Prostanoid signal integration and cross talk

Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid and Prostanoid Crosstalk at the Receptor and Intracellular Signaling Levels to Maintain Vascular Tone

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) are signaling lipids produced by the cytochrome P450-(CYP450)-mediated epoxygenation of arachidonic acid. EETs have numerous biological effects on the vascular system, but aspects including their species specificity make their effects on vascular tone controversial. CYP450 enzymes require the 450-reductase (POR) for their activity. We set out to determine the contribution of endothelial CYP450 to murine vascular function using isolated aortic ring preparations from tamoxifen-inducible endothelial cell-specific POR knockout mice (ecPOR^-/-). Constrictor responses to phenylephrine were similar between control (CTR) and ecPOR^-/- mice. Contrastingly, sensitivity to the thromboxane receptor agonist U46619 and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was increased following the deletion of POR. Ex vivo incubation with a non-hydrolyzable EET (14,15-EE-8(Z)-E, EEZE) reversed the increased sensitivity to U46619 to the levels of CTR. EETs had no effect on vascular tone in phenylephrine-preconstricted vessels, but dilated vessels contracted with U46619 or PGE2. As U46619 acts through RhoA-dependent kinase, this system was analyzed. The deletion of POR affected the expression of genes in this pathway and the inhibition of Rho-GTPase with SAR407899 decreased sensitivity to U46619. These data suggest that EET and prostanoid crosstalk at the receptor level and that lack of EET production sensitizes vessels to vasoconstriction via the induction of the Rho kinase system.

Beneficial Outcomes of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Health: An Update for 2021

Oxidative stress and inflammation have been recognized as important contributors to the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may regulate the antioxidant signaling pathway and modulate inflammatory processes. They also influence hepatic lipid metabolism and physiological responses of other organs, including the heart. Longitudinal prospective cohort studies demonstrate that there is an association between moderate intake of the omega-6 PUFA linoleic acid and lower risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), most likely as a result of lower blood cholesterol concentration. Current evidence suggests that increasing intake of arachidonic acid (up to 1500 mg/day) has no adverse effect on platelet aggregation and blood clotting, immune function and markers of inflammation, but may benefit muscle and cognitive performance. Many studies show that higher intakes of omega-3 PUFAs, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are associated with a lower incidence of chronic diseases characterized by elevated inflammation, including CVDs. This is because of the multiple molecular and cellular actions of EPA and DHA. Intervention trials using EPA + DHA indicate benefit on CVD mortality and a significant inverse linear dose-response relationship has been found between EPA + DHA intake and CVD outcomes. In addition to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles, omega-3 fatty acids are considered to regulate platelet homeostasis and lower risk of thrombosis, which together indicate their potential use in COVID-19 therapy.

Eicosanoids

This article describes the pathways of eicosanoid synthesis, eicosanoid receptors, the action of eicosanoids in different physiological systems, the roles of eicosanoids in selected diseases, and the major inhibitors of eicosanoid synthesis and action. Eicosanoids are oxidised derivatives of 20-carbon polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) formed by the cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX) and cytochrome P450 (cytP450) pathways. Arachidonic acid (ARA) is the usual substrate for eicosanoid synthesis. The COX pathways form prostaglandins (PGs) and thromboxanes (TXs), the LOX pathways form leukotrienes (LTs) and lipoxins (LXs), and the cytP450 pathways form various epoxy, hydroxy and dihydroxy derivatives. Eicosanoids are highly bioactive acting on many cell types through cell membrane G-protein coupled receptors, although some eicosanoids are also ligands for nuclear receptors. Because they are rapidly catabolised, eicosanoids mainly act locally to the site of their production. Many eicosanoids have multiple, sometimes pleiotropic, effects on inflammation and immunity. The most widely studied is PGE2. Many eicosanoids have roles in the regulation of the vascular, renal, gastrointestinal and female reproductive systems. Despite their vital role in physiology, eicosanoids are often associated with disease, including inflammatory disease and cancer. Inhibitors have been developed that interfere with the synthesis or action of various eicosanoids and some of these are used in disease treatment, especially for inflammation.

Diminished neurogenic femoral artery vasoconstrictor response in a Zucker obese rat model: differential regulation of NOS and COX derivatives

Objective

Peripheral arterial disease is one of the macrovascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study addresses femoral artery regulation in a prediabetic model of obese Zucker rats (OZR) by examining cross-talk between endothelial and neural factors.

Methods and Results

Arterial preparations from lean (LZR) and OZR were subjected to electrical field stimulation (EFS) on basal tone. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) isoform expression patterns were determined by immunohistochemical labelling and Western blotting. Results indicate significantly reduced noradrenergic contractions in preparations from OZR compared with those of LZR. Functional inhibition of endothelial NOS (eNOS) indicated a predominant role of this isoform in LZR and its modified activity in OZR. Neural (nNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) were activated and their expression was higher in femoral arteries from OZR. Neurotransmission modulated by large-conductance Ca²⁺-activated (BK_Ca) or voltage-dependent (K_V) K⁺ channels did not seem compromised in the obese animals. Endothelial COX-1 and COX-2 were expressed in LZR and an additional adventitial location of COX-2 was also observed in OZR, explaining the higher COX-2 protein levels detected in this group. Prostanoids derived from both isoforms helped maintain vasoconstriction in LZR while in OZR only COX-2 was active. Superoxide anion inhibition reduced contractions in endothelium-intact arteries from OZR.

Conclusions

Endothelial dysfunction led to reduced neurogenic vasoconstriction in femoral arteries from OZR. In a setting of obesity, NO-dependent nNOS and iNOS dilation activity could be an alternative mechanism to offset COX-2- and reactive oxygen species-mediated vasoconstriction, along with impaired endothelial NO relaxation.

Reciprocal regulation of human platelet function by endogenous prostanoids and through multiple prostanoid receptors

Platelets are permanently exposed to a variety of prostanoids formed by blood cells or the vessel wall. The two major prostanoids, prostacyclin and thromboxane act through well established pathways mediated by their respective G-protein coupled receptors inhibiting or promoting platelet aggregation accordingly. Yet the role of other prostanoids and prostanoid receptors for platelet function regulation has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed at a comprehensive analysis of prostanoid effects on platelets, the receptors and pathways involved and functional consequences. We analyzed cAMP formation and phosphorylation of proteins pivotal to platelet function as well as functional platelet responses such as secretion, aggregation and phosphorylation. The types of prostanoid receptors contributing and their individual share in signaling pathways were analyzed and indicated a major role for prostanoid IP1 and DP1 receptors followed by prostanoid EP4 and EP3 receptors while prostanoid EP2 receptors appear less relevant. We could show for the first time the reciprocal action of the endogenous prostaglandin PGE2 on platelets by functional responses and phosphorylation events. PGE2 evokes stimulatory as well as inhibitory effects in a concentration dependent manner in platelets via prostanoid EP3 or EP4 and prostanoid DP1 receptors. A mathematical model integrating the pathway components was established which successfully reproduces the observed platelet responses. Additionally we could show that human platelets themselves produce sufficient PGE2 to act in an autocrine or paracrine fashion. These mechanisms may provide a fine tuning of platelet responses in the circulating blood by either promoting or limiting endogenous platelet activation.

Dynamical modelling of prostaglandin signalling in platelets reveals individual receptor contributions and feedback properties

Prostaglandins are the key-players in diminishing platelet function. They exert their effects via a variety of surface receptors that are linked to the cAMP/PKA-signalling cascade. However, less is known about the quantitative impact of the individual receptors on the underlying pathway. We present here a comprehensive ordinary differential equation-based model of the platelet cAMP pathway, including the four prostaglandin receptors IP, DP1, EP3 and EP4, the ADP receptor P2Y12, a detailed PKA-module as well as downstream-targets. Parameter estimation along with a comprehensive combination of time-course and dose-response measurements revealed the individual quantitative role of each receptor in elevating or decreasing pathway activity. A comparison of the two inhibiting receptors EP3 and P2Y12 exhibited a greater signalling strength of the EP3 receptor with implications for antithrombotic treatment. Furthermore, analysis of different model topologies revealed a direct influence of PKA on adenylate cyclase, reducing its maximum catalytic speed. Finally, we show here for the first time the dynamic behaviour of VASP-phosphorylation, which is commonly used as a marker for platelet-inhibition. We validate our model by comparing it to further experimental data.

Vascular dysfunction induced in offspring by maternal dietary fat involves altered arterial polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis

Nutrition during development affects risk of future cardiovascular disease. Relatively little is known about whether the amount and type of fat in the maternal diet affect vascular function in the offspring. To investigate this, pregnant and lactating rats were fed either 7%(w/w) or 21%(w/w) fat enriched in either 18:2n-6, trans fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, or fish oil. Their offspring were fed 4%(w/w) soybean oil from weaning until day 77. Type and amount of maternal dietary fat altered acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated vaso-relaxation in offspring aortae and mesenteric arteries, contingent on sex. Amount, but not type, of maternal dietary fat altered phenylephrine (Pe)-induced vasoconstriction in these arteries. Maternal 21% fat diet decreased 20:4n-6 concentration in offspring aortae. We investigated the role of Δ6 and Δ5 desaturases, showing that their inhibition in aortae and mesenteric arteries reduced vasoconstriction, but not vaso-relaxation, and the synthesis of specific pro-constriction eicosanoids. Removal of the aortic endothelium did not alter the effect of inhibition of Δ6 and Δ5 desaturases on Pe-mediated vasoconstriction. Thus arterial smooth muscle 20:4n-6 biosynthesis de novo appears to be important for Pe-mediated vasoconstriction. Next we studied genes encoding these desaturases, finding that maternal 21% fat reduced Fads2 mRNA expression and increased Fads1 in offspring aortae, indicating dysregulation of 20:4n-6 biosynthesis. Methylation at CpG -394 bp 5' to the Fads2 transcription start site predicted its expression. This locus was hypermethylated in offspring of dams fed 21% fat. Pe treatment of aortae for 10 minutes increased Fads2, but not Fads1, mRNA expression (76%; P<0.05). This suggests that Fads2 may be an immediate early gene in the response of aortae to Pe. Thus both amount and type of maternal dietary fat induce altered regulation of vascular tone in offspring though differential effects on vaso-relaxation, and persistent changes in vasoconstriction via epigenetic processes controlling arterial polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis.

Prostacyclin receptor-dependent inhibition of human erythroleukemia cell differentiation is STAT3-dependent

We have previously demonstrated that activation of prostacyclin (IP) receptors in human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells phosphorylates the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) via Gα(s) and Gα(16) hybrid signalling. This current study was designed to determine if functional responses to cicaprost in HEL cells were dependent on STAT3 phosphorylation. Cicaprost significantly enhanced the rapid change in HEL cell morphology induced by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), and this effect was inhibited by the IP receptor antagonist RO1138452 and a STAT3 inhibitory peptide. Other indicators of PMA-induced HEL cell differentiation, such as increased expression of CD41/CD61 and an increase in cell complexity/granularity, were inhibited by cicaprost in an IP receptor-dependent and STAT3-dependent manner. Although thrombopoietic cytokines promote megakaryocytic differentiation and platelet production via activation of STAT3, the predominant STAT3-dependent effects of cicaprost in HEL cells were inhibitory towards the process of PMA-induced megakaryocytopoeisis.

Platelet signaling-a primer

OBJECTIVE

To review the receptors and signal transduction pathways involved in platelet plug formation and to highlight links between platelets, leukocytes, endothelium, and the coagulation system.

DATA SOURCES

Original studies, review articles, and book chapters in the human and veterinary medical fields.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Platelets express numerous surface receptors. Critical among these are glycoprotein VI, the glycoprotein Ib-IX-V complex, integrin α(IIb) β(3) , and the G-protein-coupled receptors for thrombin, ADP, and thromboxane. Activation of these receptors leads to various important functional events, in particular activation of the principal adhesion receptor α(IIb) β(3) . Integrin activation allows binding of ligands such as fibrinogen, mediating platelet-platelet interaction in the process of aggregation. Signals activated by these receptors also couple to 3 other important functional events, secretion of granule contents, change in cell shape through cytoskeletal rearrangement, and procoagulant membrane expression. These processes generate a stable thrombus to limit blood loss and promote restoration of endothelial integrity.

CONCLUSIONS

Improvements in our understanding of how platelets operate through their signaling networks are critical for diagnosis of unusual primary hemostatic disorders and for rational antithrombotic drug design.

Platelets at work in primary hemostasis

When platelet numbers are low or when their function is disabled, the risk of bleeding is high, which on the one hand indicates that in normal life vascular damage is a rather common event and that hence the role of platelets in maintaining a normal hemostasis is a continuously ongoing physiological process. Upon vascular injury, platelets instantly adhere to the exposed extracellular matrix resulting in platelet activation and aggregation to form a hemostatic plug. This self-amplifying mechanism nevertheless requires a tight control to prevent uncontrolled platelet aggregate formation that eventually would occlude the vessel. Therefore endothelial cells produce inhibitory compounds such as prostacyclin and nitric oxide that limit the growth of the platelet thrombus to the damaged area. With this review, we intend to give an integrated survey of the platelet response to vascular injury in normal hemostasis.

Antagonists of the EP3 receptor for prostaglandin E2 are novel antiplatelet agents that do not prolong bleeding

Myocardial infarction and stroke are caused by blood clots forming over a ruptured or denuded atherosclerotic plaque (atherothrombosis). Production of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) by an inflamed plaque exacerbates atherothrombosis and may limit the effectiveness of current therapeutics. Platelets express multiple G-protein coupled receptors, including receptors for ADP and PGE(2). ADP can mobilize Ca(2+) and through the P(2)Y(12) receptor can inhibit cAMP production, causing platelet activation and aggregation. Clopidogrel (Plavix), a selective P(2)Y(12) antagonist, prevents platelets from clotting but thereby increases the risk of severe or fatal bleeding. The platelet EP(3) receptor for PGE(2), like the P(2)Y(12) receptor, also inhibits cAMP synthesis. However, unlike ADP, facilitation of platelet aggregation via the PGE(2)/EP(3) pathway is dependent on co-agonists that can mobilize Ca(2+). We used a ligand-based design strategy to develop peri-substituted bicylic acylsulfonamides as potent and selective EP(3) antagonists. We show that DG-041, a selective EP(3) antagonist, inhibits PGE(2) facilitation of platelet aggregation in vitro and ex vivo. PGE(2) can resensitize platelets to agonist even when the P(2)Y(12) receptor has been blocked by clopidogrel, and this can be inhibited by DG-041. Unlike clopidogrel, DG-041 does not affect bleeding time in rats, nor is bleeding time further increased when DG-041 is co-administered with clopidogrel. This indicates that EP(3) antagonists potentially have a superior safety profile compared to P(2)Y(12) antagonists and represent a novel class of antiplatelet agents.

Lipidomic analysis of prostanoids by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

Lipidomics aim to generate qualitative and quantitative information on different classes of lipids and their species, and when applied in conjunction with proteomic and genomic assays, facilitate the comprehensive study of lipid metabolism in cellular, organ, or body systems. Advances in mass spectrometry have underpinned the expansion of lipidomic methodologies. Prostanoids are potent autacoids present in a plethora of cellular systems, known best for their intimate role in inflammation. Electrospray ionisation (ESI) allows the efficient ionisation of prostanoids in aqueous systems. ESI can be readily coupled to liquid chromatography (LC) followed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)-based detection, thus allowing the development of a potent and selective LC/ESI-MS/MS quantitative assays. The protocol we describe in this chapter outlines the steps we follow to (a) extract prostanoids from solid or liquid samples, (b) semi-purify the metabolites using solid phase extraction (c) set-up the HPLC separation using reverse phase chromatography and (d) set-up the MS/MS assay using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. The experimental details and notes presented here are based on the detailed protocols followed in our group.

Identification of prostaglandin E2 receptors mediating perinatal masculinization of adult sex behavior and neuroanatomical correlates

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) mediates the organization of male rat sexual behavior and medial preoptic area (MPOA) neuroanatomy during a sensitive perinatal window. PGE2 is up-regulated in response to estradiol, and initiates a two-fold increase in dendritic spines densities on neurons. All the four receptors for PGE2 and EP1-4 are present in developing POA, a critical region controlling male sexual behavior. Previous studies explored that EP receptors are involved in PGE2-induction of neonatal levels of spinophilin protein, a surrogate marker for dendritic spine formation, but did not assess behavioral masculinization. Here, we used two approaches, suppression of EP receptor expression with antisense oligonucleotides and activation of EP receptors with selective agonists, to test which receptors are necessary and sufficient, respectively, for the effects of PGE2 on behavior and neuronal morphology. In female rats, neonatal treatment with antisense oligonucleotides against EP2 or EP4 but not EP1 or EP3 completely prevented the expression of adult behavior organized by PGE2 exposure. The effects of ONO-DI-004, ONO-AE-259-01, ONO-AE-248, and ONO-AE1-329 (EP1-4 agonists respectively) were equivalent to PGE2 treatment, which suggests activating any EP receptor neonatally suffices in masculinizing sex behavior. When given alone, not all EP agonists increased neonatal POA spinophilin levels; yet giving each agonist neonatally increased adult levels. Moreover, adult spinophilin levels significantly correlated with two measures of male sexual behavior. The body of evidence suggests that EP2 and EP4 are both necessary and sufficient for PGE2-induced masculinization of sex behavior, whereas EP1 and EP3 provide redundant roles.

Peroxiredoxin-4 interacts with and regulates the thromboxane A(2) receptor

We identified peroxiredoxin-4 (Prx-4) as a protein interacting with the beta isoform of the thromboxane A(2) receptor (TPbeta) by yeast two-hybrid analysis. Prx-4 co-immunoprecipitated constitutively with TPbeta in HEK293 cells. The second and third intracellular loops as well as the C-terminus of TPbeta interacted directly with Prx-4. Co-expression of Prx-4 caused a 60% decrease in cell surface expression of TPbeta. Prx-4 and TPbeta predominantly co-localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. Co-expression of Prx-4 in cells treated with H(2)O(2) targeted TPbeta for degradation. We show for the first time an interaction between a receptor involved in oxidative stress and Prx-4, an anti-oxidative enzyme.

Molecular signaling in necrotizing enterocolitis: regulation of intestinal COX-2 expression

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common surgical emergency in premature infants. The underlying etiology of NEC remains unknown, although bacterial colonization of the gut, formula feeding, and perinatal stress have been implicated as putative risk factors. The disease is characterized by exuberant gut inflammation leading to ischemia and coagulation necrosis of the intestinal epithelium. The molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for these pathologic changes are poorly understood. It has been shown that various exogenous and endogenous mediators such as lipopolysaccharide, inflammatory cytokines, platelet activating factor, and nitric oxide may play a role in the pathogenesis of NEC. Recent studies in our laboratory and others have established a link between NEC and activation of cyclooxygenase-2, the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of prostanoids. The challenge is in defining the molecular signaling pathways leading to accumulation of these mediators early in the disease progression, before the onset of tissue necrosis and systemic sepsis. Identification and characterization of these pathways could lead to the development of novel treatment strategies to alleviate the morbidity and mortality associated with NEC.

Effect of genistein and raloxifene on vascular dependent platelet aggregation

We checked the hypothesis whether the non-classical estrogen receptor modulators genistein and raloxifene could affect platelet aggregation through their direct effect on vascular tissue by regulating the synthesis of vasoactive compounds. In rat aortic strips, 10nM genistein or 10nM raloxifene significantly increased nitric oxide synthesis, event prevented by ICI182780. Both agents exhibited an antiaggregatory action, dependent on the nitric oxide release from vascular tissue, since preincubation of aortic strips with L-NAME partially and completely suppressed the inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by genistein or raloxifene respectively. The phytoestrogen enhanced phospholipase A(2) and prostacyclin release into the incubation medium. Indomethacin reduced in half the inhibition of platelet aggregation elicited by genistein. Finally, genistein or raloxifene also inhibited platelet aggregation in aortic strips from ovariectomized rats. In conclusion, genistein and raloxifene exhibit an antiplatelet activity through their direct action on vascular tissue, in rats with or without ovarian activity.

Roles of nitric oxide and prostacyclin in triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA)-induced vasorelaxation

OBJECTIVES

Most dental resinous materials contain the diluent monomer triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), which has been reported to be bioactive. Previously, it was demonstrated that TEGDMA induces vasorelaxation. The present study examines the mechanism(s) of the TEGDMA-induced vasorelaxation by measuring vascular nitrite and prostacyclin levels.

METHODS

Nitrite and prostacyclin levels were assayed in rat aortic tissues in response to TEGDMA. The involvement of guanylyl and adenylyl cyclases in TEGDMA-induced aortic vasorelaxation was determined using the enzyme inhibitors 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) and 9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine (SQ22536), respectively.

RESULTS

TEGDMA enhanced the levels of nitrites in endothelium-intact and that of protacyclin in both endothelium-intact and denuded rat aortas. The increase in nitrites was associated with endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation mediated via the activation of guanylyl cyclase, while the increase in prostacyclin was associated with both endothelium-dependent and independent relaxation linked to adenylyl cyclase stimulation.

SIGNIFICANCE

Data from the present investigation can be relevant to dental practice employing materials containing TEGDMA by providing insights into the vasorelaxant effect of the monomer following placement of the materials in the oral cavity. Additional studies that are more relevant to the clinical situation are required to confirm these initial results and further explore their implications.

Lipidomic analysis of twenty-seven prostanoids and isoprostanes by liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry

Prostanoids are potent mediators of many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Of the many analytical methodologies used for their qualitative and quantitative analysis, electrospray tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC/ESI-MS/MS) offers a rapid, sensitive and versatile system applicable to lipidomic analyses. We have developed an LC/ESI-MS/MS assay for twenty-seven mediators including prostaglandins, prostacyclines, thromboxanes, dihydroprostaglandins and isoprostanes. The assay was liner over the concentration range 1-100 pg/microL. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.5-50 and 2-100 pg, respectively, whilst recoveries were from 83-116% depending on the metabolite. The assay can be applied to the profiling of prostanoids produced by a variety of biological fluids and extracts including brain, liver, plasma and urine, thus facilitating our understanding of the role of these lipid mediators in health and disease, as well as assisting in drug development.

Novel action of estrone on vascular tissue: regulation of NOS and COX activity

The hypothesis tested in the present work is that estrone non-genomically regulates aortic nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) activities in female rats, and that such regulation depends on ovarian function. We found that physiological concentrations of estrone (E(1)) (0.1-10nM) significantly increased nitric oxide (NO) production (133 and 163% above control). The stimulatory action of E(1) on NOS activity was independent of calcium influx since the increase in NO elicited by the hormone was not affected by EGTA or verapamil. When COX activity was measured, we observed that estrone enhanced thromboxane (TXB(2)) production and prostacyclin (PGI(2)) release, but not prostaglandin (PGF(2), PGD(2), and PGE(2)) synthesis. Finally we demonstrated that the hormonal effect on NOS activity was not detected in rat aortic strips (RAS) isolated from animals deprived of ovarian activity (FR(-)) or ovariectomized rats (OVX). These results suggest that estrone exerts a direct, non-genomic action on rat aortic metabolism, which involves NOS and COX activation and depends on ovarian activity.

Thromboxane A2 (TP) receptor in the non-pregnant porcine myometrium and its role in regulation of spontaneous contractile activity

Although there are species-related differences in uterine prostanoid receptor subtypes, functional prostanoid receptors in the porcine uterus are similar with those in the human uterus (FP, TP, EP(1), EP(2), EP(3), DP and IP) except for the TP receptor. These similarities promoted us to determine whether TP receptors are present in the non-pregnant porcine uterus. For this purpose, the effects of TP receptor agonists and antagonists were investigated by a contraction study and by a binding study. 9,11-Dideoxy-9 alpha, 11 alpha-methanoepoxy-prosta-5Z,13E-dien-1-oic acid (U46619, 1 nM-10 microM), a stable thromboxane A(2) mimetic, caused tetrodotoxin-resistant contraction in both longitudinal and circular muscles of the uterine cornu. The pEC(50) value in the longitudinal muscle (6.69) was lower than that in the circular muscle (7.62), but the maximum response in the longitudinal muscle was two times larger than that in the circular muscle. The longitudinal and circular muscles of other regions (corpus and cervix) also responded to U46619, and region-related difference in contractile responses was observed only in the longitudinal muscles. 4(Z)-6-(2-o-Chlorophenyl-4-o-hydroxyphenyl-1,3-dioxan-cis-5-yl) hexenoic acid (ICI192605) and 7-[3-[[2-[(phenylamino)carbonyl] hydrazino]methyl]7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-,[1S-[1 alpha,2 alpha(Z),3 alpha,4 alpha]]-]5-heptenoic acid (SQ29548) inhibited the contractile responses to U46619 competitively. The longitudinal and circular muscles in the cornu contained a single class of [3H]SQ29548 binding site with similar K(d) values (30 nM), but B(max) in the circular muscle (90.9+/-8.6 fmol/mg protein) was two times higher than that in the longitudinal muscle (58.2+/-8.6 fmol/mg protein). The ranking order of competition by TP receptor agonists and antagonists (with pK(i) values in parentheses) was [1S-[1,2(Z),3(1E,3S*),4]]-7-[3-[3-Hydroxy-4-(4-iodophenoxy)-1-butenyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (I-BOP, 7.70)>SQ29548 (7.39)>7-[3-(3-Hydroxy-1-octenyl)bicycle[3.1.1]hept-2-yl]-,[2S-[2 alpha(Z),3 beta(1E,3R*)]]-5-heptenoic acid (CTA(2), 6.55)>7-[3-(3-hydroxy-1-octenyl)-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-yl-,[1S-[1 alpha,2 beta(Z),3 alpha(1E,3R*),5 alpha]]-5-heptenoic acid (PTA(2), 6.50)>U46619 (6.41)>7-[5-(3-hydroxy-1-octenyl)-2-oxabicyclo[2.2.1] hept-6yl]-,[1S-[1 alpha,4 alpha,5 alpha(1E,3R*),6 beta(Z)]]-5-heptenoic acid (U44069, 6.34), and this order is consistent with current TP receptors. Treatment with indomethacin (100 nM) and N-tert-butyl-N cent -[(2-cyclohexylamino-5-nitrobenzene) sulfonyl] urea (BM-531, 10 microM) inhibited the spontaneous contractile activities of both longitudinal and circular muscles. The present results indicate that contractile TP receptors are present in the non-pregnant porcine uterus. Therefore, the prostanoid receptor subtypes that exist in the porcine uterus (TP, IP, DP, FP, EP(1), EP(2) and EP(3)) are the same as those present in the human uterus. The distribution of TP receptors in the porcine uterus differed depending on the type of myometrium (longitudinal and circular muscles) and region of the uterus. The endogenous thromboxane A(2)-TP receptor pathway is thought to play a physiological role in regulation of spontaneous contractile activity in the porcine uterus.

Protein kinase A-dependent coupling of mouse prostacyclin receptors to Gi is cell-type dependent

The ability of the prostacyclin (IP) receptor agonist cicaprost to activate Gs-, Gq/11- and Gi-mediated cell signalling pathways has been examined in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells expressing the cloned human (hIP) or mouse (mIP) prostacyclin receptor, and compared with data from NG108-15 and SK-N-SH cells that endogenously express rat/mouse and human IP receptors, respectively. Cicaprost stimulated [3H]cyclic AMP production with EC50 values of 1.5-22 nM, and stimulated [3H]inositol phosphate production (EC50 values 49-457 nM) in all but the SK-N-SH cells. Cicaprost failed to inhibit forskolin-stimulated [3H]cyclic AMP production in any of these cell lines. Therefore, although both human and mouse IP receptors couple to Gs and Gq/11-mediated signalling pathways in a cell type-dependent manner, we could find no evidence for IP receptor coupling to Gi.