Biomedical subjects

D G Harrison

Publications and source records attributed to D G Harrison.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMed1995

Effects of shear on endothelial cell calcium in the presence and absence of ATP.

The purpose of this study was to characterize the effect of various shear conditions on endothelial cell intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were loaded with Fluo-3 and exposed to flow in a parallel plate flow chamber designed for confocal microscopy. The flow medium was medium 199 (M-199), which was prepared with and without adenosine triphosphate (ATP). In the presence of ATP, initiation of flow at a shear stress of 2.5 dyn/cm2 evoked a strong, sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i that gradually returned to baseline levels over 10 to 15 min. By contrast, in the absence of ATP, initiation of flow at 2.5 dyn/cm2 produced only transient increases in [Ca2+]i in a small proportion of the cells. As shear rate was increased from 2.5 to 15 dyn/cm2 in this medium, both the relative fluorescence of the monolayer and the proportion of cells across the monolayer that displayed calcium transients increased in a dose-dependent fashion. In conclusion, the response of an endothelial cell monolayer to increasing levels of shear is not only to increase [Ca2+]i within individual cells, but to increase the duration of response and the number of cells responding at the onset of shear. This recruitment of larger numbers of cells at higher levels of shear may represent a novel signaling mechanism within the endothelium.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

PubMed1995

Nitric oxide in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

It has been suspected that abnormalities of the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway could underlie certain forms of hypertension. In this review, we will consider the role of nitric oxide in primary and secondary models of experimental hypertension and discuss potential abnormalities of the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway in hypertension in humans.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Regulation of endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression by shear stress.

Shear stress enhances expression of Ca(2+)-calmodulin-sensitive endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) mRNA and protein in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). The present studies were performed to investigate mechanisms responsible for regulation of ecNOS mRNA expression by shear stress and to determine if this induction of ecNOS mRNA is accompanied by an enhanced nitric oxide (NO) production. Shear stresses of 15 dyn/cm2 for 3-24 h resulted in a two- to threefold increase of ecNOS mRNA content quantified by Northern analysis in BAEC. Shear stresses (1.2-15 dyn/cm2) for 3 h resulted in an induction of ecNOS mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. In human aortic endothelial cells, shear stresses of 15 dyn/cm2 for 3 h also resulted in ecNOS mRNA induction. In BAEC, this induction in ecNOS mRNA was prevented by coincubation with actinomycin D (10 micrograms/ml). The K+ channel antagonist tetraethylammonium chloride (3 mM) prevented increase in ecNOS mRNA in response to shear stress. The ecNOS promotor contains putative binding domains for AP-1 complexes, potentially responsive to activation of protein kinase C (PKC). However, selective PKC inhibitor calphostin C (100 nM) did not inhibit ecNOS induction by shear stress. Finally, production of nitrogen oxides under both basal conditions and in response to the calcium ionophore A-23187 (1 microM) by BAEC exposed to shear stress was increased approximately twofold compared with cells not exposed to shear stress. These data suggest that ecNOS mRNA expression is regulated by K+ channel opening, but not by activation of PKC, and that shear not only enhances ecNOS mRNA expression but increases capacity of endothelial cells to release NO.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Molecular regulation of the bovine endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase by transforming growth factor-beta 1.

The promoter region of the endothelial cell nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) gene contains potential response elements for transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1). TGF beta 1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, vascular hypertrophy, and angiogenesis. We therefore sought to determine whether TGF beta 1 might modulate ecNOS expression in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). TGF beta 1 increased ecNOS mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. TGF beta 1 also increased ecNOS protein content. The production of nitrogen oxides (NOx), assessed by chemiluminescence, and nitric oxide synthase activity, assessed by arginine/citrulline conversion were increased in TGF beta 1-treated cells. Transcriptional activity of the 5'-flanking promoter region of the ecNOS gene was increased by TGF beta 1, as assessed by transfection with promoter/luciferase constructs. Deletion analysis suggested that the TGF beta 1-response element was present between nucleotides -1269 and -935 from the first transcription start site, in which a putative nuclear factor-1 (NF-1) binding site existed. Gel shift assays showed that nuclear protein(s), immunologically similar to CCAAT transcription factor/NF-1, bound to the putative NF-1 binding site in a sequence-specific manner. Mutation of the putative NF-1 binding site in the promoter/luciferase construct significantly decreased the responsiveness to TGF beta 1. In conclusion, TGF beta 1 increases ecNOS expression associated with an increase in production of NO in BAEC. This response is probably mediated by transcriptional activation of the ecNOS gene promoter.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

PubMed1995

Regulation of endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase by protein kinase C.

Protein kinase C (PKC) plays a key role in a variety of signal transduction processes. The promoter region of the endothelial constitutive nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS) gene contains a transcriptional factor AP-1 binding element. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of PKC inhibition on the expression of ecNOS in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). The PKC inhibitor staurosporine (10 to 100 nmol/L) increased the expression of ecNOS mRNA, assessed by Northern analysis, in a dose-dependent manner. A newly developed, more specific PKC inhibitor, chelerythrine (1 to 3 mumol/L), also increased the level of ecNOS mRNA. Incubation of BAEC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (100 nmol/L) for 24 hours, which downregulates PKC, increased ecNOS mRNA expression. The protein content of ecNOS, assessed by Western analysis, was also increased in staurosporine-treated or chelerythrine-treated BAEC. The release of nitrogen oxides from staurosporine-treated or chelerythrine-treated cells both under basal conditions and in response to calcium ionophore A23187 was significantly increased (P < .05). In conclusion, the present study suggests that regulation of ecNOS is mediated by PKC. The increased release of nitric oxide induced by PKC inhibition may play a protective role against atherogenic process.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed1995

Evidence for enhanced vascular superoxide anion production in nitrate tolerance. A novel mechanism underlying tolerance and cross-tolerance.

We sought to examine mechanisms underlying nitroglycerin (NTG) tolerance and "cross-tolerance" to other nitrovasodilators. Rabbits were treated for 3 d with NTG patches (0.4 mg/h) and their aortic segments studied in organ chambers. Relaxations were examined after preconstriction with phenylephrine. In NTG tolerant rabbit aorta, relaxations to cGMP-dependent vasodilators such as NTG (45 +/- 6%), SIN-1 (69 +/- 7%), and acetylcholine (ACh, 64 +/- 5%) were attenuated vs. controls, (90 +/- 2, 94 +/- 3, and 89 +/- 2% respectively, P < 0.05 for all), while responses to the cAMP-dependent vasodilator forskolin remained unchanged. In tolerant aorta, endothelial removal markedly enhanced relaxations to NTG and SIN-1 (82 +/- 4 and 95 +/- 3%, respectively). Other studies were performed to determine how the endothelium enhances tolerance. Vascular steady state .-O2 levels (assessed by lucigenin chemiluminescence) was increased twofold in tolerant vs. control vessels with endothelium (0.31 +/- 0.01 vs. 0.61 +/- 0.01 nmol/mg per minute). This difference was less in vessels after denudation of the endothelium. Diphenylene iodonium, an inhibitor of flavoprotein containing oxidases, and Tiron a direct .-O2 scavenger normalized .-O2 levels. In contrast, oxypurinol (1 mM) an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, rotenone (50 microM) an inhibitor of mitochondrial electron transport and NG-nitro-L-arginine (100 microM) an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase did not affect the chemiluminescence signals from NTG-tolerant aortas. Pretreatment of tolerant aorta with liposome-entrapped, pH sensitive superoxide dismutase (600 U/ml) significantly enhanced maximal relaxation in response to NTG, SIN-1, and ACh, and effectively reduced chemiluminescence signals. These studies show that continuous NTG treatment is associated with increased vascular .-O2-production and consequent inhibition of NO. mediated vasorelaxation produced by both exogenous and endogenous nitrovasodilators.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1995

Interactions between L-arginine and L-glutamine change endothelial NO production. An effect independent of NO synthase substrate availability.

The effect of extracellular L-arginine and L-glutamine on nitric oxide (NO) release was studied in cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells and in rabbit aortic rings. Increasing L-arginine (0.01 to 10 mM) did not alter NO release from cultured endothelial cells or modify endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine in isolated vessels. L-Glutamine (0.6 and 2 mM) inhibited NO release from cultured cells (in response to bradykinin) and from aortic rings (in response to acetylcholine or ADP). L-Arginine (0.1-10 mM) dose-dependently reversed the L-glutamine inhibition of receptor-stimulated NO release in both models. In contrast to its inhibitory response to receptor-mediated stimuli, glutamine alone slightly potentiated NO release in both models when the calcium ionophore, A23187, was added. Furthermore, cultured cells incubated with L-arginine (0.01-10 mM), in the presence or absence of glutamine, released similar amounts of NO in response to A23187. L-Glutamine did not affect intracellular L-arginine levels. Neither D-glutamine nor D-arginine affected NO release or endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation. L-Glutamine had no effect on the activity of endothelial NOS assessed by L-arginine to L-citrulline conversion. These findings show that in the absence of L-glutamine, manipulating intracellular L-arginine levels over a wide range does not affect NO release. L-Glutamine in concentrations circulating in vivo may tonically inhibit receptor-mediated NO release by interfering with signal transduction. One mechanism by which L-arginine may enhance NO release is via reversal of the inhibitory effect of L-glutamine, but apparently independently of enhancing NO synthase substrate.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1994

Organization of the bovine gene encoding the endothelial nitric oxide synthase.

The bovine endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene plus 2.9 kilobases of 5'-flanking sequence has been isolated and characterized. The gene spans 20 kilobases and contains 26 exons and 25 introns. Two transcription start sites have been determined by primer extension analysis which are located 170 and 240 base pairs upstream, respectively, from the methionine translational initiation codon. Evidence supporting the upstream boundary region for transcriptional initiation was also obtained by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The 5'-flanking region lacks a typical TATA box but contains numerous putative transcription factor binding sites. These include consensus sequences for an AP-1 site, an NF-1 site, a tumor necrosis factor responsive element, two sterol regulatory elements, 3 acute-phase response element, two sterol regulatory elements, 3 acute-phase response elements, 6 GATA motifs, 16 CACCC boxes, 5 Sp1 sites, 15 estrogen half-palindromic motifs, and 9 fluid shear stress-responsive elements. The isolated gene promoter directs basal transcription of a luciferase reporter gene when transiently transfected into bovine aortic endothelial cells. High sequence homology of the promoter region to the human endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene promoter (75% nucleotide identity in 1.6 kilobases of 5'-flanking sequence) suggests evolutionary conservation of transcriptional regulation. Isolation and characterization of the bovine endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene should facilitate further investigation of mechanisms by which gene expression is regulated.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

PubMed1994

Endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis.

Endothelial regulation of vasomotor tone occurs largely via the release of nitric oxide or a closely related compound. This process is strikingly altered in a variety of disease states, and alterations of vasomotion may be responsible for the development of hypertension, altered tissue perfusion, and an enhanced propensity for vasoconstriction in several common disorders. In hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis, this alteration of vasomotor control occurs not only in larger vessels, but in the microcirculation. Explanations for impaired endothelium-dependent vascular relaxations in hypercholesterolemia include impairments in endothelial cell signal transduction, deficiencies in the substrate (arginine) for the enzyme nitric oxide synthase, alterations in the nitric oxide synthase enzyme or one of its co-factors, and excess destruction of nitric oxide by the superoxide anion. In this review, evidence for these alterations will be considered, potential interventions for restoring endothelium-dependent relaxations examined, and the possible impact of endothelial dysfunction in atherosclerosis considered.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA, protein, and activity during cell growth.

Cell growth influences the expression of several important tissue-specific functions. We sought to examine the effect of cell proliferation on nitric oxide (NO) synthase gene expression in cultured aortic bovine endothelial cells. Western and Northern blot analysis revealed three- and sixfold increases in NO synthase protein and mRNA, respectively, in growing compared with growth-arrested cells. The release of nitrogen oxides was also increased in proliferating cells compared with growth-arrested cells, as was the NO synthase activity assessed by L-arginine/L-citrulline conversion. Neither NO synthase inhibitors nor superoxide dismutase affected proliferation or thymidine incorporation, suggesting that increased NO release had no effect on endothelial cell growth. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that expression of endothelial cell NO synthase is markedly increased in proliferating compared with quiescent nongrowing cells. The mechanisms underlying this and its physiological consequences remain to be defined.

Amino Acid Oxidoreductases↗

PubMed1994

Interactions of nitroglycerin and sulfhydryl-donating compounds in coronary microvessels.

Previous studies have shown the effect of nitroglycerin on coronary microvessels < 100 microns in diameter is markedly enhanced by L-cysteine. These studies were performed to examine the mechanisms responsible for this effect. Under control conditions, nitroglycerin caused potent dilations of large (> 200 microns diam) coronary microvessels while having minimal effects on small (< 100 microns diam) coronary microvessels [peak relaxations 85 +/- 4 vs. 23 +/- 3% (mean +/- SE) of endothelin-1-constricted vessels, respectively]. L-Cysteine (100 microM) and N-acetylcysteine (100 microM) markedly enhanced nitroglycerin-induced relaxations of small coronary microvessels (peak relaxation 84 +/- 6 and 87 +/- 12%, respectively) while having no effect on relaxations of vessels > 100 microns. In contrast, neither L-methionine (100 microM) nor glutathione (100 microM) enhanced nitroglycerin's vasodilation of small coronary microvessels. The effects of L-cysteine and N-acetylcysteine on the augmentation of nitroglycerin vasodilatation in smaller coronary microvessels was abolished in the presence of buthionine sulfoximine (100 microM), a potent inhibitor of intracellular glutathione synthesis. Buthionine sulfoximine had no effect on the vasodilatation produced by nitroprusside. These data demonstrate that, in smaller coronary microvessels, L-cysteine and N-acetylcysteine enhance nitroglycerin-induced vasodilatation by increasing intracellular glutathione concentrations. Intracellular glutathione, formed from either L-cysteine or N-acetylcysteine, may participate in the formation of an intermediate of nitroglycerin biotransformation or may maintain a redox potential within coronary microvessels that favors enzymatic bioconversion of nitroglycerin.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Regulation of native collateral vessel dilation after coronary occlusion in the dog.

The purpose of this study was to examine mechanisms involved in the response of native collaterals to coronary occlusion. In anesthetized dogs native collaterals were identified as vessels coursing between the left anterior descending and left circumflex arteries using fluorescence angiography. After a left anterior descending occlusion in 12 dogs, collaterals < 100 microns in diameter progressively dilated by 21 +/- 4% (n = 12) 1 min after occlusion and by 39 +/- 6% 15 min after occlusion. Collaterals > 100 microns in diameter did not dilate after coronary occlusion. NG-nitro-L-arginine (1 mg/min intracoronary) caused constriction under basal conditions in collaterals < 100 microns but did not prevent the dilation of collaterals after occlusion. In contrast, glibenclamide (10(-5) M), an inhibitor of ATP-sensitive potassium channels, had no effect on baseline diameter of collaterals < 100 microns diameter but completely prevented dilation of collaterals after occlusion. We conclude that collaterals are not maximally dilated immediately after a coronary occlusion but rather progressively dilate for at least 15 min after an occlusion. This dilation of native collaterals after an occlusion is not mediated by release of an endothelium-derived relaxing factor derived from L-arginine but is mediated by activation of ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

Acetylcholine↗

PubMed1994

Lysophosphatidylcholine increases vascular superoxide anion production via protein kinase C activation.

We tested the hypothesis that lysophosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) could activate protein kinase C in intact vascular segments and sought to examine some of the physiological consequences of this activation. In segments of rabbit aorta, the patterns of protein phosphorylation determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis stimulated by lyso-PC and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) were similar. Activation of protein kinase C can stimulate superoxide anion (O2-) production in other tissues, and we found that lyso-PC-treated rabbit aortas produced twofold more O2- than control vessels. Calphostin C, a potent and specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, attenuated O2- production in lyso-PC-treated vessels but had no effect in control vessels. The effect of lyso-PC on O2- production was mimicked by TPA. In separate bioassay studies, release of the endothelium-derived vascular relaxing factor (EDRF) quantified by the response of detector vessels was markedly impaired after exposure of donor rabbit aortic segments to lyso-PC. After incubation with calphostin C, EDRF release in response to acetylcholine from lyso-PC-treated donor vessels was restored significantly. Thus, lyso-PC can activate protein kinase C in intact vessels, leading to an increase in O2- production. Activation of protein kinase C by lyso-PC may also play a role in altering the release of EDRF in response to acetylcholine. Increased O2- production in response to lyso-PC may have important consequences in the atherogenic process.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

[Endogenous and therapeutic nitrates in healthy and arteriosclerotic blood vessels].

Nitrates belong to the most potent drugs for treatment of angina pectoris. Patients with this disease always show arteriosclerotic changes in their coronary arteries. In arteriosclerotic vessels endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by the endogenous vasodilator nitric oxide (NO) is markedly reduced. This article introduces a theory, whereby NO production is not reduced in arteriosclerotic vessels (in the arteriosclerotic aorta of the rabbit it is even enhanced) but that the activity of superoxide dismutase, which normally metabolizes free oxygen-radicals (O2-) is reduced and that NO is metabolized by accumulating superoxides. It is interesting that only endogenous nitrate (NO) can be metabolized by this pathway, whereas in arteriosclerotic vessels exogenous nitro-vasodilatators remain fully effective. For the clinical use of nitrates it is of particular importance that these exhibit different potencies for epicardial coronary vessels and the myocardial microcirculation. Nitroglycerin causes extensive relaxation in isolated large coronary arteries but has only a limited effect on middle-sized vessels and almost none on arteries in the microcirculation. These differences in efficacy of nitroglycerin in the coronary micro- and macrocirculation is probably due to the inability of microvessels to transform nitroglycerin into active metabolites such as S-nitroso-L-cysteine. Comparing vascular and clinical effects of nitroglycerin (in particular dilatation of coronary vessels) and of adenosine (acting in particular on the coronary microcirculation) discloses the great importance of the aforementioned effects on epicardial coronary vessels for treatment of angina pectoris. In this context a vasodilatating effect on the coronary microcirculation might not only be disadvantageous but could even trigger angina pectoris itself.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Sequence of a cDNA encoding dog insulin-like growth factor I.

Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a cDNA derived from dog left ventricular myocardium, using primers specific for rat insulin-like growth factor I (IGFI), exons 3 and 6, yielded the dog clone, IGFI5.1. This clone includes the signal peptide sequence, the entire coding sequence for mature dog IGFI and the C-terminal extension sequence. By analogy with the organization of the rat and human IGFI genes which encode two extension peptides, we have termed this cDNA, dog IGFIa. The deduced amino acid sequence of mature dog IGFI is identical to that of human IGFI.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Nitroglycerin metabolism in vascular tissue: role of glutathione S-transferases and relationship between NO. and NO2- formation.

Nitroglycerin is a commonly employed pharmacological agent which produces vasodilatation by release of nitric oxide (NO.). The mechanism by which nitroglycerin releases NO. remains undefined. Recently, glutathione S-transferases have been implicated as important contributors to this process. They are known to release NO2- from nitroglycerin, but have not been shown to release NO.. The present studies were designed to examine the role of endogenous glutathione S-transferases in this metabolic process. Homogenates of dog carotid artery were incubated anaerobically with nitroglycerin, and NO. and NO2- production was determined by chemiluminescence. The role of glutathione S-transferases was studied by incubating homogenates with nitroglycerin in the presence of 1 mM GSH or 1 mM S-hexyl-glutathione, a potent inhibitor of glutathione S-transferases. Homogenates released 163 pmol of NO./h per mg of protein from nitroglycerin, and 2370 pmol of NO2-/h per mg. Adding GSH decreased NO. production by 82% and increased NO2- production by 98%. S-Hexylglutathione inhibited glutathione S-transferase activity by 96% and decreased NO2- production by 78%, but had no effect on NO. release. A linear relationship between glutathione S-transferase activity and NO2- production was observed, whereas glutathione S-transferase activity and NO. release were unrelated. Western-blot analysis demonstrated that dog carotid vascular smooth muscle contained Pi and Mu forms of glutathione S-transferases, with a predominance of the former. Purified preparations of human Pi and rat Mu isoforms metabolized nitroglycerin only to NO2- and not to NO.. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that (1) glutathione S-transferases do not contribute to the bioconversion of nitroglycerin to NO., but instead act as a degradative pathway for nitroglycerin, and (2) the release of NO. from nitroglycerin is not dependent on the formation of NO2-.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Hemodynamics and vascular endothelial biology.

The vascular endothelium, as the interface between flowing blood and the underlying vessel wall, not only resides in a hemodynamic environment, but also is a mediator of flow-related influences. In recent years, particularly with the advent of cell culture studies, much has been learned about the effects of this mechanical environment. This brief review focuses on these more recent cell culture studies, emphasizing the effects of flow and the associated shear stress on vascular endothelial biology. Included are endothelial cell shape and orientation, cytoskeletal components, endocytosis, proliferation, and signal recognition/transduction mechanisms. Of particular interest are mechanical effects on the release of vasoactive substances, and recent studies of prostacyclin, endothelin, and nitric oxide are discussed. Through this review it will be demonstrated that flow has a major influence on the synthesis and release of such substances.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Physiological aspects of vascular endothelial cell interactions in hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Hypertension causes a number of alterations of the coronary circulation which may influence the outcome of anaesthesia and surgery. These include changes in the architecture of the coronary vasculature, and impairments in coronary reserve and autoregulatory ability of the coronary microvasculature during decreases in perfusion pressure. Chronic hypertension may also alter endothelial regulation of vascular control. Many of the vasodilators used to treat hypertension may have unique effects on the coronary circulation which may become modified by chronic hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. In this review, each of these areas are considered together with some unique aspects of endothelial/vascular smooth muscle interactions as they relate to acute and chronic hypertension, and to the pharmacological agents used in the treatment of hypertension.

Animals↗