ONO NT-126 is a potent and selective thromboxane A2 antagonist in human astrocytoma cells

Stimulation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptors in human astrocytoma cells (1321N1) results in activation of phospholipase C via a pertussis toxin-insensitive G-protein. In the present study, the potency of a new TXA2 receptor antagonist, ONO NT-126, was examined with regard to receptor binding and phosphoinositide hydrolysis in human astrocytoma cells and was compared to that of the other known TXA2 antagonists. [3H]SQ29548 binding to membranes was inhibited by ONO NT-126 and the other TXA2 antagonists with Ki values (nM) of 0.09, 2.18, 8.35 and 25.9 for ONO NT-126, S-145, SQ29548 and ONO3708, respectively. STA2 and U46619, TXA2 receptor agonists, also inhibited [3H]SQ29548 binding with Ki (nM) of 25.1 and 233.5, respectively. STA2 and U46619 stimulated phosphoinositide hydrolysis in a concentration-dependent manner with EC50 values of 43.6 nM for STA2 and 1.2 microM for U46619, respectively. STA2 (1 microM)-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis was also inhibited by TXA2 antagonists. The Ki values of TXA2 antagonists for the inhibition of phosphoinositide hydrolysis (nM) were 0.10 for ONO NT-126, 3.31 for S-145, 8.31 for SQ29548 and 19.49 for ONO3708 all of which were similar to those for receptor binding. The results indicate that ONO NT-126 is a potent and selective antagonist of TXA2 receptors in human astrocytoma cells.     

Binding of an 125I-labeled thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist to washed canine platelets

A binding site for the thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) antagonist 125I-PTA-OH (9,11-dimethylmethano-11,12-methano-16-(4-methoxyphenyl)-13,14-dih ydro-13-aza-1 5 alpha beta-w-tetranor-TXA2) to washed canine platelets is described. 127I-PTA-OH competitively antagonized aggregation induced by the TXA2/PGH2 mimetic U46619. A Schild analysis of the pharmacologic study revealed pA2 of 7.97 and a slope of -0.95. The pA2 value yielded a Kd of 11 nM. Specific binding in Tris-NaCl buffer (pH 7.4) is not affected by extracellular Ca2+ or Mg2+ in concentrations up to 750 microM. The pH optimum for binding resides between 7.0 and 7.4. The association rate constant, k1, was 4.5 X 10(6) M-1 min-1, and the dissociation rate constant, k-1, was 1.45 X 10(-1) min-1, yielding a kinetically determined Kd (k-1/k1) of 32 nM. Scatchard analysis of I-PTA-OH binding to washed canine platelets revealed two classes of binding sites, a high affinity site (Kd = 24 nM, Bmax = 71 fmol/10(7) platelets) (4400 binding sites/platelet) and a low affinity site (Kd = 2.1 microM). Several TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonists competed with specific 125I-PTA-OH binding, and the rank order of potency for displacing the ligand correlated (r = 0.97) with the rank order of potency for their ability to inhibit U46619-induced aggregation in canine platelet-rich plasma. Prostaglandins F2 alpha and E2 also displaced the ligand, but only at much higher concentrations. Binding of I-PTA-OH or the TXA2/PGH2 mimetic U46619 was unaffected by the aggregating agents epinephrine (10 microM) or ADP (5 microM). The similarity in the Kd values obtained kinetically, by equilibrium binding studies for the high affinity site and by Schild analysis, suggests that this high affinity site mediates TXA2/PGH2 induced platelet aggregation. In addition, the close correlation between the abilities of the antagonists to displace the ligand and to inhibit U46619-induced aggregation suggests that this site may represent a TXA2/PGH2 receptor.     

Irreversible inhibition of the TXA2/PGH2 receptor of human platelets by a photoaffinity ligand

In order to tag the TXA2/PGH2 receptor of human platelets, we synthesized azido-BSP (= 4-[2-(4-azido-benzenesulfonylamino)-ethyl]phenoxyacetic acid), a photolabile derivative of the specific TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonist sulotroban (= BM 13.177). If protected from UV light, azido-BSP competitively inhibited the shape change of human washed platelets stimulated by the TXA2 mimetic U 46619. Schild analysis revealed a pA2 = 6.7 (apparent KD = 0.2 mumol/l). Irreversible inhibition of the U 46619-induced platelet activation was achieved by irradiating for 5 min with UV light of 254 nm a platelet suspension containing azido-BSP. After subsequent washing, the platelets were stimulated with U 46619, ADP or PAF. Under these conditions azido-BSP inhibited the shape change, aggregation and [3H]serotonin release induced by U 46619 but not the shape change induced by ADP or PAF. The concentrations of azido-BSP which blocked the U 46619-induced [3H]serotonin release and the aggregation were 0.5 mumol/l and 1.0 mumol/l, respectively, whereas even 50.0 mumol/l of azido-BSP only partially inhibited the U 46619-stimulated shape change. Obviously, increasing numbers of thromboxane receptors have to be blocked in order to inhibit the [3H]serotonin release, the aggregation and the shape change. Even at an azido-BSP concentration equal to 250 times the apparent dissociation constant, enough receptor sites remained active to allow U 46619 to induce the shape change. In sulotroban was added prior to irradiation, the blocking effect of azido-BSP decreased with increasing concentrations of sulotroban. These results show that azido-BSP is a specific and high affinity ligand of the TXA2/PGH2 receptor and that it covalently links to the receptor under irradiation. Azido-BSP is a new tool to identify and characterize the TXA2/PGH2 receptor.     

Characterization of thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors of rat platelets and their interaction with TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonists

Characterization of thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors of rat platelets was performed on both intact platelets and crude membrane fractions. The binding of [3H]U46619, a stable TXA2 mimetic, to intact platelets was found to be saturable and displaceable. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding at 24 degrees revealed a single class of binding sites with a Kd of 37 nM and a Bmax of 160 fmol/10(8) platelets. The binding affinity of [3H]U46619 to the platelet membrane fractions was remarkably and specifically enhanced by addition of Mg2+ without alteration of the maximum density level. Kinetic analysis for [3H]U46619 binding to the membrane fractions in the presence of 20 mM MgCl2 gave a K1 of 6.9 x 10(6) M-1 min-1 and a K-1 of 0.25 min-1, yielding a Kd (K-1/K1) of 36 nM; the value corresponded well to Kd values from Scatchard analysis in both intact (37 nM) and crude membrane fractions (39 nM). A series of TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonists completely suppressed U46619 binding to rat platelets as well as collagen-induced platelet aggregation. The rank order of binding affinities to rat platelets (intact platelets or crude membranes) among the respective antagonists correlated well with (a) that of human platelet membrane fraction and (b) the potencies for suppression of collagen-induced platelet aggregation in rat. These results may support our proposed mechanism of TXA2/PGH2 action in collagen-stimulated platelets [K. Hanasaki et al., Thromb. Res. 46, 425 (1987)] and also suggest that they may provide a simple technique for evaluating synthetic TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonists.     

Activation of rabbit platelets by Ca2+ influx and thromboxane A2 release in an external Ca(2+)-dependent manner by zooxanthellatoxin-A, a novel polyol.

1. Zooxanthellatoxin-A (ZT-A), a novel polyhydroxylated long chain compound, isolated from a symbiotic marine alga Simbiodinium sp., caused aggregation in rabbit washed platelets in a concentration-dependent manner (1-4 microM), accompanied by an increase in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). 2. ZT-A did not cause platelet aggregation or increase [Ca2+]i in a Ca(2+)-free solution, and Cd2+ (0.1-1 mM), Co2+ (1-10 mM) and Mn2+ (1-10 mM) inhibited ZT-A-induced aggregation. SK&F96365 (1-100 microM), a receptor operated Ca2+ channel antagonist, and mefenamic acid (0.1-10 microM), a non-specific divalent cation channel antagonist, inhibited platelet aggregation and the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ZT-A. 3. Indomethacin (0.1-10 microM), a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, and SQ-29548 (0.1-10 microM), a thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor antagonist, inhibited platelet aggregation and the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ZT-A. 4. Methysergide (0.01-1 microM), a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, inhibited ZT-A-induced platelet aggregation but did not affect the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ZT-A. 5. Tetrodotoxin (1 microM), a Na+ channel blocker and chlorpheniramine (1 microM), a H1-histamine receptor antagonist, neither affected ZT-A-induced platelet aggregation nor the increase in [Ca2+]i induced by ZT-A. 6. Genistein (1-100 microM), a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and staurosporine (0.01-1 microM), a protein kinase C inhibitor, also inhibited ZT-A-induced platelet aggregation. 7. The present results suggest that ZT-A elicits Ca(2+)-influx from platelet plasma membranes. The resulting increase in [Ca2+]i subsequently stimulates the secondary release of TXA2 from platelets.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comparison of maitotoxin with thromboxane A2 in rabbit platelet activation.

Maitotoxin (MTX), a Ca2+ channel-activating marine toxin, caused shape change followed by aggregation in rabbit platelets, like U46619, a thromboxane A2 analogue. Although both drugs failed to cause aggregation in the absence of external Ca2+, U46619, but not maitotoxin, elicited shape change in the absence of external Ca2+. The observations of platelets with a scanning electron microscope showed that both drugs caused contraction of platelets and extension of pseudopodia (shape change) followed by aggregation with a clot in the presence of Ca2+. It is noteworthy that long term exposure to MTX caused the lysis of platelets in the presence of Ca2+. While U46619 transiently increased the internal Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), maitotoxin slowly but irreversibly increased [Ca2+]i in an external Ca2(+)-dependent manner. MTX-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis was totally dependent on the presence of external Ca2+, but U46619-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis was still observed in the absence of external Ca2+. MTX-induced phosphoinositide hydrolysis was partly inhibited by SK&F96365, a voltage-independent Ca2+ channel antagonist, or by genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. MTX caused phosphorylation of tyrosine residues of several proteins, like U46619. Thus, MTX is similar to U46619 in functions of Ca2+ mobilization, phosphoinositide hydrolysis and tyrosine phosphorylation, but MTX-induced actions are strictly dependent on the presence of external Ca2+.     

Photoaffinity receptor antagonist for human platelet thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptors

9,11-Dimethylmethano -11,12-methano-16-(3-azido-4-iodophenoxy)-13,14- dihydro-13-aza-15 alpha beta-omega-tetranor TXA2 (I-PTA-PON3) was synthesized and evaluated as a potential photoaffinity probe of the human platelet thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptor. I-PTA-PON3 inhibited the aggregation of washed human platelets induced by the TXA2 mimetic U46619 [(15S)-hydroxy-11 alpha, 9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5Z,13E-dienoic acid]. Schild analysis of the data revealed a Kd of 9.5 nM and a slope not significantly different from -1. Equilibrium binding studies using [125I]PTA-OH, a TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonist, showed that I-PTA-PON3 plus photolysis resulted in a 52% reduction in the number of binding sites (1252 +/- 202/platelet) compared to the nonphotolyzed group (2557 +/- 293/platelet) (N = 5, P less than 0.05) with no significant change in the Kd. Repetition of the incubation with I-PTA-PON3 and photolysis a second time resulted in a further 77% (578 +/- 163 binding sites/platelet) reduction in the number of binding sites. Incubation of washed human platelets with I-PTA-PON3 (163 nM) followed by photolysis and removal of the non-covalently bound I-PTA-PON3 resulted in no change in the EC50 value for the TXA2 mimetic, U46619, when compared to controls that were either exposed to I-PTA-PON3 and not photolyzed or exposed only to photolysis. The second photolysis of I-PTA-PON3 resulted in a significant 42% increase in the EC50 value of U46619-induced aggregation compared to the non-photolyzed group (N = 4, P less than 0.05). These results suggest that I-PTA-PON3 is a useful probe for the study of TXA2/PGH2 receptors and that spare TXA2/PGH2 receptors may exist in the platelet.     

Further studies on the effects of epimers of thromboxane A2 antagonists on platelets and veins

The C-15 hydroxy epimers of three TXA2/PGH2 antagonists were resolved by HPLC and their pharmacology evaluated in canine saphenous veins and human platelets. For all three compounds, the epimers were equipotent in their ability to antagonize U46619 (1 microM) induced platelet aggregation. In contrast, one of the epimers for all three of the antagonists was significantly more potent than the other in antagonizing U46619 (10 nM) induced saphenous vein contractions. The data support the notion that the TXA2/PGH2 receptors in veins may be different from those in platelets.     

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) inhibits human platelet aggregation induced by U46619, a TXA2 analogue

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), which comes from Cordyceps militaris, the Chinese medicinal fungal genus Cordyceps, is known to have anti-tumour activity. In this study, we investigated the novel effect of cordycepin on human platelet aggregation that was induced by U46619, a thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) analogue. TXA(2) is an aggregation-inducing autacoidal molecule that is produced in various agonist-activated platelets. Cordycepin completely inhibited U46619-induced platelet aggregation and simultaneously reduced cytosolic free Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)), which was increased by U46619 (5 microM) up to 66%. Furthermore, the U46619-stimulated phosphorylation of Ca(2+)-dependent proteins (20 kDa of a myosin light chain and 47 kDa of pleckstrin) was strongly inhibited by cordycepin. These results suggest that cordycepin may have a beneficial effect on autacoidal TXA(2)-mediated thrombotic diseases by inhibiting TXA(2)-induced platelet aggregation via suppression of the Ca(2+) level.     

Antiplatelet activity of [5-(2-methoxy-5-chlorophenyl)furan-2-ylcarbonyl]guanidine (KR-32570), a novel sodium/hydrogen exchanger-1 and its mechanism of action

The antiplatelet effects of a novel guanidine derivative, KR-32570 ([5-(2-methoxy-5-chlorophenyl) furan-2-ylcarbonyl]guanidine), were investigated with an emphasis on the mechanisms underlying its inhibition of collagen-induced platelet aggregation. KR-32570 significantly inhibited the aggregation of washed rabbit platelets induced by collagen (10 microg/mL), thrombin (0.05 U/mL), arachidonic acid (100 microM), a thromboxane (TX) A2 mimetic agent U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-9,11-methanoepoxy-prostaglandin F2, 1 microM) and a Ca2+ ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin (0.5 microM) (IC50 values: 13.8 +/- 1.8, 26.3 +/- 1.2, 8.5 +/- 0.9, 4.3 +/- 1.7 and 49.8 +/- 1.4 microM, respectively). KR-32570 inhibited the collagen-induced liberation of [3H]arachidonic acid from the platelets in a concentration dependent manner with complete inhibition being observed at 50 microM. The TXA2 synthase assay showed that KR-32570 also inhibited the conversion of the substrate PGH2 to TXB2 at all concentrations. Furthermore, KR-32570 significantly inhibited the [Ca2+]i mobilization induced by collagen at 50 microM, which is the concentration that completely inhibits platelet aggregation. KR-32570 also decreased the level of collagen (10 microg/mL)-induced secretion of serotonin from the dense-granule contents of platelets, and inhibited the NHE-1-mediated rabbit platelet swelling induced by intracellular acidification. These results suggest that the antiplatelet activity of KR-32570 against collagen-induced platelet aggregation is mediated mainly by inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid, TXA2 synthase, the mobilization of cytosolic Ca2+ and NHE-1.     

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a sulfonylcyanoguanidine as thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist and thromboxane synthase inhibitor

The synthesis and the structure of N-isopropyl-N'-[2-(3'-methylphenylamino)-5-nitrobenzenesulfonyl] urea (14) was drawn from two thromboxane A2 receptor antagonists structurally related to torasemide. Compound 14 showed an IC50 value of 22 nM for the thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor of human washed platelets. Compound 14 prevented platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (0.6 mM) and U-46619 (1 microM) with an IC50 value of 0.45 and 0.15 microM, respectively. Moreover, 14 relaxed the rat isolated aorta and guinea-pig trachea precontracted by U-46619, a TXA2 agonist. Its efficacy (IC50) was 20.4 and 5.47 nM, respectively. Finally, 14 (1 microM) completely inhibited TXA2 synthase of human platelets. The pKa value and the crystallographic data of 14 were determined and used to propose an interaction model between the TXA2 antagonists related to torasemide and their receptor.     

Competitive inhibition of platelet thromboxane A2 receptor binding by picotamide

On the basis of indirect pharmacological evidence, picotamide, a methoxy derivative of 4-hydroxy-isophthalic acid (N,N'bis(3-picolyl)-4-methoxy-isophthalamide) has been postulated to inhibit platelet aggregation by competitively interfering with the thromboxane A2 (TxA2) platelet receptor. In the present study the interaction between picotamide and TxA2 receptors on human platelets was investigated by a direct radioligand assay method with [125I]PTA-OH and [3H]U46619 as labelled radioligands. The ONO11120 and U46619 inhibitory constants (Ki) for [125I]PTA-OH binding were 19 +/- 4 and 17 +/- 3 nM, respectively. Picotamide displaced [125I]PTA-OH binding with a Ki of 1472 +/- 321 nM. The Ki for ONO 11120 and U46619 on [3H]U46619 binding were 42 +/- 12 and 16 +/- 5 nM, respectively, whereas the Ki for picotamide was 1648 +/- 431 nM. These data provide evidence that picotamide can directly inhibit the TxA2 platelet receptor.     

Differential effects of ganodermic acid S on the thromboxane A2-signaling pathways in human platelets.

Ganodermic acid S (GAS) [lanosta-7,9(11),24-triene-3beta,15alpha-diacetoxy-26-oic acid], isolated from the Chinese medicinal fungus Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst (Polyporaceae), exerted a concentration-dependent inhibition on the response of human gel-filtered platelets (GFP) to U46619 (9,11-dideoxy-9alpha,11alpha-methanoepoxyprostaglandin F2alpha), a thromboxane (TX) A2 mimetic. GAS at 2 microM inhibited 50% of cell aggregation. GAS at 7.5 microM inhibited 80% of Ca2+ mobilization, 40% of phosphorylation of myosin light chain and pleckstrin, 80% of alpha-granule secretion, and over 95% of aggregation. GAS also strongly inhibited U46619-induced diacylglycerol formation, arachidonic acid release, and TXB2 formation. An immunoblotting study of protein-tyrosine phosphorylation showed that GAS inhibited the formation of phosphotyrosine proteins at the steps involving the engagement of integrin alphaIIbbeta3 and aggregation. However, GAS did not inhibit U46619-induced platelet shape change or the inhibitory effect of U46619 on the prostaglandin E1-evoked cyclic AMP level in GFP. It is concluded that GAS inhibits platelet response to TXA2 on the receptor-Gq-phospholipase Cbeta1 pathway, but not on the receptor-G1 pathway.     

INTERACTION BETWEEN PLATELET-RELEASED SEROTONIN AND THROMBOXANE A2 ON HUMAN DIGITAL ARTERIES

Synergism between the contractile effects of platelet-derived serotonin (5HT) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) on a human blood vessel has been investigated by incubating strips of digital arteries in subcontractile concentrations of either 5HT or the TXA2-mimetic agent U46619. Either agonist U46619 or 5HT, in subcontractile concentrations, significantly potentiated the contractile response to the other. The 5HT antagonist ketanserin (10 mumol/l), the Ca2+ antagonist drugs verapamil (3 mumol/l), or nifedipine (10 nmol/l), or a Ca2+-free bathing medium, reduced the contractile responses to 5HT, but had no effect on the potentiation mediated by U46619. The interaction between TXA2 and 5HT derived from platelets was studied by measuring responses to platelets 1 min after aggregation (in the absence or the presence of ketanserin 10 mumol/l), and 20 min after aggregation. The results indicated that the response to platelets mediated by TXA2 and 5HT was greater than the sum of those mediated by TXA2 or 5HT separately. It is concluded that synergism between the contractile effects of 5HT and U46619 occurs in human blood vessels; that this is mediated by enhanced utilization of intracellular, rather than extracellular calcium; and that synergism can also occur when 5HT and TXA2 are released from stimulated human platelets.     

Decrease in agonist affinity for human platelet thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptors induced by a platelet-derived supernatant

Platelets possess membrane receptors which mediate the aggregatory response to thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and prostaglandin H2 (PGH2). It has been observed recently that the affinities for a series of TXA2/PGH2 mimetics are decreased in crude human platelet membranes and solubilized membranes compared to intact washed platelets. The present study investigated the notion that platelets contain a substance that is released during platelet lysis that reduces the affinity of the TXA2/PGH2 receptor for agonists. The displacement of 9,11-dimethylmethano-11,12-methano-16-(3-iodo-4-hydroxyphenyl)-13, 14-dihydro-13 - aza-15 alpha beta-omega-tetranor-TXA2 ([125I]PTA-OH), a TXA2/PGH2 receptor antagonist, from its binding site in intact washed platelets by TXA2/PGH2 mimetics and antagonists was characterized in the presence or absence of the supernatant (50,000 g) obtained from sonicated platelets. In the presence of the supernatant, there was a significant (P less than 0.025) increase in the IC50 values for the TXA2/PGH2 mimetics U46619, SQ26655, and ONO11113. The increase in the IC50 for U46619 induced by the supernatant was abolished by either boiling or treating the supernatant with trypsin. The supernatant did not affect the Kd or Bmax of [125I]PTA-OH or the IC50 of the TXA2/PGH2 antagonist, SQ29548. Pretreatment of the platelets with the supernatant resulted in a significant (P less than 0.02) reduction in the aggregation response induced by U46619. Gel filtration (Sephacryl S200) of the supernatant revealed a fraction (molecular weight approximately 100,000 daltons) which significantly increased the IC50 for U46619 to displace [125I]PTA-OH from its binding site. Thus, human platelets appear to possess a protein(s) that is released into the supernatant upon sonication and inhibits the binding of TXA2/PGH2 agonists but not antagonists to their receptor. This protein may play a role in the regulation of platelet responses to the aggregatory stimuli TXA2/PGH2.     

Differences in activities of thromboxane A2 receptor antagonists in smooth muscle cells.

Thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors were characterized in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The specific binding of [3H]SQ 29,548 was inhibited by KW-3635, a novel non-prostanoic TXA2 antagonist, SQ 29,548 and BM-13505 (daltroban). SQ 29,548 showed a single class of binding sites with a Ki value of 1.6 nM. The inhibition patterns were better fit to two-component curves for KW-3635 (Ki values of 0.45 nM and 42 nM) and BM-13505 (2.3 nM and 20 nM). U46619, a TXA2 agonist, induced an increase in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), which was inhibited by these antagonists. KW-3635 and SQ 29,548 did not induce any increase in [Ca2+]i, whereas BM-13505 was found to induce a smaller increase in [Ca2+]i. The BM-13505-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was also inhibited by pretreatment with KW-3635, SQ 29,548 and BM-13505. The results demonstrate that BM-13505 has partial agonistic activity on TXA2/PGH2 receptors, and KW-3635 and SQ 29,548 do not. SQ 29,548 and BM-13505 inhibited both U-46619- and BM-13505-induced increases in [Ca2+]i to a similar degree. Alternatively, KW-3635 inhibited a U46619-induced increase in [Ca2+]i more effectively than a BM-13505-induced increase. These results suggest the heterogeneity of functional binding sites or subtypes of TXA2/PGH2 receptors present in VSMC.     

Influence of cytoplasmic pH on the aggregation and Ca2+ mobilization in rabbit platelets.

The aggregability of rabbit platelets was studied under various cytoplasmic pHs (pHi). Nigericin, a K+/H+ ionophore, which can induce a decrease in pHi, at 2-10 microM in 2 min incubation reduced both platelet aggregation and an increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) stimulated with thrombin or U46619. The reduced aggregability recovered 10 min after incubation with nigericin in parallel with an increase in pHi. In contrast, when pHi was increased by simultaneous addition of NH4Cl, methylamine or monensin, aggregation in response to a low concentration of thrombin, U46619, arachidonic acid or A23187 was enhanced significantly. The enhancing effect of NH4Cl was lowered by prolonged incubation with NH4Cl, by which the increased pHi was improved concomitantly. Indomethacin, an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, failed to inhibit the enhancement of aggregation by NH4Cl under stimulation with U46619. In addition, treatment with NH4Cl enhanced an increase in [Ca2+]i in response to U46619 in a concentration-dependent manner, although the treatment by NH4Cl alone did not affect [Ca2+]i. When pHi was artificially altered during the ranges of 6.6-7.4 by treatment with nigericin in K+-rich medium, aggregation by low concentrations of thrombin was dependent on the pHi. These data indicate that pHi is an important factor for platelet activation including intracellular Ca2+ mobilization and aggregation.     

Anti-platelet activity of KR-32560, a novel sodium/hydrogen exchanger-1 inhibitor.

We investigated the anti-platelet effect of a newly synthesized guanidine derivative KR-32560, a sodium/hydrogen exchanger-1 (NHE-1) inhibitor, together with the elucidation of the possible mode of action. KR-32560 concentration dependently inhibited the aggregation of washed rabbit platelets induced by collagen (10 microg mL(-1)) and arachidonic acid (AA; 100 microM), with IC50 values of 25 and 46 microM, respectively. Whereas, KR-32560 showed weaker potency against aggregation induced by thrombin (0.05 UmL(-1)) and U46619 (1 microM), and had no effect on thapsigargin (0.5 microM)- or A23187 (5 microM)-induced platelet aggregation up to 50 microM. KR-32560 inhibited the collagen-induced [3H]AA liberation in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, KR-32560 significantly suppressed TXB2 formation in AA-exposed platelets, but had no effect on production of PGD2, indicating an inhibitory effect on TXA2 synthase. This finding was supported by a TXA2 synthase assay that KR-32560 inhibited the conversion of PGH2 into TXB2 with a similar magnitude to suppression of TXB2 formation. Furthermore, KR-32560 significantly inhibited the collagen-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization and serotonin secretion. Taken together, these observations suggest that the anti-platelet activity of KR-32560 may be mediated by the inhibition of cytoplasmic Ca2+ mobilization and AA liberation.     

Vasorelaxation and inhibition of the voltage-operated Ca2+ channels by FK506 in the porcine coronary artery

Using fura-2 fluorometry, the effects of FK506, an immunosuppressant, on changes in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and tension were investigated in porcine coronary arterial strips. The effects of FK506 on the activity of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels were examined by applying a whole cell patch clamp to the isolated smooth muscle cells of porcine coronary artery. FK506 inhibited the sustained increases in both [Ca2+]i and tension induced by 118 mM K+ depolarization and 100 nM U46619 in a concentration-dependent manner (1-30 microM). The extent of inhibition of the K+-induced contraction was greater than that of the U46619-induced contraction. The increases in [Ca2+]i and tension induced by histamine and endothelin- in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ were also inhibited by 10 microM FK506. FK506 (10 microM) had no effect on Ca2+ release induced by caffeine or by histamine in the Ca2+-free solution. FK506 (10 microM) had no effect on the [Ca2+]i-tension relationships of the contractions induced by cumulative increases of extracellular Ca2+ during K+ depolarization or stimulation with U46619. In the patch clamp experiments, FK506 (30 microM) partially inhibited the inward current induced by depolarization pulse from -80 mV to 0 mV. In conclusion, FK506 induces arterial relaxation by decreasing [Ca2+]i mainly due to the inhibition of the L-type Ca2+ channels, with no effect on the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus.     

The involvement of intracellular Ca(2+) in 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor-mediated contraction of the rabbit isolated renal artery

5-Hydroxytryptamine(1B/1D) (5-HT(1B/1D)) receptor coupling to contraction was investigated in endothelium-denuded rabbit isolated renal arteries, by simultaneously measuring tension and intracellular [Ca(2+)], and tension in permeabilized smooth muscle cells. In intact arterial segments, 1 nM - 10 microM 5-HT failed to induce contraction or increase the fura-2 fluorescence ratio (in the presence of 1 microM ketanserin and prazosin to block 5-HT(2) and alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors, respectively). However, in vessels pre-exposed to either 20 mM K(+) or 30 nM U46619, 5-HT stimulated concentration-dependent increases in both tension and intracellular [Ca(2+)]. 1 nM - 10 microM U46619 induced concentration-dependent contractions. In the presence of nifedipine (0.3 and 1 microM) the maximal contraction to U46619 (10 microM) was reduced by around 70%. The residual contraction was abolished by the putative receptor operated channel inhibitor, SKF 96365 (2 microM). With 0.3 microM nifedipine present, 100 nM U46619 evoked similar contraction to 30 nM U46619 in the absence of nifedipine, but contraction to 5-HT (1 nM - 10 microM) was abolished. In permeabilized arterial segments, 10 mM caffeine, 1 microM IP(3) or 100 microM phenylephrine, each evoked transient contractions by releasing Ca(2+) from intracellular stores, whereas 5-HT had no effect. In intact arterial segments pre-stimulated with 20 mM K(+), 5-HT-evoked contractions were unaffected by 1 microM thapsigargin, which inhibits sarco- and endoplasmic reticulum calcium-ATPases. In vessels permeabilized with alpha-toxin and then pre-contracted with Ca(2+) and GTP, 5-HT evoked further contraction, reflecting increased myofilament Ca(2+)-sensitivity. Contraction linked to 5-HT(1B/1D) receptor stimulation in the rabbit renal artery can be explained by an influx of external Ca(2+) through voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels and sensitization of the contractile myofilaments to existing levels of Ca(2+), with no release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores.