Is estradiol cardioprotection a nitric oxide-mediated effect?

BACKGROUND: Estradiol exerts a number of biological effects that support extensive observational data suggesting a protective role for estrogen in cardiovascular disease prevention. These include effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, coagulation/fibrinolysis as well as a possible effect on vascular reactivity. It has been proposed that this might be mediated by vascular endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production. Accordingly, we designed complementary in-vivo and in-vitro studies to investigate this hypothesis further. METHODS: Firstly, in a group of 10 healthy post-menopausal women, bilateral venous occlusion plethysmography was used to examine forearm vasoconstrictor responses to intrabrachial N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA; a substrate inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase) both before and after 4 weeks of treatment with transdermal 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) (80 microg/day). Secondly, we examined the direct effects of acute (24 h) and chronic (7 days) treatment with E(2) (10 pmol/l and 10 nmol/l) on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene expression in cultured human aortic endothelial cells. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the vasoconstrictor responses to l-NMMA (2, 4, 8 micromol/min) before and after E(2) treatment. Comparison of E(2)-treated endothelial cells with control cells showed no significant increase in eNOS mRNA expression following either acute or chronic estradiol treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The present studies do not provide evidence for an eNOS-mediated cardioprotective response to estrogen and therefore suggest that additional mechanisms other than the endothelial NO system may have an important role in the cardiovascular effects of estrogen.     

Effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on arterial,venous and capillary functions in cat skeletal muscle in vivo

The aim of the present study was to analyse quantitatively, on a cat gastrocnemius muscle preparation in vivo, the effects of local angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition by enalaprilat on total regional vascular resistance (tone) and its distribution to the large-bore arterial resistance vessels (>25 μm), the small arterioles (<25 μm) and the veins. Associated effects on capillary pressure and fluid exchange were also studied. Close-arterial infusion of enalaprilat (0.05–0.20 mg kg muscle tissue min^-1) elicited a moderate dilator response in all three consecutive sections of the muscle vascular bed, an increase in capillary pressure and transcapillary fluid filtration. This dilation could be abolished by the selective bradykinin B₂-receptor antagonist Hoe 140 (2 mg kg^-1 min^-1, i.a.), indicating that the dilator mechanism of ACE inhibition was an increased local concentration of bradykinin, and hardly at all a decreased concentration of angiotensin (AT) II. The generalized dilator response to ACE inhibition along the vascular bed suggested a relatively uniform distribution of ACE from artery to vein and this was further supported by the finding that a close-arterial infusion of AT I (0.04–0.32 μg kg^-1 min^-1), which was vasoactive only after conversion to AT II by local ACE, elicited a generalized constrictor response in all three vascular sections. In contrast, infused AT II (0.01–0.16 μg kg^-1 min^-1) constricted almost selectively the large-bore arterial vessels. The specific angiotensin AT₁-receptor antagonist losartan (2 mg kg^-1 min^-1, i.a.) abolished the constrictor response to AT II but did not affect vascular tone under control conditions, indicating that AT II is not involved in the initiation of basal vascular tone in muscle. These results, taken together, indicate that under basal conditions vascular ACE contributes to the local control of vascular tone in skeletal muscle by degrading the endogenous dilator bradykinin, and not by converting AT I into vasoconstrictor AT II.     

Mast cells,compound 48/80, and prolonged hypothermia in the rat

In the nonhibernating animal the stress of prolonged deep hypothermia is associated with the development of circulatory symptoms like those of burn-shock. Mast cells are sensitive to a variety of stressors, including thermal ones, and commonly react by releasing vasoactive substances that may facilitate vascular changes similar to those of burnshock. The possible role of mast cells in the complications of prolonged hypothermia was the object of this investigation. Two groups of female albino rats were subjected to 15° C total body hypothermia for 7.5 hr and then rewarmed artificially. Group I had been treated previously with compound 48/80 which depletes the mast cell content of tissues. Group II constituted controls and possessed a normal complement of mast cells. Progressive hemoconcentration was noted in both groups. However, the hematocrits of the 48/80-treated animals were significantly lower at selected intervals than those of control animals. In addition, 100% survival of the 48/80-treated animals was recorded in contrast to a 60% survival rate for controls. Microscopic examination of the mast cells in several tissues of additional controls suggested a loss of granule density during hypothermia and early rewarming. This investigation offers circumstantial evidence that mast cells of the rat facilitate the development of some of the deleterious effects of prolonged hypothermia.     

Regulation of Sinusoidal Perfusion in Portal Hypertension

Portal hypertension, a major complication of cirrhosis, is caused by both increased portal blood flow and augmented intrahepatic vascular resistance. Even though the latter is primarily caused by anatomical changes, it has become clear that dynamic factors contribute to the increased hepatic vascular resistance. The hepatic sinusoid is the narrowest vascular structure within the liver and is the principal site of blood flow regulation. The anatomical location of hepatic stellate cells, which embrace the sinusoids, provides a favorable arrangement for sinusoidal constriction, and for control of sinusoidal vascular tone and blood flow. Hepatic stellate cells possess the essential contractile apparatus for cell contraction and relaxation. Moreover, the mechanisms of stellate cell contraction are better understood, and many substances which influence contractility have been identified, providing a rationale and opportunity for targeting these cells in the treatment of portal hypertension in cirrhosis. Anat Rec, 291:693–698, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Human cytokines modulate arterial vascular tone via endothelial receptors

Only a few cytokines have been tested for their possible role in modulating vascular function. Moreover, no direct effect of cytokines on vascular tone has yet been thoroughly studied. We therefore examined whether a wide range of well-defined cytokines could directly affect vascular tone in isolated human arterial and venous segments from various organs. We found that the cytokines stem cell factor (maximal response with 1 mM), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (0, 1 mM) and erythropoietin (1 mM) relaxed, while tumor necrosis factor alpha (0.1 mM), interleukin (IL) 6 (10 mM) and IL-10 (0.1 mM) induced contraction of arterial but not of venous segments. The cytokines (maximal concentration tested was 1 mM) IL-3, IL-5, IL-13, macrophage colony-stimulating factor and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor had no apparent effects on either arterial or venous tone. These vascular effects were endothelium-dependent as denuded arteries did not respond to any cytokine, and inhibition of nitric oxide synthase or endothelin receptor A abrogated the cytokine-induced changes in vascular tone. With immunohistochemistry we found receptors for the active cytokines on the arterial endothelium. In conclusion, several cytokines may modulate arterial vascular tone via endothelium-dependent mechanisms. Therefore cytokines might significantly modify blood supply to inflamed or ischemic tissues with elevated local concentrations of cytokines.     

Differences in morphology and cytoskeleton of MCF-7 and MX-1 cells after therapy with OH-Tamoxifen and the pure estrogen antagonist ZM 182780: An immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopic study

The adjuvant endocrine therapy of breast cancer with non-steroidal antiestrogens of the triphenylethylene-type such as tamoxifen is clinically well established, and pure steroidal antiestrogens are being introduced in clinical trials to circumvent the probable occurrence of tamoxifen resistance. Nevertheless, there do still remain some unsolved questions about the exact mechanisms of these substances. We therefore investigated the different effects of 4-OH-Tamoxifen (OHT), a non-steroidal antiestrogen, versus ZM 182780, a pure steroidal antiestrogen, on the morphology and on the cytoskeleton of MCF-7 (estrogen receptor-positive) and MX-1 (estrogen receptor-negative) cells. For this purpose cells were treated for 2, 5 and 7 days with OHT, ZM182780 and different concentrations of beta-estradiol. Interestingly, in scanning electron microscopy, MCF-7 cells showed more differentiation by forming three-dimensional structures such as acini or tubule-like structures under ZM 182780 therapy than with OHT. As expected, MX-1 cells showed no effects after ZM 182780-therapy, but OHT led to a decrease in the number of these cells and produced a fibroblast-like appearance of the estrogen receptor-negative MX-1 cells. The following immunocytochemical experiments on the tubulin, vimentin, cytokeratin and actin cytoskeleton surprisingly did not show marked differences within the morphologically differentiated ZM 182780-treated population compared to the control group of MCF-7 cells. Only the OHT-treated cells of both, the ER(+) and the ER(-) cells, showed a rearrangement of actin filaments and cytokeratin which appeared even more pronounced within the ER(-) MX-1 cells. No experimental group showed morphologically detectable changes in tubulin or vimentin distribution. These data suggest a non ER-mediated OHT-effect on the cytoskeleton that also affects the ER(-) cell line MX-1.     

Potentiation by prostaglandins e1, e2, and f2alpha of the contraction response to transmural stimulation in the bovine iris sphincter muscle.

The contraction response to transmural stimulation in the bovine iris sphincter muscle was abolished by atropine but was left virtually unchanged by hexamethonium, and by adrenergic neuron and receptor blockers, indicating activation of postganglionic cholinergic nerve fibres. Low doses of prostaglandins e1, e2 and F2alpha (0.1-5.3 ng/ml) consistently and apparently in a dose-dependent manner enhanced the contraction response to transmural stimulation. Prostaglandins E1 and E2 were equipotent while F2alpha was at least 10 times less active. Within the same dose range the prostaglandins also enhanced the contraction response to exogenous acetylcholine, indicating that part of the enhancing effect of the prostaglandins on neuromuscular transmission was due to a postjunctional action. A spontaneous increase in tone of the preparation commonly occurred about 1 h after the beginning of the experiment. SC 19220, a potent antagonist of prostaglandin action, reduced the tone and the contraction responses as well as the enhancing effect of the prostaglandins. It is concluded that prostaglandins might serve the function of controlling neuroeffector transmission and muscular tone in the sphincter muscle of the bovine iris.     

Estrogen regulates endothelial migration via plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1)

Endothelial plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) controls vascular remodeling, angiogenesis and fibrinolysis. PAI-1 blood levels in women are related to estrogen. The aim of this study was to characterize the signaling pathways through which estrogen regulates PAI-1 in endothelial cells. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate whether PAI-1 is implicated in the control of endothelial migration by estrogen. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and ovariectomized rats were used to test the effects of 17β-estradiol (E(2)) on PAI-1 expression and its role on endothelial migration. At physiological concentrations, E(2) increases the expression of PAI-1 in HUVEC within 6-12 h through activation of a signaling cascade initiated by estrogen receptor α and involving G proteins, phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase and Rho-associated kinase II. ROCK-II activation turns into an over-expression of c-Jun and c-Fos that is required for E(2)-induced expression of PAI-1. Estrogen-induced PAI-1 expression is implicated in HUVEC horizontal migration. PAI-1 regulation is found also in vivo, in female rats, where ovariectomy is associated with reduced PAI-1 expression, while estrogen replacement counteracts this change. In conclusion, E(2) increases PAI-1 synthesis in human endothelial cells and in rodent aorta through a G protein-initiated signaling that targets early-immediate gene expression. This regulatory pathway is implicated in endothelial cell migration. These findings describe new mechanisms of action of estrogens in the vessels, which may be important for vascular remodeling and hemostasis.     

血管紧张素Ⅱ2型受体对大鼠血管平滑肌增殖的影响及其机制

目的：观察血管紧张素Ⅱ（AngⅡ）2型受体（AT2R）对培养的大鼠血管平滑肌细胞 （VSMC）增殖的影响。方法： 将AT2R cDNA转染到培养的大鼠VSMC中， 分别观察AngⅡ、AngⅡ＋losartan、AngⅡ+PD123319等不同处理因素处理对VSMC的 细胞数目以及PCNA、 NOS表达的影响。 结果：losartan 处理组细胞数目和PCNA表达量少于AngⅡ处理组，NOS表达量高于AngⅡ处理组， 而PD123319处理组细胞数目和PCNA表达量显著高于AngⅡ处理，NOS表达量较之为少。结论： 激活AT2R能拮抗AngⅡ的由AT1R介导的促细胞增殖作用，这种作用可能与激活AT2R后NOS表达增多使 NO合成增多有关。     

Estradiol enhances primary antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses and Th1 development in vivo. Essential role of estrogen receptor alpha expression in hematopoietic cells

It is widely accepted that females have superior immune responses than males, but the ways by which sex hormones may enhance T cell responses are still poorly understood. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of estrogens on CD4 T cell activation and differentiation after immunization with exogenous antigens. We show that administration of low doses of 17beta-estradiol (E2) to castrated female mice results in a striking increase of antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses and in the selective development of IFN-gamma-producing cells. Quantitative assessment of the frequency of T cells bearing a public TCR beta chain CDR3 motif demonstrated that the clonal size of primary antigen-specific CD4 T cells was dramatically increased in immune lymph nodes from E2-treated mice. By using mice with disrupted estrogen receptor (ER) alpha or beta genes, we show that ERalpha, but not ERbeta, was necessary for the enhanced E2-driven Th1 cell responsiveness. Furthermore, ERalpha expression in hematopoietic cells was essential, since E2 effects on Th1 responses were only observed in mice reconstituted with bone marrow cells from ERalpha+/+, but not ERalpha-deficient mice. These results demonstrate that estrogen administration promotes strong antigen-specific Th1 cell responses in a mechanism that requires functional expression of ERalpha in hematopoietic cells.     

Effects of losartan, prazosin and a vasopressin V1-receptor antagonist on renal and femoral blood flow in conscious sheep

The regulation of blood flow to different organs is determined by the autonomic nervous system and systemic and/or local vasoactive substances. Although the cardiovascular effects of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), the sympathoadrenal system and vasopressin (AVP) have been thoroughly studied, there are relatively few investigations on these systems with concomitant measurements of systemic haemodynamics and regional blood flow in conscious unstressed individuals. We therefore studied effects of pharmacological blockade of AVP V1-, angiotensin II (ANG II) AT1-and adrenergic alpha-receptors on central and regional (renal and femoral blood flow) haemodynamics in adult conscious ewes. Eight adult cross-bred ewes were chronically intrumented with peri-vascular ultrasonic flow probes implanted unilaterally around the renal and the femoral artery. While standing in their habitual environment, systemic and regional haemodynamics were measured before and after the following treatments as single intravenous injections. Animals in group A (n = 6) were given isotonic saline (NaCl) followed by the AT1-receptor blocker losartan (LOS, 10 mg kg-1) 30 min later; group B (n = 6) animals were given the alpha-adrenoceptor blocker prazosin (PRAZ, 0.2 mg kg-1); and group C (n = 6) the vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist [d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP] (AVP-a, 10 microg kg-1). PRAZ reduced mean arterial pressure (MAP) by 11% concomitant with an increase in heart rate (HR) (32%), whereas the other substances where without effect on those variables. Femoral blood flow (FBF) was enhanced (increased by 82%) by injection of PRAZ only. Administration of LOS increased the renal blood flow (RBF) by 11% while the other drugs were without effect on that parameter. We conclude that basal renal vascular tone in conscious unstressed sheep is dependent on angiotensinergic mechanism and that blockade of this influence causes a local increase in flow without concomitant effects on systemic haemodynamics.     

MaxiK channel roles in blood vessel relaxations induced by endothelium-derived relaxing factors and their molecular mechanisms.

The endothelium of blood vessels plays a crucial role in the regulation of blood flow by controlling mechanical functions of underlying vascular smooth muscle. The regulation by the endothelium of vascular smooth muscle relaxation and contraction is mainly achieved via the release of vasoactive substances upon stimulation with neurohumoural substances and physical stimuli. Nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin I2 (prostacyclin, PGI2) are representative endothelium-derived chemicals that exhibit powerful blood vessel relaxation. NO action involves activation of soluble guanylyl cyclase and PGI2 action is initiated by the stimulation of a cell-surface receptor (IP receptor, IPR) that is coupled with Gs-protein-adenylyl cyclase cascade. Many studies on the mechanisms by which NO and PGI2 elicit blood vessel relaxation have highlighted a role of the large conductance, Ca2+-activated K+ (MaxiK, BKCa) channel in smooth muscle as their common downstream effector. Furthermore, their molecular mechanisms have been unravelled to include new routes different from the conventionally approved intracellular pathways. MaxiK channel might also serve as a target for endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), the non-NO, non-PGI2 endothelium-derived relaxing factor in some blood vessels. In this brief article, we review how MaxiK channel serves as an endothelium-vascular smooth muscle transducer to communicate the chemical signals generated in the endothelium to control blood vessel mechanical functions and discuss their molecular mechanisms.     

Effects of centrally administered losartan on deoxycorticosterone-salt hypertension rats

To investigate whether brain AT1 receptor stimulation contributes as a hypertensive mechanism to deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension, losartan (1 mg/4 microL) or artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) was injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle in conscious control uninephrectomized Wistar rats or rats with DOCA-salt for 2 or 4 weeks, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rates (HR) were recorded. In rats with DOCA-salt treatment, resting MAP increased to 144+/-6 mmHg after 2 weeks and to 170+/-5 mmHg after 4 weeks versus 115- 120 mmHg in controls. In rats with 2 week DOCA-salt treatment, MAP started declining at 4 hr after intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of losartan, and significant decreases in MAP were found at 18 and 24 hr. In rats with 4 week DOCA-salt treatment, MAP was significantly decreased at 4, 18 and 24 hr. In both groups MAP decreased to that of control rats. In control rats, icv losartan had no effect on MAP and HR. Icv aCSF did not significantly change MAP and HR in either DOCA-salt hypertensive rats or control rats. Normalization of MAP after icv administration of the AT1 receptor antagonist suggests a significant role for brain AT1 receptor stimulation in the development and maintenance of hypertension in the DOCA-salt hypertensive rat model.     

自体移植兔静脉细胞增殖与钙激活钾通道的变化

目的: 研究静脉移植后钙激活钾通道(K_Ca)的变化,并探讨其病理生理意义。方法: 将兔的双侧股静脉倒置移植于同侧股动脉缺损之间,采用离体血管灌流的方法,测定移植静脉环的张力。分别以图像分析和四唑盐(MTT)比色法检测移植静脉内膜增厚的程度以及K_Ca的阻断剂盐酸四乙胺(tetraethylammonium chloride, TEA)对培养的家兔股静脉血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cells, VSMCs)增殖的影响。进而采用膜片钳技术记录K_Ca电流。 结果: 移植后1 week, 静脉的收缩性和内膜相对厚度没有显著变化。静脉移植后2 weeks,收缩性和内膜相对厚度显著大于对照组(P＜0.05, n=8)。移植后4 weeks静脉的收缩性和内膜相对厚度进一步大于对照组(P＜0.01, n=8)。TEA(2-8 mmol/L)显著增加培养VSMCs的MTT吸光值,并且有剂量依赖性(P＜0.05, n=8)。膜片钳实验结果显示,指令电位在(30-60)mV时,移植(1-4) weeks静脉VSMCs的K_Ca 电流密度均显著低于对照组(P＜0.05, n=5),指令电位在20 mV时,只有移植4 weeks静脉VSMCs的K_Ca电流密度显著低于对照组(P＜0.05, n=5)。结论: 自体移植静脉VSMC的K_Ca受到抑制,可能是血管收缩性增强、VSMCs异常增殖的原因,从而导致自体移植静脉痉挛和狭窄。     

雌激素对大鼠血管平滑肌细胞囊泡素-1基因表达的影响

目的:探讨雌激素对血管平滑肌细胞囊泡素-1基因表达的影响。方法:取Wistar雌性大鼠,分为3组:假手术组,卵巢切除后皮下埋植雌激素组 (OVX+E组)及卵巢切除后皮下埋植安慰剂组(OVX+V组)。用药2周后处死大鼠,剥离主动脉平滑肌组织,提取总RNA进行半定量RT-PCR分析,检测雌激素对囊泡素-1(caveolin-1)基因表达的影响。为进一步明确雌激素是否直接调节血管平滑肌细胞caveolin-1基因表达,又采用100 nmol/L 17β-雌二醇(17β-E₂)处理培养的大鼠血管平滑肌细胞24 h,通过Northern blot分析检测雌激素对细胞caveolin-1 mRNA表达的影响。结果:OVX+E组大鼠主动脉平滑肌组织caveolin-1基因表达量明显高于OVX+V组,17β-E₂处理的培养细胞中caveolin-1基因mRNA表达量高于未用药的培养细胞。 结论:雌激素可促进血管平滑肌细胞caveolin-1基因表达,反映了雌激素心血管作用机理的一个方面。     

Cell calcium concentration in glomerular afferent and efferent arterioles under the action of noradrenaline and angiotensin II

The glomerular arterioles in the juxtaglomerular apparatus seem to function as effectors of the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism. In this mechanism increased delivery of fluid to the distal nephron activates the macula densa cells through transport via an Na-2C1-K cotransporter. This activation may lead to vasoconstriction of the afferent arteriole. Furthermore, vasoactive substances seem to affect both afferent and efferent arterioles. There are morphological differences along the afferent arteriole, some parts containing epithelioid cells with renin granules and others regular smooth muscle cells. The aim of the present experiments was to determine whether noradrenaline (10?⁶ M) and angiotensin II (10?⁶ M) had differential effects on the cell calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]j and on contraction in isolated perfused afferent and efferent arterioles and in the mesangial region. [Ca²⁺], was measured with fura-2, an intensified videocamera and a digital imaging system. From the proximal to the distal part of the arteriole [Ca²⁺], increased from about 100 to 250 nM. A [Ca²⁺], increase and a contraction were caused by noradrenaline alone in the proximal part of the afferent arteriole and by angiotensin II alone in the distal part of this arteriole. In the mesangial region there was a high basal [Ca²⁺], but no response to the vasoactive substances. In the efferent arteriole, application of both noradrenaline and angiotensin II led to an increase in [Ca²⁺]₁ and a contraction. The present experiments indicate that the two vasoactive substances tested act in a similar fashion along the whole length of the efferent arteriole, while in the afferent arteriole their actions are not equally distributed.     

Pregnancy and ovarian steroid regulation of angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptor expression in ovine uterine artery endothelium and vascular smooth muscle.

Although pregnancy is clearly associated with refractoriness to infused angiotensin II (AII) in the uteroplacental unit, there is still dispute over the mechanism by which angiotensin type 1 and type 2 receptors (AT1R and AT2R) may mediate this response in the uterine artery. This is in large part due to incomplete knowledge of levels of AT1R and AT2R expression and function in uterine artery endothelium (UA Endo) in the nonpregnant (NP) and pregnant (P) states, combined with the disagreement on whether AII may act through release of adrenomedullary catecholamines. The authors have previously described an increase in AT1R in UA Endo but not UA vascular smooth muscle (VSM) during pregnancy as compared to the nonpregnant intact ewe. Herein they report that the pregnancy-associated increase in AT(1)R expression in UA Endo is regulated by ovarian steroids. Using a recently developed antibody to AT2R, the authors now show there is no change in AT2R in UA Endo or VSM associated with ovarian function, and although AT2R is not changed in UA Endo by pregnancy, there is a significant decrease observed in UA VSM at that time. The authors also examined changes in receptors in UA Endo and VSM in estrogen (E2beta)-primed ewes in view of the common use of this model as a control for physiologic studies. In contrast to their findings in nonprimed nonpregnant or pregnant animals, the authors observed a significant increase in both AT1R and AT2R in UA Endo in response to the supraphysiologic priming with E2beta. In order to address the possible functionality of AT1R or AT2R in UA Endo, the authors used the uterine artery endothelial cell (UAEC) model of UA endothelial cells maintained in culture to passage 4. Differences in expression of AT1R or AT2R were normalized at passage 4 in P-UAECs and NP-UAECs. Treatment with AII activated phospholipase C (PLC) in both NP- and P-UAECs but signaling through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway was dramatically enhanced in P-UAECs compared to NP-UAECs. Surprisingly, both phosphoinositol turnover and ERK2 phosphorylation responses failed to display the expected dose-responses. Inhibition of AII-stimulated ERK2 phosphorylation with antagonists DUP 753 (AT1R, 10 microM) and PD 123319 (AT2R, 10 microM) failed to selectively inhibit ERK2 phosphorylation. The authors conclude that (a) the net effect of pregnancy may be an increase in the AT1R/AT2R ratio in both UA Endo and VSM but through apparently distinct mechanisms, (b) the ovariectomized animal model is similar to the luteal state for AT1R and AT2R expression, while the E2beta-primed model does not resemble the nonpregnant or pregnant state, and (c) there is a real possibility that AII may mediate its effects either through a complex AT1R-AT2R interaction or via an as-yet unidentified non-AT1, non-AT2 receptor.     

Effects of ovariectomy and estrogen on skeletal muscle function in growing rats

This study examined the effect of estrogen replacement on soleus muscle size and contractile function in ovariectomized rats during physiological growth. Seven week old female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) control animals (SHAM), (2) ovariectomized animals without estrogen replacement (OVX/CO), and (3) ovariectomized animals with 17 beta-estradiol replacement (OVX/E2). OVX/CO and OVX/E2 animals were pair-fed to SHAM animals to rule out the potentially confounding effect of differences in food intake. Rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after surgery and the soleus muscle was removed for analysis. Estrogen replacement reduced body weight, relative body weight gain, and soleus muscle fiber size despite all groups having a similar food intake. Ovariectomy alone had no effect on any of these parameters suggesting that estrogen may inhibit skeletal muscle growth when it is the only ovarian hormone present. Neither ovariectomy nor estrogen replacement affected maximal specific isometric force. Estrogen replacement increased half relaxation time. Ovariectomy resulted in a reduction in time to peak tension that was reversed with estrogen replacement. This reduction was not accompanied by a change in myosin heavy chain composition implying that calcium handling may have been altered. Results from this study suggest that estrogen affects skeletal muscle growth and twitch kinetics.     

雌激素及类雌激素测评系统的建立

目的采用重组报道基因的方法开发一套可筛选环境雌激素和检测青春期前儿童体内雌激素水平的雌激素受体介导的转录激活测评系统。方法构建含有雌激素受体反应元件的报道载体pGL3-ERE—LUC和pGL3-overERE—LUC以及人类雌激素受体表达载体pSG5-ER。将两种报道载体分别转染入MCF-7细胞中，加入不同浓度雌激素受体配体，观察其对该系统的影响？将两种报道载体分别与雌激素受体表达载体共转染，加入不同浓度雌激素受体配体，观察其对该系统的影响。结果酶切结果证实pSG5-ER表达载体及报告载体构建成功。转染rpGL3-ERE—LUC或pGL3-overERE—LUC的MCF-7细胞，当加入一定浓度雌二醇（E2）及异黄酮（isoflavone）时，荧光素酶活性均增加；加雌激素受体拮抗剂他莫惜芬（TAM）后，荧光素酶活性下降结论将pGl3-ERE—LUC或pGl3-overERE—LUC分别与pSG5-ER共转染入MCF-7细胞，可建立较敏感的环境雌激素测评系统.     

Magnesium transport in hypertension

Epidemiological, clinical and experimental evidence indicates an inverse association between Mg²⁺ levels (serum and tissue) and blood pressure. Magnesium may influence blood pressure by modulating vascular tone and structure through its effects on numerous biochemical reactions that control vascular contraction/dilation, growth/apoptosis, differentiation and inflammation. Magnesium acts as a calcium channel antagonist, it stimulates production of vasodilator prostacyclins and nitric oxide and it alters vascular responses to vasoactive agonists. Mammalian cells regulate Mg²⁺ concentration through specialized influx and efflux transport systems that have only recently been characterized. Magnesium efflux occurs via Na²⁺-dependent and Na²⁺-independent pathways. Mg²⁺ influx is controlled by recently cloned transporters including Mrs2p, SLC41A1, SLC41A1, ACDP2, MagT1, TRPM6 and TRPM7. Alterations in some of these systems may contribute to hypomagnesemia and intracellular Mg²⁺ deficiency in hypertension. In particular increased Mg²⁺ efflux through altered regulation of the vascular Na⁺/Mg²⁺ exchanger and decreased Mg²⁺ influx due to defective vascular and renal TRPM6/7 expression/activity may be important. This review discusses the role of Mg²⁺ in vascular biology and implications in hypertension and focuses on the putative transport systems that control vascular magnesium homeostasis. Much research is still needed to clarify the exact mechanisms of Mg²⁺ regulation in the cardiovascular system and the implications of aberrant transcellular Mg²⁺ transport in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease.