Halothane differentially decreases 5-hydroxytryptamine-induced contractions in normal and chronic hypoxic rat pulmonary arteries.

The mechanism of action of halothane is not fully understood in pulmonary circulation and especially in chronic hypertension models. As the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) pulmonary vasoconstrictor response increases in chronic hypoxic rat, halothane could differentially attenuate this vasoconstriction response on normoxic and chronic hypoxic rats. The effect of halothane on 5-HT-induced contractions on pulmonary arteries isolated from normoxic and chronic hypoxic rats was compared. Rings dissected from proximal pulmonary artery without endothelium were attached to a force transducer to record tone and placed in an organ chamber gassed either by air or air + halothane (1-5%). Contractions induced by (10(-4) M) 5-HT were used to test the effect of halothane on rings isolated from normoxic and chronic hypoxic rats. 5-Hydroxytryptamine-mediated contractions were more sensitive to external calcium in normoxic than chronic hypoxic rings. In calcium-free solution, with verapamil or cadmium the amplitude of remaining 5-HT-induced contractions were greater in chronic hypoxic rings. Halothane (1-5%) decreased 5-HT-mediated contractions in normoxic and chronic hypoxic rings. The effect occurred with no change of pD2 for 5-HT and was more pronounced in normoxic rings. The effect of halothane on both rings was abolished in the absence of external calcium or in the presence of verapamil. In the presence of cadmium, 5% halothane had no effect on normoxic rings but still decreased the remaining 5-HT contraction on chronic hypoxic rings. The findings suggested that halothane decreased sarcolemmal calcium entry in pulmonary artery rings by a cadmium-sensitive pathway in normoxic rats and by a cadmium-insensitive pathway in chronic hypoxic rats.     

Hypoxia directly increases serotonin transport by porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cell plasma membrane vesicles

To determine whether hypoxia has a direct effect on the plasma membrane transport of serotonin (5-HT), we measured 5-HT transport activity: (1) in plasma membrane vesicles isolated from normoxic and hypoxic endothelial cells, (2) in endothelial cell plasma membrane vesicles that were exposed directly to normoxia or hypoxia, and (3) in endothelial cell monolayers incubated in the presence of 1 x 10(-7) M cycloheximide and exposed to normoxia or hypoxia. A 24-h exposure of endothelial cells to hypoxia resulted in a 40% increase (P less than 0.005) in specific 5-HT transport by plasma membrane vesicles derived from these cells. When plasma membrane vesicles were isolated and then directly exposed to normoxia or hypoxia for 1 h at 37 degrees C, a 31% increase (P less than 0.005) in specific 5-HT transport was observed in hypoxic vesicles. Hypoxia did not alter the Km of 5-HT transport (normoxia = 3.47 microM versus hypoxia = 3.76 microM) but markedly increased the maximal rate of transport (Vmax) (normoxia = 202.4 pmol/min/mg protein versus hypoxia = 317.9 pmol/min/mg protein). Cycloheximide alone had no effect on 5-HT transport by normoxic endothelial cells but did block hypoxia-induced increases in 5-HT uptake in endothelial cell monolayers exposed to 24-h hypoxia. These results indicate that hypoxia increases 5-HT transport in pulmonary artery endothelial cells by a direct effect on the plasma membrane, leading to an increase in the effective number of transporter molecules without alteration in transporter affinity for 5-HT, and possibly by an indirect effect involving de novo protein synthesis.     

Mechanisms of the potentiation by adenosine of adenosine triphosphate-induced calcium release in tracheal smooth-muscle cells.

The effects of concomitant P1-receptor stimulation on peak intracellular Ca2+ release by extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were investigated in cultured airway smooth-muscle (ASM) cells. The results show that peak Ca2+ release to ATP is enhanced by preincubation with adenosine (ADO) and with the specific A3 receptor agonist 1-Deoxy-1-(6-([(3-iodophenyl)methyl] amino)-9H-purin-9-yl)-N-methyl-beta-D-ribofuranuronamide (1B-MECA). The response to 5-HT, a smooth-muscle contractile agonist, was also enhanced after preincubation with ADO. Further measurements showed that this enhancement of the response to ATP was dependent on extracellular calcium because it was abolished by the removal of Ca2+ from the extracellular fluid and by incubation with the calcium channel blocker nifedipine. In addition, there was no difference between the levels of total inositol phosphates measured in the presence of ATP alone or of ADO + ATP. AACOCF3, a specific blocker of phospholipase A2, decreased the peak Ca2+ response to ATP and abolished the enhanced response to ATP and 5-HT produced by ADO. We conclude that stimulation of P1 and P2 receptors in ASM cells activates not only phospholipase C but also phospholipase A2. The enhancement of ATP-induced and 5-HT-induced Ca2+ release is due to Ca2+ influx from the extracellular fluid through a Ca2+ channel presumably modulated by arachidonic acid. These data show that endogenous ADO may modulate airway hyperresponsiveness by enhancing the ASM response to contractile agonists.     

Redox signaling in oxygen sensing by vessels

In response to the increase in oxygen tension at birth, the resistance pulmonary arteries dilate, while the ductus arteriosus constricts. Although modulated by the endothelium, these opposite responses are intrinsic to the vascular smooth muscle. While still controversial, it seems likely that during normoxia the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases and the smooth muscle cell cytoplasm is more oxidized in both pulmonary arteries and ductus, compared to hypoxia. However, the effect of changes in the endogenous redox status or the addition of a redox agent, oxidizing or reducing, is exactly opposite in the two vessels. A reducing agent, dithiothreitol, like hypoxia, in the pulmonary artery will inhibit potassium current, cause depolarization, increase cytosolic calcium and lead to contraction. Responses to dithiothreitol in the ductus are opposite and removal of endogenous H(2)O(2) by intracellular catalase in the ductus increases potassium current. Oxygen sensing in both vessels is probably mediated by redox effects on both calcium influx and calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR).     

c-Src tyrosine kinase, a critical component for 5-HT2A receptor-mediated contraction in rat aorta

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) receptors (5-HTRs) play critical roles in brain and cardiovascular functions. In the vasculature, 5-HT induces potent vasoconstrictions, which in aorta are mainly mediated by activation of the 5-HT(2A)R subtype. We previously proposed that one signalling mechanism of 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction could be c-Src, a member of the Src tyrosine kinase family. We now provide evidence for a central role of c-Src in 5-HT(2A)R-mediated contraction. Inhibition of Src kinase activity with 10 mum 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP2) prior to contraction resulted in approximately 90-99% inhibition of contractions induced by 5-HT or by alpha-methyl-5-HT (5-HT(2)R agonist). In contrast, PP2 pretreatment only partly inhibited contractions induced by angiotensin II and the thromboxane A(2) mimetic, U46619, and had no significant action on phenylephrine-induced contractions. 5-Hydroxytryptamine increased Src kinase activity and PP2-sensitive tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins. As expected for c-Src identity, PP2 pretreatment inhibited 5-HT-induced contraction with an IC(50) of approximately 1 mum. Ketanserin (10 nm), a 5-HT(2A) antagonist, but not antagonists of 5-HT(2B)R (100 nm SB204741) or 5-HT(2C)R (20 nm RS102221), prevented 5-HT-induced contractions, mimicking PP2 and implicating 5-HT(2A)R as the major receptor subtype coupled to c-Src. In HEK 293T cells, c-Src and 5-HT(2A)R were reciprocally co-immunoprecipitated and co-localized at the cell periphery. Finally, 5-HT-induced Src activity was unaffected by inhibition of Rho kinase, supporting a role of c-Src upstream of Rho kinase. Together, the results highlight c-Src activation as one of the early and pivotal mechanisms in 5-HT(2A)R contractile signalling in aorta.     

BQ123对大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞电压门控钾通道表达的影响

目的：探讨内皮素-1受体拮抗剂BQ123 对大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞电压门控钾通道亚型基因表达的影响。 方法： 根据常氧 (PO2 152 mmHg ) 及慢性低氧（PO2 40±5 mmHg）的不同培养条件，将肺动脉平滑肌细胞分为常氧组和慢性低氧组，并用BQ123分别处理上述两组细胞，采用半定量RT-PCR技术检测大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞Kv2.1、Kv9.3基因表达的变化。 结果： 经过慢性低氧，大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞Kv2.1、Kv9.3的mRNA表达水平明显低于常氧组（P<0.01，n=5），BQ123对常氧组Kv2.1的mRNA表达无影响（P>0.05，n=5），但可明显增加慢性低氧组Kv2.1的表达（P<0.01，n=5）。无论在常氧还是慢性低氧时，BQ123对Kv9.3的mRNA表达均无影响（P>0.05，n=5）。 结论： 慢性低氧可降低大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞电压门控钾通道的表达，内皮素-1受体拮抗剂BQ123可能通过抑制PASMCs的增殖，改变了细胞内信号转导通路中某些因子的表达，从而间接促进Kv的表达。     

Contractile potentiation by endothelin-1 involves protein kinase C-delta activity in the porcine coronary artery.

The relationship between potentiation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT)-induced contraction by endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the activity of protein kinase C (PKC) was examined in the porcine coronary artery. Low concentrations (30-100 pM) of ET-1 selectively potentiated the 5-HT-induced contraction 1.5 to 2 times over the control without any additional increase in myosin light-chain phosphorylation. The potentiation was attenuated by PKC down-regulation caused by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. By Western blot analysis with isoform-specific antibodies to PKC, at least four isoforms (PKCalpha, PKCbeta1, PKCdelta and PKCzeta) were identified in the porcine coronary artery. PKCalpha and PKCdelta were mostly in the cytosol fraction, whereas PKCbeta1 and PKCzeta were almost equally distributed in the cytosol and membrane fractions in the resting and contractile states. Of the four isoforms, only PKCdelta was translocated from the cytosol to the membrane fraction during the contractile potentiation by ET-1. These results suggest that the activity of PKCdelta, a Ca2+-independent PKC isoform, is involved in the potentiation of 5-HT-induced contraction by ET-1 in the porcine coronary artery.     

低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠肺内5-HT_(1B)受体的分布和表达变化

目的:观察低氧性肺动脉高压(HPH)大鼠体内5-羟色胺(5-HT)水平及其肺内5-羟色胺1B(5-HT1B)受体的分布和表达变化,探讨低氧性肺动脉高压的形成机制。方法:40只健康雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组(control)、低氧3周组、低氧4周组和低氧5周组。除正常组外,其余3组大鼠分别在低氧环境中饲养3周、4周和5周。测定各组大鼠的平均肺动脉压力(mPAP)、右心室收缩压(RVSP)、右心室肥厚度[RV/(LV+S)%]、血浆和肺组织中5-HT含量。应用免疫组织化学法观察大鼠肺组织中5-HT1B受体的分布和表达,Western blotting法测定大鼠肺组织中5-HT1B受体的蛋白含量。结果:和正常组相比,低氧3周组大鼠的mPAP、RVSP和右心室肥厚度均显著升高(均P0.05),并且随着低氧时间的延长而持续升高(均P0.05)。低氧大鼠血浆和肺组织中5-HT的含量均显著高于正常组大鼠(均P0.05),并随着低氧时间的延长而持续升高(均P0.05)。免疫组织化学结果显示:5-HT1B受体主要分布在正常大鼠肺动脉的内膜层,而平滑肌层中仅有少量表达;和正常组相比,低氧3周组大鼠肺动脉平滑肌层中5-HT1B受体的表达显著增多;随着低氧时间的延长,大鼠肺动脉平滑肌层中5-HT1B受体表达持续增多。Western blotting结果表明,大鼠肺组织中5-HT1B受体的蛋白含量变化和免疫组织化学结果相一致。结论:低氧性肺动脉高压大鼠体内5-HT水平显著升高,其肺动脉中5-HT1B受体呈过度表达,这可能是低氧性肺动脉高压形成的分子机制之一。     

MAPK 通路抑制剂对低氧高二氧化碳性肺动脉收缩的影响

目的： 观察肺主动脉环、二级肺动脉环在急性低氧高二氧化碳介质中张力的变化；探讨 MAPK 信号通路抑制剂 U0126、SB203580 对低氧高二氧化碳性肺血管收缩的影响。方法: 制备离体 SD 大鼠肺主动脉环、二级肺动脉环。分别观察肺主动脉环、二级肺动脉环在常氧及急性低氧高二氧化碳介质中的张力变化；在急性低氧高二氧化碳条件下分别用 U0126、SB203580 孵育二级肺动脉，观察各自对低氧高二氧化碳性肺动脉收缩的影响。结果: 在常氧条件下,肺主动脉、二级肺动脉张力均无明显变化。急性低氧高二氧化碳条件下二级肺动脉发生双向性收缩反应，肺主动脉只在低氧高二氧化碳早期出现较明显的收缩峰，后期则变化不明显。二级肺动脉分别经ERK1/2上游激酶抑制剂 U0126、p38 MAPK 通路抑制剂 SB203580 孵育后，Ⅱ期持续收缩幅度明显下降（P<0.05)，Ⅰ期快速收缩峰、Ⅰ期舒张均没有明显变化。结论: 在离体条件下，急性低氧高二氧化碳（PO₂ = 30-35 mmHg，PCO₂=55-60 mmHg)可使肺主动脉出现早期快速收缩，并可使二级肺动脉环发生双向性收缩反应；急性低氧高二氧化碳条件下，U0126、SB203580 均能减弱二级肺动脉环的Ⅱ期持续收缩反应。这为临床治疗缺氧和高碳酸血症引起的肺血管收缩及肺动脉高压提供了理论依据。     

The current status of the platelet 5-HT(2A) receptor in depression

The author reviews the current status of the platelet serotonin (5-HT)(2A) receptor in depression. Considered are studies of receptor binding, and 5-HT-induced platelet activation and aggregation. 5-HT(2A) receptor density tends to increase in depression, although this more clearly relates to suicidality than depression per se. Indeed, data are consistent with the hypothesis that increased density of platelet 5-HT(2A) receptors may be a marker for increased risk of suicide. 5-HT-induced calcium mobilization is enhanced in unipolar depression; however, unlike in bipolar depression, baseline calcium levels are not. Despite inconsistencies, 5-HT-induced aggregation appears inhibited in depression. This may manifest as a relative inhibition, i.e. no change in aggregation response despite a higher density of 5-HT(2A) receptors. The inhibited aggregation response is state dependent, and acute phase proteins or components of the stress response may be factors. It is unclear if differences between depressed and normal subjects in disposition of 5-HT(2A) receptors are generally indicative of traits or states. Nonetheless, there is little evidence that the degree of departure from normal density or activity of platelet of 5-HT(2A) receptors reflects severity of depression.     

Persistent and selective effects of inflammation on smooth muscle cell contractility in rat colitis

Intestinal inflammation affects smooth muscle contractility contributing to altered motility, but changes to the individual smooth muscle cells are not well described. We used video microscopy to study the contractility of circular smooth muscle cells (CSMC) isolated from the rat mid-descending colon throughout the course of TNBS-induced colitis, measuring their shortening response to carbachol (CCh), 5-HT, histamine or high K⁺. In control CSMC, CCh caused a maximal shortening response of 28 (2%), similar to that for 5-HT of 27 (1%), but by day 4 of colitis, these responses were decreased by 35% and 37%, respectively. By day 36, all aspects of cholinergic contraction returned to control levels, while 5-HT-induced contraction remained significantly attenuated. In contrast, the contractile responses to histamine remained similar at all time points. K⁺-induced contraction was impaired only on day 4, and the maximal response remained substantially greater than CCh or 5-HT. Colitis caused a 121% increase in CSMC length by day 2 that persisted through day 36, independent evidence for phenotypic change. We conclude that impaired CSMC contractility at both the receptor and non-receptor levels contribute to altered smooth muscle function during colitis. Persistent changes in contractile response remained detectable after resolution of inflammation, and similar events may occur in post-enteritis syndromes seen in humans.     

慢性缺氧对大鼠肺内动脉平滑肌细胞Kv1.3、Kv2.1、Kv3.1钾通道基因在急性缺氧时表达的影响

目的与方法:用半定量RT-PCR方法,研究慢性连代缺氧对大鼠肺内动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMC)Kv13、Kv21、Kv31钾通道基因在急性缺氧时表达变化的影响。结果:①正常及慢性缺氧鼠PASMC中均有Kv13、Kv21、Kv31基因表达;②急性缺氧可使PASMC中Kv21、Kv31mRNA表达明显上调,其mRNA分别由0.646±0.092、0.782±0.104升高到1.059±0.134、0.985±0.116(P<0.01);③慢性缺氧后复氧12h再急性缺氧6h,PASMCKv21mRNA、Kv31mRNA水平均降低,其中Kv21mRNA由1.008±0.117下降到0.649±0.097,差异有极显著意义(P<0.01)。结论:Kv21、Kv31基因可能是缺氧反应基因,慢性缺氧可改变PASMC的Kv21、Kv31钾通道基因对急性缺氧的反应,使其由表达上调转变为下调,可能因而降低此钾通道在HPV中的作用。     

Influence of heat stress on the reactivity of isolated chicken carotid artery to vasoactive agents

Cerebral ischaemia is considered to be an important cause of central nervous system dysfunction in heat stress. We hypothesized that heat stress would alter the reactivity of isolated carotid artery to vasoactive agents. Carotid arteries were isolated from broiler chickens maintained either at 23-24 degrees C with 55-65% humidity (control conditions) or exposed to 40 +/- 1 degrees C with 35% humidity for 4 h (heat stress). Contractions were elicited with vasoconstrictors such as 5-HT, phenylephrine, guanfacine and CaCl(2) (K(+)-depolarized) in endothelium-denuded arterial rings. Heat stress significantly increased the potency of 5-HT, but had no effect on the sensitivity of the vessel to phenylephrine or guanfacine. In contrast, it markedly decreased the potency and efficacy of CaCl(2). Vasodilator responses to ACh (endothelium-intact) and sodium nitroprusside (endothelium-denuded), however, were unaffected. Although cyclopiazonic acid (10 microm) significantly decreased 5-HT responses in both the conditions, the agonist was still more potent in heat stress. Extracellular Ca(2)(+) removal had no effect on contractions caused by 5-HT in control conditions, but it significantly decreased the agonist potency in heat stress. Interestingly, nifedipine (1 microm) markedly inhibited 5-HT-induced contractions both in control conditions and in heat stress, implying an inhibitory effect on both Ca(2)(+) influx and release. Thus, nifedipine had a markedly greater inhibitory effect on 5-HT-induced contractions in heat stress compared with control conditions. The results suggest that heat stress increased the vasoconstrictor responses to 5-HT by a mechanism that involved extracellular Ca(2)(+) influx through nifedipine-sensitive L-type calcium channels.     

慢性缺氧对大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞胞内钙的影响及其机制研究

目的:研究慢性缺氧对大鼠肺动脉平滑肌细胞(PASMCs)胞内钙浓度(［Ca²⁺］_i)的影响及L-型钙通道和胞内钙库的作用,为缺氧性肺动脉高压(HPH)发病机制的进一步研究提供理论依据。 方法:复制大鼠缺氧性肺动脉高压动物模型，利用Fura－2/AM钙离子成像方法测定PASMCs在不同钙离子浓度细胞外液及L-型钙通道阻滞剂nifedipine和IP3R钙通道抑制剂肝素干预前后 ［Ca²⁺］_i变化。 结果:(1)缺氧＋含钙外液组PASMCs ［Ca²⁺］_i 显著高于对照＋含钙外液组（P<0.05）。缺氧＋含钙外液组PASMCs ［Ca²⁺］_i显著高于缺氧＋无钙外液组（P<0.05）。(2)缺氧nifedipine组PASMCs［Ca²⁺］_i在加药前后无显著差异（P>0.05）。（3）缺氧未干预组与缺氧肝素组PASMCs ［Ca²⁺］_i无明显差异（P>0.05）。 结论:慢性缺氧可使PASMCs的［Ca²⁺］_i增加。慢性缺氧引起［Ca²⁺］_i增加可能与细胞外钙内流有关，L-型钙通道和IP3R钙通道在调节［Ca²⁺］_i的过程中可能不独立发挥作用。     

Difference in signal transduction mechanisms involved in 5-hydroxytryptamine- and U46619-induced vasoconstrictions.

In order to elucidate the signal transduction pathways of vascular smooth muscle contractions induced by stimulation of receptors for 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2), both of which are released from activated platelets, we examined whether protein kinases, such as tyrosine kinase, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase C (PKC), are involved in the contraction produced by either 5-HT or U46619 (an analog of TXA2) in the rat aorta. Both 5-HT and U46619 induced sustained contractions, which were markedly reduced in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Verapamil (a L-type Ca2+ channel blocker) markedly inhibited the contractile response to 5-HT, while the U46619-induced contraction was only slightly inhibited by verapamil. Both contractile responses to 5-HT and U46619 were significantly inhibited by calphostin C (a PKC inhibitor). On the other hand, both genistein (5 microM, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) significantly inhibited 5-HT-induced contractions but had little effects on the contractions induced by U46619. These results suggest that the signal transduction mechanisms involved in the contractions mediated via 5-HT and TXA2 receptors are different as follows. Both the tyrosine kinase and p38 MAPK pathways are involved in 5-HT contraction but not in TXA2 contraction, while both contractions are strongly dependent on transplasmalemmal Ca2+ entry. The contractile responses to both 5-HT and TXA2 involve voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and PKC.     

Mast cell-cholinergic nerve interaction in mouse airways

We addressed the mechanism by which antigen contracts trachea isolated from actively sensitized mice. Trachea were isolated from mice (C57BL/6J) that had been actively sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA). OVA (10 μg ml⁻¹) caused histamine release (∼70% total tissue content), and smooth muscle contraction that was rapid in onset and short-lived ( t _1/2 < 1 min), reaching approximately 25% of the maximum tissue response. OVA contraction was mimicked by 5-HT, and responses to both OVA and 5-HT were sensitive to 10 μ m -ketanserin (5-HT₂ receptor antagonist) and strongly inhibited by atropine (1 μ m ). Epithelial denudation had no effect on the OVA-induced contraction. Histological assessment revealed about five mast cells/tracheal section the vast majority of which contained 5-HT. There were virtually no mast cells in the mast cell-deficient ( sash −/−) mouse trachea. OVA failed to elicit histamine release or contractile responses in trachea isolated from sensitized mast cell-deficient ( sash −/−) mice. Intracellular recordings of the membrane potential of parasympathetic neurons in mouse tracheal ganglia revealed a ketanserin-sensitive 5-HT-induced depolarization and similar depolarization in response to OVA challenge. These data support the hypothesis that antigen-induced contraction of mouse trachea is epithelium-independent, and requires mast cell-derived 5-HT to activate 5-HT₂ receptors on parasympathetic cholinergic neurons. This leads to acetylcholine release from nerve terminals, and airway smooth muscle contraction.     

Effects of hyperoxia and hypoxia on dynamic and sustained static performance of the human quadriceps muscle

The influence of variations in inspired P_o2 on dynamic and static muscle performance of the left quadriceps muscle was studied. Eight subjects performed (1) 60 maximal consecutive dynamic contractions and (2) one sustained exhaustive static contraction at 27% of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC).Breathing mixtures containing 11%, 21% or 99% O₂, were administered. Peak torque as an average of the 60 knee exteasions was higher (p<0.01) during hyperoxia (mean ± SE= 104±4 Nm) than during normoxia (98±4 Nm), but did not differ significantly between hypoxia (95±5 Nm) and normoxia. Peak torque of individual extensions declined more rapidly during hypoxia than during normoxia, differing in the final 12 extensions by 11% from normoxic values. Static endurance time was reduced (p<0.02) during hypoxia (152±12 s) as compared to normoxia (189±13 s) and hyperoxia (169±11 s).No significant difference in endurance time was demonstrated between hyperoxia and normoxia. Thus, hypoxia impaired muscle performance in both dynamic and sustained static exercise, whereas acute hyperoxia improved dynamic but not static muscle performance. The results are interpreted in terms of differences in rate of intramuscular H⁺ accumulation.     

Effects of pH on contraction and Ca2+ mobilization in vascular smooth muscles of the rabbit basilar artery

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of extracellular pH (pHe) and intracellular pH (pHi) on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)-induced contraction and Ca2+ mobilization in vascular smooth muscles. Strip preparations of the rabbit basilar artery without endothelium were loaded with 40 microM fura-2-AM and 2 microM BCECF-AM and mounted in an organ bath. The isometric tension was recorded by using a force displacement transducer. Administration of 5-HT caused dose-dependent contraction in the rabbit basilar arteries. Acidification of pHe from 7.40 to 6.90 reduced the 5-HT-induced contraction and [Ca2+]i transients. Alkalinization of pHe from 7.40 to 7.90, on the other hand, enhanced the contraction and elevation of [Ca2+]i. In the other series of experiments, pHi (7.12 in normal PSS) was selectively altered by adding either butyric acid or trimethylamine. Intracellular acidification (pHi = 6.89) and alkalinization (pHi = 7.35) without changes in pHe produced qualitatively similar effects to those caused by extracellular acidification and alkalinization, respectively. Ca-sensitivity, which is defined as Deltatension/Delta[Ca2+]i, was not affected by the alteration of pHe nor pHi. In the Ca2+-free solution, the addition of 5-HT produced transient increases in [Ca2+]i and isometric tension that were much smaller than those in the normal physiological salt solution. The 5-HT-induced responses of [Ca2+]i and tension in the Ca2+-free solution were not affected by acidification nor alkalinization. These results suggest that a 5-HT-induced contraction is significantly modulated by pH through changing the [Ca2+]i transients, and that the change of pHi plays, at least in part, a role in the alteration of 5-HT-induced contraction resulting from acidosis or alkalosis in the rabbit basilar artery.     

New insights in the regulation of calcium transfers by muscle dystrophin-based cytoskeleton: implications in DMD

Calcium mishandling in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) suggested that dystrophin, a membrane-associated cytoskeleton protein, may regulate calcium-signalling cascades such as calcium entries. Calcium overload in human DMD myotubes is dependent on their contractile activity suggesting the involvement of channels being activated during contraction and/or calcium release. Forced expression of mini-dystrophin in dystrophin-deficient myotubes, reactivates appropriate sarcolemmal expression of dystrophin-associated proteins and restores normal calcium handling in the cytosol. Furthermore, the recombinant mini-dystrophin reduced the store-operated calcium influx across the sarcolemma, and the mitochondrial calcium uptake during this influx. A slow component of calcium release dependent on IP3R, as well as the production of IP3, were also reduced to normal levels by expression of mini-dystrophin. Our studies provide a new model for the convergent regulation of transmembrane calcium influx and IP3-dependent calcium release by the dystrophin-based cytoskeleton (DBC). We also suggest molecular association of such channels with DBC which may provide the scaffold for assembling a multiprotein-signalling complex that modulates the channel activity. This suggests that the loss of this molecular association could participate in the alteration of calcium homeostasis observed in DMD muscle cells.