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PubMed1994

Cell growth and Na-K-Cl cotransport responses of vascular smooth muscle cells of Milan rats.

The present study examines the role of serum growth factors in the proliferative response and Na-K-Cl cotransport activity of vascular smooth muscle cells from Milan normotensive (MNS) and hypertensive (MHS) rats. Cells from thoracic aorta of both strains were cultured in 10% serum medium and made quiescent by 72 hours in 0.3% serum medium. MHS cells grown with 10% serum had a shorter population doubling time than MNS cells between passages 8 and 12 (13.8 +/- 1.7 versus 20.1 +/- 1.6 hours, P < .01, n = 4). MHS cells also exhibited a higher response of thymidine incorporation into nucleic acid to serum, epidermal, and platelet-derived growth factor BB. In MHS cells epidermal (100 ng/mL) and platelet (50 ng/mL) growth factors increased thymidine incorporation 2- and 10-fold, respectively. In MNS cells epidermal factor did not induce a significant response, and that of platelet factor was twofold lower than in MHS cells. Binding curves revealed a higher number of receptors for platelet than epidermal growth factor in both strains and a similar number of both receptors in MHS and MNS cells. Quantitative immunoblots of these receptor proteins confirmed the observation that the greater proliferation of MHS cells could not be related to a higher number of growth factor receptors. Cotransport activity (bumetanide-sensitive 86Rb influx in nanomoles per milligram protein per 5 minutes) was found to be significantly higher in MHS cells (16 +/- 3, n = 18) than MNS cells (8 +/- 3, n = 15) at confluence as well as in the log phase of serum-stimulated growth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Thromboxane A2 and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation.

In the present study we describe the intracellular pathways for the transmission of growth signals by the potent vasoconstricting eicosanoids prostaglandin H2 and thromboxane A2 in smooth muscle cells from rat aorta. Carbocyclic thromboxane A2 and U46619 are stable thromboxane A2 mimetics acting at the common thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor. Carbocyclic thromboxane A2 (10(-6) mol/L) induced an approximately 2.5-fold increase in [Ca2+]i above the basal value at 25 seconds. Maximal stimulation of the 42-kD mitogen-activated protein kinase isoform by both thromboxane A2 mimetics occurred at 5 minutes. Both thromboxane A2 mimetics at a concentration of 10(-6) mol/L induced the expression of c-fos and early growth response gene-1 (egr-1) mRNA, with a maximum at 30 minutes. Carbocyclic thromboxane A2 (10(-6) mol/L) induced a 3.3-fold increase in [3H]thymidine incorporation into cell DNA above the basal value and produced a 3.5-fold elevation of platelet-derived growth factor-BB-dependent [3H]thymidine incorporation into cell DNA. Similar effects of U46619 (10(-6) to 10(-5) mol/L) alone did in combination with platelet-derived growth factor-BB on cell DNA synthesis were obtained. The thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 receptor antagonist SQ29548 (10(-6) mol/L) completely suppressed the mitogenic effect of both thromboxane A2 mimetics (10(-6) mol/L). Pertussis toxin (10 to 100 ng/mL) did not influence the mitogenic effects of the thromboxane A2 mimetics. Carbocyclic thromboxane A2 (10(-6) mol/L) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (20 ng/mL) per ser caused a 44% and 100% increase in cell number, respectively. In the presence of carbocyclic thromboxane A2 (10(-6) mol/L), platelet-derived growth factor-BB induced a 152% increase in cell number. Similar results were obtained with U46619 alone or in combination with platelet-derived growth factor-BB.

15-Hydroxy-11 alpha,9 alpha-(epoxymethano)prosta-5↗
PubMed1997

Cholesterol enhances platelet-derived growth factor-BB-induced [Ca2+]i and DNA synthesis in rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

In the present study, we describe possible mechanisms by which hypercholesterolemia may contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Treatment of rat aortic smooth muscle cells for 20 hours with cholesterol-rich liposomes (500 micrograms/mL cholesterol, 100 micrograms/mL low-density lipoprotein) resulted in a 76 +/- 12% increase in total cholesterol content. The effects of cholesterol enrichment were examined by determination of changes in cell membrane fluidity. Fluidity of the cholesterol-enriched cell membranes was decreased at all temperatures between 15 degrees C and 40 degrees C. Changes in membrane fluidity in whole cell membranes represented changes in fluidity of microsomal membranes isolated by Percoll gradient ultracentrifugation. The basal [Ca2+]i and the maximal platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced [Ca2+]i was elevated by 30% and 90% in cholesterol-enriched cells, respectively. In contrast, the resting pH, and the PDGF-BB-induced stimulation of the Na+/H+ exchange were not affected in cholesterol-enriched cells. The effect of PDGF-BB on [3H]thymidine incorporation in cholesterol-enriched cells was elevated by 40% in comparison with untreated cells. Our findings show that cellular cholesterol may be involved in the development of vascular diseases via modulation of the PDGF-induced increase in [Ca2+]i and DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Mitogen-activated protein kinase activation is involved in platelet-derived growth factor-directed migration by vascular smooth muscle cells.

Migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a crucial response to vascular injury resulting in neointima formation and atherosclerosis. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB) functions as a potent chemoattractant for VSMCs and enhances these pathologies in the vasculature. However, little is known about the intracellular pathways that mediate VSMC migration. In the present study, we investigated the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in this function, since PDGF-BB as well as other growth factors activate this pathway. Using an in-gel kinase assay, we observed that PD 98059 an inhibitor of MEK that activates MAP kinase, inhibited PDGF-BB-induced activation of ERK-1 and ERK-2 in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, PDGF-mediated activation of intracellular calcium release was not affected by PD 98059. The chemotactic response of both rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) and human umbilical vein smooth muscle cells (HUSMCs) toward PDGF-BB (10 ng/mL) was significantly reduced by PD 98059 (10 mumol/L) to 41.7 +/- 7.1% in RASMCs (P < .01) and to 47.2 +/- 5.3% in HUSMCs (P < .01). Similar inhibition was seen at 30 mumol/L, less at 1 mumol/L. To further confirm the specificity of these results implicating the MAPK pathway, an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) directed against the initiation translation site of rat ERK-1 and ERK-2 mRNA was used to suppress MAP kinase synthesis and function in rat VSMCs. Liposomal transfection with 0.4 mumol/L antisense ODN reduced ERK-1 and ERK-2 protein by 65% (P < .01) after 48 hours. The chemotactic response to PDGF-BB (10 ng/mL) was reduced by 75% (P < .01) in rat VSMCs transfected with the same antisense ODN concentration. Sense and scrambled control ODNs (0.4 mumol/L) did not affect ERK-1 and ERK-2 protein concentrations or chemotaxis of VSMCs induced by PDGF-BB. These experiments provide the first evidence that activation of MAPK is a critical event in PDGF-mediated signal transduction regulating VSMC migration.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Dopamine D1-like receptor stimulation inhibits hypertrophy induced by platelet-derived growth factor in cultured rat renal vascular smooth muscle cells.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) hypertrophy is believed to play some roles in atherosclerosis. To elucidate the role of vascular D1-like receptors in VSMC hypertrophy, the effects of dopamine and specific D1-like receptor agonists SKF 38393 and YM 435 on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB-mediated VSMC hypertrophy was studied. We observed that cells stimulated by PDGF-BB 5 ng/mL showed increased VSMC hypertrophy. These effects were prevented by coincubation with dopamine, SKF 38393, and YM 435 1-10 mumol/L, and this prevention was reversed by Sch 23390 1 to 10 mumol/L, a specific D1-like receptor antagonist. These actions are mimicked by forskolin 1 to 10 mumol/L, a direct activator of adenylate cyclase and 8-bromo-cAMP 0.1 to 1 mmol/L, and are blocked by a specific protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor N-[2-(P-bromcoinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinoline-sulfonamide (H89) but not blocked by its negative control. PDGF-BB (5 ng/mL)-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity was significantly suppressed by coincubation with D1-like receptor agonists, which were reversed by PKA inhibitor H 89. These results suggest that vascular D1-like receptor agonists inhibit hypertrophy of VSMC, possibly through PKA activation and suppression of activated MAPK activity.

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-ben↗
PubMed1997

Growth factors mediate intracellular signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells through protein kinase C-linked pathways.

Intracellular Ca2+ and pH are potent modulators of growth factor-induced mitogenesis and contraction. This study examined platelet-derived growth factor-(PDGF-BB) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)-mediated signal transduction in primary cultured unpassaged vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from mesenteric arteries of Sprague-Dawley rats. Intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and intracellular pH (pHi) were measured by fluorescence digital imaging using fura-2 AM and 2'7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein, respectively. Characteristics of [Ca2+]i transients were determined by pre-exposing cells to Ca2+-free buffer, and involvement of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was assessed by withdrawal of extracellular Na+ and by exposure to dimethylbenzamil (Na+/Ca2+ exchange blocker). To determine whether pHi responses were mediated via the Na+/H+ exchanger, cells were preincubated with 10(-5) mol/L 5-(N-ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride (a selective Na+/H+ exchange blocker). The role of protein kinase C (PKC) and tyrosine kinases in growth factor signaling was assessed by pre-exposing cells to calphostin C and chelerythrine chloride (selective PKC inhibitors; 10(-5) mol/L) and tyrphostin A23 (a selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor; 10(-5) mol/L). PDGF-BB and IGF-1 (1 to 10 ng/mL) increased [Ca2+]i and pHi in a dose-dependent manner. At concentrations greater than 1 ng/mL both growth factors induced a biphasic [Ca2+]i response with an initial transient peak followed by a sustained elevation. At 5 ng/mL PDGF-BB and IGF-1 significantly increased [Ca2+]i from 95+/-3 nmol/L to 328+/-28 and 251+/-18 nmol/L, respectively. Ca2+ withdrawal abolished the second phase of [Ca2+]i elevation. Agonist-induced [Ca2+]i responses were similarly altered by Na+ withdrawal, by Na+/ Ca2+ exchange blockade, and by PKC inhibition; latency, the period from stimulus application to the first [Ca2+]i peak, was increased, the initial [Ca2+]i peak was attenuated, and the sustained phase was prolonged. PDGF-BB and IGF-1 (10 ng/mL) significantly increased pHi from 6.89+/-0.04 nmol/L to 7.11+/-0.01 and 7.09+/-0.02 nmol/L, respectively. EIPA and calphostin C completely inhibited agonist-elicited alkalinization. Tyrphostin A-23 abolished second-messenger responses to PDGF-BB and IGF-1, whose receptors have tyrosine kinase activity. In conclusion, PDGF-BB and IGF-1 elicit significant [Ca2+]i and pHi responses in VSMC. The underlying pathways that mediate these responses are partially dependent on Na+/ Ca2+ transporters and the Na+/H+ exchanger, both of which are linked to PKC activation.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1999

Proteoglycan production by vascular smooth muscle cells from resistance arteries of hypertensive rats.

Extracellular matrix (ECM) modifications in the vascular wall contribute to the narrowing of arteries in hypertension. Because direct evidence for the role of proteoglycans (PGs) in the pathological process of resistance-sized arteries has not already been demonstrated, we examined the effect of growth factors on secreted and membrane-bound PG synthesis by cultured mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar rats. After 48 hours of stimulation with angiotensin II (Ang II), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB), and 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) or 0.1% FCS as control, PG synthesis (in dpm/ng DNA) was evaluated in the medium (M-ECM) and in the cell layer (P-ECM) by a double-isotopic label method with both [(3)H]-glucosamine and [(35)S]-sodium sulfate, which are incorporated into all complex carbohydrates or only into sulfated disaccharides, respectively. VSMC from SHR displayed a significantly lower level of synthesis of M-ECM [(3)H]-PGs than those of Wistar rats in all the experimental groups, including the control group (0. 1% FCS), but no differences in M-ECM [(35)S] uptake were found in any case. In the P-ECM, Ang II was the only factor that produced a lesser effect on [(3)H]-glucosamine and a greater effect on [(35)S]-sodium sulfate uptakes in VSMC from SHR than from Wistar rats. The most prominent change seen in VSMC from SHR was an increased sulfation, assessed by [(35)S]/[(3)H] ratio, in nonstimulated cells and in response to 10% FCS and Ang II but not to PDGF-BB compared with VSMC from Wistar rats. These data indicate the existence of changes in PG modulation in the resistance vessels of SHR, which suggests that PGs may contribute to the development of structural and functional modifications in hypertensive states.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2000

Angiotensin II and PDGF-BB stimulate beta(1)-integrin-mediated adhesion and spreading in human VSMCs.

beta(1)-Integrins play an important role for adhesion and spreading of human smooth muscle cells. In the present study we examined the influence of angiotensin II and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB on beta(1)-integrin-dependent functions of human smooth muscle cells obtained from iliac arteries. Treatment of these cells with PDGF-BB (20 ng/mL) and Angiotensin II (1 micromol/L) did not change beta(1)-integrin expression up to 48 hours as analyzed by flow cytometry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. beta(1)-integrins predominantly mediated adhesion of human smooth muscle cells to collagen I (79.7+/-4.4%, P<0.01) and fibronectin (66. 6+/-2.4%, P<0.01). Treatment of smooth muscle cells with Angiotensin II (1 micromol/L) and PDGF-BB (20 ng/mL) significantly increased the adhesion to collagen I by 56.5% and 44.3%, respectively, and to fibronectin by 49.6% and 36.4%, respectively (all P<0.05). Angiotensin II-induced effects were mediated by the AT(1) receptor. The PDGF-BB mediated increase of adhesion was inhibited in the presence of genestein, a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor and by protein kinase C downregulation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate. Spreading of smooth muscle cells also was beta(1)-integrin dependent on collagen I and alpha(5)beta(1)-integrin dependent on fibronectin. Angiotensin II and PDGF-BB increased cell spreading on fibronectin up to 276% and 318%, respectively, and on collagen I up to 133% and 138% (all P<0.05). These increases were significantly inhibited by blocking antibodies against beta(1)-integrin, alpha(5)-integrin on fibronectin, the AT(1) receptor blocker irbesartan, and genestein. The present data demonstrate that angiotensin II and as well PDGF-BB enhance beta(1)-integrin-dependent adhesion and spreading of human vascular smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, the experiments with PDGF suggest an involvement of protein kinase C activation leading to these enhanced effects.

Angiotensin II↗
PubMed2000

A(2B) receptors mediate antimitogenesis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Adenosine inhibits growth of vascular smooth muscle cells. The goals of this study were to determine which adenosine receptor subtype mediates the antimitogenic effects of adenosine and to investigate the signal transduction mechanisms involved. In rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) (25 ng/mL) stimulated DNA synthesis ([(3)H]thymidine incorporation), cellular proliferation (cell number), collagen synthesis ([(3)H]proline incorporation), total protein synthesis ([(3)H]leucine incorporation), and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity. The adenosine receptor agonists 2-chloroadenosine and 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, but not N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine or CGS21680, inhibited the growth effects of PDGF-BB, an agonist profile consistent with an A(2B) receptor-mediated effect. The adenosine receptor antagonists KF17837 and 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine, but not 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine, blocked the growth-inhibitory effects of 2-chloroadenosine and 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, an antagonist profile consistent with an A(2) receptor-mediated effect. Antisense, but not sense or scrambled, oligonucleotides to the A(2B) receptor stimulated basal and PDGF-induced DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, and MAP kinase activity. Moreover, the growth-inhibitory effects of 2-chloroadenosine, 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, and erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine plus iodotubericidin (inhibitors of adenosine deaminase and adenosine kinase, respectively) were abolished by antisense, but not scrambled or sense, oligonucleotides to the A(2B) receptor. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that adenosine causes inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell growth by activating A(2B) receptors coupled to inhibition of MAP kinase activity. Pharmacological or molecular biological activation of A(2B) receptors may prevent vascular remodeling associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis following balloon angioplasty.

2-Chloroadenosine↗
PubMed2000

Inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell migration by elevation of extracellular potassium concentration.

The effect of potassium on the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells was analyzed in media made with extracellular potassium concentrations of 3, 4, 5, and 6 mmol/L. The migration of cultured porcine coronary artery cells was stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB. In the first study, cells were exposed to PDGF-BB at concentrations of 0, 10, or 20 ng/mL for 5 hours with the use of a Boyden chamber. Cells were quiescent overnight in 0.5% fetal bovine serum in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with an extracellular potassium concentration of 4 mmol/L. With increasing potassium concentration, migration was significantly inhibited (P<0. 02, 2-way ANOVA). In the cells exposed to 10 ng/mL PDGF-BB, migration ranged from 500+/-86% to 294+/-44% (value in wells with 0 ng/mL PDGF-BB and 4 mmol/L potassium concentration=100%) in medium containing 3 to 6 mmol/L extracellular potassium concentration (P<0. 03). Long-term potassium exposure was investigated in cells grown in 5% serum in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium with an extracellular potassium concentration of 3, 4, 5, or 6 mmol/L for 3 to 4 weeks. Migration was assessed with 0 or 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB. Migration was significantly inhibited by the elevation of extracellular potassium concentration (P<0.01, 2-way ANOVA). With 20 ng/mL PDGF-BB, the migration rates ranged from 152+/-11% in medium with 3 mmol/L potassium to 69+/-5% in 6 mmol/L potassium (P<0.01). Increases in extracellular potassium concentration within the physiological range significantly and directly inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell migration.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Aldose reductase inhibitor improves insulin-mediated glucose uptake and prevents migration of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells induced by high glucose.

We examined involvement of the polyol pathway in high glucose-induced human coronary artery smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration using Boyden's chamber method. Chronic glucose treatment for 72 hours potentiated, in a concentration-dependent manner (5.6 to 22.2 mol/L), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB-mediated SMC migration. This potentiation was accompanied by an increase in PDGF BB binding, because of an increased number of PDGF-beta receptors, and this potentiation was blocked by the aldose reductase inhibitor epalrestat. Epalrestat at concentrations of 10 and 100 nmol/L inhibited high glucose-potentiated (22.2 mmol/L), PDGF BB-mediated migration. Epalrestat at 100 nmol/L inhibited a high glucose-induced increase in the reduced/oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ratio and membrane-bound protein kinase C (PKC) activity in SMCs. PKC inhibitors calphostin C (100 nmol/L) and chelerythrine (1 micromol/L) each inhibited high glucose-induced, PDGF BB-mediated SMC migration. High glucose-induced suppression of insulin-mediated [(3)H]-deoxyglucose uptake, which was blocked by both calphostin C (100 nmol/L) and chelerythrine (1 micromol/L), was decreased by epalrestat (100 nmol/L). Chronic high glucose treatment for 72 hours increased intracellular oxidative stress, which was directly measured by flow cytometry using carboxydichlorofluorescein diacetate bis-acetoxymethyl ester, and this increase was significantly suppressed by epalrestat (100 nmol/L). Antisense oligonucleotide to PKC-beta isoform inhibited high glucose-mediated changes in SMC migration, insulin-mediated [(3)H]-deoxyglucose uptake, and oxidative stress. These findings suggest that high glucose concentrations potentiate SMC migration in coronary artery and that the aldose reductase inhibitor epalrestat inhibits high glucose-potentiated, PDGF BB-induced SMC migration, possibly through suppression of PKC (PKC-beta), impaired insulin-mediated glucose uptake, and oxidative stress.

Aldehyde Reductase↗
PubMed2001

A(2b) receptors mediate the antimitogenic effects of adenosine in cardiac fibroblasts.

Adenosine inhibits growth of cardiac fibroblasts; however, the adenosine receptor subtype that mediates this antimitogenic effect remains undefined. Therefore, the goals of this study were to determine which adenosine receptor subtype mediates the antimitogenic effects of adenosine and to investigate the signal transduction mechanisms involved. In rat left ventricular cardiac fibroblasts, PDGF-BB (25 ng/mL) stimulated DNA synthesis ((3)H-thymidine incorporation), cellular proliferation (cell number), collagen synthesis ((3)H-proline incorporation), and MAP kinase activity. The adenosine receptor agonists 2-chloroadenosine and 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, but not N(6)-cyclopentyladenosine, 4-aminobenzyl-5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, or CGS21680, inhibited the growth effects of PDGF-BB, an agonist profile consistent with an A(2B) receptor-mediated effect. The adenosine receptor antagonists KF17837 and 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine, but not 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine, blocked the growth-inhibitory effects of 2-chloroadenosine and 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, an antagonist profile consistent with an A(2) receptor-mediated effect. Antisense, but not sense or scrambled, oligonucleotides to the A(2B) receptor stimulated basal and PDGF-induced DNA synthesis, cell proliferation, and collagen synthesis. Moreover, the growth-inhibitory effects of 2-chloroadenosine, 5'-N-methylcarboxamidoadenosine, and erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine plus iodotubericidin (inhibitors of adenosine deaminase and adenosine kinase, respectively) were abolished by antisense, but not scrambled or sense, oligonucleotides to the A(2B) receptor. Our findings strongly support the hypothesis that adenosine causes inhibition of CF growth by activating A(2B) receptors coupled to inhibition of MAP kinase activity. Thus, A(2B) receptors may play a critical role in regulating cardiac remodeling associated with CF proliferation. Pharmacologic or molecular biological activation of A(2B) receptors may prevent cardiac remodeling associated with hypertension, myocardial infarction, and myocardial reperfusion injury after ischemia.

2-Chloroadenosine↗
PubMed2002

Inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell migration by cytochrome p450 epoxygenase-derived eicosanoids.

Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation contribute to neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis after vascular injury. The epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which are products of cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases, possess vasodilatory, antiinflammatory, and fibrinolytic properties. To determine whether these compounds also possess antimigratory and antiproliferative properties, we stimulated rat aortic SMCs with either 20% serum or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB, 20 ng/mL). In a concentration-dependent manner, treatment with EETs, particularly 11,12-EET, inhibited SMC migration through a modified transwell filter by 53% to 60%. EETs, however, have no inhibitory effects on PDGF-stimulated SMC proliferation. Adenoviral-mediated overexpression of the CYP isoform, CYP2J2, in SMCs also inhibited serum- and PDGF-induced SMC migration by 32% and 26%, respectively; both effects of which were reversed by the CYP inhibitors SKF525A or clotrimazole, but not by the K(Ca) channel blocker, charybdotoxin, or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, diclofenac. The effect of EETs correlated with increases in intracellular cAMP levels. Indeed, forskolin and 8-bromo-cAMP exert similar inhibitory effects on SMC migration as 11,12-EET and the effects of 11,12-EET were blocked by cAMP and protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors. These findings indicate that EETs possess antimigratory effects on SMCs through the cAMP-PKA pathway and suggest that CYP epoxygenase-derived eicosanoids may play important roles in vascular disease and remodeling.

8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic Acid↗
PubMed2003

Dismantling of cadherin-mediated cell-cell contacts modulates smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contributes to intimal thickening during atherosclerosis and restenosis. The cadherins are transmembrane proteins, which form cell-cell contacts and may regulate VSMC proliferation. In this study, N-cadherin protein concentration was significantly reduced by stimulation of proliferation with fetal calf serum (FCS) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) in human saphenous vein VSMCs. Furthermore, overexpression of a truncated N-cadherin, which acts as a dominant-negative increased VSMC proliferation. The amount of an extracellular fragment of N-cadherin (approximately 90 kDa) in the media after 24 hours was increased by 12-fold by FCS and 11-fold by PDGF-BB, suggesting that N-cadherin levels are regulated by proteolytic shedding. Incubation with a synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitor or adenoviral overexpression of the endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) demonstrated that metalloproteinase activity was responsible in part for this proteolysis. Although total levels of beta-catenin protein were not affected, beta-catenin was translocated to the nucleus after stimulation with FCS and PDGF-BB. Our data indicates cadherin-mediated cell-cell contacts modulate proliferation in VSMCs. Furthermore, disruption of N-cadherin cell-cell contacts mediated in part by metalloproteinase activity occurs during VSMC proliferation, releasing beta-catenin and possibly inducing beta-catenin-mediated intracellular signaling.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Induction of hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2) in human vascular smooth muscle cells by vasodilatory prostaglandins.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a prominent constituent of the extracellular matrix of atherosclerotic vascular lesions in humans known to modulate vascular smooth muscle phenotype. The regulation of HA synthesis by vasodilatory prostaglandins was analyzed in human arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The prostacyclin analogue, iloprost (100 nmol/L), markedly increased pericellular formation of HA coats and HA secretion into the cell culture medium in human arterial SMCs (8.7+/-1.6-fold). Expression of HA synthase 2 (HAS2) was determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR and found to be strongly upregulated at concentrations of iloprost between 1 and 100 nmol/L after 3 hours. Furthermore, endogenous cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) activity was required for basal expression of HAS2 mRNA in SMCs in vitro. Total HA secretion in response to iloprost was markedly decreased by RNA interference (RNAi), specific for HAS2. In addition, siRNA targeting HAS2 strongly increased the spreading of human SMCs compared with mock-transfected cells. HAS2 mRNA levels were also stimulated by a selective prostacyclin receptor (IP) agonist, cicaprost (10 nmol/L), prostaglandin E(2) (10 nmol/L), and the EP(2) receptor agonist, butaprost (1 micromol/L). Induction of HAS2 mRNA and HA synthesis by prostaglandins was mimicked by stable cAMP analogues and forskolin. In human atherectomy specimens from the internal carotid artery, HA deposits and COX2 expression colocalized frequently. In addition, strong EP(2) receptor expression was detected in SMCs in HA-rich areas. Therefore, upregulation of HAS2 expression via EP(2) and IP receptors might contribute to the accumulation of HA during human atherosclerosis, thereby mediating proatherosclerotic functions of COX2.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed2004

Notch activation results in phenotypic and functional changes consistent with endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation.

Various studies have identified a critical role for Notch signaling in cardiovascular development. In this and other systems, Notch receptors and ligands are expressed in regions that undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation. However, there is no direct evidence that Notch activation can induce mesenchymal transdifferentiation. In this study we show that Notch activation in endothelial cells results in morphological, phenotypic, and functional changes consistent with mesenchymal transformation. These changes include downregulation of endothelial markers (vascular endothelial [VE]-cadherin, Tie1, Tie2, platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, and endothelial NO synthase), upregulation of mesenchymal markers (alpha-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and platelet-derived growth factor receptors), and migration toward platelet-derived growth factor-BB. Notch-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation does not seem to require external regulation and is restricted to cells expressing activated Notch. Jagged1 stimulation of endothelial cells induces a similar mesenchymal transformation, and Jagged1, Notch1, and Notch4 are expressed in the ventricular outflow tract during stages of endocardial cushion formation. This is the first evidence that Jagged1-Notch interactions induce endothelial-to-mesenchymal transformation, and our findings suggest that Notch signaling may be required for proper endocardial cushion differentiation and/or vascular smooth muscle cell development.

Actins↗
PubMed2004

Phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 and p21-activated protein kinase mediate reactive oxygen species-dependent regulation of platelet-derived growth factor-induced smooth muscle cell migration.

Smooth muscle cell migration in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a key event in several vascular pathologies, including atherosclerosis and restenosis. PDGF increases intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), but the ROS sensitivity of migration and of the signaling pathways leading to migration are largely unknown. In VSMCs, PDGF dose-dependently increased migration compared with nonstimulated cells, with a maximum increase at 10 ng/mL. Pretreatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine, the flavin-containing enzyme inhibitor diphenylene iodonium, or the glutathione peroxidase mimetic ebselen significantly attenuated migration (PDGF alone, 5.0+/-1.1-fold; NAC, 1.8+/-0.2-fold; diphenylene iodonium, 1.4+/-0.3-fold migration; and ebselen, 2.0+/-0.5-fold migration), as did overexpression of catalase. Pretreatment of VSMCs with the Src inhibitor PP1 or dominant-negative Rac adenovirus significantly inhibited migration, but only Src activation was attenuated by ROS inhibitors. Phosphorylation of the Src- and Rac-effector p21-activated protein kinase (PAK) 1 on Thr423 (the phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 [PDK1] site) was attenuated by ROS inhibition, and infection of VSMCs with dominant-negative PAK1 adenovirus attenuated migration. Moreover, kinase-inactive K111N-PDK1 inhibited PAK1 phosphorylation on Thr423, and both K111N-PDK1 and Y9F-PDK1 significantly inhibited VSMC migration. PDK1 tyrosine phosphorylation was also ROS dependent. These data indicate that PDGF-induced VSMC migration is ROS dependent and identify the Src/PDK1/PAK1 signaling pathway as an important ROS-sensitive mediator of migration. Such information is critical to understanding the role of ROS in vascular diseases in which migration of VSMCs is an important component.

3-Phosphoinositide-Dependent Protein Kinases↗
PubMed2004

Apolipoprotein D and platelet-derived growth factor-BB synergism mediates vascular smooth muscle cell migration.

We identified apolipoprotein (apo)D in a search for proteins upregulated in a posttranscriptional manner similar to fibronectin in motile smooth muscle cells (SMCs). To address the function of apoD in SMCs, we cloned a partial apoD cDNA from ovine aortic (Ao) SMCs using RT-PCR. We documented a 2.5-fold increase in apoD protein but no increase in apoD mRNA in Ao SMCs 48 hours after a multiwound migration assay (P<0.01). Confocal microscopy revealed prominent perinuclear and trailing edge expression of apoD in migrating SMCs but not in the confluent monolayer. Stimulation of Ao SMCs with 10 ng/mL platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB increased apoD protein expression (P<0.05). Moreover, PDGF-BB-stimulated migration of human pulmonary artery SMCs was suppressed by knock-down of apoD using RNAi. Stable overexpression of apoD in Ao SMCs cultured in 10% fetal bovine serum promoted random migration by 62% compared with vector-transfected cells (P<0.01). Overexpression of apoD or addition of exogenous apoD to a rat aortic SMC line (A10) stimulated their migration in response to a subthreshold dose of PDGF-BB (P<0.05). This was unrelated to increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2 or of phospholipase C-gamma1, but correlated with enhanced Rac1 activation. This study shows that apoD can be expressed or taken up by SMCs and can regulate their motility in response to growth factors.

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