Influence of cytochrome P-450 inhibitors on endothelium-dependent nitro-L-arginine-resistant relaxation and cromakalim-induced relaxation in rat mesenteric arteries

Identification of the cytochrome P450 involved in the degradation of neonicotinoid insecticide acetamiprid in Phanerochaete chrysosporium

We previously reported that cytochrome P450 s play critical roles in neonicotinoid insecticide biodegradation by white-rot fungi. Here, we investigated the biodegradation of acetamiprid (ACET) by Phanerochaete chrysosporium to identify the cytochrome P450 involved in this degradation process. During a 20-day incubation period, P. chrysosporium degraded 21% and 51% of ACET in ligninolytic and nonligninolytic media, respectively. The degradation rate of ACET was markedly decreased by the addition of cytochrome P450 inhibitors. Recombinant cytochrome P450s in P. chrysosporium (PcCYP) were heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain AH22, and the PcCYP involved in ACET degradation was identified. The results showed that CYP5147A3 can degrade ACET, and two ACET metabolites, N'-cyano-N-methyl acetamidine and 6-chloro-3-pyridinemethanol, were identified. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first characterization of the fungal cytochrome P450 that is responsible for the degradation and detoxification of ACET.

1-Aminobenzotriazole: A Mechanism-Based Cytochrome P450 Inhibitor and Probe of Cytochrome P450 Biology

1-Aminobenzotriazole (1-ABT) is a pan-specific, mechanism-based inactivator of the xenobiotic metabolizing forms of cytochrome P450 in animals, plants, insects, and microorganisms. It has been widely used to investigate the biological roles of cytochrome P450 enzymes, their participation in the metabolism of both endobiotics and xenobiotics, and their contributions to the metabolism-dependent toxicity of drugs and chemicals. This review is a comprehensive evaluation of the chemistry, discovery, and use of 1-aminobenzotriazole in these contexts from its introduction in 1981 to the present.

Inhibition of cytochromes P450 and the hydroxylation of 4-monochlorobiphenyl in whole poplar

Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are potential enzymes responsible for hydroxylation of many xenobiotics and endogenous chemicals in living organisms. It has been found that 4-monochlorobiphenyl (PCB3), mainly an airborne pollutant, can be metabolized to hydroxylated transformation products (OH-PCB3s) in whole poplars. However, the enzymes involved in the hydroxylation of PCB3 in whole poplars have not been identified. Therefore, two CYP suicide inhibitors, 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT) and 17-octadecynoic acid (ODYA), were selected to probe the hydroxylation reaction of PCB3 in whole poplars in this work. Poplars (Populus deltoides × nigra, DN34) were exposed to PCB3 with or without inhibitor for 11 days. Results showed both ABT and ODYA can decrease the concentrations and yields of five OH-PCB3s in different poplar parts via the inhibition of CYPs. Furthermore, both ABT and ODYA demonstrated a dose-dependent relationship to the formation of OH-PCB3s in whole poplars. The higher the inhibitor concentrations, the lower the total yields of OH-PCB3s. For ABT spiked-additions, the total mass yield of five OH-PCB3s was inhibited by a factor of 1.6 times at an ABT concentration of 2.5 mg L(-1), 4.0 times at 12.5 mg L(-1), and 7.0 times at 25 mg L(-1). For the inhibitor ODYA, the total mass of five OH-PCB3s was reduced by 2.1 times compared to the control at an ODYA concentration of 2.5 mg L(-1). All results pointed to the conclusion that CYP enzymes were the agents which metabolized PCB3 to OH-PCB3s in whole poplars because suicide CYP inhibitors ABT and ODYA both led to sharp decreases of OH-PCB3s formation in whole poplars. A dose-response curve for each of the suicide inhibitors was developed.

Epoxides and soluble epoxide hydrolase in cardiovascular physiology

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are arachidonic acid metabolites that importantly contribute to vascular and cardiac physiology. The contribution of EETs to vascular and cardiac function is further influenced by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) that degrades EETs to diols. Vascular actions of EETs include dilation and angiogenesis. EETs also decrease inflammation and platelet aggregation and in general act to maintain vascular homeostasis. Myocyte contraction and increased coronary blood flow are the two primary EET actions in the heart. EET cell signaling mechanisms are tissue and organ specific and provide significant evidence for the existence of EET receptors. Additionally, pharmacological and genetic manipulations of EETs and sEH have demonstrated a contribution for this metabolic pathway to cardiovascular diseases. Given the impact of EETs to cardiovascular physiology, there is emerging evidence that development of EET-based therapeutics will be beneficial for cardiovascular diseases.

Combination of Ca2+ -activated K+ channel blockers inhibits acetylcholine-evoked nitric oxide release in rat superior mesenteric artery

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The present study investigated whether calcium-activated K+ channels are involved in acetylcholine-evoked nitric oxide (NO) release and relaxation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Simultaneous measurements of NO concentration and relaxation were performed in rat superior mesenteric artery and endothelial cell membrane potential and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) were measured.

KEY RESULTS

A combination of apamin plus charybotoxin, which are, respectively, blockers of small-conductance and of intermediate- and large-conductance Ca2+ -activated K channels abolished acetylcholine (10 microM)-evoked hyperpolarization of endothelial cell membrane potential. Acetylcholine-evoked NO release was reduced by 68% in high K+ (80 mM) and by 85% in the presence of apamin plus charybdotoxin. In noradrenaline-contracted arteries, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an inhibitor of NO synthase inhibited acetylcholine-evoked NO release and relaxation. However, only further addition of oxyhaemoglobin or apamin plus charybdotoxin eliminated the residual acetylcholine-evoked NO release and relaxation. Removal of extracellular calcium or an inhibitor of calcium influx channels, SKF96365, abolished acetylcholine-evoked increase in NO concentration and [Ca2+]i. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, 30 microM), an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic Ca2+ -ATPase, caused a sustained NO release in the presence, but only a transient increase in the absence, of extracellular calcium. Incubation with apamin and charybdotoxin did not change acetylcholine or CPA-induced increases in [Ca2+]i, but inhibited the sustained NO release induced by CPA.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Acetylcholine increases endothelial cell [Ca2+]i by release of stored calcium and calcium influx resulting in activation of apamin and charybdotoxin-sensitive K channels, hyperpolarization and release of NO in the rat superior mesenteric artery.

Endothelial cytochrome P450 contributes to the acetylcholine-induced cardiodepression in isolated rat hearts

AIMS

Acetylcholine (ACh) is known to reduce the contractility of the heart by acting on myocardial muscarinic M2 receptors. ACh induces also an endothelial-dependent vasodilatation by causing the release of nitric oxide (NO), prostacyclin and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors from the vascular endothelium. It has been proposed that ACh elicits a hyperpolarization of the coronary endothelial cells which may be accompanied by the activation of cytochrome P450 (CYP) and the resulting release of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). The study aims at investigating whether endothelial CYP is involved in the cardiodepression by ACh.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In isolated rat hearts, cardiodepression by ACh (i.e. 25-30% reduction of developed left ventricular pressure) was partially attenuated either by inhibition of CYP with 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT) or by endothelial dysfunction obtained with Triton X-100. No attenuation of cardiodepression was seen after nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase inhibition by L-nitro-arginine methyl ester and indomethacin, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the negative inotropic effect of ACh depends not only on a direct myocardial effect but also on the endothelial CYP activation.

14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic-mSI: a 14,15- and 5,6-EET antagonist in bovine coronary arteries

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle induced by acetylcholine and bradykinin are mediated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). In bovine coronary arteries, arachidonic acid metabolites, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), function as EDHFs. The 14,15-EET analog 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic-methylsulfonylimide (14,15-EEZE-mSI) was synthesized and tested for agonist and antagonist activity. In U46619-preconstricted bovine coronary arterial rings, 14,15-, 11,12-, 8,9-, and 5,6-EET induced maximal concentration-related relaxation averaging 75% to 87% at 10 micromol/L, whereas, 14,15-EEZE-mSI induced maximal relaxation averaging only 7%. 14,15-EEZE-mSI (10 micromol/L) preincubation inhibited relaxation to 14,15- and 5,6- EET but not 11,12- or 8,9- EET. 14,15-EEZE-mSI also inhibited indomethacin-resistant relaxation to arachidonic acid and indomethacin-resistant and l-nitroarginine-resistant relaxation to bradykinin and methacholine. It did not alter the relaxation to sodium nitroprusside, iloprost, or the K+ channel openers bimakalim or NS1619. In cell-attached patches of isolated bovine coronary arterial smooth muscle cells, 14,15-EEZE-mSI (100 nmol/L) blocked the 14,15-EET-induced (100 nmol/L) activation of large-conductance, calcium-activated K+ channels. Mass spectrometric analysis of rat renal cortical microsomes incubated with arachidonic acid showed that 14,15-EEZE-mSI (10 micromol/L) increased EET concentrations while decreasing the concentrations of the corresponding dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids. Therefore, 14,15-EEZE-mSI inhibits relaxation to 5,6- and 14,15- EET and the K+ channel activation by 14,15-EET. It also inhibits the EDHF component of bradykinin-induced, methacholine-induced, and arachidonic acid-induced relaxation. These results suggest that 14,15- or 5,6 -EET act as an EDHF in bovine coronary arteries.

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid potentiates stretch-induced contraction of canine basilar artery via PKC alpha-mediated inhibition of KCa channel

1. The present study was undertaken to elucidate whether PKCalpha plays a role in the mechanism of the stretch-induced contraction potentiated by 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE). The effects of 20-HETE on the canine basilar artery were compared with those of iberiotoxin, a blocker of large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (K(Ca) channels), as this blocker was shown earlier to sensitize these arteries to mechanical stretch. 2. Slow stretch at rates of 0.1 to 3 mm s(-1) did not produce any contraction in normal physiological solution. 3. In the presence of 20-HETE, the slow stretch could produce contraction, which was inhibited by nicardipine, a 1,4-dihydropyridine Ca(2+) channel blocker, and gadolinium, a blocker of stretch-activated cation channels. 4. 20-HETE inhibited whole-cell K(+) current and depolarized the membrane by approximately 10 mV. These effects of 20-HETE were similar to those of iberiotoxin. 5. Calphostin C, an inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC), inhibited the action of 20-HETE, but not that of iberiotoxin. 6. In response to 20-HETE PKCalpha isoform was translocated from the cytosol to the membrane fraction, which translocation was inhibited by calphostin C. 7. These results suggest that 20-HETE induced sensitization of the canine basilar artery to stretch was caused by PKCalpha-mediated inhibition of K(Ca) channel activity.

Critical role of gap junctions in endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in rat mesenteric arteries

1. Acetylcholine (ACh) evokes endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in arterial cells, presumably through endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). The identity of EDHF is still elusive; however, several recent studies suggest the possible involvement of myoendothelial gap junctions in the EDHF response. 2. To elucidate the role of gap junctions in endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization, we examined the effects of the gap junction inhibitors 18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (18 alpha-GA; 10(-4) mol/L) and carbenoxolone (3 x 10(-4) mol/L), a water-soluble form of 18 beta-GA, on hyperpolarization and relaxation to ACh in rat proximal and distal mesenteric arteries. Experiments were performed in the presence of indomethacin (10(-5) mol/L) and N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (10(-4) mol/L). 3. In both proximal and distal mesenteric arteries, ACh-induced hyperpolarization and relaxation were partially inhibited by 18 alpha-GA and abolished by carbenoxolone. 4. Endothelium-independent hyperpolarization to levcromakalim, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, were unaffected by 18 alpha-GA or carbenoxolone in both arteries. 5. Relaxations to levcromakalim were unaffected by 18 alpha-GA, but were inhibited somewhat by carbenoxolone in proximal mesenteric arteries. 6. These findings suggest that myoendothelial gap junctions play a critical role in EDHF-mediated responses in both proximal and distal mesenteric arteries of the rat.

14,15-Epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid: a selective epoxyeicosatrienoic acid antagonist that inhibits endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and relaxation in coronary arteries

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and relaxation of vascular smooth muscle are mediated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs). EDHF candidates include cytochrome P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid, K(+), hydrogen peroxide, or electrical coupling through gap junctions. In bovine coronary arteries, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) appear to function as EDHFs. A 14,15-EET analogue, 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid (14,15-EEZE) was synthesized and identified as an EET-specific antagonist. In bovine coronary arterial rings preconstricted with U46619, 14,15-EET, 11,12-EET, 8,9-EET, and 5,6-EET induced concentration-related relaxations. Preincubation of the arterial rings with 14,15-EEZE (10 micromol/L) inhibited the relaxations to 14,15-EET, 11,12-EET, 8,9-EET, and 5,6-EET but was most effective in inhibiting 14,15-EET-induced relaxations. 14,15-EEZE also inhibited indomethacin-resistant relaxations to methacholine and arachidonic acid and indomethacin-resistant and L-nitroarginine-resistant relaxations to bradykinin. It did not alter relaxation responses to sodium nitroprusside, iloprost, or the K(+) channel activators (NS1619 and bimakalim). Additionally, in small bovine coronary arteries pretreated with indomethacin and L-nitroarginine and preconstricted with U46619, 14,15-EEZE (3 micromol/L) inhibited bradykinin (10 nmol/L)-induced smooth muscle hyperpolarizations and relaxations. In rat renal microsomes, 14,15-EEZE (10 micromol/L) did not decrease EET synthesis and did not alter 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid synthesis. This analogue acts as an EET antagonist by inhibiting the following: (1) EET-induced relaxations, (2) the EDHF component of methacholine-induced, bradykinin-induced, and arachidonic acid-induced relaxations, and (3) the smooth muscle hyperpolarization response to bradykinin. Thus, a distinct molecular structure is required for EET activity, and alteration of this structure modifies agonist and antagonist activity. These findings support a role of EETs as EDHFs.

Multiple mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle relaxation by the activation of proteinase-activated receptor 2 in mouse mesenteric arterioles

1. Activation of PAR2 in second-order mesenteric arteriole (MA) rings from C57BL/6J, NOS3 (-/-) and PAR2 (-/-) mice was assessed for the contributions of NO, cyclo-oxygenases, guanylyl cyclase, adenylyl cyclase, and of K(+) channel activation to vascular smooth muscle relaxation. 2. PAR2 agonist, SLIGRL-NH(2) (0.1 to 30 microM), induced relaxation of cirazoline-precontracted MA from C57BL/6J and NOS3 (-/-), but not PAR2 (-/-) mice. Maximal relaxation (E(max)) was partially reduced by a combination of L-(G)N-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and indomethacin. An ODQ/L-NAME/indomethacin resistant relaxation was also caused by trypsin (30 nM) in PAR2 (+/+), but not in PAR2 (-/-) mice. Relaxation was endothelium-dependent and inhibited by either 30 mM KCl-precontraction, or pretreatment with apamin, charybdotoxin, and their combination; iberiotoxin did not substitute for charybdotoxin nor did scyllatoxin substitute fully for apamin. 3. Tetraethylammonium (TEA), glibenclamide, tetrodotoxin, 17-octadecynoic acid, carboxy-2-phenyl-4,4,5,5,-tetramethyl-imidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, SQ22536, carbenoxolone, arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone, 7-nitroindazole, N-(3-(aminomethyl)benzyl)acetamidine (1400W), N-(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl)-methanesulfonamide (NS-398) and propanolol did not inhibit relaxation. 4-aminopyridine significantly increased the potency of SLIGRL-NH(2). A combination of 30 microM BaCl(2) and 10 microM ouabain significantly reduced the potency for relaxation, and in the presence of L-NAME, ODQ and indomethacin, E(max) was reduced. 4. We conclude PAR2-mediated relaxation of mouse MA utilizes multiple mechanisms that are both NO-cGMP-dependent, and -independent. The data are also consistent with a role for endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization of vascular smooth muscle that involves the activation of an apamin/charybdotoxin-sensitive K(+) channel(s) and, in part, may be mediated by K(+).

P-450 metabolites of arachidonic acid in the control of cardiovascular function

Recent studies have indicated that arachidonic acid is primarily metabolized by cytochrome P-450 (CYP) enzymes in the brain, lung, kidney, and peripheral vasculature to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) and that these compounds play critical roles in the regulation of renal, pulmonary, and cardiac function and vascular tone. EETs are endothelium-derived vasodilators that hyperpolarize vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells by activating K(+) channels. 20-HETE is a vasoconstrictor produced in VSM cells that reduces the open-state probability of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels. Inhibitors of the formation of 20-HETE block the myogenic response of renal, cerebral, and skeletal muscle arterioles in vitro and autoregulation of renal and cerebral blood flow in vivo. They also block tubuloglomerular feedback responses in vivo and the vasoconstrictor response to elevations in tissue PO(2) both in vivo and in vitro. The formation of 20-HETE in VSM is stimulated by angiotensin II and endothelin and is inhibited by nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO). Blockade of the formation of 20-HETE attenuates the vascular responses to angiotensin II, endothelin, norepinephrine, NO, and CO. In the kidney, EETs and 20-HETE are produced in the proximal tubule and the thick ascending loop of Henle. They regulate Na(+) transport in these nephron segments. 20-HETE also contributes to the mitogenic effects of a variety of growth factors in VSM, renal epithelial, and mesangial cells. The production of EETs and 20-HETE is altered in experimental and genetic models of hypertension, diabetes, uremia, toxemia of pregnancy, and hepatorenal syndrome. Given the importance of this pathway in the control of cardiovascular function, it is likely that CYP metabolites of arachidonic acid contribute to the changes in renal function and vascular tone associated with some of these conditions and that drugs that modify the formation and/or actions of EETs and 20-HETE may have therapeutic benefits.

Cytochrome P-450 metabolite of arachidonic acid mediates bradykinin-induced negative inotropic effect

This study focused on the mechanisms of the negative inotropic response to bradykinin (BK) in isolated rat hearts perfused at constant flow. BK (100 nM) significantly reduced developed left ventricular pressure (LVP) and the maximal derivative of systolic LVP by 20-22%. The cytochrome P-450 (CYP) inhibitors 1-aminobenzotriazole (1 mM and 100 microM) or proadifen (5 microM) abolished the cardiodepression by BK, which was not affected by nitric oxide and cyclooxygenase inhibitors (35 microM NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and 10 microM indomethacin, respectively). The CYP metabolite 14,15-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-EET; 50 ng/ml) produced effects similar to those of BK in terms of the reduction in contractility. After the coronary endothelium was made dysfunctional by Triton X-100 (0.5 microl), the BK-induced negative inotropic effect was completely abolished, whereas the 14,15-EET-induced cardiodepression was not affected. In hearts with normal endothelium, after recovery from 14,15-EET effects, BK reduced developed LVP to a 35% greater extent than BK in the control. In conclusion, CYP inhibition or endothelial dysfunction prevents BK from causing cardiodepression, suggesting that, in the rat heart, endothelial CYP products mediate the negative inotropic effect of BK. One of these mediators appears to be 14,15-EET.

Endothelium-derived relaxing factors: A focus on endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor(s)

Endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) is defined as the non-nitric oxide (NO) and non-prostacyclin (PGI2) substance that mediates endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Although both NO and PGI2 have been demonstrated to hyperpolarize VSMC by cGMP- and cAMP-dependent mechanisms, respectively, and in the case of NO by cGMP-independent mechanisms, a considerable body of evidence suggests that an additional cellular mechanism must exist that mediates EDH. Despite intensive investigation, there is no agreement as to the nature of the cellular processes that mediates the non-NO/PGI2 mediated hyperpolarization. Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EET), an endogenous anandamide, a small increase in the extracellular concentration of K+, and electronic coupling via myoendothelial cell gap junctions have all been hypothesized as contributors to EDH. An attractive hypothesis is that EDH is mediated via both chemical and electrical transmissions, however, the contribution from chemical mediators versus electrical transmission varies in a tissue- and species-dependent manner, suggesting vessel-specific specialization. If this hypothesis proves to be correct then the potential exists for the development of vessel and organ-selective vasodilators. Because endothelium-dependent vasodilatation is dysfunctional in disease states (i.e., atherosclerosis), selective vasodilators may prove to be important therapeutic agents.Key words: endothelium, nitric oxide, potassium channels, hyperpolarization, gap junctions.

Novel endothelium-derived relaxing factors. Identification of factors and cellular targets

Nitric oxide (NO), together with prostacyclin (PGI2), mediates shear stress and endothelium-dependent vasodilator-mediated vasorelaxation. In the presence of inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) with nitroarginine analogues, such as of N(w)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and N(w)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA), and indomethacin, to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) and the synthesis of PGI2, many blood vessels still respond with an endothelium-dependent relaxation to either chemical [i.e. acetylcholine (ACh)] or mechanical (shear stress) activation. This non-NO and non-PGI2 vasorelaxation appears to be mediated by hyperpolarization of the vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC). Although NO can hyperpolarize VSMC, a novel mediator, the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), which opens a VSMC K(+) channel(s) notably in resistance vessels, has been proposed. Little agreement exists as to the nature of this putative factor, but several candidate molecules have been proposed and evidence, notably from the microcirculation, suggests that endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH) may be mediated via low electrical resistance coupling via myoendothelial gap junctions. We describe a number of techniques that are being used to identify EDHF and present data that address the contribution of a small increase in extracellular K(+) as an EDHF.

Mechanisms of nitric oxide-independent relaxations induced by carbachol and acetylcholine in rat isolated renal arteries

1. In rat isolated renal artery segments contracted with 0.1 microM phenylephrine and in the presence of the NO synthase inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), carbachol and acetylcholine produced endothelium-dependent relaxations. The mechanisms underlying these relaxations were studied. 2. These relaxations were not affected by ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3, -a]quinoxalin-1-one) or indomethacin. In arteries contracted with 20 - 30 mM K(+), L-NAME-resistant relaxations induced by carbachol and acetylcholine were virtually absent. 3. The Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibitor ouabain reduced these relaxations in a concentration-dependent manner. 4. In K(+)-free media, addition of K(+) (5 mM) produced 90. 5+/-3.9% (n=3) relaxation of phenylephrine-induced tone. This relaxation was endothelium-independent and ouabain-sensitive. 5. Tetraethylammonium (TEA), charybdotoxin (ChTX) and iberiotoxin (IbTX) reduced the sensitivity of carbachol-induced relaxations, but did not change the maximal response. These relaxations were not altered by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), glibenclamide or apamin. Acetylcholine (1 microM)-induced relaxation was reduced by ChTX, but not by TEA or IbTX. 6. The cytochrome P450 inhibitor miconazole, but not 17-octadecynoic acid, reduced the sensitivity of carbachol-induced relaxations, without changing the maximal response. 7. In conclusion, in rat isolated renal arteries, acetylcholine and carbachol produced a non-NO/non-PGI(2) relaxation which is mediated by an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). This factor does not appear to be a cytochrome P450 metabolite. The inhibition by ouabain of these relaxations suggests the possible involvement of Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activation in EDHF responses, although other mechanisms cannot be totally ruled out.

EDHF-mediated relaxation in rat gastric small arteries: influence of ouabain/Ba2+ and relation to potassium ions

In several blood vessels, endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation is in part mediated by an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), the nature of which is as yet unknown. Experiments were performed to investigate whether the recently raised hypothesis that EDHF might be identified as the potassium ion, released by activation of endothelial K(Ca) channels and inducing relaxation by stimulation of Na+/K+-pump and the inward rectifier K+ conductance, might be valid for small rat gastric arteries. EDHF-induced relaxation (assessed as the nitro-L-arginine/indomethacin resistant component of acetylcholine-induced relaxation), but not nitroprus-side-induced relaxation is strongly inhibited in the presence of ouabain (0.5 mM)/Ba2+ (30 microM), ouabain being responsible for the greater part of the inhibition. This inhibition is reversible. Application of increasing concentrations of K+ elicits transient relaxations in some preparations, but in a greater part of the preparations, no or only small relaxations. In membrane potential measurements, it was found that increasing concentrations of extracellular K+ consistently depolarized smooth muscle cells, whereas acetylcholine elicits hyperpolarization. The K(Ca) channel openers NS 1619 and 1-EBIO elicit relaxation effects that are not diminished after removal of the endothelium and are not inhibited by ouabain/Ba2+. It is concluded that EDHF-mediated relaxation is sensitive to inhibition by ouabain/Ba2+, but that the relation of this inhibitory influence to an action of K+ as EDHF is uncertain.

Possible role of P-450-derived metabolites in endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat small mesenteric arteries

We reported previously that acetylcholine (ACh)-induced endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat mesenteric microvessels depended both on nitric oxide (NO) and on a charybdotoxin (CTX)-sensitive endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing vasodilator. Cytochrome P450 (CYP)-dependent arachidonic acid metabolites act in some systems as hyperpolarizing vasodilators. We sought to quantitate contributions of such metabolites to the CTX-sensitive component of ACh-induced vasodilation in isolated rat mesenteric resistance arteries. ACh relaxed these vessels nearly completely (93.3+/-1.2%, n = 71); cyclooxygenase inhibition with indomethacin did not diminish this response (94.3+/-11.4%, n = 9). NO synthase inhibition with Nitro-L-arginine (NNLA) reduced relaxation by 30% (n = 54, p<0.05). Pretreatment of vessels with CYP inhibitors, either clotrimazole (CTM) or 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA), or with selective K+ channel inhibitors, either tetraethyammonium acetate (TEA) or CTX, each led to similar small reductions in maximal relaxation (17%, 22%, 16%, and 9% respectively, n = 3-6). Combined pretreatment with NNLA + either (CTM or 17-ODYA) or (TEA or CTX) each led to similar maximal relaxations (52.2+/-4.8%, 50.6+/-9.2, 37.6+/-8.6%, and 44.1+/-11.5%, respectively, n = 6-35; p<0.05 for NNLA+[CTM or TEA or CTX] vs NNLA alone). Combined pretreatment with NNLA+CTM+(CTX or TEA) led to similar maximal relaxations (43.0+/-7.3%, 43.7+/-15%, n = 6-11) that did not differ from values in vessels pretreated with either NNLA+CTM or NNLA+(CTX or TEA). We conclude that the ACh-induced vasodilation was insensitive to cyclooxygenase inhibition, partially sensitive to NO synthase inhibition, and that the K+ channel blockers TEA and CTX identified the same minor component of ACh relaxation as did the CYP inhibitor CTM.

K(+) channel blockers and cytochrome P450 inhibitors on acetylcholine-induced, endothelium-dependent relaxation in rabbit mesenteric artery

Acetylcholine caused an endothelium-dependent relaxation in isolated rabbit mesenteric small artery in the presence of nitro L-arginine and indomethacin. The acetylcholine-induced relaxation was attenuated by high K(+) solution, suggesting that the response is mediated by a membrane potential-sensitive mechanism, presumably an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor. The acetylcholine-induced relaxation was also inhibited with tetraethylammonium, 4-aminopyridine and charybdotoxin, but not with Ba(2+), apamin, iberiotoxin nor glibenclamide. The relaxation was abolished by a combination of apamin and charybdotoxin, but iberiotoxin could not replace charybdotoxin in this combination. The responses to charybdotoxin and 4-aminopyridine were synergistic but neither apamin nor iberiotoxin increased the effect of 4-aminopyridine. Clotrimazole and proadifen inhibited the acetylcholine-induced relaxation, but these drugs also inhibited the cromakalim-induced relaxation, while protoporphyrin IX inhibited the acetylcholine- but not cromakalim-induced relaxation. 17-Octadecynoic acid and 1-aminobenzotriazole did not affect the response to acetylcholine. Four regioisomers of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids did not relax endothelium-denuded artery. A gap junction inhibitor 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid attenuated the relaxation to acetylcholine. It is suggested that in rabbit mesenteric artery, the acetylcholine-induced, nitric oxide- and prostacyclin-independent relaxation is mainly mediated by 4-aminopyridine- and charybdotoxin-sensitive K(+) channels and that the relaxation is not mediated through cytochrome P450 enzyme metabolites. The contribution of heterocellular gap junctional communication to the relaxation is discussed.

Characterization of nitric oxide- and prostaglandin-independent relaxation in response to acetylcholine in rabbit renal artery

1. We investigated the characterization of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)- and indomethacin (IND)-resistant relaxations, which can be mediated by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), in rabbit renal arterial rings. 2. The relaxations were inhibited by SKF 525A, a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, but were not affected by other inhibitors, namely clotrimazole, 17-octadecynoic acid and alpha-naphthoflavone. Furthermore, 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, a cytochrome P450 metabolite, did not relax arterial rings. 3. Arterial relaxations were significantly attenuated by charybdotoxin and iberiotoxin, but not by apamin, all K+ channel blockers. 4. In a sandwich bioassay experiment, ACh-induced L-NAME- and IND-resistant relaxations were not transferred to the detector site. 5. Relaxations were also significantly attenuated by 1-heptanol and 18 alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid, gap junctional coupling inhibitors. 6. These results indicate that, in the rabbit renal artery, L-NAME- and IND-resistant relaxations are mediated by factors other than cytochrome P450-derived arachidonic acid metabolites, which may be able to diffuse into the lumen but be partly transferred via myoendothelial gap junctions to adjacent vascular smooth muscle cells and relax muscles by opening high-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels.

Miconazole represses CO(2)-induced pial arteriolar dilation only under selected circumstances

Previous experimental findings have led to the suggestion that guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) plays a permissive role in hypercapnic cerebral vasodilation. However, we recently reported that the technique used to reveal a permissive role for cGMP [cGMP repletion in the presence of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition] created a situation where CO(2) reactivity was normalized but where different mechanisms (i.e., K(+) channels) participated in the response. In the present study, we examined whether that nascent K(+)-channel dependence is related in any way to an increase in the influence of the miconazole-inhibitable cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase pathway. Using intravital microscopy and a closed cranial window system in adult rats, we measured pial arteriolar diameters during normo- and hypercapnia, first in the absence and then in the presence of a neuronal NOS (nNOS) inhibitor [7-nitroindazole (7-NI)]. This was followed by suffusion of a cGMP analog and then cGMP plus miconazole. Separate groups of rats were used to evaluate whether miconazole either alone or in the presence of 8-bromoguanosine 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate (8-BrcGMP) or its vehicle (0.1% ethanol) had any effect on CO(2) reactivity and whether miconazole affected K(+)-channel opener-induced dilations. Hypercapnic (arterial PCO(2), congruent with65 mmHg) pial arteriolar dilations, as expected, were reduced by 70-80% with 7-NI and restored with cGMP repletion. CO(2) reactivity was again attenuated after miconazole introduction. Miconazole, with and without 8-BrcGMP, and its vehicle had no influence on pial arteriolar CO(2) reactivity in the absence of nNOS inhibition combined with cGMP repletion. Miconazole alone also did not affect vasodilatory responses to K(+)-channel openers. Thus present results suggest that the nascent K(+)-channel dependence of the hypercapnic response found in our earlier study may be related to increased epoxygenase activity. The specific reasons why the pial arteriolar CO(2) reactivity gains a K(+)-channel and epoxygenase dependence only under conditions of nNOS inhibition and cGMP restoration remain to be identified. These findings again call into question the interpretations applied to data collected in studies evaluating potential permissive actions of cGMP or NO.

Protective effect of cromakalim and diazoxide, and proulcerogenic effect of glibenclamide on indomethacin-induced gastric injury

We investigated the influences of the K+ channel opening drugs cromakalim and diazoxide and their blocker, glibenclamide, in indomethacin-induced gastric injury in rats. Cromakalim (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) and diazoxide (10 and 30 mg/kg) produced dose-dependent gastroprotection at doses that were also effective on the cardiovascular system. Glibenclamide reversed their gastroprotective effects and aggravated indomethacin-induced gastric damage by its own. Cromakalim (10(-9)-10(-5) M) and diazoxide (10(-9)-10(-4) M) relaxed noradrenaline pre-contracted gastric arteries (94.59+/-1.58% and 93.86+/-2.99%, respectively). Their relaxant effects were inhibited by glibenclamide (10(-5) M) but not by indomethacin (10(-5) M) and LG-nitro-L-arginine (10(-4) M). Cromakalim (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) did not change gastric mucosal blood flow but increased the gastric mucosal vascular conductance in anaesthetized rats as measured by the hydrogen gas clearance technique. Indomethacin increased myeloperoxidase activity in the gastric mucosa, an effect which was reversed by cromakalim and diazoxide. Glibenclamide abolished their effects on myeloperoxidase activity and, alone, increased this parameter. Additionally, indomethacin caused infiltration of neutrophils which was reduced by cromakalim and diazoxide in a glibenclamide sensitive manner. The effects of cromakalim and diazoxide on mucosal myeloperoxidase activity, neutrophil infiltration and gastric injury correlated with each other. The effects of diazoxide (30 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg) on blood glucose level were not correlated with their effects on gastric injury. Taken together, K+ channel opening drugs show misoprostol-like protective effects in indomethacin-induced gastric injury which seems to be related to modulation of neutrophil function.

In vitro simultaneous measurements of relaxation and nitric oxide concentration in rat superior mesenteric artery

1. The relationship between nitric oxide (NO) concentration measured with an NO-specific microelectrode and endothelium-dependent relaxation was investigated in isolated rat superior mesenteric artery contracted with 1 microM noradrenaline. 2. Acetylcholine (10 microM) induced endothelium-dependent simultaneous increases in luminal NO concentration of 21 +/- 6 nM, and relaxations with pD2 values and maximum of 6.95 +/- 0.32 and 97.5 +/- 0.7 % (n = 7), respectively. An inhibitor of NO synthase, N G-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 100 microM) inhibited the relaxations and increases in NO concentration induced by acetylcholine. 3. Oxyhaemoglobin (10 microM) reversed the relaxations and increases in NO concentrations induced by acetylcholine, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and S-morpholino-sydnonimine (SIN-1), but not the relaxations induced with forskolin. Oxyhaemoglobin also decreased the NO concentration below baseline level. 4. In the presence of L-NOARG (100 microM), a small relaxation to acetylcholine (10 microM) of noradrenaline-contracted segments was still seen; oxyhaemogobin inhibited this relaxation and decreased the NO concentration by 14 +/- 4 nM (n = 4). 5. The NO concentration-relaxation relationship for acetylcholine resembled that for SNAP and SIN-1 more than for authentic NO. Thus while 7-17 nM NO induced half-maximal relaxations in response to SNAP or SIN-1, 378 +/- 129 nM NO (n = 4) was needed for half-maximal relaxation to authentic NO. 6. The present study provides direct evidence that the relaxation of the rat superior mesenteric artery with the endothelium-dependent vasodilator acetylcholine is correlated to the endogeneous release of NO. The study also suggests that NO mediates the L-NOARG-resistant relaxations in this artery, and that there is a basal NO release.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and their sulfonimide derivatives stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation and induce mitogenesis in renal epithelial cells

In our present studies utilizing a well characterized proximal tubule cell line, LLCPKcl4, we determined that all four EET regioisomers (5,6-EET, 8,9-EET, 11,12-EET, and 14,15-EET) stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation, with 14,15-EET being the most potent. In contrast, no mitogenic effects were seen with arachidonic acid, other cP450 arachidonate metabolites (12R-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12R-HETE), 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-DHET), or 20-HETE), or lipoxygenase metabolites (5S-HETE, leukotriene B4, or lipoxin A4). We found that their metabolically more stable sulfonimide (SI) analogs (11,12-EET-SI and 14,15-EET-SI) were also potent mitogens. In addition 14,15-EET-SI also increased cell proliferation as well as expression of both c-fos and egr-1 mRNA. The protein kinase C and A inhibitors, H-7 and H-8, or the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, had no effect upon 14, 15-EET-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation, but the selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, significantly inhibited it. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting demonstrated increased tyrosine phosphorylation of PI3-kinase and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) within 1 min of EET administration. EETs also stimulated association of PI3-kinase with EGFR. PI3-kinase inhibitors, wortmannin and LY 294002, markedly inhibited 14, 15-EET-SI-stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation. In addition, 14, 15-EET-SI administration stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of src homologous and collagen-like protein (SHC) and association of SHC with both growth factor receptor-binding protein (GRB2) and EGFR. Mitogen-activated protein kinase was also activated within 5 min. Pretreatment of the cells with the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, PD98059, inhibited the 14,15-EET-SI-stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation. Moreover, immunoblotting indicated that 14,15-EET stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the specific pp60(c-src) substrate p120 and c-Src association with EGFR. 14, 15-EET increased src kinase activity within 1 min. Our data indicate that EETs are potent mitogens for renal epithelial cells, and the mitogenic effects of the EETs are mediated, at least in part, by the activation of Src kinase and initiation of a tyrosine kinase phosphorylation cascade.

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, potassium channel blockers and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in the guinea-pig carotid artery

1. Using intracellular microelectrodes, we investigated the effects of 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA) on the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization induced by acetylcholine in the guinea-pig isolated internal carotid artery with endothelium. 2. In the presence of Nomega-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 100 microM) and indomethacin (5 microM) to inhibit nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase, acetylcholine (1 microM) evoked an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization which averaged -16.4 mV starting from a resting membrane potential of -56.8 mV. There was a negative correlation between the amplitude of the hyperpolarization and the absolute values of the resting membrane potential. 3. The acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization was not altered by charybdotoxin (0.1 microM) or iberiotoxin (30 nM). It was partially but significantly reduced by apamin (0.5 microM) to -12.8+/-1.2 mV (n=10) or the combination of apamin plus iberiotoxin (-14.3+/-3.4mV, n=4). However, the combination of charybdotoxin and apamin abolished the hyperpolarization and under these conditions, acetylcholine evoked a depolarization (+ 7.1+/-3.7 mV, n = 8). 4. 17-ODYA (10 microM) produced a significant hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential which averaged -59.6 mV and a partial but significant inhibition of the acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (-10.9 mV). 5. Apamin did not modify the effects of 17-ODYA but in the presence of charybdotoxin or iberiotoxin, 17-ODYA no longer influenced the resting membrane potential or the acetylcholine-induced hyperpolarization. 6. When compared to solvent (ethanol, 1% v/v), epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EpETrEs) (5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12- and 14,15-EpETrE, 3 microM) did not affect the cell membrane potential and did not relax the guinea-pig isolated internal carotid artery. 7. These results indicate that, in the guinea-pig internal carotid artery, the involvement of metabolites of arachidonic acid through the cytochrome P450 pathway in endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization is unlikely. Furthermore, the hyperpolarization mediated by the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) is probably not due to the opening of BK(Ca) channels.