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A Lückhoff

Publications and source records attributed to A Lückhoff.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Cellular mechanisms controlling EDRF/NO formation in endothelial cells.

We investigated the molecular mechanisms whereby Ca2+ enters the endothelial cytosol and regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthesis L-arginine-dependent nitric oxide synthesis by isolated endothelial cytosol as quantified by activation of a purified soluble guanylate cyclase was concentration-dependently enhanced by free Ca2+ (EC50 0.3 microM). The Ca(2+)-dependent activation was inhibited by the calmodulin antagonists mastoparan, melittin, and calcineurin (IC50 450, 350, and 60 nM, respectively) in a calmodulin-reversible manner. After removal of endogenous calmodulin the Ca(2+)-dependency of endothelial NO synthase was lost, but could be reconstituted with exogenous calmodulin. The results indicate that Ca(2+)-calmodulin directly activates the endothelial nitric oxide synthase, thereby transducing agonist-induced increases in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration to nitric oxide formation from L-arginine, K(+)-induced depolarization of the endothelial cells markedly inhibited the sustained, but not initial phase of the intracellular Ca2+ response to bradykinin, indicating that K(+)-induced depolarization depresses the transmembrane Ca2+ influx. On the contrary, the K+ channel activator Hoe 234 which elicits hyperpolarization of the endothelial cell membrane, augmented the sustained phase of the agonist-induced intracellular Ca2+ signal, but not the resting intracellular Ca2+ level. The effects of K+ and Hoe 234 on the agonist-induced Ca(2+)-response were reflected by corresponding changes in agonist-induced EDRF/NO release. From these data, we suggest that the endothelial membrane potential may play an important role for the extent of agonist-induced Ca2+ influx and, thereby, the endothelial EDRF/NO synthesis.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗
PubMed1991

Effects of the calmodulin antagonists fendiline and calmidazolium on aggregation, secretion of ATP, and internal calcium in washed human platelets.

Ca2(+)-calmodulin dependent phosphorylation of myosin is essential for the induction of platelet shape change and subsequent reactions. Therefore, we studied the effects of the calmodulin antagonists fendiline and calmidazolium on the thrombin-induced aggregation, secretion of ATP, and increases in the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in washed human platelets in the absence and presence of extracellular Ca2+. In Ca2+ free medium, fendiline (10-100 microM) and calmidazolium (3-30 microM) concentration-dependently inhibited aggregation. The effect of fendiline could be partly reversed by extracellular Ca2+ and higher thrombin concentrations. Furthermore, aggregations induced by the calcium ionophore ionomycin and by the protein kinase C-activator 4-beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were inhibited by fendiline, although to a smaller degree than the thrombin-induced aggregation. Thrombin-induced secretion of ATP was attenuated by low concentrations of fendiline (1-3 microM) and calmidazolium (1 microM) but enhanced by higher concentrations (10-30 and 3-10 microM, respectively), independently of extracellular Ca2+. Fendiline (1-10 microM) did not affect [Ca2+]i in resting and thrombin-stimulated platelets. At higher concentrations (30-100 microM), it induced increases in [Ca2+]i in unstimulated platelets and attenuated the response to thrombin in Ca2+ free medium, whereas thrombin-induced Ca2+ influx was markedly enhanced. Similar results were obtained with calmidazolium (1-3 microM). These stimulating effects on ATP secretion and on [Ca2+]i of fendiline and calmidazolium may be attributed to interactions with platelet membranes by which the permeability of small cations is increased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1991

Increase in the intracellular free calcium concentration is not an obligatory early event in lipopeptide-induced B-cell activation.

We recently showed that synthetic lipopeptides, analogues of the N-terminal region of bacterial lipoprotein, induce DNA synthesis in B lymphocytes in the absence of enhanced phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis and protein kinase C translocation. Here we demonstrate that lipopeptides are capable of inducing enhanced expression of MHC class II molecules and early increases in the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in B cells. However, they do not effect T cells. The increase in [Ca2+]i seen in B cells is due primarily to Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Since lipopeptides differ in their capability to induce early increases in [Ca2+]i and since the calcium response does not correlate with the ability of lipopeptides to induce proliferation and expression of MHC class II molecules, we suggest that this biochemical event may not be essential for lipopeptide-mediated B-cell activation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

Refilling of endothelial calcium stores without bypassing the cytosol.

The present study was undertaken to define the route of Ca2+ used for refilling of intracellular Ca2+ stores in endothelial cells. Ca2+ stores, after emptying with bradykinin in Ca2+ free solution and termination of the stimulation with the bradykinin antagonist, Hoe 140, were allowed to refill by addition of Ca2+. Refilling was prevented by 2,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone (BuBHQ), an inhibitor of microsomal Ca2+ sequestration. BuBHQ induced large increases in the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration during the refilling phase. This finding is not compatible with a model proposing Ca2+ uptake into the stores directly from the extracellular space but provides evidence for uptake from the cytosolic compartment.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Induction and activity of NO synthase in bone-marrow-derived macrophages are independent of Ca2+.

The aim of the present study was to analyse whether an increase in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) plays a role as a signal mediating synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in bone-marrow-derived macrophages, either by stimulating induction of NO synthase or by regulating the activity of the enzyme. Therefore we compared the effects of various synthetic analogues of bacterial lipopeptide and of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on NO production (assessed as nitrite formation during an incubation for 24 h) and on [Ca2+]i [measured with the fluorescent probe indo-1 (1-[2-amino-5-(6-carboxyindol-2-yl)phenoxy]-2- 2-(2'-amino-5'-methylphenoxy)ethane-NNN'N'-tetra-acetic acid)]. Strongly dissociating effects were evoked on nitrite formation and on [Ca2+]i by the stimuli. LPS was preferentially effective on nitrite formation, whereas the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin and AlF3 induced increases only in [Ca2+]i. The lipopeptides N-palmitoyl-(S)-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-(2RS)- propyl]-(R)-cysteinylalanylglycine, N-palmitoyl-(S)-[2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)- (2RS)-propyl]-(R)-cysteinylseryl-lysyl-lysyl-lysine and (S)-(1,2- dicarboxyhexadecyl)ethyl-N-palmitoylcysteinylseryl-lysyl-lys yl-lysine stimulated both parameters, but the maximal effects on nitrite formation and the shape of the dose-response curves did not parallel the effects on [Ca2+]i. Reduction of extracellular Ca2+ with EGTA significantly inhibited increases in [Ca2+]i, but did not change nitrite formation. Furthermore, NO synthesis in the cytosolic fraction of stimulated macrophages was not affected by Ca2+ over the concentration range 10 nM-2 microM. We conclude that increases in [Ca2+]i are not required for NO production in bone-marrow-derived macrophages. Thus the cellular regulation of NO production strikingly differs from that in the vascular endothelium, brain and adrenal gland.

Aluminum↗
PubMed1990

Activators of potassium channels enhance calcium influx into endothelial cells as a consequence of potassium currents.

Ca2+ influx into stimulated endothelial cells is attenuated by depolarization. We hypothesized that Ca2+ influx is driven by the membrane potential and may be enhanced by hyperpolarizing drugs like activators of K+ channels. Therefore we studied the effects of pinacidil, cromakalim, and cicletanine on membrane currents and on the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in cultured endothelial cells from porcine aorta. In patch-clamped cells, pinacidil (1 mumol/l) and cromakalim (1 mumol/l) elicited outward currents carried by K+ and significantly prolonged the Ca2(+)-dependent K+ currents induced by bradykinin and ATP. Peak currents in response to bradykinin were not affected. In cells loaded with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator indo-1 and prestimulated with thimerosal, pinacidil (0.1-1 mumol/l elicited long-lasting increases in [Ca2+]i from 100 +/- 10 to 550 +/- 110 nmol/l. These effects were completely abolished in a medium containing 90 mmol/l K+. Similar results were obtained with cromakalim. Likewise, in cells stimulated with bradykinin, pinacidil raised [Ca2+]i when applied during the decline of [Ca2+]i after the initial peak. Cicletanine elicited K+ currents in resting and attenuated K+ currents in bradykinin-stimulated cells. It elevated [Ca2+]i even in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and in K(+)-rich medium. Hence, the effects of cicletanine cannot be explained by direct actions on K+ channels. However, our studies demonstrate that pinacidil and cromakalim elevate [Ca2+]i secondary to their activation of K+ channels by inducing hyperpolarization and augmenting the driving force for potential-dependent Ca2+ influx. In this way, the two drugs may promote Ca2(+)-dependent formation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Calcium influx into endothelial cells and formation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor is controlled by the membrane potential.

We studied the role of the membrane potential in the control of the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and release of the two autacoids endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF = nitric oxide) and prostaglandin I2 in endothelial cells. ATP (3 mumol/l) and bradykinin (1 nmol/l) evoked rapid increases (sixfold) in [Ca2+]i in cultured endothelial cells. [Ca2+]i remained elevated over several minutes. When the cells were depolarized, either by K+ (70-90 mmol/l) or by preincubation with the blocker of K+ channels tetraethylammonium (3 mmol/l), the initial peak of [Ca2+]i remained unaffected but [Ca2+]i returned significantly faster to resting levels, indicating a reduction in Ca2+ influx. In native, freshly isolated endothelial cells, K+ abolished increases in [Ca2+]i induced by acetylcholine (3 mumol/l). Release of EDRF in response to bradykinin (cultured cells) and acetylcholine (native cells) was inhibited by K+ (by 70%), whereas release of prostaglandin I2 was not significantly reduced. Preincubation of cultured endothelial cells with the receptor-independent stimulus thimerosal (5 mumol/l, 40 min) evoked a long-lasting release of EDRF and small elevations of [Ca2+]i (twofold) after washout of the drug. Depolarization with K+ decreased thimerosal-induced EDRF release and [Ca2+]i in a reversible manner. In patch-clamped endothelial cells, bradykinin (1 nmol/l) induced transient hyperpolarizations that were significantly prolonged by BRL 34915 (1 mumol/l), an activator of K+ channels. BRL 34915 also elicited increases in [Ca2+]i, particularly in thimerosal-stimulated endothelial cells. These effects were abolished by K+. We conclude that the initial rise in [Ca2+]i in response to receptor-binding agonists, caused by mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores, activates K+ channels, thereby inducing hyperpolarization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1990

Determination of second messengers and protein kinase C in bone marrow derived macrophages stimulated with a bacterial lipopeptide.

The synthetic lipopeptide Pam3Cys-Ala-Gly, an analogue of the N-terminal part of bacterial lipoprotein, constitutes a potent macrophage activator. The role of protein kinase C (PKC) in lipopeptide induced signal transduction was investigated. As determined by enzymatic and immunochemical methods, translocation of PKC could not be observed in lipopeptide stimulated bone marrow derived macrophages. Our studies showed that the membrane-associated form of PKC displayed different characteristics than the cytosolic form. The second messengers, inositoltrisphosphate, cAMP and cGMP, did not seem to be involved in signal transduction. Unlike LPS, Pam3Cys-Ala-Gly induced a rapid rise in cytosolic Ca2+, which was due to an influx of extracellular calcium as well as to a redistribution of intracellular calcium. The data suggest that one major intracellular signal transduction mechanism initiated by lipopeptide consists of altering internal Ca2+ concns.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1990

cAMP attenuates autacoid release from endothelial cells: relation to internal calcium.

The effects of elevated levels of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), in cultured endothelial cells from bovine aorta, on the ATP-induced increases in the intracellular free calcium concentration [( Ca2+]i) and the release of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) and endothelium-derived relaxant factor (EDRF) were investigated. Endothelial cAMP production was assessed in terms of cAMP release in the presence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine; this release was increased fivefold by isoproterenol (1 microM), 1.6-fold by isoproterenol (0.1 microM), and 1.5-fold by the stable PGI2 analogue iloprost (10 microM). [Ca2+]i, measured with the fluorescent probe indo-1, was increased by ATP (1 microM) from 150 +/- 20 (SE) to 410 +/- 50 nM. Neither isoproterenol nor iloprost changed [Ca2+]i in unstimulated cells, but they significantly reduced [Ca2+]i levels in the presence of ATP. Similar inhibitions of increases in [Ca2+]i as by iloprost and isoproterenol (0.1 microM) were evoked by dibutyryl-cAMP (100 microM). Release of PGI2 was enhanced from 3.9 +/- 0.5 to 34.6 +/- 6 ng.min-1.5 x 10(6) cells-1 by ATP (3 microM); in the presence of isoproterenol, the ATP-stimulated release was reversibly reduced to 18.1 +/- 4.9 ng/min. Release of EDRF was assayed in terms of its stimulatory action on purified soluble guanylate cyclase. EDRF release in the first minute after stimulation with ATP (10 microM) was significantly attenuated by isoproterenol from 32.3 +/- 4.8 to 23.0 +/- 4.6 nmol.min-1.mg-1 (activity of soluble guanylate cyclase).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1990

Low-density lipoproteins stimulate internal free calcium and prostacyclin release in endothelial cells.

We have studied the effects of low density lipoproteins (LDL) on the intracellular free calcium concentration [( Ca2+]i, measured with the fluorescent probe indo-1) and PGI2 release (measured with radioimmunoassay of 6-keto PGF1 alpha) in cultured endothelial cells from bovine aorta. Cells transferred to serum-free medium developed an increasing responsiveness to native LDL in terms of increases in [Ca2+]i. After 6 h, native LDL (20-160 micrograms/ml) concentration-dependently evoked immediate, but transient, elevations of [Ca2+]i (from 90 +/- 10 nmol/l to 530 +/- 60 nmol/l at 160 micrograms/ml LDL) and enhanced release of PGI2 at 160 micrograms/ml. Increases in [Ca2+]i were found also in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ indicating that native LDL induces mobilization of Ca2+ from internal stores. LDL oxidized by incubation with Cu2+ had no immediate effects on [Ca2+]i when applied at a concentration of 80 micrograms/ml, whereas 160 micrograms/ml, in the presence of 1 mmol/l extracellular Ca2+, elicited increases in [Ca2+]i and PGI2 release. We conclude that the stimulating actions of low concentrations of native LDL on endothelial cells are likely to be mediated by membrane receptors expressed after removal of serum.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

LY 83583 (6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione) blocks nitrovasodilator-induced cyclic GMP increases and inhibition of platelet activation.

We studied the effects and the mechanism of action of the cyclic GMP-lowering substance 6-anilino-5,8-quinolinedione (LY 83583) on cyclic GMP-mediated inhibition of platelet function. The activation of washed human platelets by thrombin was counteracted by 8-bromo-cyclic GMP and the direct activators of soluble guanylate cyclase, sodium nitroprusside and endothelium-derived relaxant factor (EDRF = nitric oxide). LY 83583 significantly antagonized the inhibitory effect of sodium nitroprusside and EDRF, but not that of 8-bromo-cyclic GMP, on thrombin-induced aggregation, ATP-release, adhesion to native endothelial cells and increase in concentration of free intracellular calcium ions. In accordance, increases in intracellular cyclic GMP by sodium nitroprusside and EDRF were attenuated by LY 83583. The inhibition of cyclic GMP-mediated effects on platelets by LY 83583 could be related to inhibition of platelet soluble guanylate cyclase, as the activation of the purified enzyme from platelets by sodium nitroprusside was directly inhibited by LY 83583. This effect of LY 83583 was attenuated in the presence of superoxide dismutase. Our findings support the hypothesis that sodium nitroprusside and EDRF inhibit platelet activation by stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase via nitric oxide. Consequently, inhibition of nitric oxide-induced cyclic GMP formation by LY 83583, which may act by intracellular generation of superoxide anions, facilitates platelet activation.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1989

Mechanisms controlling the production of endothelial autacoids.

The endothelium plays an important role in the control of vascular tone and platelet activity. This is mainly achieved by the release of autacoids, particularly EDRF (identical with nitric oxide, NO) and PGI2. The release of both autacoids is evoked by physical factors like hypoxia and shear stress and by various chemical compounds like acetylcholine, ATP and bradykinin. These agonists bind to membrane receptors coupled to phospholipase C, thereby increasing production of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). IP3 mobilizes Ca2+ from intracellular stores, thus elevating the intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), in synergy with a simultaneously induced transmembrane Ca2+ influx. The level of [Ca2+]i closely correlates with endothelial production of PGI2 whereas Ca2+ influx is apparently a decisive signal for the sustained release of EDRF. This influx may be facilitated by an agonist-induced membrane hyperpolarization probably being mediated by activation of Ca2+-dependent K+ channels. Depolarization of the endothelial cell membrane on the other hand (evoked by raising the extracellular K+ concentration) attenuates the Ca2+ influx as well as EDRF release. The agonist-induced endothelial hyperpolarization may also be electrotonically transmitted to adjacent smooth muscle cells via myoendothelial gap junctions and may act synergistically with the EDRF-mediated relaxation. Alternatively, spread of this electrical signal along the endothelial lining may enhance the release of autacoids.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Fendiline and calmidazolium enhance the release of endothelium-derived relaxant factor and of prostacyclin from cultured endothelial cells.

We investigated the effects of fendiline, calmidazolium and trifluoperazine, compounds described as calmodulin antagonists, on the release of the endothelial autacoids prostacyclin (PGI2) and endothelium-derived relaxant factor (EDRF). Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells were grown on microcarrier beads and continuously superfused with Tyrode's solution. Samples collected from the superfusate were assayed for PGI2 concentration (6-keto PGF1 alpha radioimmunoassay) and for EDRF activity (stimulation of soluble guanylate cyclase in vitro). Stimulation of endothelial cells by ATP (3 microM) resulted in a 6.9 +/- 1.4-fold increase of PGI2 concentration in the superfusate (p less than 0.01) and an 8.6 +/- 3.4-fold enhanced guanylate cyclase activity (p less than 0.01). In the presence of calmidazolium (10 microM), the basal values of PGI2 concentration increased 28-fold (p less than 0.01) and the guanylate cyclase activity 10-fold (p less than 0.01). Further enhancement of both was observed after additional administration of ATP. Fendiline (30 microM) did not affect autacoid release by non-stimulated cells. However, the ATP-induced release of PGI2 and EDRF was more than doubled (p less than 0.01) in the presence of this drug compared to ATP-stimulation alone. Trifluoperazine (10 microM) had no enhancing effect on EDRF release, and the ATP-induced release of PGI2 was even significantly attenuated by 84 +/- 12% (p less than 0.01). Calmidazolium and fendiline were also applied to endothelial cells loaded with the fluorescent indicator of free calcium concentration (Ca2i+), indo-1. However, effects of calmidazolium on Ca2i+ could not be quantified since calmidazolium caused some leakage of indo-1 out of the cells. A smaller leakage was observed during the combined application of fendiline and ATP.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1988

Desensitization of the bradykinin-induced rise in intracellular free calcium in cultured endothelial cells.

We studied the cellular mechanism involved in the desensitization of cultured endothelial cells to bradykinin. Bradykinin (10 nmol/l) evoked a rise in the intracellular free calcium concentration [( Cai2+]), measured with the fluorescent probe indo-1, from 137 +/- 30 (+/- SEM) to 623 +/- 101 nmol/l. Cells were desensitized to bradykinin by repetitive stimulation with the peptide over 10 min, after which they no longer responded to bradykinin. However, purinergic stimulation with ATP (10 mumol/l) elicited the same increase in [Cai2+] in endothelial cells desensitized to bradykinin as in cells never exposed to bradykinin. The initial peak of [Cai2+] after stimulation with bradykinin or ATP was not affected by removal of extracellular calcium ions, indicating mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Since GTP-binding proteins (G-proteins) are probably involved in the receptor-mediated stimulation of endothelial cells, we also tested the effects of sodium fluoride (NaF), a reported direct stimulator of G-proteins, on endothelial [Cai2+]. NaF (5 mmol/l) increased [Cai2+] to 412 +/- 88 nmol/l in control cells and was equally effective in cells desensitized to bradykinin. We conclude that the homologous desensitization to bradykinin does not occur at the level of intracellular signal transduction but at the level of membrane receptors.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗
PubMed1988

Differential role of extra- and intracellular calcium in the release of EDRF and prostacyclin from cultured endothelial cells.

1. The effects of extracellular Ca2+ on the release of endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) and prostacyclin (PGI2), and on the intracellular free calcium concentration [( Ca2+]i), were studied in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells. 2. Receptor-mediated stimulation of endothelial cells with bradykinin (10 nM) elicited a transient release of EDRF (assayed by its stimulant effect on purified soluble guanylate cyclase) and of PGI2 (measured by radioimmunoassay for 6-keto prostaglandin F1 alpha). 3. Bradykinin (10 nM) also increased [Ca2+]i (measured with the fluorescent probe indo-1) from 125 +/- 11 nM to 631 +/- 59 nM, with the same time course as for autacoid release. 4. In Ca2+-free medium, [Ca2+]i was still increased by bradykinin but declined faster (within 1 min) to resting levels than in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. 5. PGI2 release was almost completely abolished in Ca2+-free medium. The intracellular calcium antagonist TMB-8 evoked a similar inhibition of PGI2 release. 6. In contrast, bradykinin-induced EDRF release was not significantly affected by TMB-8 but was completely abolished in Ca2+-free medium. 7. When endothelial cells were stimulated with the receptor-independent drug thimerosal (an inhibitor of the enzyme acyl-CoA-lysolecithin-acyl-transferase; 5 microM), a long-lasting release of EDRF (greater than 90 min) and PGI2 (greater than 20 min) was observed. 8. In contrast to bradykinin stimulation, thimerosal-induced autacoid release was associated with only a slight increase of [Ca2+]i to 201 +/- 13 nM after 40 min. 9. After removal of extracellular Ca2 + from thimerosal-stimulated endothelial cells, [Ca2+] was little affected during the observation time of 90s. EDRF release was completely abolished within 90s whereas PGI2 release was unchanged. 10. We conclude that EDRF production is directly controlled by extracellular Ca2+ during both receptor-dependent and independent stimulation. This effect of extracellular Ca2 + is not mediated by changes in [Ca2+]i. In contrast, PGI2 release is closely correlated to [Ca2+]i in bradykininstimulated endothelial cells. However, the results obtained during thimerosal stimulation indicate that there is not necessarily a tight coupling between the absolute level of [Ca2+]i and the amount of PGI2 released. 9. After removal of extracellular Ca2 + from thimerosal-stimulated endothelial cells, [Ca2+] was little affected during the observation time of 90s. EDRF release was completely abolished within 90s whereas PGI2 release was unchanged. 10. We conclude that EDRF production is directly controlled by extracellular Ca2+ during both receptor-dependent and independent stimulation. This effect of extracellular Ca2 + is not mediated by changes in [Ca2+]i. In contrast, PGI2 release is closely correlated to [Ca2+]i in bradykininstimulated endothelial cells. However, the results obtained during thimerosal stimulation indicate that there is not necessarily a tight coupling between the absolute level of [Ca2+]i and the amount of PGI2 released. 9. After removal of extracellular Ca2 + from thimerosal-stimulated endothelial cells, [Ca2+] was little affected during the observation time of 90s. EDRF release was completely abolished within 90s whereas PGI2 release was unchanged. 10. We conclude that EDRF production is directly controlled by extracellular Ca2+ during both receptor-dependent and independent stimulation. This effect of extracellular Ca2 + is not mediated by changes in [Ca2+]i. In contrast, PGI2 release is closely correlated to [Ca2+]i in bradykininstimulated endothelial cells. However, the results obtained during thimerosal stimulation indicate that there is not necessarily a tight coupling between the absolute level of [Ca2+]i and the amount of PGI2 released.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Hyperpolarization and increased free calcium in acetylcholine-stimulated endothelial cells.

In freshly harvested aortic endothelial cells from rabbits, some cellular events associated with stimulation by acetylcholine (ACh) were analyzed. ACh (3 microM) induced a transient hyperpolarization of 8.3 +/- 2.5 mV, which peaked within 3-5 s and subsequently declined with a similar time course. Hyperpolarization was caused by a transient Ca2+-dependent outward current (IoACh), which was mainly carried by K+. ACh (3 and 10 microM) also evoked transient dose-dependent increases in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration (Ca2+i). Pretreatment with atropine (1 and 3 microM) abolished both responses to ACh, the increase in Ca2+i as well as the transient outward current. It is concluded that IoACh and the rise in Ca2+i are two manifestations of muscarinic receptor stimulation. The rise in Ca2+i might be the primary event, leading to secondary membrane hyperpolarization.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed1988

Release of prostacyclin and EDRF from endothelial cells is differentially controlled by extra- and intracellular calcium.

The aim of this study was to define the roles of extra- and intracellular Ca++ in the release of PGI2 and EDRF from cultured bovine endothelial cells stimulated with receptor-mediated and receptor-independent substances. The receptor-mediated stimulant bradykinin (10 nM) elicited transient releases of PGI2 (assayed with radioimmunoassay of 6-keto PGF1 alpha) and EDRF (assayed by its stimulatory effect on purified soluble guanylate cyclase). Bradykinin also elicited dose-dependent increases in intracellular free calcium [( Cai++], measured with the fluorescent probe indo-1). In the absence of extracellular Ca++ (nominally Ca+(+)-free, EGTA 0.1 mM) or in the presence of the intracellular calcium antagonist TMB-8 (0.1 mM), PGI2 release was significantly attenuated. Bradykinin-induced EDRF release was not significantly affected by TMB-8 but was completely abolished in Ca+(+)-free medium. When endothelial cells were stimulated with thimerosal (an inhibitor of the enzyme acyl-CoA-lysolecithin-acyl-transferase; 5 microM), a long-lasting release of EDRF and PGI2 was induced, associated with only a slight increase in [Cai++]. Removal of extracellular Ca++ had little effect on [Cai++], completely abolished EDRF release, and did not change PGI2 release. It is concluded that there is a close association between PGI2 release and [Cai++] in bradykinin-stimulated endothelial cells. In contrast to PGI2 synthesis, EDRF production is directly dependent on extracellular Ca++ and independent of [Cai++].

Animals↗