Asenapine increases nitric oxide release and protects porcine coronary artery endothelial cells against peroxidation

Changes in endothelial function and peroxidation could play a significant role in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in psychiatric patients. In particular, endothelial nitric oxide (NO) could either exert a beneficial or detrimental effect depending on the involvement of NO synthase (NOS) subtype. Therefore, we planned to examine the effects of asenapine on NO release and protection against oxidative stress in porcine coronary endothelial cells (CEC). The Griess system and Western blot were used for NO detection and to examine changes in protein activation and expression. In addition, cell oxidative/antioxidant status and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by specific fluorescent dyes. Asenapine caused a concentration-dependent increase of NO production (p < 0.05) by the involvement of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA), phospholipase C (PLC), β₂-adrenoceptor-related pathway, Akt, extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK). Furthermore, asenapine protected CEC against oxidative stress by preventing reactive oxygen species production and glutathione reduction, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and apoptosis, and by modulation of the inducible NOS (iNOS). In conclusion, in CEC asenapine induced eNOS-dependent NO production through an intracellular signaling leading to Akt, ERK1/2 and p38MAPK activation. Moreover, asenapine protected CEC against oxidative stress by modulation of antioxidant system, apoptosis, cell survival signaling and mitochondria functioning.     

Bile acids increase intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and nitric oxide production in vascular endothelial cells

The effects of bile acids on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration [Ca(2+)](i) and nitric oxide production were investigated in vascular endothelial cells. Whole-cell patch clamp techniques and fluorescence measurements of [Ca(2+)](i) were applied in vascular endothelial cells obtained from human umbilical and calf aortic endothelial cells. Nitric oxide released was determined by measuring the concentration of NO(2)(-). Deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and the taurine conjugates increased [Ca(2+)](i) concentration-dependently, while cholic acid showed no significant effect. These effects resulted from the first mobilization of Ca(2+) from an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP(3))-sensitive store, which was released by ATP, then followed by Ca(2+) influx. Both bile acids and ATP induced the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current. Oscillations of [Ca(2+)](i) were occasionally monitored with the Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current in voltage-clamped cells and Ca(2+) measurements of single cells. The intracellular perfusion of heparin completely abolished the ATP effect, but failed to inhibit the bile acid effect. Deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid enhanced NO(2)(-) production concentration-dependently, while cholic acid did not enhance it. The bile acids-induced nitric oxide production was suppressed by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, exclusion of extracellular Ca(2+) or N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-l-naphthalenesulphonamide hydrochloride (W-7) and calmidazolium, calmodulin inhibitors. These results provide novel evidence showing that bile acids increase [Ca(2+)](i) and subsequently nitric oxide production in vascular endothelial cells. The nitric oxide production induced by bile acids may be involved in the pathogenesis of circulatory abnormalities in liver diseases including cirrhosis.     

Endothelium-dependent relaxations mediated by inducible B1 and constitutive B2 kinin receptors in the bovine isolated coronary artery.

1. Rings of bovine left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) were contracted with the thromboxane A2-mimetic, U46619 (1-30 nM), to approximately 40% of their maximum contraction to 125 mM KCl Krebs solution (KPSSmax) for comparison of responses to the B1 and B2 kinin receptor agonists, des-Arg9-bradykinin (des-Arg9-BK) and bradykinin (BK), respectively. Relaxation responses were normalized as percentages of the initial U46619-induced contraction level, while contractile responses were expressed as percentages of KPSSmax. 2. After 6 h of in vitro incubation in Krebs solution at 37 degrees C, des-Arg9-BK (pEC50, 8.00 +/- 0.08; maximum response (Rmax), 93.9 +/- 1.9%) and BK (pEC50, 9.75 +/- 0.07; Rmax, 100.1 +/- 0.7%) caused endothelium-dependent relaxations in precontracted rings of bovine LAD which were competitively and selectively antagonized by the B1 receptor antagonist, des-Arg9-[Leu8]-BK (pA2, 6.27 +/- 0.11) and the B2 receptor antagonist Hoc-140 (pA2, 9.63 +/- 0.14), respectively. 3. At 3 h of in vitro incubation, the sensitivity (pEC50, 7.45 +/- 0.10) and Rmax (84.6 +/- 3.3%) to des-Arg9-BK were significantly less than those obtained in the same tissues at 6 h (pEC50, 7.94 +/- 0.06; Rmax, 91.4 +/- 2.5%), whereas endothelium-dependent relaxations to BK and ACh were unaffected by incubation time. 4. Relaxation responses to des-ARg9-BK, but not BK, at both 3 h and 6 h were significantly attenuated by the protein synthesis inhibitors, cycloheximide (30 and 100 microM) and actinomycin D (2 microM). 5. At 6 h, the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 100 microM), caused a significant 2 fold decrease in pEC50 (9.58 +/- 0.03) but had no effect on Rmax for BK. For des-Arg9-BK, L-NOARG (100 microM) caused a marked and significant decrease in both the pEC50 and Rmax and revealed contractions to low concentrations of des-Arg9-BK. In both cases, L-NOARG inhibition was reversed in the presence of L-arginine (10 mM). 6. At 6 h removal of the endothelium abolished relaxation responses to des-Arg9-BK and BK, and for des-Arg9-BK, but not BK, unmasked concentration-dependent contractions (pEC50, 7.57 +/- 0.09; Rmax, 83.4 +/- 9.1%). The sensitivity of contractions to des-Arg9-BK increased slightly from 3 h (pEC50, 7.37 +/- 0.08) to 6 h (pEC50, 7.62 +/- 0.12) of in vitro incubation; however, there was a small but significant depression in the maximum response over this time (Rmax, 126.8 +/- 8.5% and 103.3 +/- 8.6% for 3 h and 6 h of incubation respectively). 7. In conclusion, the bovine LAD contains inducible B1 and constitutive B2 endothelial cell kinin receptors, both of which mediate endothelium-dependent relaxation partly via the release of NO. B1 receptors were also present on the smooth muscle layer of the bovine LAD.     

Adenosine mediates relaxation of human small resistance-like coronary arteries via A2B receptors.

1. The receptor subtype and mechanisms underlying relaxation to adenosine were examined in human isolated small coronary arteries contracted with the thromboxane A2 mimetic, 1,5,5-hydroxy-11alpha, 9alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z, 13E-dienoic acid (U46619) to approximately 50% of their maximum contraction to K+ (125 mM) depolarization (Fmax). Relaxations were normalized as percentages of the 50% Fmax contraction. 2. Adenosine caused concentration-dependent relaxations (pEC50, 5.95+/-0.20; maximum relaxation (Rmax), 96.7+/-1.4%) that were unaffected by either combined treatment with the nitric oxide inhibitors, NG-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG; 100 microM) and oxyhaemoglobin (HbO; 20 microM) or the ATP-dependent K+ channel (KATP) inhibitor, glibenclamide (10 microM). The pEC50 but not Rmax to adenosine was significantly reduced by high extracellular K+ (30 mM). Relaxations to the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, however, were unaffected by high K+ (30 mM). 3. Adenosine and a range of adenosine analogues, adenosine, 2-chloroadenosine (2-CADO), 5'-N-ethyl-carboxamidoadenosine (NECA), R(-)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (R-PIA), S(+)-N6-(2-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (S-PIA), N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CPA), 1-deoxy-1-[6-[[(3-iodophenyl)methyl]amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]-N-methyl-beta- D-ribofuranuronamide (IB-MECA), 2-p-(2-carboxyethyl)phenethylamino-5'-N-ethylcarboxamido adenosine hydrochloride (CGS 21680), relaxed arteries with a rank order of potency of NECA= 2-CADO >adenosine= IB-MECA = R-PIA= CPA > S-PIA)> CGS 21680. 4. Sensitivity but not Rmax to adenosine was significantly reduced approximately 80 and 20 fold by the non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, 8-(p-sulphophenyl)theophylline (8-SPT) and the A2 receptor antagonist, 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX). By contrast, the A1-selective antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX) had no effect on pEC50 or Rmax to adenosine. 5. These results suggest that A2B receptors mediate relaxation to adenosine in human small coronary arteries which is independent of NO but dependent in part on a K+-sensitive mechanism.     

普伐他汀对人内皮祖细胞一氧化氮合成的影响

目的观察普伐他汀对人内皮祖细胞（EPCs）一氧化氮（NO）合成的影响。方法密度梯度离心法获取外周血单个核细胞,培养7d后,收集贴壁细胞并分别加入普伐他汀,10μmol/L及100μmol/L干预48h,免疫组化、荧光显微镜和流式细胞仪鉴定EPC,用RT-PCR方法测定对细胞内皮型一氧化氮合酶（eNOS）mRNA表达的影响,并用硝酸还原酶法测定培养液中一氧化氮（NO）的水平。结果普伐他汀组的人内皮祖细胞eNOS mRNA的表达、NO的合成明显增加。结论普伐他汀可增加人内皮祖细胞eNOS mRNA的表达和NO的合成     

Adenosine induces cyclic-AMP formation and inhibits endothelin-1 production/secretion in guinea-pig tracheal epithelial cells through A(2B) adenosine receptors

1. The adenosine receptor subtype mediating adenosine 3' : 5'-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) formation and the effect of its activation on endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion were studied in primary cultures of tracheal epithelial cells. 2. Adenosine analogues showed the following rank order of potency (pD(2) value) and intrinsic activity on the generation of cyclic AMP by tracheal epithelial cells: 5'-N-ethylcarboxyamidoadenosine (NECA, A(1)/A(2A)/A(2B), pD(2): 5.44+/-0.16)>adenosine (ADO, non selective, pD(2): 4.99+/-0. 09; 71+/-9% of NECA response) >/=2-Cl-adenosine (2CADO, non selective, pD(2): 4.72+/-0.14; 65+/-9% of NECA response)>CGS21680 (A(2A); inactive at up to 100 microM). 3. Cyclic AMP formation stimulated by NECA in guinea-pig tracheal epithelial cells was inhibited by adenosine receptor antagonist with the following order of apparent affinity (pA(2) value): Xanthine amine congeners (XAC, A(2A)/A(2B), 7.89+/-0.22)>CGS15943 (A(2A)/A(2B), 7.24+/-0. 26)>ZM241385 (A(2A), 6.69+/-0.14)>DPCPX (A(1), 6.51+/-0. 14)>3n-propylxanthine (weak A(2B), 4.30+/-0.10). This rank order of potency is typical for A(2B)-adenosine receptor. 4. Adenosine decreased basal and LPS-stimulated irET production in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, NECA but not CGS21680 inhibited LPS-induced irET production. 5. The inhibitory effect of NECA on LPS-induced irET production was reversed by XAC (pA(2)=8.84+/-0. 12) and DPCPX (pA(2)=8.10+/-0.22). 6. These results suggested that adenosine increased cyclic AMP formation and inhibited irET production/secretion by guinea-pig tracheal epithelial cells through the activation of a functional adenosine receptor that is most likely the A(2B) subtype. This adenosine receptor may be involved in the regulation of the level of ET-1 production/secretion by guinea-pig tracheal epithelial cells in physiological as well as in pathophysiological conditions.     

Kinin B1 receptors stimulate nitric oxide production in endothelial cells: signaling pathways activated by angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors and peptide ligands

We reported previously a novel mode of action of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (kininase II; ACE) inhibitors mediated through the direct activation of bradykinin B(1) receptor, independent of endogenous kinins or ACE (J Biol Chem 277:16847-16852, 2002). We aimed to further clarify the mechanism of activation of B(1) receptor, which leads to prolonged nitric oxide (NO) release. The ACE inhibitor enalaprilat and the peptide ligand desArg(10)-kallidin (in nanomolar concentrations) release NO by activating endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in bovine and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in stimulated human endothelial cells. The peptide and the ACE inhibitor ligands activate eNOS by facilitating different signaling pathways. DesArg(10)-kallidin enhances inositol-phosphate generation and elevates [Ca(2+)](i) by first augmenting intracellular release and then the influx of extracellular Ca(2+). In contrast, enalaprilat stimulates only the influx of extracellular Ca(2+) through rare earth-sensitive channels, and its effect is blocked by cholera toxin or protein kinase C inhibitors. In addition, unlike desArg(10)-kallidin, enalaprilat can also release NO independent of Ca(2+) in bovine endothelial cells. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta and interferon-gamma induce both B(1) receptor and iNOS in human endothelial cells. In contrast to eNOS, B(1) ligands activate iNOS similarly. Both desArg(10)-kallidin and ACE inhibitors enhance arginine uptake and release NO independent of [Ca(2+)](i) elevation. This is the first report on the direct activation of B(1) receptor by ACE inhibitors in human endothelial cells. This interaction leads to prolonged NO release and possibly contributes to the documented benefits of the use of ACE inhibitors.     

Somatostatin mediates nitric oxide production by activating sst(2) receptors in the rat retina

Somatostatin and its receptors (ssts) are found in the retina. Recent evidence suggested the involvement of sst(2A) and sst(2B) receptors in the regulation of nitric oxide (NO) (). In this study, we investigated further the localization of sst(1), sst(3)-sst(5), and the possible involvement of all subtypes, present in the rat retina, in the regulation of NO production. Polyclonal antibodies raised against sst(1), sst(3-5) were applied to 10-14 micro m cryostat sections of rat retinas fixed in paraformaldehyde. NADPH-diaphorase reactivity was assessed histochemically. The levels of NO in rat retinal explants were assessed by the production of its stable metabolites NO(2)(-) and NO(3)(-). sst(1) immunofluorescence was detected mainly in the retinal pigment epithelium, blood vessels of the inner retina, where it was colocalized with NADPH-diaphorase, and in processes of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). sst(4) immunohistochemistry was found in ganglion cell bodies, where it was colocalized with NADPH-diaphorase, processes of the IPL and ganglion cell layer, and optic nerve fibers. sst(3) or sst(5) immunostain was not detected. Somatostatin increased NO production and this effect was mimicked only by the sst(2) specific analog L-779976. The sst(2) antagonist CYN-154806 blocked the L-779976 increase of NO production. These results present conclusive evidence that somatostatin's role in the retina involves the regulation of NO by an sst(2) mechanism.     

Chronic nitroglycerine administration reduces endothelial nitric oxide production in rabbit mesenteric resistance artery

We investigated whether 10 days' in vivo treatment with nitroglycerine (NTG) would inhibit nitric oxide production by the endothelial cells of resistance arteries ex vivo and, if so, what the underlying mechanism might be. ACh increased the intracellular nitric oxide concentration ([NO]i; estimated using the nitric oxide-sensitive fluorescent dye diaminofluorescein-2) within the endothelial cells of rabbit mesenteric resistance arteries. This effect was significantly smaller in arteries isolated from NTG-treated rabbits than in those from control rabbits. The reduction in endothelial [NO]i in NTG-treated rabbits was prevented when olmesartan (blocker of type 1 angiotensin II receptors (AT1Rs)) was coadministered in vivo with NTG and also when the superoxide scavenger manganese (III) tetrakis-(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin (Mn-TBAP), the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF109203X or L-arginine (with or without the active form of folate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate)) was incubated with the arteries in vitro. Endothelial cell superoxide production (estimated by ethidium fluorescence) was greatly increased in arteries from NTG-treated rabbits. This was normalized by in vivo coadministration of olmesartan with NTG and also by in vitro application of Mn-TBAP or GF109203X (but not of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate+L-arginine). ACh increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration (estimated using the Ca2+-sensitive dye Fura 2) within endothelial cells, the increase being not significantly different between NTG-treated rabbits and control rabbits. We conclude that in NTG-treated rabbits, endothelial nitric oxide production in mesenteric resistance arteries is reduced, possibly through a reduction in the bioavailability of L-arginine via an action mediated by superoxide. Activation of the AT1R-PKC pathway may be involved in increasing superoxide production.     

Further evidence that 5-HT-induced relaxation of pig pulmonary artery is mediated by endothelial 5-HT(2B) receptors

The endothelial 5-HT receptor mediating relaxation of pig pulmonary artery has been characterized using the selective 5-HT(2B) receptor agonist BW 723C86 and a variety of structurally diverse 5-HT receptor antagonists. If arterial rings with intact endothelium were precontracted with prostaglandin F(2alpha) (3 microM), BW 723C86 caused concentration-dependent relaxation with a pEC(50)=8.21+/-0.03 and E(max)=89+/-4% relative to 5-HT. The relaxant responses to BW 723C86 were inhibited by the 5-HT(2B) receptor antagonist SB 204741, the 5-HT(2B/2C) receptor antagonist SB 206553 and the antimigraine drug pizotifen, yielding pA(2) values of 6.68, 7.20 and 8.32, respectively. The pA(2) values against BW 723C86 were similar to those determined against 5-HT. The relaxant effect of 5-HT was antagonized by a variety of 22 compounds of diverse chemical structures. Based on the calculated mean pA(2) values the order of the most potent antagonists was ritanserin (9.38) > methysergide (8. 86) > pizotifen (8.47) >/= methiothepin (8.32) > LY 53857 (7.84) >/= amoxapine (7.80) >/= loxapine (7.73) >/= metergoline (7.64) >/= mianserin (7.51) >/= rauwolscine (7.39). Compounds with weak blocking potency were yohimbine (6.37), spiperone (5.88) and ketanserin (5.85). Correlation analysis between the affinities of the antagonists in pig pulmonary artery and those from radioligand binding studies at human and rat 5-HT(2B) receptors showed a highly significant correlation (r=0.95 and 0.84, P<0.002 and <0.005). Correlation with 5-HT(2C) receptors was much lower (r=0.57, P=0.035), and no correlations were obtained with 5-ht(6) and 5-HT(7) receptors. It is concluded that the 5-HT receptor mediating endothelium-dependent relaxation of pig pulmonary artery is of the 5-HT(2B) subtype.     

Insulin-stimulated endothelial nitric oxide release is calcium independent and mediated via protein kinase B

Insulin exerts a vasodilator effect by stimulating endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production. Studies in cultured cells suggest that insulin might activate endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by an atypical, calcium-independent mechanism. This study investigates the mechanism of insulin-stimulated endothelial NO production in intact aortic wall. Real time fluorescence imaging with 4,5-diaminofluorescin diacetate (DAF-2 DA) or 4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'-difluorofluorescein diacetate (DAF-FM DA) and FURA 2-AM was used to simultaneously visualise NO and intracellular calcium concentrations at multiple locations in the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle of isolated rat and mouse aorta after exposure to insulin. Inhibitors of intracellular insulin signalling were used to determine the pathway for insulin-stimulated NO production. Unlike acetylcholine, which stimulated endothelial NO production with a typical increase in free intracellular calcium, insulin (10(-8) to 10(-6)M) stimulated endothelial NO production without elevating intracellular calcium levels. Insulin-stimulated NO production was concentration dependent and detected within 30s of application. Peak increases in NO occurred between 60 and 120 s and declined slowly thereafter. Separate measurements of NO production by fluorescence of 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) noted that selective inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (PKB) inhibited insulin-stimulated NO production, whereas these inhibitors alone did not alter NO production or acetylcholine-stimulated NO production. Insulin-stimulated NO production by endothelium is an acute calcium-independent effect mediated via the PI3K-PKB signalling pathway.     

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

We have investigated the role of recombinant human interleukin-1 beta (rIL-1 beta) and recombinant human tumor necrosis factor alpha (rTNF-alpha) on PLA2 activity, protein synthesis and eicosanoid production in bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Cellular PLA2 activity increased 4-fold and production of PGE2 increased 3-fold at 1-2 hrs in the presence of 10 units/ml rIL-1 beta. PLA2 activity increased 3-fold at 30 min and PGE2 production increased 2-fold with 5 x 10(-9) M rTNF-alpha. The data show that endothelial cells respond more rapidly to rIL-1 beta (2-6 hr) and rTNF-alpha (30 min) than do chondrocytes and synovial cells (6-16 hrs), suggesting endothelial cells may play a primary role in initiating the inflammatory response.     

Methylmercury inhibits nitric oxide production mediated by Ca(2+) overload and protein kinase A activation

The importance of cytosolic free calcium level intracellular Ca(2+), [Ca(2+)]i, in neutrophil activation prompted us to investigate changes in [Ca(2+)]i of neutrophils caused by methylmercury (MeHg), which has been shown to have immunomodulatory properties. We have shown in this paper that MeHg increased [Ca(2+)]i in the mouse peritoneal neutrophil. The L-type calcium channel blocker verapamil can decrease the elevated [Ca(2+)]i caused by 10 microM MeHg, suggesting that Ca(2+)-influx through L-type Ca(2+) channel mediates the effect of MeHg. Moreover, MeHg potently decreased nitric oxide (NO) production but also the protein and mRNA level of NO synthase induced by lipopolysaccharide. Both verapamil (1 microM) and H-89 (10 microM) can antagonize the inhibitory effect of MeHg (10 microM) on NO production. These findings lead us to conclude that MeHg inhibits NO production mediated at least in part by Ca(2+)-activated adenylate cyclase-cAMP-protein kinase A pathway.     

吡咯野百合碱对培养的肺及主动脉内皮细胞形态,数量及一氧化氮产生的影响

吡咯野百合碱 (MCTP)注射是建立肺动脉高压病理模型的常用方法 ,但机理不清 .实验采用细胞培养方法和DAF 2荧光法观察了MCTP对培养的牛肺动脉内皮细胞 (CPAE)形态 ,数量及NO产生的影响 ,以探讨MCTP导致肺动脉高压的机理 .结果表明 :MCTP(1μmol·L- 1)使培养的CPAE表面积增大〔从 (4 6± 4 ) μm2 增加到 (2 2 3± 2 7) μm2 〕 ;细胞数量减少〔从 (175± 9)× 10 6 L- 1减少到 (4 9± 6 )× 10 6 L- 1〕 ;在CPAE和牛主动脉内皮细胞 ,MCTP还可抑制由ACh所致的NO生成〔分别从 (16 .1± 1.3) %减少到(1.5± 1.1) %和从 (14.2± 1.6 ) %减少到 (1.4±1.6 ) %〕 .提示MCTP可通过损伤CPAE ,减少NO的生成而导致肺动脉高压 .     

Endothelin-1 enhances neutrophil adhesion to human coronary artery endothelial cells: role of ET(A) receptors and platelet-activating factor.

1. The potent coronary vasoconstrictor, endothelin-1 (ET-1) may also regulate neutrophil traffic into tissues. The aim of the present study was to characterize the endothelin receptors responsible and to investigate the underlying mechanisms. 2. ET-1 (1 nM - 1 microM) markedly enhanced attachment of human neutrophils to lipopolysaccharide-, and to a lesser extent, to ET-1-activated human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). This can partially be blocked by monoclonal antibodies against E-selectin, L-selectin or CD18, whereas combination of the three antibodies inhibited adhesion by approximately 83%. Increases in neutrophil adhesion evoked by ET-1 were also blocked by the platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists, BN 52021 (50 microM) and WEB 2086 (10 microM). 3. ET-1 downregulated the expression of L-selectin and upregulated expression of CD11b/CD18 and CD45 on the neutrophil surface and induced gelatinase release with EC50 values of approximately 2 nM. These actions of ET-1 were almost completely prevented by the ET(A) receptor antagonist FR 139317 (1 microM) and the ET(A)/ET(B) receptor antagonist bosentan (10 microM), whereas the ET(B) receptor antagonist BQ 788 (1 microM) had no effect. ET-1 slightly increased the expression of E-selectin and ICAM-1 on HCAEC, that was prevented by BQ 788, but not by FR 139317. 4. Receptor binding studies indicated the presence of ET(B) receptors (KD: 40 pM) on phosphoramidon-treated HCAEC and the predominant expression of ET(A) receptors (KD: 38 pM) on neutrophils. 5. These results indicate that promotion by ET-1 of neutrophil adhesion to HCAEC is predominantly mediated through activation of ET(A) receptors on neutrophils and subsequent generation of PAF.     

Release by ultraviolet B (u.v.B) radiation of nitric oxide (NO) from human keratinocytes: a potential role for nitric oxide in erythema production.

1. The mechanism of human sunburn is poorly understood but its characteristic features include the development of erythema. In this study we attempted to determine whether human keratinocytes possess a nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS), if this enzyme could be activated to release NO following exposure to ultraviolet B (u.v.B) and to define whether this photo-induced response could be involved in the pathogenesis of sunburn erythema. 2. Treatment of human keratinocytes with various doses of u.v.B (290-320 nm) radiation (up to 100 mJ cm-2) resulted in a dose-dependent release of NO and cyclic GMP production that was reduced by NG-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA). 3. u.v.B irradiation of keratinocyte cytosol at varying doses (up to 50 mJ cm-2), resulted in a gradual rise in NO production, with a concomitant increase in soluble guanylate cyclase activity (sGC). 4. NOS isolated from the keratinocyte cytosol was constitutively expressed and was dependent on NADPH, Ca2+/calmodulin, tetrahydrobiopterin and flavins. 5. In reconstitution experiments, when purified NOS was added to purified sGC, both isolated from keratinocyte cytosol, a four fold increase in cyclic GMP was observed. The GMP was increased by NO synthesized following u.v.B radiation (up to 20 mJ cm-2) of NOS. 6. In in vivo experiments, guinea-pigs were subjected to u.v.B light. A Protection Factor (PF) of 8.71 +/- 2.85 was calculated when an emulsified cream formulation containing L-NMMA (2%) was applied to their skin. 7. The present results indicate that u.v.B radiation acts as a potent stimulator of NOS in keratinocytes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Melatonin inhibits nitric oxide production by microvascular endothelial cells in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We have previously shown that melatonin inhibits bradykinin-induced NO production by endothelial cells in vitro. The purpose of this investigation was to extend this observation to an in vivo condition and to explore the mechanism of action of melatonin. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: RT-PCR assays were performed with rat cultured endothelial cells. The putative effect of melatonin upon arteriolar tone was investigated by intravital microscopy while NO production by endothelial cells in vitro was assayed by fluorimetry, and intracellular Ca(2+) measurements were assayed by confocal microscopy. KEY RESULTS: No expression of the mRNA for the melatonin synthesizing enzymes, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase, or for the melatonin MT(2) receptor was detected in microvascular endothelial cells. Melatonin fully inhibited L-NAME-sensitive bradykinin-induced vasodilation and also inhibited NO production induced by histamine, carbachol and 2-methylthio ATP, but did not inhibit NO production induced by ATP or alpha, beta-methylene ATP. None of its inhibitory effects was prevented by the melatonin receptor antagonist, luzindole. In nominally Ca(2+)-free solution, melatonin reduced intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization induced by bradykinin (40%) and 2-methylthio ATP (62%) but not Ca(2+) mobilization induced by ATP. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: We have confirmed that melatonin inhibited NO production both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, the melatonin effect was selective for some G protein-coupled receptors and most probably reflects an inhibition of Ca(2+) mobilization from intracellular stores.     

内源性一氧化氮介导脂质胞壁酸预适应对人冠脉内皮细胞再复氧损伤的作用

目的　探讨脂质胞壁酸(LTA)诱导的延迟预适应对内皮细胞再复氧(H/R)损伤的作用,以及内源性一氧化氮(NO)参与保护机制的作用。方法　采用培养的人冠状动脉内皮细胞(HCAECs)在缺氧条件下培养 2h,然后在常氧条件下复氧培养 4h,模拟缺血 /再灌注损伤的模型。HCAECs在缺氧前 24h预先在含LTA(30或 300μg·L-1 )的培养基中培养 4h。用台盼蓝排斥法和培养基中乳酸脱氢酶(LDH)含量来评价内皮细胞损伤程度,比色法检测培养基中一氧化氮(NO)含量。并用RT PCR检测LTA预适应后(2-24)hHCAECseNOSmRNA的表达。结果　LTA预适应能显著减少台盼蓝排斥实验中的细胞死亡百分比,降低复氧末细胞培养液中LDH的含量。LTA预适应亦能显著增加HCAECs复氧末培养液中NO含量。LTA预适应的效应可被非选择性NOS抑制剂L 单甲基精氨酸(L NMMA, 100μmol·L-1 )所取消。在LTA预适应后 2和 4h,HCAECs的eNOSmRNA表达明显增加。结论LTA诱导的延迟预适应能显著减少HCAECs再复氧所致的细胞损伤和功能紊乱,eNOS产生的NO启动并介导了LTA保护内皮细胞的作用。     

Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on human coronary artery endothelial cells

Inhalation of zinc oxide (ZnO) metal fumes is known to cause metal fume fever and to have systemic effects; however, the effects of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the cardiovascular system remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the cardiovascular toxicity of ZnONPs. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were exposed to ZnONPs of different sizes to investigate the cell viability, 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), interleukin (IL)-6, nitric oxide (NO), and regulation of cardiovascular disease-related genes. Exposure of HCAECs to ZnONPs resulted in decreased cell viability and increased levels of 8-OHdG, IL-6, and NO. Downregulation of cardiovascular-associated genes was observed in response to ZnONPs in HCAECs determined by qPCR, suggesting that the calcium signaling pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy, and renin-angiotensin system are important affected pathways in response to ZnONPs. Furthermore, we observed a significant response of AGTR1 to ZnONP exposure in HCAECs. Our results suggest that ZnONPs cause toxicity to HCAECs, which could be associated with cardiovascular dysfunction.