Ca2+ buffering function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum is increased in the carotid artery from spontaneously hypertensive rats.

To clarify whether the Ca2+ uptake function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) during arterial contraction is altered in hypertension, the effects of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) and thapsigargin, which inhibit SR Ca2+-ATPase, on the contractile responses to Bay k 8644, an agonist of L-type Ca2+ channels, were compared in endothelium-denuded strips of carotid arteries from 13-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The addition of Bay k 8644 (1-300 nM) to the strips caused a concentration-dependent contraction that was larger in SHR than in WKY. The contractile responses to Bay k 8644 were augmented by CPA (10 microM) or thapsigargin (100 nM) in both strains. This augmentation was greater in SHR. Each of CPA and thapsigargin induced a relatively transient contraction, and both of these contractions were larger in SHR than in WKY. The basal 45Ca influx in this artery was larger in SHR than in WKY. The addition of caffeine (1-20 mM) caused a transient contraction that was larger in SHR than in WKY. Our results indicate that 1) the large Ca2+ influx during rest in the SHR carotid artery is strongly buffered by Ca2+ uptake into the superficial SR; and 2) the Ca2+ uptake function of the SR during the contraction with Bay k 8644 was increased in SHR compared with WKY. We conclude that the SHR carotid artery has an increased total capacity of SR for Ca2+ storage as an attempt to compensate for the large Ca2+ influx.     

Calcium buffering of resting, voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx by sarcoplasmic reticulum in femoral arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats at prehypertensive stage.

We examined the Ca2+-buffering function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the resting state of arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) at a prehypertensive stage. Differences in the effects of cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) and thapsigargin, agents that inhibit SR Ca2+-ATPase, and of ryanodine, which depletes SR Ca2+, on tension and cellular Ca2+ level were assessed in endothelium-denuded strips of femoral arteries from 4-week-old SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). Addition of CPA, thapsigargin or ryanodine to the resting state of the strips caused an elevation of cytosolic Ca2+ level and a contraction in both WKY and SHR. These responses were larger in SHR than in WKY. The contractions were inhibited strongly by 100 nM nifedipine or 3 microM verapamil and were abolished by Ca2+-free solution. Nifedipine, verapamil or Ca2+-free solution itself caused a relaxation from the resting state of SHR strips, but not from that of WKY strips. The resting Ca2+ influx in arteries measured by a 5-min incubation with 45Ca was significantly larger in SHR than in WKY. This influx was decreased by 10 microM CPA or 10 microM ryanodine in both WKY and SHR. These results suggest that in the resting state of the femoral artery from 4-week-old SHR, the greater part of the increased Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channels is buffered by Ca2+ uptake into the SR, while some Ca2+ reaches the myofilaments, resulting in the maintenance of resting tone.     

Contribution of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ to the activation of Ca2+ -activated K+ channels in the resting state of arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats

OBJECTIVE : Localized release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) toward the plasmalemma, sometimes visualized as Ca2+ sparks, can activate Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels. We have already reported that the addition of charybdotoxin (ChTX), a blocker of KCa channels, to the resting state of arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) caused a powerful contraction, suggesting that KCa channels were active in the resting state. This study aimed to determine whether the Ca2+ responsible for activity of KCa channels was derived from SR. METHODS : Possible mechanisms underlying the ChTX-induced contractions were examined in endothelium-denuded strips of femoral, mesenteric, small mesenteric and carotid arteries from 13-week-old SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats by using selective inhibitors of the Ca2+ spark process. RESULTS : ChTX (100 nmol/l) induced a contraction in the SHR arteries. The ChTX-induced contractions were increased by a moderate membrane depolarization by 15.9 mmol/l K+ and were abolished by nifedipine (100 nmol/l). When SR Ca2+ was depleted by treatment of the strips with ryanodine (10 mumol/l) plus caffeine (20 mmol/l) or with thapsigargin (100 nmol/l), the ChTX-induced contraction was decreased in femoral, mesenteric and small mesenteric arteries and was almost abolished in the carotid artery. A similar phenomenon can be observed in arteries from WKY rats after a moderate membrane depolarization. In both SHR and WKY rats, SR Ca2+-dependent ChTX-induced contraction always represents 20-30% of the maximal K+-induced contraction. CONCLUSIONS : We conclude that activation of KCa channels depended upon influx of Ca2+ through L-type Ca2+ channels and release of Ca2+ from the SR, suggesting that recycling of entering Ca2+ from the superficial SR toward the plasmalemma sufficiently elevated Ca2+ near these channels to activate them.     

Augmented Contributions of Voltage-Gated Ca2 Channels to Contractile Responses in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat Mesenteric Arteries

The observation that organic Ca²⁺ channel blockers are more effective in lowering blood pressure and peripheral resistance in hypertensive compared to normotensive subjects suggests that there is a greater contribution from voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channels (Ca_L) to vascular force maintenance in hypertensive arteries. This study tests this hypothesis by comparing the effects of Bay k 8644 and nisoldipine on basal force development, contractile responses to norepinephrine and serotonin, and Ca²⁺ currents (I_Ca) in mesenteric artery (MA) from Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). MA rings were used to record isometric contractions at L_max. Single cells were isolated by collagenase plus elastase for measurement of Ca_L properties by patch-clamp methods. Contractile responses to Bay k 8644 were larger and more sensitive in SHR than WKY, and were larger in endothelium-denuded compared to intact rings. In SHR, the addition of 10 nmol/L Bay k 8644 increased contractile sensitivity to norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5HT), and increased maximum response to 5HT. In WKY, 10 nmol/L Bay k 8644 produced a small increase in 5HT sensitivity with no effect on maximum response, and had no effect on NE responses. In the presence of 1 μmol/L nisoldipine, the maximum response and the sensitivity to both NE and 5HT were decreased in both WKY and SHR with the inhibitory effects of nisoldipine being larger in SHR than WKY. Peak I_Ca was larger in SHR, and current-voltage curves were shifted toward more negative voltages compared to WKY. Bay k 8644 increased I_Ca in both WKY and SHR myocytes with no apparent difference in the magnitude of its effect when expressed as a percent of control I_Ca. These results suggest that Ca_L contribute significantly to tonic force maintenance as well as to agonist responses in MA from both WKY and SHR, but with a much larger contribution in SHR. Differences in the sensitivity of Ca_L to Bay k 8644 were not responsible for the differences in contractile responses to this agonist.     

Enhanced 5-hydroxytryptamine release from vascular adrenergic nerves in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from the vascular adrenergic nerve by periarterial nerve stimulation in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) was compared with that in normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). The isolated mesenteric vascular bed was perfused at a constant flow rate of 5 ml/min. Vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial nerve stimulation (4, 8, 12, and 16 Hz for 30 seconds) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (1 microM), but not norepinephrine (1 nmol), were significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. After treatment with 5-hydroxytryptamine (1 microM) for 15 minutes, vasoconstrictor responses to periarterial nerve stimulation previously reduced by prazosin (50 nM) were restored and a frequency-dependent pressor response reappeared. However, 5-HT treatment did not significantly affect the pressor response to exogenously administered norepinephrine (1 nmol), which was previously inhibited by prazosin. The degree of the restoration in SHR was significantly greater than that in WKY at all frequencies used. The restoration of the pressor response to periarterial nerve stimulation after 5-hydroxytryptamine treatment did not occur in the presence of the selective 5-hydroxytryptamine2 receptor antagonists ketanserin (10 nM) or LY53857 (10 nM). In the perfused mesenteric vascular bed of both WKY and SHR prelabeled with [3H]5-hydroxytryptamine, periarterial nerve stimulation (4-16 Hz) evoked a frequency-dependent increase in tritium efflux that was abolished by Ca2+-free Krebs-Ringer solution or tetrodotoxin (100 nM) and treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine. The tritium efflux evoked by periarterial nerve stimulation was significantly greater in SHR than in WKY at all frequencies used. These results suggest that the release of 5-hydroxytryptamine from adrenergic nerve endings by periarterial nerve stimulation is enhanced in the mesenteric vascular bed of the SHR.     

Intracellular calcium stores and oscillatory contractions in arteries from genetically hypertensive rats.

Strips of tail artery from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP), but not from normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats, exhibit oscillatory activity after stimulation with norepinephrine. In addition, oscillatory activity is observed in response to tetraethylammonium (TEA) in vessels from both SHRSP and WKY rats. Mechanistically, the oscillatory contractions are associated with calcium (Ca2+)-driven action potentials. We have tested the hypothesis that intracellular Ca2+ stores participate in the generation of norepinephrine-induced oscillatory contractions in tail arteries from SHRSP. Additionally, the role of intracellular Ca2+ stores on TEA-induced contractions were evaluated. Contractile force in strips of tail artery from SHRSP and WKY rats was measured, using standard muscle bath procedures, and the effect of interventions that affect the storage of intracellular Ca2+ on the oscillatory contractions was evaluated. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores, with ryanodine, or inhibition of Ca2+ uptake into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), with thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), did not inhibit oscillatory contractions induced by norepinephrine in SHRSP vessels. However, these agents inhibited the amplitude of TEA-induced contractions in WKY strips. Bay K 8644 and A23187 inhibited TEA-induced oscillatory contractions in WKY vessels. In SHRSP tail artery Bay K 8644 inhibited both norepinephrine and TEA-induced contractions, while A23187 did not have any effect. The phospholipase C inhibitor, NCDC (3X 10(-5) M), blocked oscillatory activity induced by norepinephrine in SHRSP tail artery and TEA-induced oscillations both in SHRSP and WKY vessels. These observations suggest that Ca2+ release and Ca2+ uptake into intracellular Ca2+ stores are not involved in the contraction-relaxation cycles that characterize norepinephrine-induced oscillatory activity in SHRSP tail artery. Similarly, SR Ca2+ stores may modulate but are not essential for TEA-induced oscillatory contractions.     

Increased function of the voltage-dependent calcium channels, without increase of Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the arterioles of spontaneous hypertensive rats

It has been reported that the increased function of the voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC) in the artery is involved in the increase of peripheral resistance in hypertension, and that the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the artery plays an important role in preventing the development of hypertension via a buffering effect. However, no reports have described the role of VDCC and SR in resistance arterioles in the development or maintenance of hypertension. We investigated the function of VDCC and of SR in the cremaster arterioles of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) and age-matched Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). The changes in diameter and the intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) in the microdissected arterioles, using fluorescent dyes, were measured with videomicroscopy. The KCl concentration-response curves were analyzed in 4- to 5- and 7- to 8-week-old SHR and WKY. The changes in the vascular diameter and [Ca2+]i in response to ryanodine, an alpha-1 adrenoceptor, and angiotensin-II stimulation were compared between the 7- to 8-week-old SHR and WKY. We found an increase in the Ca2+ influx by VDCC in the early hypertensive stage, but not in prehypertensive SHR. However, after the onset of hypertension, there were no significant differences from WKY in the SR function mediated by Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca2+ release. In conclusion, an increased influx of Ca2+ in the cell membrane, without a buffering effect of SR, was associated with progression of hypertension in the cremaster arterioles of SHR.     

Characterization of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels in rat brain synaptosomes.

We examined the effects of dihydropyridine Ca2+-channel agonists on synaptosomal voltage-dependent Ca2+ entry and endogenous dopamine release. The (-) isomer of Bay K 8644 and the (+) isomer of Sandoz compound 202-791 were 100-1000 times more potent than their respective opposite enantiomers in enhancing Ca2+ uptake and dopamine release from striatal synaptosomes. The active isomer of each of these compounds increased Ca2+ entry and dopamine release to the same extent at a concentration of 1 nM. Fast-phase Ca2+ entry into synaptosomes isolated from cerebellum, cortex, and hippocampus was sensitive to nanomolar concentrations of Bay K 8644. No effect of Bay K 8644 was observed in synaptosomes isolated from brainstem. Bay K 8644 increased synaptosomal Ca2+ uptake and endogenous dopamine release from striatal synaptosomes only during the initial seconds of KCl-induced depolarization. The greatest increase was observed during the first second of depolarization. No effect was observed after greater than or equal to 5 sec of depolarization. Bay K 8644 did not alter Ca2+ uptake or dopamine release under resting conditions (5 mM KCl) or in response to KCl at greater than 15 mM. The activity of Bay K 8644 was also attenuated by lowering the concentrations of divalent cations in the incubation medium. Agonist activity was observed at Mg2+ concentrations greater than 500 microM (Ca2+ held at 100 microM) and Ca2+ concentrations greater than 100 microM (Mg2+ held at 1000 microM). These results suggest that the Ca2+ channels present in synaptosomes are sensitive to nanomolar concentrations of dihydropyridine agonists under a narrow range of experimental conditions.     

Increased norepinephrine sensitive intracellular Ca2+ pool in the caudal artery of spontaneously hypertensive rats

The contractions evoked by norepinephrine (NE) and caffeine in Ca2+-free solution were determined using denervated caudal artery rings from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The magnitude of contractions produced by different concentrations of NE was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) in SHR caudal artery rings compared to WKY. The contractions evoked by NE in Ca2+-free solution were mediated primarily through the activation of postsynaptic alpha 1-adrenoceptors. In addition to alpha 1-adrenoceptor stimulation, caffeine also evoked significantly greater (P less than 0.05) contractions in Ca2+-free solution in SHR caudal arteries compared to WKY. From these observations it is concluded that intracellular Ca2+ pool (presumably sarcoplasmic reticulum, SR) is increased in SHR caudal arteries which, at least in part, may account for the increased contraction observed in response to NE and caffeine stimulation in the absence of extracellular Ca2+.     

Effects of dihydropyridines on tension and calcium-45 influx in isolated mesenteric resistance vessels from spontaneously hypertensive and normotensive rats

Contractile tension responses to norepinephrine and depolarizing potassium (80 mM K+), as well as calcium-45 influx stimulated by these agents, were studied in isolated mesenteric resistance vessels (each 100 microM internal diameter) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and from normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKYs). Inhibitory effects of 2 dihydropyridine Ca++ antagonists, PN 200-110 (isradipine) and nisoldipine, on these parameters were also determined. Contractile responses to 80 mM K+ were inhibited by both Ca++ antagonists with the same potency and efficacy in SHR compared with WKY vessels (PN 200-110 IC50 = 2.8 +/- 1.3 X 10(-8) M in SHRs and 2.5 +/- 1.5 X 10(-8) M in WKYs; nisoldipine IC50 = 1.1 +/- 0.4 X 10(-8) M in SHRs and 1.2 +/- 0.9 X 10(-8) M in WKYs). However, contractile responses to norepinephrine (10(-4) M) were inhibited less potently by nisoldipine in SHR vessels (IC50 = 2.2 +/- 0.3 X 10(-9) M) compared with WKY vessels (IC50 = 1.6 +/- 0.6 X 10(-10) M). Similarly, PN 200-110 tended to be less (but not significantly less) potent in SHR vessels (IC50 = 3.3 +/- 1.8 X 10(-8) M) than in WKY vessels (IC50 = 3.4 +/- 0.9 X 10(-9) M); its efficacy was significantly depressed in the SHR vessels (by approximately 20%). When norepinephrine-stimulated calcium-45 influx was determined in the presence of these Ca++ antagonists, a similar profile emerged with respect to a comparison of SHR and WKY vessels. These results support a previously hypothesized alteration in receptor-activated Ca++ influx pathways in SHR mesenteric resistance vessels.     

Enhanced neuroinhibitory effect of diltiazem in blood vessels of spontaneously hypertensive rats

This study investigated the effects of diltiazem (a Ca2(+)-entry blocker) on neuromuscular junctions of blood vessels in hypertension. In isolated perfused mesenteric vasculatures prepared from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), the effects of diltiazem on norepinephrine release from vascular adrenergic neurons and pressor responses were examined. The influences of extracellular Ca2(+)-reduction on these responses were also studied. Stimulation evoked pressor responses and norepinephrine release were significantly greater in the mesenteric vasculatures of SHR than in those of WKY. Diltiazem inhibited both pressor responses and norepinephrine release during electrical nerve stimulation in a dose-dependent manner. The suppression of these responses was more pronounced in SHR than in WKY. Reduction of extracellular Ca2(+)-concentration also decreased the responses in SHR and WKY, and the inhibitory degree was significantly greater in SHR than in WKY. These results demonstrate that diltiazem affected the presynaptic site of the mesenteric vasculatures and decreased the stimulation-evoked norepinephrine release from vascular adrenergic neurons with a concomitant reduction of pressor responses of the preparation. Furthermore, the marked inhibition of pressor responses and norepinephrine release by diltiazem or Ca2(+)-depletion in SHR may suggest the increased Ca2(+)-dependency in vascular neurotransmission in this model of hypertension.     

Mechanisms of flunarizine-induced vasodilation in the rabbit mesenteric artery

The vasodilating effects of flunarizine on smooth muscle strips of rabbit mesenteric artery have been investigated and compared with those of nifedipine. Flunarizine (30-300 nM) dose-dependently inhibited Ca2+-induced contractions in Ca2+-free solution containing 100 mM K+. Double reciprocal analysis showed that this inhibition was either competitive at low concentrations (30-100 nM; nifedipine-like) or noncompetitive at high concentrations (0.3-1 microM). The latter seemed to be partly related to an inhibition of contractile proteins as estimated from Ca2+-induced contractions in saponin-treated chemically skinned muscle strips. In contrast to the actions of nifedipine, flunarizine inhibited norepinephrine (NE)-induced contractions more than those induced by high K+, and at 0.3 microM, this agent totally blocked NE-induced contraction. Flunarizine also inhibited NE-induced contraction in Ca2+-free solution containing 2 mM EGTA. In Ca2+-free solution, NE rapidly hydrolyzed phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI-P2) and produced phosphatidic acid (PA). Flunarizine (30 and 300 nM), but not nifedipine (100 nM), inhibited NE-induced hydrolysis of PI-P2 and production of PA. However, flunarizine (100 nM) did not modify the contraction induced by 10 microM inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in chemically skinned muscle strips. It is concluded that flunarizine inhibits both voltage-dependent (nifedipine-like) and receptor-operated Ca2+ influx induced by NE and also inhibits NE-induced Ca2+ release from intracellular stores due to inhibition of the hydrolysis of PI-P2.     

Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid modulates dihydropyridine effects on L-type Ca2+ channels, cytosolic Ca2+, and contraction in adult rat cardiac myocytes.

The effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6) on dihydropyridine (DHP) interaction with L-type Ca2+ channel current (ICa), cytosolic Ca2+ (Cai), and cell contraction in isolated adult rat cardiac myocytes was studied. The DHP L-type Ca(2+)-channel blocker nitrendipine (10 nM) reduced peak ICa (measured by whole-cell voltage clamp from -45 to 0 mV) and reduced the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient (measured as the transient in indo-1 fluorescence, 410/490 nm) and the twitch amplitude (measured via photodiode array) during steady-state electrical stimulation (0.5 Hz). The DHP L-type Ca2+ channel agonist BAY K 8644 (10 nM) significantly increased ICa, the amplitude of the Cai transient, and contraction. When cells were exposed to DHA (5 microM) simultaneously with either BAY K 8644 or nitrendipine, the drug effects were abolished. Arachidonic acid (C20:4) at 5 microM did not block the inhibitory effects of nitrendipine nor did it prevent the potentiating effects of BAY K 8644. DHA modulation of DHP action could be reversed by cell perfusion with fatty acid-free bovine serum albumin at 1 mg/ml. Neither DHA nor arachidonic acid alone (5 microM) had any apparent effect on the parameters measured. DHA (5 microM) had no influence over beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation (isoproterenol, 0.01-1 microM)-induced increases in ICa, Cai, or contraction. The findings that DHA inhibits the effect of DHP agonists and antagonists on Ca(2+)-channel current but has no effect alone or on beta-adrenergic-induced increases in ICa suggests that DHA specifically binds to Ca2+ channels at or near DHP binding sites and interferes with ICa modulation.     

Depolarization evoked by acetylcholine in mesenteric arteries of hypertensive rats attenuates endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factor

OBJECTIVE: During blockade of endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), acetylcholine evoked larger and faster depolarization in mesenteric arteries of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) than normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. We studied the mechanism underlying this response and its role in the attenuation of EDHF. METHODS: Electrophysiology, computational modelling and myography were used to study changes in membrane potential and effects on contractility. RESULTS: The large acetylcholine-evoked depolarization in SHR was accompanied by contraction, but this was not seen in WKY rats. The depolarization depended on release of intracellular Ca2+ but was unaffected by nonselective cation channel inhibitors, gadolinium, lanthanum or amiloride. The depolarization was significantly reduced by the Ca2+-dependent Cl- channel inhibitors, niflumic acid or flufenamic acid, or alterations in Cl- gradients using bumetanide (Na/K/Cl transporter inhibitor) or external Cl- replacement with isethionate. These drugs altered the time course of EDHF-evoked hyperpolarizations in SHR, making them indistinguishable from those in WKY rats. EDHF-induced relaxation was less sensitive to acetylcholine in SHR than in WKY rats, but this difference was eliminated following artery pretreatment with bumetanide. Computational modelling in which the SHR fast depolarizing response was selectively modulated mimicked physiologically acquired results obtained in SHR and WKY rats during Cl- -channel blockade. CONCLUSIONS: Acetylcholine evokes a fast depolarization in SHR but not in WKY rats, mediated by the opening of Ca2+-dependent Cl- channels. The depolarization is responsible for a constriction that reduces EDHF-mediated relaxation. Data suggest that Ca2+-dependent Cl- channels may provide a novel therapeutic target for improvement of endothelial dysfunction during hypertension.     

Age and hypertrophy alter the contribution of sarcoplasmic reticulum and Na+/Ca2+ exchange to Ca2+ removal in rat left ventricular myocytes

Age and hypertension contribute significantly to cardiac morbidity and mortality, however the importance of each during the progression of hypertrophy is unclear. This investigation examined the effect of age and hypertension on Ca(2+) handling in rat ventricular myocytes by comparing a genetic model of hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy (spontaneously hypertensive rat, SHR) with its normotensive control (Wistar-Kyoto rat, WKY) at 5 and 8 months of age. Experiments were performed on single left ventricular myocytes isolated from SHR or WKY hearts. Intracellular Ca(2+) was measured optically using fura-2 or fluo-3. SHR myocytes had a significantly larger cell width and volume and a significantly decreased cell length/width ratio at 5 and 8 months compared to normotensive controls. Age had no effect on cell length, width, volume or the length/width ratio. Ca(2+) transient amplitude, sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content and contraction amplitude were unaffected by age or hypertrophy. However at 8 months the contribution of the SR to Ca(2+) uptake during relaxation decreased, with a concomitant increase in the contribution of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) function to relaxation, in SHR and WKY myocytes. The incidence of non-synchronous SR Ca(2+) release decreased with age but not hypertrophy in SHR and WKY myocytes. These results show that the changes in Ca(2+) handling observed during progression of mild hypertrophy in SHR are the same as those that occur during ageing in normotensive control animals and can, therefore, be ascribed to maturation rather than hypertrophy.     

Calcium channel activation in arterioles from genetically hypertensive rats.

Enhanced contractile responsiveness to the calcium channel agonist Bay K 8644 has been documented in large conduit arteries and small muscular arteries from hypertensive rats. The present study examined the effects of Bay K 8644 on the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in microvessels from stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. Using microspectrofluorometry of fura-2, [Ca2+]i was measured in smooth muscle cells localized on arteriolar fragments (15-35 microns external diameter) isolated after collagenase digestion of the pancreas. Resting [Ca2+]i in hypertensive arterioles (94 +/- 6 nM, n = 29) did not differ from that in normotensive vessels (81 +/- 4 nM, n = 40). KCl (50 mM), applied alone and in the presence of Bay K 8644 (30 nM), stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i that were reversed in calcium-free solution and with nifedipine (10 microM), consistent with activation of potential-operated calcium channels. Potassium-induced calcium transients were consistently potentiated by Bay K 8644. The change in [Ca2+]i evoked by KCl alone or in combination with Bay K 8644 did not differ between arterioles from hypertensive and normotensive rats. In 24% of the vessels from hypertensive rats and in 29% of those from normotensive rats, Bay K 8644 evoked an increase in [Ca2+]i that did not differ significantly between the two strains. The findings indicate that, in contrast to observations made in larger arteries, there is no evidence of a functional abnormality in potential-operated calcium channels in very small arterioles from genetically hypertensive rats.     

Cicletanine avoids the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle in the spontaneously hypertensive rat

The vasodilator and antiproliferative effects of the antihypertensive agent, cicletanine, were studied on mesenteric arteries (MA) and cultured mesenteric artery myocytes derived from spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Cicletanine induces relaxation of precontracted MA with an 1050 value of approximately 30-50 microM. Cicletanine inhibits the proliferation of cultured myocytes (passage 5) with an 1050 of 440 +/- 24 microM for SHR and 517 +/- 12 microM for WKY, p less than 0.05, indicating that a log-unit shift in sensitivity exists between its vasodilator and antiproliferative actions. Preliminary experiments suggest that the antiproliferative action of cicletanine is accompanied by an inhibition of DNA synthesis [( 3H] - thymidine uptake) in myocytes of SHR and a stimulation of DNA synthesis in myocytes of the WKY. Cicletanine also lowers free intracellular Ca2+ (determined using fura-2) in myocytes of SHR but not the WKY. In other cell systems, cicletanine has been shown to stimulate prostacyclin production. However, in the present experiments, inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway (5 microM indomethacin) attenuated the antiproliferative action of cicletanine by only 30% in cells of the SHR and was without affect in the WKY. In summary, we have shown that cicletanine has distinct antiproliferative effects cultured vascular myocytes. In SHR myocytes, the antiproliferative action is accompanied by a fall in intracellular Ca2+, stimulation of the cyclooxygenase pathway and an inhibition of DNA synthesis. Different mechanisms may be operant in cells of the WKY. It is proposed that the antiproliferative effects of cicletanine may play a role its antihypertensive actions.     

Mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibition attenuates angiotensin II-mediated signaling and contraction in spontaneously hypertensive rat vascular smooth muscle cells

This study investigates the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) in angiotensin II (Ang II)-generated intracellular second messengers (cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration, ie, [Ca2+]i, and pHi) and in contraction in isolated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and control Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) using the selective mitogen-activated protein (MAP)/ERK inhibitor, PD98059. VSMCs from mesenteric arteries were cultured on Matrigel basement membrane matrix. These cells, which exhibit a contractile phenotype, were used to measure [Ca2+]i, pHi, and contractile responses to Ang II (10(-12) to 10(-6) mol/L) in the absence and presence of PD98059 (10(-5) mol/L). [Ca2+]i and pHi were measured by fura-2 and BCECF methodology, respectively, and contraction was determined by photomicroscopy. Ang II-stimulated ERK activity was measured by Western blot analysis using a phospho-specific ERK-1/ERK-2 antibody and by an MAPK enzyme assay. Ang II increased [Ca2+]i and pHi and contracted cells in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum Ang II-elicited contraction was greater (P<0.05) in SHR (41.9+/-5.1% reduction in cell length relative to basal length) than in WKY (28.1+/-3.0% reduction in cell length relative to basal length). Basal [Ca2+]i, but not basal pHi, was higher in SHR compared with WKY. [Ca2+]i and pHi effects of Ang II were enhanced (P<0.05) in SHR compared with WKY (maximum Ang II-induced response [Emax] of [Ca2+]i, 576+/-24 versus 413+/-43 nmol/L; Emax of pHi, 7.33+/-0.01 versus 7.27+/-0.03, SHR versus WKY). PD98059 decreased the magnitude of contraction and attenuated the augmented Ang II-elicited contractile responses in SHR (Emax,19. 3+/-3% reduction in cell length relative to basal length). Ang II-stimulated [Ca2+]i (Emax, 294+/-55 nmol/L) and pHi (Emax, 7. 27+/-0.04) effects were significantly reduced by PD98059 in SHR. Ang II-induced ERK activity was significantly greater (P<0.05) in SHR than in WKY. In conclusion, Ang II-stimulated signal transduction and associated VSMC contraction are enhanced in SHR. MAP/ERK inhibition abrogated sustained contraction and normalized Ang II effects in SHR. These data suggest that ERK-dependent signaling pathways influence contraction and that they play a role in vascular hyperresponsiveness in SHR.     

Fish Oils Modulate Blood Pressure and Vascular Contractility in the Rat and Vascular Contractility in the Primate

The effect of dietary fish oils on development of hypertension and vascular response in vitro were studied in rats and a primate. Dietary fish oils (MaxEPA and an n-3 ethyl ester concentrate of higher EPA and DHA content) were administered to spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHR-SP) and a backcross of SHR and Wistar Kyoto (SHR/WKY) rats from 4-16 weeks of age. Blood pressure was monitored during the feeding period and vascular responses measured in the aorta and mesenteric vascular bed in vitro. Depending on the strain of rat used and the composition of the fish oil the attenuation in blood pressure was 10-26 mmHg. Fish oils attenuated the response mediated by sympathetic nerve stimulation or intralumenal norepinephrine in the perfused mesenteric vascular bed preparation from the SHR. This attenuation was more pronouced for fish oils enriched with eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and was more prominent in the SHR and SHR/WKY backcross than it was in the SHR-SP. Prostanoid synthesis or nitric oxide modulation of aL-adrenoceptor responses were shown not to be involved in the attenuation of vascular responses produced by fish oil. The maximum contraction of aortic ring preparations in response to norepinephrine (NE) was significantly smaller in SHR than WKY rats fed olive oil and for SHR rats maintained on fish oils the contraction was close to WKY olive oil values. Evidence was obtained also for a modulation of vasoconstrictor responses by dietary fish oils in the perfused mesenteric bed of the marmoset monkey.