Insulin activates p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase via a MAP kinase kinase (MKK) 3/MKK 6 pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND: Induction of stress-activated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases such as p38 could be important for the development of cardiovascular diseases since p38 MAP kinase activation stimulates apoptosis, cell growth, prostanoid formation and other cellular dysfunctions when induced by oxidants, hyperosmolarity, or pro-inflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, insulin resistance is one of the most important factors promoting atherogenesis, including cardiovascular diseases, but it is not clear how these different factors transmit their signals intracellularly at the cytosolic and nuclear levels. In this study, we investigated the effect of insulin on p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: VSMC were obtained from the aortas of male Wistar rats by the media explant technique. After being stimulated by insulin with SB-203580, PD-98059, or GF109203X, the cells were solubilized and the expressions of MAP kinases, MAP kinase kinases and p70 S6 kinase were examined by immunoblot analysis. The amount of DNA synthesis was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. RESULTS: Insulin activated p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, and the phosphorylation was specifically inhibited by SB-203580, a p38 MAP kinase-specific inhibitor, but not by PD-98059, a specific inhibitor of upstream kinase (MEK), of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), or GF209203X, a protein kinase C-specific inhibitor. Insulin also activated MAP kinase kinase (MKK) 3/MKK 6 phosphorylation, the upstream kinase of p38 MAP kinase, but neither stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/ERK kinase (SEK1/MKK4) nor SAPK/c-jun NH2-terminal protein kinase. Surprisingly, phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase and an increase of DNA synthesis by insulin were suppressed dose dependently by SB-203580. CONCLUSION: These results have established that insulin activates the p38 MAP kinase cascade via an MKK 3/6 pathway in rat VSMC, independently of a MEK-ERK cascade, and partly regulates cell growth.     

平滑肌细胞成骨分化致血管钙化中MAPK信号通路基因的表达谱变化

背景：血管钙化是一种细胞介导的主动的、可调控的复杂生物学过程,血管平滑肌细胞转分化为成骨样细胞发挥着重要作用,其确切机制尚不清楚.目的：探讨尿毒症背景下动脉粥样硬化血管钙化的病理生理机制.方法：采用5/6肾切除法建立尿毒症背景下 ApoE-/-小鼠动脉血管钙化模型,苏木精-伊红染色和 Von Kossa染色观察主动脉组织形态学特点,明确造模成功.应用小鼠全基因组Agilent芯片筛查MAPK 信号通路的差异表达基因,实时定量PCR分析验证部分与MAPK信号通路相关的差异表达基因,并结合通路分析来探索MAPK信号通路与血管钙化的内在联系.结果与结论：造模12周后,尿毒症ApoE-/-小鼠主动脉组织形态学特点证实动脉粥样硬化钙化斑块形成.Agilent基因芯片检测结果显示,MAPK信号通路中存在14个差异表达基因,RT-PCR验证结果与芯片检测结果相符合.经KEGG通路分析,ERK1/2信号通路可能在血管钙化的病理生理过程中扮演着重要的角色.说明5/6肾切除ApoE-/-小鼠主动脉钙化斑块形成与MAPK 信号通路激活密切相关,该信号通路可能在平滑肌细胞转分化过程中起着至关重要作用.     

Mechanisms of ligand-induced desensitization of the 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptor.

We have examined the cellular processes underlying the desensitization of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(2A) receptor induced by agonist or antagonist exposure. Treatment of C6 glioma cells with either 5-HT or the 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist ketanserin resulted in an attenuation in 5-HT(2A) receptor function, specifically the accumulation of inositol phosphates stimulated by the partial agonist quipazine. 5-HT-induced desensitization of the 5-HT(2A) receptor involved receptor internalization through a clathrin- and dynamin-dependent process because it was prevented by concanavalin A, monodansylcadaverine, and by expression of the dominant negative mutants beta-arrestin (319-418) and dynamin K44A. Although short-term (i.e., 10 min) 5-HT and ketanserin exposure resulted in the same degree of desensitization, ketanserin-induced desensitization was not prevented by these agents and did not involve receptor internalization. In contrast, prolonged ketanserin exposure (i.e., 2 h) resulted in 5-HT(2A) receptor internalization through a clathrin- and dynamin-dependent process, as was observed after agonist treatment. Inhibitors of protein kinase C or calcium-calmodulin kinase II did not attenuate or prevent 5-HT-induced desensitization of the receptor. 5-HT(2A) receptor desensitization induced by 5-HT and prolonged ketanserin treatment, but not by short-term ketanserin treatment, was prevented by the expression of the dominant negative mutant of G protein-coupled receptor kinase (GRK)2, GRK2-K220R, and by an anti-GRK2/3 antibody. Our data indicate a dual mechanism of early and late desensitization by the antagonist ketanserin. Short-term ketanserin treatment reduced the specific binding of the agonist radioligand [(125)I](+/-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane ([(125)I]DOI) and the ability of 5'-guanylylimidodiphosphate to attenuate this binding, suggesting that at the early stage of antagonist-induced desensitization the capacity of the 5-HT(2A) receptor to couple to G protein is impaired.     

Norepinephrine-induced stimulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase is mediated by arachidonic acid metabolites generated by activation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) in vascular smooth muscle cells

p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is activated by norepinephrine (NE) in the vasculature and is implicated in vascular smooth muscle hypertrophy, contraction, and cell migration. NE promotes influx of Ca(2+) and activates cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of cPLA(2)-generated arachidonic acid (AA) and its metabolites to the activation of p38 MAPK measured by its phosphorylation, in response to NE in rabbit VSMC. NE-induced p38 MAPK activation was found to be mediated through the stimulation of alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+), and was attenuated by an inhibitor of cPLA(2) (pyrrolidine-1). Moreover, the cPLA(2) product, AA, activated p38 MAPK in VSMC. p38 MAPK activation elicited by NE was decreased significantly by the lipoxygenase (LO) inhibitor baicalein, and to a lesser extent by the cytochrome P450 inhibitor 17-octadecynoic acid, but was not affected by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin. The LO metabolites of AA, namely 5(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 12(S)-HETE, and 15(S)-HETE and the cytochrome P450 metabolite 20-HETE, activated p38 MAPK. NE-induced p38 MAPK stimulation was found to be independent of phospholipase D (PLD) activation in rabbit VSMC. Transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by NE also did not contribute to p38 MAPK activation. These data suggest that cPLA(2)-generated AA and its LO metabolites mediate NE-induced p38 MAPK stimulation in rabbit VSMC by a mechanism that is independent of PLD and EGFR activation.     

alpha1-Adrenergic receptor stimulation of mitogenesis in human vascular smooth muscle cells: role of tyrosine protein kinases and calcium in activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Signaling pathways of many G protein-coupled receptors overlap with those of receptor tyrosine kinases. We have found previously that alpha1-adrenergic receptors stimulate DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in human vascular smooth muscle cells; these effects were attenuated by the tyrosine protein kinase (TPK) inhibitor genistein and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) antagonist 2-aminopurine. Experiments were designed to determine if activation of alpha1 receptors directly stimulated TPKs and MAPKs in human vascular smooth muscle cells. Norepinephrine stimulated time- and concentration-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of multiple proteins, including p52-, 75-, 85-, 120-, and 145-kDa proteins. Increased TPK activity was demonstrated in proteins precipitated by an antiphosphotyrosine antibody, both in autophosphorylation assays and with a peptide substrate. These effects of norepinephrine were completely blocked by alpha1 receptor antagonists. A membrane-permeable Ca2+ chelator [1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N, N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl)ester], completely blocked norepinephrine stimulation of phosphorylation of tyrosine proteins, suggesting that intracellular Ca2+ plays a critical role in alpha1 receptor stimulation phosphorylation of tyrosine proteins. Of the tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, the results suggest that two of them are PLCgamma1 and adapter protein Shc. Also, alpha1 receptor stimulation caused a time-dependent increase in MAPK activity due to increased phosphorylation of p42/44(ERK1/2). The alpha1 receptor-mediated activation of MAPK was also attenuated by TPK inhibitors and intracellular Ca2+ chelator [1, 2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl)ester]. These results suggest that phosphorylation of tyrosine proteins and intracellular Ca2+ plays a critical role in alpha1 receptor-stimulated MAPK signaling pathways, potentially contributing to increased DNA synthesis and cell proliferation.     

Exercise stimulates the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in human skeletal muscle.

Physical exercise can cause marked alterations in the structure and function of human skeletal muscle. However, little is known about the specific signaling molecules and pathways that enable exercise to modulate cellular processes in skeletal muscle. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade is a major signaling system by which cells transduce extracellular signals into intracellular responses. We tested the hypothesis that a single bout of exercise activates the MAPK signaling pathway. Needle biopsies of vastus lateralis muscle were taken from nine subjects at rest and after 60 min of cycle ergometer exercise. In all subjects, exercise increased MAPK phosphorylation, and the activity of its downstream substrate, the p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2. Furthermore, exercise increased the activities of the upstream regulators of MAPK, MAP kinase kinase, and Raf-1. When two additional subjects were studied using a one-legged exercise protocol, MAPK phosphorylation and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2, MAP kinase kinase 1, and Raf-1 activities were increased only in the exercising leg. These studies demonstrate that exercise activates the MAPK cascade in human skeletal muscle and that this stimulation is primarily a local, tissue-specific phenomenon, rather than a systemic response to exercise. These findings suggest that the MAPK pathway may modulate cellular processes that occur in skeletal muscle in response to exercise.     

脂多糖诱导血管平滑肌细胞分泌白细胞介素-6及p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶的调控作用

目的 探讨p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)信号转导通路在脂多糖(LPS)作用下血管平滑肌细胞(VSMC)分泌白细胞介素-6(IL-6)中的调节作用.方法 将体外培养的大鼠胸主动脉VSMC分为LPS刺激组、p38MAPK抑制剂SB203580干预组、SB203580对照组和溶液对照组.LPS组以终浓度100μg/L的LPS与VSMC共同孵育;干预组VSMC以p38MAPK抑制剂SB203580 10μmol/L预处理2 h,再加入终浓度100 9g/L的LPS共同孵育;对照组仅以SB203580 10 μmol/L预处理2 h;溶液组仅加入去血清培养液培养.各组于培养0、3、6、12、24 h后采用实时聚合酶链反应(real-time PCR)和酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)分别检测细胞IL-6 mRNA和上清液中IL-6蛋白表达.结果 LPS刺激3 h,VSMC中IL-6 mRNA和蛋白表达即出现明显增高CmRNA(21.3±3.2)×104,蛋白(296.2±19.6)ng/L],12 h达高峰CmRNA(131.4±11.2)×104,蛋白(897.7±34.0)ng/L],24 h有所降低[mRNA(15.3±4.7)×104,蛋白(194.3±24.0)ng/L],但仍显著高于溶液组(mRNA(9.4±1.9)×104,蛋白(29.4±4.4)ng/L,均P<0.05].干预组3、6、12 h可明显抑制LPS诱导VSMC中IL-6的分泌[mRNA(15.4±3.6)×104、(43.2±6.6)X 104、(56.2±5.5)×104,蛋白(180.3±23.6)、(432.2±56.8)、(546.2±57.9)ng/L,均P<0.05].结论 LPS诱导VSMC可明显增加IL-6的mRNA和蛋白表达,p38MAPK抑制剂SB203580可显著抑制IL-6转录和蛋白合成,表明p38MAPK信号转导通路可能通过直接或间接作用参与了IL-6的分泌调节作用.     

丝裂素原激活蛋白激酶途径在内毒素激活枯否细胞中的作用

目的 :探讨丝裂素原激活蛋白激酶 (MAPKs)途径在脂多糖 (L PS)激活枯否细胞 (KC)中的作用。方法 :用 3种 MAPK通路阻滞剂 ,测定其后培养 KC中肿瘤坏死因子 α m RNA(TNFα m RNA)、白介素 6m RNA (IL 6 m RNA )以及诱生型一氧化氮合酶 (i NOS)表达和 TNFα、IL 6以及 NO的释放。结果 :1ERK1/ 2途径抑制剂 (PD0 980 5 9)对 KC中 TNFα m RNA表达和 TNFα的释放影响极小 ,而对 IL 6m RNA和 i NOS的表达以及 IL 6和 NO的释放有明显的抑制作用 ;2 p38MAPK途径抑制剂 (SB2 0 35 80 )对KC中 TNFα m RNA和 IL 6 m RNA表达以及 IL 6和 TNFα的释放影响极小 ,而对 i NOS的表达和 NO的释放有明显的抑制作用 ;3当用 SB2 0 2 4 74抑制整个 MAPK途径时 ,KC中 TNFα、IL 6 m RNA和 i NOS的表达和 TNFα、IL 6以及 NO的释放均明显降低。结论 :TNFα m RNA表达和 TNFα的释放主要受MAPK途径中的 JNK/ SAPK途径的调节 ,IL 6 m RNA表达和 IL 6的释放主要受 MAPK途径中的 ERK1/ 2和 JNK/ SAPK通路的调节 ,而 i NOS的表达和 NO的释放可能与以上 3种途径均有关系。     

PP2A regulates upstream members of the c-jun N-terminal kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of the serine-threonine phosphatase PP2A resulted in increased c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity, and that the regulatory subunit, A/alpha of PP2A, was physically associated with the JNK. Because there exists additional examples of phosphatases serving as negative regulators of multiple members of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in Drosophila and yeast, we hypothesized that PP2A may serve a homologous function in mammalian cells affording the regulation of additional upstream kinases in the JNK pathway. In human monocytes, activation of JNK by LPS proceeds through the MAPK kinase kinase MEKK-1 and, subsequently, the MAPK kinases MKK4 and/or MKK7. Using the human monocyte cell line THP-1, we show that pharmacological manipulation of the activity of PP2A seemed to regulate not only JNK but also the upstream kinases MKK4 and MEKK-1. Using coimmunoprecipitation, overexpression of tagged recombinant JNK, and bacterial two-hybrid strategies, evidence for physical interactions between the structural subunit, PP2A-A/alpha and MEKK-1, MKK4, and JNK was observed. These studies suggest that the target of regulation by PP2A includes upstream kinases in the JNK MAPK pathway. Furthermore, PP2A-A/alpha seems to serve as a structural protein to foster protein-protein interactions affording specificity of the regulation among members of this MAP kinase pathway.     

Serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine(2A) receptor activation suppresses tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced inflammation with extraordinary potency

The G protein-coupled serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(2A) receptor is primarily recognized for its role in brain neurotransmission, where it mediates a wide variety of functions, including certain aspects of cognition. However, there is significant expression of this receptor in peripheral tissues, where its importance is largely unknown. We have now discovered that activation of 5-HT(2A) receptors in primary aortic smooth muscle cells provides a previously unknown and extremely potent inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-mediated inflammation. 5-HT(2A) receptor stimulation with the agonist (R)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane [(R)-DOI] rapidly inhibits a variety of TNF-alpha-mediated proinflammatory markers, including intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and interleukin (IL)-6 gene expression, nitric-oxide synthase activity, and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappaB, with IC(50) values of only 10 to 20 pM. It is significant that proinflammatory markers can also be inhibited by (R)-DOI hours after treatment with TNF-alpha. With the exception of a few natural toxins, no current drugs or small molecule therapeutics demonstrate a comparable potency for any physiological effect. TNF-alpha-mediated inflammatory pathways have been strongly implicated in a number of diseases, including atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, type II diabetes, depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. Our results indicate that activation of 5-HT(2A) receptors represents a novel, and extraordinarily potent, potential therapeutic avenue for the treatment of disorders involving TNF-alpha-mediated inflammation. Note that because (R)-DOI can significantly inhibit the effects of TNF-alpha many hours after the administration of TNF-alpha, potential therapies could be aimed not only at preventing inflammation but also treating inflammatory injury that has already occurred or is ongoing.     

Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase mediates norepinephrine-induced phospholipase D activation in rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells by a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism

Phospholipase D (PLD) activity is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-biphosphate, protein kinase C (PKC), ADP-ribosylation factor, and Rho. The present study was designed to investigate the mechanism of norepinephrine (NE)-mediated PLD activation in rabbit aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). NE (10 microM) caused activation of PLD, as measured by the production of phosphatidylethanol in [(3)H]oleic acid-labeled cells. NE also increased PKC activity in VSMC. However, treatment of cells with bisindolylmaleimide, a PKC inhibitor, or long-term treatment with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate that depletes PKC did not decrease NE-induced activation of PLD. NE-stimulated PLD activity was attenuated by farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FPT III and SCH-56582), which reduce activation of both Ras and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Moreover, transfection of VSMC with a dominant negative Ras resulted in inhibition of NE-stimulated MAP kinase and PLD activities. Treatment of cells with PD-98059, a MAP kinase kinase inhibitor, also reduced NE-stimulated PLD activity. These data suggest that NE-stimulated PLD activity is mediated via activation of Ras and MAP kinase in rabbit VSMC. To study the mechanism of activation of PLD by Ras/MAP kinase, NE-induced phosphorylation of PLD was examined. In VSMC, PLD of molecular mass 120 kDa was identified with polyclonal PLD antibody. Phosphorylation of PLD by NE, measured as (32)P incorporation into PLD, was inhibited by PD-98059. Moreover, PLD immunoprecipitated from VSMC lysates was phosphorylated in vitro by MAP kinase. Collectively, these results show a novel pathway for activation of PLD that appears to be mediated through Ras/MAP kinase pathway by a mechanism involving phosphorylation.     

Sustained activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase contributes to the vascular response to injury

The vascular response to mechanical injury involves inflammatory and fibroproliferative processes that result in the formation of neointima and vascular remodeling. The complex cellular interactions initiated by vascular injury are coordinated and modulated by the elaboration of cytokines and growth factors. The production and transduction of many of these mediators require phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In the present investigation, we examined the pattern and localization of p38 MAPK activation following balloon vascular injury. The effects of long-term and selective inhibition of p38 MAPK with SB 239063 (trans-1-(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-[2-methoxy)pyrimidin-4-yl]imidazole) were also investigated in a model of vascular injury. Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that phospho-p38 MAPK was increased following balloon injury of the rabbit iliofemoral artery. The p38 MAPK activation was noted as early as 15 min after balloon injury and remained elevated for at least 28 days. Phospho-p38 MAPK immunoreactivity (IR) was localized primarily in regions of dedifferentiated, smooth muscle alpha-actin-positive cells in all lamina of the vessel wall. Phospho-p38 MAPK IR was not correlated with the localization of macrophage or proliferating cells (proliferating cell nuclear antigen; PCNA +). Long-term treatment (4 weeks) with SB 239063 (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) reduced the vascular response to injury in the hypercholesterolemic rabbit. SB 239063 had no effect on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated migration or proliferation of rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in culture. However, SB 239063 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-stimulated fibronectin production in VSMCs. In conclusion, sustained activation of p38 MAPK plays an important role in the vascular response to injury and inhibition of p38 MAPK may represent a novel therapeutic approach to limit this response.     

15-羟基二十碳四烯酸收缩慢性缺氧动脉环信号转导通路的部位：内皮细胞还是平滑肌

目的:观察15-羟基二十碳四烯酸(15-HETE)致慢性缺氧性大鼠肺动脉收缩的信号转导途径,阐明15-羟基二十碳四烯酸引起慢性缺氧性肺动脉收缩作用的可能机制。方法:实验于2006-03/2006-09在哈尔滨医科大学药学院进行。①实验材料:健康成年雄性Wistar大鼠,体质量220～240g,清洁级,由哈尔滨医科大学附属第二医院实验动物中心提供。②实验方法:取18只成年雄性Wistar大鼠连续缺氧9d(O2体积分数为0.12)制作大鼠缺氧模型,通过氧气监测控制器控制箱内氧气体积分数为0.12,9d后即成为缺氧大鼠模型。16只正常大鼠吸入正常空气(O2体积分数为0.21)作为对照。将大鼠麻醉后分离直径1.5mm肺内动脉,剪成2mm长动脉环置于组织浴槽中,记录血管张力变化。③实验评估:观察15-羟基二十碳四烯酸对缺氧模型组、正常组大鼠血管收缩作用,在此基础上,除去血管内皮细胞和使用丝裂素活化蛋白激酶的激酶抑制剂PD98059,明确血管内皮细胞和丝裂素活化蛋白激酶的激酶系统在15-羟基二十碳四烯酸收缩肺动脉中的作用。结果:34只大鼠均进入结果分析。①15-羟基二十碳四烯酸对正常组、缺氧模型组大鼠血管环均有收缩作用,呈浓度-效应正相关,但缺氧组收缩明显,与正常组比较,差异显著(P<0.01)。②丝裂素活化蛋白激酶的激酶抑制剂PD98059可明显阻断15-羟基二十碳四烯酸对缺氧大鼠肺动脉的收缩作用(P<0.05)。③去掉内皮的缺氧大鼠肺动脉,PD98059仍明显阻断15-羟基二十碳四烯酸的收缩作用(P<0.05)。结论:15-羟基二十碳四烯酸通过激活肺动脉平滑肌丝裂素活化蛋白激酶的激酶信号转导途径收缩慢性缺氧性大鼠肺动脉,作用部位主要位于血管平滑肌。     

Antidepressant-like behavioral effects in 5-hydroxytryptamine(1A) and 5-hydroxytryptamine(1B) receptor mutant mice

The development of serotonin receptor knockout mice has provided an opportunity to study antidepressant drug effects in animals with targeted genetic deletion of receptors involved in antidepressant responses. In the current study, the effects of two types of antidepressant drugs, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine and paroxetine and the selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desipramine, were examined in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptor mutant mice using the tail suspension test (TST). Under baseline conditions, the immobility of 5-HT(1A) receptor mutant mice, but not 5-HT(1B) receptor mutant mice, was significantly lower than that of wild-type mice. The decreased baseline immobility in 5-HT(1A) receptor mutant mice was reversed by pretreatment with alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine, but not by para-chlorophenylalanine, suggesting mediation by enhanced catecholamine function. In wild-type mice, fluoxetine (10.0--20.0 mg/kg i.p.) and desipramine (5.0--20.0 mg/kg i.p.) both significantly decreased immobility in the TST. In 5-HT(1A) receptor mutant mice, desipramine (20.0 mg/kg i.p.) significantly decreased immobility, whereas fluoxetine (20.0 mg/kg i.p.) and paroxetine (20.0 mg/kg i.p.) had no effect. The immobility of 5-HT(1B) receptor mutant mice was decreased similarly by desipramine (5.0--20.0 mg/kg i.p.). However, the effect of low doses of fluoxetine were significantly augmented in the 5-HT(1B) receptor mutant mice (2.5--20.0 mg/kg i.p.) compared with wild-type mice. Administration of selective 5-HT receptor antagonists in wild-type mice partially reproduced the phenotypes of the mutant mice. These results suggest that 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(1B) receptors have different roles in the modulation of the response to antidepressant drugs in the TST.     

Agonist-mediated tissue factor expression in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. Role of Ca2+ mobilization and protein kinase C activation.

Tissue factor (TF) is a low molecular weight glycoprotein that initiates the clotting cascade and is considered to be a major regulator of coagulation, hemostasis, and thrombosis. TF is not expressed in the intima or media of normal adult blood vessels. Accordingly, it has been hypothesized that the initiation of intravascular coagulation may require the "induced" expression of TF in the vessel wall. We report that TF mRNA and protein are rapidly and markedly induced in early and late passaged vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) by growth factors (serum, platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor), vasoactive agonists (angiotensin II), and a clotting factor (alpha-thrombin). The induction of TF mRNA by these agents is dependent upon mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ and is blocked by Ca2+ chelation. In contrast to other growth factor-responsive genes, such as KC and c-fos, downregulation of protein kinase C activity by prolonged treatment with phorbol esters fails to block agonist-mediated TF induction. This raises the possibility that protein kinase C activation may not be necessary for TF mRNA induction in VSMC. VSMC may play a role in the generation or propagation of thrombus through the induction of TF, particularly in settings, such as those associated with acute vessel injury, where the endothelium is denuded and the VSMC are exposed to circulating blood.     

去除蛋白激酶A磷酸化位点的线粒体融合素2基因与血管平滑肌细胞增殖(英文)

背景:线粒体融合素2基因作用于血管平滑肌细胞Ras蛋白,通过胞外信号调节蛋白激酶1/2通路抑制细胞增殖.线粒体融合素2基因氨基酸序列第442位丝氨酸为蛋白激酶A磷酸化位点,与其磷酸化状态密切相关,能参与其功能调控.目的:观察大鼠线粒体融合素2基因在去除蛋白激酶A磷酸化位点后对大鼠血管平滑肌细胞增殖的影响及其相关信号通路.方法:利用已构建的携带绿色荧光蛋白基因、线粒体融合素2基因和去除蛋白激酶A磷酸化位点的线粒体融合素2基因的3种重组腺病毒,感染大鼠主动脉血管平滑肌细胞,将其传代培养3～10代后以抽签法随机分为4组:①不加干预的对照组.②感染携带绿色荧光蛋白的对照组(Adv-GFP组).⑨感染携带线粒体融合素2基因的实验组(Adv-Mfn2组).④感染携带去除蛋白激酶A磷酸化位点的线粒体融合素2基因的实验组(Adv-Mfn2-PKA(△)组).激光共聚焦显微镜观察完整的和去除蛋白激酶A磷酸化位点的线粒体融合素2基因在细胞中的定位.Westernblot检测p-ERK1/2表达水平及完整的和去除蛋白激酶A磷酸化位点的线粒体融合素2基因在血管平滑肌细胞中的表达.MTT法绘制细胞生长曲线.结果与结论:完整的和去除蛋白激酶A磷酸化位点的线粒体融合素2基因在血管平滑肌细胞中均表达蛋白特异性条带.两种基因表达产物都主要分布于线粒体外膜.与对照组和Adv-GFP组相比,Adv-Mfn2组吸光度值在第3,4,5,6天都显著降低(P＜0.01＝,Adv-Mfn2-PKA(△)组吸光度值无明显变化.与对照组和Adv-GFP组相比,Adv-Mfn2组p-ERK1/2表达水平显著降低(P＜0.01＝,Adv-Mfn2-PKA(△)组无明显变化.提示去除蛋白激酶A磷酸化位点的线粒体融合素2基因定位于线粒体外膜,对血管平滑肌细胞的增殖无拮抗作用,对胞外信号调节蛋白激酶1/2通路无抑制作用.     

The mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway can mediate growth inhibition and proliferation in smooth muscle cells. Dependence on the availability of downstream targets.

Activation of the classical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway leads to proliferation of many cell types. Accordingly, an inhibitor of MAPK kinase, PD 098059, inhibits PDGF-induced proliferation of human arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) that do not secrete growth-inhibitory PGs such as PGE2. In striking contrast, in SMCs that express the inducible form of cyclooxygenase (COX-2), activation of MAPK serves as a negative regulator of proliferation. In these cells, PDGF-induced MAPK activation leads to cytosolic phospholipase A2 activation, PGE2 release, and subsequent activation of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), which acts as a strong inhibitor of SMC proliferation. Inhibition of either MAPK kinase signaling or of COX-2 in these cells releases them from the influence of the growth-inhibitory PGs and results in the subsequent cell cycle traverse and proliferation. Thus, the MAPK pathway mediates either proliferation or growth inhibition in human arterial SMCs depending on the availability of specific downstream enzyme targets.     

MDL 27,032 [4-propyl-5-(4-pyridinyl)-2(3H)-oxazolone], an active site-directed inhibitor of protein kinase C and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase that relaxes vascular smooth muscle

MDL 27,032 [4-propyl-5-(4-pyridinyl)-2(3H)-oxazolone] is a novel vasodilator whose mechanism of action has not been elucidated. We investigated whether smooth muscle relaxation by MDL 27,032, in vitro, may involve an alteration in the activity of protein kinase C, cyclic AMP (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase or myosin light chain kinase by investigating the effects of MDL 27,032 on cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) and protein kinase activities. Strips of dog femoral artery or saphenous vein contracted with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) were relaxed by 100 microM concentrations of MDL 27,032, as well as by other known inhibitors of PDEs [3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and papaverine], myosin light chain kinase (W-7) and protein kinase C (H-7 and polymyxin B). In contrast to 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine and papaverine, MDL 27,032 was either inactive or weak as an inhibitor of purified PDE types I, II, IVa and IVb. Similarly, it was a weak inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase. However, MDL 27,032 was a significantly more potent inhibitor of protein kinase C and cAMP-dependent protein kinase in cytosolic extracts of dog vein. Kinetic experiments utilizing purified rat brain protein kinase C revealed that inhibition with MDL 27,032 was competitive with Mg(++)-ATP (Ki 24 microM) and noncompetitive with phospholipid, diacylglycerol, PMA, calcium or substrate proteins. Inhibition of the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase was also competitive with Mg(++)-ATP (Ki 14.3 microM). Similar results were obtained with MDL 27,032 and H-7 on both enzymes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Protein kinase C activation selectively augments a stretch-induced, calcium-dependent tone in vascular smooth muscle

The interaction of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) with vascular tone due to histamine, high K+ and stretch were studied in the rabbit facial vein. Segments were incubated in physiological salt solution (PSS) containing Ca++ (1.6 mM) and an optimal preload was applied. Myogenic or stretch-induced tone was studied in two ways. Vessels were stretched in PSS at 28 degrees C and the bath temperature was gradually increased in a standard manner. Alternatively, vessels stretched at 42 degrees C were placed in zero-Ca++ PSS at the same temperature and responses to readmission of Ca++ to the PSS recorded. TPA (0.01 or 0.1 microM for 1 hr), a protein kinase C activator, consistently enhanced myogenic responses to stretch initiated by either procedure. It had very little effect or even depressed the tone due to histamine of high K+. The selective effect of protein kinase C activation on stretch-induced, Ca++-dependent myogenic tone argues for a pathway in this vessel activated selectively by stretch that may be modulated by protein kinase C-dependent mechanisms. It is proposed that stretch of the rabbit facial vein opens specific Ca++ entry pathways; the interaction of TPA with those pathways may be such that TPA increases Ca++ sensitivity or availability.