relaxation was reduced in arteries from DOCA-salt compared to Uni rats. Protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors (H89 or Rp-cAMPS) or adenylyl cyclase inhibitor (SQ22536) did not abolish the difference in ISO-induced relaxation between the groups. Forskolin (adenylyl cyclase activator)-induced relaxation was similar between the groups. The inhibition of IK(Ca)/SK(Ca) channels (TRAM-34 plus UCL1684) or BK(Ca) channels (iberiotoxin) reduced ISO-induced relaxation only in Uni rats and abolished the relaxation differences between the groups. The expression of SK(Ca) channel was decreased in DOCA-salt arteries. The expression of BK(Ca) channel α subunit was increased whereas the expression of BK(Ca) channel β subunit was decreased in DOCA-salt arteries. The expression of receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1), which is a binding protein for BK(Ca) channel and negatively modulates its activity, was increased in DOCA-salt arteries. These results suggest that the impairment of β-AR-mediated relaxation in DOCA-salt mesenteric arteries may be attributable to altered IK(Ca)/SK(Ca) and/or BK(Ca) channels activities rather than cAMP/PKA pathway. Impaired β-AR-stimulated BK(Ca) channel activity may be due to the imbalance between its subunit expressions and RACK1 upregulation.

[Therapeutic target for endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor signaling in diabetic vascular complication]

Vascular tone is tightly regulated by endothelium-derived factors. These include relaxing factors (EDRFs) such as nitric oxide (NO), hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs), and contracting factors (EDCFs). Although EDHF is a prominent vasodilator, particularly in smaller arteries, little attention has been paid to the potential role of EDHF responses in diabetes. EDHF signaling may involve various factors, including several diffusible factors and non-diffusible factors (e.g., gap junctions). It has been demonstrated that the alterations in EDHF relaxation seen in mesenteric arteries from diabetic rats may be attributable to an increase in phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) activity, leading to a reduction in the action of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), and consequently the activity of protein kinase A (PKA) is decreased in such arteries. Moreover, it has been suggested that the imbalance between EDRFs and EDCFs is present in mesenteric arteries from type 2 diabetic rats and the EDHF relaxation can be partly reversed by suppression of EDCF signaling. Indeed, chronic treatment with metformin, eicosapentaenoic acid, or thromboxane synthase inhibitor can reduce EDCF signaling and normalize EDHF signaling in mesenteric arteries from type 2 diabetic rats. Although the improvement or restoration of EDHF responses has not been the direct subject of any pharmaceutical effort, increasing cAMP/PKA signaling (e.g., by inhibiting PDE3 activity) or reducing EDCFs signaling has potential as an interesting therapeutic target in diabetic vasculopathy.

Connexins and gap junctions in the EDHF phenomenon and conducted vasomotor responses

It is becoming increasingly evident that electrical signaling via gap junctions plays a central role in the physiological control of vascular tone via two related mechanisms (1) the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) phenomenon, in which radial transmission of hyperpolarization from the endothelium to subjacent smooth muscle promotes relaxation, and (2) responses that propagate longitudinally, in which electrical signaling within the intimal and medial layers of the arteriolar wall orchestrates mechanical behavior over biologically large distances. In the EDHF phenomenon, the transmitted endothelial hyperpolarization is initiated by the activation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels channels by InsP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum and/or store-operated Ca(2+) entry triggered by the depletion of such stores. Pharmacological inhibitors of direct cell-cell coupling may thus attenuate EDHF-type smooth muscle hyperpolarizations and relaxations, confirming the participation of electrotonic signaling via myoendothelial and homocellular smooth muscle gap junctions. In contrast to isolated vessels, surprisingly little experimental evidence argues in favor of myoendothelial coupling acting as the EDHF mechanism in arterioles in vivo. However, it now seems established that the endothelium plays the leading role in the spatial propagation of arteriolar responses and that these involve poorly understood regenerative mechanisms. The present review will focus on the complex interactions between the diverse cellular signaling mechanisms that contribute to these phenomena.

Physical activity maintains aortic endothelium-dependent relaxation in the obese type 2 diabetic OLETF rat

We tested the hypothesis that physical activity can attenuate the temporal decline of ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation during type 2 diabetes mellitus progression in the Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rat. Sedentary OLETF rats exhibited decreased ACh-induced abdominal aortic endothelium-dependent relaxation from 13 to 20 wk of age (20-35%) and from 13 to 40 wk of age (35-50%). ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation was maintained in the physically active OLETF group and control sedentary Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) group from 13 to 40 wk of age. Aortic pretreatment with N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA), indomethacin (Indo), and l-NNA + Indo did not alter the temporal decline in ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation. Temporal changes in the protein expression of SOD isoforms in the aortic endothelium or smooth muscle did not contribute to the temporal decline in ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in sedentary OLETF rats. A significant increase in the 40-wk-old sedentary LETO and physically active OLETF rat aortic phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide (p-eNOS)-to-eNOS ratio was observed versus 13- and 20-wk-old rats in each group that was not seen in the 40- versus 13- and 20-wk-old sedentary OLETF rats. These results suggest that temporal changes in the antioxidant system, EDHF, and cycloxygenase metabolite production in sedentary OLETF rat aortas do not contribute to the temporal decline in sedentary OLETF rat aortic ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation seen with type 2 diabetes mellitus progression. We also report that physical activity in conjunction with aging in the OLETF rat results in a temporal increase in the aortic endothelial p-eNOS-to-eNOS ratio that was not seen in sedentary OLETF rats. These results suggest that the sustained aortic ACh-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation in aged physically active OLETF rats may be the result of an increase in active aortic eNOS.

Altered mechanism of adenosine-induced coronary arteriolar dilation in early-stage metabolic syndrome

Onset of the combined metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex progressive process involving numerous cardiovascular risk factors. Although patients with established MetS exhibit reduced coronary flow reserve and individual components of the MetS reduce microvascular vasodilation, little is known concerning the impact of early-stage MetS on the mechanisms of coronary flow control. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that coronary arteriolar dilation to adenosine is attenuated in early-stage MetS by reduced A2 receptor function and diminished K+ channel involvement. Pigs were fed control or high-fat/cholesterol diet for 9 weeks to induce early-stage MetS. Coronary atheroma was determined in vivo with intravascular ultrasound. In vivo coronary dilation was determined by intracoronary adenosine infusion. Further, apical coronary arterioles were isolated, cannulated and pressurized to 60 cmH2O for in vitro pharmacologic assessment of adenosine dilation. Coronary atheroma was not different between groups, indicating early-stage MetS. Coronary arteriolar dilation to adenosine (in vivo) and 2-chloroadenosine (2-CAD; in vitro) was similar between groups. In control arterioles, 2-CAD-mediated dilation was reduced only by selective A(2A) receptor inhibition, whereas only dual A(2A/2B) inhibition reduced this response in MetS arterioles. Arteriolar A(2B), but not A(2A), receptor protein expression was reduced by MetS. Blockade of voltage-dependent K+ (K(v)) channels reduced arteriolar sensitivity to 2-CAD in both groups, whereas ATP-sensitive K+ (K(ATP)) channel inhibition reduced sensitivity only in control arterioles. Our data indicate that the mechanisms mediating coronary arteriolar dilation to adenosine are altered in early-stage MetS prior to overt decrements in coronary vasodilator reserve.

Cilostazol improves endothelial dysfunction by increasing endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor response in mesenteric arteries from Type 2 diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus impairs endothelial function, an effect that can be considered a hallmark of the development of cardiovascular diseases in diabetics. Cilostazol, a selective phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor, is currently used to treat patients with diabetic vascular complications. However, the effects of cilostazol on responses mediated by endothelium-derived relaxing [in particular, nitric oxide (NO) and hyperpolarizing factors (EDHF)] and contracting factors remain unclear. Here, we hypothesized that cilostazol could improve endothelial dysfunctions in mesenteric arteries isolated from type 2 diabetic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. Using cilostazol-treated (100 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) or -untreated OLETF and control (Long Evans Tokushima Otsuka) rats, we examined the acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent responses and the cell-permeant cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analog-induced relaxations in the superior mesenteric artery. We also determined blood parameters in these animals. In OLETF rats, chronic treatment with cilostazol reduced the blood levels of triglyceride, non-esterified fatty acids, and leptin, and increased antioxidant capacity, but did not alter the blood glucose or insulin levels. In studies on mesenteric arteries from cilostazol-treated OLETF animals, the cilostazol treatment improved: (a) the acetylcholine-induced EDHF-mediated relaxation and (b) the cAMP-mediated relaxation. However, cilostazol did not alter the NO-mediated relaxation or the endothelium-derived contracting factor-mediated contraction. These results suggest that cilostazol improves endothelial functions in OLETF mesenteric arteries by increasing EDHF signaling, and that it normalizes some metabolic abnormalities in OLETF rats. On that basis, cilostazol may prove to be a potent drug for the clinical treatment of diabetic vasculopathy.

Metformin normalizes endothelial function by suppressing vasoconstrictor prostanoids in mesenteric arteries from OLETF rats, a model of type 2 diabetes

We previously reported that in mesenteric arteries from aged Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats (a type 2 diabetes model) endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-type relaxation is impaired while endothelium-derived contracting factor (EDCF)-mediated contraction is enhanced (Matsumoto T, Kakami M, Noguchi E, Kobayashi T, Kamata K. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 293: H1480-H1490, 2007). Here we investigated whether acute and/or chronic treatment with metformin might improve this imbalance between the effects of the above endothelium-derived factors in mesenteric arteries isolated from OLETF rats. In acute studies on OLETF mesenteric arteries, ACh-induced relaxation was impaired and the relaxation became weaker at high ACh concentrations. Both metformin and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside [AICAR, an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator that is also activated by metformin] 1) diminished the tendency for the relaxation to reverse at high ACh concentrations and 2) suppressed both ACh-induced EDCF-mediated contraction and ACh-stimulated production of prostanoids (thromboxane A2 and PGE2). In studies on OLETF arteries from chronically treated animals, metformin treatment (300 mg.kg(-1).day(-1) for 4 wk) 1) improved ACh-induced nitric oxide- or EDHF-mediated relaxation and cyclooxygenase (COX)-mediated contraction, 2) reduced EDCF-mediated contraction, 3) suppressed production of prostanoids, and 4) reduced superoxide generation. Metformin did not alter the protein expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phospho-eNOS (Ser1177), or COX-1, but it increased COX-2 protein. These results suggest that metformin improves endothelial functions in OLETF mesenteric arteries by suppressing vasoconstrictor prostanoids and by reducing oxidative stress. Our data suggest that within the timescale studied here, metformin improves endothelial function through this direct mechanism, rather than by improving metabolic abnormalities.

Increased enzyme activity and beta-adrenergic mediated vasodilation in subjects expressing a single-nucleotide variant of human adenylyl cyclase 6

OBJECTIVE

cAMP is a critical regulator of metabolic and cardiovascular function. However, the role of genetic variability in the regulation of cAMP-mediated effects is unclear. Therefore, we assessed the effect of the expression of a recently identified missense genetic variant of adenylyl cyclase isoform 6 (ADCY6 S674).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In rat vascular smooth muscle cells, gene transfer of ADCY6 S674 increased adenylyl cyclase activity and arborization to a greater extent than gene transfer of ADCY6 A674. Similarly, in adherent mononuclear leukocyte cells isolated from ADCY6 S674-expressing human subjects, both adenylyl cyclase activity and adenylyl cyclase-mediated cell retraction were significantly increased. Additionally, in dorsal hand vein LVDT studies, subjects expressing the hyper-functional ADCY6 S674 variant had significantly greater vascular sensitivity to the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol as assessed by both a greater potency and greater maximal effect than subjects expressing the ADCY6 A674 enzyme.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that the expression of a novel, relatively common variant of ADCY6 parallels an increase in adenylyl cyclase activity and adenylyl cyclase-mediated function in humans.

Imbalance between endothelium-derived relaxing and contracting factors in mesenteric arteries from aged OLETF rats, a model of Type 2 diabetes

We investigated whether the balance between endothelium-derived relaxing factors (EDRFs) and endothelium-derived contracting factors (EDCFs) might be altered in mesenteric arteries from aged Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats (a Type 2 diabetic model) [vs. age-matched control Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats]. ACh-induced relaxation was impaired in the OLETF group, and a tendency for the relaxation to reverse at high ACh concentrations was observed in both groups. This tendency was abolished by indomethacin. Nitric oxide- and/or endothelium-derived hypolarizing factor-mediated relaxation and the protein expressions of phospho-endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Ser1177) and extracellular superoxide dismutase were also reduced in OLETF. An ACh-induced contraction was observed at higher ACh concentrations in the presence of NG-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA) but was greater in OLETF rats. This contraction in OLETF rats was reduced by cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors and by prostanoid-receptor antagonists. The ACh-induced productions of thromboxane A2 and PGE2 were greater in OLETF than LETO rats, as were the mesenteric artery COX-1 and COX-2 protein expressions. Moreover, tert-butyl hydroperoxide ( t-BOOH) (membrane-permeant oxidant) induced a concentration-dependent contraction that was greater in OLETF rats. The t-BOOH-mediated contraction was increased both by l-NNA and by endothelium removal in LETO but not OLETF rats, suggesting that a negative modulatory role of the endothelium was lost in OLETF rats. These results suggest that an imbalance between EDRFs and EDCFs may be implicated in the endothelial dysfunction seen in aged OLETF mesenteric arteries, and may be attributable to increased oxidative stress.

Elevation of intracellular cAMP up-regulated thrombomodulin mRNA in cultured vascular endothelial cells derived from spontaneous type-II diabetes mellitus model rat

To investigate whether antihemostatic function of vascular endothelial cells (VECs) is changed in type-II diabetic model rats, the mRNA expressions of tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (t-PA and u-PA), thrombomodulin (TM), PA inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), and phosphodiesterases (type 3A, 3B, and 4D PDEs) were quantitated by the method of comparative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). VECs from type-II diabetic model Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats and from its normal counterpart (LETO) rats were cultured for 24 h with dibutyryl adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (db-cAMP) or a type-3 PDE inhibitor, cilostazol. Intracellular cAMP concentration was determined by the chemiluminescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system. In cultured VECs from OLETF rats, the basal mRNA expressions of u-PA and TM were significantly decreased as compared to those in cultured VECs from LETO rats. TM mRNA expression in cultured VECs from OLETF rats was increased 2.1-fold at 24 h after treatment with db-cAMP (3 mmol/L). Basal mRNA expressions of type 3A, 3B, and 4D PDEs were significantly higher in VECs from OLETF rats than those from LETO rats. After treatment with cilostazol (30 micromol/L), intracellular cAMP was significantly increased at 60 min and TM mRNA expression was increased 1.5-fold at 24 h. Therefore, elevation of intracellular cAMP by db-cAMP or cilostazol up-regulated TM mRNA expression in cultured VECs from OLETF rats.

Enhancement of methoxamine-induced contractile responses of rat ventricular muscle in streptozotocin-induced diabetes is associated with alpha1A adrenoceptor upregulation

AIM

To clarify the time-related changes in cardiac function and the mechanism underlying the cardiac dysfunction present in diabetes mellitus, we studied mechanical responses induced by alpha(1)- and beta-adrenoceptors, the Ca(2+)-entry promoter Bay K 8644- and ryanodine (an agent known to inhibit Ca(2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum) in papillary muscles from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and age-matched control rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats received a single injection of STZ (60 mg kg(-1)) via the tail vein to induce diabetes. For the mechanical studies, papillary muscle preparations were suspended in an organ bath and isometric contractions were measured in 1-, 4-, and 10-week STZ-induced diabetic and age-matched control rats.

RESULTS

In 1-week diabetic rats, the contractions induced by isoproterenol, methoxamine and Bay K 8644 were unchanged (vs. age-matched controls). In 4-week diabetic rats, (a) the isoproterenol- and Bay K 8644-induced contractions were impaired, (b) sensitivity to ryanodine was reduced, whereas (c) the methoxamine-induced contraction was unchanged. In 10-week diabetic rats, the isoproterenol- and Bay K 8644-induced contractile responses were impaired and the sensitivity to ryanodine was reduced, but in sharp contrast the methoxamine-induced contraction was enhanced. Both the mRNA level for the alpha(1A) adrenoceptor (but not the alpha(1B) or alpha(1D) mRNAs) and alpha(1A) adrenoceptor protein were increased in 10-week diabetic rats (vs. age-matched controls).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that impairments of beta-adrenergic and Ca(2+)-handling mechanisms occur early in the development of cardiomyopathy in STZ-induced diabetic rats, and that this is followed by augmentation of alpha(1A) adrenoceptor-mediated inotropy due to alpha(1A) adrenoceptor upregulation.

Specific impairment of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-type relaxation in mesenteric arteries from streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

We hypothesized that the contribution made by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) to acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) might be altered in mesenteric arteries from streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. In endothelium-intact preparations, the ACh-induced EDR (but not the sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation) was weaker in the STZ group than in age-matched controls. Indomethacin (10 muM) had no significant effect on EDR in either group, indicating that cyclooxygenase products, including prostacyclin, are not involved. This indomethacin-resistant EDR was weaker in the STZ group than in the controls. To isolate the EDHF-resistant component of EDR, charybdotoxin (100 nM) and apamin (100 nM) were present in the bath solution throughout the next experiment. This EDHF-resistant relaxation did not differ significantly between the two groups. On the other hand, the EDHF-mediated relaxation was significantly weaker in the STZ group than in the controls, and it was completely blocked by lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC, 10 microM) in each group. The eNOS protein expression was similar between the two groups. These results suggest that (a) the endothelial dysfunction present in mesenteric arteries from type 1 diabetic mice is largely attributable to reduced EDHF signaling, and (b) LPC may be involved in this attenuation of EDHF-mediated relaxation.

Mechanisms underlying the impaired EDHF-type relaxation response in mesenteric arteries from Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats

We previously reported that in mesenteric arteries from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-type relaxation is impaired, possibly due to a reduced action of cAMP. Here, we observed an impairment of acetylcholine-induced EDHF-type relaxation in mesenteric arteries from a type 2 diabetic model, Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats [vs. age-matched control Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats], and we investigated the mechanism underlying this impairment. In the LETO group, this EDHF-type relaxation was attenuated by 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (a gap-junction inhibitor) and by a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. In both groups (OLETF and LETO), it was enhanced by 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, a cAMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, but following these enhancements it was still weaker in OLETF rats than in LETO rats. The relaxations induced by cilostamide (a selective PDE3 inhibitor) and 8-bromo-cAMP (a cell-permeant cAMP analog) were reduced in OLETF rats, as was PKA activity. The relaxations induced by two activators of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(Ca)) [1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO), intermediate-conductance K(Ca) channel (IK(Ca)) activator, and riluzole, small-conductance K(Ca) channel (SK(Ca)) activator] were also impaired in OLETF rats. We conclude that the impairment of EDHF-type relaxation seen in OLETF rats may be attributable not only to a reduction in cAMP/PKA signaling, but also to reduced endothelial K(Ca) channel activities.