Epidermal growth factor, a vascular smooth muscle mitogen, induces rat aortic contraction.

Atherosclerotic arteries have enhanced reactivity to vasoconstrictors, which suggests that features of the atherosclerotic process itself may result in this abnormal responsiveness. Since vascular smooth muscle proliferation is a prominent feature of atherosclerosis, we postulated that vasoactive agonists and smooth muscle mitogens may share certain common cellular mechanisms of action which potentially contribute to this hyperreactivity. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF), a well-characterized mitogen, on rat aortic vascular smooth muscle, both in intact aortic strips and in culture. EGF caused contraction (EC50 = 19 nM) of rat aortic strips which maximally was equivalent to 40% of that induced by angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor. EGF increased 45Ca efflux (EC50 = 3 nM) from cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells, which was an effect shared by angiotensin II and thought to reflect increased cytosolic-free calcium concentration. EGF (7.5 nM) also stimulated growth of these cultured cells to the same extent as 10% calf serum. These results demonstrate that EGF is both a vasoconstrictor and mitogen for rat aortic smooth muscle cells. The similarities in the effects of EGF and angiotensin II suggest that certain common intracellular mechanisms of action may exist for vasoactive agonists and growth factors which may contribute to the altered vasoreactivity of atherosclerotic vessels.     

The effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on cytosolic free calcium in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

Effect of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on cytosolic free calcium [( Ca2+]i) was studied in monolayers of cultured vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells loaded with a fluorescent calcium indicator, fura-2. Vasoconstrictive hormones, angiotensin II (AII) and Arg8-vasopressin (AVP) induced initial rapid rises in [Ca2+]i, followed by sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i. ANP (Atriopeptin III 10(-8) M) decreased both the resting level and the sustained elevation of [Ca2+] i induced by AII and AVP. ANP also decreased the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by high potassium (K+) depolarization. AVP-induced initial rapid rise in [Ca2+]i was not inhibited by ANP in the presence or absence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor, isobutylmethylxanthine 0.1 mM, which has been shown to fully enhance ANP-induced cyclic GMP accumulation. On the other hand, a calcium antagonist, nicardipine, inhibited the high K+-induced rise in [Ca2+]i, whereas it had no effect on not only initial but also sustained rises in [Ca2+]i induced by AVP or AII. These results suggest that ANP has an ability to decrease [Ca2+]i not through inhibition of voltage-sensitive calcium channels, and that neither ANP nor ANP-induced cyclic GMP may affect initial hormone-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. In conclusion, an ability to decrease [Ca2+]i is implicated in ANP-induced relaxation of VSM.     

Guanine nucleotide binding proteins may modulate gating of calcium channels in vascular smooth muscle. II. Studies with guanosine 5'-(gamma)triphosphate

Our previous studies with fluoride have indicated that G-proteins may mediate the gating of Ca++ channels in vascular smooth muscle (VSM). We now present further studies on the relationship between G-proteins and Ca++ channels in VSM using guanosine-5'-(gamma-thio)triphosphate (GTP gamma S), a hydrolysis-resistant analog of GTP. Rat tail artery helical strips pretreated with GTP gamma S in a cytosol-like solution contracted in a Ca++-dependent manner in the absence of a depolarizing concentration of K+, hormones or any other Ca++ agonists. Contraction was dependent on the concentrations of applied GTP gamma S. The ability of strips pretreated with GTP gamma S to contract in response to Ca++ was not reversed by repeated washing. Incubation with 1 mM GTP applied extracellularly did not induce tension development. Treatment with a subthreshold concentration of GTP gamma S shifted the K+ concentration-related tension curve to the left but did not alter the maximum response. The contractions induced by GTP gamma S pretreatment and by submaximal (60 mM) KCI were additive at all levels of Ca++ tested. Extra tension development could be evoked from tissue maximally contracted with GTP gamma S by adding maximal K+ and norepinephrine. The relaxing sensitivity of the GTP gamma S-related contraction to reversal by nifedipine was between those for K+ depolarization and norepinephrine, and the GTP gamma S-induced rise in tension was partially inhibited by the Ca++ channel blocker nifedipine. Ca++-elicited contraction of the GTP gamma S-pretreated strips was relaxed by forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, 3-isobutyl-l-methyl-xanthanine, a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and dibutyryl cyclic AMP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Relaxation of vascular smooth muscle by HA-1004, an inhibitor of cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase

A newly synthesized compound, N-(2-guanidinoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (HA-1004), was shown to be a potent inhibitor of two cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases, cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase and the Ki values were 1.4 and 2.3 microM, respectively. HA-1004 relaxed rabbit aortic strips contracted by various agonists and with similar ED50 values. Phenotolamine, propranolol and atropine did not affect this HA-1004-induced relaxation, thereby suggesting that this compound does not act through these membrane receptor associated mechanisms. HA-1004 shifted the dose-response curve for CaCl2 to the right in a competitive manner in depolarized rabbit renal arterial strips. This compound also relaxed the A-23187 and phenylephrine-induced contractions elicited in Ca++-free solution. These findings suggest that HA-1004 exerts its action at the intracellular or submembranal level. This vasodilator has little effect on actomyosin adenosine triphosphatase and Ca++-calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase. Studies using its derivatives with various lengths of alkyl chain (C0-C6) indicated that the potencies of these compounds, as vasorelaxants, correlated well with their potential to inhibit cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase. HA-1004 should be a useful tool for investigating in smooth muscle, regulatory mechanism(s) by second messengers, cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP.     

Differential effects of ethanol and mannitol on contraction of arterial smooth muscle.

The present work, using isolated rat aortic strips, indicates that ethanol can inhibit development of spontaneous mechanical activity, induce contractions which are not inhibited by specific amine antagonists and potentiate or inhibit contractions induced by epinephrine and vasopressin. In addition, the data indicate that ethanol can attenuate contractions induced by K+ and can inhibit Ca++-induced contractions of K+-depolarized rat aortic strips. Experiments with a nonpenetrating substance, mannitol, suggest that the effects of ethanol are probably not solely a reflection of hyperosmolarity. Overall, the data could be used to suggest that ethanol may induce hyper- or hypoexcitability of aortic smooth muscle by affecting movement and/or translocation of Ca++.     

L-Citrulline, the by-product of nitric oxide synthesis, decreases vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Endothelium injury plays an important role in atherosclerosis. Damage to the endothelium results in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Natriuretic peptides present a potent antimitogenic action, mediating their biological effects via the binding of guanylate cyclase-linked atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptor and the production of cyclic GMP. In a previous study, we demonstrated that L-citrulline, the by-product of nitric oxide synthesis, could relax rabbit aortic rings by stimulating the guanylate cyclase-linked ANP receptor. In this work, we investigated the effect of L-citrulline on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. L-Citrulline (10(-8) M) significantly decreased rat aortic (A10 cell line) vascular smooth muscle proliferation. The percentage of inhibition exerted by L-citrulline on days 3, 5, and 7 of the proliferation curve was 20.0 +/- 0.5%, 37.5 +/- 8.3%, and 28. 5 +/- 7.2%, respectively. In addition, L-citrulline also inhibited serum-induced DNA synthesis, measured as 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation into nuclei of vehicle-treated cells was 40.5 +/- 2.4%, whereas in L-citrulline-treated cells the percentage decreased to 36.0 +/- 4.1%, 29.1 +/- 2.0% (P <.01, n = 4), 30.5 +/- 2.4% (P <.05, n = 4), and 23.1 +/- 0.5% (P <.001, n = 4) for 10(-10), 10(-9), 10(-8), and 10(-7) M, respectively. Zaprinast, a phosphodiesterase type V inhibitor, enhanced 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation in serum-stimulated cells. Moreover, L-citrulline inhibition of serum-stimulated DNA synthesis was abolished by HS-142-1 (10(-5) M), an ANP receptor antagonist. In another group of experiments, L-citrulline was shown to increase intracellular cyclic GMP levels from 2.1 +/- 0.2 pmol of cGMP/mg protein to 4.1 +/- 0.1 for L-citrulline (10(-8) M) (P <.001, n = 3). These findings suggest that L-citrulline decreases vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in the A10 cell line by acting on DNA synthesis by mechanisms that involve the ANP receptor.     

Relationship between 45Ca movements, different calcium components and responses to acetylcholine and potassium in tracheal smooth muscle

Correlations between tension responses elicited with acetylcholine (ACh) and high K+ and corresponding alterations in Ca++ mobilization were obtained in rabbit and canine tracheal smooth muscle. Removal of Ca++ or preincubation with D-600 (50 microM) inhibited responses to K+ (50 or 80 mM) and low ACh (89 nM) and had only a small effect on responses to high ACh (8.9 microM). Conversely, solutions containing Sr++ instead of Ca++ inhibited responses to both concentrations of ACh to a greater degree than were those to K+. Washout of slow component 45Ca into a O-Ca solution was more rapid in rabbit trachea than reported previously for rabbit aorta. Washout of tracheal smooth muscle into an 80.8 mM La -substituted solution at 0.5 degrees C removed superficial (La -accessible) 45Ca and blocked both 45Ca uptake and most 45Ca efflux. D-600, which had no significant effect on control 45Ca uptake in rabbit aortic smooth muscle, decreased 45Ca uptake by 33% in rabbit tracheal smooth muscle. The uptake of 45Ca from the Ca++ binding sites with low affinity for Ca++ was increased by 80 mM K+, 50 mM K+ or 8.9 microM ACh, and the accumulation of Ca++ from the Ca++ binding sites with high affinity for 45Ca was inhibited by Sr++. The stronger effect of either Ca++ removal or D-600 on responses to K+ and the correspondingly greater effect of Sr++ on responses to ACh indicate that different Ca++ stores are present in tracheal smooth muscle. These Ca++ components appear to be qualitatively similar to those present in aortic smooth muscle but they differ quantitatively and are not as readily dissociated as are aortic Ca++ components.     

Vasorelaxing action of rutaecarpine: effects of rutaecarpine on calcium channel activities in vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

Rutaecarpine (Rut) has been shown to induce hypotension and vasorelaxation. In vitro studies indicated that the vasorelaxant effect of Rut was largely endothelium-dependent. We previously reported that Rut increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) in cultured rat endothelial cells (ECs) and decreased [Ca2+]i in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle (VSMCs) cells. The present results showed that the hypotensive effect of Rut (10-100 microgram/kg i.v.) was significantly blocked by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro-L-arginine. In aortic rings, Rut (0. 1-3.0 microM)-induced vasorelaxation was inhibited by Nomega-nitro-L-arginine and hydroquinone but not by antagonists of the various K+ channels, 4-aminopyridine, apamin, charybdotoxin, or glibenclamide. Rut (0.1 and 1.0 microM) inhibited the norepinephrine-induced contraction generated by Ca2+ influx and at 1.0 microM increased cyclic GMP (cGMP) production in endothelium-intact rings and to a lesser extent in endothelium-denuded rings. In whole-cell patch-clamp recording, nonvoltage-dependent Ca2+ channels were recorded in ECs and Rut (0.1, 1.0 microM) elicited an opening of such channels. However, in VSMCs, Rut (10.0 microM) inhibited significantly the L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. In ECs cells, Rut (1.0, 10.0 microM) increased nitric oxide release in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Taken together, the results suggested that Rut lowered blood pressure by mainly activating the endothelial Ca2+-nitric oxide-cGMP pathway to reduce smooth muscle tone. Although the contribution seemed to be minor in nature, inhibition of contractile response in VSMCs, as evidenced by inhibition of Ca2+ currents, was also involved. Potassium channels, on the other hand, had no apparent roles.     

On the mechanism of papaverine inhibition of the voltage-dependent Ca++ current in isolated smooth muscle cells from the guinea pig trachea.

The effects of papaverine, a smooth muscle relaxant agent, on the voltage-dependent Ca++ current were examined in isolated smooth muscle cells from the guinea pig trachea. The tight-seal whole cell voltage clamp technique was used. Papaverine (1-100 microM) inhibited the Ba++ inward current (IBa) through the voltage-dependent L-type Ca++ channel in a concentration-dependent fashion. The inhibitory effect of papaverine on IBa appeared to have both tonic and use-dependent components. In addition to the reduction of the maximal conductance of IBa, papaverine (20 microM) shifted the quasi-steady-state inactivation curve of IBa to more negative membrane potentials by approximately 10 mV. These effects of papaverine on IBa were completely reversible. Although it has been suggested that papaverine inhibited phosphodiesterase to increase intracellular cyclic AMP, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (theophylline, 500 microM, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 500 microM), isoproterenol (2 microM) and dibutyryl cyclic AMP (1 mM) did not affect IBa. Thus, papaverine inhibits IBa in a way independent of intracellular cyclic AMP. Papaverine also had inhibitory effects on other membrane currents (i.e., the voltage-dependent transient outward K+ current and the Ca(++)-activated oscillatory K+ current), which may result in an enhancement of the excitability of the cells. These results suggest that inhibition of the voltage-dependent L-type Ca++ channel is involved in the papaverine-induced relaxation of the tracheal smooth muscle.     

Calcium channel blockers: correlation among receptor binding, calcium uptake and contractility in vitro

Ten known calcium channel blockers were studied for inhibition of K+-induced 45Ca++ uptake into rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells in culture, and for displacement of [3H]nitrendipine [2,6-dimethyl-3-carbomethoxy-5-carbomethoxy-4-(3-nitro)phenyl-1, 4-dihydroxypyridine] binding to rat ventricular membrane preparations, in order to relate their effects on receptor binding with their inhibitory activities on 45Ca++ uptake and on contractile responses of vascular smooth muscle. Steady-state 45Ca++ uptake increased with K+ concentration in a dose-dependent manner. With 25 to 50 mM K+, Ca++ uptake was 0.6 nmol of Ca++ per one million cells. All calcium channel blockers inhibited K+-induced 45Ca++ uptake and [3H]nitrendipine binding in a dose-dependent fashion. The enatiomeric dihydropyridines 202-791 [isopropyl-4-(2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)-1,4-dihydro-2, 6-dimethyl-5-nitro-3-pyridinecarboxylate] exhibited marked stereoselectivity in both studies, the agonist (+)-202-791 significantly enhancing 45Ca++ uptake at 15 to 50 mM K+. The similarity between the order of potency in inhibiting 45Ca++ uptake and displacing [3H]nitrendipine resulted in a highly significant linear (1:1) correlation. An equally significant correlation was also established for the 10 blockers between their inhibitory potencies on 45Ca++ uptake and the contractile response of rabbit aortic strips as cited in the literature. These findings support the hypothesis that calcium channel blockers block contraction of vascular muscle by inhibiting cellular calcium uptake through voltage-dependent calcium channels as a result of binding to receptors associated with these channels. The aortic cells possess channels that are functionally similar to those found in intact vascular tissue.     

On the mechanism of vasodilating action of berberine: possible role of inositol lipid signaling system.

We have studied the effect of the alkaloid berberine on the contraction of guinea pig aortic strips induced by various stimuli. Berberine (25-200 microM) inhibited the response of the strips to norepinephrine and histamine, but did not decrease the high K(+)-elicited contraction. The antagonism of berberine was not competitive because in the presence of the alkaloid, maximum response to agonists could not be obtained. Analysis of the drug's effect on the time course of norepinephrine-induced contraction showed that berberine reduced both the rate and the relative contribution to developed tension of the initial, rapid phase, whereas the slow, later component was less affected. Berberine inhibited the response of aortic strips incubated in 0 mM Ca++ to norepinephrine, but did not reduce caffeine-induced contraction and also inhibited phospholipase C-activated contractile response, which has been ascribed to production of inositol phosphate-3 in smooth muscle cells. In cultured arterial smooth muscle cells (A7r5 line), the alkaloid did not significantly decrease the production of inositol phosphates activated by Arg8-vasopressin. The pattern of berberine action is difficult to reconcile with an involvement of the contractile machinery and suggests that the drug has no effect on the voltage-operated calcium channels. Although an antagonism at the receptors or an increase of cyclic AMP or cyclic GMP cannot be completely excluded, we suggest that at least one component of the berberine inhibitory effect may be due to its action on some step of the chain of events linking receptors to contractile response.     

Angiotensin II desensitization and Ca++ and Na+ fluxes in cultured intestinal smooth muscle cells

The effects of angiotensin II (ANG) on Na+ and Ca++ fluxes in cultured intestinal smooth muscle cells from the guinea pig ileum were studied and correlated with the contraction and desensitization observed in whole muscles. The effects of ANG were compared with those of acetylcholine (ACh), an agonist that acts at muscarinic receptors in the intestinal smooth muscle and which does not induce desensitization. Both ANG and ACh stimulated 24Na+ influx upon addition to the cells, and this stimulation persisted for at least 30 min. Both agonists also stimulated 45Ca++ uptake but ANG's effect was transient, whereas that of ACh was persistent. Short-term (30 min) treatment with PMA (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate) caused a fade of the tonic response of the whole muscle to ANG, and also blocked this hormone's stimulating effect on 45Ca++, but not on 24Na+ influx. Long-term (7 hr) treatment with PMA, which suppresses protein kinase C activity, restored ANG's ability to stimulate 45Ca++ influx. The stimulating effects of ACh on 24Na+ and 45Ca++ influxes were not affected by short- or long-term treatment of the cells with PMA. Our results suggest that ANG desensitization involves protein kinase C inhibition of a step in the stimulus-response chain that is subsequent to phospholipase C-activation.     

Mechanism of inhibitory effects of azelastine on smooth muscle contraction.

The mechanism of inhibitory effects of azelastine, an antiallergic and antiasthmatic agent, on depolarization- and alpha-1 adrenergic agonist-induced contractions of intact smooth muscle was studied. The effects of azelastine on membrane currents were determined in isolated guinea pig ileum smooth muscle cells with the whole-cell clamp technique; the effects on contraction were evaluated in receptor- and G-protein-coupled, alpha-toxin-permeabilized rabbit femoral artery and portal vein smooth muscle strips. Azelastine (1-20 microM), like dihydropyridines, inhibited spontaneous rhythmic and high K(+)-induced contractions, mainly through inhibition of the voltage-dependent (L-type) Ca++ current. The tonic component of high K+ contractions was inhibited more than the phasic component, correlating to voltage-dependent inhibition of Ca++ current by the drug. Azelastine (IC50 of 0.25 microM), a known histamine blocker, also reversibly inhibited alpha-1 agonist-induced contractions in the presence and absence of extracellular Ca++. Both major pathways of pharmacomechanical coupling, agonist-induced Ca++ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and Ca++ sensitization of the regulatory/contractile apparatus were blocked by the same concentration of drug in permeabilized as in intact muscle. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-induced Ca++ release and guanosine 5'-O-(tau-thiotriphosphate)-induced Ca++ sensitization, however, were not inhibited. Azelastine at high (greater than 10 microM) concentrations reversibly inhibited Ca(++)-activated contraction, more potently at lower Ca++ concentration and in phasic smooth muscle, but inhibited neither adenosine 5'-O-(tau-thiotriphosphate)-induced, Ca(++)-independent nor phorbol ester-induced contractions. These results indicate that azelastine is a genuine Ca++ antagonist that inhibits voltage-gated Ca++ inward current and agonist-induced Ca++ release and Ca++ sensitization.     

Interaction of hydralazine and hydrazone derivatives with contractile mechanisms in rabbit aortic smooth muscle

The mechanism of action and relative potency of hydralazine (H) and tow hydrazone derivatives were investigated using isolated rabbit aortic strips. H, hydralazine acetone hydrazone (HA) and hydralazine butanone hydrazone (HBH) relaxed established K+ and norepinephrine (NE) contractures, and inhibited the development of contractures to these two agents on preincubation. H, HA and HBH increased the threshold to Ca++ and decreased the maximum tension responses during K+-Ca++-contractures (HA greater than H, P less than .05; HBH greater than H P less than .01). The Ca++-dependent and Ca++-independent components of NE contractures were both inhibited by H, HA and HBH. NE contractures were more sensitive to the effects of H than K+ contractures. These results are consistent with the conclusion that H and hydrazone derivatives produce effects on vascular muscle both by interactions with the fluxes of Ca++ from the extracellular space and effects on release from cell stores. However, other possibilities need to be assessed experimentally.     

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor is a selective relaxant of vascular smooth muscle

The present study examines the relaxant selectivity of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) released from cultured endothelial cells. Endothelial cells from bovine pulmonary artery (CCL-209) in culture were grown on Cytodex-3 microcarrier beads, packed into a column and superfused to release EDRF. EDRF response was estimated by its ability to relax phenylephrine-contracted rings of rabbit aorta. Bradykinin and A23187 (10(-10) to 10(-6) M) caused dose-dependent release of EDRF from cultured bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells. The release was dependent on endothelial cell number. A23187 caused a larger and longer-lasting release of EDRF than bradykinin. EDRF relaxation was selective for blood vessels. EDRF relaxed rabbit aortic rings, but it did not relax histamine-contracted guinea pig tracheal, rabbit taenia coli strips or oxytocin-contracted guinea pig uterine rings. These nonvascular smooth muscles were, however, relaxed by isoproterenol (10(-4) M) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 10(-5) M). The sensitivity of guinea pig aortic rings and tracheal strips to SNP were compared. The IC50 values for SNP (10(-9) to 10(-5) M) were 0.07 and 0.3 microM for aortic rings and tracheal strips, respectively. Although the tracheal strips were about 4-fold less sensitive than the aorta toward SNP, a complete relaxation was achieved. These results suggest that EDRF relaxes vascular smooth muscles but not respiratory, Gl or reproductive smooth muscles. Thus, EDRF may be a selective relaxant of vascular smooth muscle.     

Effects of nitroglycerin on ATP-induced Ca(++)-mobilization, Ca(++)-activated K channels and contraction of cultured smooth muscle cells of porcine coronary artery.

Extracellular application of ATP transiently increases the cytosolic-free Ca++ concentration ([Ca++]i) in cultured smooth muscle cells of porcine coronary artery, and this activates large conductance Ca(++)-activated K (Kca) channels. In the present study effects of nitroglycerin (NG) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) on [Ca++]; and contraction were studied. 4-AP blocked Kca channels and enhanced the rise of [Ca++]i with oscillation, which led to contraction of the cells. NG activated the Kca channels of 300 picosiemens and inhibited 4-AP-induced contraction and oscillation of [Ca++]i. These results suggest that the vasorelaxant effect of NG involves hyperpolarization of the cell membrane by activating the Kca channels. NG also cause rapid decrease of [Ca++]i during the Ca(++)-mobilization by ATP in Ca-free solution. Similar effects were observed with cyclic GMP, suggesting that the effects of NG on the Kca channels and [Ca++]i were mediated by cyclic GMP.     

Effects of nicorandil on cytosolic calcium concentrations in quin2-loaded rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in primary culture

We made use of quin2 microfluorometry to observe the effects of nicorandil (2-nicotinamidoethyl nitrate) on cytosolic Ca++ concentrations [( Ca++]i) in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells in primary culture. Regardless of whether cells were at rest, in a state of Ca++-depletion or at K+-depolarization, nicorandil rapidly and dose-dependently decreased [Ca++]i to the lower steady-state level. Nicorandil dose-dependently inhibited norepinephrine-induced Ca++ transients in physiological salt solution containing 1 mM Ca++. Nicorandil accelerated the reduction of [Ca++]i observed when the cells were exposed to Ca++-free solution. When the cells were treated with nicorandil in Ca++-free solution, Ca++ transients induced by the first application of caffeine were little affected, but those induced by subsequent repetitive caffeine applications were reduced strongly and progressively. In contrast, pretreatment with nicorandil markedly inhibited Ca++ transients induced by the first application of norepinephrine, in Ca++-free solution. These effects of nicorandil on [Ca++]i and Ca++ transients were similar to those seen with nitroglycerin. The denitrated compound of nicorandil, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)nicotinamide, had no such effect. Thus, it is apparently the nitrate moiety of the chemical structure by which nicorandil actively and strongly reduces [Ca++]i in vascular smooth muscle cells. The reduction of [Ca++]i by nicorandil may result in a decrease in Ca++ in the norepinephrine-sensitive store; hence, the reduction of [Ca++]i elevation by norepinephrine.     

Comparison of aortic calcium and contractility in male, female and lactating female rats.

Catecholamine-induced vascular smooth muscle contration is enhanced in female animals and in presence of emale sex hormones in vitro. Androgens appear to depress these responses. Sex steroids may also alter calcium ion (Ca++) binding and metabolism. We compared contractility as well as quantity and relative lability of tissue calcium pools in male and female rat isolated aortic strips bathed in Ca++-free solution. We also studied aortic strips from 21-day postpartum lactating female rats to determine the effects of previous high circulating levels of female sex steroids (present during pregnancy) and prolactin (present during lactation). Rat aortic strips were found to contain loosely and more tightly held calcium stores. Strips from males were unresponsive in Ca++-free solution unless previously exposed to a Ca++-rich bathing medium. They accumulated more tissue calcium when bathed in Ca++-rich solution than did strips from females. This extra calcium appears to reside in the loosely-held fraction. Tissues from males first incubated in Ca++-rich solution to enhance the loosely held fraction respond more readily in Ca++-free solution to a high potassium (K+) concentration than to epinephrine. Strips from females respond about equally to high K+ or epinephrine whereas aorta from lactating female rats are much more responsive to epinephrine in Ca++-free solution and gain less calcium in Ca++-rich medium than those of the other rats. These data suggest that in the presence of high circulating levels of female sex hormones or other female factors (e.g., prolactin) enhanced binding or sequestration of potential activator ions occurs which increases the responsiveness of the tissue to catecholamines. Male sex hormones and/or factors promote the capacity of the rat aorta to gain a more loosely held calcium fraction which is readily used for contraction by K+ depolarization.     

Biologically active atrial natriuretic peptides selectively activate Na/K/Cl cotransport in vascular smooth muscle cells

Atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs) cause vasorelaxation, natriuresis and diuresis. Although the precise mechanism of action for these biological activities is not known, it has been established that ANPs can bind to specific membrane receptors and can cause an increase in intracellular cyclic GMP (cGMP) levels. In previously published studies we have probed the mechanism of action of ANP and have shown that one consequence of ANP receptor-mediated increases in cGMP in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) is stimulation of Na/K/Cl cotransport. Although others have suggested that ANPs may affect Na/H exchange and/or Na/K adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in various cells and tissues, the effect of ANPs on these other Na transport systems in VSMC is not known. Furthermore, the biological relevance of ANP-stimulation of Na/K/Cl cotransport in VSMC has not been established. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether ANPs selectively stimulate Na/K/Cl cotransport in VSMC and to determine whether effects on cotransport parallel biological activity. We tested the effect of six ANPs on Na/K/Cl cotransport, and of one ANP on Na/H exchange and on Na/K ATPase activity. It was found that ANPs stimulated Na/K/Cl cotransport but had no effect on Na/H exchange or on Na/K ATPase activity in VSMC. Biological activity of the ANPs was assayed by measuring the potencies for producing vasorelaxation of aortic rings and for stimulating an increase in intracellular cGMP in VSMC. The rank orders observed for the two biological activities agreed with the rank order for stimulation of Na/K/Cl cotransport.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Peripheral type benzodiazepine receptor and airway smooth muscle relaxation

It has been postulated that a benzodiazepine receptor with a micromolar affinity may be associated with Ca++ channels in peripheral organs. We examined the actions of Ro5-4684 (parachlorodiazepam) and midazolam on guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle contraction. Binding studies using [3H]Ro5-4684 indicate the presence of a "peripheral" type binding site with a Kd of approximately 4 nM and maximum binding of 1 pmol/mg of protein. Midazolam did not displace radioligand. In tension studies no activity was seen for Ro5-4684 or midazolam at concentrations below 1 microM. Higher concentrations relaxed the airway smooth muscle under basal tone, the effect was augmented significantly by epithelium removal. Similar results were obtained in tissues precontracted with methacholine or KCl. Midazolam (1 or 100 microM) significantly (P less than .05) attenuated the response to Ca++ in K+-depolarized tracheal strips, the effect was greater at low Ca++ concentrations. The compounds appear to function as Ca++ antagonists in airway smooth muscle but ar not typical as shown by their ability to reduce basal tone in airway smooth muscle.