Abnormal left-sided blood volume, wall shear stress & energy loss in patients with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot identified by 4D flow MRI

Introduction

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) occurs in 4 of every 10,000 live births and is the most common form of cyanotic congenital heart disease. Patients with repaired TOF (rTOF) require long-term and frequent monitoring for many complications that may arise. The hemodynamic alterations that contribute to the quality of life and outcomes for these patients are understudied and poorly understood.

Purpose

The objective of this study was to use 4D Flow MRI to assess flow hemodynamics in patients with rTOF to better identify and predict altered hemodynamic patterns to assist with future interventions. We hypothesized, patients with rTOF will have abnormal left-sided flow hemodynamics compared to healthy controls resulting in poorer hemodynamic patterns even after post-repair.

Methods

A total of 20 rToF patients (age = 34.5±11.2, female = 5) and 20 healthy controls (age = 37.0±12.1, female = 6) were enrolled in this study and underwent standard cardiac MRI followed by 4D Flow MRI acquisition. Figure 1 demonstrates the workflow of the analysis that was performed using cvi42 v5.11 (Circle Cardiovascular Imaging Inc., Calgary, Canada). The Aorta and LV were segmented, flow visualization and quantitative flow analysis were performed by placing analysis planes perpendicular to the flow of interest as shown in Figure 1. Total volume (TV), Wall Shear Stress Axial (WSSax), circumferential (WSScirc) and energy loss (EL) were calculated. Statistics were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 27. An independent-samples t-test was used to compare parameters and identify significant differences between controls and patients. A P-value <0.05 was considered significant.

Results

In comparison to controls, TV of the STJ (66.89±17.33 vs. 82.28±18.77, p=0.011), Aao (56.05±10.71 vs. 73.04±19.66, p=0.002), and 1st Aortic Arch (AAr) (56.88±12.97 vs. 69.52±18.65, p=0.017) were lower in rTOF patients. In addition, patients with rTOF had higher average WSSax in the LVOT (0.13±0.05 vs. 0.10±0.03, p=0.049), STJ (0.10±0.02 vs. 0.07±0.02, p=0.001), and Aao (0.10±0.03 vs. 0.08±0.02, p<0.000) compared to controls. Moreover, average WSScirc in the LVOT (0.07±0.02 vs. 0.05±0.01, p=0.010), STJ (0.07±0.02 vs. 0.05±0.01, p=0.006), Aao (0.07±0.02 vs. 0.05±0.01, p=0.004), and 1st AAr (0.06±0.02 vs. 0.05±0.01, p=0.017) were higher in patients compared to controls. Lastly, EL in the Aao was lower in patients compared to controls (1.87±0.83 vs. 2.47±1.03, p=0.049). Significant results are demonstrated in Table 1, red illustrating lower values in patients compared to controls and green illustrating higher values.

Conclusion

This study unveiled abnormal left-sided blood flow in rToF patients with reduced TV and increased WSSax, average WSScirc and EL. These new hemodynamic insights obtained from 4D flow MRI may help to inform future individualized decision-making for patients with rTOF.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): University of Calgary

Traffic pollutants measured inside vehicles waiting in line at a major US-Mexico Port of Entry

At US-Mexico border Ports of Entry, vehicles idle for long times waiting to cross northbound into the US. Long wait times at the border have mainly been studied as an economic issue, however, exposures to emissions from idling vehicles can also present an exposure risk. Here we present the first data on in-vehicle exposures to driver and passengers crossing the US-Mexico border at the San Ysidro, California Port of Entry (SYPOE). Participants were recruited who regularly commuted across the border in either direction and told to drive a scripted route between two border universities, one in the US and one in Mexico. Instruments were placed in participants' cars prior to commute to monitor-1-minute average levels of the traffic pollutants ultrafine particles (UFP), black carbon (BC) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the breathing zone of drivers and passengers. Location was determined by a GPS monitor. Results reported here are for 68 northbound participant trips. The highest median levels of in-vehicle UFP were recorded during the wait to cross at the SYPOE (median 29,692particles/cm³) significantly higher than the portion of the commute in the US (median 20,508particles/cm³) though not that portion in Mexico (median 22, 191particles/cm³). In-vehicle BC levels at the border were significantly lower than in other parts of the commute. Our results indicate that waiting in line at the SYPOE contributes a median 62.5% (range 15.5%-86.0%) of a cross-border commuter's exposure to UFP and a median 44.5% (range (10.6-79.7%) of exposure to BC inside the vehicle while traveling in the northbound direction. Reducing border wait time can significantly reduce in-vehicle exposures to toxic air pollutants such as UFP and BC, and these preventable exposures can be considered an environmental justice issue.

PO-07 - Excluding pulmonary embolism in cancer patients using the Wells rule and age-adjusted D-dimer testing: an individual patient data meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Among patients with clinically suspected pulmonary embolism (PE), imaging and anticoagulant treatment can be safely withheld in approximately one-third of patients based on the combination of a "PE unlikely" Wells score and a D-dimer below the age-adjusted threshold. The clinical utility of this diagnostic approach in cancer patients is less clear.

AIM

To evaluate the efficiency and failure rate of the original and simplified Wells rules in combination with age-adjusted D-dimer testing in patients with active cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individual patient data were used from 6 large prospective studies in which the diagnostic management of PE was guided by the original Wells rule and D-dimer testing. Study physicians classified patients as having active cancer if they had new, recurrent, or progressive cancer (excluding basal-cell or squamous-cell skin carcinoma), or cancer requiring treatment in the last 6 months. We evaluated the dichotomous Wells rule and its simplified version (Table). The efficiency of the algorithm was defined as the proportion of patients with a "PE unlikely" Wells score and a negative age-adjusted D-dimer, defined by a D-dimer below the threshold of a patient's age times 10 μg/L in patients aged ≥51 years. A diagnostic failure was defined as a patient with a "PE unlikely" Wells score and negative age-adjusted D-dimer who had symptomatic venous thromboembolism during 3 months follow-up. A one-stage random effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the efficiency and failure.

RESULTS

The dataset comprised 938 patients with active cancer with a mean age of 63 years. The most frequent cancer types were breast (13%), gastrointestinal tract (11%), and lung (8%). The type of cancer was not specified in 42%. The pooled PE prevalence was 29% (95% CI 25-32). PE could be excluded in 122 patients based on a "PE unlikely" Wells score and a negative age-adjusted D-dimer (efficiency 13%; 95% CI 11-15). Two of 122 patients were diagnosed with non-fatal symptomatic venous thromboembolism during follow-up (failure rate 1.5%; 95% CI 0.13-14.8). The simplified Wells score in combination with a negative age-adjusted D-dimer had an efficiency of 3.9% (95% CI 2.0-7.6) and a failure rate of 2.4% (95% CI 0.3-15).

CONCLUSIONS

Among cancer patients with clinically suspected PE, imaging and anticoagulant treatment can be withheld in 1 out of every 8 patients by the original Wells rule and age-adjusted D-dimer testing. The simplified Wells rule was neither efficient nor safe in this population.

ID: 129: PARTICULATE MATTER DISRUPTS ENDOTHELIAL CELL PERMEABILITY VIA GAP JUNCTION PROTEIN

Introduction

Particulate matter (PM) is significantly associated with cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality. We previously demonstrated that PM induces endothelial barrier disruption via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent mechanisms. This study is focused on characterization of PM-regulated endothelial dysfunction via connexin43 (Cx43), a Gap junction protein. Gap junction is designated as intercellular channel which allows cells to communicate with each other, share nutrients, and transfer chemical or electrical signals, in turn, enables cells in a tissue to function in a coordinated manner.

Methods and Results

Cx43 protein levels were evaluated by western blotting, and band density quantified using MyImageAnalysis. Real-time PCR was conducted to determine Cx43 mRNA levels. Human pulmonary artery endothelial cell (EC) barrier function was measured using the electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) system (Applied Biophysics) that provides a readout of transendothelial electrical resistance (TER). PM sample (0.1–0.3 µm of aerodynamic diameter) was collected (April of 2005) from the Ft. McHenry Tunnel, Baltimore, MD using a high-volume cyclone collector. PM (100 µg/ml) induced time-dependent increases in EC Cx43 mRNA levels (∼5 fold increase at 4 hr) and protein expression which was attenuated by N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC, 5 mM, 1 hr pretreatment), an ROS scavenger. Unlike Cx43, Cx37, another connexin expressed in ECs, remained unaltered by PM challenge. In addition, EC pretreatment with a Cx43 inhibitor, connexin-mimetic peptide Gap27 (500 µM, 2 hr pretreatment), significantly attenuated PM-reduced TER reduction by 45%, suggesting a central role of Cx43 in PM-induced lung EC barrier integrity disruption and signal transduction.

Conclusions

Our results suggest Cx43 as a key and novel participant in PM-mediated signal transduction that results in loss of vascular barrier integrity. Cx43 may serve as a therapeutic target in PM-induced cardiopulmonary toxicities.

ID: 119: PATHOGENIC ROLES OF CALCIUM-SENSING RECEPTORS AND TRANSIENT RECEPTOR POTENTIAL CANONICAL CHANNELS 6 IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION OF PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Rational

An increase [Ca2+]cyt in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) is a major trigger for pulmonary vasoconstriction and a critical stimulation for PASMC proliferation and migration. We previously demonstrated that expression and function of calcium sensing receptors (CaSR) in PASMC from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and animals with experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH) were greater than in PASMC from normal subjects and control animals. However, the mechanisms by which CaSR triggers Ca2+ influx in PASMC and the implication of CaSR in the development of PH remain elusive.

Objective

To test the hypothesis that CaSR functionally interacts with TRPC6 to regulate [Ca2+]cyt in PASMC in the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Methods and Results

Downregulation of CaSR or TRPC6 with siRNA inhibited Ca2+-induced [Ca2+]cyt increase in IPAH-PASMC (in which CaSR is upregulated), while overexpression of CaSR or TRPC6 enhanced Ca2+-induced [Ca2+]cyt increase in normal PASMC (in which CaSR expression level is low). The upregulated CaSR in IPAH-PASMC was also associated with enhanced Akt phosphorylation, while blockade of CaSR in IPAH-PASMC attenuated cell proliferation. In in vivo experiments, deletion of the CaSR gene in mice (casr−/−) significantly inhibited the development and progression of experimental PH and markedly attenuated acute hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction.

Conclusions

These data indicate that functional interaction of upregulated CaSR and upregulated TRPC6 in PASMC from IPAH patients and animals with experimental PH may play an important role in the development and progression of sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Blockade or downregulation of CaSR and/or TRPC6 with siRNA or miRNA may be a novel therapeutic strategy to develop new drugs for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Keywords

G protein-coupled receptor; ionic ligand; hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.

ID: 124: ABL FAMILY KINASES MEDIATE LUNG VASCULAR PERMEABILITY AND INFLAMMATION IN ACUTE LUNG INJURY

Rationale

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening disease process in which overwhelming inflammation causes disruption of the pulmonary endothelial cell (EC) barrier, leading to leakage of fluid and inflammatory cells from the blood stream into the airspaces. Current research aims to identify agents that could both decrease inflammation and increase pulmonary vascular barrier integrity. Recently published work suggests that imatinib, an FDA-approved Abl family kinase inhibitor, may attenuate vascular leak and inflammation; however the mechanism underlying these effects is not completely understood. In the present study we explored the effects of LPS on the expression of the Abl family kinases, c-Abl and Arg, as well as the effects of Abl family kinases on LPS-induced vascular permeability and inflammation.

Methods

In silico analyses of the promoter regions of Abl1 (encodes c-Abl) and Abl2 (encodes Arg) were analyzed for potential responsive elements using the online programs Genomatix, TFsearch, and Jaspar. Cultured human pulmonary artery ECs were challenged with LPS (100 ng/mL, 24 hrs), harvested using RNeasy kit and reverse transcribed to cDNA. RT-PCR was performed to assess alterations in the expression of Abl1 and Abl2 after LPS challenge. In separate studies, siRNA was used to selectively silence either c-Abl or Arg and inter-endothelial gap formation was assessed by measuring FITC-dextran binding to a biotinylated avidin substrate. Complementary immunofluorescence studies were carried out to assess effects on adherens junction distributions. Western blotting was used to assess the effects of c-Abl and Arg silencing on NFkB phosphorylation.

Results

In silico analyses revealed that c-Abl contains two antioxidant responsive elements, whereas Arg contains two mechanical stress responsive elements. LPS treatment caused an increase in the mRNA expression of c-Abl (1.5 fold, p<0.05), without effecting Arg expression. Silencing c-Abl, but not Arg, attenuated LPS induced NFkB phosphorylation. However, silencing Arg, but not c-Abl attenuated inter-endothelial gap formation (41%, p<0.05) and adherens junction dissociation (figure 1).

Conclusions

The Abl family kinases c-Abl and Arg play complementary but distinct roles in mediating vascular permeability and inflammation following LPS challenge. The promoter of Abl1 (c-Abl) contains antioxidant response elements and LPS causes an increase in c-Abl expression. Additionally, LPS increases the mRNA expression of c-Abl, but not Arg. C-Abl contributes to LPS-induced NFκB signaling; whereas Arg contributes to inter-endothelial gap formation and adherens junction stability. Inhibition of both of these kinases may be of benefit in patients with ARDS.

ID: 131: ACTIN RELATED PROTEIN 2/3 COMPLEX REGULATES ACTIN MEMBRANE STRUCTURES TO DETERMINE ENDOTHELIAL BARRIER FUNCTION

Rationale

Disruption of the pulmonary endothelial barrier is a hallmark feature of sepsis and acute lung injury/ARDS. Cytoskeletal structures such as the peripheral protrusive structures lamellipodia and filopodia are hypothesized to be important determinants of endothelial barrier function. The actin related protein 2/3 complex (Arp 2/3) is a key regulator of branched actin polymerization and may play a role in the determination and recovery of endothelial cell (EC) barrier integrity. In the current study, we make detailed observations of actin structures and membrane formations in the presence of a specific Arp 2/3 inhibitor. In addition, we study the subcellular co-localization of Arp 2/3 and cortactin, another known protein regulator of peripheral actin dynamics.

Methods

Cultured human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) were subjected to pre-treatment with the specific Arp 2/3 inhibitor (CK-666 50 µM) or vehicle (DMSO) x 1 hour. Cells were then treated with barrier enhancing sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P 1 µM) or barrier disruptive thrombin (1 U/ml) and fixed at various time points (2–90 min) for subsequent imaging. Cells were permeabilized and treated with far-red phalloidin to stain actin, an anti-cortactin-GFP mAb as well as DAPI and imaged by confocal microscopy. Peripheral actin formations and associated membrane lamellipodia and filopodia were then measured and characterized. Additionally, the co-localization of Arp 2/3 and cortactin was determined.

Results

Arp 2/3 inhibition markedly reduced lamellipodia formation in response to S1P (1 µM) over a range of time points (2–30 min). Lamellipodia depth was decreased in Arp 2/3 inhibited cells compared to control both at baseline (1.825 +/− 0.407 µM) vs. (2.545 +/− 0.459 µM) and following 30 min treatment with 1 µM S1P (1.534 +/− 0.365 µM) vs. (2.090 +/− 0.356 µM). Similarly, filopodia were shorter following Arp 2/3 inhibition (2.392 +/− 0.393 µM) vs. control (2.753 +/− 0.274 µM). Robust colocalization of Arp 2/3 and cortactin was observed very early (2–5 min) following S1P (1 µM) treatment in vehicle treated cells but was attenuated in the presence of the Arp 2/3 inhibitor. Following thrombin treatment (1 U/ml), peripheral lamellipodia were observed during the barrier recovery phase (30–60 min) but were markedly reduced following Arp 2/3 inhibition along with the persistence of intercellular gaps.

Conclusion

These results further demonstrate the importance of the Arp 2/3 complex in pulmonary endothelial barrier integrity and recovery. These experiments also serve to relate the concept of altered peripheral actin and membrane dynamics leading to changes in EC barrier function.

ID: 59: ROLE OF ENDOTHELIAL HYPOXIA–INDUCIBLE FACTORS IN HYPOXIA-INDUCED PULMONARY VASOCONSTRICITON

Rational

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but progressive and fatal disease caused by functional and structural changes in the pulmonary vasculature, which lead to an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Persistent hypoxia causes sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) that may contributes to the elevated PVR in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with hypoxia and lung diseases and in residents living in high altitude areas. Little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms, which underlie hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and the development and progression of pulmonary hypertension.

Methods and Results

To determine the functional relevance of hypoxia and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in the development of acute HPV, we compared high K+-induced increase in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and acute alveolar hypoxia-mediated increase in PAP in isolated perfused and ventilated lungs between wild type (WT) and HIF1α or HIF2α conditional knockout (KO) mice. Conditional and inducible deletion of HIF1α or HIF2α in endothelial cells (HIF1αEC−/−, or HIF2αEC−/−), but not smooth muscle cells, dramatically protected mice from hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. We analyzed the hypoxia-induced response in isolated lungs from WT and KO mice. Ventilation of lungs from mice with 1% O2 provoked a vasoconstrictor response and reached to the plateau within 4 min in both WT, HIF1αEC−/−, and HIF2αEC−/− mice. Normoxic vascular ton were not affected by deletion of HIF1α or HIF2α and there is no difference of vasoconstriction induced by high K+ between WT and KO mice.

Conclusion

Our study has demonstrated that deletion of HIF1α or HIF2α in endothelial cells dramatically attenuate chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, but negligibly affect the acute hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. These results implicated that targets of endothelial HIFs signaling pathway may lead to novel therapeutic targets for chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension but endothelial HIFs signaling are not involved in acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.

ID: 110: GENETIC AND EPIGENETIC REGULATION OF MYOSIN LIGHT CHAIN KINASE BY INFLAMMATORY LUNG DISEASE ASSOCIATED POLYMORPHISMS

Rationale

Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), a central cytoskeletal regulator encoded by MYLK gene, regulates muscle contraction, cell migration, endothelial cell–cell adhesion, and barrier function, thereby playing key pathophysiological roles in lung inflammatory diseases. We previously identified that MYLK single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as well as haplotypes are significantly associated with severe sepsis, acute lung injury and asthma in African Americans (AA) and European Americans (EA). Here we examined genetic and epigenetic regulation of the MYLK promoter as well as the effects of SNPs on MLCK expression and activity, thereby influencing cytoskeletal balance and cell integrity.

Methods

A series of nested deletions from the ∼2.5 kb putative promoter fragment were fused to luciferase reporter vectors, and transfected into human lung endothelium. We next evaluated the influence of ARDS and asthma associated SNPs on transcription factor (TF) binding and promoter activity. Exon SNP rs2700408 and intronic SNP rs11714297 were associated with ARDS in AA (GWAS) and EA (Gao et al, 2006), respectively. Rs57186134 has high LD with rs936170, one asthma associated SNP in AA (Gao et al, 2007). The DNA fragments containing SNPs were generated by site-directed mutagenesis. Transcription factor binding to the MYLK promoter was detected by protein-DNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Genetic regulation of MYLK and influences of disease-associated SNPs from previous studies were measured by luciferase promoter activity assays following challenge with inflammatory factors and mechanical stretch.

Results

Deletion construct luciferase reporter analysis revealed that the MYLK promoter for nmMLCK contains distal inhibitory and proximal enhancing regulatory regions. Human endothelial cell challenge with either 18% cyclic stretch, demethylation agents (5-Aza), or inflammatory factor TNFα and IL-4 significantly up-regulate MYLK promoter activities (p<0.05). rs2700408 and rs11714297 altered MYLK binding to TFs GCM and ISX, respectively, and two SNPs significantly increased MYLK promoter reporter activities by 1.8- and 1.3-folds, respectively (p<0.05). Rs57186134 interrupted MYLK binding to transcription repressor GFI1, and significantly increased MYLK promoter activity in endothelial cells (p<0.05). Finally, we evaluated MYLK SNP rs78755744 (-261G/A) that resides directly within a CpG island within the MYLK promoter, significantly interrupted demethylating agent 5-aza- induced up-regulation of MYLKpromoter activity (p<0.05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the MYLK gene is transcriptionally regulated by mechanical stress and inflammatory factors, and modulated by SNPs associated with lung inflammatory diseases. These functional insights further strengthen the concept that MYLKcontributes to inflammatory disease susceptibility and represents a molecular target in complex lung disorders.

ID: 72: INHIBITION OF NICOTINAMIDE PHOSPHORIBOSYLTRANSFERASE (NAMPT) ATTENUATES EXPERIMENTAL PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

Rationale

We have previously shown that Nampt, which regulates intracellular NAD levels and cellular redox state, regulates histone deacetylases and inhibits apoptosis, is significantly upregulated in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether Nampt+/− mice are protected from hypoxia-mediated pulmonary hypertension (HPH), (2) whether pharmacological inhibition of Nampt could attenuate monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH) in rats. In addition, we hypothesized that Nampt secreted from pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) or overexpressing Nampt in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) may promote PASMC proliferation via upregulation of calcium signaling pathway, which plays a role in cell proliferation and vascular constriction.

Methods

Nampt+/− mice and their WT siblings (male, 7-wk old) were exposed to a hypoxia chamber with 10% O2 for four weeks. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=6 per group) received one dose of MCT (60 mg/kg), IP. They were administrated with FK866 (an inhibitor of Nampt enzymatic activity) (2.5 mg/kg, IP, twice daily for 2wks) two weeks after MCT. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was determined with a pressure transducer catheter. The right ventricle: left ventricle+septum (RV/LV+S) ratio was calculated. In a cell culture model, hPASMCs were stimulated with recombinant Nampt (25 mg/ml) for 6 hrs and 48 hrs. [Ca2+]cyt was measured in PASMC loaded with flura-2/AM (4mM) in a fluorescence microscope and cyclepiazonic acid (CPA, a specific Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor) was used to induce store-operated calcium entry (SOCE). In addition, BrdU assays were conducted to examine rNampt or overexpressing Nampt can promote PASMC proliferation or Nampt secreted from PAECs isolated from PAH patients stimulates more PASMC proliferation than from healthy controls.

Results

Administration of FK866 reversed established PH (RVSP [mm Hg] 19.77±0.80 [control] vs 51.24±4.35 [MCT] vs 34.45±3.49 [MCT+FK866], p<0.05 ) and RVH (0.25±0.0013 vs 0.60±0.019 vs 0.43±0.022, p<0.01). In PASMCs, short (6 hrs) and long (48 hrs) treatment with recombinant PBEF enhanced SOCE which is involved in sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction and PASMC proliferation. rNampt promotes PASMC proliferation in a dose dependent manner. PAECs from PAH patients secreted more Nampt which stimulates more PASMC proliferation compared to healthy controls. Overexpressed Nampt promotes PASMC proliferation. Inhibition of Nampt via FK866 attenuates rNampt-, Nampt overexpressed or PAEC-secreted Nampt – mediated PASMC proliferation.

Conclusion

Inhibition of Nampt attenuates hypoxia-mediated PH in mice or MCT-induced PH in rats. Nampt may play a role in vascular remodeling via regulation of calcium signaling pathway. These data suggest that Nampt inhibition could be a potential therapeutic target for PH.

[Role of phosphorylation of myosin and actin-binding proteins in endothelial permeability induced by thrombin]

The thrombin-induced dysfunction of the barrier function of the blood vessel endothelium, which manifests itself in increased permeability, is largely mediated via the initiation of specific receptors that trigger multiple signaling cascades, including the activation of some protein kinases and the phosphorylation of their cytoskeletal targets. The role of the phosphorylation of myosin and actin-binding proteins in the thrombin-induced permeability of the endothelium and possible mechanisms of the regulation of the endothelium barrier function are discussed.

[Reorganization of microtubule system in pulmonary endothelial cells in response to thrombin treatment]

Thrombin induces rapid and reversible increase of endothelial (EC) barrier permeability associated with actin cytoskeleton remodeling and contraction. The role of microtubules (Mts) in EC barrier regulation compared with actin systems is poorly understood. In this work we studied pathways of Mt and actin regulation in response to thrombin treatment in cultured EC, and the involvement of trimeric G-proteins and in this process. Cells were treated with thrombin, and further analysed using immunofluorescent staining of actin and Mts, digital microscopy and morphometric analysis. In normal cells actin network consists of thin bundles basically located in the cell periphery, Mt density decreases from the cell center to the cell edge. Thrombin (25 nM) induced endothelial dysfunction associated with a rapid (within 5 min) decrease of peripheral Mt network and a slower actin stress fiber formation in the cytoplasm. Pretreatment with Pertussis toxin, which is Gi protein inhibitor, attenuated thrombin-induced stress fiber formation and Mt disassembly. Overexpression of activated G12, G13, Gi and Gq proteins, which are involved in thrombin receptor-mediated signaling, resulted in increasing stress fibers thickness and density and complete Mt disassembly. From the results obtained we suggest that thrombin regulates actin cytoskeleton of EC using local Mt depolymerization at the cell edge.

Ethical dilemmas related to counseling clients living with HIV/AIDS

This study tested an eight-factor model of client actions/decisions in terms of the extent to which professionals counseling persons with HIV/AIDS believed that those actions/decisions presented ethical dilemmas, and the frequency with which they encountered such actions. A confirmatory factor analysis lent initial support for the hypothetical eight-factor ethical-dilemma model for the ratings regarding the extent to which the participants believed those items constituted ethical dilemmas. Similar results were obtained for the frequency ratings, but in this case a second, competing model was equally plausible. Several significant predictors of participant ratings were found and are discussed.

Role of Src kinase in diperoxovanadate-mediated activation of phospholipase D in endothelial cells

We have shown earlier that oxidant-induced activation of phospholipase D (PLD) in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is regulated by protein tyrosine kinases. To further understand the regulation of oxidant-induced PLD activation, we investigated the role of Src kinase. Treatment of bovine pulmonary artery ECs (BPAECs) with a model oxidant, diperoxovanadate (DPV), at 5 microM concentration, for 30 min, stimulated PLD activity (four- to eightfold), which was attenuated by tyrosine kinase inhibitors and by Src kinase-specific inhibitors PP-1 and PP-2, in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Furthermore, BPAECs exposed to DPV (5 microM) for 2 min showed activation of Src kinase as observed by increased tyrosine phosphorylation and autophosphorylation in Src immunoprecipitates, which was attenuated by PP-2. Src immunoprecipitates of cell lysates from control BPAECs exhibited PLD activity in cell-free preparations, which was Arf- and Rho-sensitive and was enhanced at 2 min of DPV (5 microM) treatment. Also, Western blots of Src immunoprecipitates of control cells revealed the presence of PLD(1) and PLD(2), suggesting the association of PLD with Src kinase under basal conditions. However, exposure of cells to DPV (5 microM) for 2 min enhanced the association of PLD(2) but not PLD(1) with Src. Western blotting of immunoprecipitates of PLD(1) and PLD(2) isoforms of control BPAECs revealed the presence of Src under basal conditions and exposure of cells to DPV (5 microM) for 2 min enhanced the association of PLD(2) with Src in PLD(2) immunoprecipitates. Transient expression of a dominant negative mutant of Src in BPAECs attenuated DPV- but not TPA-induced PLD activation. In cell-free preparations, Src did not phosphorylate either PLD(1) or PLD(2) compared to protein kinase Calpha or p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These data show for the first time a direct association of Src with PLD in ECs and regulation of PLD in intact cells.

Mechanisms of sodium fluoride-induced endothelial cell barrier dysfunction: role of MLC phosphorylation

NaF, a potent G protein activator and Ser/Thr phosphatase inhibitor, significantly increased albumin permeability and decreased transcellular electrical resistance (TER), indicating endothelial cell (EC) barrier impairment. EC barrier dysfunction induced by NaF was accompanied by the development of actin stress fibers, intercellular gap formation, and significant time-dependent increases in myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. However, despite rapid, albeit transient, activation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent MLC kinase (MLCK), the specific MLCK inhibitor ML-7 failed to affect NaF-induced MLC phosphorylation, actin cytoskeletal rearrangement, and reductions in TER, suggesting a limited role of MLCK in NaF-induced EC activation. In contrast, strategies to reduce Rho (C3 exoenzyme or toxin B) or to inhibit Rho-associated kinase (Y-27632 or dominant/negative RhoK) dramatically reduced MLC phosphorylation and actin stress fiber formation and significantly attenuated NaF-induced EC barrier dysfunction. Consistent with this role for RhoK activity, NaF selectively inhibited myosin-specific phosphatase activity, whereas the total Ser/Thr phosphatase activity remained unchanged. These data strongly suggest that MLC phosphorylation, mediated primarily by RhoK, and not MLCK, participates in NaF-induced EC actin cytoskeletal changes and barrier dysfunction.

Differential regulation of diverse physiological responses to VEGF in pulmonary endothelial cells

The mechanisms responsible for the divergent physiological responses of endothelial cells to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are incompletely understood. We hypothesized that VEGF elicits increased endothelial permeability and cell migration via differential activation of intracellular signal transduction pathways. To test this hypothesis, we established a model of VEGF-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction and chemotaxis with bovine pulmonary endothelial cells. We compared the effects of VEGF on transendothelial electrical resistance (TER), actin cytoskeletal remodeling, and chemotaxis of lung endothelial cells and then evaluated the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 in VEGF-mediated endothelial responses. The dose response of pulmonary arterial and lung microvascular endothelial cells to VEGF differed when barrier regulation and chemotaxis were evaluated. Inhibition of tyrosine kinase, phosphoinositol 3-kinase, or p38 MAPK significantly attenuated VEGF-mediated TER, F-actin remodeling, and chemotaxis. VEGF-mediated decreased TER was also significantly attenuated by inhibition of ERK1/2 MAPK but not by inhibition of fetal liver kinase-1 (flk-1) or Src kinase. In contrast, VEGF-mediated endothelial migration was not attenuated by ERK1/2 inhibition but was abolished by inhibition of either flk-1 or Src kinase. These data suggest potential mechanisms by which VEGF may differentially mediate physiological responses in vivo.

NHLBI workshop report: endothelial cell phenotypes in heart, lung, and blood diseases

Endothelium critically regulates systemic and pulmonary vascular function, playing a central role in hemostasis, inflammation, vasoregulation, angiogenesis, and vascular growth. Indeed, the endothelium integrates signals originating in the circulation with those in the vessel wall to coordinate vascular function. This highly metabolic role differs significantly from the historic view of endothelium, in which it was considered to be merely an inert barrier. New lines of evidence may further change our understanding of endothelium, in regard to both its origin and function. Embryological studies suggest that the endothelium arises from different sites, including angiogenesis of endothelium from macrovascular segments and vasculogenesis of endothelium from microcirculatory segments. These findings suggest an inherent phenotypic distinction between endothelial populations based on their developmental origin. Similarly, diverse environmental cues influence endothelial cell phenotype, critical to not only normal function but also the function of a diseased vessel. Consequently, an improved understanding of site-specific endothelial cell function is essential, particularly with consideration to environmental stimuli present both in the healthy vessel and in development of vasculopathic disease states. The need to examine endothelial cell phenotypes in the context of vascular function served as the basis for a recent workshop sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). This report is a synopsis of pertinent topics that were discussed, and future goals and research opportunities identified by the participants of the workshop are presented.

Cytoskeletal regulation of pulmonary vascular permeability

The endothelial cell (EC) lining of the pulmonary vasculature forms a semipermeable barrier between the blood and the interstitium of the lung. Disruption of this barrier occurs during inflammatory disease states such as acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome and results in the movement of fluid and macromolecules into the interstitium and pulmonary air spaces. These processes significantly contribute to the high morbidity and mortality of patients afflicted with acute lung injury. The critical importance of pulmonary vascular barrier function is shown by the balance between competing EC contractile forces, which generate centripetal tension, and adhesive cell-cell and cell-matrix tethering forces, which regulate cell shape. Both competing forces in this model are intimately linked through the endothelial cytoskeleton, a complex network of actin microfilaments, microtubules, and intermediate filaments, which combine to regulate shape change and transduce signals within and between EC. A key EC contractile event in several models of agonist-induced barrier dysfunction is the phosphorylation of regulatory myosin light chains catalyzed by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase and/or through the activity of the Rho/Rho kinase pathway. Intercellular contacts along the endothelial monolayer consist primarily of two types of complexes (adherens junctions and tight junctions), which link to the actin cytoskeleton to provide both mechanical stability and transduction of extracellular signals into the cell. Focal adhesions provide additional adhesive forces in barrier regulation by forming a critical bridge for bidirectional signal transduction between the actin cytoskeleton and the cell-matrix interface. Increasingly, the effects of mechanical forces such as shear stress and ventilator-induced stretch on EC barrier function are being recognized. The critical role of the endothelial cytoskeleton in integrating these multiple aspects of pulmonary vascular permeability provides a fertile area for the development of clinically important barrier-modulating therapies.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate promotes endothelial cell barrier integrity by Edg-dependent cytoskeletal rearrangement

Substances released by platelets during blood clotting are essential participants in events that link hemostasis and angiogenesis and ensure adequate wound healing and tissue injury repair. We assessed the participation of sphingosine 1-phosphate (Sph-1-P), a biologically active phosphorylated lipid growth factor released from activated platelets, in the regulation of endothelial monolayer barrier integrity, which is key to both angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis. Sph-1-P produced rapid, sustained, and dose-dependent increases in transmonolayer electrical resistance (TER) across both human and bovine pulmonary artery and lung microvascular endothelial cells. This substance also reversed barrier dysfunction elicited by the edemagenic agent thrombin. Sph-1-P-mediated barrier enhancement was dependent upon G(ialpha)-receptor coupling to specific members of the endothelial differentiation gene (Edg) family of receptors (Edg-1 and Edg-3), Rho kinase and tyrosine kinase-dependent activation, and actin filament rearrangement. Sph-1-P-enhanced TER occurred in conjunction with Rac GTPase- and p21-associated kinase-dependent endothelial cortical actin assembly with recruitment of the actin filament regulatory protein, cofilin. Platelet-released Sph-1-P, linked to Rac- and Rho-dependent cytoskeletal rearrangement, may act late in angiogenesis to stabilize newly formed vessels, which often display abnormally increased vascular permeability.

Microtubule disassembly increases endothelial cell barrier dysfunction: role of MLC phosphorylation

Endothelial cell (EC) barrier regulation is critically dependent on cytoskeletal components (microfilaments and microtubules). Because several edemagenic agents induce actomyosin-driven EC contraction tightly linked to myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and microfilament reorganization, we examined the role of microtubule components in bovine EC barrier regulation. Nocodazole or vinblastine, inhibitors of microtubule polymerization, significantly decreased transendothelial electrical resistance in a dose-dependent manner, whereas pretreatment with the microtubule stabilizer paclitaxel significantly attenuated this effect. Decreases in transendothelial electrical resistance induced by microtubule disruption correlated with increases in lung permeability in isolated ferret lung preparations as well as with increases in EC stress fiber content and MLC phosphorylation. The increases in MLC phosphorylation were attributed to decreases in myosin-specific phosphatase activity without significant increases in MLC kinase activity and were attenuated by paclitaxel or by several strategies (C3 exotoxin, toxin B, Rho kinase inhibition) to inhibit Rho GTPase. Together, these results suggest that microtubule disruption initiates specific signaling pathways that cross talk with microfilament networks, resulting in Rho-mediated EC contractility and barrier dysfunction.

Role of p38 MAP kinase in diperoxovanadate-induced phospholipase D activation in endothelial cells

We previously demonstrated that diperoxovanadate (DPV), a synthetic peroxovanadium compound and cell-permeable oxidant that acts as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor and insulinomimetic, increased phospholipase D (PLD) activation in endothelial cells (ECs). In this report, the regulation of DPV-induced PLD activation by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) was investigated. DPV activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAPK in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Treatment of ECs with p38 MAPK inhibitors SB-203580 and SB-202190 or transient transfection with a p38 dominant negative mutant mitigated the PLD activation by DPV but not by phorbol ester. SB-202190 blocked DPV-mediated p38 MAPK activity as determined by activated transcription factor-2 phosphorylation. Immunoprecipitation of PLD from EC lysates with PLD1 and PLD2 antibodies revealed both PLD isoforms associated with p38 MAPK. Similarly, PLD1 and PLD2 were detected in p38 immunoprecipitates from control and DPV-challenged ECs. Binding assays demonstrated interaction of glutathione S-transferase-p38 fusion protein with PLD1 and PLD2. Both PLD1 and PLD2 were phosphorylated by p38 MAPK in vitro, and DPV increased phosphorylation of PLD1 and PLD2 in vivo. However, phosphorylation of PLD by p38 failed to affect PLD activity in vitro. These results provide evidence for p38 MAPK-mediated regulation of PLD in ECs.

Role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A activity in endothelial cell cytoskeleton rearrangement

To examine signaling mechanisms relevant to cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent endothelial cell barrier regulation, we investigated the impact of the cAMP/PKA inhibitors Rp diastereomer of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphorothioate (Rp-cAMPS) and PKA inhibitor (PKI) on bovine pulmonary artery and bovine lung microvascular endothelial cell cytoskeleton reorganization. Rp-cAMPS as well as PKI significantly increased the formation of actin stress fibers and intercellular gaps but did not alter myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, suggesting that the Rp-cAMPS-induced contractile phenotype evolves in an MLC-independent fashion. We next examined the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in Rp-cAMPS- and PKI-induced actin rearrangement. The activities of both ERK1/2 and its upstream activator Raf-1 were transiently enhanced by Rp-cAMPS and linked to the phosphorylation of the well-known ERK cytoskeletal target caldesmon. Inhibition of the Raf-1 target ERK kinase (MEK) either attenuated or abolished Rp-cAMPS- and PKI-induced ERK activation, caldesmon phosphorylation, and stress fiber formation. In summary, our data elucidate the involvement of the p42/44 ERK pathway in cytoskeletal rearrangement evoked by reductions in PKA activity and suggest the involvement of significant cross talk between cAMP- and ERK-dependent signaling pathways in endothelial cell cytoskeletal organization and barrier regulation.

Differential effect of MLC kinase in TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell apoptosis and barrier dysfunction

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha is released in acute inflammatory lung syndromes linked to the extensive vascular dysfunction associated with increased permeability and endothelial cell apoptosis. TNF-alpha induced significant decreases in transcellular electrical resistance across pulmonary endothelial cell monolayers, reflecting vascular barrier dysfunction (beginning at 4 h and persisting for 48 h). TNF-alpha also triggered endothelial cell apoptosis beginning at 4 h, which was attenuated by the caspase inhibitor Z-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone. Exploring the involvement of the actomyosin cytoskeleton in these important endothelial cell responses, we determined that TNF-alpha significantly increased myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, with prominent stress fiber and paracellular gap formation, which paralleled the onset of decreases in transcellular electrical resistance and enhanced apoptosis. Reductions in MLC phosphorylation by the inhibition of either MLC kinase (ML-7, cholera toxin) or Rho kinase (Y-27632) dramatically attenuated TNF-alpha-induced stress fiber formation, indexes of apoptosis, and caspase-8 activity but not TNF-alpha-induced barrier dysfunction. These studies indicate a central role for the endothelial cell cytoskeleton in TNF-alpha-mediated apoptosis, whereas TNF-alpha-induced vascular permeability appears to evolve independently of contractile tension generation.

Differential regulation of sphingosine-1-phosphate- and VEGF-induced endothelial cell chemotaxis. Involvement of G(ialpha2)-linked Rho kinase activity

We compared stimulus-coupling pathways involved in bovine pulmonary artery (PA) and lung microvascular endothelial cell migration evoked by sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a potent bioactive lipid released from activated platelets, and by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a well-recognized angiogenic factor. S1P-induced endothelial cell migration was maximum at 1 microM (approximately 8-fold increase with PA endothelium) and surpassed the maximal response evoked by either VEGF (10 ng/ml) (approximately 2.5-fold increase) or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) (approximately 2.5-fold increase). Migration induced by S1P, but not by VEGF, was significantly inhibited by treatment with antisense oligonucleotides directed to Edg-1 and Edg-3 (endothelial differentiation gene) S1P receptors and by G protein modification. These strategies included pretreatment with pertussis toxin, or transfection with mini-genes encoding a betagamma subunit inhibitory peptide of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase, or an 11-amino-acid peptide that inhibits G(1alpha2) signaling. Various strategies to interrupt Rho family signaling, including C(3) exotoxin, dominant/negative Rho, or the addition of Y27632, a cell-permeable Rho kinase inhibitor, significantly attenuated S1P- but not VEGF-induced migration. Conversely, pharmacologic inhibition of either myosin light chain kinase, src family tyrosine kinases, or phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase reduced basal endothelial cell migration and abolished VEGF-induced endothelial cell migration but did not inhibit the increase in S1P-induced migration. Whereas VEGF and S1P increased both p42/p44 extracellular regulated kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activities, only p38 MAP kinase inhibition significantly reduced VEGF- and S1P-stimulated migration. These data confirm S1P as a potent endothelial cell chemoattractant through G(1alpha2)-coupled Edg receptors linked to Rho-associated kinase and p38 MAP kinase activation. The divergence in signaling pathways evoked by S1P and VEGF suggests complex and agonist-specific regulation of endothelial cell angiogenic responses.

Regulation of endothelial cell barrier function by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II

Thrombin-induced endothelial cell barrier dysfunction is tightly linked to Ca(2+)-dependent cytoskeletal protein reorganization. In this study, we found that thrombin increased Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) activities in a Ca(2+)- and time-dependent manner in bovine pulmonary endothelium with maximal activity at 5 min. Pretreatment with KN-93, a specific CaM kinase II inhibitor, attenuated both thrombin-induced increases in monolayer permeability to albumin and decreases in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER). We next explored potential thrombin-induced CaM kinase II cytoskeletal targets and found that thrombin causes translocation and significant phosphorylation of nonmuscle filamin (ABP-280), which was attenuated by KN-93, whereas thrombin-induced myosin light chain phosphorylation was unaffected. Furthermore, a cell-permeable N-myristoylated synthetic filamin peptide (containing the COOH-terminal CaM kinase II phosphorylation site) attenuated both thrombin-induced filamin phosphorylation and decreases in TER. Together, these studies indicate that CaM kinase II activation and filamin phosphorylation may participate in thrombin-induced cytoskeletal reorganization and endothelial barrier dysfunction.

Pertussis toxin directly activates endothelial cell p42/p44 MAP kinases via a novel signaling pathway

Bordetella pertussis generates a bacterial toxin utilized in signal transduction investigation because of its ability to ADP ribosylate specific G proteins. We previously noted that pertussis toxin (PTX) directly activates endothelial cells, resulting in disruption of monolayer integrity and intercellular gap formation via a signaling pathway that involves protein kinase C (PKC). We studied the effect of PTX on the activity of the 42- and 44-kDa extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), members of a kinase family known to be activated by PKC. PTX caused a rapid time-dependent increase in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell ERK activity that was significantly attenuated by 1) pharmacological inhibition of MEK, the upstream ERK activating kinase, 2) an MEK dominant-negative construct, and 3) PKC inhibition with bisindolylmaleimide. There was little evidence for the involvement of either Gbetagamma-subunits, Ras GTPases, Raf-1, p60(src), or phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinases in PTX-mediated ERK activation. Both the purified beta-oligomer binding subunit of the PTX holotoxin and a PTX holotoxin mutant genetically engineered to eliminate intrinsic ADP ribosyltransferase activity completely reproduced PTX effects on ERK activation, suggesting that PTX-induced ERK activation involves a novel PKC-dependent signaling mechanism that is independent of either Ras or Raf-1 activities and does not require G protein ADP ribosylation.

Regulation of endothelial barrier function by the cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Elevation of cAMP promotes the endothelial cell (EC) barrier and protects the lung from edema development. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that both increases and decreases in PKA modulate EC function and coordinate distribution of regulatory, adherence, and cytoskeletal proteins. Inhibition of PKA activity by RpcAMPS and activation by cholera toxin was verified by assay of kemptide phosphorylation in digitonin permeabilized EC. Inhibition of PKA by RpcAMPS or overexpression of the endogenous inhibitor, PKI, decreased monolayer electrical impedance and exacerbated the decreases produced by agonists (thrombin and PMA). RpcAMPS directly increased F-actin content and organization into stress fibers, increased co-staining of actin with both phosphatase 2B and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), caused reorganization of focal adhesions, and decreased catenin at cell borders. These findings are similar to those evoked by thrombin. In contrast, cholera toxin prevented the agonist-induced resistance decrease and protein redistribution. Although PKA activation attenuated thrombin-induced myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, PKA inhibition per se did not cause MLC phosphorylation or affect [Ca2+]i. These studies indicate that a decrease in PKA activity alone can produce disruption of barrier function via mechanisms not involving MLCK and support a central role for cAMP/PKA in regulation of cytoskeletal and adhesive protein function in EC which correlates with altered barrier function.

Differential regulation of alternatively spliced endothelial cell myosin light chain kinase isoforms by p60(Src)

The Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent endothelial cell myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) triggers actomyosin contraction essential for vascular barrier regulation and leukocyte diapedesis. Two high molecular weight MLCK splice variants, EC MLCK-1 and EC MLCK-2 (210-214 kDa), in human endothelium are identical except for a deleted single exon in MLCK-2 encoding a 69-amino acid stretch (amino acids 436-505) that contains potentially important consensus sites for phosphorylation by p60(Src) kinase (Lazar, V., and Garcia, J. G. (1999) Genomics 57, 256-267). We have now found that both recombinant EC MLCK splice variants exhibit comparable enzymatic activities but a 2-fold reduction of V(max), and a 2-fold increase in K(0.5 CaM) when compared with the SM MLCK isoform, whereas K(m) was similar in the three isoforms. However, only EC MLCK-1 is readily phosphorylated by purified p60(Src) in vitro, resulting in a 2- to 3-fold increase in EC MLCK-1 enzymatic activity (compared with EC MLCK-2 and SM MLCK). This increased activity of phospho-MLCK-1 was observed over a broad range of submaximal [Ca(2+)] levels with comparable EC(50) [Ca(2+)] for both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated EC MLCK-1. The sites of tyrosine phosphorylation catalyzed by p60(Src) are Tyr(464) and Tyr(471) within the 69-residue stretch deleted in the MLCK-2 splice variant. These results demonstrate for the first time that p60(Src)-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation represents an important mechanism for splice variant-specific regulation of nonmuscle MLCK and vascular cell function.

Preliminary evaluation of glipizide spheres and compacts from spheres prepared by cross-linking technique

The objective of this research was to use the natural polymer Carrageenan to obtain controlled release spheres loaded with glipizide using the cross-linking technique. The effect of polymer level and drug load were investigated. The drug was dispersed in Carrageenan solution and the dispersion was dropped by a device containing 3 disposable syringes into cross-linking solution containing 3% calcium chloride. After 15 minutes residence time, the spheres were collected by decantation and dried in hot air oven at 38 degrees C +/- 2 degrees C for 24 hours. The dried spheres were successfully compacted into tablets using rotary Manesty B-3B machine equipped with 12/32 inches round flat face punches, target tablet weight was 400 mg +/- 5%. As the polymer level was increased in the sphere formulation, the drug release rate was increased. However, as the drug level was increased in the sphere formulation, the release rate was decreased. This trend was also true for tablets compacted from spheres. The scanning electron microscope photographs supported the dissolution data. More cracks and rough surface were observed in tablets compacted from spheres containing high polymer level and low drug level.

Platelet-released phospholipids link haemostasis and angiogenesis

Considerable attention has focused on identifying mediators of neovascularization at sites of growth and abnormal tissue development. By contrast, mediators of angiogenesis at sites of injury and wound repair are not well defined but factors generated during blood coagulation (haemostasis) are attractive candidates. In addition to proteins generated, activated and released during the activation of clotting cascades, platelet-derived lipid mediators are now known to play a key role in many aspects of the angiogenic response. The first indication of lipid mediator involvement in angiogenesis was the discovery that lysophosphatidate (LPA), phosphatidic acid (PA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP) are high affinity agonists for G-protein coupled EDG (endothelial differentiation gene) receptors. The prototype for this family, EDG-1, was cloned from genes expressed when endothelial cells were activated to assume an angiogenic phenotype in vitro. The subsequent finding that SPP is a high affinity ligand for EDG-1 led Spiegel, Hla and associates (Lee et al., Science 1998;279:1552-1555) to hypothesize that platelet-released phospholipids play an important role in angiogenesis. These investigators and others demonstrated that SPP, LPA and phosphatidate (PA) induce many important endothelial cell responses associated with angiogenesis, including liberation of endothelial cells from established monolayers, chemotactic migration, proliferation, adherens junction assembly and morphogenesis into capillary-like structures. Although these studies indicated the potential involvement of platelet-derived phospholipids in angiogenesis, their physiological importance was not established. However, recent work demonstrates that >80% of the potent endothelial cell chemoattractive activity generated in human serum during clotting--an activity necessary for optimal angiogenesis--results from platelet-derived SPP. Other factors released from platelets during clotting, including LPA and PA, exert profound effects on endothelial cells that contribute unique aspects to the angiogenic response. These combined studies establish that SPP and other platelet-derived lipid mediators provide a novel link between haemostasis and angiogenesis.

Diperoxovanadate alters endothelial cell focal contacts and barrier function: role of tyrosine phosphorylation

Diperoxovanadate (DPV), a potent tyrosine kinase activator and protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, was utilized to explore bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell barrier regulation. DPV produced dose-dependent decreases in transendothelial electrical resistance (TER) and increases in permeability to albumin, which were preceded by brief increases in TER (peak TER effect at 10-15 min). The significant and sustained DPV-mediated TER reductions were primarily the result of decreased intercellular resistance, rather than decreased resistance between the cell and the extracellular matrix, and were reduced by pretreatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein but not by inhibition of p42/p44 mitogen-activating protein kinases. Immunofluorescent analysis after DPV challenge revealed dramatic F-actin polymerization and stress-fiber assembly and increased colocalization of tyrosine phosphoproteins with F-actin in a circumferential pattern at the cell periphery, changes that were abolished by genistein. The phosphorylation of focal adhesion and adherens junction proteins on tyrosine residues was confirmed in immunoprecipitates of focal adhesion kinase and cadherin-associated proteins in which dramatic dose-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation was observed after DPV stimulation. We speculate that DPV enhances endothelial cell monolayer integrity via focal adhesion plaque phosphorylation and produces subsequent monolayer destabilization of adherens junctions initiated by adherens junction protein tyrosine phosphorylation catalyzed by p60(src) or Src-related tyrosine kinases.

High-efficiency transient transfection of endothelial cells for functional analysis

The definition of signaling pathways in endothelial cells has been hampered by the difficulty of transiently transfecting these cells with high efficiency. This investigation was undertaken to develop an efficient technique for the transfection of endothelial cells for functional analyses. Cells cotransfected with plasmid expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the plasmid of interest were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) based on GFP expression. In the sorted cell population, a 2.5-fold enhancement in the number of cells expressing the gene of interest was observed, as confirmed by FACS analysis and Western blotting. Sorted cells retained functional properties, as demonstrated by chemotaxis to the agonist sphingosine 1-phosphate (SPP). To demonstrate the usefulness of this method for defining cellular signaling pathways, cells were cotransfected with plasmids encoding GFP and the carboxyl-terminal domain of the beta-adrenergic receptor kinase (beta ARKct), which inhibits signaling through the beta gamma dimer of heterotrimeric G-proteins. SPP-induced chemotaxis in sorted cells coexpressing beta ARKct was inhibited by 80%, demonstrating that chemotaxis was driven by a beta gamma-dependent pathway. However, no significant inhibition was observed in cells transfected with betaARKct but not enriched by sorting. Thus, we have developed a method for enriching transfected cells that allows the elucidation of crucial mechanisms of endothelial cell activation and function. This method should find wide applicability in studies designed to define pathways responsible for regulation of motility and other functions in these dynamic cells.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate released from platelets during clotting accounts for the potent endothelial cell chemotactic activity of blood serum and provides a novel link between hemostasis and angiogenesis

Recent studies have identified factors responsible for angiogenesis within developing tumors, but mediators of vessel formation at sites of trauma, injury, and wound healing are not clearly established. Here we show that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) released by platelets during blood clotting is a potent, specific, and selective endothelial cell chemoattractant that accounts for most of the strong endothelial cell chemotactic activity of blood serum, an activity that is markedly diminished in plasma. Preincubation of endothelial cells with pertussis toxin inhibited this effect of S1P, demonstrating the involvement of a Galphai-coupled receptor. After S1P-induced migration, endothelial cells proliferated avidly and differentiated forming multicellular structures suggestive of early blood vessel formation. S1P was strikingly effective in enhancing the ability of fibroblast growth factor to induce angiogenesis in the avascular mouse cornea. Our results show that blood coagulation initiates endothelial cell angiogenic responses through the release of S1P, a potent endothelial cell chemoattractant that exerts its effects by activating a receptor-dependent process.

Involvement of c-Src in diperoxovanadate-induced endothelial cell barrier dysfunction

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by activated leukocytes play an important role in the disruption of endothelial cell (EC) integrity, leading to barrier dysfunction and pulmonary edema. Although ROS modulate cell signaling, information remains limited regarding the mechanism(s) of ROS-induced EC barrier dysfunction. We utilized diperoxovanadate (DPV) as a model agent to explore the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in the regulation of EC barrier function. DPV disrupted EC barrier function in a dose-dependent manner. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein, and PP-2, a specific inhibitor of Src, reduced the DPV-mediated barrier dysfunction. Consistent with these results, DPV-induced Src activation was attenuated by PP-2. Furthermore, DPV increased the association of Src with cortactin and myosin light chain kinase, indicating their potential role as cytoskeletal targets for Src. Transient overexpression of either wild-type Src or a constitutively active Src mutant potentiated the DPV-mediated decline in barrier dysfunction, whereas a dominant negative Src mutant attenuated the response. These studies provide the first direct evidence for Src involvement in DPV-induced EC barrier dysfunction.

Mechanisms regulating endothelial cell barrier function

Endothelium forms a physical barrier that separates blood from tissue. Communication between blood and tissue occurs through the delivery of molecules and circulating substances across the endothelial barrier by directed transport either through or between cells. Inflammation promotes macromolecular transport by decreasing cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion and increasing centripetally directed tension, resulting in the formation of intercellular gaps. Inflammation may also increase the selected transport of macromolecules through cells. Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that account for constitutive endothelial cell barrier function and also the mechanisms activated during inflammation that reduce barrier function. Current concepts of mechanisms regulating endothelial cell barrier function were presented in a symposium at the 2000 Experimental Biology Conference and are reviewed here.

Role of ras-dependent ERK activation in phorbol ester-induced endothelial cell barrier dysfunction

The treatment of endothelial cell monolayers with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a direct protein kinase C (PKC) activator, leads to disruption of endothelial cell monolayer integrity and intercellular gap formation. Selective inhibition of PKC (with bisindolylmaleimide) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs; with PD-98059, olomoucine, or ERK antisense oligonucleotides) significantly attenuated PMA-induced reductions in transmonolayer electrical resistance consistent with PKC- and ERK-mediated endothelial cell barrier regulation. An inhibitor of the dual-specificity ERK kinase (MEK), PD-98059, completely abolished PMA-induced ERK activation. PMA also produced significant time-dependent increases in the activity of Raf-1, a Ser/Thr kinase known to activate MEK ( approximately 6-fold increase over basal level). Similarly, PMA increased the activity of Ras, which binds and activates Raf-1 ( approximately 80% increase over basal level). The Ras inhibitor farnesyltransferase inhibitor III (100 microM for 3 h) completely abolished PMA-induced Raf-1 activation. Taken together, these data suggest that the sequential activation of Ras, Raf-1, and MEK are involved in PKC-dependent endothelial cell barrier regulation.

Characterization of the protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit in endothelium: involvement in contractile responses

We have previously demonstrated the direct involvement of a type 1 Ser/Thr phosphatase (PPase 1) in endothelial cell (EC) barrier regulation [Am. J. Physiol. 269:L99-L108, 1995]. To further extend this observation, we microinjected either the Ser/Thr PPase inhibitor, calyculin, or the PPase 1 inhibitory protein, I-2 into bovine pulmonary artery EC and demonstrated both an increase in F-actin stress fibers and a shift from a regular polygonal shape to a spindle shape with gaps apparent at the cell borders. Northern blot analysis with specific cDNA probes revealed the presence of three major PPase 1 catalytic subunit (CS1) isoforms (alpha, delta, and gamma) in human and bovine EC. To characterize the myosin-associated EC CS1 isoform, myosin-enriched bovine EC fraction was screened with anti-CS1alpha and anti-CS1delta antibodies The anti-CS1delta antiserum, but not anti-CS1alpha antiserum cross reacts with the CS1 isoform present in myosin-enriched fraction and CS1delta was found in stable association with EC myosin/myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) complex in MLCK immunoprecipitates under nondenaturing conditions. Consistent with these data, overexpression of CS1delta-GFP construct in bovine endothelium followed by immunoprecipitation of CS1 with anti-GFP antibody revealed the stable association of CS1delta with actomyosin complex. Finally, screening of a human EC oligo(dT)-primed cDNA library with a probe encoding a rat CS1delta cDNA segment yielding several positive clones that encoded the entire CS1delta open reading frame and partially noncoding regions. Sequence analysis determined a high homology ( approximately 99%) with human CS1delta derived from a teratocarcinoma cell line. Together, these data suggest that CS1delta is the major of PPase 1 isoform specifically associated with EC actomyosin complex and which participates in EC barrier regulation.

Immunochemical characterization of myosin-specific phosphatase 1 regulatory subunits in bovine endothelium

We have previously shown that myosin-specific phosphatase 1 (PPase 1) activity is critical for maintaining endothelial cell barrier function (Verin et al. [1995] Am. J. Physiol. 269:L99-L108). To further characterize myosin-specific PPase 1 in endothelium, we generated antibodies specific to published sequences of the myosin-associated PPase 1 regulatory subunit (M110) from smooth muscle. Peptide antigens were designed based upon consensus sequences for a single ankyrin repeat (ANK 110) and a leucine zipper motif region (LZ 110), which represents putative sites for binding the PPase 1 catalytic subunit (CS1) and myosin, respectively. Our initial study demonstrated that each antibody immunoprecipitated 2 proteins with an apparent Mr of 110 and 70 kD on SDS-PAGE. The CS1delta isoform, which appeared to be characteristic for the myosin-specific phosphatase, was co-immunoprecipitated under non-denaturing conditions with ANK110 and LZ110 as was actin, myosin, and myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). Similarly, immunoprecipitation with specific anti-myosin or anti-MLCK antibodies under the same conditions, followed by immunostaining with either LZ110 or ANK110 revealed the same 110 and 70 kD protein bands. The 70 kD protein (p70) was immunoreactive with ANK 110 and LZ 110, was complexed with myosin and MLCK, and was detected in non-denaturing M110 immunoprecipitates. Consistent with these results, endothelial cell fractionation demonstrates the presence of p70 in both cytoskeletal and myosin-enriched fractions, but not in the myosin-depleted (cytosolic) fractions. These data suggest that endothelial cells may exhibit two distinct myosin-specific PPase 1 regulatory subunits which share certain structural features with the M110 regulatory subunit from smooth muscle and which are tightly associated with myosin and MLCK in a functional complex.

Induction of endothelial cell chemotaxis by sphingosine 1-phosphate and stabilization of endothelial monolayer barrier function by lysophosphatidic acid, potential mediators of hematopoietic angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is an important component of restoration of hematopoiesis after BMT, but the mediators involved in hematopoietic angiogenesis have not been identified. We examined the influence of the lipid growth factors, phosphatidic acid (PA), lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), on several angiogenic properties of endothelial cells, including migration and stabilization of vascular barrier integrity. In a previous study, PA was found to disrupt the permeability of established endothelial monolayers, an early event in the angiogenic response that liberates cells for subsequent mobilization. In the present study, both PA and LPA weakly induced the chemotactic migration of endothelial cells from an established monolayer. The chemotactic response induced by PA and LPA was similar in intensity to that observed with optimal levels of the known protein endothelial cell chemoattractants, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). A markedly greater chemotactic response was effected by nanomolar concentrations of S1P, indicating that this platelet-derived factor plays an important role in a key aspect of angiogenesis, chemotactic migration of endothelial cells. The chemotactic response to S1P was completely inhibited by preincubation of endothelial cells with antisense oligonucleotides to the high-affinity S1P receptor, Edg-1. In addition, chemotaxis of endothelial cells to S1P was inhibited by preincubation of cells with specific inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, but inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase had little effect. Finally, LPA effectively stabilized endothelial monolayer barrier function, a late event in angiogenesis. Thus, the phospholipid growth factors, PA, S1P, and LPA, display divergent and potent effects on angiogenic properties of endothelial cells and angiogenic differentiation of endothelial cells potentially act in tandem to effectively induce neovascularization. These mediators may thus exert important roles in restoration of hematopoiesis, as they facilitate blood vessel formation at sites of transplanted stem cells, allowing the progeny of engrafted progenitors to move from marrow sinusoids to the peripheral vasculature.

Induction of endothelial monolayer permeability by phosphatidate

Released into the vasculature from disrupted cells or transported to the surface of adjacent effectors, phosphatidate and related lipids may potentiate endothelial cell activation. However, the effect of these lipids on endothelial monolayer barrier integrity has not been reported. The present study documents the induction of endothelial monolayer permeability by phosphatidate. Both long (di-C18:1) and medium (di-C10; di-C8) chain length phosphatidates increased permeability of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cell monolayers assessed using a well characterized assay system in vitro. Barrier disruption effected by dioctanoyl (di-C8) phosphatidate was markedly potentiated by the addition of propranolol, an inhibitor of endothelial cell "ecto"-phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP), a lipid phosphate phosphohydrolase (LPP) that efficiently hydrolyzes extracellular substrate. Disruption of barrier function by phosphatidate did not result from its non-specific detergent characteristics, since a non-hydrolyzable but biologically inactive phosphonate analog of dioctanoyl phosphatidate, which retains the detergent characteristics of phosphatidate, did not induce permeability changes. Furthermore, neither diacylglycerol nor lyso-PA effected significant increases in monolayer permeability, indicating the observed response was due to phosphatidate rather than one of its metabolites. Phosphatidate-induced permeability was attenuated by preincubation of endothelial cells with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, herbimycin A (10 microg/ml), and enhanced by the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, vanadate (100 microM), implicating a role for activation of intracellular tyrosine kinases in the response. In addition, phosphatidate increased the levels of intracellular free Ca(2+) in endothelial cells and ligated specific binding sites on endothelial cell plasma membranes, consistent with the presence of a phosphatidate receptor. Since phosphatidate generated within the plasma membrane of adherent effectors potentially interacts with endothelial membranes, we evaluated the influence of phosphatidate-enriched neutrophil plasma membranes on endothelial monolayer integrity. The effects of ectopic phosphatidate on endothelial monolayer permeability were mimicked by phosphatidate confined to neutrophil plasma membranes. We conclude that phosphatidate may be a physiologic modulator of endothelial monolayer permeability that exerts its effects by activating a receptor-linked, tyrosine kinase-dependent process which results in mobilization of intracellular stored Ca(2+)and consequent metabolic activation.

Hydrogen peroxide stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase in vascular endothelial cells

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in the pathophysiology of several vascular disorders including atherosclerosis. Although the mechanism(s) of ROS-induced vascular damage remains unclear, there is increasing evidence for ROS-mediated modulation of signal transduction pathways. Exposure of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of 60- to 80- and 110- to 130-kDa cellular proteins, which were determined by immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies focal adhesion kinase (p125(FAK)) and paxillin (p68). Brief exposure of cells to a relatively high concentration of H(2)O(2) (1 mM) resulted in a time- and dose-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, which reached maximum levels within 10 min (290% of basal levels). Cytoskeletal reorganization as evidenced by the appearance of actin stress fibers preceded H(2)O(2)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK, and the microfilament disruptor cytochalasin D also attenuated the tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK. Treatment of BPAECs with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N', N'-tetraacetic acid-AM attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced increases in intracellular Ca(2+) but did not show any consistent effect on H(2)O(2)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK. Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including genistein, herbimycin, and tyrphostin, had no detectable effect on tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK but attenuated the H(2)O(2)-induction of mitogen-activated protein kinase activity. We conclude that H(2)O(2)-induced increases in FAK tyrosine phosphorylation may be important in H(2)O(2)-mediated endothelial cell activation.

Regulation of endothelial cell myosin light chain kinase by Rho, cortactin, and p60(src)

Inflammatory diseases of the lung are characterized by increases in vascular permeability and enhanced leukocyte infiltration, reflecting compromise of the endothelial cell (EC) barrier. We examined potential molecular mechanisms that underlie these alterations and assessed the effects of diperoxovanadate (DPV), a potent tyrosine kinase activator and phosphatase inhibitor, on EC contractile events. Confocal immunofluorescent microscopy confirmed dramatic increases in stress-fiber formation and colocalization of EC myosin light chain (MLC) kinase (MLCK) with the actin cytoskeleton, findings consistent with activation of the endothelial contractile apparatus. DPV produced significant time-dependent increases in MLC phosphorylation that were significantly attenuated but not abolished by EC MLCK inhibition with KT-5926. Pretreatment with the Rho GTPase-inhibitory C3 exotoxin completely abolished DPV-induced MLC phosphorylation, consistent with Rho-mediated MLC phosphatase inhibition and novel regulation of EC MLCK activity. Immunoprecipitation of EC MLCK after DPV challenge revealed dramatic time-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the kinase in association with increased MLCK activity and a stable association of MLCK with the p85 actin-binding protein cortactin and p60(src). Translocation of immunoreactive cortactin from the cytosol to the cytoskeleton was noted after DPV in concert with cortactin tyrosine phosphorylation. These studies indicate that DPV activates the endothelial contractile apparatus in a Rho GTPase-dependent fashion and suggests that p60(src)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of MLCK and cortactin may be important features of contractile complex assembly.

A single human myosin light chain kinase gene (MLCK; MYLK)

The myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) gene, a muscle member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily, yields both smooth muscle and nonmuscle cell isoforms. Both isoforms are known to regulate contractile activity via calcium/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain phosphorylation. We previously cloned from a human endothelial cell (EC) cDNA library a high-molecular-weight nonmuscle MLCK isoform (EC MLCK (MLCK 1) with an open reading frame that encodes a protein of 1914 amino acids. We now describe four novel nonmuscle MLCK isoforms (MLCK 2, 3a, 3b, and 4) that are the alternatively spliced variants of an mRNA precursor that is transcribed from a single human MLCK gene. The primary structure of the cDNA encoding the nonmuscle MLCK isoform 2 is identical to the previously published human nonmuscle MLCK (MLCK 1) (J. G. N. Garcia et al., 1997, Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol. 16, 489-494) except for a deletion of nucleotides 1428-1634 (D2). The full nucleotide sequence of MLCK isoforms 3a and 3b and partial sequence for MLCK isoform 4 revealed identity to MLCK 1 except for deletions at nucleotides 5081-5233 (MLCK 3a, D3), double deletions of nucleotides 1428-1634 and 5081-5233 (MLCK 3b), and nucleotide deletions 4534-4737 (MLCK 4, D4). Northern blot analysis demonstrated the extended expression pattern of the nonmuscle MLCK isoform(s) in both human adult and human fetal tissues. RT-PCR using primer pairs that were designed to detect specifically nonmuscle MLCK isoforms 2, 3, and 4 deletions (D2, D3, and D4) confirmed expression in both human adult and human fetal tissues (lung, liver, brain, and kidney) and in human endothelial cells (umbilical vein and dermal). Furthermore, relative quantitative expression studies demonstrated that the nonmuscle MLCK isoform 2 is the dominant splice variant expressed in human tissues and cells. Further analysis of the human MLCK gene revealed that the MLCK 2 isoform represents the deletion of an independent exon flanked by 5' and 3' neighboring introns of 0.6 and 7.0 kb, respectively. Together these studies demonstrate for the first time that the human MLCK gene yields multiple nonmuscle MLCK isoforms by alternative splicing of its transcribed mRNA precursor with differential distribution of these isoforms in various human tissues and cells.

Reproductive health risk behavior survey of Colombian high school students

PURPOSE

To establish rates of potentially risky sexual behaviors among Colombian adolescent students.

METHODS

A total of 230 9th and 11th graders at a Colombian high school (69% of enrolled students) were anonymously surveyed about selected reproductive health behaviors using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's self-administered Youth Risk Behavior Survey.

RESULTS

The response rate was >90%. The group was demographically representative of students. Twenty-nine percent of the group had engaged in intercourse (13% of 9th and 43% of 11th graders). Male gender [beta = 0.7873; odds ratio (OR) = 2.09; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.57-3.08] and increasing age (beta = 0.3413; OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.02-1.93) were each significantly correlated with prior sexual activity. Compared with females, males initiated intercourse at a significantly earlier age (beta = 0.284; p < .001) but did not report significantly more partners (means 2.1 vs. 1.4; chi2 = 1.25; p = .262). Forty-eight percent of respondents used contraception during their last encounter. Sixty-three percent used oral contraceptives or condoms, while the remainder used less effective methods. Contraceptive use did not correlate with gender or age. Age was significantly and positively correlated with use of alcohol prior to sexual activity (B = 1.28; OR = 3.6; 95% CI = 1.49-8.44).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with U.S. populations of similar ages, the Colombian group surveyed had fewer sexually active members, reported fewer partners, and used contraception with lower frequency.

Role of tyrosine phosphorylation in thrombin-induced endothelial cell contraction and barrier function

Thrombin-induced endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction is highly dependent upon phosphorylation of serine and threonine residues present on myosin light chains (MLC) catalyzed by a novel EC myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) isoform. In this study, we examined the participation of tyrosine protein phosphorylation in EC contraction, gap formation and barrier dysfunction. We first determined that thrombin significantly increases protein tyrosine kinase activity and protein tyrosine phosphorylation in bovine pulmonary artery EC. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, genistein and 2,5 DHC, reduced EC tyrosine kinase activities, however, only genistein significantly attenuated thrombin-mediated increases in albumin clearance and reductions in transendothelial electrical resistance. Similarly, genistein but not 2,5 DHC, decreased basal and thrombin-induced Ca2+ increases and MLC phosphorylation in the absence of alterations in Type 1 or 2A serine/threonine phosphatase activities. Immunoprecipitation of the EC MLCK isoform revealed a 214 kD immunoreactive phosphotyrosine protein and genistein pretreatment significantly reduced MLCK activity in MLCK immunoprecipitates. Although thrombin induced the translocation of p60src from the cytosol to the EC cytoskeleton, a detectable increase in the level of MLCK tyrosine phosphorylation was not noted after thrombin challenge. Taken together, our data suggest that genistein-sensitive tyrosine kinase activities are involved in thrombin-mediated EC MLCK activation, MLC phosphorylation, and barrier dysfunction.

Chemotactic migration triggers IL-8 generation in neutrophilic leukocytes

Neutrophils recovered from inflammatory exudates possess increased levels of IL-8, but exposure of neutrophils to chemoattractants results in only a modest stimulation of IL-8 generation. This study was undertaken to explore the hypothesis that IL-8 generation in these cells is dependent upon the process of migration. Neutrophils synthesized up to 30 times as much IL-8 during migration in response to a gradient of diverse chemoattractants than they did when stimulated directly by the attractants in the absence of a gradient. This IL-8 response was dependent on migration since it was not observed in cells exposed to concentration gradients of chemoattractants under conditions that prevented cell movement. While actinomycin-D (1 microg/ml) had little influence on the generation of IL-8 during chemotaxis, the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (10 microg/ml) markedly blunted the accumulation of cell-associated IL-8, suggesting that new protein synthesis from preexisting mRNA was responsible for the effect. Consistent with this interpretation, migrating cells incorporated over 10 times as much [3H]leucine into IL-8 as did nonmotile neutrophils exposed to chemoattractants. A substantial portion of the IL-8 generated during chemotaxis was released upon subsequent metabolic stimulation. Thus, the IL-8 synthesized during chemotaxis is uniquely positioned to exert a regulatory influence on inflammatory processes governed by neutrophilic leukocytes responding to inflammatory and infectious stimuli.

Regulation of interleukin-1-stimulated GMCSF mRNA levels in human endothelium

The regulation of interleukin-1 (IL-1)-mediated increases in GMCSF mRNA levels in human endothelium was examined and determined to occur in a time- and protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent manner. IL-1beta induced the early activation and translocation of PKC isotypes alpha and beta2 to the nucleus and PKC inhibition attenuated the IL-1-mediated increase in GMCSF mRNA levels. PKC activation by PMA alone, in the absence of IL-1beta activation, however, was insufficient to allow GMCSF mRNA detection. Increasing cyclic adenosine nucleotide (cAMP) levels suppressed IL-1beta-induced increases in GMCSF mRNA levels. In contrast, botulinum toxin C, which mediates the ADP ribosylation of a 21 kD ras-related G protein, augmented IL-1beta-induced GMCSF mRNA expression. Inhibition of protein synthesis (with cycloheximide) raised basal GMCSF mRNA transcripts to detectable levels, augmented IL-1-induced increases in GMCSF mRNA levels, and exhibited negative regulation by cAMP. Finally, disruption of either microtubules (with colchicine) or microfilaments (with cytochalasin B) resulted in reduced GMCSF mRNA expression in response to IL-1beta. These results are compatible with a model wherein IL-1-mediated increases in human endothelial cell GMCSF mRNA may be linked to both nuclear protein kinase C activation and activation of a low molecular weight G-protein, although neither activity alone is sufficient to increase the levels of GMCSF mRNA.

Biochemical regulation of the nonmuscle myosin light chain kinase isoform in bovine endothelium

Specific models of vascular permeability are critically dependent on myosin light chain phosphorylation, a reaction catalyzed by a novel high molecular-weight (214 kD) Ca2+/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) isoform recently cloned in human endothelium (Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol., 1997;16:489-494). To evaluate mechanisms of endothelial cell (EC) barrier dysfunction evoked by the serine protease thrombin, we studied the regulation of the 214-kD EC MLCK isoform expressed in bovine endothelium. The EC MLCK isoform bound biotinylated CaM in a Ca2+-dependent manner and co-immunoprecipitated in a functional complex with myosin, actin, and CaM. Thrombin rapidly increased MLCK activity in concert with time-dependent translocation of the enzyme to the actin cytoskeleton. To evaluate whether EC MLCK activity was regulated by direct phosphorylation, amino acid sequence analysis identified multiple potential EC MLCK sites for Ser/Thr phosphorylation, including highly conserved phosphorylation sites for cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) adjacent to the CaM-binding region. EC MLCK activity was attenuated by either PKA-mediated MLCK phosphorylation or inhibition of Ser/Thr phosphatase activity (fluoride or calyculin), which significantly increased MLCK phosphorylation while decreasing MLCK activity (3- to 4-fold decrease). In summary, although the EC MLCK isoform exhibits multiple features intrinsic to this family of kinases, thrombin-mediated EC contraction and barrier dysfunction requires increased EC MLCK-actin interaction and MLCK translocation to the cytoskeleton. EC MLCK activity appears to be highly dependent upon the phosphorylation status of this key contractile effector.

Expression of a novel high molecular-weight myosin light chain kinase in endothelium

Myosin light chain phosphorylation results in cellular contraction and is a critical component of agonist-mediated endothelial cell (EC) junctional gap formation and permeability. We have shown that this reaction is catalyzed by a novel high molecular-weight Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent nonmuscle myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) isoform recently cloned in human endothelium (Am. J. Respir. Cell Mol. Biol., 1997;16:489-494). To characterize EC MLCK expression further in cultured and adult tissues, we employed immunoblotting techniques and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction to demonstrate that freshly isolated and cultured human macro- and microvascular EC express only the EC MLCK isoform (214 kD), which is distinct from smooth-muscle MLCK isoforms (130 to 150 kD). Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated the presence of the high molecular-weight MLCK isoform in adult human cardiac endothelium using anti-MLCK antibodies, which preferentially recognize the high molecular-weight EC MLCK isoform. Monitoring of MLCK expression in different cell types with antibodies generated against a unique human EC MLCK N-terminal sequence revealed a high level of expression of the 214-kD enzyme in endothelium, minimal level of expression in smooth muscle, and no expression in skeletal muscle. These data suggest that the novel 214-kD kinase, the only MLCK isoform found in endothelium, may be preferentially expressed in this nonmuscle tissue.