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Behringer EJ. Impact of aging on vascular ion channels: perspectives and knowledge gaps across major organ systems. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1012-H1038. [PMID: 37624095 PMCID: PMC10908410 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00288.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Individuals aged ≥65 yr will comprise ∼20% of the global population by 2030. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the world with age-related endothelial "dysfunction" as a key risk factor. As an organ in and of itself, vascular endothelium courses throughout the mammalian body to coordinate blood flow to all other organs and tissues (e.g., brain, heart, lung, skeletal muscle, gut, kidney, skin) in accord with metabolic demand. In turn, emerging evidence demonstrates that vascular aging and its comorbidities (e.g., neurodegeneration, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, heart failure, and cancer) are "channelopathies" in large part. With an emphasis on distinct functional traits and common arrangements across major organs systems, the present literature review encompasses regulation of vascular ion channels that underlie blood flow control throughout the body. The regulation of myoendothelial coupling and local versus conducted signaling are discussed with new perspectives for aging and the development of chronic diseases. Although equipped with an awareness of knowledge gaps in the vascular aging field, a section has been included to encompass general feasibility, role of biological sex, and additional conceptual and experimental considerations (e.g., cell regression and proliferation, gene profile analyses). The ultimate goal is for the reader to see and understand major points of deterioration in vascular function while gaining the ability to think of potential mechanistic and therapeutic strategies to sustain organ perfusion and whole body health with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Behringer
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States
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2
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Lu Y, Leng Y, Li Y, Wang J, Wang W, Wang R, Liu Y, Tan Q, Yang W, Jiang Y, Cai J, Yuan H, Weng L, Xu Q. Endothelial RIPK1 protects artery bypass graft against arteriosclerosis by regulating SMC growth. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh8939. [PMID: 37647392 PMCID: PMC10468134 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh8939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
RIPK1 is crucial in the inflammatory response. The process of vascular graft remodeling is also involved in endothelial inflammation, which can influence the behavior of smooth muscle cells. However, the role of endothelial RIPK1 in arterial bypass grafts remains unknown. Here, we established an arterial isograft mouse model in wild-type and endothelial RIPK1 conditional knockout mice. Progressive vascular remodeling and neointima formation occurred in the graft artery, showing SMC accumulation together with endothelial inflammatory adhesion molecule and cytokine expression. Endothelial RIPK1 knockout exacerbated graft stenosis by increasing secretion of N-Shh. Mechanistically, RIPK1 directly phosphorylated EEF1AKMT3 at Ser26, inhibiting its methyltransferase activity and global protein synthesis, which further attenuated N-Shh translation and secretion. Consistently, treatment with the Hedgehog pathway inhibitor GDC0449 markedly alleviated RIPK1 knockout-induced graft stenosis. Our results demonstrated that endothelial RIPK1 played a protective role in arterial bypass graft vascular remodeling, highlighting that targeting Hedgehog pathway may be an attractive strategy for graft failure in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lu
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
- Life Sciences & Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Yiming Leng
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Qian Tan
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjing Yang
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Youxiang Jiang
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Jingjing Cai
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Yuan
- Clinical Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410003, Hunan, China
| | - Liang Weng
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Qingbo Xu
- Department of Cardiology, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
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3
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Sperring CP, Savage WM, Argenziano MG, Leifer VP, Alexander J, Echlov N, Spinazzi EF, Connolly ES. No-Reflow Post-Recanalization in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Mechanisms, Measurements, and Molecular Markers. Stroke 2023; 54:2472-2480. [PMID: 37534511 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.123.044240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke remains the primary cause of disability worldwide. For patients with large vessel occlusions, intravenous thrombolysis followed by mechanical thrombectomy remains the standard of care. Revascularization of the large vessel is typically successful. However, despite reopening of the occluded vessel, many patients fail to return to independence. Functional failure, despite macrovascular recanalization, is often referred to as the no-reflow phenomenon. Even with an extensive characterization of reperfusion in animal models, numerous mechanisms may explain no-reflow. Further, uniform measurements of this microvascular dysfunction and prognostic markers associated with no-reflow are lacking. In this review, we highlight a number of mechanisms that may explain no-reflow, characterize current multimodal measurements, and assess its molecular markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin P Sperring
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NY-Presbyterian Hospital
| | - William M Savage
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NY-Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Michael G Argenziano
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NY-Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Valia P Leifer
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NY-Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Julia Alexander
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NY-Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Nicolas Echlov
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NY-Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Eleonora F Spinazzi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NY-Presbyterian Hospital
| | - E Sander Connolly
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NY-Presbyterian Hospital
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Balistrieri A, Makino A, Yuan JXJ. Pathophysiology and pathogenic mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension: role of membrane receptors, ion channels, and Ca 2+ signaling. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1827-1897. [PMID: 36422993 PMCID: PMC10110735 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00030.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The pulmonary circulation is a low-resistance, low-pressure, and high-compliance system that allows the lungs to receive the entire cardiac output. Pulmonary arterial pressure is a function of cardiac output and pulmonary vascular resistance, and pulmonary vascular resistance is inversely proportional to the fourth power of the intraluminal radius of the pulmonary artery. Therefore, a very small decrease of the pulmonary vascular lumen diameter results in a significant increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a fatal and progressive disease with poor prognosis. Regardless of the initial pathogenic triggers, sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction, concentric vascular remodeling, occlusive intimal lesions, in situ thrombosis, and vascular wall stiffening are the major and direct causes for elevated pulmonary vascular resistance in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and other forms of precapillary pulmonary hypertension. In this review, we aim to discuss the basic principles and physiological mechanisms involved in the regulation of lung vascular hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular function, the changes in the pulmonary vasculature that contribute to the increased vascular resistance and arterial pressure, and the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension. We focus on reviewing the pathogenic roles of membrane receptors, ion channels, and intracellular Ca2+ signaling in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells in the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Balistrieri
- Section of Physiology, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ayako Makino
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jason X-J Yuan
- Section of Physiology, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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Modeling Reactive Hyperemia to Better Understand and Assess Microvascular Function: A Review of Techniques. Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:479-492. [PMID: 36709231 PMCID: PMC9928923 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-03134-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Reactive hyperemia is a well-established technique for the non-invasive evaluation of the peripheral microcirculatory function, measured as the magnitude of limb re-perfusion after a brief period of ischemia. Despite widespread adoption by researchers and clinicians alike, many uncertainties remain surrounding interpretation, compounded by patient-specific confounding factors (such as blood pressure or the metabolic rate of the ischemic limb). Mathematical modeling can accelerate our understanding of the physiology underlying the reactive hyperemia response and guide in the estimation of quantities which are difficult to measure experimentally. In this work, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for mathematical modeling techniques that can be used for describing the key phenomena involved in the reactive hyperemia response, alongside their limitations and advantages. The reported methodologies can be used for investigating specific reactive hyperemia aspects alone, or can be combined into a computational framework to be used in (pre-)clinical settings.
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Hakim MA, Behringer EJ. K IR channel regulation of electrical conduction along cerebrovascular endothelium: Enhanced modulation during Alzheimer's disease. Microcirculation 2023; 30:e12797. [PMID: 36577656 PMCID: PMC9885900 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endothelial cell (EC) coupling occurs through gap junctions and underlies cerebral blood flow regulation governed by inward-rectifying K+ (KIR ) channels. This study addressed effects of KIR channel activity on EC coupling before and during Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS Intact EC tubes (width: ~90-100 μm; length: ~0.5 mm) were freshly isolated from posterior cerebral arteries of young Pre-AD (1-3 months) and aged AD (13-18 months) male and female 3xTg-AD mice. Dual intracellular microelectrodes applied simultaneous current injections (±0.5-3 nA) and membrane potential (Vm ) recordings in ECs at distance ~400 μm. Elevated extracellular potassium ([K+ ]E ; 8-15 mmol/L; reference, 5 mmol/L) activated KIR channels. RESULTS Conducted Vm (∆Vm ) responses ranged from ~-30 to 30 mV in response to -3 to +3 nA (linear regression, R2 ≥ .99) while lacking rectification for charge polarity or axial direction of spread. Conduction slope decreased ~10%-20% during 15 mmol/L [K+ ]E in Pre-AD males and AD females. 15 mmol/L [K+ ]E decreased conduction by ~10%-20% at lower ∆Vm thresholds in AD animals (~±20 mV) versus Pre-AD (~±25 mV). AD increased conducted hyperpolarization by ~10%-15% during 8-12 mmol/L [K+ ]E . CONCLUSIONS Brain endothelial KIR channel activity modulates bidirectional spread of vasoreactive signals with enhanced regulation of EC coupling during AD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A. Hakim
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Erik J. Behringer
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA,Corresponding Author: Erik J. Behringer, Ph.D., Department of Basic Sciences, 11041 Campus Street, Risley Hall, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, , tel: (909) 651-5334, fax: (909) 558-0119
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King DR, Sedovy MW, Eaton X, Dunaway LS, Good ME, Isakson BE, Johnstone SR. Cell-To-Cell Communication in the Resistance Vasculature. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3833-3867. [PMID: 35959755 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The arterial vasculature can be divided into large conduit arteries, intermediate contractile arteries, resistance arteries, arterioles, and capillaries. Resistance arteries and arterioles primarily function to control systemic blood pressure. The resistance arteries are composed of a layer of endothelial cells oriented parallel to the direction of blood flow, which are separated by a matrix layer termed the internal elastic lamina from several layers of smooth muscle cells oriented perpendicular to the direction of blood flow. Cells within the vessel walls communicate in a homocellular and heterocellular fashion to govern luminal diameter, arterial resistance, and blood pressure. At rest, potassium currents govern the basal state of endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Multiple stimuli can elicit rises in intracellular calcium levels in either endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells, sourced from intracellular stores such as the endoplasmic reticulum or the extracellular space. In general, activation of endothelial cells results in the production of a vasodilatory signal, usually in the form of nitric oxide or endothelial-derived hyperpolarization. Conversely, activation of smooth muscle cells results in a vasoconstriction response through smooth muscle cell contraction. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 1-35, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Ryan King
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Meghan W Sedovy
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Xinyan Eaton
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Luke S Dunaway
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Miranda E Good
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Scott R Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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8
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Hakim MA, Pires PW, Behringer EJ. Isolation and Functional Analysis of Arteriolar Endothelium of Mouse Brain Parenchyma. JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS : JOVE 2022:10.3791/63463. [PMID: 35343953 PMCID: PMC9154351 DOI: 10.3791/63463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral blood flow is conveyed by vascular resistance arteries and downstream parenchymal arterioles. Steady-state vascular resistance to blood flow increases with decreasing diameter from arteries to arterioles that ultimately feed into capillaries. Due to their smaller size and location in the parenchyma, arterioles have been relatively understudied and with less reproducibility in findings than surface pial arteries. Regardless, arteriolar endothelial cell structure and function-integral to the physiology and etiology of chronic degenerative diseases-requires extensive investigation. In particular, emerging evidence demonstrates that compromised endothelial function precedes and exacerbates cognitive impairment and dementia. In the parenchymal microcirculation, endothelial K+ channel function is the most robust stimulus to finely control the spread of vasodilation to promote increases in blood flow to areas of neuronal activity. This paper illustrates a refined method for freshly isolating intact and electrically coupled endothelial "tubes" (diameter, ~25 µm) from mouse brain parenchymal arterioles. Arteriolar endothelial tubes are secured during physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.4) to resolve experimental variables that encompass K+ channel function and their regulation, including intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, changes in membrane potential, and membrane lipid regulation. A distinct technical advantage versus arterial endothelium is the enhanced morphological resolution of cell and organelle (e.g., mitochondria) dimensions, which expands the usefulness of this technique. Healthy cerebral perfusion throughout life entails robust endothelial function in parenchymal arterioles, directly linking blood flow to the fueling of neuronal and glial activity throughout precise anatomical regions of the brain. Thus, it is expected that this method will significantly advance the general knowledge of vascular physiology and neuroscience concerning the healthy and diseased brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A. Hakim
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University
| | - Paulo W. Pires
- Departments of Physiology, Surgery and Neurosurgery and Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona College of Medicine Tucson
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Shuvaeva VN, Gorshkova OP. Age-Related Changes in the Contribution of Nitric Oxide and Potassium Channels to Dilation of Rat Pial Arteries. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021060193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Harraz OF, Jensen LJ. Vascular calcium signalling and ageing. J Physiol 2021; 599:5361-5377. [PMID: 34705288 PMCID: PMC9002240 DOI: 10.1113/jp280950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in cellular Ca2+ levels have major influences on vascular function and blood pressure regulation. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) orchestrate vascular activity in distinct ways, often involving highly specific fluctuations in Ca2+ signalling. Ageing is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but the impact of ageing per se on vascular Ca2+ signalling has received insufficient attention. We reviewed the literature for age-related changes in Ca2+ signalling in relation to vascular structure and function. Vascular tone dysregulation in several vascular beds has been linked to abnormal expression or activity of SMC voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, Ca2+ -activated K+ channels or TRPC6 channels. Some of these effects were linked to altered caveolae density, microRNA expression or 20-HETE abundance. Intracellular store Ca2+ handling was suppressed in ageing mainly via reduced expression of intracellular Ca2+ release channels, and Ca2+ reuptake or efflux pumps. An increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, leading to oxidative stress, could also play a role in SMC hypercontractility and structural remodelling in ageing. In ECs, ageing entailed diverse effects on spontaneous and evoked Ca2+ transients, as well as structural changes at the EC-SMC interface. The concerted effects of altered Ca2+ signalling on myogenic tone, endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, and vascular structure are likely to contribute to blood pressure dysregulation and blood flow distribution deficits in critical organs. With the increase in the world's ageing population, future studies should be directed at solving specific ageing-induced Ca2+ signalling deficits to combat the imminent accelerated vascular ageing and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama F. Harraz
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA,Vermont Center for Cardiovascular and Brain Health, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Lars Jørn Jensen
- Pathobiological Sciences, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Norton CE, Boerman EM, Segal SS. Differential hyperpolarization to substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide in smooth muscle versus endothelium of mouse mesenteric artery. Microcirculation 2021; 28:e12733. [PMID: 34633728 PMCID: PMC9996665 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to define how sensory neurotransmitters substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) affect membrane potential of vascular smooth muscle and endothelium. METHODS Microelectrodes recorded membrane potential of smooth muscle from pressurized mouse mesenteric arteries (diameter, ~150 µm) and in endothelial tubes. RESULTS Resting potential was similar (~ -45 mV) for each cell layer. Substance P hyperpolarized smooth muscle and endothelium ~ -15 mV; smooth muscle hyperpolarization was abolished by endothelial disruption or NO synthase inhibition. Blocking KCa channels (apamin + charybdotoxin) attenuated hyperpolarization in both cell types. CGRP hyperpolarized endothelium and smooth muscle ~ -30 mV; smooth muscle hyperpolarization was independent of endothelium. Blocking KCa channels prevented hyperpolarization to CGRP in endothelium but not smooth muscle. Inhibiting KATP channels with glibenclamide or genetic deletion of KIR 6.1 attenuated hyperpolarization in smooth muscle but not endothelium. Pinacidil (KATP channel agonist) hyperpolarized smooth muscle more than endothelium (~ -35 vs. ~ -20 mV). CONCLUSIONS Calcitonin gene-related peptide elicits greater hyperpolarization than substance P. Substance P hyperpolarizes both cell layers through KCa channels and involves endothelium-derived NO in smooth muscle. Endothelial hyperpolarization to CGRP requires KCa channels, while KATP channels mediate hyperpolarization in smooth muscle. Differential K+ channel activation in smooth muscle and endothelium through sensory neurotransmission may selectively tune mesenteric blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Norton
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Erika M Boerman
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Steven S Segal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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12
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Hakim MA, Behringer EJ. Development of Alzheimer's Disease Progressively Alters Sex-Dependent KCa and Sex-Independent KIR Channel Function in Cerebrovascular Endothelium. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 76:1423-1442. [PMID: 32651315 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is associated with impaired blood flow delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the brain. Cerebrovascular endothelium regulates vasoreactivity of blood vessel networks for optimal cerebral blood flow. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that cerebrovascular endothelial Gq-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR; purinergic and muscarinic) and K+ channel [Ca2+-activated (KCa2.3/SK3 and KCa3.1/IK1) and inward-rectifying (KIR2.x)] function declines during progressive AD pathology. METHODS We applied simultaneous measurements of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and membrane potential (Vm) in freshly isolated endothelium from posterior cerebral arteries of 3×Tg-AD mice [young, no pathology (1- 2 mo), cognitive impairment (CI; 4- 5 mo), extracellular Aβ plaques (Aβ; 6- 8 mo), and Aβ plaques + neurofibrillary tangles (AβT; 12- 15 mo)]. RESULTS The coupling of ΔVm-to-Δ[Ca2+]i during AβT pathology was lowest for both sexes but, overall, ATP-induced purinergic receptor function was stable throughout AD pathology. SKCa/IKCa channel function itself was enhanced by ∼20% during AD (Aβ+ AβT) versus pre-AD (Young + CI) in males while steady in females. Accordingly, hyperpolarization-induced [Ca2+]i increases following SKCa/IKCa channel activation and Δ[Ca2+]i-to-ΔVm coupling was enhanced by ≥two-fold during AD pathology in males but not females. Further, KIR channel function decreased by ∼50% during AD conditions versus young regardless of sex. Finally, other than a ∼40% increase in females versus males during Aβ pathology, [Ca2+]i responses to the mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP were similar among AD versus pre-AD conditions. CONCLUSION Altogether, AD pathology represents a condition of altered KCa and KIR channel function in cerebrovascular endothelium in a sex-dependent and sex-independent manner respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A Hakim
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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13
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Zehra T, Cupples WA, Braam B. Tubuloglomerular Feedback Synchronization in Nephrovascular Networks. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:1293-1304. [PMID: 33833078 PMCID: PMC8259654 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020040423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To perform their functions, the kidneys maintain stable blood perfusion in the face of fluctuations in systemic BP. This is done through autoregulation of blood flow by the generic myogenic response and the kidney-specific tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism. The central theme of this paper is that, to achieve autoregulation, nephrons do not work as single units to manage their individual blood flows, but rather communicate electrically over long distances to other nephrons via the vascular tree. Accordingly, we define the nephrovascular unit (NVU) to be a structure consisting of the nephron, glomerulus, afferent arteriole, and efferent arteriole. We discuss features that require and enable distributed autoregulation mediated by TGF across the kidney. These features include the highly variable topology of the renal vasculature which creates variability in circulation and the potential for mismatch between tubular oxygen demand and delivery; the self-sustained oscillations in each NVU arising from the autoregulatory mechanisms; and the presence of extensive gap junctions formed by connexins and their properties that enable long-distance transmission of TGF signals. The existence of TGF synchronization across the renal microvascular network enables an understanding of how NVUs optimize oxygenation-perfusion matching while preventing transmission of high systemic pressure to the glomeruli, which could lead to progressive glomerular and vascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayyaba Zehra
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - William A. Cupples
- Department of Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Branko Braam
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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14
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Pinilla E, Sánchez A, Martínez MP, Muñoz M, García‐Sacristán A, Köhler R, Prieto D, Rivera L. Endothelial K Ca 1.1 and K Ca 3.1 channels mediate rat intrarenal artery endothelium-derived hyperpolarization response. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13598. [PMID: 33314681 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM Endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH)-mediated response plays an essential role in the control of kidney preglomerular circulation, but the identity of the K+ channels involved in this response is still controversial. We hypothesized that large- (KCa 1.1), intermediate- (KCa 3.1) and small (KCa 2.3) -conductance Ca2+ -activated K+ (KCa ) channels are expressed in the endothelium of the preglomerular circulation and participate in the EDH-mediated response. METHODS We study the functional expression of different K+ channels in non-cultured, freshly isolated native endothelial cells (ECs) of rat intrarenal arteries using immunofluorescence and the patch-clamp technique. We correlate this with vasorelaxant responses ex vivo using wire myography. RESULTS Immunofluorescence revealed the expression of KCa 1.1, KCa 3.1 and KCa 2.3 channels in ECs. Under voltage-clamp conditions, acetylcholine induced a marked increase in the outward currents in these cells, sensitive to the blockade of KCa 1.1, KCa 3.1 and KCa 2.3 channels respectively. Isometric myography experiments, under conditions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase inhibition, showed that blockade either of KCa 1.1 or KCa 3.1 channels was able to reduce the endothelium-derived vasorelaxation of isolated interlobar arteries, while their combined blockade completely abolished it. In contrast, blockade of KCa 2.3 channels did not reduce this vasorelaxant response, despite being functionally expressed in the endothelial cells. CONCLUSION This study shows that KCa 1.1 and KCa 3.1 channels are functionally expressed at the renal vascular endothelium and play a central role in the EDH-mediated relaxation of kidney preglomerular arteries, which is important in the control of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estéfano Pinilla
- Departament of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
- Department of Biomedicine, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Pharmacology Aarhus University Aarhus Denmark
| | - Ana Sánchez
- Departament of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - María P. Martínez
- Department of Compared Anatomy and Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Mercedes Muñoz
- Departament of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Albino García‐Sacristán
- Departament of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Ralf Köhler
- Aragonese Agency for Investigation and Development & IACS/IIS Translational ResearchMiguel Servet Hospital Zaragoza Spain
| | - Dolores Prieto
- Departament of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Luis Rivera
- Departament of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy Complutense University of Madrid Madrid Spain
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15
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Thorn CE, Adio AO, Fox RH, Gardner AM, Winlove CP, Shore AC. Intermittent compression induces transitory hypoxic stimuli, upstream vasodilation and enhanced perfusion of skin capillaries, independent of age and diabetes. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2021; 130:1072-1084. [PMID: 33571053 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00657.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The benefit of enhanced shear stress to the vascular endothelium has been well-documented in conduit arteries but is less understood in skin microcirculation. The aim of this study was to provide physiological evidence of the vascular changes in skin microcirculation induced by intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) of 1 s cuff inflation (130 mmHg) every 20 s to the palm of the hand for 30 min. The oxygenation and hemodynamics of dorsal mid-phalangeal finger skin microcirculation were assessed by laser Doppler fluximetry and reflectance spectroscopy before, during, and after IPC in 15 young (18-39 years old) and 39 older (40-80 years old) controls and 32 older subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Each individual cuff inflation induced: 1) brief surge in flux immediately after cuff deflation followed by 2) transitory reduction in blood oxygen for ∼4 s, and 3) a second increase in perfusion and oxygenation of the microcirculation peaking ∼11 s after cuff deflation in all subject groups. With no significant change in blood volume observed by reflectance spectroscopy, despite the increased shear stress at the observed site, this second peak in flux and blood oxygen suggests a delayed vasoactive response upstream inducing increased arterial influx in the microcirculation that was higher in older controls and subjects with diabetes compared to young controls (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively) and achieving maximum capillary recruitment in all subject groups. Transitory hypoxic stimuli with conducted vasodilation may be a mechanism through which IPC enhances capillary perfusion in skin microcirculation independent of age and type 2 diabetes mellitus.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that hand intermittent pneumatic compression evokes transitory hypoxic stimuli in distal finger skin microcirculation inducing vasodilation of arterial inflow vessels, enhanced perfusion, and maximum capillary recruitment in young and older subjects and older subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Enhanced shear stress in the microcirculation did not appear to induce local skin vasodilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare E Thorn
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Aminat O Adio
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Roger H Fox
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - A Michael Gardner
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - C Peter Winlove
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Angela C Shore
- Diabetes and Vascular Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health and NIHR Exeter Clinical Research Facility, and School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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16
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Hakim MA, Chum PP, Buchholz JN, Behringer EJ. Aging Alters Cerebrovascular Endothelial GPCR and K+ Channel Function: Divergent Role of Biological Sex. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 75:2064-2073. [PMID: 31760422 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glz275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related dementia entails impaired blood flow to and throughout the brain due, in part, to reduced endothelial nitric oxide signaling. However, it is unknown whether sex affects cerebrovascular Gq-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and K+ channels underlying endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) during progressive aging. Thus, we simultaneously evaluated intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) and membrane potential (Vm) of intact endothelial tubes freshly isolated from posterior cerebral arteries of young (4-6 mo), middle-aged (12-16 mo), and old (24-28 mo) male and female C57BL/6 mice. Purinergic receptor function (vs. muscarinic) was dominant and enhanced for [Ca2+]i increases in old females versus old males. However, Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel function as defined by NS309-evoked Vm hyperpolarization was mildly impaired in females versus males during old age. This sex-based contrast in declined function of GPCRs and K+ channels to produce EDH may support a greater ability for physiological endothelial GPCR function to maintain optimal cerebral blood flow in females versus males during old age. As reflective of the pattern of cerebral blood flow decline in human subjects, inward-rectifying K+ (KIR) channel function decreased with progressive age regardless of sex. Combined age-related analyses masked male versus female aging and, contrary to expectation, hydrogen peroxide played a minimal role. Altogether, we conclude a sex-based divergence in cerebrovascular endothelial GPCR and K+ channel function while highlighting a previously unidentified form of age-related endothelial dysfunction as reduced KIR channel function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A Hakim
- Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, California
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17
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Gorshkova OP. Age-Related Changes in the Role of
Potassium Channels in Acetylcholine-Induced Dilation of Pial Arteries in Normotensive
and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0022093021010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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18
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Hald BO, Welsh DG. Conceptualizing conduction as a pliant electrical response: impact of gap junctions and ion channels. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H1276-H1289. [PMID: 32986968 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00285.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Vasomotor responses conduct among resistance arteries to coordinate blood flow delivery pursuant to energetic demand. Conduction is set by the electrical and mechanical properties of vascular cells, the former tied to how gap junctions and ion channels distribute and dissipate charge, respectively. These membrane proteins are subject to modulation; thus, conduction could be viewed as "pliant" to the current regulatory state. This study used in silico approaches to conceptualize electrical pliancy and to illustrate how gap junctional and ion channel properties distinctly impact conduction along a single skeletal muscle artery or a branching cerebrovascular network. Initial simulations revealed how vascular cells encoded with electrotonic properties best reproduced spreading behavior; the endothelium's importance as a charge source and a longitudinal conduit was readily observed. Alterations in gap junctional conductance produced unique electrical fingerprints: 1) decreased endothelial coupling impaired longitudinal but enhanced radial spread, and 2) reduced myoendothelial coupling limited radial but enhanced longitudinal spread. Subsequent simulations illustrated how tuning ion channel activity, e.g., inward rectifying- and voltage-gated K+ channels, modified charge dissipation, resting membrane potential, and the spread of the electrical phenomenon. Restricting ion channel tuning to a network subregion then revealed how electrical spread could be locally shaped in accordance with the aggregate changes in membrane resistance. In summary, our analysis frames and reimagines electrical conduction as a pliable process, with subtle regulatory changes to membrane proteins shaping network spread and tissue perfusion.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Conducted vasomotor responses depend on initiation and spread of electrical phenomena along arterial walls and their translation into contractile responses. Using computational approaches, we show how subtle but widespread regulation of gap junctions and ion channels can modulate the range and amplitude of electrical spread. Ion channels are regulated by endocrine and mechanical signals and may differ regionally in networks. Subregional electrical changes are not spatially confined but may affect electrical conduction in neighboring regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Olav Hald
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Donald G Welsh
- Robarts Research Institute and Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Wilson C, Zhang X, Lee MD, MacDonald M, Heathcote HR, Alorfi NMN, Buckley C, Dolan S, McCarron JG. Disrupted endothelial cell heterogeneity and network organization impair vascular function in prediabetic obesity. Metabolism 2020; 111:154340. [PMID: 32791171 PMCID: PMC7538703 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and stroke. Impaired endothelial function occurs in the earliest stages of obesity and underlies vascular alterations that give rise to cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanisms that link weight gain to endothelial dysfunction are ill-defined. Increasing evidence suggests that endothelial cells are not a population of uniform cells but are highly heterogeneous and are organized as a communicating multicellular network that controls vascular function. PURPOSE To investigate the hypothesis that disrupted endothelial heterogeneity and network-level organization contribute to impaired vascular reactivity in obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS To study obesity-related vascular function without complications associated with diabetes, a state of prediabetic obesity was induced in rats. Small artery diameter recordings confirmed nitric-oxide mediated vasodilator responses were dependent on increases in endothelial calcium levels and were impaired in obese animals. Single-photon imaging revealed a linear relationship between blood vessel relaxation and population-wide calcium responses. Obesity did not alter the slope of this relationship, but impaired calcium responses in the endothelial cell network. The network comprised structural and functional components. The structural architecture, a hexagonal lattice network of connected cells, was unchanged in obesity. The functional network contained sub-populations of clustered specialized agonist-sensing cells from which signals were communicated through the network. In obesity there were fewer but larger clusters of sensory cells and communication path lengths between clusters increased. Communication between neighboring cells was unaltered in obesity. Altered network organization resulted in impaired, population-level calcium signaling and deficient endothelial control of vascular tone. CONCLUSIONS The distribution of cells in the endothelial network is critical in determining overall vascular response. Altered cell heterogeneity and arrangement in obesity decreases endothelial function and provides a novel framework for understanding compromised endothelial function in cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum Wilson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Xun Zhang
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Matthew D Lee
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Margaret MacDonald
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Helen R Heathcote
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Nasser M N Alorfi
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - Charlotte Buckley
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Sharron Dolan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - John G McCarron
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
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20
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Electrical Propagation of Vasodilatory Signals in Capillary Networks. Bull Math Biol 2020; 82:128. [PMID: 32968879 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-020-00806-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a computational model to study electrical propagation of vasodilatory signals and arteriolar regulation of blood flow depending on the oxygen tension and agonist distribution in the capillary network. The involving key parameters of endothelial cell-to-cell electrical conductivity and plasma membrane area per unit volume were calibrated with the experimental data on an isolated endothelial tube of mouse skeletal feeding arteries. We have estimated the oxygen saturation parameters in terms of erythrocyte ATP release from the data of a left anterior descending coronary blood perfusion of dog. Regarding the acetylcholine-induced upstream conduction, our model shows that spatially uniform superfusion of acetylcholine attenuates the electrical signal propagation, and blocking calcium-activated potassium channels suppresses that attenuation. On the other hand, a local infusion of acetylcholine induces enhanced electrical propagation that corresponds to physiological relevance. Integrating the electrophysiology of endothelial tube and the electrophysiology/mechanics of a lumped arteriole, we show mechanistically that endothelial purinergic oxygen sensing of ATP released from erythrocytes and local infusion of acetylcholine are individually effective to induce vasodilatory signals to regulate blood flow in arterioles. We have recapitulated the upstream vasomotion in arterioles from the elevated oxygen tension in the downstream capillary domain. This study is a foundation for characterizing effective pharmaceutical strategies for ascending vasodilation and oxygenation.
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21
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Hald BO, Welsh DG. Conceptualizing Conduction as a Pliant Vasomotor response: Impact of Ca 2+ fluxes and Ca 2+ Sensitization. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H1290-H1301. [PMID: 32946262 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00286.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Coordinating blood flow to active tissue requires vasomotor responses to conduct among resistance arteries. Vasomotor spread is governed by the electrical and mechanical properties of vessels; the latter being linked to the sigmoid relations between membrane potential (VM), [Ca2+], and smooth muscle contractility. Proteins guiding electrical-to-tone translation are subject to regulation; thus, vasomotor conduction could be viewed as "pliant" to the current regulatory state. Using simple in silico approaches, we explored vasomotor pliancy and how the regulation of contractility impacts conduction along a skeletal muscle artery and a branching cerebrovascular network. Initial simulations revealed how limited electromechanical linearity affects the translation of electrical spread into arterial tone. Subtle changes to the VM-[Ca2+] or [Ca2+]-diameter relationship, akin to regulatory alterations in Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ sensitivity, modified the distance and amplitude of the conducted vasomotor response. Simultaneous changes to both relationships, consistent with agonist stimulation, augmented conduction although the effect varied with stimulus strength and polarity (depolarization vs hyperpolarization). Final simulations using our cerebrovascular network revealed how localized changes to the VM-[Ca2+] or [Ca2+]-diameter relationships could regionally shape conduction without interfering with the electrical spread. We conclude that regulatory changes to key effector proteins (e.g. L-type Ca2+ channels, myosin light chain phosphatase), integral to voltage translation, not only impact conducted vasomotor tone but likely blood flow delivery to active tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørn Olav Hald
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Donald G Welsh
- Robarts Research Institute and the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, Canada
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22
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Freitas-Andrade M, Raman-Nair J, Lacoste B. Structural and Functional Remodeling of the Brain Vasculature Following Stroke. Front Physiol 2020; 11:948. [PMID: 32848875 PMCID: PMC7433746 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of cerebral blood vessel integrity and regulation of cerebral blood flow ensure proper brain function. The adult human brain represents only a small portion of the body mass, yet about a quarter of the cardiac output is dedicated to energy consumption by brain cells at rest. Due to a low capacity to store energy, brain health is heavily reliant on a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream, and is thus particularly vulnerable to stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. By transiently or permanently limiting tissue perfusion, stroke alters vascular integrity and function, compromising brain homeostasis and leading to widespread consequences from early-onset motor deficits to long-term cognitive decline. While numerous lines of investigation have been undertaken to develop new pharmacological therapies for stroke, only few advances have been made and most clinical trials have failed. Overall, our understanding of the acute and chronic vascular responses to stroke is insufficient, yet a better comprehension of cerebrovascular remodeling following stroke is an essential prerequisite for developing novel therapeutic options. In this review, we present a comprehensive update on post-stroke cerebrovascular remodeling, an important and growing field in neuroscience, by discussing cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, sex differences, limitations of preclinical research design and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Raman-Nair
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Baptiste Lacoste
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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23
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Abstract
Of the 21 members of the connexin family, 4 (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45) are expressed in the endothelium and/or smooth muscle of intact blood vessels to a variable and dynamically regulated degree. Full-length connexins oligomerize and form channel structures connecting the cytosol of adjacent cells (gap junctions) or the cytosol with the extracellular space (hemichannels). The different connexins vary mainly with regard to length and sequence of their cytosolic COOH-terminal tails. These COOH-terminal parts, which in the case of Cx43 are also translated as independent short isoforms, are involved in various cellular signaling cascades and regulate cell functions. This review focuses on channel-dependent and -independent effects of connexins in vascular cells. Channels play an essential role in coordinating and synchronizing endothelial and smooth muscle activity and in their interplay, in the control of vasomotor actions of blood vessels including endothelial cell reactivity to agonist stimulation, nitric oxide-dependent dilation, and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor-type responses. Further channel-dependent and -independent roles of connexins in blood vessel function range from basic processes of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis to vascular permeability and interactions with leukocytes with the vessel wall. Together, these connexin functions constitute an often underestimated basis for the enormous plasticity of vascular morphology and function enabling the required dynamic adaptation of the vascular system to varying tissue demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Pohl
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Biomedical Centre, Cardiovascular Physiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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24
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The capillary Kir channel as sensor and amplifier of neuronal signals: Modeling insights on K +-mediated neurovascular communication. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:16626-16637. [PMID: 32601236 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2000151117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal activity leads to an increase in local cerebral blood flow (CBF) to allow adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients to active neurons, a process termed neurovascular coupling (NVC). We have previously shown that capillary endothelial cell (cEC) inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir) channels can sense neuronally evoked increases in interstitial K+ and induce rapid and robust dilations of upstream parenchymal arterioles, suggesting a key role of cECs in NVC. The requirements of this signal conduction remain elusive. Here, we utilize mathematical modeling to investigate how small outward currents in stimulated cECs can elicit physiologically relevant spread of vasodilatory signals within the highly interconnected brain microvascular network to increase local CBF. Our model shows that the Kir channel can act as an "on-off" switch in cECs to hyperpolarize the cell membrane as extracellular K+ increases. A local hyperpolarization can be amplified by the voltage-dependent activation of Kir in neighboring cECs. Sufficient Kir density enables robust amplification of the hyperpolarizing stimulus and produces responses that resemble action potentials in excitable cells. This Kir-mediated excitability can remain localized in the stimulated region or regeneratively propagate over significant distances in the microvascular network, thus dramatically increasing the efficacy of K+ for eliciting local hyperemia. Modeling results show how changes in cEC transmembrane current densities and gap junctional resistances can affect K+-mediated NVC and suggest a key role for Kir as a sensor of neuronal activity and an amplifier of retrograde electrical signaling in the cerebral vasculature.
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25
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Garcia DCG, Longden TA. Ion channels in capillary endothelium. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2020; 85:261-300. [PMID: 32402642 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vascular beds are anatomically and functionally compartmentalized into arteries, capillaries, and veins. The bulk of the vasculature consists of the dense, anastomosing capillary network, composed of capillary endothelial cells (cECs) that are intimately associated with the parenchyma. Despite their abundance, the ion channel expression and function and Ca2+ signaling behaviors of capillaries have only recently begun to be explored in detail. Here, we discuss the established and emerging roles of ion channels and Ca2+ signaling in cECs. By mining a publicly available RNA-seq dataset, we outline the wide variety of ion channel genes that are expressed in these cells, which potentially imbue capillaries with a broad range of sensing and signal transduction capabilities. We also underscore subtle but critical differences between cEC and arteriolar EC ion channel expression that likely underlie key functional differences in ECs at these different levels of the vascular tree. We focus our discussion on the cerebral vasculature, but the findings and principles being elucidated in this area likely generalize to other vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C G Garcia
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Thomas A Longden
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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26
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John CM, Khaddaj Mallat R, Mishra RC, George G, Singh V, Turnbull JD, Umeshappa CS, Kendrick DJ, Kim T, Fauzi FM, Visser F, Fedak PWM, Wulff H, Braun AP. SKA-31, an activator of Ca 2+-activated K + channels, improves cardiovascular function in aging. Pharmacol Res 2019; 151:104539. [PMID: 31707036 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aging represents an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, and is associated with complex structural and functional alterations in the vasculature, such as endothelial dysfunction. Small- and intermediate-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ channels (KCa2.3 and KCa3.1, respectively) are prominently expressed in the vascular endothelium, and pharmacological activators of these channels induce robust vasodilation upon acute exposure in isolated arteries and intact animals. However, the effects of prolonged in vivo administration of such compounds are unknown. In our study, we hypothesized that such treatment would ameliorate aging-related cardiovascular deficits. Aged (∼18 months) male Sprague Dawley rats were treated daily with either vehicle or the KCa channel activator SKA-31 (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection; n = 6/group) for 8 weeks, followed by echocardiography, arterial pressure myography, immune cell and plasma cytokine characterization, and tissue histology. Our results show that SKA-31 administration improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation, reduced agonist-induced vascular contractility, and prevented the aging-associated declines in cardiac ejection fraction, stroke volume and fractional shortening, and further improved the expression of endothelial KCa channels and associated cell signalling components to levels similar to those observed in young male rats (∼5 months at end of study). SKA-31 administration did not promote pro-inflammatory changes in either T cell populations or plasma cytokines/chemokines, and we observed no overt tissue histopathology in heart, kidney, aorta, brain, liver and spleen. SKA-31 treatment in young rats had little to no effect on vascular reactivity, select protein expression, tissue histology, plasma cytokines/chemokines or immune cell properties. Collectively, these data demonstrate that administration of the KCa channel activator SKA-31 improved aging-related cardiovascular function, without adversely affecting the immune system or promoting tissue toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cini Mathew John
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Rayan Khaddaj Mallat
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ramesh C Mishra
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Grace George
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Vikrant Singh
- Dept. of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Jeannine D Turnbull
- Dept. of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Channakeshava S Umeshappa
- Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Dylan J Kendrick
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Taeyeob Kim
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Fazlin M Fauzi
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Chemistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
| | - Frank Visser
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Paul W M Fedak
- Dept. of Cardiac Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Heike Wulff
- Dept. of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Andrew P Braun
- Dept. of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada.
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27
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McCarron JG, Wilson C, Heathcote HR, Zhang X, Buckley C, Lee MD. Heterogeneity and emergent behaviour in the vascular endothelium. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 45:23-32. [PMID: 31005824 PMCID: PMC6700393 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The endothelium is the single layer of cells lining all blood vessels, and it is a remarkable cardiovascular control centre. Each endothelial cell has only a small number (on average six) of interconnected neighbours. Yet this arrangement produces a large repertoire of behaviours, capable of controlling numerous cardiovascular functions in a flexible and dynamic way. The endothelium regulates the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste by regulating blood flow and vascular permeability. The endothelium regulates blood clotting, responses to infection and inflammation, the formation of new blood vessels, and remodelling of the blood vessel wall. To carry out these roles, the endothelium autonomously interprets a complex environment crammed with signals from hormones, neurotransmitters, pericytes, smooth muscle cells, various blood cells, viral or bacterial infection and proinflammatory cytokines. It is generally assumed that the endothelium responds to these instructions with coordinated responses in a homogeneous population of endothelial cells. Here, we highlight evidence that shows that neighbouring endothelial cells are highly heterogeneous and display different sensitivities to various activators. Cells with various sensitivities process different extracellular signals into distinct streams of information in parallel, like a vast switchboard. Communication occurs among cells and new ‘emergent’ signals are generated that are non-linear composites of the inputs. Emergent signals cannot be predicted or deduced from the properties of individual cells. Heterogeneity and emergent behaviour bestow capabilities on the endothelial collective that far exceed those of individual cells. The implications of heterogeneity and emergent behaviour for understanding vascular disease and drug discovery are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G McCarron
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK.
| | - Calum Wilson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Helen R Heathcote
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Xun Zhang
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Charlotte Buckley
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - Matthew D Lee
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
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28
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Behringer EJ, Hakim MA. Functional Interaction among K Ca and TRP Channels for Cardiovascular Physiology: Modern Perspectives on Aging and Chronic Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061380. [PMID: 30893836 PMCID: PMC6471369 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to vital organs and tissues throughout the body requires adequate blood flow supplied through resistance vessels. The intimate relationship between intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) and regulation of membrane potential (Vm) is indispensable for maintaining blood flow regulation. In particular, Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels were ascertained as transducers of elevated [Ca2+]i signals into hyperpolarization of Vm as a pathway for decreasing vascular resistance, thereby enhancing blood flow. Recent evidence also supports the reverse role for KCa channels, in which they facilitate Ca2+ influx into the cell interior through open non-selective cation (e.g., transient receptor potential; TRP) channels in accord with robust electrical (hyperpolarization) and concentration (~20,000-fold) transmembrane gradients for Ca2+. Such an arrangement supports a feed-forward activation of Vm hyperpolarization while potentially boosting production of nitric oxide. Furthermore, in vascular types expressing TRP channels but deficient in functional KCa channels (e.g., collecting lymphatic endothelium), there are profound alterations such as downstream depolarizing ionic fluxes and the absence of dynamic hyperpolarizing events. Altogether, this review is a refined set of evidence-based perspectives focused on the role of the endothelial KCa and TRP channels throughout multiple experimental animal models and vascular types. We discuss the diverse interactions among KCa and TRP channels to integrate Ca2+, oxidative, and electrical signaling in the context of cardiovascular physiology and pathology. Building from a foundation of cellular biophysical data throughout a wide and diverse compilation of significant discoveries, a translational narrative is provided for readers toward the treatment and prevention of chronic, age-related cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Behringer
- Department of Basic Sciences, 11041 Campus Street, Risley Hall, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
| | - Md A Hakim
- Department of Basic Sciences, 11041 Campus Street, Risley Hall, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.
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29
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Kapela A, Behringer EJ, Segal SS, Tsoukias NM. Biophysical properties of microvascular endothelium: Requirements for initiating and conducting electrical signals. Microcirculation 2018; 25. [PMID: 29117630 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Electrical signaling along the endothelium underlies spreading vasodilation and blood flow control. We use mathematical modeling to determine the electrical properties of the endothelium and gain insight into the biophysical determinants of electrical conduction. METHODS Electrical conduction data along endothelial tubes (40 μm wide, 2.5 mm long) isolated from mouse skeletal muscle resistance arteries were analyzed using cable equations and a multicellular computational model. RESULTS Responses to intracellular current injection attenuate with an axial length constant (λ) of 1.2-1.4 mm. Data were fitted to estimate the axial (ra ; 10.7 MΩ/mm) and membrane (rm ; 14.5 MΩ∙mm) resistivities, EC membrane resistance (Rm ; 12 GΩ), and EC-EC coupling resistance (Rgj ; 4.5 MΩ) and predict that stimulation of ≥30 neighboring ECs is required to elicit 1 mV of hyperpolarization at distance = 2.5 mm. Opening Ca2+ -activated K+ channels (KCa ) along the endothelium reduced λ by up to 55%. CONCLUSIONS High Rm makes the endothelium sensitive to electrical stimuli and able to conduct these signals effectively. Whereas the activation of a group of ECs is required to initiate physiologically relevant hyperpolarization, this requirement is increased by myoendothelial coupling and KCa activation along the endothelium inhibits conduction by dissipating electrical signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kapela
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Erik J Behringer
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Steven S Segal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Nikolaos M Tsoukias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.,School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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30
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Hakim MA, Buchholz JN, Behringer EJ. Electrical dynamics of isolated cerebral and skeletal muscle endothelial tubes: Differential roles of G-protein-coupled receptors and K + channels. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2018; 6:e00391. [PMID: 29636977 PMCID: PMC5889193 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical dynamics of freshly isolated cerebral endothelium have not been determined independently of perivascular nerves and smooth muscle. We tested the hypothesis that endothelium of cerebral and skeletal muscle arteries differentially utilizes purinergic and muscarinic signaling pathways to activate endothelium‐derived hyperpolarization. Changes in membrane potential (Vm) were recorded in intact endothelial tubes freshly isolated from posterior cerebral and superior epigastric arteries of male and female C57BL/6 mice (age: 3‐8 months). Vm was measured in response to activation of purinergic (P2Y) and muscarinic (M3) receptors in addition to small‐ and intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (SKCa/IKCa) and inward rectifying K+ (KIR) channels using ATP (100 μmol·L−1), acetylcholine (ACh; 10 μmol·L−1), NS309 (0.01‐10 μmol·L−1), and 15 mmol·L−1 KCl, respectively. Intercellular coupling was demonstrated via transfer of propidium iodide dye and electrical current (±0.5‐3 nA) through gap junctions. With similarities observed across gender, peak hyperpolarization to ATP and ACh in skeletal muscle endothelial tubes was ~twofold and ~sevenfold higher, respectively, vs cerebral endothelial tubes, whereas responses to NS309 were similar (from resting Vm ~−30 mV to maximum ~−80 mV). Hyperpolarization (~8 mV) occurred during 15 mmol·L−1 KCl treatment in cerebral but not skeletal muscle endothelial tubes. Despite weaker hyperpolarization during endothelial GPCR stimulation in cerebral vs skeletal muscle endothelium, the capability for robust SKCa/IKCa activity is preserved across brain and skeletal muscle. As vascular reactivity decreases with aging and cardiovascular disease, endothelial K+ channel activity may be calibrated to restore blood flow to respective organs regardless of gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md A Hakim
- Basic Sciences Loma Linda University Loma Linda CA USA
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31
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Guerra G, Lucariello A, Perna A, Botta L, De Luca A, Moccia F. The Role of Endothelial Ca 2+ Signaling in Neurovascular Coupling: A View from the Lumen. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E938. [PMID: 29561829 PMCID: PMC5979341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19040938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is the mechanism whereby an increase in neuronal activity (NA) leads to local elevation in cerebral blood flow (CBF) to match the metabolic requirements of firing neurons. Following synaptic activity, an increase in neuronal and/or astrocyte Ca2+ concentration leads to the synthesis of multiple vasoactive messengers. Curiously, the role of endothelial Ca2+ signaling in NVC has been rather neglected, although endothelial cells are known to control the vascular tone in a Ca2+-dependent manner throughout peripheral vasculature. METHODS We analyzed the literature in search of the most recent updates on the potential role of endothelial Ca2+ signaling in NVC. RESULTS We found that several neurotransmitters (i.e., glutamate and acetylcholine) and neuromodulators (e.g., ATP) can induce dilation of cerebral vessels by inducing an increase in endothelial Ca2+ concentration. This, in turn, results in nitric oxide or prostaglandin E2 release or activate intermediate and small-conductance Ca2+-activated K⁺ channels, which are responsible for endothelial-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH). In addition, brain endothelial cells express multiple transient receptor potential (TRP) channels (i.e., TRPC3, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPA1), which induce vasodilation by activating EDH. CONCLUSIONS It is possible to conclude that endothelial Ca2+ signaling is an emerging pathway in the control of NVC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, via F. De Santis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy.
| | - Angela Lucariello
- Department of Mental Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 81100 Naples, Italy.
| | - Angelica Perna
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, via F. De Santis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy.
| | - Laura Botta
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, via Forlanini 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Antonio De Luca
- Department of Mental Health and Preventive Medicine, Section of Human Anatomy, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", 81100 Naples, Italy.
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, via Forlanini 6, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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32
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Behringer EJ. Calcium and electrical signaling in arterial endothelial tubes: New insights into cellular physiology and cardiovascular function. Microcirculation 2018; 24. [PMID: 27801542 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The integral role of the endothelium during the coordination of blood flow throughout vascular resistance networks has been recognized for several decades now. Early examination of the distinct anatomy and physiology of the endothelium as a signaling conduit along the vascular wall has prompted development and application of an intact endothelial "tube" study model isolated from rodent skeletal muscle resistance arteries. Vasodilatory signals such as increased endothelial cell (EC) Ca2+ ([Ca2+ ]i ) and hyperpolarization take place in single ECs while shared between electrically coupled ECs through gap junctions up to distances of millimeters (≥2 mm). The small- and intermediate-conductance Ca2+ activated K+ (SKCa /IKCa or KCa 2.3/KCa 3.1) channels function at the interface of Ca2+ signaling and hyperpolarization; a bidirectional relationship whereby increases in [Ca2+ ]i activate SKCa /IKCa channels to produce hyperpolarization and vice versa. Further, the spatial domain of hyperpolarization among electrically coupled ECs can be finely tuned via incremental modulation of SKCa /IKCa channels to balance the strength of local and conducted electrical signals underlying vasomotor activity. Multifunctional properties of the voltage-insensitive SKCa /IKCa channels of resistance artery endothelium may be employed for therapy during the aging process and development of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Behringer
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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33
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Pearson JT, Yoshimoto M, Chen YC, Sultani R, Edgley AJ, Nakaoka H, Nishida M, Umetani K, Waddingham MT, Jin HL, Zhang Y, Kelly DJ, Schwenke DO, Inagaki T, Tsuchimochi H, Komuro I, Yamashita S, Shirai M. Widespread Coronary Dysfunction in the Absence of HDL Receptor SR-B1 in an Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:18108. [PMID: 29273789 PMCID: PMC5741771 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18485-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced clearance of lipoproteins by HDL scavenger receptor class B1 (SR-B1) plays an important role in occlusive coronary artery disease. However, it is not clear how much microvascular dysfunction contributes to ischemic cardiomyopathy. Our aim was to determine the distribution of vascular dysfunction in vivo in the coronary circulation of male mice after brief exposure to Paigen high fat diet, and whether this vasomotor dysfunction involved nitric oxide (NO) and or endothelium derived hyperpolarization factors (EDHF). We utilised mice with hypomorphic ApoE lipoprotein that lacked SR-B1 (SR-B1−/−/ApoER61h/h, n = 8) or were heterozygous for SR-B1 (SR-B1+/−/ApoER61h/h, n = 8) to investigate coronary dilator function with synchrotron microangiography. Partially occlusive stenoses were observed in vivo in SR-B1 deficient mice only. Increases in artery-arteriole calibre to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside stimulation were absent in SR-B1 deficient mice. Residual dilation to acetylcholine following L-NAME (50 mg/kg) and sodium meclofenamate (3 mg/kg) blockade was present in both mouse groups, except at occlusions, indicating that EDHF was not impaired. We show that SR-B1 deficiency caused impairment of NO-mediated dilation of conductance and microvessels. Our findings also suggest EDHF and prostanoids are important for global perfusion, but ultimately the loss of NO-mediated vasodilation contributes to atherothrombotic progression in ischemic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T Pearson
- Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Misa Yoshimoto
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Health Sciences, Nara Women's University, Nara, Japan
| | - Yi Ching Chen
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rohullah Sultani
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda J Edgley
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hajime Nakaoka
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Nishida
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiji Umetani
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Harima, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Mark T Waddingham
- St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hui-Ling Jin
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuan Zhang
- St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darren J Kelly
- St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daryl O Schwenke
- Department of Physiology - HeartOtago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Tadakatsu Inagaki
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shizuya Yamashita
- Departments of Community Medicine and Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.,Rinku General Medical Center, Izumisano, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mikiyasu Shirai
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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34
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Behringer EJ, Scallan JP, Jafarnejad M, Castorena‐Gonzalez JA, Zawieja SD, Moore JE, Davis MJ, Segal SS. Calcium and electrical dynamics in lymphatic endothelium. J Physiol 2017; 595:7347-7368. [PMID: 28994159 PMCID: PMC5730853 DOI: 10.1113/jp274842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Endothelial cell function in resistance arteries integrates Ca2+ signalling with hyperpolarization to promote relaxation of smooth muscle cells and increase tissue blood flow. Whether complementary signalling occurs in lymphatic endothelium is unknown. Intracellular calcium and membrane potential were evaluated in endothelial cell tubes freshly isolated from mouse collecting lymphatic vessels of the popliteal fossa. Resting membrane potential measured using intracellular microelectrodes averaged ∼-70 mV. Stimulation of lymphatic endothelium by acetylcholine or a TRPV4 channel agonist increased intracellular Ca2+ with robust depolarization. Findings from Trpv4-/- mice and with computational modelling suggest that the initial mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ leads to influx of Ca2+ and Na+ through TRPV4 channels to evoke depolarization. Lymphatic endothelial cells lack the Ca2+ -activated K+ channels present in arterial endothelium to generate endothelium-derived hyperpolarization. Absence of this signalling pathway with effective depolarization may promote rapid conduction of contraction along lymphatic muscle during lymph propulsion. ABSTRACT Subsequent to a rise in intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+ ]i ), hyperpolarization of the endothelium coordinates vascular smooth muscle relaxation along resistance arteries during blood flow control. In the lymphatic vasculature, collecting vessels generate rapid contractions coordinated along lymphangions to propel lymph, but the underlying signalling pathways are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) exhibit Ca2+ and electrical signalling properties that facilitate lymph propulsion. To study electrical and intracellular Ca2+ signalling dynamics in lymphatic endothelium, we excised collecting lymphatic vessels from the popliteal fossa of mice and removed their muscle cells to isolate intact LEC tubes (LECTs). Intracellular recording revealed a resting membrane potential of ∼-70 mV. Acetylcholine (ACh) increased [Ca2+ ]i with a time course similar to that observed in endothelium of resistance arteries (i.e. rapid initial peak with a sustained 'plateau'). In striking contrast to the endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) characteristic of arteries, LECs depolarized (>15 mV) to either ACh or TRPV4 channel activation. This depolarization was facilitated by the absence of Ca2+ -activated K+ (KCa ) channels as confirmed with PCR, persisted in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ , was abolished by LaCl3 and was attenuated ∼70% in LECTs from Trpv4-/- mice. Computational modelling of ion fluxes in LECs indicated that omitting K+ channels supports our experimental results. These findings reveal novel signalling events in LECs, which are devoid of the KCa activity abundant in arterial endothelium. Absence of EDH with effective depolarization of LECs may promote the rapid conduction of contraction waves along lymphatic muscle during lymph propulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J. Behringer
- Basic SciencesLoma Linda UniversityLoma LindaCA92350USA
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMO65212USA
| | - Joshua P. Scallan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMO65212USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFL33612USA
| | | | | | - Scott D. Zawieja
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMO65212USA
| | - James E. Moore
- Department of BioengineeringImperial College LondonLondonEngland
| | - Michael J. Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMO65212USA
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research CenterColumbiaMO65211USA
| | - Steven S. Segal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and PhysiologyUniversity of MissouriColumbiaMO65212USA
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research CenterColumbiaMO65211USA
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35
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Behringer EJ, Segal SS. Impact of Aging on Calcium Signaling and Membrane Potential in Endothelium of Resistance Arteries: A Role for Mitochondria. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2017; 72:1627-1637. [PMID: 28510636 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glx079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired blood flow to peripheral tissues during advanced age is associated with endothelial dysfunction and diminished bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). However, it is unknown whether aging impacts coupling between intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) signaling and small- and intermediate K+ channel (SKCa/IKCa) activity during endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH), a signaling pathway integral to dilation of the resistance vasculature. To address the potential impact of aging on EDH, Fura-2 photometry and intracellular recording were applied to evaluate [Ca2+]i and membrane potential of intact endothelial tubes (width, 60 µm; length, 1-3 mm) freshly isolated from superior epigastric arteries of young (4-6 mo) and old (24-26 mo) male C57BL/6 mice. In response to acetylcholine, intracellular release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was enhanced with aging. Further, treatment with the mitochondrial uncoupler FCCP evoked a significant increase of [Ca2+]i with membrane hyperpolarization in an SKCa/IKCa-dependent manner in the endothelium of old but not young mice. We conclude that the ability of resistance artery endothelium to release Ca2+ from intracellular stores (ie, ER and mitochondria) and hyperpolarize Vm via SKCa/IKCa activation is augmented as compensation for reduced NO bioavailability during advanced age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Behringer
- Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University, California.,Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia
| | - Steven S Segal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Columbia, Missouri
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36
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Sinkler SY, Segal SS. Rapid versus slow ascending vasodilatation: intercellular conduction versus flow-mediated signalling with tetanic versus rhythmic muscle contractions. J Physiol 2017; 595:7149-7165. [PMID: 28981145 DOI: 10.1113/jp275186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS In response to exercise, vasodilatation ascends from downstream arterioles into upstream feed arteries (FAs). We hypothesized that the signalling events underlying ascending vasodilatation variy with the intensity and duration of skeletal muscle contraction. In the gluteus maximus muscle of C57BL/6 mice, brief tetanic contraction evoked rapid onset vasodilatation (ROV) (<1 s) throughout the resistance network. Selective damage to endothelium midway between FAs and primary arterioles eliminated ROV only in FAs. Blocking SKCa and IKCa channels attenuated ROV, implicating hyperpolarization as the underlying signal. During rhythmic twitch contractions, slow onset vasodilatation (10-15 s) in FAs remained intact following loss of ROV and was eliminated following nitric oxide synthase inhibition. Tetanic contraction initiates hyperpolarization that conducts along endothelium into FAs. Rhythmic twitch contractions stimulate FA endothelium to release nitric oxide in response to elevated shear stress secondary to metabolic dilatation of arterioles. Complementary endothelial signalling pathways for ascending vasodilatation ensure increased oxygen delivery to active skeletal muscle. ABSTRACT In response to exercise, vasodilatation initiated within the microcirculation of skeletal muscle ascends the resistance network into upstream feed arteries (FAs) located external to the tissue. Ascending vasodilatation (AVD) is essential for reducing FA resistance that otherwise restricts blood flow into the microcirculation. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that signalling events underlying AVD vary with the intensity and duration of muscle contraction. In the gluteus maximus muscle of anaesthetized male C57BL/6 mice (aged 3-4 months), brief tetanic contraction (100 Hz for 500 ms) evoked rapid onset vasodilatation (ROV) in FAs that peaked within 4 s. By contrast, during rhythmic twitch contractions (4 Hz), slow onset vasodilatation (SOV) of FAs began after ∼10 s and plateaued within 30 s. Selectively damaging the endothelium with light-dye treatment midway between a FA and its primary arteriole eliminated ROV in the FA along with conducted vasodilatation of the FA initiated on the arteriole using ACh microiontophoresis. Superfusion of SKCa and IKCa channel blockers UCL 1684 + TRAM 34 attenuated ROV, implicating endothelial hyperpolarization as the underlying signal. Nevertheless, the SOV of FAs during rhythmic contractions persisted until inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with Nω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. Thus, ROV of FAs reflects hyperpolarization of downstream arterioles that conducts along the endothelium into proximal FAs. By contrast, SOV of FAs reflects the local production of nitric oxide by the endothelium in response to luminal shear stress, which increases secondary to arteriolar dilatation downstream. Thus, AVD ensures increased oxygen delivery to active muscle fibres by reducing upstream resistance via complementary signalling pathways that reflect the intensity and duration of muscle contraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghua Y Sinkler
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Steven S Segal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Columbia, MO, USA
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37
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Welsh DG, Tran CHT, Hald BO, Sancho M. The Conducted Vasomotor Response: Function, Biophysical Basis, and Pharmacological Control. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 58:391-410. [PMID: 28968190 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010617-052623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Arterial tone is coordinated among vessel segments to optimize nutrient transport and organ function. Coordinated vasomotor activity is remarkable to observe and depends on stimuli, sparsely generated in tissue, eliciting electrical responses that conduct lengthwise among electrically coupled vascular cells. The conducted response is the focus of this topical review, and in this regard, the authors highlight literature that advances an appreciation of functional significance, cellular mechanisms, and biophysical principles. Of particular note, this review stresses that conduction is enabled by a defined pattern of charge movement along the arterial wall as set by three key parameters (tissue structure, gap junctional resistivity, and ion channel activity). The impact of disease on conduction is carefully discussed, as are potential strategies to restore this key biological response and, along with it, the match of blood flow delivery with tissue energetic demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald G Welsh
- Robarts Research Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada;
| | - Cam Ha T Tran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Bjorn O Hald
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Maria Sancho
- Robarts Research Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada;
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Garland CJ, Bagher P, Powell C, Ye X, Lemmey HAL, Borysova L, Dora KA. Voltage-dependent Ca 2+ entry into smooth muscle during contraction promotes endothelium-mediated feedback vasodilation in arterioles. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/486/eaal3806. [PMID: 28676489 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aal3806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle contraction is suppressed by feedback dilation mediated by the endothelium. In skeletal muscle arterioles, this feedback can be activated by Ca2+ signals passing from smooth muscle through gap junctions to endothelial cells, which protrude through holes in the internal elastic lamina to make contact with vascular smooth muscle cells. Although hypothetically either Ca2+ or inositol trisphosphate (IP3) may provide the intercellular signal, it is generally thought that IP3 diffusion is responsible. We provide evidence that Ca2+ entry through L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) in vascular smooth muscle can pass to the endothelium through positions aligned with holes in the internal elastic lamina in amounts sufficient to activate endothelial cell Ca2+ signaling. In endothelial cells in which IP3 receptors (IP3Rs) were blocked, VDCC-driven Ca2+ events were transient and localized to the endothelium that protrudes through the internal elastic lamina to contact vascular smooth muscle cells. In endothelial cells in which IP3Rs were not blocked, VDCC-driven Ca2+ events in endothelial cells were amplified to form propagating waves. These waves activated voltage-insensitive, intermediate-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ (IKCa) channels, thereby providing feedback that effectively suppressed vasoconstriction and enabled cycles of constriction and dilation called vasomotion. Thus, agonists that stimulate vascular smooth muscle depolarization provide Ca2+ to endothelial cells to activate a feedback circuit that protects tissue blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Garland
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Pooneh Bagher
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Chloe Powell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Xi Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Hamish A L Lemmey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Lyudmyla Borysova
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
| | - Kim A Dora
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK.
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Zakkaroff C, Moore S, Dowding S, David T. 3D time-varying simulations of Ca 2+ dynamics in arterial coupled cells: A massively parallel implementation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2017; 33:e02786. [PMID: 27062231 PMCID: PMC5298049 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.2786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Preferential locations of atherosclerotic plaque are strongly associated with the areas of low wall shear stress and disturbed haemodynamic characteristics such as flow detachment, flow recirculation and oscillatory flow. The areas of low wall shear stress are also associated with the reduced production of adenosine triphosphate in the endothelial layer, as well as the resulting reduced production of inositol trisphosphate (IP3 ). The subsequent variation in Ca2+ signalling and nitric oxide synthesis could lead to the impairment of the atheroprotective function played by nitric oxide. In previous studies, it has been suggested that the reduced IP3 and Ca2+ signalling can explain the correlation of atherosclerosis with induced low WSS and disturbed flow characteristics. The massively parallel implementation described in this article provides insight into the dynamics of coupled smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells mapped onto the surface of an idealised arterial bifurcation. We show that variations in coupling parameters, which model normal and pathological conditions, provide vastly different smooth muscle cell Ca2+ dynamics and wave propagation profiles. The extensibility of the coupled cells model and scalability of the implementation provide a solid framework for in silico investigations of the interaction between complex cellular chemistry and the macro-scale processes determined by fluid dynamics. © 2016 The Authors. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Moore
- IBM Research Collaboratory for Life SciencesMelbourneAustralia
| | - Stewart Dowding
- UC HPC CentreUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
| | - Tim David
- UC HPC CentreUniversity of CanterburyChristchurchNew Zealand
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Garland CJ, Dora KA. EDH: endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and microvascular signalling. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2017; 219:152-161. [PMID: 26752699 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) is a powerful vasodilator influence in small resistance arteries and thus an important modulator of blood pressure and flow. As the name suggests, EDHF was thought to describe a diffusible factor stimulating smooth muscle hyperpolarization (and thus vasodilatation). However, this idea has evolved with the recognition that a factor can operate alongside the spread of hyperpolarizing current from the endothelium to the vascular smooth muscle (VSM). As such, the pathway is now termed endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH). EDH is activated by an increase in endothelial [Ca2+ ]i , which stimulates two Ca2+ -sensitive K channels, SKCa and IKCa . This was discovered because apamin and charybdotoxin applied in combination blocked EDHF responses, but iberiotoxin - a blocker of BKCa - was not able to substitute for charybdotoxin. SKCa and IKCa channels are arranged in endothelial microdomains, particularly within projections towards the adjacent smooth muscle, which are rich in IKCa channels and close to interendothelial gap junctions where SKCa channels, are prevalent. KCa activation hyperpolarizes endothelial cells, and K+ efflux through them can act as a diffusible 'EDHF' by stimulating VSM Na+ ,K+ -ATPase and inwardly rectifying K channels (KIR ). In parallel, hyperpolarizing current spreads from the endothelium to the smooth muscle through myoendothelial gap junctions located on endothelial projections. The resulting radial EDH is complemented by the spread of 'conducted' hyperpolarization along the endothelium of arteries and arterioles to affect conducted vasodilatation (CVD). Retrograde CVD effectively integrates blood flow within the microcirculation, but how the underlying hyperpolarization is sustained is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. J. Garland
- Department of Pharmacology; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
| | - K. A. Dora
- Department of Pharmacology; University of Oxford; Oxford UK
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Dora KA. Conducted dilatation to ATP and K + in rat skeletal muscle arterioles. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2017; 219:202-218. [PMID: 26804547 PMCID: PMC5215486 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIM During exercise in humans, circulating levels of ATP and K+ increase at a time when blood flow increases to satisfy metabolic demand. Both molecules can activate arteriolar K+ channels to stimulate vasodilatation; here, it is established whether conducted dilatation is observed in a skeletal muscle bed. METHODS Isolated and cannulated rat cremaster arterioles were used to assess both local and conducted responses. Agents were either added to the bath, focally pulse-ejected to the downstream end of arterioles, or in triple-cannulated arterioles, luminally perfused into the downstream branches to assess both local and conducted responses. RESULTS The endothelium-dependent agonist ACh and the KATP channel opener levcromakalim each stimulated both local and conducted vasodilatation. Focal, bolus delivery of ATP (10 μm) or KCl (33 mm) to the outside of arterioles stimulated a biphasic vasomotor response: rapid vasoconstriction followed by dilatation as each washed away. At lower concentrations of KCl (19 mm), constriction was avoided, and instead, Ba2+ -sensitive local dilatation and conducted dilatation were both observed. Luminal perfusion of ATP avoided constriction and activated P2Y1 receptors stimulating vasodilatation secondary to opening of KCa channels. In triple-cannulated arterioles, either ATP (10 μm) or K+ (15 mm) luminally perfused into daughter branches of a bifurcation stimulated local dilatation which conducted into the parent arteriole. CONCLUSION The recognized physiological autocrine and paracrine mediators ATP and K+ each act to evoke both local and conducted vasodilatation in rat cremaster arterioles. Therefore, in situations when circulating levels are raised, such as during exercise, these agents can act as important regulators of blood flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. A. Dora
- Department of PharmacologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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Chen YC, Inagaki T, Fujii Y, Schwenke DO, Tsuchimochi H, Edgley AJ, Umetani K, Zhang Y, Kelly DJ, Yoshimoto M, Nagai H, Evans RG, Kuwahira I, Shirai M, Pearson JT. Chronic intermittent hypoxia accelerates coronary microcirculatory dysfunction in insulin-resistant Goto-Kakizaki rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 311:R426-39. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00112.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic intermittent hypoxia (IH) induces oxidative stress and inflammation, which impair vascular endothelial function. Long-term insulin resistance also leads to endothelial dysfunction. We determined, in vivo, whether the effects of chronic IH and insulin resistance on endothelial function augment each other. Male 12-wk-old Goto-Kakizaki (GK) and Wistar control rats were subjected to normoxia or chronic IH (90-s N2, 5% O2 at nadir, 90-s air, 20 cycles/h, 8 h/day) for 4 wk. Coronary endothelial function was assessed using microangiography with synchrotron radiation. Imaging was performed at baseline, during infusion of acetylcholine (ACh, 5 μg·kg−1·min−1) and then sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 5 μg·kg−1·min−1), after blockade of both nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) with Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME, 50 mg/kg) and cyclooxygenase (COX, meclofenamate, 3 mg/kg), and during subsequent ACh. In GK rats, coronary vasodilatation in response to ACh and SNP was blunted compared with Wistar rats, and responses to ACh were abolished after blockade. In Wistar rats, IH blunted the ability of ACh or SNP to increase the number of visible vessels. In GK rats exposed to IH, neither ACh nor SNP were able to increase visible vessel number or caliber, and blockade resulted in marked vasoconstriction. Our findings indicate that IH augments the deleterious effects of insulin resistance on coronary endothelial function. They appear to increase the dependence of the coronary microcirculation on NO and/or vasodilator prostanoids, and greatly blunt the residual vasodilation in response to ACh after blockade of NOS/COX, presumably mediated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ching Chen
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biosciences Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tadakatsu Inagaki
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Yutaka Fujii
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Daryl O. Schwenke
- Department of Physiology-Heart Otago, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Hirotsugu Tsuchimochi
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Amanda J. Edgley
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biosciences Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Keiji Umetani
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, Harima, Japan
| | - Yuan Zhang
- St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Darren J. Kelly
- St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Misa Yoshimoto
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - Hisashi Nagai
- Departments of Clinical Laboratory Medicine and Forensic Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Roger G. Evans
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biosciences Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ichiro Kuwahira
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Tokai University Tokyo Hospital, Tokai University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mikiyasu Shirai
- Department of Cardiac Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Japan
| | - James T. Pearson
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biosciences Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Biomedical Imaging Facility, Melbourne, Australia; and
- Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne, Australia
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Schmidt K, Windler R, de Wit C. Communication Through Gap Junctions in the Endothelium. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2016; 77:209-40. [PMID: 27451099 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A swarm of fish displays a collective behavior (swarm behavior) and moves "en masse" despite the huge number of individual animals. In analogy, organ function is supported by a huge number of cells that act in an orchestrated fashion and this applies also to vascular cells along the vessel length. It is obvious that communication is required to achieve this vital goal. Gap junctions with their modular bricks, connexins (Cxs), provide channels that interlink the cytosol of adjacent cells by a pore sealed against the extracellular space. This allows the transfer of ions and charge and thereby the travel of membrane potential changes along the vascular wall. The endothelium provides a low-resistance pathway that depends crucially on connexin40 which is required for long-distance conduction of dilator signals in the microcirculation. The experimental evidence for membrane potential changes synchronizing vascular behavior is manifold but the functional verification of a physiologic role is still open. Other molecules may also be exchanged that possibly contribute to the synchronization (eg, Ca(2+)). Recent data suggest that vascular Cxs have more functions than just facilitating communication. As pharmacological tools to modulate gap junctions are lacking, Cx-deficient mice provide currently the standard to unravel their vascular functions. These include arteriolar dilation during functional hyperemia, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, vascular collateralization after ischemia, and feedback inhibition on renin secretion in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schmidt
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - R Windler
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - C de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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45
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Yap FC, Weber DS, Taylor MS, Townsley MI, Comer BS, Maylie J, Adelman JP, Lin MT. Endothelial SK3 channel-associated Ca2+ microdomains modulate blood pressure. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2016; 310:H1151-63. [PMID: 26945080 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00787.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Activation of vascular endothelial small- (KCa2.3, SK3) or intermediate- (KCa3.1, IK1) conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels induces vasorelaxation via an endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) pathway. Although the activation of SK3 and IK1 channels converges on EDH, their subcellular effects on signal transduction are different and not completely clear. In this study, a novel endothelium-specific SK3 knockout (SK3(-/-)) mouse model was utilized to specifically examine the contribution of SK3 channels to mesenteric artery vasorelaxation, endothelial Ca(2+) dynamics, and blood pressure. The absence of SK3 expression was confirmed using real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis. Functional studies showed impaired EDH-mediated vasorelaxation in SK3(-/-) small mesenteric arteries. Immunostaining results from SK3(-/-) vessels confirmed the absence of SK3 and further showed altered distribution of transient receptor potential channels, type 4 (TRPV4). Electrophysiological recordings showed a lack of SK3 channel activity, while TRPV4-IK1 channel coupling remained intact in SK3(-/-) endothelial cells. Moreover, Ca(2+) imaging studies in SK3(-/-) endothelium showed increased Ca(2+) transients with reduced amplitude and duration under basal conditions. Importantly, SK3(-/-) endothelium lacked a distinct type of Ca(2+) dynamic that is sensitive to TRPV4 activation. Blood pressure measurements showed that the SK3(-/-) mice were hypertensive, and the blood pressure increase was further enhanced during the 12-h dark cycle when animals are most active. Taken together, our results reveal a previously unappreciated SK3 signaling microdomain that modulates endothelial Ca(2+) dynamics, vascular tone, and blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fui C Yap
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - David S Weber
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Mark S Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Mary I Townsley
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
| | - Brian S Comer
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - James Maylie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; and
| | - John P Adelman
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Mike T Lin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama;
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Wilson C, Saunter CD, Girkin JM, McCarron JG. Clusters of specialized detector cells provide sensitive and high fidelity receptor signaling in the intact endothelium. FASEB J 2016; 30:2000-13. [PMID: 26873937 PMCID: PMC4836367 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201500090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Agonist-mediated signaling by the endothelium controls virtually all vascular functions. Because of the large diversity of agonists, each with varying concentrations, background noise often obscures individual cellular signals. How the endothelium distinguishes low-level fluctuations from noise and decodes and integrates physiologically relevant information remains unclear. Here, we recorded changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations in response to acetylcholine in areas encompassing hundreds of endothelial cells from inside intact pressurized arteries. Individual cells responded to acetylcholine with a concentration-dependent increase in Ca(2+) signals spanning a single order of magnitude. Interestingly, however, intercellular response variation extended over 3 orders of magnitude of agonist concentration, thus crucially enhancing the collective bandwidth of endothelial responses to agonists. We also show the accuracy of this collective mode of detection is facilitated by spatially restricted clusters of comparably sensitive cells arising from heterogeneous receptor expression. Simultaneous stimulation of clusters triggered Ca(2+) signals that were transmitted to neighboring cells in a manner that scaled with agonist concentration. Thus, the endothelium detects agonists by acting as a distributed sensing system. Specialized clusters of detector cells, analogous to relay nodes in modern communication networks, integrate populationwide inputs, and enable robust noise filtering for efficient high-fidelity signaling.-Wilson, C., Saunter, C. D., Girkin, J. M., McCarron, J. G. Clusters of specialized detector cells provide sensitive and high fidelity receptor signaling in the intact endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum Wilson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom; and
| | - Christopher D Saunter
- Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, Biophysical Sciences Institute, Department of Physics, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - John M Girkin
- Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, Biophysical Sciences Institute, Department of Physics, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - John G McCarron
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom; and
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Segal SS. Integration and Modulation of Intercellular Signaling Underlying Blood Flow Control. J Vasc Res 2015; 52:136-57. [PMID: 26368324 DOI: 10.1159/000439112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular resistance networks control tissue blood flow in concert with regulating arterial perfusion pressure. In response to increased metabolic demand, vasodilation arising in arteriolar networks ascends to encompass proximal feed arteries. By reducing resistance upstream, ascending vasodilation (AVD) increases blood flow into the microcirculation. Once initiated, e.g. through local activation of K(+) channels in endothelial cells (ECs), hyperpolarization is conducted through gap junctions along the endothelium. Via EC projections through the internal elastic lamina, hyperpolarization spreads into the surrounding smooth-muscle cells (SMCs) through myoendothelial gap junctions (MEGJs) to promote their relaxation. Intercellular signaling through electrical signal transmission (i.e. cell-to-cell conduction) can thereby coordinate vasodilation along and among the branches of microvascular resistance networks. Perivascular sympathetic nerve fibers course through the adventitia and release norepinephrine to stimulate SMCs via α-adrenoreceptors to produce contraction. In turn, SMCs can signal ECs through MEGJs to activate K(+) channels and attenuate sympathetic vasoconstriction. Activation of K(+) channels along the endothelium will dissipate electrical signal transmission and inhibit AVD, thereby restricting blood flow into the microcirculation while maintaining peripheral resistance and perfusion pressure. This review explores the origins and nature of the intercellular signaling that governs blood flow control in skeletal muscle with respect to the interplay between AVD and sympathetic innervation. Whereas these interactions are integral to daily activity and athletic performance, determining the interplay between respective signaling events provides insight into how selective interventions can improve tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery during vascular disease.
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Wilson C, Saunter CD, Girkin JM, McCarron JG. Pressure-dependent regulation of Ca2+ signalling in the vascular endothelium. J Physiol 2015; 593:5231-53. [PMID: 26507455 PMCID: PMC4704526 DOI: 10.1113/jp271157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Increased pressure suppresses endothelial control of vascular tone but it remains uncertain (1) how pressure is sensed by the endothelium and (2) how the vascular response is inhibited. This study used a novel imaging method to study large numbers of endothelial cells in arteries that were in a physiological configuration and held at normal blood pressures. Increased pressure suppressed endothelial IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals. Pressure modulated endothelial cell shape. The changes in cell shape may alter endothelial Ca2+ signals by modulating the diffusive environment for Ca2+ near IP3 receptors. Endothelial pressure‐dependent mechanosensing may occur without a requirement for a conventional molecular mechanoreceptor.
Abstract The endothelium is an interconnected network upon which haemodynamic mechanical forces act to control vascular tone and remodelling in disease. Ca2+ signalling is central to the endothelium's mechanotransduction and networked activity. However, challenges in imaging Ca2+ in large numbers of endothelial cells under conditions that preserve the intact physical configuration of pressurized arteries have limited progress in understanding how pressure‐dependent mechanical forces alter networked Ca2+ signalling. We developed a miniature wide‐field, gradient‐index (GRIN) optical probe designed to fit inside an intact pressurized artery that permitted Ca2+ signals to be imaged with subcellular resolution in a large number (∼200) of naturally connected endothelial cells at various pressures. Chemical (acetylcholine) activation triggered spatiotemporally complex, propagating inositol trisphosphate (IP3)‐mediated Ca2+ waves that originated in clusters of cells and progressed from there across the endothelium. Mechanical stimulation of the artery, by increased intraluminal pressure, flattened the endothelial cells and suppressed IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals in all activated cells. By computationally modelling Ca2+ release, endothelial shape changes were shown to alter the geometry of the Ca2+ diffusive environment near IP3 receptor microdomains to limit IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals as pressure increased. Changes in cell shape produce a geometric microdomain regulation of IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signalling to explain macroscopic pressure‐dependent, endothelial mechanosensing without the need for a conventional mechanoreceptor. The suppression of IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signalling may explain the decrease in endothelial activity as pressure increases. GRIN imaging provides a convenient method that gives access to hundreds of endothelial cells in intact arteries in physiological configuration. Increased pressure suppresses endothelial control of vascular tone but it remains uncertain (1) how pressure is sensed by the endothelium and (2) how the vascular response is inhibited. This study used a novel imaging method to study large numbers of endothelial cells in arteries that were in a physiological configuration and held at normal blood pressures. Increased pressure suppressed endothelial IP3‐mediated Ca2+ signals. Pressure modulated endothelial cell shape. The changes in cell shape may alter endothelial Ca2+ signals by modulating the diffusive environment for Ca2+ near IP3 receptors. Endothelial pressure‐dependent mechanosensing may occur without a requirement for a conventional molecular mechanoreceptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calum Wilson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, SIPBS Building, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
| | - Christopher D Saunter
- Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, Biophysical Sciences Institute, Department of Physics, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - John M Girkin
- Centre for Advanced Instrumentation, Biophysical Sciences Institute, Department of Physics, Durham University, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - John G McCarron
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, SIPBS Building, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow, G4 0RE, UK
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Behringer EJ, Segal SS. Membrane potential governs calcium influx into microvascular endothelium: integral role for muscarinic receptor activation. J Physiol 2015; 593:4531-48. [PMID: 26260126 DOI: 10.1113/jp271102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In resistance arteries, coupling a rise of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) to endothelial cell hyperpolarization underlies smooth muscle cell relaxation and vasodilatation, thereby increasing tissue blood flow and oxygen delivery. A controversy persists as to whether changes in membrane potential (V(m)) alter endothelial cell [Ca(2+)]i. We tested the hypothesis that V(m) governs [Ca(2+)]i in endothelium of resistance arteries by performing Fura-2 photometry while recording and controlling V(m) of intact endothelial tubes freshly isolated from superior epigastric arteries of C57BL/6 mice. Under resting conditions, [Ca(2+)]i did not change when V(m) shifted from baseline (∼-40 mV) via exposure to 10 μM NS309 (hyperpolarization to ∼-80 mV), via equilibration with 145 mm [K(+)]o (depolarization to ∼-5 mV), or during intracellular current injection (±0.5 to 5 nA, 20 s pulses) while V(m) changed linearly between ∼-80 mV and +10 mV. In contrast, during the plateau (i.e. Ca(2+) influx) phase of the [Ca(2+)]i response to approximately half-maximal stimulation with 100 nm ACh (∼EC50), [Ca(2+)]i increased as V(m) hyperpolarized below -40 mV and decreased as V(m) depolarized above -40 mV. The magnitude of [Ca(2+)]i reduction during depolarizing current injections correlated with the amplitude of the plateau [Ca(2+)]i response to ACh. The effect of hyperpolarization on [Ca(2+)]i was abolished following removal of extracellular Ca(2+), was enhanced subtly by raising extracellular [Ca(2+)] from 2 mm to 10 mm and was reduced by half in endothelium of TRPV4(-/-) mice. Thus, during submaximal activation of muscarinic receptors, V(m) can modulate Ca(2+) entry through the plasma membrane in accord with the electrochemical driving force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik J Behringer
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Steven S Segal
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.,Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
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Postnov DE, Neganova AY, Sosnovtseva OV, Holstein-Rathlou NH, Jacobsen JCB. Conducted vasoreactivity: the dynamical point of view. Bull Math Biol 2015; 77:230-49. [PMID: 25583354 PMCID: PMC4303742 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-014-0058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Conducted vasodilation is part of the physiological response to increasing metabolic demand of the tissue. Similar responses can be elicited by focal electrical or chemical stimulation. Some evidence suggests an endothelial pathway for nondecremental transmission of hyperpolarizing pulses. However, the underlying mechanisms are debated. Here, we focus on dynamical aspects of the problem hypothesizing the existence of a bistability-powered mechanism for regenerative pulse transmission along the endothelium. Bistability implies that the cell can have two different stable resting potentials and can switch between those states following an appropriate stimulus. Bistability is possible if the current–voltage curve is N shaped instead of monotonically increasing. Specifically, the presence of an inwardly rectifying potassium current may provide the endothelial cell with such properties. We provide a theoretical analysis as well as numerical simulations of both single- and multiunit bistable systems mimicking endothelial cells to investigate the self-consistence and stability of the proposed mechanism. We find that the individual cell may switch readily between two stable potentials. An array of coupled cells, however, as found in the vascular wall, requires a certain adaptation of the membrane currents after a switch, in order to switch back. Although the formulation is generic, we suggest a combination of specific membrane currents that could underlie the phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Postnov
- Department of Physics, Saratov State University, Astrakhanskaya Str. 83, Saratov, 410026, Russia,
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