Involvement of tyrosine phosphorylation in endothelin-1-induced calcium-sensitization in rat small mesenteric arteries

1. We have studied the effect of endothelin-1 stimulation on protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels in intact small mesenteric arteries of the rat and investigated the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibition on the contractile response to this agonist.
2. Endothelin-1 stimulated a rapid (20 s), sustained (up to 20 min) and concentration-dependent (1–100 nM) increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels which coincided temporally with the contractile response in intact and α-toxin permeabilized small artery preparations. Tyrosine phosphorylation was increased in four main clusters of proteins of apparent molecular mass 28–33, 56–61, 75–85 and 105–115 kDa. Endothelin-1-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation was independent of extracellular calcium, antagonized by the tyrosine kinase inhibitor tyrphostin A23 but not by the inactive tyrphostin A1.
3. In intact small arteries tyrphostin A23 inhibited the force developed to endothelin-1 at all concentrations studied; at higher concentrations (10 and 100 nM) the profile of contraction was altered from a sustained to a transient response. Tyrphostin A1 inhibited the contractile response to endothelin-1 at all concentrations except 100 nM; the profile of the response was not altered. Neither tyrphostin affected the transient phasic contraction induced by endothelin-1 (100 nM) in the absence of extracellular calcium.
4. In rat α-toxin permeabilized mesenteric arteries endothelin-1 caused a concentration-dependent increase in force in the presence of 10 μM GTP and low (pCa 6.7) constant calcium, demonstrating increased sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to calcium. Tyrphostin A23 inhibited this response by approximately 50%, tyrphostin A1 did not affect endothelin-1-induced calcium sensitization of force.
5. We conclude that increased tyrosine phosphorylation is important in the contractile response induced by endothelin-1 in intact small mesenteric arteries. Furthermore our data implicate activation of this signalling pathway in the tonic phase of contraction possibly through modulation of the sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to calcium.

     

Preservation of vascular function in rat mesenteric resistance arteries following cold storage,studied by small vessel myography

1. The use of isolated blood vessels to investigate the physiological and pharmacological control of the vasculature is limited by the requirement to use freshly isolated vessels. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine whether vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cell function could be preserved in resistance arteries by storing them in physiological salt solution (PSS) at 4°C.
2. Third order mesenteric resistance arteries (mean internal diameter 237±6 μm) were dissected from the mesenteric bed of male Cob-Wistar rats. The vessel segments were mounted in a small vessel myograph for measurement of isometric tension, and equilibrated at their optimum resting force. Contractile responses to noradrenaline (NA; 1×10⁻⁹–3×10⁻⁵ M), phenylephrine (PE, 1×10⁻⁹–3×10⁻⁵ M), potassium chloride (KCl; 2.5–140 mM) and endothelin (ET-1, 1×10⁻¹¹–3×10⁻⁷ M) and relaxant responses to acetylcholine (ACh; 1×10⁻⁹–3×10⁻⁵ M) and 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1; 1×10⁻⁹–1×10⁻⁴ M) were obtained in arteries, immediately after dissection (day 0) and following one to four days storage (day 1–day 4).
3. All arteries produced concentration-dependent contractions in response to each of the vasoconstrictors. There were no significant differences in the magnitude or sensitivity (pD₂) of the vasoconstrictor responses between fresh and stored vessels.
4. Arteries precontracted with NA to approximately 80% of the maximum response, relaxed in a concentration-dependent manner in response to ACh and SIN-1. Vessel storage for up to three days resulted in no change in response to ACh or SIN-1.
5. Vessels analysed after four days of storage demonstrated a significant increase in sensitivity to ACh and SIN-1 (−logIC₅₀ (M) values; ACh; day 0, 7.46±0.13 vs day 4, 7.97±0.11, P<0.01 and SIN-1; day 0, 4.87±0.10 vs day 4, 5.52±0.08, P<0.01). There was also a significant increase in the maximum relaxant response to ACh after four days of storage (% relaxation; day 0, 92.65±2.84 vs day 4, 100.36±0.36, P<0.05).
6. These results demonstrate that small resistance arteries remain viable if stored in PSS at 4°C for up to four days, with no loss in endothelial cell function. The altered sensitivity to the vasodilators on day 4 suggests that vessels should only be stored for up to three days following dissection for analysis of functional responses.

     

Role of protein kinase C in myogenic calcium-contraction coupling of rat cannulated mesenteric small arteries

1. The present study was designed to determine the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the myogenic response of small arteries. In particular, we tested whether inhibition of PKC reverses the previously found pressure-induced elevation of contractile element calcium sensitivity. 2. Rat mesenteric small arteries were cannulated and pressurized. The internal diameter was continuously monitored with a video camera and intracellular calcium levels were measured by means of fura-2. Myogenic responses were observed when the pressure was raised stepwise from 20 to 60 and then to 100 mmHg in physiological saline solution and during application of phenylephrine (0.1 or 1 micromol/L) or potassium (36 mmol/L). 3. The PKC inhibitors H-7 (20 micromol/L), staurosporine (100 nmol/L) and calphostin C (10 nmol/L) all completely abolished the myogenic response. Whereas staurosporine caused an ongoing reduction in intracellular calcium, pressure-induced calcium transients were not affected by either H-7 or calphostin C. In particular, the slope of the wall tension-calcium relationship remained similar in the presence of both H-7 and calphostin C, despite an upward shift of this relationship to higher calcium levels in the case of calphostin C. 4. These results show that activity of PKC isoform(s) is essential for myogenic calcium-contraction coupling.     

Vasodilator effects of leptin on canine isolated mesenteric arteries and veins

1. Although leptin increases sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure, its direct action on large arterial rings is to cause relaxation. However, it is the small resistance arteries and veins that are important in blood pressure control. The effects of leptin on these small vessels has not been reported previously in the canine and the effect of leptin on the capacitance vessels is not known. 2. In the present study, third- or fourth-order canine mesenteric arteries and veins were isolated and placed in a perfusion myograph and preconstricted with noradrenaline. The responses to graded concentrations of leptin were determined and the role of nitric oxide was assessed by administration of N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a blocker of nitric oxide synthase. 3. Leptin induced dose-related dilatations in both arterial and venous segments. The mean (+/-SEM) maximum increases in the diameter of the arteries and veins were 25.0 +/- 4.8 and 29.9 +/- 2.0% of the initial preconstriction, respectively. Relaxations of both arteries and veins were abolished by l-NAME or by endothelium denudation, although dilatations were still obtained to sodium nitroprusside, a nitric oxide donor. 4. These results indicate that leptin dilates canine small mesenteric arteries and veins by a mechanism involving endothelial release of nitric oxide. This observation may result in a decrease of peripheral resistance and venous return and, hence, counteract the leptin-induced neurally mediated vasoconstriction that has been reported previously.     

Relaxant effects of antidepressants on human isolated mesenteric arteries

AIMS: The therapeutic action of tricyclic agents may be accompanied by unwanted effects on the cardiovascular system. The evidence for the effects on vascular and nonvascular smooth muscle comes from animal studies. Whether these studies can be extrapolated to human vessels remains to be determined. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the influence of amitriptyline, nortriptyline and sertraline on the contractile responses of human isolated mesenteric arteries to electrical field stimulation, noradrenaline and potassium chloride. METHODS: Arterial segments (lumen diameter 0.8-1.2 mm) were obtained from portions of the human omentum during the course of 41 abdominal operations (22 men and 19 women), and rings 3 mm long were mounted in organ baths for isometric recording of tension. In some artery rings the endothelium was removed mechanically. RESULTS: In precontracted artery rings amitriptyline, nortriptyline and sertraline (3x10(-7)-10(-4) m ) produced concentration-dependent relaxation that was independent of the presence or absence of vascular endothelium. Incubation with indomethacin (3x10(-6) m ) reduced the pD2 values thus indicating the participation of dilating prostanoid substances in this response. Amitriptyline and nortriptyline inhibited both the neurogenic-and noradrenaline-induced contractions. In contrast, only the highest concentration of sertraline reduced the adrenergic responses. Amitriptyline, nortriptyline and sertraline inhibited contractions elicited by KCl and produced rightward shifts of the concentration-response curve to CaCl2 following incubation in calcium-free solution. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that amitriptyline and nortriptyline could act as adrenoceptor antagonists and direct inhibitors of smooth muscle contraction of human mesenteric arteries, whereas sertraline might principally exert its action only as direct inhibitor of smooth muscle contraction. This relaxant mechanism involves an interference with the entry of calcium.     

Nitric oxide (NO)-induced activation of large conductance Ca2+-dependent K+ channels (BKCa) in smooth muscle cells isolated from the rat mesenteric artery

1. To assess the action of nitric oxide (NO) and NO-donors on K⁺ current evoked either by voltage ramps or steps, patch clamp recordings were made from smooth muscle cells freshly isolated from secondary and tertiary branches of the rat mesenteric artery.
2. Inside-out patches contained channels, the open probability of which increased with [Ca²⁺]_i. The channels had a linear slope conductance of 212±5 pS (n=12) in symmetrical (140 mM) K⁺ solutions which reversed in direction at 4.4 mV. In addition, the channels showed K⁺ selectivity, in that the reversal potential shifted in a manner similar to that predicted by the Nernst potential for K⁺. Barium (1 mM) applied to the intracellular face of the channel produced a voltage-dependent block and external tetraethylammonium (TEA; at 1 mM) caused a large reduction in the unitary current amplitude. Taken together, these observations indicate that the channel most closely resembled BK_Ca.
3. In five out of six inside-out patches, NO (45 or 67 μM) produced an increase in BK_Ca activity. In inside-out patches, BK_Ca activity was also enhanced in some patches with 100 or 200 μM 3-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1) (4/11) and 100 μM sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (3/8). The variability in channel opening with the NO donors may reflect variability in the release of NO from these compounds.
4. In inside-out patches, 100 μM SIN-1 failed to increase BK_Ca activity (in all 4 patches tested), while at a higher (500 μM) concentration SIN-1 had a direct blocking effect on the channels (n=3). NO applied directly to inside-out patches increased (P<0.05) BK_Ca activity in two patches.
5. In the majority of cells (6 out of 7), application of NO (45 or 67 μM) evoked an increase in the amplitude of whole-cell currents in perforated patches. This action was not affected by the soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo [4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). An increase in whole-cell current was also evoked with either of the NO donors, SIN-1 or SNP (each at 100 μM). With SIN-1, the increase in current was blocked with the BK_Ca channel blocker, iberiotoxin (50 nM).
6. With conventional whole-cell voltage clamp, the increase in the outward K⁺ current evoked with SIN-1 (50–300 μM) showed considerable variability. Either no effect was obtained (11 out of 18 cells), or in the remaining cells, an average increase in current amplitude of 38.7±10.2% was recorded at 40 mV.
7. In cell-attached patches, large conductance voltage-dependent K⁺ channels were stimulated by SIN-1 (100 μM) applied to the cell (n=5 patches).
8. These data indicate that NO and its donors can directly stimulate BK_Ca activity in cells isolated from the rat mesenteric artery. The ability of NO directly to open BK_Ca channels could play an important functional role in NO-induced relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle cells in this small resistance artery.

     

Reduced store-operated Ca2+ entry impairs mesenteric artery function in response to high external glucose in type 2 diabetic ZDF rats

Diabetes is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, affecting both endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Store-operated Ca²⁺ channels (SOCCs) have been implicated in many diabetic complications. Vascular dysfunction is common in patients with diabetes, but the role of SOCCs in diabetic vasculopathy is still unclear. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of high glucose (HG) on store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) in small arteries. Small mesenteric arteries from type 2 diabetic Zucker fatty rats (ZDF) versus their non-diabetic controls (Zucker lean, ZL) were examined in a pressurized myograph. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were isolated and intracellular Ca²⁺ was measured (Fura 2-AM). A specific protocol to deplete intracellular Ca²⁺ stores and thereby open SOCCs, as well as pharmacological SOCE inhibitors (SKF-96365, BTP-2), were used to artificially activate and inhibit SOCE, respectively. High glucose (40 mmol/L) relaxed arteries in a SKF-sensitive manner. Diabetic arteries exhibited reduced HG-induced relaxation, as well as reduced contraction after Ca²⁺ replenishment. Further, the rise in intracellular Ca²⁺ on account of SOCE is diminished in diabetic versus non-diabetic VSMCs and was insensitive to HG in diabetic VSMCs. The expression of SOCC proteins was measured, detecting a downregulation of Orai1 in diabetes. In conclusion, diabetes leads to a reduction of SOCE and SOCE-induced contraction, which is unresponsive to HG-mediated inhibition. The reduced expression of Orai1 in diabetic arteries could account for the observed reduction in SOCE.     

The vascular effects of different arginase inhibitors in rat isolated aorta and mesenteric arteries

Background and purpose

Arginase and nitric oxide (NO) synthase share the common substrate L-arginine, and arginase inhibition is proposed to increase NO production by increasing intracellular levels of L-arginine. Many different inhibitors are used, and here we have examined the effects of these inhibitors on vascular tissue.

Experimental approach

Each arginase inhibitor was assessed by its effects on isolated rings of aorta and mesenteric arteries from rats by: (i) their ability to preserve the tolerance to repeated applications of the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine (ACh); and (ii) their direct vasorelaxant effect.

Key results

In both vessel types, tolerance (defined as a reduced response upon second application) to ACh was reversed with addition of L-arginine, (S)-(2-boronethyl)-L-cysteine HCl (BEC) or N^G-Hydroxy-L-arginine (L-NOHA). On the other hand, N^ω-hydroxy-nor-L-arginine (nor-NOHA) significantly augmented the response to ACh, an effect that was partially reversed with L-arginine. No effect on tolerance to ACh was observed with L-valine, nor-valine or D,L, α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). BEC, L-NOHA and nor-NOHA elicited endothelium-independent vasorelaxation in both endothelium intact and denuded aorta while L-valine, DFMO and nor-valine did not.

Conclusions and implications

BEC and L-NOHA, but not nor-NOHA, L-valine, DFMO or nor-valine, significantly reversed tolerance to ACh possibly conserving L-arginine levels and therefore increasing NO bioavailability. However, both BEC and L-NOHA caused endothelium-independent vasorelaxation in rat aorta, suggesting that these inhibitors have a role beyond arginase inhibition alone. Our data thus questions the interpretation of many studies using these antagonists as specific arginase inhibitors in the vasculature, without verification with other methods.     

兰尼定对大鼠平滑肌细胞的肾上腺素能作用(英文)

电场刺激后释放的内源性去甲肾上腺素可引起大鼠输精管的双相收缩。初始的短暂收缩可被30μmol/L兰尼定和2μmol/L硝苯啶减弱,而后继的收缩部分可被2μmol/L硝苯啶消除,但被30μmol/L兰尼定增强。 外加的去甲肾上腺素也可产生输精管的双相收缩,这两相都能被2 μmol/L硝苯啶抑制,兰尼定30μmol/L可使两个相的收缩都减弱50％。我们推测兰尼定的结合位点在输精管的内质网。兰尼定对α-肾上腺素能刺激的不同相的作用不一致,表明对α-肾上腺素能的刺激一收缩偶合有两种方式。     

阿托品对大鼠肠系膜动脉的舒张作用及机制

目的研究阿托品的扩血管作用及机制。方法以大鼠肠系膜动脉为标本，考察阿托品对去甲肾上腺素(NE)预收缩血管的舒张作用以及血管内皮细胞、血管平滑肌在该效应中的作用。结果阿托品能显著舒张NE预收缩的完整内皮血管，去内皮后该作用明显降低。L-N^ω-硝基精氨酸甲酯、吲哚美辛、普萘洛尔及格列本脲对阿托品的舒张作用无明显影响。阿托品对KCl的量效曲线及咖啡因缩血管作用均无明显影响，但能浓度依赖性地抑制NE诱导的内钙释放以及经受体操纵性钙通道的外钙内流。结论阿托品有明显的扩血管作用，其通过抑制受体介导的外钙内流和内钙释放而舒张血管。     

Inhibitory action of niflumic acid on noradrenaline- and 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced pressor responses in the isolated mesenteric vascular bed of the rat

1. The effects of niflumic acid, an inhibitor of calcium-activated chloride currents, were compared with the actions of the calcium channel blocker nifedipine on noradrenaline- and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced pressor responses of the rat perfused isolated mesenteric vascular bed.
2. Bolus injections of noradrenaline (1 and 10 nmol) increased the perfusion pressure in a dose-dependent manner. Nifedipine (1 μM) inhibited the increase in pressure produced by 1 nmol noradrenaline by 31±5%. Niflumic acid (10 and 30 μM) also inhibited the noradrenaline-induced increase in perfusion pressure and 30 μM niflumic acid reduced the pressor response to 1 nmol noradrenaline by 34±6%.
3. The increases in perfusion elicited by 5-HT (0.3 and 3 nmol) were reduced by niflumic acid (10 and 30 μM) in a concentration-dependent manner and 30 μM niflumic acid inhibited responses to 0.3 and 3 nmol 5-HT by, respectively, 49±8% and 50±7%. Nifedipine (1 μM) decreased the pressor response to 3 nmol 5-HT by 44±9%.
4. In the presence of a combination of 30 μM niflumic acid and 1 μM nifedipine the inhibition of the pressor effects of noradrenaline (10 nmol) and 5-HT (3 nmol) was not significantly greater than with niflumic acid (30 μM) alone. Thus the effects of niflumic acid and nifedipine were not additive.
5. In Ca-free conditions the transient contractions induced by 5-HT (3 nmol) were not reduced by 30 μM niflumic acid, suggesting that this agent does not inhibit calcium release from the intracellular store or the binding of 5-HT to its receptor.
6. Niflumic acid 30 μM did not inhibit the pressor responses induced by KCl (20 and 60 μmol) which were markedly reduced by 1 μM nifedipine. In addition, 1 μM levcromakalim decreased pressor responses produced by 20 μmol KCl. These data suggest that niflumic acid does not block directly calcium channels or activate potassium channels.
7. It is concluded that niflumic acid selectively reduces a component of noradrenaline- and 5-HT-induced pressor responses by inhibiting a mechanism which leads to the opening of voltage-gated calcium channels. Our data suggest that the Ca²⁺-activated chloride conductance may play a pivotal role in the activation of voltage-gated calcium channels in agonist-induced constriction of resistance blood vessels.

     

EMD56431对犬冠脉和肠系膜动脉的作用

目的：研究ＥＭＤ对犬冠脉和肠系膜动脉的松弛作用。方法：用２０和６０ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ ＫＣｌ激动冠脉（＋Ｅ,－Ｅ）,观察ＥＭＤ的松弛效应。同时观察格列本脲对ＥＭＤ松弛冠脉的影响及ＥＭＤ对ＫＣｌ量效曲线的改变。此外,还测定了ＥＭＤ松驰犬肠系膜动脉和冠脉的ＥＣ５０。结果：０．７μｍｏｌ／Ｌ ＥＭＤ对２０ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ ＫＣｌ去极化冠脉无效;格列本脲能有效拮抗ＥＭＤ对冠脉的松驰作用;ＥＭＤ使５～３０ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ     

多沙唑嗪对映体对兔四种血管α受体的作用

多沙唑嗪(doxazosin，DOX)作为高选择性α₁受体阻断药，是临床上治疗良性前列腺增生(benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)的一线药物，但同时引起心血管系统的不良反应。本研究采用兔离体动脉环张力实验及电场刺激兔离体隐动脉诱发交感嘌呤能血管收缩实验观察R-多沙唑嗪(R-doxazosin，R-DOX)和S-多沙唑嗪(S-doxazosin，S-DOX)对兔耳动脉、肠系膜动脉和肺动脉血管平滑肌α₁受体的作用，以及较高浓度R-DOX和S-DOX对兔隐动脉交感神经突触前膜α₂受体的作用。结果表明，在兔耳动脉、肠系膜动脉和肺动脉，R-DOX和S-DOX竞争性拮抗去甲肾上腺素(noradrenaline，NA)诱发的血管收缩反应；其pA₂值分别为7.91±0.03和7.53±0.05，7.80±0.05和7.29±0.07以及8.32±0.06和7.97±0.07；且S-DOX的pA₂值均明显小于R-DOX的pA₂值(P<0.01)。R-DOX和S-DOX(0.1～10 μmol·L^-1)对电刺激诱发的血管收缩反应无明显影响；R-DOX或S-DOX(100 μmol·L^-1)显著抑制电刺激诱发的血管收缩反应，完全抑制外源性NA诱发的血管收缩反应，但对1 mmol·L^-1腺苷三磷酸诱发的血管收缩反应无明显影响。上述结果提示，R-DOX和S-DOX对NA诱发兔耳动脉、肠系膜动脉和肺动脉收缩反应具有竞争性拮抗作用，对上述三种血管S-DOX拮抗NA的pA₂值均明显小于R-DOX。此外，R-DOX和S-DOX的浓度升至10 μmol·L^-1时，对血管交感神经末梢突触前膜α₂受体仍无明显影响。     

Evidence that anandamide and EDHF act via different mechanisms in rat isolated mesenteric arteries

The endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, has been suggested as an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). We found that anandamide-evoked relaxation in isolated segments of rat mesenteric artery was associated with smooth muscle hyperpolarization. However, although anandamide-evoked relaxation was inhibited by either charybdotoxin (ChTX) or iberiotoxin, inhibition of the relaxation to EDHF required a combination of ChTX and apamin. The relaxations induced by either anandamide or EDHF were not inhibited by the cannabinoid receptor (CB₁) antagonist SRI41716A, or mimicked by selective CB₁ agonists. Thus, anandamide appears to cause smooth muscle relaxation via a CB₁ receptor-independent mechanism and cannabinoid receptor activation apparently does not contribute to EDHF-mediated relaxation in this resistance artery.     

Dysfunction of endothelial and smooth muscle cells in small arteries of a mouse model of Marfan syndrome

Background and purpose:

Marfan syndrome, a connective tissue disorder caused by mutations in FBN1 encoding fibrillin-1, results in life-threatening complications in the aorta, but little is known about its effects in resistance vasculature.

Experimental approach:

Second-order mesenteric arteries from mice at 3, 6 and 10 months of age (n= 30) heterozygous for the Fbn1 allele encoding a cysteine substitution (Fbn1^C1039G/+) were compared with those from age-matched control littermates.

Key results:

Stress–strain curves indicated that arterial stiffness was increased at 6 and 10 months of age in Marfan vessels. Isometric force measurement revealed that contraction in response to potassium (60 mM)-induced membrane depolarization was decreased by at least 28% in Marfan vessels at all ages, while phenylephrine (3 µM)-induced contraction was reduced by at least 40% from 6 months. Acetylcholine-induced relaxation in Marfan vessels was reduced to 70% and 45% of control values, respectively, at 6 and 10 months. Sensitivity to sodium nitroprusside was reduced at 6 months (pEC₅₀= 5.64 ± 0.11, control pEC₅₀= 7.34 ± 0.04) and 10 months (pEC₅₀= 5.99 ± 0.07, control pEC₅₀= 6.99 ± 0.14). Pretreatment with N_ω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (200 µM) had no effect on acetylcholine-induced relaxation in Marfan vessels, but reduced vasorelaxation in control vessels to 57% of control values. Addition of indomethacin (10 µM) and catalase (1000 U·mL⁻¹) further inhibited vasorelaxation in Marfan vessels to a greater degree compared with control vessels.

Conclusions and implications:

Pathogenesis of Marfan syndrome in resistance-sized arteries increases stiffness and impairs vasomotor function.     

Endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 initiate and maintain contractile responses by different mechanisms in rat mesenteric and cerebral arteries

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endothelin (ET)-1 and ET-2 cause potent long-lasting vasoconstrictions by tight binding to smooth muscle ET_A receptors. We tested the hypotheses that different mechanisms mediate initiation and maintenance of arterial contractile responses to ET-1 and ET-2 and that this differs among vascular beds.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Segments of rat mesenteric resistance artery (MRA) and basilar artery (BA) were studied in wire myographs with and without functional antagonists.

KEY RESULTS

Sensitivity and maximum of MRA contractile responses to ET-1 were not, or only moderately, reduced by stimulation of soluble GC, AC or K⁺-channels and by an inhibitor of receptor-operated ion channels. However, each of these reduced maintenance of ET-1 effects and relaxed ET-1-induced contractions in MRA. A calcium channel antagonist did not alter sensitivity, maximum and maintenance of ET-1 effects, but relaxed ET-1-induced contractions in MRA. A PLC inhibitor prevented contractile responses to ET-1 and ET-2 in MRA and BA, and relaxed ET-1- and ET-2-induced responses in MRA and ET-1 effects in BA. A Rho-kinase inhibitor did not modify sensitivity, maximum and maintenance of responses to both peptides in both arteries but relaxed ET-2, but not ET-1, effects in MRA and ET-1 effects in BA.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

PLC played a key role in arterial contractile responses to ETs, but ET-1 and ET-2 initiated and maintained vasoconstriction through different mechanisms, and these differed between MRA and BA. Selective functional antagonism may be considered for agonist- and vascular bed selective pharmacotherapy of ET-related diseases.     

Endosomal proteolysis regulates calcitonin gene-related peptide responses in mesenteric arteries

Background and Purpose

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator, implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. CGRP activates a receptor complex comprising, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1). In vitro studies indicate recycling of CLR•RAMP1 is regulated by degradation of CGRP in early endosomes by endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1). However, it is not known if ECE-1 regulates the resensitization of CGRP-induced responses in functional arterial tissue.

Experimental Approach

CLR, ECE-1a-d and RAMP1 expression in rat mesenteric artery smooth muscle cells (RMA-SMCs) and mesenteric arteries was analysed by RT-PCR and by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. CGRP-induced signalling in cells was examined by measuring cAMP production and ERK activation. CGRP-induced relaxation of arteries was measured by isometric wire myography. ECE-1 was inhibited using the specific inhibitor, SM-19712.

Key Results

RMA-SMCs and arteries contained mRNA for CLR, ECE-1a-d and RAMP1. ECE-1 was present in early endosomes of RMA-SMCs and in the smooth muscle layer of arteries. CGRP induced endothelium-independent relaxation of arteries. ECE-1 inhibition had no effect on initial CGRP-induced responses but reduced cAMP generation in RMA-SMCs and vasodilation in mesenteric arteries responses to subsequent CGRP challenges.

Conclusions And Implications

ECE-1 regulated the resensitization of responses to CGRP in RMA-SMCs and mesenteric arteries. CGRP-induced relaxation did not involve endothelium-derived pathways. This is the first report of ECE-1 regulating CGRP responses in SMCs and arteries. ECE-1 inhibitors may attenuate an important vasodilatory pathway, implicated in primary headaches and may represent a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of migraine.     

Epinephrine facilitates neurogenic responses in isolated segments of dog mesenteric arteries

Epinephrine (EPI) bitartrate (10(-9)-10(-8) M) significantly enhanced tension development in response to electrical field stimulation in isolated segments of dog mesenteric arteries. Responses to exogenous norepinephrine (NE) were generally unaffected, indicating that the EPI-induced increases in response to field stimulation are not explicable in terms of changes in postjunctional sensitivity. The facilitatory effects of EPI (5 X 10(-9) M) were unaffected by atenolol (10(-6) M) but were completely abolished by timolol (2 X 10(-7) M), suggesting an involvement of beta 2-adrenoreceptors in mediating the EPI-induced facilitation of neurogenic responses. Responses to exogenous NE were usually unaffected by either beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist. The results suggest that release of endogenous sympathetic neurotransmitter, measured in terms of postjunctional effects on vascular smooth muscle tone, appears to be modulated by prejunctional facilitatory beta 2-adrenoreceptors and that these receptors may be a physiologic site of action of EPI.     

肺动脉高压大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞Ryanodine受体亚型的变化

目的　查明大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞 (PASMC)上Ryanodine受体 (RyR)的亚型并检测其在肺动脉高压 (PAH)时表达水平的变化。方法　采用大鼠一次性腹腔注射野百合碱 (monocrotaline ,MCT ,6 0mg·kg-1)复制PAH动物模型 ,RyR亚型的确定及其mRNA水平变化用RT PCR法测定 ,并应用Westernblot检测PAH大鼠RyR蛋白表达的变化。结果　大鼠PASMC只表达RyR 3个亚型中的Ⅱ亚型(RyR2 ) ,在PAH时RyR2的mRNA表达量 (以RyR2区带与β actin区带的密度百分比表示 )为 85 18%± 11 17% ,高于对照组 36 87%± 7 30 % (P <0 0 1) ,且RyR2蛋白水平亦升高 ,为对照组的 170 2 3 %± 45 34% ,(P <0 0 1)。结论　肺动脉平滑肌细胞存在RyR2亚型 ,其表达增强可能参与了PAH的发生。     

Altered active but not passive properties of mesenteric resistance arteries from the vitamin E-deprived rat

1. We tested the hypothesis that lowering antioxidant protection through dietary vitamin E deprivation would alter active and passive mechanical properties in resistance arteries of the rat. Specifically, we hypothesized that vascular tone in isolated mesenteric arteries of the vitamin E-deprived rats would be altered due to impaired endothelial influences of nitric oxide and/or prostaglandins.
2. Lumen diameter and wall thickness were measured in pressurized arteries (≈amp;250 μm diameter) from control (n=9) and vitamin E deprived (n=9) Sprague-Dawley female rats by use of a dimension analysing system.
3. Treatment with a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor (meclofenamate) did not affect the basal vascular tone in either group. Treatment with a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (N^G-methyl-L-arginine) caused a significant increase in basal tone only in the vitamin E-deprived rats (% tone: 6.2±1.1 vs 1.2±0.3%; P<0.05). When tone was induced to 25% of the initial diameter with phenylephrine, treatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor resulted in a greater potentiated tone in the vitamin E-deprived rats compared to the controls (26.5±2.7 vs 16.4±3.4%; P<0.05); suggesting a greater nitric oxide affect in the vessels from the vitamin E-deprived rats. Meclofenamate treatment in the induced tone arteries significantly relaxed (−17.4±4.0%; P<0.05) only the arteries from the vitamin E-deprived rats, indicating that a vasoconstrictor was modifying tone. The passive characteristics of distensibility and stress-strain relationship were not different between the two groups of rats.
4. In summary, vitamin E deprivation in the rat enhanced the modulation of vascular tone by both the nitric oxide and cyclo-oxygenase pathways but did not alter passive characteristics of mesenteric arteries.