12-Lipoxygenase products modulate calcium signals in vascular smooth muscle cells

Serum metabolism characteristics of patients with myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery explored by the untargeted metabolomics approach

BACKGROUND

Myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is one of the most common complications associated with postoperative adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality. However, MINS often fails to be timely diagnosed due to the absence of clinical symptoms and limited diagnostic methods. The metabolomic analysis might be an efficient way to discover new biomarkers of MINS. Characterizing the metabolomic features of MINS patients may provide new insight into the diagnosis of MINS.

METHODS

In this study, serum samples from 20 matched patients with or without MINS (n = 10 per group) were subjected to untargeted metabolomics analysis to investigate comprehensive metabolic information. Differential metabolites were identified, and the enriched metabolic pathway was determined based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database.

RESULTS

A comprehensive analysis revealed 124 distinct metabolites, predominantly encompassing lipids, amino acids and other compounds. The observed modifications in metabolic pathways in patients with or without MINS showed significant clustering in cholesterol metabolism, aldosterone synthesis and secretion, primary bile acid biosynthesis, as well as cysteine and methionine metabolism. Four specific metabolites (taurocholic acid, L-pyroglutamic acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, and pyridoxamine) exhibited promising potential as biomarkers for prognosticating MINS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study contributes valuable insights into the metabolomic features of MINS and the discovery of potential biomarkers which may help the early diagnosis of MINS. The identified metabolites and altered pathways offer valuable insights into the molecular underpinnings of MINS, paving the way for improved diagnostic approaches and potential intervention strategies.

Numb is required for optimal contraction of skeletal muscle

BACKGROUND

The role of Numb, a protein that is important for cell fate and development and that, in human muscle, is expressed at reduced levels with advanced age, was investigated; adult mice skeletal muscle and its localization and function within myofibres were determined.

METHODS

Numb expression was evaluated by western blot. Numb localization was determined by confocal microscopy. The effects of conditional knock out (cKO) of Numb and the closely related gene Numb-like in skeletal muscle fibres were evaluated by in situ physiology, transmission and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, three-dimensional reconstruction of mitochondria, lipidomics, and bulk RNA sequencing. Additional studies using primary mouse myotubes investigated the effects of Numb knockdown on cell fusion, mitochondrial function, and calcium transients.

RESULTS

Numb protein expression was reduced by ~70% (P < 0.01) at 24 as compared with 3 months of age in gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle. Numb was localized within muscle fibres as bands traversing fibres at regularly spaced intervals in close proximity to dihydropyridine receptors. The cKO of Numb and Numb-like reduced specific tetanic force by 36% (P < 0.01), altered mitochondrial spatial relationships to sarcomeric structures, increased Z-line spacing by 30% (P < 0.0001), perturbed sarcoplasmic reticulum organization and reduced mitochondrial volume by over 80% (P < 0.01). Only six genes were differentially expressed in cKO mice: Itga4, Sema7a, Irgm2, Vezf1, Mib1, and Tmem132a. Several lipid mediators derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids through lipoxygenases were up-regulated in Numb cKO skeletal muscle: 12-HEPE was increased by ~250% (P < 0.05) and 17,18-EpETE by ~240% (P < 0.05). In mouse primary myotubes, Numb knockdown reduced cell fusion (~20%, P < 0.01) and delayed the caffeine-induced rise in cytosolic calcium concentrations by more than 100% (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings implicate Numb as a critical factor in skeletal muscle structure and function and suggest that Numb is critical for calcium release. We therefore speculate that Numb plays critical roles in excitation-contraction coupling, one of the putative targets of aged skeletal muscles. These findings provide new insights into the molecular underpinnings of the loss of muscle function observed with sarcopenia.

Unraveling the Role of 12- and 20- HETE in Cardiac Pathophysiology: G-Protein-Coupled Receptors, Pharmacological Inhibitors, and Transgenic Approaches

ABSTRACT

Arachidonic acid-derived lipid mediators play crucial roles in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Eicosanoid metabolites generated by lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 enzymes produce several classes of molecules, including the epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETE) family of bioactive lipids. In general, the cardioprotective effects of EETs have been documented across a number of cardiac diseases. In contrast, members of the HETE family have been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of ischemic cardiac disease, maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure. The net effect of 12(S)- and 20-HETE depends upon the relative amounts generated, ratio of HETEs:EETs produced, timing of synthesis, as well as cellular and subcellular mechanisms activated by each respective metabolite. HETEs are synthesized by and affect multiple cell types within the myocardium. Moreover, cytochrome P450-derived and lipoxygenase- derived metabolites have been shown to directly influence cardiac myocyte growth and the regulation of cardiac fibroblasts. The mechanistic data uncovered thus far have employed the use of enzyme inhibitors, HETE antagonists, and the genetic manipulation of lipid-producing enzymes and their respective receptors, all of which influence a complex network of outcomes that complicate data interpretation. This review will summarize and integrate recent findings on the role of 12(S)-/20-HETE in cardiac diseases.

Chinese Herbal Medicine on Cardiovascular Diseases and the Mechanisms of Action

Cardiovascular diseases are the principal cause of death worldwide. The potentially serious adverse effects of therapeutic drugs lead to growing awareness of the role of Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Chinese herbal medicine has been widely used in many countries especially in China from antiquity; however, the mechanisms by which herbal medicine acts in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases are far from clear. In this review, we briefly describe the characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine by comparing with western medicine. Then we summarize the formulae and herbs/natural products applied in the clinic and animal studies being sorted according to the specific cardiovascular diseases. Most importantly, we elaborate the existing investigations into mechanisms by which herbal compounds act at the cellular levels, including vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, cardiomyocytes and immune cells. Future research should focus on well-designed clinic trial, in-depth mechanic study, investigations on side effects of herbs and drug interactions. Studies on developing new agents with effectiveness and safety from traditional Chinese medicine is a promising way for prevention and treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Estradiol-17β increases 12- and 15-lipoxygenase (type2) expression and activity and reactive oxygen species in human umbilical vascular smooth muscle cells

The net vascular effect of estrogens on the vasculature is still under debate. Here we tested the effects of estradiol- 17β (E2) as well as estrogen-receptor subtype specific and non-specific agonists and antagonists on the expression and eicosanoid production of lipoxygenase (LO) enzymes expressed in culture human umbilical vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), the platelet type 12LO and 15LO type 2. E2 increased 12 and 15LO mRNA expression by 2-3 folds and elicited an acute 50% increase 12 and 15 hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) production. Neither estrogen receptor ERα nor ERβ-specific agonists were able to reproduce the induction of LO expression, but E2-induced expression was effectively blocked by ER non-specific and receptor subtype specific antagonists. Because 12 and 15HETE can increase reactive oxygen species in other cell types, we tested the possibility that E2 could raise ROS through LO. Indeed, E2 as well as the LO products 12 and 15HETE increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in VSMC. E2-dependent and HETE-induced ROS could be blocked by NAD (P) H-oxidase inhibitors and by the ER general antagonist ICI. E2-induced ROS was partially (∼50%) blocked by the LO inhibitor baicalein, but the LO blocker had no effect on 12 or 15HETE- induced ROS formation, thus suggesting that part of E2-dependent ROS generation resulted from E2-induced 12 and 15HETE. Collectively these findings unveil an unrecognized effect of E2 in human VSMC, to induce 12 and 15LO type 2 expression and activity and suggest that E2-dependent ROS formation in VSMC may be partially mediated by the induction of 12 and 15HETE.

The role of mid-chain hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids in the pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy

The incidence, prevalence, and hospitalization rates associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are projected to increase substantially in the world. Understanding of the biological and pathophysiological mechanisms of survival can help the researchers to develop new management modalities. Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that mid-chain HETEs are strongly involved in the pathogenesis of the CVDs. Mid-chain HETEs are biologically active eicosanoids that result from the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA) by both lipoxygenase and CYP1B1 (lipoxygenase-like reaction). Therefore, identifying the localizations and expressions of the lipoxygenase and CYP1B1 and their associated AA metabolites in the cardiovascular system is of major importance in understanding their pathological roles. Generally, the expression of these enzymes is shown to be induced during several CVDs, including hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. The induction of these enzymes is associated with the generation of mid-chain HETEs and subsequently causation of cardiovascular events. Of interest, inhibiting the formation of mid-chain HETEs has been reported to confer a protection against different cardiac hypertrophy and hypertension models such as angiotensin II, Goldblatt, spontaneously hypertensive rat and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt-induced models. Although the exact mechanisms of mid-chain HETEs-mediated cardiovascular dysfunction are not fully understood, the present review proposes several mechanisms which include activating G-protein-coupled receptor, protein kinase C, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and nuclear factor kappa B. This review provides a clear understanding of the role of mid-chain HETEs in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and their importance as novel targets in the treatment for hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy.

Role of lipoxygenase products in the effects of angiotensin II in the isolated aorta and perfused heart of the rat

The objective of this study was to determine whether arachidonate metabolites are involved in the vasoconstrictive effects of angiotensin II in rats. In the isolated perfused heart, dexamethasone (4 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the maximal decreases in coronary flow induced by angiotensin II and vasopressin (reference drug). In the heart, the nonselective lipoxygenase inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA, 1 μM) markedly suppressed the angiotensin II-induced decreases in coronary flow. NDGA (10 μM) inhibited both angiotensin II- and methoxamine- (reference drug) induced contractions in aortic rings with (in the presence of L-NAME) and without endothelium. In the heart, the leukotriene synthesis inhibitor MK-886 (0.3 μM) significantly reduced the maximal effects to angiotensin II, but the leukotriene antagonist FPL 55712 (0.1 and 0.3 μM) had no effect. We conclude that in the isolated perfused rat heart angiotensin II-induced decreases in coronary flow are in part mediated by Hpoxygenase products, which might be derived from the 5-Hpoxygenase pathway, but are probably not leukotrienes. Furthermore, endothelium independent Hpoxygenase products mediate part of the contractile responses to angiotensin II in the isolated rat aorta.

Functional and pathological roles of the 12- and 15-lipoxygenases

The 12/15-lipoxygenase enzymes react with fatty acids producing active lipid metabolites that are involved in a number of significant disease states. The latter include type 1 and type 2 diabetes (and associated complications), cardiovascular disease, hypertension, renal disease, and the neurological conditions Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. A number of elegant studies over the last thirty years have contributed to unraveling the role that lipoxygenases play in chronic inflammation. The development of animal models with targeted gene deletions has led to a better understanding of the role that lipoxygenases play in various conditions. Selective inhibitors of the different lipoxygenase isoforms are an active area of investigation, and will be both an important research tool and a promising therapeutic target for treating a wide spectrum of human diseases.

Aldosterone up-regulates 12- and 15-lipoxygenase expression and LDL oxidation in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Several lines of evidence suggest that aldosterone excess may have detrimental effects in the cardiovascular system, independent of its interaction with the renal epithelial cells. Here we examined the possibility that aldosterone modulates 12- and/or 15-lipoxygenase (LO) expression/activity in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), in vitro, thereby potentially contributing to both vascular reactivity and atherogenesis. Following 24 h treatment of VSMC with aldosterone (1 nmol/L), there was a approximately 2-fold increase in the generation rate of 12 hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE), 70% increase in platelet type 12-LO mRNA expression (P < 0.001) along with a approximately 3-fold increase in 12-LO protein expression, which were blocked by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists spironolactone (100 nmol/L) and eplerelone (100 nmol/ml). Additionally, aldosterone (1 nmol/L; 24 h) increased the production of 15-HETE (50%; P < 0.001) and the expression of 15-LO type 2 mRNA (50%; P < 0.05) (in VSMC). Aldosterone also increased the 12- and 15-LO type 2 mRNA expression in a line of human aortic smooth muscle cells (T/G HA-VSMC) (60% and 50%, respectively). Aldosterone-induced 12- and 15-LO type 2 mRNA expressions were blocked by the EGF-receptor antagonist AG 1478 and by the MAPK-kinase inhibitor UO126. Aldosterone-treated VSMC also showed increased LDL oxidation, (approximately 2-fold; P < 0.001), which was blocked by spironolactone. In conclusion, aldosterone increased 12- and 15-LO expression in human VSMC, in association with increased 12- and 15-HETE generation and enhanced LDL oxidation and may directly augment VSMC contractility, hypertrophy, and migration through 12-HETE and promote LDL oxidation via the pro-oxidative properties of these enzymes.

12S-lipoxygenase protein associates with α-actin fibers in human umbilical artery vascular smooth muscle cells

The current study sets out to characterize the intracellular localization of the platelet-type 12S-lipoxygenase (12-LO), an enzyme involved in angiotensin-II induced signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Immunohistochemical analysis of VSMC in vitro or human umbilical arteries in vivo showed a clear cytoplasmic localization. On immunogold electron microscopy, 12-LO was found primarily associated with cytoplasmic VSMC muscle fibrils. Upon angiotensin-II treatment of cultured VSMC, immunoprecipitated 12-LO was found bound to alpha-actin, a component of the cytoplasmic myofilaments. 12-LO/alpha-actin binding was blocked by VSMC pretreatment with the 12-LO inhibitors, baicalien or esculetine and the protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. Moreover, the binding of 12-LO to alpha-actin was not associated with 12-LO serine or tyrosine phosphorylation. These observations suggest a previously unrecognized angiotensin-II dependent protein interaction in VSMC through which 12-LO protein may be trafficked, for yet undiscovered purposes towards the much more abundantly expressed cytoskeletal protein alpha-actin.

A coding polymorphism in the 12-lipoxygenase gene is associated to essential hypertension and urinary 12(S)-HETE

The arachidonic acid-derived metabolite 12-(S)hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HETE), catalyzed by 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX, ALOX12), exhibits a variety of biological activities with implications in cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have shown higher urinary excretion of this metabolite in essential hypertension. The aim of this study was to analyze the association of polymorphisms in ALOX12 with hypertension and urinary levels of 12(S)-HETE. We studied 200 patients with essential hypertension (aged 56+/-1 years, mean+/-s.e.m., 97 males) and 166 matched controls (aged 54+/-1 years, 91 males). Out of six polymorphisms in the coding region of ALOX12, only R261Q determined a nonconservative amino-acid change and was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and restriction digestion. Urinary 12(S)-HETE was measured in Sep-Pack-extracted samples using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution of genotypes of the R261Q polymorphism was significantly different between patients and controls: patients 92 (0.46) GG, 84 (0.42) GA, 24 (0.12) AA vs controls 56 (0.34) GG, 78 (0.47) GA, 32 (0.19) AA (P=0.030). On the contrary, no association was observed for two intronic polymorphisms. The urinary excretion of 12(S)-HETE (ng/mg creatinine) was significantly higher in GG homozygous patients (13.0+/-1.5) than in GA (8.2+/-1.8) or in AA (8+/-1.5) patients (P=0.018). These results indicate that a nonsynonymous polymorphism in ALOX12 is associated to essential hypertension and to urinary levels of 12(S)-HETE, thus suggesting a role for this gene in this disease.

Eicosanoids and renal vascular function in diseases

Arachidonic acid metabolites are vital for the proper control of renal haemodynamics and, when not properly controlled, can contribute to renal vascular injury and end-stage renal disease. Three major enzymatic pathways, COX (cyclo-oxygenase), CYP450 (cytochrome P450) and LOX (lipoxygenase), are responsible for the metabolism of arachidonic acid metabolites to bioactive eicosanoids. These eicosanoids can dilate or constrict the renal vasculature and maintain vascular resistance in the face of changing vasoactive hormones. Renal vascular generation of eicosanoids is altered in pathophysiological conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and acute renal failure. Experimental evidence supports the concept that altered eicosanoid metabolism contributes to renal haemodynamic alterations and the development and progression of nephropathy. The possible beneficial renal vascular actions of enzymatic inhibitors, eicosanoid analogues and receptor antagonists have been examined in hypertension, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This review highlights the roles of renal vascular eicosanoids in the pathogenesis of nephropathy and therapeutic targets for renal disease related to hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and acute renal failure.

12-Lipoxygenase metabolism in mouse distal convoluted tubule cells

BACKGROUND

Several lines of evidence point to the 12-lipoxygenase (12-LOX) family as important mediators in hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular diseases. The kidney has been a main focus for research of the role of this pathway in several disease models. While most of the studies have focused on mesangial or vascular cells, less is known about 12-LOX regulation at the renal tubular level. The aim of the study was to characterize the expression and regulation by hormones of the family of 12-LOX in mouse distal convoluted tubule at the molecular level.

METHODS

An immortalized mouse distal convoluted tubule (mDCT) cell line was used. mRNA and protein levels were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot, respectively, while 12(S)-HETE production was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cells were challenged with aldosterone, angiotensin II, 8Br-cAMP, and vasopressin.

RESULTS

We showed that both platelet (P) and leukocyte (L)-type 12-LOX are expressed in the mDCT cell line, as well as in distal tubules of human kidneys. The production of 12(S)-HETE by mDCT cells was increased in response to cAMP (by two-fold) and by vasopressin (by 1.5-fold). In contrast, neither aldosterone nor angiotensin II exerted appreciable effects on 12(S)-HETE production. The mRNA and protein levels of P-12LOX and L-12LOX were not changed by the different hormones, suggesting that they may act by modulating enzyme activity. We further have demonstrated that this mDCT cell line also expressed the recently cloned 12(R)-LOX.

CONCLUSION

mDCT cells show an active 12-LOX metabolism that appears to be modulated by cAMP and vasopressin.

12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid participates in angiotensin II afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction by activating L-type calcium channels

The lipoxygenase (LO) metabolite, 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid [12(S)-HETE], constricts renal vessels, contributes to the vascular response to angiotensin, and has been implicated in cardiovascular and renal diseases. The current studies were performed to determine if renal microvascular 12(S)-HETE production is stimulated by angiotensin and the contribution of L-type calcium channels to the vasoconstriction elicited by 12(S)-HETE. Angiotensin increased renal microvascular 12(S)-HETE production by 64%, whereas cyclooxygenase metabolite production was not altered. Renal microvessels also expressed platelet-type 12-LO and leukocyte-type 12-LO. In the juxtamedullary preparation, afferent arteriolar diameter averaged 21 +/- 1 microm and 12(S)-HETE caused a graded decrease in vessel caliber. The afferent arteriolar response to 12(S)-HETE was abolished during L-type calcium channel inhibition. Renal microvascular smooth muscle cells were studied using fluorescence microscopy. Renal myocyte [Ca2+]i averaged 93 +/- 5 nmol/l. The 12(S)-HETE (5 micromol/l) increased myocyte [Ca2+]i to a peak value of 340 +/- 55 nmol/l. The peak [Ca2+]i response following exposure to 12(S)-HETE was greatly attenuated in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ or calcium channel blockade. These results demonstrate that renal microvascular 12(S)-HETE production is increased in response to angiotensin, and activation of L-type calcium channels is an important mechanism responsible for the afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction elicited by 12(S)-HETE.

Reduced growth factor responses in vascular smooth muscle cells derived from 12/15-lipoxygenase-deficient mice

Biochemical and genetic evidence support the involvement of leukocyte-type 12/15-lipoxygenase enzyme and its products in the atherogenic process. We recently showed that products of the 12/15-lipoxygenase pathway play an important role in mediating hypertrophy, matrix protein production, and inflammatory gene expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) through activation of mitogen activated protein kinases and key transcription factors. The current study is aimed at establishing the in vivo role of 12/15-lipoxygenase in VSMC by comparing growth factor-induced responses in VSMC derived from 12/15-lipoxygenase knockout mice versus genetic control wild-type mice. In the lipoxygenase knockout cells, 12/15-lipoxygenase protein was not expressed, and levels of its product, 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, were reduced (51% of wild type). Knockout cells exhibited significantly lower rates of growth factor-induced migration, fibronectin production, and incorporation of 3H-thymidine and 3H-leucine (54%, 55%, 61%, and 57% of wild type, respectively). Growth factor-induced superoxide production and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation were also reduced in knockout cells. Serum-stimulated AP-1 transcription factor activation was markedly reduced (50% of wild type), whereas cAMP response element binding protein activation was abrogated in knockout cells. Furthermore, growth factor-induced mRNA expression of immediate early genes and fibronectin were also greatly reduced. These results suggest that the modulation of specific signaling pathways and growth-responsive genes may be responsible for the altered growth factor responses in the lipoxygenase knockout cells. They also demonstrate the important in vivo role of vascular 12/15-lipoxygenase in VSMC growth, migration, and matrix responses associated with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and restenosis.

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization to acetylcholine in carotid artery of guinea pig: role of lipoxygenase

This study was designed to determine whether lipoxygenase-dependent metabolites of arachidonic acid are involved in the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization of the guinea pig carotid artery. The membrane potential of vascular smooth muscle cells was measured with intracellular microelectrodes and potassium channels were studied on freshly isolated cells with the patch-clamp technique. Acetylcholine-induced hyperpolarizations were not affected by arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF3), quinacrine (phospholipase A inhibitors), or eicosatetraenoic acid (nonspecific inhibitor of lipoxygenase, cytochrome P450, and cyclooxygenase). In contrast, cinnamyl-3,4 dihydroxy-alpha-cyanocinnamate (CDC) and AA861 (lipoxygenase inhibitors) as well as 1-(6-(17beta-3-methoxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl)amino) hexyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (U-73122) (phospholipase C inhibitor) produced a significant inhibition of the hyperpolarization. An opener of intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channels, 1-ethyl-2-benzamidazolinone (1-EBIO), induced a hyperpolarization that was unaffected by AACOCF3, CDC, AA861, or U-73122 but was inhibited by charybdotoxin. (+/-)12-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and 12(S)-hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (12(S)-HpETE) did not induce any significant changes in membrane potential. CDC inhibited the voltage-gated potassium current and increased the large conductance calcium-activated potassium current whereas AA861 inhibited both potassium currents. These results confirm that, in the isolated carotid artery of the guinea pig, stimulation of endothelial muscarinic receptors involves phospholipase C activation and indicate that the activation of phospholipase A2 and the release of lipoxygenase metabolites is unlikely to explain endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization.

Contribution of renal oxygenases to glycerol-induced acute renal failure in the rat

Administration of glycerol produces acute renal failure (ARF) accompanied by profound vasoconstriction. It was hypothesized that impaired arachidonic acid metabolism may contribute to the vasoconstriction through alteration of renal eicosanoids or endothelin-1 or angiotensin II stimulation of renal oxygenases. Arachidonic acid (5, 10, 25 microg) in the control kidney produced increases in perfusion pressure of 15 +/- 9, 18 +/- 8, and 43 +/- 18 mm Hg, respectively. These responses were increased 1.5-fold in glycerol-induced renal failure (p < 0.01). Indomethacin (10 microM), the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, converted arachidonic acid vasoconstriction to epoxide-mediated vasodilator responses, which were unchanged in ARF. In ARF, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (10 microM), the all-purpose inhibitor of arachidonic acid metabolism; indomethacin (10 microM), a cyclooxygenase inhibitor; 5,8,11-eicosatriyenoic acid (2.5 microM), the 5- and 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor; or aminobenzotriazole (50 mM), the cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase inhibitor, markedly attenuated arachidonic acid-induced vasoconstriction by 73 +/- 11% (p < 0.01), 89 +/- 1% (p < 0.01), 62 +/- 11% (p < 0.01), and 82 +/- 2% (p < 0.01), respectively. In ARF, angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction was amplified by 67% (p < 0.01). Eicosatetraynoic acid, eicosatriyenoic acid, and aminobenzotriazole reduced these responses by 33 +/- 6% (p < 0.05), 53 +/- 6% (p < 0.01), and 52 +/- 11% (p < 0.05), respectively. Vasoconstriction by endothelin-1 was unchanged in ARF (24 +/- 17%). However, indomethacin attenuated endothelin-1 vasoconstriction by 41 +/- 11% (p < 0.05), whereas eicosatriyenoic acid and aminobenzotriazole were without effect. These data suggest that the increased renal vascular reactivity in ARF in response to arachidonic acid involves a relatively greater production of cyclooxygenase metabolites than monoxygenase- or lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoid metabolites. Furthermore, increased angiotensin II vasoconstriction is predominantly through lipoxygenase and monoxygenase metabolic pathways, whereas for endothelin-1, increased cyclooxygenase-derived vasoconstrictor metabolites play a significant role in its amplified vasoconstrictor effect in glycerol-induced ARF.

A novel form of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase mRNA in human vascular smooth muscle cells

The lipoxygenase pathway has been implicated in the growth, migration, and contraction of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, the precise type of lipoxygenase present in the vascular wall has not been characterized. In this study, we used a specific reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction method with 2 sets of specific primers on total RNA and polyA (+)RNA of normal human VSMCs prepared from umbilical artery. Two forms of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase mRNA were present in human VSMCs: the already published form cloned from human erythroleukemia cells and a variant form of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase, which includes 2 additional sequences consistent with the 2 introns (D and E). This novel form of 12-lipoxygenase poly A (+)RNA was downregulated by lipopolysaccharide (10 ug/ml) and upregulated by epidermal growth factor (100 ng/ml) but was not affected by angiotensin II (10(-7) mol/l). We developed a rabbit anti-human platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase polyclonal antibody directed against a 24-amino acid peptide encoded within exon 4. Western immunoblotting of protein extracted from VSMCs and umbilical artery and platelet extract with this antibody showed a coordinate 110-kDa protein and the already-described 70-kDa band detected in platelets and cord homogenate. Another 120-kDa protein was consistently detected in cord extracts but not in platelet or VSMC homogenates. The immunohistochemistry study performed with the same antibody showed extensive cytoplasmic staining of VSMCs. The specific role of these different forms of platelet-type 12-lipoxygenase is subject to further investigation.

Cysteinyl leukotrienes mediate enhanced vasoconstriction to angiotensin II but not endothelin-1 in SHR

We assessed whether cysteinyl leukotrienes mediate the vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin II and endothelin-1 in the mesenteric vascular bed of Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) perfused ex vivo at a constant flow rate of 5 ml/min with Krebs buffer. Maximal perfusion pressure response (E(max)) but not EC(50) values to angiotensin II (P < 0.001) and endothelin-1 (P < 0.01) were significantly higher in the SHR, whereas the responses to potassium chloride remained unchanged. Inclusion of the selective 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor AA-861 or the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist MK-571 significantly reduced the vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin II but not to endothelin-1 and potassium chloride. The reduction in E(max) to angiotensin II was more pronounced in SHR (P < 0.001) than in WKY (P < 0.05) rats. Cysteinyl leukotrienes LTC(4)-, LTD(4)-, and LTE(4) (1 microM)-evoked vasoconstrictor responses were significantly higher in SHR (P < 0.05), whereas LTB(4) failed to evoke any response in either strain. These data suggest that 5-lipoxygenase metabolites, particularly cysteinyl leukotrienes, contribute to the exaggerated vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin II but not to endothelin-1.

12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid potentiates angiotensin II-induced pressor response in rats

We studied whether 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) affected the angiotensin II-induced pressor response in rats. After intravenous administration of 1 and 3 microg/kg 12-HETE, the angiotensin II-induced pressor response was not potentiated. However, 10, 20 and 30 min after the administration of 10 microg/kg 12-HETE, the angiotensin II-induced pressor responses were increased by 7.5, 6.8 and 4.8 mm Hg, respectively. The significant pressor response was observed at 10 and 20 min after the administration. In this study, we clearly demonstrated that 12-HETE potentiated the angiotensin II-induced pressor response.

Potentiating effects on contractions by purified baicalin and baicalein in the rat mesenteric artery

The effects of purified baicalin and baicalein from the traditional Chinese herb, Huangqin, on contractions induced by phenylephrine, U46619, and high extracellular K+ were investigated in isolated rat mesenteric arteries. Both baicalin (1-100 microM) and baicalein (1-50 microM) potentiated the contractile response to phenylephrine in a concentration-related manner. Both flavonoids (10 microM) also enhanced the U46619- or 40 mM K+-induced contractions. Baicalein (100-300 microM) reduced the phenylephrine-induced tone. Prazosin at 1 microM did not affect U46619-induced contraction in the absence and presence of baicalein or baicalin. Neither baicalin (1-100 microM) nor baicalein (1-100 microM) affected the basal tension. Removal of the functional endothelium abolished the potentiating effects of baicalin and baicalein in arteries preconstricted by both constrictors. Pretreatment of endothelium-intact rings with 100 microM N(G)-nitro-L-arginine also potentiated phenylephrine- or U46619-induced contraction but completely inhibited the effects of baicalin and baicalein. Pretreatment with 1 mM L-arginine reversed the enhancing effect of baicalin but not of baicalein on phenylephrine-evoked contraction. Pretreatment with 10 microM baicalin or 10 microM baicalein significantly reduced the endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine or ionomycin. These results indicate that both baicalin and baicalein potentiated the evoked contractile response, likely through inhibition of nitric oxide formation and/or release in the endothelium.

Lipoxygenase-dependent mechanisms in hypertension

This study was designed to examine the contribution of lipoxygenase products to mechanisms of vascular contraction and elevated blood pressure in rats with aortic coarctation-induced hypertension. In cytosolic fractions of aortae taken from hypertensive rats, 12-lipoxygenase protein was increased as compared to normotensive controls. Aortic rings from hypertensive, but not from normotensive rats, exhibited a basal tone which was reduced 74+/-12 and 71+/-22%, respectively, by the lipoxygenase inhibitors cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-alpha-cyanocinnamate (CDC, 10(-5) mol/L) and 5,8,11-eicosatriynoic acid (ETI, 10(-5) mol/L). CDC (8 mg/kg s.c.) did not affect the blood pressure of normotensive rats but decreased that of hypertensive rats from 182+/-6 to 151+/-10 mm Hg. The blood pressure lowering effect of CDC was blunted in hypertensive rats pretreated with indomethacin or antibodies against 5,6-dihydro-prostaglandin I2. These data suggest contribution of lipoxygenase-derived products to mechanisms underlying aortic smooth muscle basal tone and elevated blood pressure in rats with aortic coarctation-induced hypertension. The vasodepressor effect of CDC depends on a mechanism involving vasodilatory prostaglandins.

Prostaglandins buffer ANG II-mediated increases in cytosolic calcium in preglomerular VSMC

In order to exert an appropriate biological effect, the action of the vasoconstrictive hormone angiotensin II (ANG II) is modulated by vasoactive factors such as prostaglandins PGE2 and PGI2. The present study investigates whether prostaglandins alter ANG II-mediated increases in cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) isolated from rat renal preglomerular arterioles. [Ca2+]i was assessed using the calcium-sensitive dye fura 2 and a microscope-based photometer system. ANG II (10(-7) M) caused a biphasic, time-dependent [Ca2+]i response: an initial peak increase from 52 +/- 7 to 264 +/- 25 nM, followed by a sustained plateau of 95 +/- 9 nM in cultured VSMC. Coadministration of PGE2 or PGI2 or synthetic mimetics caused dose-dependent decreases in the peak [Ca2+]i response to ANG II, with attenuation of 40-50%. This degree of inhibition was even more pronounced in individual freshly isolated preglomerular VSMC. Increasing cAMP levels in cultured VSMC, by using either a cell-permeable analog or inhibiting phosphodiesterase activity, mirrored the antagonistic effects of prostaglandins on ANG II-stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i. Radioimmunoassays demonstrate that ANG II (10(-7) M) stimulates production of PGI2 and PGE2; the stable prostacyclin metabolite 6-keto-PGF(1alpha) was released in 10-fold greater concentrations than PGE(2.) Indomethacin blockade of prostaglandin production potentiated both the peak (264 to 337 +/- 26 nM) and sustained [Ca2+]i responses (95 to 181 +/- 22 nM) to ANG II. When prostaglandin analogs were added during indomethacin treatment, the ANG II response was restored to the typical pattern. In conclusion, we demonstrate that modulation of intracellular calcium levels is one mechanism by which prostaglandins can buffer ANG II-mediated constriction in renal preglomerular VSMC. PGI2 is more potent than PGE2 in this regard.

12-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid directly potentiates angiotensin II-induced vascular contraction

We studied whether 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) affected the angiotensin II-induced contractile response in isolated hamster aorta. After preincubation with 10 nM 12-HETE for 1, 3, 5, 10 and 30 min, the angiotensin II-induced contractions were increased to 101%, 109%, 114%, 109% and 98%, respectively. The optimum preincubation time for the maximum effect of 12-HETE was 5 min. Under these conditions, 12-HETE increased dose dependently the contraction induced by 10 nM angiotensin II, and the concentration needed for the maximum effect was 30 nM, which increased contraction to 118% compared to the control angiotensin II-induced contraction. We demonstrated clearly that 12-HETE directly potentiates the angiotensin II-induced contraction.

Endothelium-dependent relaxation and hyperpolarization in guinea-pig coronary artery: role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acid

1. Acetylcholine (ACh) elicits an endothelium-dependent relaxation and hyperpolarization in the absence of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin synthesis in the guinea-pig coronary artery (GPCA). This response has been attributed to a factor termed endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). Recently it has been suggested that EDHF may be a cytochrome P450 product of arachidonic acid (AA) i.e., an epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET). The present study investigated whether this pathway could account for the response to ACh observed in the GPCA in the presence of 100 microM N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine and 10 microM indomethacin. 2. ACh, AA and 11,12-EET each produced concentration-dependent relaxations in arteries contracted with the H1-receptor agonist AEP (2,2-aminoethylpyridine). The AA-induced relaxation was significantly enhanced in the presence of the cyclo-oxygenase/lipoxygenase inhibitor, eicosatetranynoic acid (30 microM). 3. The cytochrome P450 inhibitors proadifen (10 microM) and clotrimazole (10 microM) inhibited ACh, lemakalim (LEM) and AA-induced relaxation, whereas 17-octadecynoic acid (100 microM) and 7-ethoxyresorufin (10 microM) were without effect on all three vasodilators. Proadifen and clotrimazole also inhibited ACh (1 microM) and LEM (1 microM)-induced hyperpolarization. 4. The ability of various potassium channel blockers to inhibit relaxation responses elicited with ACh, AA and 11,12-EET was also determined. Iberiotoxin (IBTX; 100 nM) was without effect on responses to ACh but significantly reduced responses to both AA and 11,12-EET. In contrast, 4-aminopyridine (4-AP; 5 mM) significantly reduced response to ACh but not responses to AA and 11,12-EET. Combined IBTX plus (4-AP) inhibited the ACh-induced relaxation to a greater extent than 4-AP alone. Apamin (1 microM), glibenclamide (10 microM) and BaCl2 (50 microM) had no significant effect on responses to ACh, AA and 11,12-EET. 5. IBTX (100 nM) significantly reduced both 11,12-EET (33 microM) and AA (30 microM) hyperpolarization without affecting the ACh (1 microM)-induced hyperpolarization. In contrast, 4-AP significantly reduced the ACh-induced hyperpolarization without affecting either AA or 11,12-EET-induced hyperpolarizations. 6. In summary, our results suggest that the coronary endothelium releases a factor upon application of AA which hyperpolarizes the smooth muscle. The similarity of pharmacology between AA and 11,12-EET suggests that this factor is an EET. However, the disparity of pharmacology between responses to ACh versus responses to 11,12-EET do not support the hypothesis that EETs represent the predominant factor which ACh releases from the endothelium that leads to NO- and prostaglandin-independent hyperpolarization and relaxation in the GPCA.

Prostaglandin I2 contributes to the vasodepressor effect of baicalein in hypertensive rats

Lipoxygenase inhibitors reduce blood pressure in hypertensive rats. The vasodepressor effect of lipoxygenase inhibitors may be related to increased production of prostaglandin (PG) I2 since lipoxygenase-derived fatty acid hydroperoxides inhibit PGI2 synthase. This hypothesis was examined in rats made hypertensive by infusion of angiotensin II (200 ng/min i.p.) for 12 to 14 days. In hypertensive but not in normotensive rats, the lipoxygenase inhibitor baicalein (60 mg/kg s.c.) increased (P<.05) the conversion of exogenous PGH2 to PGI2 by aortic segments, the release of 6-keto-PGF1alpha by aortic rings, the concentration of 6-keto-PGF1alpha in blood, and the renal excretion of 6-keto-PGF1alpha. Treatment with baicalein did not affect the blood pressure of normotensive rats but decreased the blood pressure of hypertensive rats from 177+/-8 to 133+/-9 mm Hg after 120 minutes (P<.05). Also, the lipoxygenase inhibitor cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-alpha-cyanocinnamate (8 mg/kg s.c.) was without effect on the blood pressure of normotensive rats but decreased the blood pressure of hypertensive rats from 182+/-4 to 139+/-8 mm Hg (P<.05). However, the blood pressure of hypertensive rats pretreated with indomethacin (5 mg/kg i.v.) was affected by neither baicalein nor cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxy-alpha-cyanocinnamate. Moreover, in hypertensive rats in which baicalein had decreased blood pressure to 148+/-6 mm Hg, the administration of rabbit serum containing antibodies against 5,6-dihydro-PGI2 (0.3 mL i.v.) partially reversed the response to baicalein, increasing blood pressure to 179+/-7 mm Hg within 20 minutes (P<.05). The antibodies also were shown to block the vasodepressor effect of PGI2 but not of PGE2. Collectively, these data suggest contribution of PGI2 to the acute antihypertensive effect of baicalein in rats with angiotensin II-induced hypertension.

Arthur C. Corcoran Memorial Lecture. The role of eicosanoids in angiotensin-dependent hypertension

Many eicosanoids produced in vascular and renal structures are endowed with the ability to influence vascular and renal mechanisms of blood pressure regulation. Eicosanoids subserve both prohypertensive and antihypertensive mechanisms. The development of angiotensin-dependent hypertension in rats is accompanied by increased vascular production of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) and of lipoxygenase-derived products with the ability to inhibit prostacyclin synthase. As a result of these abnormalities, the activity of pressor mechanisms mediated by TXA2 and/or prostaglandin (PG) H2 is increased. The cancellation of TXA2- and/or of PGH2-mediated pressor mechanisms, after treatment with thromboxane synthase inhibitors or TXA2/PGH2 receptor blockers, lowers blood pressure in rats with angiotensin-dependent hypertension. Inhibitors of lipoxygenase also lower blood pressure in such animals, in part by decreasing the synthesis of lipoxygenase-derived inhibitors of prostacyclin synthase. Thus, the vasodepressor effect of these agents is accompanied by increased vascular formation of PGI2 and can be prevented by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. Cyclooxygenase-derived eicosanoids, PGE2 and PGI2, also subserve antihypertensive mechanisms in angiotensin-dependent models of hypertension. The level of blood pressure in such models of hypertension reflects, in part, the interplay among prohypertensive and antihypertensive functions subserved by cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-derived eicosanoids.

Aspirin enhances platelet-derived growth factor-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation

PURPOSE

Aspirin is frequently used after vascular reconstruction to pharmacologically prevent graft occlusion and to suppress the development of myointimal hyperplasia in vascular surgery, but its efficacy is controversial. The purpose of this study was to examine the direct effects of aspirin on platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation.

METHODS

Human aortic SMCs were grown to confluence in 96 well plates. 3 x 10(-5) mol/L aspirin was added 24 hours previously and PDGF 10 ng/ml at the beginning of each experiment. Cell proliferation at 48 hours was determined using tritiated thymidine uptake. Supernatant 12-L-hydroxy 5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured by competitive enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

Aspirin did not change vascular SMC proliferation rates relative to controls (4665 +/- 181 counts per minute [CPM] vs 4749 +/- 155 CPM). However, aspirin pretreatment of PDGF-stimulated vascular SMCs increased proliferation (9408 +/- 237 CPM vs 7283 +/- 283 CPM; p < 0.001). 5,8,10,14-eicosatriynoic acid, a 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor, decreased basal (2037 +/- 181 CPM vs 2306 +/- 158 CPM; p < 0.05) and PDGF-stimulated vascular SMC proliferation (4909 +/- 1089 CPM vs 4310 +/- 1022 CPM; p < 0.001). Aspirin increased supernatant 12-HETE levels and decreased PGE2 levels in both basal and PDGF-stimulated cell cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspirin enhances PDGF-stimulated vascular SMC proliferation. The effects of aspirin on vascular SMC proliferation may be mediated by changes in vascular SMC arachidonic acid metabolism.

New insights into the pathophysiology of renovascular hypertension

In recent years, the pathophysiology of renovascular hypertension has been reviewed, and the classic concept that activation of the renin-angiotensin system is solely responsible for the development and maintenance of renovascular hypertension has been challenged. In fact, experimental evidence indicates that other systems, such as the lipoxygenase pathway, may have a more critical role in the long-term maintenance of high blood pressure after renal artery stenosis. Herein we discuss the intrarenal mechanisms that control pressure-induced natriuresis under physiologic conditions and the role of the kidney in the pathophysiology of renovascular hypertension.

Role of the lipoxygenase pathway in angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction in the human placenta

We have previously shown that the vasopressor effect of angiotensin II (Ang II) is inhibited by lipoxygenase (LO) blockers. To elucidate the specific mechanism involved, we studied the relationship between the contractile effect of Ang II and LO products in a human placental preparation. In perfused placental cotyledons, Ang II (boluses of 1 to 10 microg) increased perfusion pressure and 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) release. The LO blockers phenidone and n-propyl gallate reduced the maximal Ang II-induced increment in pressure from 26+/-3 to 16+/-3 and 18+/-4 mm Hg, respectively (P<.05 for both). Ang II alone (10 microg) increased 12-HETE release from 8.9+/-3.6 to 37.6+/-0.4 ng/min, and this rise was entirely blocked by both phenidone and n-propyl gallate. Pressure increase generated by an increase in flow rate had no effect on 12-HETE formation. In deendothelialized umbilical artery segments, Ang II (10(-7) mol/L) increased 12-HETE formation by 47+/-5% (n=20). In cultured umbilical artery smooth muscle cells, Ang II increased 12-HETE formation from 48.1+/-7.2 to 75.1+/-15.3 ng/mg protein, and this effect was also blocked by the specific LO inhibitor baicalein (10(-6) mol/L). These results provide evidence that the vasopressor effect of Ang II is functionally coupled to 12-LO activation, which apparently takes place in arterial smooth muscle cells.

Platelet-derived growth factor BB mediated regulation of 12-lipoxygenase in porcine aortic smooth muscle cells

Platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF) is a potent mitogen and chemoattractant for vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In the present study, we have examined the effect of PDGF on the 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) pathway of arachidonate metabolism in porcine aortic VSMC (PVSMC). The rationale for this is previous studies showing that LO products have growth and chemotactic effects in VSMC and that another VSMC growth factor, angiotensin II, is a potent positive regulator of 12-LO activity and expression. We observed that PDGF causes a significant increase in the formation of the 12-LO product, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) in PVSMC. In addition, PDGF also markedly increased leukocyte-type 12-LO messenger RNA and protein expression. PDGF-induced PVSMC migration was inhibited significantly by two LO blockers but not by a cyclooxygenase blocker. Furthermore, although the proliferative effects of PDGF on PVSMC were not altered by cell culture under hyperglycemic conditions (25 mM glucose, HG), the chemotactic effects of PDGF as well as those of 10% fetal calf serum were significantly greater in cells cultured in HG as compared to normal glucose conditions (5.5 mM), thus indicating a potential new mechanism for the accelerated cardiovascular disease usually observed in diabetes. These results indicate a novel mechanism for the biological effects of PDGF in leading to cardiovascular disease.

Platelet lipoxygenase in spontaneously hypertensive rats

We have previously reported that the nonselective lipoxygenase inhibitor phenidone is a potent hypotensive agent in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). In the present study, we examined the relationship between production of platelet 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) and intra-arterial blood pressure in SHR and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) using both a cross-sectional analysis and an acute pharmacological intervention. Basal generation rate of 12-HETE by platelets collected from the SHR was approximately 3.7-fold higher than in the WKY (0.86 +/- 0.24 versus 0.23 +/- 0.05 nmol/mL per 10 minutes, respectively; P < .01). Systolic arterial pressure was positively related to platelet 12-HETE formation rate when the entire rat population was considered (r = .70, P < .001). The specific 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxycyanocinnamate induced lowering of both arterial blood pressure and platelet 12-lipoxygenase activity in SHR. At 15 mg/kg, cinnamyl-3,4-dihydroxycyanocinnamate elicited a marked hypotensive effect in SHR but not in WKY. This reduction in arterial pressure was accompanied by an approximate 70% inhibition in platelet 12-HETE production rate. The return of high blood pressure to basal levels was associated with a significant rise in the production of platelet 12-HETE toward control values (baseline, 0.97 +/- 0.33 nmol/mL per 10 minutes; nadir of blood pressure, 0.19 +/- 0.03; resumption of basal pressure, 0.42 +/- 0.14). In contrast, captopril (15 mg/kg) induced a quantitatively similar decrease in blood pressure but had no effect on platelet 12-HETE generation rate. Thus, hypertension in SHR is linked to increased production rate of platelet 12-HETE. Acute blood pressure reduction attained during lipoxygenase inhibition but not by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition leads to a concomitant reduction in the production of platelet 12-HETE. We speculate that since rat arterial tissue produces 12-HETE, increased 12-lipoxygenase activity in SHR may contribute to the maintenance of elevated arterial pressure in this strain.

Role of intracellular signalling pathways in hydrogen peroxide-induced injury to rat glomerular mesangial cells

1. Brief exposure of cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells (GMC) to H2O2 in nominally bicarbonate-free solution induced a rapid dose dependent, dantrolene-inhibitable increase in intracellular free Ca2+ from 65 +/- 6 to 203 +/- 14 nmol/L and a prolonged release of [14C]-arachidonic acid [14C]-AA which preceded the onset of cell membrane damage assessed by trypan-blue uptake. 2. Ca2+ responses were potentiated in HCO3-/CO2 containing buffers and reached values of 1145 +/- 100 nmol/L at 1 mmol/L H2O2. In HCO3-/CO2 solutions, but not HEPES buffer, H2O2-induced Ca2+ increases were markedly attenuated by verapamil (100 mumol/L) or removal of extracellular calcium. 3. Enhanced release of [14C]-AA was partially attenuated by inhibitors of key intracellular signalling mechanisms including the phospholipase-A2 (PLA2) inhibitor mepacrine (100 mumol/L), the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyliodonium (10 mumol/L), the mitochondrial calcium-cycling inhibitor ruthenium red (10 mumol/L) and the iron chelator dipyridyl (100 mumol/L). Release was unaffected by protein kinase C inhibition with H7 (100 mumol/L), inositol triphosphate antagonism with neomycin (1 mmol/L) or overnight treatment with the G-protein antagonist pertussis toxin (5 micrograms/mL). 4. Several structurally diverse lipoxygenase inhibitors, including esculetin, baicalein and phenidone, over the dose range 1-100 mumol/L, also prevented [14C]-AA release and markedly protected against cell membrane damage. No drug directly scavenged H2O2 assessed by UV absorption. 5. These results indicate that H2O2 activates in GMC a complex series of interrelated pathological mechanisms which in turn contribute to a prolongation of oxidative damage beyond the time of the initial exposure. These include an increase in intracellular calcium which, depending upon conditions, appears to be mediated by release from intracellular stores as well as Ca2+ entry from the extracellular space. In turn there is a sustained release of arachidonic acid, which may partly depend on prolonged activation of PLA2 but not phospholipase C. 6. Release of [14C]-AA could be attenuated by inhibitors of NADPH oxidase, mitochondrial calcium-cycling, iron chelators and a structurally diverse range of lipoxygenase inhibitors in association with protection from H2O2-mediated cell membrane damage.

Interdependence of contractile responses of rat small mesenteric arteries on nitric oxide and cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid

1. We have examined the effects of nitric oxide inhibition, indomethacin and the dual lipoxygenase/cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, 3-amino-1-[m-(trifluoromethyl)-phenyl]-2-pyrazoline (BW755C), on the responses of small mesenteric arteries of Wistar rats, with and without endothelium, to noradrenaline, potassium chloride, endothelin-1, acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. 2. Noradrenaline, potassium chloride and endothelin-1 caused concentration-dependent contraction of small mesenteric arteries. Indomethacin (14 microM) attenuated the contractile response to both noradrenaline and potassium chloride. The inhibitory action of indomethacin persisted in vessels treated with CHAPS. 3. Acetylcholine produced concentration-dependent relaxation in these vessels. Indomethacin (14 microM) had no significant effect on the acetylcholine concentration-response relationship. 4. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) potentiated the contractile response to both noradrenaline and potassium chloride and inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation. Indomethacin attenuated the effects of L-NAME. 5. BW755C inhibited the contractile response to noradrenaline and potassium chloride but not to endothelin-1. The inhibitory effects of BW755C persisted in the presence of indomethacin and in vessels treated with CHAPS. 6. BW755C enhanced endothelium-dependent relaxation, as assessed by the response to acetylcholine. In the presence of indomethacin, BW755C produced a shift to the right of the concentration-response curve to acetylcholine. 7. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with L-NAME, reversed the inhibitory effect of BW755C on noradrenaline- and potassium-induced contraction. L-NAME and BW755C in combination resulted in a shift to the right of the concentration-response curve to acetylcholine. 8. Sodium nitroprusside produced concentration-dependent relaxation of the vessels. Endothelium removal reduced the maximum relaxation to nitroprusside. BW755C did not alter the response to sodium nitroprusside in vessels with or without endothelium.9 .These data support the existence of two vasoconstrictor products of arachidonic acid released during contraction of small mesenteric arteries with noradrenaline and potassium chloride: a cyclo-oxygenase product and a lipoxygenase product both of which appear to be largely endothelium-independent.

Relative roles of nitric oxide and cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase products of arachidonic acid in the contractile responses of rat renal arcuate arteries

1. We have examined the effects of inhibition of nitric oxide synthase, cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenase on the responses of renal arcuate arteries of Wistar rats, with and without endothelium, to noradrenaline, potassium chloride, endothelin-1, acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. 2. Noradrenaline, potassium chloride and endothelin-1 caused concentration-dependent contraction of the vessels. Indomethacin (14 microM) attenuated the contractile response to noradrenaline and to potassium chloride. The inhibitory effect of indomethacin persisted following endothelial removal. 3. Acetylcholine produced concentration-dependent relaxation of the vessels which was potentiated by indomethacin (14 microM). 4. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 100 microM) did not affect the contractile response to either noradrenaline or potassium chloride but abolished relaxation to acetylcholine. In addition, L-NAME abolished the affects of indomethacin on acetylcholine-induced relaxation and noradrenaline- and potassium chloride-induced contraction. 5. BWC755C attenuated noradrenaline and potassium chloride-induced contraction. This effect persisted in the presence of indomethacin. 6. In vessels pretreated with CHAPS, BW755C inhibited both noradrenaline and potassium chloride-induced contraction. In these vessels BW755C had no additional inhibitory effect to indomethacin on noradrenaline- and potassium-induced contraction. 7. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with L-NAME (100 microM) attenuated the effect of BW755C on noradrenaline- and potassium-induced contraction. 8. BW755C alone did not affect endothelium-dependent relaxation as assessed by the response to acetylcholine. However, in the presence of indomethacin, BW755C inhibited acetylcholine-induced relaxation. 9. BW755C did not affect endothelium-independent relaxation as assessed by the response to sodium nitroprusside in vessels with or without endothelium. 10. These data support the existence of two vasoconstrictor products of arachidonic acid released during contraction of renal arcuate arteries with noradrenaline and potassium chloride. A cyclooxygenase product which appears to be endothelium-independent and the other an endothelium dependent lipoxygenase product.

Parathyroid hormone analogues inhibit calcium mobilization in cultured vascular cells

Parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone-related protein lower blood pressure and relax contracted arteries. Parathyroid hormone also attenuates angiotensin II-induced vasoconstriction. To determine the cellular mechanism or mechanisms by which parathyroid hormone analogues antagonize pressor effects, we examined the effect of these peptides on angiotensin II-induced calcium mobilization in fura 2-AM-loaded cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Either 100 nmol/L parathyroid hormone or parathyroid hormone-related protein significantly reduced the amount of calcium mobilized by 100 nmol/L angiotensin II. The attenuating effect of these peptides was mimicked by 10 mmol/L forskolin and 10 mmol/L isobutylmethylxanthine and was not dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. This effect of the parathyroid hormone analogues was reduced when cells were pretreated with 100 mmol/L 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor. Combined inhibition of cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinases eliminated the inhibitory effect of parathyroid hormone, whereas protein kinase C inhibition had no effect. Parathyroid hormone analogues decreased the amount of calcium released by inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate in digitonin-permeabilized vascular smooth muscle cells. This effect was inhibited by treatment with 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine. These results suggest that these peptides attenuate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive calcium mobilized by angiotensin II via an adenylate cyclase-dependent mechanism. This may be a mechanism by which acute administration of parathyroid hormone or parathyroid hormone-related peptide antagonizes vasoconstriction.