Angiotensin II and phorbol-esters potently down-regulate endothelin (ET-1) binding sites in vascular smooth muscle cells

Vasopressin Aggravates Cardiopulmonary Bypass-Induced Gastric Mucosal Ischemia

Background/Aim: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is one of the most frequent gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Endothelin expression and microcirculatory dysfunction have been shown to be involved in UGIB. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of vasopressin during CPB on the gastric mucosal microcirculation and the involvement of the endothelin system. Methods: Eighteen pigs were randomized into three groups (n = 6 each): group I = sham, group II = CPB (1-hour CPB) and group III = CPB + vasopressin (1-hour CPB and vasopressin administration during CPB to maintain baseline arterial pressure). All animals were observed for a further 90 min after termination of CPB. Systemic hemodynamics as well as blood flow and oxygen saturation of the gastric mucosa were measured continuously. At the end of the experiment, the gastric mucosal expressions of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its receptor subtypes A (ETA) and B (ETB) were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Gastric mucosal injury, apoptotic cell death and leukocytic infiltration were determined by histology and immunohistochemical analyses of cleaved caspase-3 and myeloperoxidase. Results: CPB decreased gastric microvascular perfusion, which was associated with an increased expression of ET-1 and ETA. Vasopressin aggravated the CPB-associated malperfusion, whereas it completely abrogated the upregulation of ET-1 and ETA. Interestingly, vasopressin did not induce gastric mucosal morphologic injury, leukocytic infiltration or apoptotic cell death. Conclusion: Vasopressin aggravates CPB-associated microvascular malperfusion of the gastric mucosa but does not induce gastric mucosal injury.

Sex differences in renal medullary endothelin receptor function in angiotensin II hypertensive rats

We hypothesized that angiotensin (Ang) II hypertensive rats have impaired natriuresis after renal medullary endothelin (ET) B receptor stimulation that would be more evident in male versus female rats. Acute intramedullary infusion of the ET(B) agonist sarafotoxin 6c in normotensive male rats increased sodium excretion from 0.51±0.11 μmol/min during baseline to 1.64±0.19 μmol/min (P<0.05) after S6c. After 2 weeks of Ang II infusion (260 ng/kg per minute SC), male rats had an attenuated natriuretic response to S6c of 0.62±0.16 μmol/min during baseline versus 0.95±0.07 μmol/min after S6c. In contrast, ET(B)-dependent natriuresis was similar in female hypertensive rats (0.48±0.07 versus 1.5±0.18 μmol/min; P<0.05) compared with normotensive controls (1.05±0.07 versus 2.14±0.24 μmol/min; P<0.05). Because ET(A) receptors also mediate natriuresis in normotensive female rats, we examined ET(A) receptor function in female Ang II hypertensive rats. Intramedullary infusion of ET-1 increased sodium excretion in both hypertensive and normotensive female rats, which was partially blocked by the ET(A) antagonist BQ-123. Maximum ET(B) receptor binding in inner medullary membrane preparations was comparable between vehicle and Ang II hypertensive females; however, maximum ET(B) binding was significantly lower in male hypertensive rats (1952±251 versus 985±176 fmol/mg; P<0.05). These results indicate that renal ET(B) function is impaired in male Ang II hypertension attributed, at least in part, to a reduced number of ET(B) binding sites. Furthermore, renal ET receptor function is preserved in female rats during chronic Ang II infusion, suggesting that renal ET receptor function could serve to limit hypertension in females compared with males.

Relaxin, a pregnancy hormone, is a functional endothelin-1 antagonist: attenuation of endothelin-1-mediated vasoconstriction by stimulation of endothelin type-B receptor expression via ERK-1/2 and nuclear factor-kappaB

We have recently demonstrated that relaxin (RLX) acts as compensatory mediator in human heart failure. RLX inhibits the stimulation of endothelin-1, the most potent vasoconstrictor in heart failure. Upregulation of the endothelin type-B receptor (ET(B)), which mediates endothelin-1 clearance and endothelial release of NO, represents a pivotal mode of RLX action. However, signal transduction and abundance of this phenomenon are unknown. Therefore, we investigated RLX-induced regulation of ET(B) in human umbilical vein endothelial, epithelial (HeLa), and vascular smooth muscle cells. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells and HeLa cells, but not in human vascular smooth muscle cells, RLX upregulated ET(B) expression and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), a transcription factor. PD-98059, a selective inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-1 (MEK-1)-ERK-1/2 pathway, abolished ERK-1/2 and NF-kappaB activation and ET(B) upregulation. NF-kappaB inhibition also prevented RLX-mediated ET(B) stimulation. In NF-kappaB-luciferase reporter assays, we demonstrated complete inhibition of RLX-induced NF-kappaB activation in cells transfected with dominant-negative Raf-1, MEK-1, or ERK-1/2 constructs, whereas dominant-negative Ras had no effect. In rat aorta and mesenteric artery, RLX pretreatment, in an ET(B)-dependent fashion, mitigated the maximum contractile response to endothelin-1, by 38+/-4% and 43+/-6%, and the endothelin-1 sensitivity (-log[EC(50)]: aorta, 8.2+/-0.2 for vehicle versus 7.2+/-0.2 for RLX; mesenteric artery, 8.0+/-0.2 for vehicle versus 7.1+/-0.1 for RLX). RLX pretreatment augmented the dilator effect of the ET(B) agonist endothelin-3 by 100+/-8% and 133+/-13%. In conclusion, RLX stimulates endothelial and epithelial ET(B) via a Ras-independent Raf-1-MEK-1-ERK-1/2 pathway that activates NF-kappaB. On vascular smooth muscle cells, ET(B), a contributor to endothelin-mediated vasoconstriction, remains unaffected. This renders RLX a functional endothelin-1 antagonist.

Role of endothelin in cardiovascular disease

Endothelins are a family of peptides, which comprises endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin-2 (ET-2) and endothelin-3 (ET-3), each containing 21 amino-acids. ET-1 is a peptide secreted mostly by vascular endothelial cells, the predominant isoform expressed in vasculature and the most potent vasoconstrictor currently known. ET-1 also has inotropic, chemotactic and mitogenic properties. In addition, it influences salt and water homeostasis through its effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), vasopressin and atrial natriuretic peptide and stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. The overall action of endothelin is to increase blood pressure and vascular tone. Therefore, endothelin antagonists may play an important role in the treatment of cardiac, vascular and renal diseases associated with regional or systemic vasoconstriction and cell proliferation, such as essential hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, chronic heart failure and chronic renal failure. Long-term anti-endothelin therapy may improve symptoms and favourably alter the progression of heart failure. Endothelin appears to participate in induction and progression of sclerotic renal changes, leading to progression to end-stage renal disease. Anti-endothelin therapy might offer additional benefits in the prevention of progression of chronic renal failure in addition to the known benefits of RAAS inhibition. Clinical trials have demonstrated potentially important benefits of endothelin antagonists for patients with essential hypertension, pulmonary hypertension and heart failure. Further studies are necessary to determine the role of anti-endothelin therapy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and determine the different roles of selective receptor antagonism vs. mixed ET(A/B)-receptor antagonism in human diseases.

Vasopressin regulates endothelin-B receptor in rat inner medullary collecting duct

Previous studies have shown that endothelin (ET) antagonizes the actions of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the renal collecting ducts. On the other hand, the effects of AVP on ET function within the collecting ducts of the kidney have not been investigated extensively. Using isolated inner medullary collecting ducts (IMCD), we examined the possibility that a decrease in ET(B) receptor mRNA accompanied AVP-induced downregulation of ET(B) receptors. Binding studies revealed that overnight incubation of rat IMCD cells with AVP significantly reduced the maximal binding capacity (B(max)) of ET. Activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin decreased the total ET(B) receptor density by approximately 42% but did not affect the density of ET(A) receptors. The Rp diastereoisomer of adenosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphothionate, Rp-cAMPS (a specific inhibitor of protein kinase A), blocked the AVP-induced reduction in ET receptor density. Using competitive PCR method, we also observed downregulation of ET(B) receptor mRNA in IMCD treated with AVP. Additional studies were done with IMCD to determine whether AVP inhibited the ET-induced accumulation of cGMP. We saw a reduction in ET-induced cGMP accumulation when IMCD was incubated overnight with AVP. This inhibition of ET-induced accumulation of cGMP was blocked by Rp-cAMPS. These results suggest that AVP regulates ET(B) receptor expression in IMCD.

The effects of endothelin-A receptor blockade during the progression of pacing-induced congestive heart failure

OBJECTIVES

We sought to identify the effects of endothelin (ET) subtype-A (ET(A))) receptor blockade during the development of congestive heart failure (CHF) on left ventricle (LV) function and contractility.

BACKGROUND

Congested heart failure causes increased plasma levels of ET and ET(A) receptor activation.

METHODS

Yorkshire pigs were assigned to four groups: 1) CHF: 240 beats/min for 3 weeks; n=7; 2) CHF/ET(A)-High Dose: paced for 2 weeks then ET(A) receptor blockade (BMS 193884, 50 mg/kg, b.i.d.) for the last week of pacing; n=6; 3) CHF/ET(A)-Low Dose: pacing for 2 weeks then ET(A) receptor blockade (BMS 193884, 12.5 mg/kg, b.i.d.) for the last week, n=6; and 4) CONTROL: n=8.

RESULTS

Left ventricle fractional shortening decreased with CHF compared with control (12+/-1 vs. 39+/-1%, p < 0.05) and increased in the CHF/ET(A) High and Low Dose groups (23+/-3 and 25+/-1%, p < 0.05). The LV peak wall stress and wall force increased approximately twofold with CHF and remained increased with ET(A) receptor blockade. With CHF, systemic vascular resistance increased by 120%, was normalized in the CHF/ET(A) High Dose group, and fell by 43% from CHF values in the Low Dose group (p < 0.05). Plasma catecholamines increased fourfold in the CHF group and were reduced by 48% in both CHF/ET(A) blockade groups. The LV myocyte velocity of shortening was reduced with CHF (32+/-3 vs. 54+/-3 microm/s, p < 0.05), was higher in the CHF/ET(A) High Dose group (39+/-1 microm/s, p < 0.05), and was similar to CHF values in the Low Dose group.

CONCLUSIONS

ET(A) receptor activation may contribute to the progression of LV dysfunction with CHF.

Urinary endothelin in adolescents and young adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus: relation to urinary albumin, blood pressure, and other factors

Endothelin (ET) is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide that may play a role in vascular pathology in general and diabetic nephropathy in particular. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) alterations of urinary ET1 (UET1) in adolescents and young adults with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and (2) the relation of UET1 to other indices of diabetic nephropathy and to risk factors of diabetic angiopathy in general. In 130 IDDM subjects aged 15.2+/-4.9 years with a diabetes duration of 7.3+/-5.1 years, UET1 by radioimmunoassay, urinary albumin by nephelometry, plasma renin by immunoradiometric assay, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) by high-performance liquid chromatography, and routine biochemistry analyses were determined. Forty-eight controls, healthy siblings of the diabetics of comparable age, were similarly studied. Total 24-hour UET1 excretion was higher in diabetics than in controls (10,866+/-7,270 and 6,598+/-3,294 pg/24 h, respectively, P=.000). This difference was also noted if male and female diabetics were separately compared with controls. In diabetics with normoalbuminuria (<20 microg/min), total 24-hour UET1 excretion was also higher than in controls (P=.002). In diabetics but not in controls, 24-hour UET1 values were higher in males than in females (P=.018). In IDDM subjects, UET1 showed a linear relationship with age (P=.002), urinary albumin (P=.000), serum creatinine (P=.001), systolic blood pressure (P=.038), triglycerides (P=.003), and HbA1c (P=.041). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the variables interacting independently with UET1 were urinary albumin (P=.003) and serum creatinine (P=.038). UET1 is elevated early (in adolescence) in IDDM subjects, and it is positively correlated with the degree of albuminuria. These data suggest that the amount of UET1 possibly reflects the severity of diabetic renovascular damage. It may thus be speculated that UET1 could be used as another index of diabetic nephropathy or its progress.

Endothelin and subarachnoid hemorrhage: an overview

INTRODUCTION

Delayed cerebral vasospasm occurring after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is still responsible for a considerable percentage of the morbidity and mortality in patients with aneurysms. It has been suggested that the pathogenesis of delayed cerebral vasospasm is related to a number of pathological processes, including endothelial damage and smooth muscle cell contraction resulting from spasmogenic substances generated during lysis of subarachnoid blood clots, changes in vascular responsiveness, and inflammatory or immunological reactions of the vascular wall. It has been recognized that the endothelium plays an important role in the regulation of the cerebral vascular tone. In 1988, endothelin (ET)-1, a potent vasoconstrictor, was isolated from cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells.

RESULTS

ET-1, which is one of three distinct isoforms of ETs (ET-1, ET-2, and ET-3), has a more marked effect on cerebral arteries than do the other two isoforms. Elevated levels of ETs have been demonstrated in the cerebrospinal fluid and plasma of patients after SAH and cerebral infarction. ETs act by at least three different receptor subtypes, the ET(A) receptor, which is localized in vascular smooth muscle cells and mediates vasoconstriction, and two different ET(B) receptor subtypes. The ET(B1) receptor subtype is present in vascular endothelial cells and mediates the endothelium-dependent vasodilation. The ET(B2) receptor subtype is present in smooth muscle cells causing vasoconstriction. ET-1 acts from the adventitial but not from the luminal side of cerebral arteries. In vivo and in vitro ET-1 causes a dose-dependent and long-lasting vasoconstriction, similar to cerebral vasospasm after SAH. The vasoconstriction caused by ET-1 can be reversed by selective ET(A) receptor antagonists or combined ET(A) and ET(B) receptor antagonists.

CONCLUSION

The results of current clinical and experimental investigations support the hypothesis that ET-1 is a major cause of cerebral vasospasm after SAH. Other studies indicate that SAH causes complex changes in the ET system and increased ET-1 levels after SAH, which are not solely responsible for the development of vasospasm but may occur after cerebral ischemia. Further investigations are therefore needed to clarify these different hypotheses.

Early endothelial alterations in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

The high incidence of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus with albuminuria cannot be fully explained by the presence of standard cardiovascular risk factors. We assessed some pathogenic factors of diabetic vascular atherosclerotic damage in 72 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients controlled by diet alone and 60 healthy controls. Our study aim was to assess the early onset of these alterations and to correlate them with the presence of microalbuminuria. We determined their incidence in two carefully selected groups of diabetic patients without clinical signs of cardiovascular risk and complications, where diet alone achieved glycometabolic balance. Microalbuminuric patients had an alterated oxide-reductive balance and elevated values of plasminogen activator inhibitor, tissue plasminogen activator, von Willebrand factor, endothelin-1 and betathromboglobulin compared with the normoalbuminuric diabetics and controls. Our findings support the hypothesis that a state of endothelial dysfunction characterized by altered oxide-reductive balance, modified hemostasis and changes in the endothelial barrier properties occurs much earlier in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patient especially in diabetics with microalbuminuria. In addition, alterations in the oxide-reductive balance, and hemostasis occur early and may be an underlying cause of microangiopathic complications in microalbuminuric diabetics.

Endothelin as a regulator of cardiovascular function in health and disease

The endothelins are a family of endothelium-derived peptides that possess characteristically sustained vasoconstrictor properties. Endothelin-1 appears to be the predominant member of the family generated by vascular endothelial cells. In addition to its direct vascular effects, endothelin-1 has inotropic and mitogenic properties, influences homeostasis of salt and water, alters central and peripheral sympathetic activity and stimulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Studies with endothelin receptor antagonists have indicated that endothelin-1 probably has complex opposing vascular effects mediated through vascular smooth muscle and endothelial ET(A) and ET(B)receptors. Endogenous generation of endothelin-1 appears to contribute to maintenance of basal vascular tone and blood pressure through activation of vascular smooth muscle ET(A)receptors. At the same time, endogenous endothelin-1 acts through endothelial ET(B) receptors to stimulate formation of nitric oxide tonically and to oppose vasoconstriction. In view of the multiple cardiovascular actions of endothelin-1, there has been much interest in its contribution to the pathophysiology of hypertension. Results of most studies suggest that generation of, or sensitivity to, endothelin-1 is no greater in hypertensive than it is in normotensive subjects. Nonetheless, the deleterious vascular effects of endogenous endothelin-1 may be accentuated by reduced generation of nitric oxide caused by hypertensive endothelial dysfunction. It also appears likely that endothelin participates in the adverse cardiac and vascular remodelling of hypertension, as well as in hypertensive renal damage. Irrespective of whether vascular endothelin activity is increased in hypertension, anti-endothelin agents do produce vasodilatation and lower blood pressure in hypertensive humans. There is more persuasive evidence for increased endothelin-1 activity in secondary forms of hypertension, including pre-eclampsia and renal hypertension. Endothelin-1 also appears to play an important role in pulmonary hypertension, both primary and secondary to diseases such as chronic heart failure. The hypotensive effects of endothelin converting enzyme inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists should be useful in the treatment of hypertension and related diseases. Development of such agents will increase knowledge of the physiological and pathological roles of the endothelins, and should generate drugs with novel benefits.

The endothelin system in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology

Endothelin-1, a member of a novel family of regulatory peptides, is the most potent vasoconstrictor and pressor substance known. Endothelin-1 is a 21-amino-acid endothelium-derived peptide causing uniquely sustained vasoconstriction. In addition, endothelin-1 has pronounced effects on the coronary, renal and cerebral circulations, enhances responses to other vasoconstrictors, and is comitogenic. Recent studies have shown that the endothelins are essential for normal fetal development, and that endothelin-1 plays an important physiological role in the regulation of basal vascular tone and blood pressure in healthy humans. There is now also a wealth of evidence suggesting that endothelin-1 is a key mediator in a range of cardiovascular diseases associated with sustained vasoconstriction, such as chronic heart failure, and with vasospasm, such as subarachnoid haemorrhage. In addition, endothelin-1 appears to act in opposition to nitric oxide to promote the atherosclerotic process. There are a large number of oral and intravenously active endothelin antagonists entering clinical development and a number of clinical studies, particularly with endothelin receptor antagonists, are now under way. Such studies are beginning to define the role of the endothelins in cardiovascular disease and to confirm the potential of the endothelin system as an important new therapeutic target.

Angiotensin II potentiates vascular endothelial growth factor-induced angiogenic activity in retinal microcapillary endothelial cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a role in the development of many vascular diseases. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of Ang II on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor expression and VEGF-induced angiogenic activity in bovine retinal microcapillary endothelial cells (BRECs). Ang II induced a significant increase of kinase domain-containing receptor/total liver kinase (KDR/Flk-1) mRNA in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with a maximal 4.3+/-0.8-fold increase after a 4-hour stimulation. Ang II increased the rate of KDR gene transcription by 5.4-fold, whereas the half-life of KDR mRNA was not increased significantly. The increase depended partially on new protein synthesis. The Ang II-induced KDR mRNA increase was inhibited by either [Sar1,Ile8]angiotensin or angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonists but was not significantly altered by angiotensin type 2 receptor antagonists. The PKC inhibitor reduced Ang II-induced KDR mRNA expression by 70+/-15%. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor reduced the Ang II- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced KDR mRNA increases by 35+/-8% and 44+/-26%, respectively. Ang II increased by 3.1-fold the 35S-labeled KDR/Flk-1 immunoprecipitated by a specific antibody to KDR/Flk-1. Scatchard analysis demonstrated that Ang II induced a significant increase of binding sites without changing binding affinity. Ang II enhanced VEGF-induced cell growth and tube formation. Ang II itself had no effect on cell growth, tube formation, or mRNA levels of VEGF and tms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1) in BRECs. These findings suggest that Ang II might potentiate VEGF-induced angiogenic activity through an increase of the VEGF receptor KDR/Flk-1.

Acute and chronic effects of dexfenfluramine on the porcine pulmonary artery

1. Studies were designed to investigate the responses of isolated pulmonary arteries from control pigs or pigs chronically treated with dexfenfluramine (7.2 mg/kg per day orally for 4 weeks). 2. Rings with and without endothelium were suspended in organ chambers for recording of isometric tension. 3. Dexfenfluramine (10[-9] to 10[-6] M) did not affect vascular tone, but at higher concentrations caused contractions that were not affected by indomethacin, methiothepin, the presence of endothelium or by the chronic treatment. 4. Chronic treatment augmented the endothelium-dependent relaxations to serotonin and aggregating platelets but not those to adenosine diphosphate. It did not affect the contraction or rings without endothelium evoked by platelets, nor the relaxation to SIN-1, a nitric oxide donor. The maximal contraction to endothelin-1 (but not that of norepinephrine) was impaired in treated pigs. 5. These results show that dexfenfluramine causes contraction of isolated porcine pulmonary arteries only at concentrations higher than 3 x 10(-6) M, and that chronic treatment with dexfenfluramine potentiates the endothelium-dependent relaxations to serotonin and aggregating platelets in the porcine pulmonary artery without affecting their direct effect on the smooth muscle.

Endothelin association with cultured rat hepatic endothelial cells: functional characterization

Endothelin is a potent vasoactive peptide whose concentration increases in a number of pathophysiological states. In the intact animal, the liver is known to sequester approximately 12% of an injected bolus of [125I]endothelin-1 ([125I]ET-1). Endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from rat liver were maintained in culture in order to examine their role in ET sequestration. LECs were shown to express predominantly ET(B) receptors both by association assays and by Northern blot analysis. In these cells the reaction between [125I]ET-1 and its receptor was essentially irreversible. Ligand binding experiments performed at 4 degrees C showed that LECs in early culture (approximately 3 h) had 4.3 +/- 0.8 fmol of ET receptors per 10(6) cells; this number fell progressively to < or = 1 fmol/10(6) cells during 24 h of culture. The decrease in receptor numbers could be blocked by maintaining the cells at 4 degrees C. Northern blot analysis showed that relative to freshly isolated cells, mRNA for the ET(B) receptor decreased 4-fold in early culture, and recovered somewhat at 24 h. At 37 degrees C [125I]ET-1 bound by the cells was rapidly internalized, with concomitant down-regulation of ET receptors. Recovery of down-regulated ET receptors was sensitive to cycloheximide, making short-term receptor recycling unlikely. Metabolism of [125I]ET-1 was low at short (< 4 h) exposure times, and at 24 h showed a concentration dependence similar to that of ligand association, suggesting that ET-1 metabolism primarily was intracellular. ET stimulation of Kupffer cells and other hepatic cell types is known to activate phosphoinositide signaling, but no such activation was seen in LECs. Moreover, ET did not appear to stimulate protein tyrosine kinase activity in LECs. While hepatic LECs may lack some of the ET-dependent responses seen in other cell types, they likely contribute substantially to the liver's previously reported ability to sequester systemically administered ET.

Concomitant endothelin receptor subtype-A blockade during the progression of pacing-induced congestive heart failure in rabbits. Beneficial effects on left ventricular and myocyte function

BACKGROUND

Plasma levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) are increased in patients and animals with severe congestive heart failure (CHF). It remains unknown, however, whether ET-1 plays a direct and contributory role in the progression of CHF. Accordingly, the present project tested the hypothesis that chronic blockade of the ETA receptor would have direct and beneficial effects on left ventricular (LV) and myocyte function in a model of CHF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Global LV and isolated myocyte function were examined in rabbits in the following groups (12 per group): chronic rapid ventricular pacing (RVP; 400 bpm, 3 weeks), RVP and concomitant administration of the selective ETA receptor antagonist (PD 156707 24 mg/d), and sham controls. LV fractional shortening decreased after RVP (17 +/- 5 versus 42 +/- 3%) and end-diastolic dimension increased (2.36 +/- 0.44 versus 1.24 +/- 0.18 cm) compared with controls (P < .05). With RVP plus ETA blockade, LV fractional shortening was increased (33 +/- 6%) and end-diastolic dimension decreased (2.02 +/- 0.30 cm) compared with RVP-only values (P < .05). Plasma norepinephrine and endothelin increased twofold in the RVP group. In the RVP plus ETA blockade group, plasma endothelin increased threefold compared with RVP values. Isolated myocyte shortening velocity declined after RVP (42 +/- 13 versus 72 +/- 10 microns/s, P < .05) compared with controls but was normalized with RVP plus ETA blockade (77 +/- 16 microns/s). Myocyte inotropic response to extracellular Ca2+, beta-receptor stimulation, and ET-1 was reduced in the RVP group and returned to control levels with RVP and concomitant ETA receptor blockade.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study suggest that chronically elevated ET-1 levels and subsequent activation of the ETA receptor play a direct and contributory role in the progression of the CHF process. Thus, specific ETA receptor blockade may provide a new and useful therapeutic modality in the setting of CHF.

Endothelin-1 induces loss of proteoglycans and enhances fibronectin and collagen production in cultured rabbit synovial cells

Endothelin-1 exerts a wide range of biological actions besides its characteristic vasoconstrictor function. The potential participation of endothelin-1 in rheumatic diseases has hardly been explored. We have studied the possible role of endothelin-1 as a modulator of extracellular matrix turnover in cultured rabbit synoviocytes. In relation to basal levels, endothelin-1 increased the mRNA levels of collagen I and fibronectin at 24 h (130 +/- 9% and 132 +/- 18%, respectively), but did not modify the expression of decorin core proteoglycan. Endothelin-1 also decreased proteoglycan metabolism (about 50% of proteoglycan synthesis inhibition and 270 +/- 32% of degradation rate vs. basal, P < 0.05 in both cases) and enhanced total collagen (1.5 +/- 0.5 vs. 0.8 +/- 0.2 microgram hydroxyproline/microgram DNA in basal, P < 0.05) and fibronectin protein synthesis (157 +/- 14% of [35S] methionine incorporation vs. basal, P < 0.05). The endothelin ETA receptor antagonist BQ-123 (Cyclo D-trp-D-asp-pro-D-val-leu) displaced [125I]endothelin-1 binding and inhibited endothelin-1 effects on extracellular matrix components. The cell incubation with indomethacin totally reversed the endothelin-1 effect. These data suggest that endothelin-1 may be an important mediator of the pathogenesis of joint damage, disturbing the extracellular synovial matrix turnover through the endothelin ETA receptors.

Endothelin in congestive heart failure

The endothelin (ET) family of peptides have potent vascular, cardiac and renal actions which may be of pathophysiological importance in congestive heart failure (CHF). In vivo studies with selective and non-selective ET receptor antagonists are required to clarify the role of ET in the pathophysiology of CHF and determine whether anti-ET drugs may be therapeutically useful in CHF. The impact of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on the management of CHF has been such that for any new treatment to be of value it will probably have to offer hemodynamic benefit over and above that already obtained with an ACE inhibitor; anti-ET agents seem to have this potential. The recent formal cloning and characterization of endothelin converting enzyme (ECE) should hasten the development of specific and selective ECE inhibitors and thus provide an alternative investigative, and perhaps therapeutic, tool. Morbidity and mortality from CHF remain unacceptably high even in patients receiving maximal medical therapy, including an ACE inhibitor. Blockade of either the generation (through ECE inhibition) or actions (through receptor blockade) of ET warrant further investigation as potential new therapeutic strategies.

The endothelin system and its potential as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease

Endothelin (ET)-1, an endothelium-derived peptide, is the most potent vasoconstrictor agent described to date. ET-1 also has positive inotropic and chronotropic effects in the heart and is a co-mitogen in both cardiac and vascular myocytes. The major elements of the system involved in formation of ET-1 and its isopeptides, as well as the receptors mediating their effects, have been cloned and characterised. Antagonists of the ET receptors are now available, and selective inhibitors of the ET-converting enzymes are being developed. Early studies using receptor antagonists support the involvement of ET-1 in the pathophysiology of several cardiovascular diseases. The relative merits of ET-converting enzyme inhibitors and receptor antagonists for the treatment of cardiovascular disease are discussed.

Receptors for atrial natriuretic peptide are decreased in the kidney of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus

To determine whether decreased renal responsiveness to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in diabetes is mediated by alterations in the renal ANP receptor, ANP receptor density and affinity were measured 17-20 d after streptozotocin injection and compared with values in vehicle-treated controls and streptozotocin-treated rats made euglycemic with insulin. Plasma ANP concentration was significantly greater in hyperglycemic diabetic rats than in control or euglycemic diabetic rats. Both in glomeruli and inner medulla, ANP receptor dissociation constant did not differ among the three study groups, whereas the maximum binding capacity was decreased significantly in hyperglycemic diabetics in comparison with controls and euglycemic diabetics. Glomerular clearance receptors were also decreased significantly in hyperglycemic diabetic rats in comparison with control and euglycemic diabetic rats. To determine whether the decreased number of renal ANP receptors in diabetic rats was associated with a decreased biological response, we measured ANP-dependent cyclic GMP (cGMP) accumulation by isolated glomeruli and inner medullary collecting duct cells in vitro. cGMP accumulation was significantly less in hyperglycemic diabetic rats than in controls or euglycemic diabetic rats both in the presence or absence of the phosphodiesterase inhibitor zaprinast. cGMP phosphodiesterase activity in inner medullary collecting duct cells obtained from control and hyperglycemic diabetic rats did not differ. Thus, the decreased number of biologically active ANP receptors in the kidneys of diabetic rats is accompanied by decreased biological responsiveness in vitro and provides a potential explanation for the reduction in renal sensitivity to ANP in this condition.

Effectiveness of enalapril versus nifedipine to antagonize blood pressure and the renal response to endothelin in humans

Endothelin-1 infusion into humans to obtain pathophysiological plasma levels causes mild hypertension, strong renal vasoconstriction, and sodium retention. We studied whether oral use of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril (20 mg BID) or the calcium channel blocker nifedipine (60 mg OD) could attenuate these effects of endothelin-1 (2.5 ng/kg per minute for 90 minutes) in six healthy volunteers. Endothelin infusion alone increased plasma endothelin from 3.0 +/- 0.3 to 8.8 +/- 1.0 pmol/L (P < .05). Blood pressure rose by approximately 6 mm Hg (P < .05). Renal function changes were relatively large: Renal blood flow decreased from 941 +/- 76 to 729 +/- 118 mL/min (P < .05) and glomerular filtration rate from 105 +/- 9 to 92 +/- 10 mL/min (P < .05); renal vascular resistance increased from 101 +/- 7 to 152 +/- 20 mm Hg.min/L (P < .05); and sodium excretion decreased from 158 +/- 54 to 86 +/- 27 mumol/min (P < .05). Enalapril treatment reduced blood pressure from 94 +/- 2 to 87 +/- 3 mm Hg (P < .05) and prevented the hypertensive response to endothelin. By contrast, despite renal predilatation, endothelin reduced renal blood flow strongly (from 1063 +/- 127 to 763 +/- 100 mL/min, P < .05), although maximal renal vascular resistance was numerically lower (124 +/- 11 mm Hg.min/L) than during endothelin alone (P < .05). Glomerular filtration rate fell from 118 +/- 11 to 108 +/- 11 mL/min (P < .05). Enalapril did not alter the antinatriuretic effect of endothelin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The role of endothelin in the vessel wall

Endothelins (ETs) are a family of vasoactive peptides occurring in three isoforms (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3) encoded by three distinct genes in the human genome. ETs arise from precursor peptides (big-ETs) that are cleaved and released by an endothelin-converting enzyme. ET-1 secretion, which can be stimulated by various agents, is preferentially directed towards the abluminal site of endothelial cells, suggesting a local paracrine action of the peptide. ETs exert their actions through the activation of at least two receptor subtypes: ET-A receptors, which mediate the proliferative and vasoconstrictive effects, and ET-B receptors, which mediate vasorelaxation. Although, the potential roles of ETs are mostly hypothetical, considering their potent cardiovascular effects, it has been suggested that maintenance of a basal vascular tone and regulation of vascular growth and haemostasis may well represent the biological functions of this family of peptides. The recent discovery of specific receptor antagonists will provide a means to assess their physiological and pathophysiological roles.

Endothelin (ETA) receptor number and calcium signalling are up-regulated by protein kinase C-beta 1 overexpression

To evaluate the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in regulation of cellular responsiveness to mitogens, we used rat 6 (R6) fibroblasts that stably overexpress the beta 1 isoenzyme of protein kinase C (PKC-beta 1). The potent vasoconstrictor and mitogen endothelin-1 (ET-1; 100 nM) was substantially more effective in stimulating InsP3 accumulation in PKC-beta 1-overexpressing fibroblasts (PKC3 cells) than in control fibroblasts lacking the PKC-beta 1 cDNA insert. PKC3 cells were found to express a 7-fold greater number of endothelin receptors than did control cells, whereas both cell lines showed equivalent Kd values. These receptors were of the ETA subtype, as defined by a 1000-fold greater affinity for ET-1 than for ET-3. Changes in intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in response to ET-1 measured with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2 showed that ET-1 was more potent and efficacious in stimulating [Ca2+]i in PKC3 cells than in control fibroblasts. The ET-1-induced Ca2+ rise was completely blocked by the selective ETA antagonist BQ123, but only slightly diminished by extracellular application of 2 mM EGTA. In contrast with the effects of PKC-beta 1 overexpression on responsiveness to ET-1, alpha-thrombin, which was previously found to have a weaker effect on InsP3 accumulation in PKC-beta 1-overexpressing cells, was also a less effective stimulator of [Ca2+]i in PKC3 cells than in control cells. These results demonstrate that, although the Ca2+ response to alpha-thrombin is diminished by PKC-beta 1 overexpression, ETA receptor number and cellular responsiveness to ET-1 are increased in PKC-beta 1-overexpressing cells.

Activation of protein kinase C reduces thromboxane receptors in glomeruli and mesangial cells

The potential role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the modulation of thromboxane A2 (TX) receptor density was evaluated in intact glomeruli and cultured renal mesangial cells (MC) from the rat. Incubation of glomeruli with 0.1 microM phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) or 30 mM glucose for four hours activated PKC as reflected by increased in situ phosphorylation of the 80 kDa MARCKS protein, a specific endogenous substrate for PKC. High affinity binding to TX receptors, as assessed from the binding of the stable TX antagonist [3H]-Sq-29548 (Sq), was decreased 30% in glomeruli exposed to PDBu and 28% in glomeruli incubated in 30 mM D-glucose for four hours. Concurrent incubation with 0.05 microM of the PKC inhibitor staurosporine blocked both MARCKS protein phosphorylation and the decrease in TX receptor sites in response to either PDBu or 30 mM glucose. Neither 30 mM L-glucose nor 30 mM mannitol altered glomerular PKC activity or TX receptor density, thus excluding an osmotic effect of D-glucose, and implicating cellular metabolism of glucose in the expression of these actions. Inhibition of endogenous production of TX with indomethacin during exposure of glomeruli to 30 mM glucose did not prevent the decrease in TX binding. Homologous down-regulation of TX receptors mediated by endogenous TX was therefore not implicated in this action of glucose. The affinity of the glomerular receptor sites for [3H]-Sq was not affected by PKC activation. MC in passages 3 to 7 also demonstrated high affinity sites for [3H]-Sq (Kd, 2.8 nM). Culture of MC with PDBu (0.05 or 0.1 microM) for four hours decreased TX receptor density.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Receptor externalization determines sustained contractile responses to endothelin-1 in the rat aorta

The role of receptor internalization and recycling in the vasoconstrictor action of endothelin-1 (ET-1) is investigated using a combination of biochemical and physiological experiments. The binding of 125I-ET-1 to cultured aortic myocytes is first defined. Binding is rapidly followed by an internalization of the peptide. Part of the receptor sites then slowly reappears at the cell surface via a cycloheximide-insensitive mechanism. Evidence that externalizing receptors are functional and can trigger contractions is presented. Finally, the actions of cyclo[D-Trp-D-Asp-Pro-D-Val-Leu] (BQ-123), an antagonist of ETA receptors, are investigated. BQ-123 prevents 125I-ET-1 binding to aortic myocytes (dissociation constant, 10 nM). It prevents the constricting action of ET-1 but not that of angiotensin II. BQ-123 also relaxes almost completely aortic strips that have been precontracted by ET-1 irrespective of the time of its addition. It is concluded that a recycling of internalized ET-1 receptors occurs in ET-1-treated aortic myocytes. This process amplifies the action of the peptide and is probably responsible for the unique contractile action of ET-1.

The structure and specificity of endothelin receptors: their importance in physiology and medicine

In addition to involvement in vascular endothelium-smooth muscle communication, the secretion of and receptors for, endothelins are widely distributed. Two cloned receptor subtypes are G-protein-coupled to several intracellular messengers, predominantly inositol phosphates. From a knowledge of structure-activity relationships and peptide conformations, details of receptor architecture and selective agents, including nonpeptides and antagonists, have been discovered. From the nature of the actions of endothelins, receptor distributions (including CNS) and plasma levels, it is concluded that they are paracrine factors normally involved in long-term cellular regulation, but which may be important in several pathologies, many of which are stress-related.

High reactivity of aortic fibroblasts to vasoactive agents: endothelins, bradykinin and nucleotides

Cultured aortic fibroblasts express high affinity Et-1 binding sites that poorly discriminate between Et-1 and Et-3. Both endothelins activate phospholipase C hence indicating the presence of ETB receptors. Fibroblasts respond to bradykinin by large activations of phospholipase C and increases in [Ca2+]i in a manner that was abolished by D-Arg, [Hyp3,Thi5,8,D-Phe7]-bradykinin, thus indicating the presence of B2 kinin receptors. Finally, ATP, UTP and ADP increases [Ca2+]i in aortic fibroblasts via a nucleotide receptor that has a higher affinity for ATP and UTP (3 microM) than for ADP (50 microM) and that is distinct from P2x and P2y purinoceptors.

Endothelins

The endothelins (ET) represent a novel family of at least three isopeptides (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3), each consisting of 21 amino acids and two disulfide bridges. ET has originally been isolated from the supernatant of porcine aortic endothelial cells and has been found to be the most potent and long lasting vasoconstrictor agent yet discovered. ET is synthesized as a preprohormone and cleaved by unusual proteolytic processing. The different isoforms of ET seem to differ in their biological activity which may be due to interaction with different ET-receptor subtypes (ETA, ETB, ETC) and their tissue distribution. Besides its vasoactive properties, ET evokes a variety of other effects, such as positive inotropic and chronotropic actions on the heart, the release of other regulatory substances (EDRF, prostanoids, ANP), as well as cellular mitogenesis. Therefore, the endothelins have been implicated in the pathophysiology of a variety of cardiovascular disorders, however their precise role remains to be elucidated. Such research might have potential application on veterinary medicine learning about factors responsible for vascular damage and consecutively being able to treat or prevent various vascular diseases more specifically.

Altered microvascular reactivity to endothelin-1, endothelin-3 and NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester in streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus

1 We have determined the dermal microvascular effects of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 nmol/site), endothelin-1 (ET-1, 0.1-10 pmol/site) and ET-3 (0.1-30 pmol/site) in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus. Cutaneous blood flow changes as measured by a 133xenon (133Xe) clearance technique, were determined in diabetic rats four weeks after treatment with streptozotocin (STZ) and compared with responses measured in normal rats four weeks after treatment with saline. 2 Resting skin blood flow was similar in diabetic and in normal rats, as measured by 133Xe clearance and laser Doppler flowmetry. 3 Intradermal NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) reduced skin blood flow in normal rats by 55.2 +/- 2.6% as measured by 133Xe clearance, (n = 9). L-NAME was significantly less effective in diabetic rats, inducing a 40.9 +/- 7.7% decrease in blood flow (n = 9, P less than 0.05). The enantiomer D-NAME had no effect in either group of rats. 4 Low doses of ET-1 and ET-3 injected intradermally induced dose-dependent decreases in blood flow, measured by 133Xe clearance, which were similar in both groups of rats. However, the responses to the highest doses of ET-1 (10 pmol/site) and ET-3 (10 and 30 pmol/site) were significantly reduced in the diabetic compared with the normal rats (P less than 0.05).In addition vasoconstriction to the highest doses of vasopressin (0.3 and 3 pmol/site) and vasodilatation to the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP, 1O pmol/site) were similarly reduced in the diabetic rats (P <0.05).5. The decrease in blood flow induced by submaximal doses of ET-1 was enhanced by co-injection with L-NAME (100 nmol/site) in both diabetic and normal rats. However, this enhanced response was significantly reduced in the diabetic rats (P<0.05). A similar pattern of responses were observed to ET-3 in the presence and absence of L-NAME.6. These results indicate that the cutaneous microvasculature of rats with STZ-induced diabetes responds differently to intradermal ET-1 and ET-3 compared with normal rats; a similarly altered vascular reactivity was observed with vasopressin and CGRP. Hence, the diabetic microcirculation has impaired responses to several vasoconstrictors and a vasodilator. The effect of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME is also suppressed in the diabetics, suggesting that there may be decreased local production of, or response, to nitric oxide.

Endothelin an endocrine role

Endothelin is a potent and long-acting vasoconstrictor first isolated from the vascular endothelium. It was found in the search for the long-postulated endothelial vascular smooth muscle activator. Recent reports, however, suggest that endothelin may affect the release of the pituitary hormones and control the levels of atrial natriuretic peptide, renin, and the catecholamines. Its widespread distribution within the CNS and other tissues suggests that endothelin may have an important function as a neurotransmitter.

Reduced glomerular thromboxane receptor sites and vasoconstrictor responses in diabetic rats

Glomerular thromboxane production and urinary thromboxane excretion are increased in early diabetes, but in spite of this renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate are significantly higher than in control animals. To study the possibility of a defect in thromboxane actions in the kidney, we have measured glomerular thromboxane receptors and the renal hemodynamic response to the administration of a stable thromboxane analog in diabetic rats. Glomerular thromboxane receptors were studied in hyperglycemic diabetic rats 7 to 10 days after injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, i.v.) and in normal controls. Scatchard analysis of equilibrium binding using the thromboxane antagonist, [3H]-SQ29548, demonstrated one class of high affinity thromboxane receptor sites in control (Kd = 19.9 +/- 2.6 nM, N = 16) and diabetic rats (Kd = 19.8 +/- 2.1 nM, N = 8, P = NS). The number of thromboxane receptors was reduced by 44% in diabetic rats (control, 374 +/- 20 vs. diabetic, 210 +/- 21 fmol/mg, P less than 0.01). Thromboxane binding in diabetic rats was not restored to normal levels by thromboxane synthetase inhibition with OKY046. Diabetic rats had higher renal blood flow (diabetic, 7.03 +/- 0.18 vs. control, 6.33 +/- 0.13 ml/min, P less than 0.05) and glomerular filtration rate (2.42 +/- 0.10 vs. 1.96 +/- 0.07 ml/min, P less than 0.05). Infusion of the stable thromboxane agonist, U46619 (0.1 micrograms/kg/min), reduced renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate in all animals, but the constrictor responses were blunted by 50% in hyperglycemic diabetic rats compared with normal controls or euglycemic diabetic rats (P less than 0.05). Control of blood glucose with insulin normalized the number of glomerular thromboxane receptor sites, reversed hyperfiltration and restored glomerular responses to thromboxane agonist. The abnormalities of glomerular thromboxane receptors are similar to changes in angiotensin II receptors, and suggest a generalized defect in vasoconstrictor receptors in the diabetic kidney.

Differences in the regulation of endothelin-1- and lysophosphatidic-acid-stimulated Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation in rat-1 fibroblasts

Endothelin-1 (ET-1)- and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-stimulated PtdIns(4,5)P2 hydrolysis has been studied in Rat-1 fibroblasts. Although both agonists caused the dose-dependent accumulation of inositol phosphates, a number of differences were observed. LPA induced a transient increase in Ins(1,4,5)P3 mass which returned to basal levels within 90 s, whereas the response to ET-1 did not desensitize, with levels remaining at 3-4 times basal values for up to 15 min. Stimulated decreases in mass levels of PtdIns(4,5)P2 mirrored Ins(1,4,5)P3 formation for both agonists. Experiments with electropermeabilized cells demonstrated that the effects of both agonists are stimulated by a phospholipase C controlled by a guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory protein; however, there are differences in the nature of these interactions. The inositol phosphate response to ET-1 is poorly potentiated by guanosine 5'-[gamma-thio]triphosphate (GTP[S]) and markedly inhibited by guanosine 5'-[beta-thio]diphosphate (GDP[S]), whereas that to LPA is potentiated by GTP[S] but is relatively insensitive to GDP[S]. In addition, LPA decreased the lag time for the onset of GTP[S]-stimulated [3H]InsP3 accumulation, whereas ET-1 was without effect. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate treatment of the cells inhibited LPA-stimulated, but not ET-1-stimulated, inositol phosphate formation in both intact and permeabilized cells, suggesting that the site of protein kinase C-mediated phosphorylation may be blocked in ET-1-stimulated Rat-1 cells. The results indicate that the receptor-G-protein-phospholipase C interaction for the two agonists may not conform to the same model.

Importance of the phenotypic state of vascular smooth muscle cells on the binding and the mitogenic activity of endothelin

Smooth muscle cells of the rabbit aorta, when grown in vitro, express distinguishable forms of phenotypes (contractile and synthetic). On contractile cells, ET-1 specifically bound to a single class of high affinity (KD = 128 pM) and high capacity (Bmax = 66,000 sites/cell) binding sites. But, whereas affinity of [125I]-ET-1 was not significantly affected by phenotypic modulation, synthetic cells displayed a 10-fold lower [125I]-ET-1 binding capacity than contractile smooth muscle cells. Similarly, the mitogenic effect of ET-1 on smooth muscle cells was considerably lower for synthetic than for contractile cells. The ET-1 receptor on primary cells was recognized by sarafotoxin S6b and the different ET-related peptides with an order of potency [ET-1 greater than S6b greater than ET-3 greater than Big ET-1 much greater than ET(16-21)] identical to that inducing smooth muscle cell growth. Therefore, these data indicate that the binding and the mitogenic effects of ET-1 on smooth muscle cells might be of different magnitudes depending on the phenotypic state of these cells.

Regional distribution and pharmacological characterization of [125I]endothelin-1 binding sites in human fetal placental vessels

High-affinity binding sites for [125I]endothelin(ET)-1 have been detected in purified membrane preparations of the fetal arteries and veins of the chorionic plate and the stem villi vessels of the human term placenta. Regardless of the vessel type, the apparent dissociation constant was found to be in the picomolar range (26----45 pM), and the Bmax value close to 600 fmol/mg protein. In stem villi vessels, ET-1, ET-2, sarafotoxin S6b and vasocontractor intestinal peptide (VIC) were approximately equipotent in their competitive displacement of [125I]ET-1 binding. The endothelin precursors, human and porcine big-endothelin, recognized ET-1 sites with low affinity (nM range), a finding which reflects their low potency as recognized vasocontractant agents. Interestingly, [125I]ET-1 binding parameters and pharmacological profiles were identical in fetal veins and arteries of the chorionic plate. Similarly, a study carried out in rat aortic membranes, revealed the presence of high affinity [125I]ET-1 binding sites with pharmacological characteristics close to those of the human stem villi vessels. In all vessels investigated, the binding pattern of ET-3 against [125I]ET-1 was of a non-competitive nature. Thus, these results demonstrate the presence of specific [125I]ET-1 binding sites along the vascular tree of the fetal side of the placenta and would support evidence currently available, favouring the existence of distinct ET-1 and ET-3 receptors. Finally, ET-1 in the human placenta may play an important physiological role as regulator of vascular resistance and/or be implicated as a pathological factor in certain pregnancy-related diseases.

Changes in responsiveness of the canine basilar artery to endothelin-1 after subarachnoid hemorrhage

The effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) on the basilar arteries from control and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) dogs were examined. The maximal contraction of the basilar artery in response to ET-1 was markedly decreased in the SAH group. Treatment with 10(-8)M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) reduced the contractile responses to ET-1 in the basilar arteries from control dogs. ET-1-induced contractions of the basilar arteries from control dogs were similar to those in strips from SAH dogs by the treatment with 10(-8) M PMA. Ca(2+)-induced contraction of the basilar arteries which were depolarized with isotonic K+ (64 mM) were significantly attenuated in SAH dogs. Treatment with PMA also reduced the contractile responses to Ca2+ in the basilar arteries from control dogs. These results indicate that decreased contractile responses of the basilar arteries to ET-1 and Ca2+ in the SAH group may be related to changes in the activity of the protein kinase C in vascular smooth muscle.

Endothelin action in rat liver. Receptors, free Ca2+ oscillations, and activation of glycogenolysis

High affinity binding sites for endothelin (ET) were identified on rat liver plasma membranes. Binding of 125I-ET-1 with its site was specific, saturable, and time dependent (kobs = 0.019 +/- 0.001 min-1), but dissociation of receptor-bound ligand was minimal. A single class of high affinity binding sites for 125I-ET-1 was identified with an apparent Kd of 32.4 +/- 9.8 pM and a Bmax of 1084 +/- 118 fmol/mg protein. ET-3 and big-ET-1 (1-38) (human) inhibited 125I-ET-1 binding with IC50 values of 1.85 +/- 1.03 nM and 43 +/- 6 nM, respectively. Aequorin measurements of cytosolic free Ca2+ in single, isolated rat hepatocytes showed that ET-1 at subnanomolar concentrations induced a series of repetitive, sustained Ca2+ transients. ET-1 had no effect on cAMP production. Finally, ET-1 caused a rapid and sustained stimulation of glycogenolysis in rat hepatocytes. A 1.8-fold maximal increase in glycogen phosphorylase alpha was observed at 1 pM ET-1, with an EC50 of 0.03 pM. Stimulation of the enzyme was specific for ET-1 since the order of potency of related peptides was similar to that in binding experiments (ET-1 greater than ET-3 greater than big ET-1). These data constitute the first demonstration of the presence of ET-1 binding sites in liver which is associated with a rise in cytosolic free Ca2+ and a potent glycogenolytic effect. We conclude that ET-1 behaves as a typical Ca2+ mobilizing hormone in liver.

Endothelin/sarafotoxin receptor induced phosphoinositide turnover: effects of pertussis and cholera toxins and of phorbol ester

The induction of phosphoinositide hydrolysis (PI) by endothelin/sarafotoxin (ET/SRTX) receptors in rat heart myocytes was investigated by the use of bacterial toxins as well as a phorbol ester. Both pertussis- and choleratoxin enhanced the stimulation of PI hydrolysis. Phorbol ester treatment of the myocytes for short periods distinguished between two types of PI-hydrolysis, the one induced by endothelins and the other by sarafotoxins. The possible mediation of G-protein (s) in the induction by ET/SRTX receptors of PI-hydrolysis is discussed.

Phorbol ester promotes a sustained down-regulation of endothelin receptors and cellular responses to endothelin in human vascular smooth muscle cells

The effect of phorbol ester pretreatment of human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMC) was studied with respect to regulation of endothelin (ET)-receptor binding and cellular responses to ET. The capacity of hVSMC to bind ET was decreased (by approximately 50% at maximum) after phorbol exposure, and this reductive effect was both rapid (t 1/2 approximately 10 min.) and sustained (for up to 24 hrs. of chronic phorbol exposure). Phorbol pretreatment inhibited both inositol phosphate and diacylclycerol production responses of hVSMC to ET in a manner that was time-dependent and sustained. Phorbol pretreatment also produced a persistent reduction in the ability of ET to release isotopically-labelled arachidonic and/or its metabolites from hVSMC, but importantly ionomycin-stimulated release was similarly negatively affected. Furthermore, ET-induced accumulation of the phospholipase A2/phospholipase B-derived inositol phospholipid metabolite, glycerophosphoinositol, was not different between control and phorbol-treated hVMSC. The mechanism whereby phorbol exerts differential, but notably sustained inhibitory effects on ET-promoted signal transduction pathways are thus complex and illustrative of the selectivity of protein kinase C in regulating cellular responses.