Stanniocalcin 2 is associated with ectopic calcification in α-klotho mutant mice and inhibits hyperphosphatemia-induced calcification in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells

Ectopic calcification of soft tissues can have severe clinical consequences especially when localized to vital organs such as heart, arteries and kidneys. Mammalian stanniocalcin (STC) 1 and 2 are glycoprotein hormones identified as calcium/phosphate-regulating hormones. The mRNA of STCs is upregulated in the kidney of α-klotho mutant (kl/kl) mice, which have hypercalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and hypervitaminosis D and exhibit a short life span, osteopenia and ectopic calcification. In the present study, we investigated the distribution and localization of STCs in kl/kl mice. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that renal mRNA expression of STC2 was increased in both kl/kl mice and fibroblast growth factor 23 (Fgf23)-null mice compared with wild type mice. Interestingly, STC2 protein was focally localized with the calcified lesions of renal arterioles, renal tubular cells, heart and aorta in kl/kl mice. In vitro analysis of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle (A-10) cells showed that inorganic phosphate (Pi) stimulation significantly increased STC2 mRNA levels as well as that of osteocalcin, osteopontin and the type III sodium-dependent phosphate co-transporter (PiT-1), and induced STC2 secretion. Interestingly, the knockdown with a small interfering RNA or the over-expression of STC2 showed acceleration and inhibition of Pi-induced calcification in A-10 cells, respectively. These results suggest that the up-regulation of STC2 gene expression resulting from abnormal α-klotho-Fgf23 signaling may contribute to limitation of ectopic calcification and thus STC2 represents a novel target gene for cardio-renal syndrome.     

Regulation of renal artery smooth muscle tone by α1-adrenoceptors: role of voltage-gated calcium channels and intracellular calcium stores

The ischemia induced vasospasm of the renal arterial blood vessels mediated by alpha1-adrenoceptors is of importance for the loss of kidney function. This is based on reduced perfusion of the kidney cortex occurring in kidney transplant and organ preserving surgery. The present study considered the intracellular mechanism of the norepinephrine (NE) induced renal artery vasospasm by using swine renal artery smooth muscle ring. Norepinephrine and phenylephrine (PE) induced dose-dependent and fully reversible isometric contractions with a threshold concentration of 10 nM (n = 7) and 10 nM (n = 4), and an EC50 of 0.3 microM and 1 microM, respectively. The receptor was identified as alpha1A-subtype. The contraction was completely inhibited by verapamil (IC50 = 1.51 microM; n = 11) and diltiazem (IC50 = 9.49 microM; n = 8) and 85% by nifedipine (IC50 = 0.13 microM; n = 21). Blockade of the intracellular inositol- 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ store by thapsigargin (1 microM, n = 7) or suppression of Ca2+ release from the intracellular Ca2+-sensitive Ca2+ store by ryanodine (100 microM, n = 4) inhibited the PE induced contraction by 39.5% and 47.6%, respectively. The results suggest a key role of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and intracellular Ca2+ stores in the alpha1A-adrenoceptor induced contraction of the renal artery.     

Effects of Gingko biloba extract (EGb 761) on vascular smooth muscle cell calcification induced by β-glycerophosphate

Objective To investigate the effects of Gingko biloba extract (EGb 761) on calcification induced by β-glycerophosphate in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. Methods Rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells were cultured with various concentrations of EGb 761 and β-glycerophosphate for 7 days. Calcium content in the cells, alkaline phosphatase activity, cell protein content, NF-κB activation, and reactive oxygen species production were assayed, respectively. Results The calcium depositions of vascular smooth muscle cells of the β-glycerophosphate group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p?p?p?Conclusions EGb 761 significantly reduced deposition of calcium induced by β-glycerophosphate in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells. It not only reduced the deposition of calcium, but also inhibited osteogenic transdifferentiation, which may be associated with decreasing expression of alkaline phosphatase, down-regulating the NF-κB activity, and reducing reactive oxygen species production of vascular smooth muscle cells, and may have the potential to serve as a role for vascular calcification in clinical situations.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

The role of CPI-17 in vascular calcium sensitivity regulated by protein kinase Cα and Cε in rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To observe the role of PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein for protein phos-phatase 1 of 17×103(CPI-17) in vascular calcium sensitivity regulatedy by protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and Cε (PKCε) in rats with hemorrhagic shock (HS). Methods Eight Wistar rats were used to reproduce 2 h HS model. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) rings from HS rats were randomly divided into 2 h shock group( without treatment), PKCα agonist group (with addition of thymelea toxin into the nutrient solution), CPI-17 antibody + PKCα agonist group [ incubation with thymelea toxin and CPI-17 antibody (1: 800)], PKCε agonist group ( with addition of carbachol into the nutrient solution), and CPI-17 antibody + PKCe ag-onist group [ incubation with carbachol and CPI-17 antibody (1:800)]. SMA rings from another eight nor-mal rats were used as normal control group. Calcium sensitivity indices (Emax, pD2) of SMA rings were measured by isolated organ perfusion system. Hypoxic VSMCs in primary culture were randomly divided into 2 h hypoxia group, PKCct agonist group ( with above-mentioned treatment), PKCε agonist group ( with a-bove-mentioned treatment), normal VSMCs were used as normal control group. Protein expression and phos-phorylation of CPI-17 were measured via Western blot. Results Emax and pD2 in all the experimental groups were lower than those in normal control group (P<0.01). Emax in PKCα agonist group and PKCε agonist group was increased (5.8±0.8, 5.8±0.9 mN, respectively) as compared with that of 2 h shock group (4.1±0.6 mN, P <0.01 ). Protein expression and phosphorylation of CPI-17 in VSMC were signifi-cantly decreased in 2 h hypoxia group, compared with those in normal control group (P<0.05 ), and those in PKCα agonist and PKC agonist groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01 ). Conclusions PKCα and PKCε may regulate vascular calcium sensitivity through change in protein expression and activity of CPI-17 in HS rats.     

Effect of endothelial cells and transforming growth factor-ß1 on cultured vascular smooth muscle cell growth patterns

Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) cultured alone exhibit characteristic "hill and valley" macroscopic growth features. We studied smooth muscle cells cocultured with endothelial cells and the effect of transforming growth factor ß1 on smooth muscle cells. Bovine smooth muscle cells were plated on 13 μm-thick semipermeable membranes. Smooth muscle cells were cultured either alone (in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles Media/2.5% calf serum, four wells/group); with neutralizing anti-transforming growth factor-ß1 antibody (10 μg/ml); with the protease inhibitor aprotinin (prevents plasmin-mediated activation of transforming growth factor-ß1, 200 mg/ml); or in the presence of confluent bovine endothelial cells cocultured on the opposite side of the membrane before plating smooth muscle cells. After 72 hours in culture smooth muscle cell organizational growth characteristics were examined by light microscopy. Hill and valley formation by smooth muscle cells resulted in areas of the membrane becoming devoid of smooth muscle cells, whereas other areas developed multilayered densely populated smooth muscle cells. Computed planimetry was used to measure this bare surface area to quantitate the extent of hill and valley growth, which was compared between groups by analysis of variance. Smooth muscle cells cultured alone demonstrated prominent hill and valley formation with a bare surface area of 2.64 ± 0.51 mm². Smooth muscle cells exposed to transforming growth factor-ß1 antibody had much less hill and valley formation (bare surface area 0.92 ± 0.29, p < 0.01), whereas aprotinin virtually prevented hill and valley formation (bare surface area 0.0, p < 0.01). Smooth muscle cells cultured opposite endothelial cells demonstrated an organized growth pattern without hill and valley growth (bare surface area 0.0, p < 0.01 vs smooth muscle cell alone). However, transforming growth factor-ß1 (10 ng/ml) added to smooth muscle cells cocultured opposite endothelial cells resulted in hill and valley formation. These results support the hypothesis that hill and valley growth in cultured smooth muscle cells is due in part to transforming growth factor-ß1 and can be markedly reduced by agents that reduce the activation of transforming growth factor-ß1 (aprotinin) or directly antagonize its action (blocking antibody). The presence of endothelial cells in coculture also blocks this hill and valley growth, presumably by inhibiting the transforming growth factor-ß1 effect, because this was overcome by additional transforming growth factor-ß1. (J VASC SURG 1994;20:787-94.)     

Changes of neuronal calcium channel following brain damage induced by injection of pertussin bacilli in rats

OBJECTIVE: To explore changes of neuronal calcium channel following brain damage induced by injection of pertussis bacilli in rats, and to investigate the relationship between cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in the synaptosome and Ca(2+)-ATPase activities of mitochondria. METHODS: The level of [Ca(2+)](i) in the synaptosome and Ca(2+)-ATPase activities of mitochondria in the acute brain damage induced by injection of pertussis bacilli (PB) in rat was determined and nimodipine was administrated to show its effects on [Ca(2+)](i) in the synaptosome and on alteration of Ca(2+)-ATPase activity in the mitochondria. Seventy-three rats were randomly divided into four groups, ie, normal control group (Group A), sham-operation control group (Group B), PB group (Group C) and nimodipine treatment group (Group D). RESULTS: The level of [Ca(2+)](i) was significantly increased in the PB-injected cerebral hemisphere in the Group C as compared with that in the Group A and the Group B at 30 minutes after injection of PB. The level of [Ca(2+)](i) was kept higher in the 4 hours and 24 hours subgroups after the injection in the Group C (P<0.05). In contrast, the Ca(2+)-ATPase activities were decreased remarkably among all of the subgroups in the Group C. Nimodipine, which was administered after injection of PB, could significantly decrease the [Ca(2+)](i) and increase the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPase (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The neuronal calcium channel is opened after injection of PB. There is a negative correlation between activities of Ca(2+)-ATPase and [Ca(2+)](i). Nimodipine can reduce brain damage through stimulating the activities of Ca(2+)-ATPase in the mitochondria, and decrease the level of [Ca(2+)](i) in the synaptosome. Treatment with nimodipine dramatically reduces the effects of brain damage induced by injection of PB.