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Despite transcriptional and functional coordination, cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 largely reside in distinct lipid microdomains in WISH epithelial cells.

Cytokine-induced prostaglandin (PG)E(2) synthesis requires increased expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in human WISH epithelial cells. Recently, an inducible downstream PGE synthase (microsomal PGE synthase-1, mPGES-1) has been implicated in this inflammatory pathway. We evaluated cooperation between COX-2 and mPGES-1 as a potential mechanism for induced PGE(2) production in WISH cells. Cytokine stimulation led to increased expression of both enzymes. Selective pharmacological inhibition of these enzymes demonstrated that induced PGE(2) release occurred through a dominant COX-2/mPGES-1 pathway. Unexpectedly, immunofluorescent microscopy revealed that the expression of these enzymes was not tightly coordinated among cells after cytokine challenge. Within cells expressing high levels of both mPGES-1 and COX-2, immunolabeling of high-resolution semithin cryosections revealed that COX-2 and mPGES-1 were largely segregated to distinct regions within continuous intracellular membranes. Using biochemical means, it was further revealed that the majority of mPGES-1 resided within detergent-insoluble membrane fractions, whereas COX-2 was found only in detergent-soluble fractions. We conclude that although mPGES-1 and COX-2 show transcriptional and functional coordination in cytokine-induced PGE(2) synthesis, complementary morphological and biochemical data suggest that a majority of intracellular mPGES-1 and COX-2 are segregated to discrete lipid microdomains in WISH epithelial cells.

Caveolin 1↗

Caveolin-3 is adjacent to a group of extradyadic ryanodine receptors.

Caveolae are present in almost all cells and concentrate a wide variety of signaling molecules, receptors, transporters, and ion pumps. We have investigated the distribution of the ryanodine receptor, the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger, the predominant Na(+) channel isoform rH1, and the L-type calcium channel, Ca(v)1.2, relative to the muscle-specific caveolin isoform, caveolin-3, in adult rat ventricular myocytes. Three-dimensional immunofluorescence images were deconvolved and analyzed. Caveolin-3 colocalizes with all of these molecules at the surface of the cell, but there is no significant colocalization between caveolin-3 and either the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger or the Na(+) channel in the cell interior. The distribution of the surface colocalization indicates that the caveolae that colocalize with each molecule form distinct populations. This organization indicates that there are multiple populations of caveolae separable by location and occupants. In the interior of the cell, caveolin-3 shows a marked colocalization with a population of ryanodine receptors that are separate from those within the dyad. Because of their location, the signaling molecules contained within these caveolae may have preferred access to the neighboring nondyadic ryanodine receptors.

Algorithms↗

Tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin 1 by oxidative stress is reversible and dependent on the c-src tyrosine kinase but not mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in placental artery endothelial cells.

Acute H(2)O(2) exposure to placental artery endothelial cells induced an array of tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, including caveolin 1 (CAV1) rapid and transient tyr(14) phosphorylated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Basal tyr(14) phosphorylated CAV1 was primarily located at the edges of cells and associated with actin filaments. Phosphorylated CAV1 was markedly increased and diffused with the disorganization of actin filaments at 20 min, disappeared at 120 min treatment with 0.2 mM H(2)O(2). Treatment with H(2)O(2) also disorganized actin filaments and changed cell shape in a time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with antioxidants catalase completely, whereas the other tested superoxide dismutase, N-acetyl-l-cysteine and sodium formate partially attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced CAV1 phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner. Acute treatment with H(2)O(2) activated multiple signaling pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) members (MAPK3/1-ERK2/1, MAPK8/9-JNK1/2, and MAPK11-p38(mapk)) and the c-src tyrosine kinase (CSK). Pharmacological studies demonstrated that, among these pathways, only the blockade of CSK activation abolished H(2)O(2)-induced CAV1 phosphorylation. Additionally, H(2)O(2)-induced CAV1 phosphorylation was reversible rapidly (<10 min) upon H(2)O(2) withdrawal. Because maternal and fetal endothelia must make dynamic adaptations to oxidative stress resulting from enhanced pregnancy-specific oxygen metabolism favoring prooxidant production, which is emerging as one of the leading causes of the dysfunctional activated endothelium during pregnancy, these unique features of CAV1 phosphorylation on oxidative stress observed implicate an important role of CAV1 in placental endothelial cell biology during pregnancy.

Animals↗

Nongenomic stimulation of nitric oxide release by estrogen is mediated by estrogen receptor alpha localized in caveolae.

Acute administration of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) exerts antiatherosclerotic effects in healthy postmenopausal women. The vasoprotective action of E(2) may be partly accounted for by a rapid increase in nitric oxide (NO) levels in endothelial cells (ECs). However, the signaling mechanisms producing this rise are unknown. In an attempt to address the short-term effect of E(2) on endothelial NO production, confluent bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) were incubated in the absence or presence of E(2), and NO production was measured. Significant increases in NO levels were detected after only 5 min of E(2) exposure without a change in the protein levels of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). This short-term effect of estrogen was significantly blunted by various ligands which decrease intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. Furthermore, plasma membrane-impermeable BSA-conjugated E(2) (E(2)BSA) stimulated endothelial NO release, indicating that in the current system the site of action of E(2) is on the plasma membrane rather than the classical nuclear receptor. The partial antagonist tamoxifen did not block E(2)-induced NO production; however, a pure estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) antagonist ICI 182,780 completely inhibited E(2)-stimulated NO release. The binding of E(2) to the membrane was confirmed using FITC-labeled E(2)BSA (E(2)BSA-FITC). Western blot analysis showed that plasmalemmal caveolae possess ERalpha in addition to well-known caveolae-associated proteins eNOS and caveolin. This study demonstrates that the nongenomic and short-term effect of E(2) on endothelial NO release is Ca(2+)-dependent and occurs via ERalpha localized in plasmalemmal caveolae.

Animals↗

Na/K-ATPase tethers phospholipase C and IP3 receptor into a calcium-regulatory complex.

We have shown that the caveolar Na/K-ATPase transmits ouabain signals via multiple signalplexes. To obtain the information on the composition of such complexes, we separated the Na/K-ATPase from the outer medulla of rat kidney into two different fractions by detergent treatment and density gradient centrifugation. Analysis of the light fraction indicated that both PLC-gamma1 and IP3 receptors (isoforms 2 and 3, IP3R2 and IP3R3) were coenriched with the Na/K-ATPase, caveolin-1 and Src. GST pulldown assays revealed that the central loop of the Na/K-ATPase alpha1 subunit interacts with PLC-gamma1, whereas the N-terminus binds IP3R2 and IP3R3, suggesting that the signaling Na/K-ATPase may tether PLC-gamma1 and IP3 receptors together to form a Ca(2+)-regulatory complex. This notion is supported by the following findings. First, both PLC-gamma1 and IP3R2 coimmunoprecipitated with the Na/K-ATPase and ouabain increased this interaction in a dose- and time-dependent manner in LLC-PK1 cells. Depletion of cholesterol abolished the effects of ouabain on this interaction. Second, ouabain induced phosphorylation of PLC-gamma1 at Tyr(783) and activated PLC-gamma1 in a Src-dependent manner, resulting in increased hydrolysis of PIP2. It also stimulated Src-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of the IP3R2. Finally, ouabain induced Ca(2+) release from the intracellular stores via the activation of IP3 receptors in LLC-PK1 cells. This effect required the ouabain-induced activation of PLC-gamma1. Inhibition of Src or depletion of cholesterol also abolished the effect of ouabain on intracellular Ca(2+).

Animals↗

Exercise preserves endothelium-dependent relaxation in coronary arteries of hypercholesterolemic male pigs.

We tested the hypothesis that exercise training (Ex) attenuates hypercholesterolemia-induced impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) in male porcine coronary arteries [left anterior descending coronary arteries (LAD)] by increasing nitric oxide (NO) release [due to increased endothelial NO synthase (NOS) expression] and/or increased bioactivity of NO. Adult male pigs were fed a normal-fat (NF) or high-fat (HF) diet for 20-24 wk. Pigs were Ex or remained sedentary (Sed) for 16-20 wk, beginning after 4 wk on diet. Four groups of pigs were used: NF-Sed, NF-Ex, HF-Sed, and HF-Ex. HF enhanced LAD contractions induced by KCl, aggregating platelets (AP), and serotonin (5-HT). AP and 5-HT produced EDR after blockade of cyclooxygenase with indomethacin (Indo) and smooth-muscle 5-HT(2) receptors with ketanserin. HF impaired EDR induced by AP, 5-HT, and bradykinin. Results indicate a decreased contribution of NO to EDR in HF-Sed LADs, because the percentage of bradykinin-induced EDR inhibited by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester was 27% in NF-Sed and 34% in NF-Ex but only 17% in HF-Sed. Also, N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester + Indo results indicate that release of an Indo-sensitive vasoconstrictor contributes to blunted EDR in HF-Sed LAD. Immunoblot and immunohistochemistry results indicate the following: 1) LAD endothelial NOS protein content was similar among groups; 2) HF decreased LAD superoxide dismutase (SOD) but increased caveolin-1 content; and 3) Ex increased SOD content of HF LADs. We conclude that HF impairs EDR by impairing the contribution of NO released from NOS (due to decreased SOD and increased caveolin-1 protein content) and by production of an Indo-sensitive vasoconstrictor. Ex preserves EDR in HF LADs by decreasing the production of the constrictor and increasing NO-release by NOS and/or NO bioactivity and bioavailability.

Animals↗

On the mechanism of alkylphosphocholine (APC)-induced apoptosis in tumour cells.

Alkylphosphocholines (APCs) represent a new and very encouraging class of antitumour agents that have also been shown to induce apoptosis in tumour cells, but their exact mode of action has still not been elucidated. The APC compound presented here, S-1-O-phosphocholine-2- N-acetyl-octadecane (S-NC-2) induces apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells. To define the molecular requirements for S-NC-2-induced apoptosis, activation of caspase-8 and -3 and the cleavage of death substrates, such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), were investigated in Jurkat, BJAB, SKW6.4 and K562 cells. The signalling pathway seems to be initiated at the death receptor level. Cells that are defective in Fas-receptor signalling (e.g., FADDdn BJAB), as well as cells lacking the Fas receptor (K562), were resistant to S-NC-2 treatment. Furthermore, the treatment of Jurkat cells with S-NC-2 resulted in the clustering of death receptor molecules and co-localisation of the Fas receptor with caveolin, a marker for lipid rafts. In addition, the involvement of mitochondria was detected, since S-NC-2 induces the breakdown of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Overexpression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 prevented the loss of delta psi(m) in type II (Jurkat) but not in type I cells (SKW6.4). Moreover, cleavage of Bid was found, which points to a possible linkage between the receptor-dependent and the mitochondrial pathways.

Apoptosis↗

Endothelin-1 enhances oxidative stress, cell proliferation and reduces apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells: role of ETB receptor, NADPH oxidase and caveolin-1.

1 Endothelin-1 (ET-1), an endothelium-derived vasoactive peptide, participates in the regulation of endothelial function through mechanisms that are not fully elucidated. This study examined the impact of ET-1 on oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell proliferation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). HUVECs were challenged for 24 h with ET-1 (10 pM-10 nM) in the absence or presence of the ET(B) receptor antagonist BQ788 (1 microM) or the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (1 microM). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were detected using chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. Apoptosis was evaluated with 4',6'-diamidino-2'-phenylindoladihydrochloride staining and by the caspase-3 assay. Cell proliferation was measured by a colorimetric assay. Expression of NADPH oxidase, Akt, pAkt, Bcl-2, Bax, IkappaB, caveolin-1 and eNOS was evaluated by Western blot analysis. 2 ET-1 significantly enhanced ROS generation and cell proliferation following 24-h incubation, both of which were prevented by BQ788 or apocynin, consistent with the ability of ET-1 to directly upregulate NADPH oxidase. ET-1 itself did not affect apoptosis but attenuated homocysteine-induced apoptosis through an ET(B) receptor-mediated mechanism. Western blot analysis indicated that ET-1 alleviated homocysteine (Hcy)-induced apoptosis, likely acting by antagonizing the Hcy-induced decreases in Akt, pAkt, pAkt-to-Akt, Bcl-2-to-Bax ratios and increases in Bax and caveolin-1 expression. Furthermore, ET-1 downregulated expression of caveolin-1 and eNOS, which was attenuated by BQ788 or apocynin. 3 In summary, our results suggest that ET-1 affects oxidative stress, proliferation and apoptosis possibly through ET(B), NADPH oxidase, Akt, Bax and caveolin-1-mediated mechanisms.

Apoptosis↗

Contribution of caveolin protein abundance to augmented nitric oxide signaling in conscious dogs with pacing-induced heart failure.

Myocardial NO signaling appears elevated in heart failure (HF). Whether this results from increased NO production, induction of the high-output NO synthase (NOS)2 isoform, or changes in NOS regulatory pathways (such as caveolae) remains controversial. We tested the hypothesis that increased abundance of caveolin-3 and/or sarcolemmal caveolae contribute to increased NO signaling in pacing-induced HF. Abundance of caveolin-3 (0.59+/-0.08 versus 0.29+/-0.08 arbitrary units, P = 0.01) but not caveolin-1 was increased in HF compared with control conditions, assessed by Western blot. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy revealed increased caveolae (2. 7+/-0.4 versus 1.3+/-0.3 per micrometer myocyte membrane, P<0.005). The association between caveolin-3 and NOS3 at the sarcolemma and T tubules was unchanged in HF compared with control myocytes. The impact of NOS inhibition with L-N(G)-methylarginine hydrochloride (L-NMMA) on beta-adrenergic inotropy was assessed in conscious dogs before and after HF. In control dogs, dobutamine (5 microg. kg(-1) x min(-1)) increased +dP/dt by 36+/-7%, and this was augmented to 66+/-24% by 20 mg/kg L-NMMA (P = 0.04 versus without L-NMMA, n = 8) but not affected by 10 mg/kg L-NMMA (34+/-10%, P = NS; n = 8). In HF, dobutamine +dP/dt response was depressed (P<0.001 versus control), and increased concentrations were required to match control inotropic responses (10 to 15 microg. kg(-1) x min(-1), 48+/-7%). L-NMMA enhanced +dP/dt responses similarly at 10 mg/kg (61+/-17%, P = 0.02; n = 4) and 20 mg/kg (54+/-7%, P = 0.04; n = 7). Caveolin-3 abundance positively correlated with L-NMMA augmentation of dobutamine inotropic responses in HF (r = 0.9, P = 0.03; n = 4). Thus, in canine pacing-induced HF, expression of caveolin-3 and of sarcolemmal caveolae is increased. This increase is associated with augmented agonist-stimulated NO signaling, likely via a compartmentation effect.

Animals↗

Calcium sensing receptor forms complex with and is up-regulated by caveolin-1 in cultured human osteosarcoma (Saos-2) cells.

The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) plays an important role for sensing local changes in the extracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](o)) in bone remodeling. Although the function of CaSR is known, the regulatory mechanism of CaSR remains controversial. We report here the regulatory effect of caveolin on CaSR function as a process of CaSR regulation by using the human osteosarcoma cell line (Saos-2). The intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was increased by an increment of [Ca(2+)](o). This [Ca(2+)](i) increment was inhibited by the pretreatment with NPS 2390, an antagonist of CaSR. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis of Saos-2 cells revealed the presence of CaSR, caveolin (Cav)-1 and -2 in both mRNA and protein expressions, but there was no expression of Cav-3 mRNA and protein in the cells. In the isolated caveolae-rich membrane fraction from Saos-2 cells, the CaSR, Cav-1 and Cav-2 proteins were localized in same fractions (fraction number 4 and 5). The immuno-precipitation experiment using the respective antibodies showed complex formation between the CaSR and Cav-1, but no complex formation of CaSR and Cav-2. Confocal microscopy also supported the co-localization of CaSR and Cav-1 at the plasma membrane. Functionally, the [Ca(2+)](o)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increment was attenuated by the introduction of Cav-1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN). From these results, in Saos-2 cells, the function of CaSR might be regulated by binding with Cav-1. Considering the decrement of CaSR activity by antisense ODN, Cav-1 up-regulates the function of CaSR under normal physiological conditions, and it may play an important role in the diverse pathophysiological processes of bone remodeling or in the CaSR-related disorders in the body.

Bone Neoplasms↗

m-Calpain colocalizes with the calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) in caveolae in parathyroid cells and participates in degradation of the CaR.

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is a G protein-coupled, seven-transmembrane receptor and resides within caveolin-rich membrane domains in bovine parathyroid cells. The proenzyme of calpain 2 (m-calpain) is a heterodimeric calcium-dependent cysteine protease consisting of catalytic and regulatory subunits. The effects of calcium on the enzyme include activation, autolysis, and subunit dissociation. Here, we examine the potential role of caveolin-1 and caveolae in regulating the cellular distribution and function of m-calpain in parathyroid cells. We show that the inactive heterodimeric forms of m-calpain are concentrated in caveolin-rich membrane fractions prepared from parathyroid cells incubated with low extracellular calcium (Ca2+(o)). In contrast, in cells incubated with 3 mm Ca2+(o), which activates the CaR and increases intracellular calcium, there is a reduction in m-calpain in association with an increase in CaR protein and phosphorylated protein kinase C alpha and beta in caveolin-rich fractions. To assess the impact of activation of calpain on CaR protein in caveolar fractions, we analyzed the effects of m-calpain on the CaR. Activation of the CaR with high Ca2+(o) induced the release of lower molecular weight fragments of the receptor into the cell culture medium, and calpain inhibitors blocked this effect. Moreover, the fragments of the CaR as well as caveolin-1, m-calpain, and alkaline phosphatase were localized in membrane vesicles shed by parathyroid cells, supporting the association of these proteins in living cells. Treatment of CaR proteins in vitro with m-calpain also resulted in the appearance of lower molecular weight fragments of the CaR. Our data suggest that localization of m-calpain within caveolae may contribute to maintenance of the enzyme in an inactive state and that m-calpain may also contribute to the regulation of CaR levels.

Animals↗

The Npc1 mutation causes an altered expression of caveolin-1, annexin II and protein kinases and phosphorylation of caveolin-1 and annexin II in murine livers.

We have previously demonstrated (1) an increased expression of caveolin-1 in murine heterozygous and homozygous Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) livers, and (2) an increased concentration of unesterified cholesterol in a detergent insoluble caveolae-enriched fraction from homozygous livers. To define further the relationship between caveolin-1 function and the cholesterol trafficking defect in NPC, we examined the expression and distribution of additional caveolar and signal transduction proteins. The expression of annexin II was significantly increased in homozygous liver homogenates and the Triton X-100 insoluble floating fraction (TIFF). Phosphoamino acid analysis of caveolin-1 and annexin II from the homozygous TIFF demonstrated an increase in serine and tyrosine phosphorylation, respectively. To determine the basis for increased phosphorylation of these proteins, the expression and distribution of several protein kinases was examined. The expression of PKCalpha, PKCzeta and pp60-src (protein kinases) were significantly increased in both heterozygous and homozygous liver homogenates, while PKCdelta was increased only in homozygous livers. Of the protein kinases analyzed, only CK IIalpha was significantly enriched in the heterozygous TIFF. Finally, the concentration of diacylglycerol in the homozygous TIFF was significantly increased and this elevation may modulate PKC distribution and function. These results provide additional evidence for involvement of a caveolin-1 containing cellular fraction in the pathophysiology of NPC and also suggest that the Npc1 gene product may directly or indirectly, regulate the expression and distribution of signaling molecules.

Animals↗

Role of the cytoskeleton in extracellular calcium-regulated PTH release.

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) mediates the effects of extracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](o)) on PTH release, such that increasing levels of [Ca(2+)](o) inhibit PTH secretion through poorly defined mechanisms. In the present studies, immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that F-actin, PTH, CaR, and caveolin-1 are colocalized at the apical secretory pole of PT cells, and subcellular fractionation of PT cells showed these proteins to be present within the secretory granule fraction. High [Ca(2+)](o) caused F-actin, PTH, and caveolin-1 to move to the apical pole of the cells. Depolymerization of F-actin by cytochalasin reduced the actin network and induced redistribution of actin/caveolin-1 to a dispersed pattern within the cell. The F-actin-severing compounds, latrunculin and cytochalasin, significantly increased PTH secretion, while the actin polymerizing agent, jasplakinolide, substantially inhibited PTH secretion. We have demonstrated that in polarized PT cells, the F-actin cytoskeleton is involved in the regulation of PTH secretion and is critical for inhibition of PTH secretion by high calcium.

Animals↗

Overexpression of caveolin-1 induces alteration of multidrug resistance in Hs578T breast adenocarcinoma cells.

Caveolin-1 is a major caveolae-coat protein involved in a variety of cell signaling processes. Some studies have suggested that the level of caveolin-1 expression positively correlates with multi-drug resistance in cancer cells. We demonstrated for the first time that Hs578T doxorubicin resistant cells (Hs578T/Doxo), which contain low levels of endogenous caveolin-1 and high levels of P-glycoprotein, are rendered drug-sensitive by overexpression of exogenous caveolin-1. MTT assays showed that after overexpressing caveolin-1, the drug resistance of Hs578T/Doxo cells to doxorubicin and cisplatin was reduced from 25.4 +/- 1.5 and 65.3 +/- 2.5 microg/ml to 0.8 +/- 0.15 and 23.2 +/- 2.1 microg/ml, respectively (i.e. reduced by 97% and 64%, respectively). Furthermore, using rhodamine-123 efflux assays, we observed a significant decrease in P-glycoprotein activity in caveolin-1 overexpressing cells, similar to that observed with 5 microM cyclosporine A or 10 microM verapamil, 2 inhibitors of P-glycoprotein activity. Using confocal microscopy, subcellular fractionation and co-immunoprecipitation assays, a possible physical interaction between caveolin-1 and P-glycoprotein in the caveolae membrane was observed in Hs578T/Doxo cells overexpressing caveolin-1. These results suggest that overexpression of caveolin-1 changes the state of the cells from drug-resistant to drug-sensitive by inhibiting P-glycoprotein transport activity.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗

The effect of simulated birth trauma and/or ovariectomy on rodent continence mechanism. Part I: functional and structural change.

PURPOSE: We examined the changes in the lower urinary tract after delivery, intravaginal ballooning and/or ovariectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 10 virgin and 48 primiparous pregnant rats. Cystometry and the stress/sneeze test were performed in virgin and postpartum rats shortly after delivery and at 8 weeks before sacrifice. Half of the delivered animals underwent intravaginal balloon dilation. Four weeks later half in each group underwent ovariectomy. The rats were subdivided into group 1--delivery, group 2--delivery plus balloon inflation, group 3--delivery plus ovariectomy and group 4--delivery plus balloon inflation plus ovariectomy. Tissues from the bladder, bladder neck, urethra and levator were collected, analyzed by electron microscopy, and immunostained for caveolin-1, caveolin-3 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase. RESULTS: Higher bladder capacity was detected in postpartum than in virgin rats. Urine leakage on stress/sneeze testing increased significantly in groups 2 and 4. Electron microscopy revealed a significant decrease in sarcolemma caveolae in the smooth muscle of the bladder and urethra in groups 2 to 4. In the bladder neck in group 3 caveolae were increased in smooth muscle. In groups 2 to 4 in the smooth muscle of the bladder and urethra caveolin-1 was significantly decreased. Caveolin-3 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in striated muscle also significantly decreased in groups 2 to 4. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that birth trauma simulated by ballooning and ovariectomy may contribute to stress urinary incontinence. The alteration in smooth muscle caveolae as well as the membrane protein caveolin may have a role in functional alterations caused by birth trauma and ovariectomy.

Animals↗

Localization of the kappa opioid receptor in lipid rafts.

Lipid rafts are microdomains of plasma membranes enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids in the outer layer. We determined whether kappa opioid receptors (KOR) in human placenta and FLAG (DYKDDDDK)-tagged human KOR (FLAG-hKOR) expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are localized in lipid rafts and whether changes in cholesterol contents affect hKOR properties and signaling. Lipid rafts were prepared from placenta membranes and CHO cells expressing FLAG-hKOR using the Na2CO3 method and fractionation through a sucrose density gradient. The majority of the KOR in the placenta and FLAG-hKOR in CHO cells, determined by [3H]diprenorphine binding and/or immunoblotting with an anti-FLAG antibody, was present in low-density fractions, coinciding with high levels of caveolin-1 and cholesterol, markers of lipid rafts, which indicated that the KOR is localized in lipid rafts. Pretreatment with 2% methyl beta-cyclodextrin (MCD) reduced cholesterol content by approximately 48% and changed the cells from spindle-shaped to spherical. MCD treatment disrupted lipid rafts, shifted caveolin-1 and FLAG-hKOR to higher density fractions, increased the affinity of (-)-(trans)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide (U50,488H) for the hKOR, and greatly increased U50,488H-induced [35S]guanosine 5'-O-(3-thio)triphosphate binding and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Cholesterol replenishment reversed all the MCD effects. Caveolin-1 immunoprecipitated with Galphai proteins and MCD treatment reduced caveolin-1 associated with Galphai proteins, which may contribute to the enhanced agonist-induced G protein activation. Caveolin-1 also immunoprecipitated with FLAG-hKOR, but MCD treatment had no effect on the association. Thus, the KOR is located in lipid rafts and its localization in the microdomains greatly affects coupling to G proteins.

Animals↗

Caveolin-1 expression in advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma--a clinicopathologic study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation among the expression of caveolin-1, the protein constituent of caveolae, and disease outcome in advanced-stage ovarian carcinomas. METHODS: Sections from 76 primary ovarian carcinomas and metastatic lesions from 45 patients diagnosed with advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma (FIGO stages III-IV) were evaluated for caveolin-1 expression using immunohistochemistry. Patients were divided into long-term survivors and short-term survivors based on disease outcome. Twenty nonneoplastic fallopian tubes and ovaries were additionally studied. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 70 months. The mean values for disease-free survival and overall survival were 109 and 125 months for long-term survivors, compared to 3 and 21 months for short-term survivors, respectively. Caveolin-1 expression was localized to the cell membrane in 24/76 (32%) specimens and was detected in the cytoplasm in 52/76 (68%) cases. Both patterns were more often detected in metastases, when compared with primary tumors. In addition, membrane immunoreactivity was more often seen in tumor of short-term survivors. These differences did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). Combined membrane and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity was seen in 17/20 (85%) nonneoplastic lesions. Despite its role in tyrosine-kinase-mediated signal transduction in vitro studies, caveolin-1 expression in carcinomas showed no association with the protein expression of c-erbB-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor, evaluated in a previous study of this patient cohort. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first in vivo evidence of caveolin-1 membrane expression in human malignancies. Caveolin-1 is often expressed in advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma, but does not appear to be a powerful predictor of disease outcome in these tumors. The reduced expression level in carcinomas compared to nonneoplastic epithelium may point to a role for caveolin-1 as a tumor suppressor gene.

Adult↗

Immunohistochemical characterization of the intracellular pool of water channel aquaporin-2 in the rat kidney.

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is a member of water channel proteins expressed in the kidney collecting duct cells, where it is stored in the intracellular compartment. Upon stimulation of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), AQP2 is recruited to the plasma membrane, and plays a critical role in urine concentration. We immunohistochemically characterized the intracellular compartment harboring AQP2 in the rat kidney using antibodies to the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, trans-Golgi network, lysosome, and endosome. Aquaporin-2 did not colocalize with calnexin, TGN38, Golgi 58K, cathepsin D or Igp-110. Small portions of AQP2-bearing vesicles were positive for early endosome antigen 1. These localization patterns were basically the same in water-loaded and ADH-treated animals. These results indicate that AQP2-bearing vesicles constitute a unique intracellular compartment distinct from the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, trans-Golgi network and lysosome. Partial colocalization of AQP2 with early endosomes suggests that the endosomal system might be involved in the trafficking of AQP2.

Animals↗