Eicosanoids, mesangial contraction, and intracellular signal transduction.

The glomerular mesangial cell is a specialized pericyte with multiple functional capabilities including contraction. Mesangial contraction may reduce the glomerular filtration surface area and hence the ultrafiltration coefficient, Kf. Cultured mesangial cells convert arachidonic acid into biologically active eicosanoids which are either contractile (thromboxane A2 [TxA2], prostaglandin F2 alpha [PGE2 alpha]) or relaxant (PGE2, PGI2). The addition of TxA2 analogues, PGE2 or sulfidopeptide leukotrienes (LTC4 and LTD4) stimulated contraction of cultured mesangial cells with threshold responses at approximately 1 nM and maximum responses at 1 microM. PGE2 and PGI2 antagonized mesangial contraction induced by TxA2 analogues. Contraction was enhanced by inhibiting mesangial cyclooxygenase with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID). Contractile eicosanoids stimulated phospholipase C thereby elevating intracellular inositol trisphosphate and cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Vasorelaxant prostanoids stimulated adenylate cyclase, increasing intracellular cyclic AMP. We conclude that eicosanoids control mesangial contractility by regulating [Ca2+]i and cAMP. NSAID increase mesangial reactivity by blocking the inhibitory effects of endogenous vasodilator eicosanoids, with potential consequences on glomerular hemodynamics.     

Cytosolic Ca2+ and phosphoinositide hydrolysis linked to constitutively active alpha 1D-adrenoceptors in vascular smooth muscle

In the present study, we analyzed changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels and inositol phosphate accumulation related to a population of alpha 1d-adrenoceptors in rat aorta resembling constitutively active receptors. Following intracellular Ca2+ store depletion by noradrenaline in Ca2+-free medium and removal of the agonist, restoration of extracellular Ca2+ induced four signals: a biphasic (transient and sustained) increase in [Ca2+]i, inositol phosphate accumulation, and a contractile response in the aorta. The transient increase in Ca2+, the inositol phosphate accumulation, and the contractile response were not observed in aortae incubated with prazosin or BMY 7378 [8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione] (a selective alpha 1d-adrenoceptor ligand), relating the three signals to alpha 1d-adrenoceptor activity. In the presence of nimodipine, only the sustained increase in Ca2+ and the inositol phosphate accumulation were observed, relating both signals to calcium entry through L-channels. The four signals were abolished by Ni2+. In the rat tail artery, where alpha 1d-adrenoceptors are not functionally active, restoration of extracellular Ca2+ after store depletion induced only a sustained increase in [Ca2+]i without inositol phosphate accumulation nor contractile response. Taken together these results suggest that in the aorta, Ca2+ entry is required for the recovery of cytosolic calcium levels and the display of the membrane signals related to the constitutive activity of alpha 1d-adrenoceptors, i.e., inositol phosphate formation and Ca2+ entry through L-type channels, which maintains a contractile response once the agonist has been removed.     

Intracellular calcium and ventricular function. Effects of nisoldipine on global ischemia in the isovolumic, coronary-perfused heart.

Ischemia-induced ventricular dysfunction has been shown to be associated with increased diastolic and systolic intracellular concentrations of free, ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i). The present study was designed to determine the effects of the Ca2+ antagonist nisoldipine on the relationship between [Ca2+]i and left ventricular contraction and relaxation during ischemia and reperfusion on a beat-to-beat basis. Nine isovolumic coronary-perfused ferret hearts were made globally ischemic for 3 min and reperfused for 10 min. Ischemia and reperfusion were repeated during perfusion with a buffer containing 10(-8) M nisoldipine. From left ventricular developed pressure, time to peak pressure and time to 50% pressure decline were obtained. [Ca2+]i was determined with the bioluminescent protein aequorin. Global ischemia caused a rapid decline in contractile function and a significant increase in diastolic [Ca2+]i, from 0.35 to 0.81 microM, and in systolic [Ca2+]i, from 0.61 to 0.96 microM. During reperfusion, [Ca2+]i returned to baseline while ventricular function was still impaired. Relaxation was more affected than systolic contractile function. Nisoldipine significantly reduced the ischemia-induced rise in diastolic [Ca2+]i to 0.62 microM, and in systolic [Ca2+]i to 0.77 microM, and lessened the decrease in contractile function. Nisoldipine significantly accelerated the decline in [Ca2+]i during reperfusion and improved recovery of contractility and relaxation. These effects were associated with a significant diminution in ischemic lactate production. Taken together, our results provide direct quantitative evidence on a beat-to-beat basis that the calcium antagonist nisoldipine can ameliorate ischemia-induced abnormalities in [Ca2+]i handling, an effect that was associated with improved myocardial function during early reperfusion.     

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

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

Blocking late sodium current reduces hydrogen peroxide-induced arrhythmogenic activity and contractile dysfunction

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including H2O2, cause intracellular calcium overload and ischemia-reperfusion damage. The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that H2O2-induced arrhythmic activity and contractile dysfunction are the results of an effect of H2O2 to increase the magnitude of the late sodium current (late INa). Guinea pig and rabbit isolated ventricular myocytes were exposed to 200 microM H2O2. Transmembrane voltages and currents and twitch shortening were measured using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique and video edge detection, respectively. [Na+]i and [Ca2+]i were determined by fluorescence measurements. H2O2 caused a persistent late INa that was almost completely inhibited by 10 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX). H2O2 prolonged the action potential duration (APD), slowed the relaxation rate of cell contraction, and induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs) and aftercontractions. H2O2 also caused increases of [Na+]i and [Ca2+]i. Ranolazine (10 microM), a novel inhibitor of late INa, attenuated H2O2-induced late INa by 51+/-9%. TTX (2 microM) or 10 microM ranolazine attenuated H2O2-induced APD prolongation and suppressed EADs. Ranolazine accelerated the twitch relaxation rate in the presence of H2O2 and abolished H2O2-induced aftercontractions. Pretreatment of myocytes with ranolazine delayed and reduced the increases of APD, [Na+]i, and [Ca2+]i caused by H2O2. In conclusion, the results confirm the hypothesis that an increase in late INa during exposure of ventricular myocytes to H2O2 contributes to electrical and contractile dysfunction and suggest that inhibition of late INa may offer protection against ROS-induced Na+ and Ca2+ overload.     

Endothelin-1 stimulates contraction of rat glomerular mesangial cells and potentiates beta-adrenergic-mediated cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation.

The newly isolated peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), is a potent pressor agent that reduces GFR and the glomerular ultrafiltration coefficient. Recent evidence demonstrates that ET-1 mobilizes intracellular Ca2+ [( Ca2+]i) in glomerular mesangial cells by activating the phosphoinositide cascade. The present experiments were designed to examine whether ET-1 stimulates mesangial cell contraction and regulates the synthesis of PGE2 and cAMP, which dampen vasoconstrictor-induced mesangial contraction. ET-1 (greater than or equal to 1 nM) reduced the cross-sectional area of rat mesangial cells cultured on three-dimensional gels of collagen type I. ET-1 also caused complex rearrangements of F-actin microfilaments consistent with a motile response. Contraction in response to ET-1 occurred only at concentrations that activate phospholipase C, and contraction was unaffected by blockade of dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca2+ channels. Elevation of [Ca2+]i with ionomycin, to equivalent concentrations of [Ca2+]i achieved with ET-1, also reduced mesangial cell cross-sectional area. ET-1 (0.1 microM) also evoked [3H]arachidonate release and a fivefold increase in PGE2 synthesis as well as increased synthesis of PGF2 alpha and small changes of TXB2. ET-1 caused a minor increase in intracellular cAMP accumulation only in the presence of 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. ET-1 also amplified cAMP production in response to isoproterenol. TPA and ionomycin, alone and in combination, failed to mimic the potentiating effect of ET-1; however, indomethacin blocked ET-1-induced potentiation of isoproterenol-stimulated cAMP, which was restored by addition of exogenous 10 nM PGE2. Thus the present data demonstrate that ET-1 stimulates mesangial cell contraction via pharmacomechanical coupling and activates phospholipase A2 to produce PGE2, PGF2 alpha, and TXB2. ET-1 also amplified beta adrenergic-stimulated cAMP accumulation by a PGE2-dependent mechanism.     

Abnormalities in intracellular calcium regulation and contractile function in myocardium from dogs with pacing-induced heart failure.

24 d of rapid ventricular pacing induced dilated cardiomyopathy with both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in conscious, chronically instrumented dogs. We studied mechanical properties and intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) transients of trabeculae carneae isolated from 15 control dogs (n = 32) and 11 dogs with pacing-induced cardiac failure (n = 26). Muscles were stretched to maximum length at 30 degrees C and stimulated at 0.33 Hz; a subset (n = 17 control, n = 17 myopathic) was loaded with the [Ca2+]i indicator aequorin. Peak tension was depressed in the myopathic muscles, even in the presence of maximally effective (i.e., 16 mM) [Ca2+] in the perfusate. However, peak [Ca2+]i was similar (0.80 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.05 microM; [Ca2+]o = 2.5 mM), suggesting that a decrease in Cai2+ availability was not responsible for the decreased contractility. The time for decline from the peak of the Cai2+ transient was prolonged in the myopathic group, which correlated with prolongation of isometric contraction and relaxation. However, similar end-diastolic [Ca2+]i was achieved in both groups (0.29 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.31 +/- 0.02 microM), indicating that Cai2+ homeostasis can be maintained in myopathic hearts. The inotropic response of the myopathic muscles to milrinone was depressed compared with the controls. However, when cAMP production was stimulated by pretreatment with forskolin, the response of the myopathic muscles to milrinone was improved. Our findings provide direct evidence that abnormal [Ca2+]i handling is an important cause of contractile dysfunction in dogs with pacing-induced heart failure and suggest that deficient production of cAMP may be an important cause of these changes in excitation-contraction coupling.     

Receptor agonists induce myosin phosphorylation-dependent and phosphorylation-independent contractions in vascular smooth muscle.

In isolated rat aorta, 72.7 mM KCI, 10 microM prostaglandin F2 alpha, 30 nM endothelin-1 and 1 microM norepinephrine increased muscle tension, cytosolic Ca++ concentration ([Ca++]i) and 20 kDa myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. The levels of contractile tension and MLC phosphorylation at a given [Ca++]i were greatest in the presence of endothelin-1 followed by prostaglandin F2 alpha greater than norepinephrine greater than high K+. Verapamil inhibited the high K(+)-induced increments to their respective resting levels. Verapamil also almost completely inhibited the receptor agonist-induced increments in [Ca++]i and MLC phosphorylation, although a part of the contraction was not inhibited. Ethylene glycol bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'-tetraacetic acid further decreased [Ca++]i and muscle tension, suggesting that a part of the contraction is regulated by [Ca++]i below a resting level. Receptor agonists induced sustained contraction in the absence of external Ca++ which was not followed by the increase in [Ca++]i or MLC phosphorylation. This contraction was followed by the increments in shortening velocity and stiffness. In the rabbit mesenteric artery permeabilized with Staphylococcus aureus, alpha-toxin, norepinephrine and endothelin-1 shifted the Ca(++)-tension curve to the left in the presence of GTP. From these results, it is suggested that high K(+)-induced sustained contraction of vascular smooth muscle is attributable to an increase in [Ca++]i followed by an increase in MLC phosphorylation. In addition to this fundamental mechanism, receptor agonists increase Ca+ sensitivity of MLC phosphorylation when [Ca++]i is higher than resting level resulting in a greater contraction than that induced by high K+ for a given increase in [Ca++]i.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Inhibition of apical Na+ channels in rabbit cortical collecting tubules by basolateral prostaglandin E2 is modulated by protein kinase C.

We used the cell-attached patch clamp technique to investigate the interaction of exogenous prostaglandins (PG), intracellular [Ca2+]i, and protein kinase C (PKC) on the high selectivity, 4 pS Na+ channel found in the principal cell apical membrane of rabbit cortical collecting tubule (CCT) cultures grown on collagen supports with 1.5 microM aldosterone. Application of 0.5 microM PGE2 to the basolateral membrane decreased mean NP0 (number of channels times the open probability) for apical Na+ channels by 46.5% (n = 9). There was no consistent change in NP0 after apical 0.5 microM PGE2 (n = 12) or after apical or basolateral 0.5 microM PGF2 alpha (n = 8). Release of [Ca2+]i stores with 0.25 microM thapsigargin (n = 7), or activation of apical membrane PKC with apical 0.1 microM 4 beta-phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (n = 5) or 10 microM 1-oleyl-2-acetylglycerol (n = 4) also decreased NP0. Depletion of [Ca2+]i stores (0.25 microM thapsigargin pretreatment) (n = 7) or inhibition of apical PKC (100 microM D-sphingosine pretreatment) (n = 8) abolished the inhibitory effects of basolateral PGE2. Conclusions: (a) apical Na+ transport in rabbit CCT principal cells is modulated by basolateral PGE2; (b) the mechanism involves release of IP3-sensitive, [Ca2+]i stores; and (c) Ca(2+)-dependent activation of apical membrane PKC, which then inhibits apical Na+ channels.     

Chlorpromazine at comparatively low concentrations potentiates carbachol-induced tonic contraction of ileal longitudinal smooth muscle of the guinea-pig

The neuroleptic phenothiazine derivative chlorpromazine (CPZ) at high concentration (1 x 10(-5) M) decreased either the phasic or tonic contraction in response to carbachol and the carbachol-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in both phases in ileal muscle. In contrast, CPZ at low concentrations (8 x 10(-7) - 5 x 10(-6) M) decreased only the phasic contraction and potentiated the tonic contraction induced by carbachol. However, CPZ at these concentrations dose-dependently decreased the carbachol-induced increase in [Ca2+]i in both phases. These results suggested that CPZ dose-dependently decreased the initial phasic contraction in response to carbachol by inhibition of Ca2+ release from the intracellular storage sites. CPZ at low concentrations appears to increase Ca2+ sensitivity to contractile proteins in the carbachol-induced tonic phase. CPZ dose-dependently reduced the 60 mM K(+)-induced phasic and tonic responses and a concomitant decrease in [Ca2+]i in ileal muscle.     

Influence of amiloride derivatives on alpha-1 adrenergic receptor-induced contractions of the rabbit aorta

Derivatives of amiloride that exhibit greater specificity for inhibition of either Na+/H+ or Na+/Ca(+)+ exchange were evaluated for their ability to influence phenylephrine (PE)-induced contractions of the rabbit aorta. Most, but not all, derivatives with alkyl substituents at the 5-amino position (which exhibit greater potency for Na+/H+ exchange inhibition) caused a dose-dependent contraction at concentrations above 10 microM. At higher concentrations and longer incubation times this contraction reached 70 to 80% of the maximal PE response. Contractions induced by 5-amino-substituted amiloride derivatives were dependent upon extracellular Ca(+)+ and were inhibited by either extracellular acidification or intracellular alkalinization. This suggests that they resulted from an influence of intracellular acidification on Ca(+)+ transport. Contractile responses to PE (1 microM) were reduced by most but not all 5-amino-substituted derivatives in conjunction with tension development. Dimethylamiloride, however, failed to cause a contraction at doses up to 100 microM but was the most potent inhibitor of PE-induced contractions among the 5-amino derivatives. Dose-response curves for PE were shifted both to the right and downward by increasing concentrations of amiloride, which indicates both competitive and noncompetitive types of inhibition. Guanidino-substituted derivatives such as benzobenzamil were the most potent antagonists, producing noncompetitive inhibition in excess of 90% at a concentration of 10 microM. The differing patterns of inhibition as well as the presence or absence of intrinsic contractile activity indicate that amiloride derivatives have the potential for multiple pathways of action that modify arterial contractility.     

Dihydropyridine- and omega-conotoxin-resistant, neomycin-sensitive calcium channels mediate the depolarization-induced increase in internal calcium levels in cortical slices from immature rat brain.

In order to characterize pharmacologically voltage-operated calcium channels in the rat brain, we have developed a technique to measure intracellular calcium levels ([Ca++]i) in immature rat cortical slices loaded with the fluorescent calcium probe Fura-2. KCl depolarization caused a rapid and reversible increase in cortical [Ca++]i. A significant increase was already observed at 20 mM KCl and the maximal effect was obtained at 77 mM. This response was not modified when extracellular Na+ was substituted by the nonpermeant cation bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-dimethylammonium chloride and was insensitive to the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin (1 microM). In the absence of extracellular Ca++, KCl (50 mM) failed to increase [Ca++]i. The KCl (50 mM)-induced increase in [Ca++]i was not affected by the L-type calcium channel blockers nifedipine and isradipine and was only partially inhibited (by less than 30% at 50 microM) by verapamil and diltiazem. In contrast, nimodipine prevented this response by 41% at 50 microM. Flunarizine (a nonselective T channel blocker) inhibited the KCl response by 47% at 30 microM, whereas nicergoline (another nonselective T channel blocker) reduced this entry by 74% at 300 microM (IC50 = 120 microM). Cyclandelate, an atypical calcium antagonist, inhibited KCl-induced increase in [Ca++]i with a maximal effect of 41% at 30 microM, whereas perhexiline was inactive. The KCl-induced rise in [Ca++]i was only marginally inhibited by omega-conotoxin with a maximal effect of 20% from 1 nM to 1 microM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Factors affecting rabbit mesenteric artery smooth muscle sensitivity to calcium antagonists

The sensitivity of rabbit isolated superior mesenteric artery to Ca++ antagonists was examined under various conditions. Relaxation dose-response curves for D600 or nifedipine were generated, and IC50 values were calculated. In the first series of experiments, D600 or nifedipine IC50 was found to be 20-25-fold greater for norepinephrine (NE, 5 microM) contraction than for 80 nM K+ contraction. Even when the tissues were depolarized with 80 mM K+ before NE contraction, D600 or nifedipine IC50 still remained significantly greater compared with 80 mM K+ alone and remained closer to that during NE alone. Also a protocol was designed to study NE-induced phasic contraction in EGTA-physiological salt solution (a functional indicator of intracellular Ca++ release) as well as NE-induced sustained contraction after readdition of Ca++. The effects of varying [K+]ex (0-80 nM range) on NE-induced [Ca++]i release as well as on the D600 IC50 for NE contraction was studied. Increasing [K+]ex was found to enhance NE-sensitive [Ca++]i release and lower the D600 IC50 for NE contraction. Thus, conditions causing an increase in the ability of NE to cause [Ca++]i release were associated with an increase in the sensitivity of NE contraction to D600. These data provide functional evidence that the receptor-agonist sensitive Ca++ influx process in vascular smooth muscle is not solely regulated by changes in membrane potential. Additional mechanisms, such as a modulatory role of [Ca++]i release, in this process are implicated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A comparison of the potency of selective L-calcium channel blockers in human coronary and internal mammary arteries exposed to serotonin.

The actions of L-type calcium channel blockers on the contractile response to serotonin and to K(+)-depolarization have been studied in human coronary artery and in human internal mammary artery. The effect of ketanserin indicated that in both arteries serotonin action may be related not only to 5-serotonin2 but also to other serotonin receptors. In fura-2-loaded coronary and mammary arteries, exposed to serotonin (10 microM), nisoldipine (1 microM) and verapamil (10 microM) reversed completely the increase in [Ca++] cyt but not the contraction. The Ca++ antagonist-resistant contraction was equal to 26.2 +/- 2.1% of controls (n = 57) in coronary artery and to 51.7 +/- 4.2% (n = 19) in internal mammary artery. The concentration inhibiting by 50% the tonic contraction to serotonin sensitive to calcium channels blockade was 61-fold lower in human coronary artery than in human internal mammary artery with nisoldipine, but only 3.7-fold lower with nifedipine. There was no significant difference with diltiazem and verapamil. When human coronary artery and human internal mammary artery were exposed to a 100-mM KCl depolarizing solution, their sensitivity to nisoldipine was not significantly different. Preincubation with calcium antagonists in a 40-mM KCl solution reversibly increased the inhibitory effect of nisoldipine but not that of the other calcium antagonists. Comparison of radioligand and functional data shows that inhibition by calcium antagonists of the response to both serotonin and K(+)-depolarizing solution may be related to interaction with L-type calcium channels. The results indicate that the very high sensitivity to nisoldipine of the tonic response evoked by serotonin in human coronary artery might be related to the voltage-dependence of this dihydropyridine.     

Signaling mechanisms for the selective vasoconstrictor effect of norbormide on the rat small arteries

Norbormide (NRB) is a selective vasoconstrictor agent of the rat small vessels. The mechanisms underlying the selective vasoconstrictor effect of NRB are unknown. To investigate whether phospholipase C (PLC) signaling pathway plays a role in NRB-induced vasoconstriction, we performed experiments in NRB-contracted tissues, namely, rat caudal arteries (RCA) and smooth muscle cells derived from rat mesenteric arteries (MVSMCs). An NRB-insensitive vessel, namely rat aorta (RA), served as a control tissue. In RCA and RA we measured either isometric tension or formation of inositol phosphates (IPs), the latter taken as an index of PLC activation. In MVSMCs, we measured intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt). In the presence of external Ca2+, NRB (2-50 microM) stimulated IPs formation in RCA but not in RA, and increased [Ca2+]cyt in MVSMCs. In the absence of external Ca2+, NRB (50 microM) increased IPs formation in RCA but was unable to increase [Ca2+]cyt in MVSMCs. In RCA, in the presence of external Ca2+, NRB-induced contraction was inhibited by calphostin C (0.2-1 microM), an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), and by SK&F 96365 (30 microM), an inhibitor of the store-operated calcium channels, but was poorly affected by verapamil, an L-type calcium channel blocker. However, verapamil was much more effective when external Ca2+ was substituted by Sr2+. These results suggest that NRB elicits its tissue and species-selective vasoconstrictor effect by stimulating PLC-PKC pathway and increasing Ca2+ influx through both verapamil-sensitive and -insensitive calcium channels. Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum seems not involved in NRB vasoconstriction.     

Endothelin and angiotensin II stimulation of Na+-H+ exchange is impaired in cardiac hypertrophy.

We compared the effects of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on intracellular pH, intracellular [Ca2+]i, and cell contraction in hypertrophied adult ventricular myocytes from ascending aortic banded rats and age-matched controls. Intracellular pH (pH(i)) was measured in individual myocytes with SNARF-1, and [Ca2+]i was measured with indo-1, simultaneous with cell motion. Experiments were performed at 36 degrees C in myocytes paced at 0.5 Hz in Hepes-buffered solution (pH(o) 7.40) containing 1.2 mM CaCl2. At baseline, calibrated pH(i), diastolic and systolic [Ca2+]i values, and the amplitude of cell contraction were similar in hypertrophied and control myocytes. Exposure of the control myocytes to 10 nM ET-1 caused an increase in the amplitude of cell contraction to 163+/-22% of baseline (P < 0.05), associated with intracellular alkalinization (pH(i) + 0.08+/-0.02 U, P < 0.05) and a slight increase in peak systolic [Ca2+]i (104+/-11% of baseline, P < 0.05). In contrast, in the hypertrophied myocytes, exposure to ET-1 did not increase the amplitude of cell contraction or cause intracellular alkalinization (-0.01+/-0.02 U, NS). Similar effects were observed in the hypertrophied and control myocytes in response to exposure to 10 nM angiotensin II. ET-1 also increased the rate of recovery from intracellular acidosis induced by the washout of NH4Cl in the control cells, but did not do so in the hypertrophied cells. In the presence of 10 microM 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)-amiloride, which inhibits Na+-H+ exchange, ET-1 did not cause a positive inotropic effect or intracellular alkalinization in control cells. The activation of protein kinase C by exposure to phorbol ester caused intracellular alkalinization and it increased the rate of recovery from intracellular acidification induced by an NH4Cl pulse in control cells but not in hypertrophied cells. ET-1, as well as angiotensin II, and phorbol ester, fail to stimulate forward Na+-H+ exchange in adult hypertrophied myocytes. These data suggest a defect in the coupling of protein kinase C signaling with Na+-H+ exchange in adult hypertrophied myocytes.     

Measurement of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration in rabbit aorta using the photoprotein, aequorin. Effect of atrial natriuretic peptide on agonist-induced Ca2+ signal generation.

Addition of norepinephrine, angiotensin II, or histamine leads to a transient rise in the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), as measured with aequorin, in rabbit aortic strips. Each induces a [Ca2+]i transient which peaks in 2 min and then falls either back to baseline (angiotensin II) or to a plateau (norepinephrine and histamine). The [Ca2+]i transient is due to the mobilization of Ca2+ from a caffeine-sensitive, intracellular pool. An elevation of [K+] to 35 mM leads to a monotonic sustained rise in [Ca2+]i which depends entirely on extracellular Ca2+, but an increase to 100 mM leads to a [Ca2+]i transient from the mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. Atrial natriuretic peptide does not alter basal [Ca2+]i nor inhibit the [Ca2+]i transient induced by either histamine or angiotensin II, but blocks that induced by norepinephrine, and blocks the plateau phase induced by either histamine or norepinephrine. The peptide inhibits the contractile response to all three agonists and to K+.     

Regulation of Na,K-adenosine triphosphatase gene expression by sodium ions in cultured neonatal rat cardiocytes.

Na,K-ATPase (Na,K-pump) plays an important role in the regulation of intracellular ion composition. The purpose of this study is to determine whether Na+ regulates the levels of mRNA coding for Na,K-ATPase alpha and beta subunits in cultured neonatal rat cardiocytes. We measured intracellular Na+ levels ([Na+]i) in cardiocytes using a Na(+)-sensitive fluorescence dye (SBFI). 1 mM ouabain caused a significant increase in [Na+]i in cardiocytes; from 12.8 +/- 0.3 to 28.8 +/- 1.8 mM. Exposure of cardiocytes to 1 mM ouabain resulted in a three- to fourfold increase in alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3 mRNA accumulation, and an approximate two-fold increase in beta 1 mRNA accumulation. A maximum elevation was reached at 60 min in both cases. The ouabain-induced alpha 1 mRNA accumulation was still observed in the Ca(2+)-free culture medium. Exposure of cardiocytes to 10 microM monensin in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ also resulted in a threefold increase in alpha 1 mRNA accumulation. The increased alpha 1 mRNA expression by 1 mM ouabain was associated with a fourfold increase in alpha 1 subunit protein accumulation. Transfection experiments with chimeric plasmids containing 5'-flanking sequences of alpha 1, alpha 2, and alpha 3 isoform genes and a luciferase reporter gene revealed that 1 mM ouabain caused a twofold increase in luciferase activity in each alpha system. These results suggest that Na+ directly regulates Na,K-ATPase gene expression in cardiocytes. The transfection study further supports the premise that Na(+)-responsive elements are located within the 5'-flanking sequences of each alpha isoform gene.     

Modification of alpha1 -adrenoceptors by peroxynitrite as a possible mechanism of systemic hypotension in sepsis

OBJECTIVE: It is well known that nitric oxide synthase is induced by endotoxin or inflammatory cytokines, and consequently large amounts of nitric oxide cause vascular hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictor agents and myocardial dysfunction, hence hypotension. However, there is considerable controversy as to whether these pathologic cardiovascular features are mediated directly by nitric oxide or also through the formation of secondary reaction products such as peroxynitrite (ONOO-1). Our objective was to investigate inhibitory effects of ONOO-1 on alpha1-adrenoceptors. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, in vitro, laboratory study. SETTING: Laboratory of a health sciences university. SUBJECTS: Chinese hamster ovary cells that expressed the human recombinant alpha1a-, alpha1b-, or alpha1d-adrenoceptors, rat aorta strips. INTERVENTIONS: Binding experiments of [3H]prazosin were done in the Chinese hamster ovary cell membranes pretreated with 100 microM to 3 mM ONOO-1. Displacement experiments with noradrenaline or 3-nitro-l-tyrosine also were conducted. Mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ evoked by 1 nM to 10 microM noradrenaline was monitored in a fluorescence spectrophotometer with dual excitation at 340 nm/380 nm and emission at 500 nm in fura-2/AM-loaded Chinese hamster ovary cells. Contractile force produced by noradrenaline was monitored in rat aorta strips that have alpha1a- and alpha1d-adrenoceptors, pretreated with 1 mM ONOO-1. Either 0.3 N NaOH or the decomposed ONOO-1 was used as the control. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The specific binding of [3H]prazosin to alpha1a- and alpha1d-adrenoceptor was inhibited by ONOO-1 in a concentration-dependent manner. We found that 3 mM ONOO-1 decreased maximum binding sites by 40% to 50% in alpha1a- and alpha1d-adrenoceptors. Binding affinities for prazosin and noradrenaline were not affected by 1 mM ONOO-1 in all subtypes. We found that 3-nitro-l-tyrosine did not affect the prazosin binding to three adrenoceptor subtypes. Noradrenaline increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) concentration-dependently, which was inhibited by ONOO-1 in alpha1a- and alpha1d-adrenoceptors. ONOO-1 had no effect on alpha1b-adrenoceptor. Contractile force produced by noradrenaline decreased significantly in aorta strips pretreated with ONOO-1. CONCLUSION: ONOO-1 reduces the binding capacity of alpha1a- and alpha1d- but not alpha1b-adrenoceptors without changing the affinities. Treatment with ONOO-1 attenuates noradrenaline-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i in alpha1a- and alpha1d-adrenoceptors but not in alpha1b-adrenoceptor. ONOO-1 also weakens noradrenaline-induced contractions in rat aorta that has alpha1a- and alpha1d-adrenoceptors. Cardiovascular hyporeactivity to catecholamines in septic shock may be caused in part by the inactivation of alpha-adrenoceptors by ONOO-1.     

Cardiomyocyte intracellular calcium and cardiac dysfunction after burn trauma

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of pharmacologic agents designed to limit burn-mediated calcium overload on cardiomyocyte [Ca2+] and cardiac contractile function. DESIGN: Experimental, comparative study. SETTING: Cellular biology and physiology laboratory. SUBJECTS: Adult Sprague Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: Rats were given third-degree burn injury over 40% of the total body surface area, were fluid resuscitated, and then were divided randomly to receive one of five treatments: vehicle (normal saline); amiloride (50 mg/kg) to inhibit H+-Na+ exchange and subsequent Na+-Ca2+ exchange; dantrolene (10 mg/kg, 30 mins, 6 and 22 hrs postburn) to inhibit sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release; diltiazem (10 mg/kg given over first 6 hrs postburn); or amlodipine (0.07 mg/kg, 24 hrs preburn and 30 mins postburn) to block calcium slow channels. Appropriate controls (sham burns given the appropriate pharmacologic agent) were included in each group. Twenty-four hrs postburn, left ventricular function (Langendorff), cardiomyocyte [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i measured by fura-2-AM or sodium-binding benzofurzan isophthalate loading of cardiomyocytes, and myocyte secretion of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) were assessed in shams and burns from each experimental group. This time point was selected based on our previous work confirming maximal ventricular contractile defects and maximal cytokine secretion 24 hrs postburn. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Burn trauma increased myocyte [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i, promoted tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion by cardiomyocytes, and impaired left ventricular function. All pharmacologic agents reduced the burn-mediated Ca2+/Na+ accumulation in cardiomyocytes and ablated burn-mediated tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion by myocytes; in contrast, dantrolene and amiloride provided significantly greater cardioprotection than pharmacologic agents that specifically targeted Ca2+ slow channels (diltiazem and amlodipine). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the calcium antagonists used in this study provide cardioprotection by modulating several aspects of the overall inflammatory cascade rather than solely limiting cardiomyocyte accumulation of calcium.