Fibronectin biosynthesis in the rat aorta in vitro. Changes due to experimental hypertension

The cofilin phosphatase slingshot homolog 1 restrains angiotensin II-induced vascular hypertrophy and fibrosis in vivo

The dual specificity phosphatase slingshot homolog 1 (SSH1) contributes to actin remodeling by dephosphorylating and activating the actin-severing protein cofilin. The reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton has been implicated in chronic hypertension and the subsequent mechano-adaptive rearrangement of vessel wall components. Therefore, using a novel Ssh1^-/- mouse model, we investigated the potential role of SSH1 in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension, and vascular remodeling. We found that loss of SSH1 did not produce overt phenotypic changes and that baseline blood pressures as well as heart rates were comparable between Ssh1^+/+ and Ssh1^-/- mice. Although 14 days of Ang II treatment equally increased systolic blood pressure in both genotypes, histological assessment of aortic samples indicated that medial thickening was exacerbated by the loss of SSH1. Consequently, reverse-transcription quantitative PCR analysis of the transcripts from Ang II-infused animals confirmed increased aortic expression levels of fibronectin, and osteopontin in Ssh1^-/- when compared to wild-type mice. Mechanistically, our data suggest that fibrosis in SSH1-deficient mice occurs by a process that involves aberrant responses to Ang II-induced TGFβ1. Taken together, our work indicates that Ang II-dependent fibrotic gene expression and vascular remodeling, but not the Ang II-induced pressor response, are modulated by SSH1-mediated signaling pathways and SSH1 activity is protective against Ang II-induced remodeling in the vasculature.

Selective reduction of central pulse pressure under angiotensin blockage in SHR: role of the fibronectin-alpha5beta1 integrin complex

BACKGROUND

Meta-analyses of antihypertensive therapy suggest that, independently of blood pressure (BP) level, stroke prevention is influenced mainly by calcium-entry blockers (CEB) and cardiac risk prevention by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). The possibility that central systolic and pulse pressure (PP) reduction differs between the two drug classes for the same mean BP (MBP) has never been explored. Our aim was to compare carotid PP at the same MBP obtained with the CEB, amlodipine, and the ACEI, trandolapril, in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), and to evaluate the resulting changes of fibronectin (Fn) and its integrin alpha5beta1 receptor on central PP and arterial stiffness.

METHODS

Amlodipine and trandolapril were administered chronically to achieve the same MBP. Carotid arterial systolic BP (SBP) and PP, diameter and incremental elastic modulus (E(inc)) were determined using echo Doppler techniques, and complemented with vascular histomorphometry, and Fn and alpha5beta1-integrin immunolabeling.

RESULTS

Both drugs produced the same MBP, carotid wall thickness, and stress. Trandolapril reduced PP and E(inc) significantly more than amlodipine, while both agents comparably lowered EIIIA-Fn. Total Fn and alpha-subunit were lowered significantly by trandolapril, but unaffected by amlodipine, indicating that ACEI alone contributed to both diminished carotid stiffness and decrease of the Fn-integrin complex.

CONCLUSIONS

Results showed that amlodipine and trandolapril have different effects on carotid mechanical properties for comparable MBP reduction. Changes in Fn-integrin complex not only modify consistently ACEI mechanotransduction but also are associated with selective central PP reduction. Whether this property has consequences on cardiovascular (CV) risk remains to be investigated.

INHIBITION OF NAD(P)H OXIDASE REDUCES FIBRONECTIN EXPRESSION IN STROKE-PRONE RENOVASCULAR HYPERTENSIVE RAT BRAIN

1. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that in vivo chronic inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase reduces cerebrovascular fibronectin expression in stroke-prone renovascular hypertensive rats (RHRSP). 2. The RHRSP model was induced by two clips and NAD(P)H oxidase was inhibited with apocynin. The mRNA and protein expression of NAD(P)H oxidase subunit p22(phox) in brains of RHRSP and Sprague-Dawley (control) rats was determined using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot and immunohistochemistry. The expression of fibronectin protein was localized immunohistochemically in cerebral vessels and then quantified by western blot. 3. Cerebrovascular fibronectin levels in RHRSP (n = 6) were significantly higher than control (n = 5) levels 8 weeks after operation (1.29 +/- 0.04 vs 1.15 +/- 0.02, respectively; P = 0.007). The p22(phox) immunopositive reactivity was localized in the cerebral vasculature of control rats and RHRSP. Furthermore, chronic treatment of RHRSP with apocynin, a selective NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitor, in the drinking water for 4 weeks (1.5 mmol/L, 5 weeks after operation) resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of p22(phox) protein (0.85 +/- 0.01 vs 0.93 +/- 0.01 in non-treated RHRSP; n = 5; P = 0.002), with a concomitant reduction of fibronectin levels in the cerebral vasculature (1.31 +/- 0.03 vs 1.56 +/- 0.05 in non-treated RHRSP; n = 5; P = 0.002). No significant differences were detected in the expression of p22(phox) mRNA and protein between RHRSP (4 and 8 weeks after renal artery constriction) and the control group. 4. These findings suggest that the chronic inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase in vivo by apocynin reduces cerebrovascular fibronectin levels, which may lessen hypertensive cerebrovascular fibrosis.

Extracellular matrix and growth factors during heart growth

The effects of growth factors on tissue remodeling and cell differentiation depend on the nature of the extracellular matrix, the type and organization of integrins, the activation of metalloproteinases and the presence of secreted proteins associated to the matrix. These interactions are actually poorly known in the cardiovascular system. We describe here: 1) the main components of extracellular matrix within the cardiovascular system; 2) the role of integrins in the transmission of growth signals; 3) the shift in the expression of the components of the extracellular matrix (fibronectin and collagens) and the stimulation of the synthesis of metalloproteinases during normal and hypertrophic growth of the myocardium; 4) the effects of growth factors, such as Angiotensin II, Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF), Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta), on the synthesis of proteins of the extracellular matrix in the heart.

Functional, mechanical and geometrical adaptation of the arterial wall of a non-axisymmetric artery in vitro

OBJECTIVE

Vascular remodeling is an adaptive response to variations in the hemodynamic environment acting on the arterial wall. Remodeling translates into changes of structure, geometry and mechanical properties of the artery. Our aim was to study the remodeling response of pig right common carotid arteries in vitro.

METHODS

In vivo right carotid arteries are exposed to a non-uniform hemodynamic environment and exhibit a strong wall asymmetry in the circumferential direction that allows the study of two regions separately, as the artery remodels under in vitro perfusion. Porcine right common carotid arteries were cultured during 1 day (n = 6), 3 days (n = 6) or 8 days (n = 6) in an in vitro organ culture system, at a constant perfusion pressure of 100 mmHg. Geometrical, histological, biomechanical and biological analysis of the perfused segments was performed at the end of each study.

RESULTS

Smooth muscle cell nuclei density and wall thickness remain constant along the culture periods. Elastin and collagen are significantly redistributed to equilibrate their relative content along the vessel circumference. The distensibility profile is significantly different at day 8. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression and activity increase significantly at days 3 and 8.

CONCLUSION

The non-axisymmetric arterial wall adapts to a uniform hemodynamic environment by redistributing the structural components of the extracellular matrix. The changes of collagen and elastin density may result from a vascular remodeling process involving matrix metalloproteinase-2 up-regulation and enzymatic activity. The remodeling response results in a new vascular wall configuration that is more distensible at physiological pressures (30-120 mmHg) and stiffer at higher pressures.

Increased carotid wall elastic modulus and fibronectin in aldosterone-salt-treated rats: effects of eplerenone

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated the development of cardiac fibrosis in aldosterone (Aldo)-salt hypertensive rats. Our aim was to determine the effects of Aldo and the Aldo receptor antagonist eplerenone (Epl) on in vivo mechanical properties of the carotid artery using echo-tracking system.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Aldo was administered (1 microg/h) in uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats (SD) receiving a high-salt diet from 8 to 12 weeks of age. Uninephrectomized control SD rats received a normal salt diet without Aldo. Three groups of Aldo-salt rats were treated with 1, 10, or 30 mg/kg(-1) x d(-1) of Epl by gavage. Elasticity was measured by elastic modulus (Einc)-wall stress curves using medial cross-sectional area (MCSA). The structure of the arterial wall was analyzed by histomorphometry (elastin and collagen), immunohistochemistry (EIIIA fibronectin, Fn), and Northern blot (collagens I and III). Aldo produced increased systolic arterial pressure, pulse pressure, Einc, MCSA, and EIIIA Fn with no change in wall stress or elastin and collagen densities compared with controls without Aldo. No differences in collagen mRNA levels were detected between groups. Epl blunted the increase in pulse pressure in Aldo rats and normalized Einc-wall stress curves, MCSA, and EIIIA Fn. These effects were dose dependent and not accompanied by a reduction in wall stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Aldo is able to increase arterial stiffness associated with Fn accumulation, independently of wall stress. The preventive effects of Epl suggest a direct role for mineralocorticoid receptors in mechanical and structural alterations of large vessels in rat hyperaldosteronism.

Vascular remodeling in hypertension: roles of apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis

Remodeling of large and small arteries contributes to the development and complications of hypertension. The focus of this review is some of the mechanisms involved in the remodeling of small arteries in hypertension. In hypertension, changes in small artery structure are basically of 2 kinds: (1) inward eutrophic remodeling, in which outer and lumen diameters are decreased, media/lumen ratio is increased, and cross-sectional area of the media is unaltered; and (2) hypertrophic remodeling, in which the media thickens to encroach on the lumen, resulting in increased media cross-sectional area and media/lumen ratio. Growth, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis contribute to vascular remodeling in hypertension. Apoptosis is gene-regulated cell death, with minimal membrane disruption and inflammation, that counters cell proliferation and fine-tunes developmental growth. Apoptosis has been reported in hypertension to be both increased and decreased in different tissues, including blood vessels. Inflammation, which may be low grade, probably plays an important role in triggering fibrosis in cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Vascular fibrosis entails accumulation of collagen, fibronectin, and other extracellular matrix components in the vessel wall and is an important aspect of extracellular matrix remodeling in hypertension. Associated with this, there may be increases in cell-matrix attachment sites (integrins) and changes in their topographical localization that may modulate arterial structure. Imbalance in matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases may contribute to alteration in collagen turnover and extracellular matrix remodeling. Chronic vasoconstriction may lead to embedding of the contracted vessel structure in a remodeled extracellular matrix, contributing to the inward remodeling of the blood vessel as smooth muscle cells are rearranged around a smaller lumen. The resulting remodeling of small arteries may initially be adaptive, but eventually it becomes maladaptive and compromises organ function, contributing to cardiovascular complications of hypertension.

Vascular smooth muscle growth: autocrine growth mechanisms

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) exhibit several growth responses to agonists that regulate their function including proliferation (hyperplasia with an increase in cell number), hypertrophy (an increase in cell size without change in DNA content), endoreduplication (an increase in DNA content and usually size), and apoptosis. Both autocrine growth mechanisms (in which the individual cell synthesizes and/or secretes a substance that stimulates that same cell type to undergo a growth response) and paracrine growth mechanisms (in which the individual cells responding to the growth factor synthesize and/or secrete a substance that stimulates neighboring cells of another cell type) are important in VSMC growth. In this review I discuss the autocrine and paracrine growth factors important for VSMC growth in culture and in vessels. Four mechanisms by which individual agonists signal are described: direct effects of agonists on their receptors, transactivation of tyrosine kinase-coupled receptors, generation of reactive oxygen species, and induction/secretion of other growth and survival factors. Additional growth effects mediated by changes in cell matrix are discussed. The temporal and spatial coordination of these events are shown to modulate the environment in which other growth factors initiate cell cycle events. Finally, the heterogeneous nature of VSMC developmental origin provides another level of complexity in VSMC growth mechanisms.

Plasma fibronectin levels in ischemic heart disease

Fibronectin is a paradigm adhesive protein which has been implicated in the regulation of several cellular processes and cell-cell interactions. Large amounts of fibronectin have been detected in atherosclerotic plaques, while hypertension in animal models has been shown to rapidly increase fibronectin expression in arterial walls. The aim of the present study was to determine the levels of plasma fibronectin (FN) in 133 patients with ischemic heart disease and in 36 normal controls, and to investigate the possible association with blood pressure. Plasma FN levels in patients with ischemic heart disease were found to be significantly elevated (mean+/-S.D.; 46.5+/-14.2 mg/dl) compared with the control group (38.0+/-14.2 mg/dl) (P=0.002). Plasma FN concentrations were significantly different between the hypertensive group (52.9+/-14.5 mg/dl) and the normal blood pressure group (41.4+/-11.8 mg/dl) among the patients with ischemic heart disease (P<0.001). Plasma FN concentration was positively correlated with total cholesterol, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure and body mass index. In conclusion, the plasma fibronectin level may have pathogenetic implications in association with lipid components and blood pressure in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Transmural pressure induces matrix-degrading activity in porcine arteries ex vivo

Extracellular matrix components must be degraded and resynthesized for vascular remodeling to occur. We hypothesized that the hemodynamic environment regulates activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the primary agents for in vivo matrix degradation, during vascular remodeling in response to changes in transmural pressure and shear stress. Pathological hemodynamic conditions were reproduced in an ex vivo system in which we maintained porcine carotid arteries for 24 and 48 h. Total levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 extracted from tissue homogenates and analyzed by SDS-PAGE zymography were stimulated by transmural pressure and were unaffected by shear stress changes. Degradation of two specific gelatinase substrates, gelatin and elastin, increased with increasing pressure, but the degradation was not affected by shear stress changes in tissue specimens analyzed using in situ zymography (gelatin) and fluorescent measurement of endogenous elastin degradation (elastin). Our results suggest that transmural pressure activates at least two members of the MMP family and that activity of these enzymes is accompanied by degradation of matrix components, effects that may be implicated in hypertensive vascular remodeling.

Fibronectin expression and aortic wall elastic modulus in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Recent studies have shown that large-artery wall remodeling per se does not reduce distensibility in hypertension, indicating qualitative or quantitative changes in arterial components. The aim of the study was to determine in 1-year-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) the changes in the elastic properties of large arteries, as assessed by the incremental elastic modulus (E(inc)), and the changes in the extracellular matrix, including fibronectin (FN) and alpha5beta1-integrin. The relationship between E(inc) and circumferential wall stress was calculated from in vivo pulsatile changes in blood pressure and arterial diameter by using a high-resolution echo-tracking system at the site of the abdominal aorta and in vitro medial cross-sectional area. E(inc)-stress curves and FN and integrin alpha5-subunit contents were determined for each animal. Mean stress and E(inc) were higher in SHRs than in Wistar rats. However, in a common range of stress, E(inc)-stress curves for SHRs were superimposable on those for Wistar rats, indicating that wall materials in both strains have equivalent mechanical behavior. Immunohistochemistry indicated that total FN, EIIIA FN isoform, and alpha5-integrin increased in the SHRs aortas without changes in elastin and collagen densities. Total FN was also increased in SHRs as determined by Western blot analysis. No differences in FN and alpha5-subunit mRNAs were detected between SHRs and Wistar rats. These results indicate that the aortic wall material of SHRs and Wistar rats have equivalent mechanical properties, although in SHRs it is subjected to a higher level of stress. By increasing cell-matrix attachment sites, FN may participate in the mechanical adaptation of both cellular and matrix components in SHRs.

Nonenzymatic glycation of fibronectin impairs adhesive and proliferative properties of human vascular smooth muscle cells

Nonenzymatic glycation of proteins is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes vascular complications. Extracellular matrix proteins are a prominent target for nonenzymatic glycation because of their slow turnover rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of human fibronectin (F) nonenzymatic glycation on adhesion and proliferation of cultured human vascular smooth muscle cells (hVSMC). Incubation of human F with 500 mmol/L D-glucose at 37 degrees C induced a time-dependent increase in fluorescence detectable at 440 nm after excitation at 363 nm. Nonenzymatic glycation did not affect binding of F itself to the plates. Adhesion of hVSMC to F increased with the increase of incubation time of the cells on the protein from 30 minutes up to 120 minutes and remained stable thereafter. Adhesion to glycated fibronectin (GF) was reduced in comparison to control F at all the different adhesion times. Adhesion of hVSMC to GF was reduced when F was exposed to glucose for 4, 9, or 28 days (P=.0417 to .0025), but not when F was exposed for 1 day. Adhesion of hVSMC to GF was reduced compared with adhesion to nonglycated F at all coating concentrations from 0.2 to 10 micrograms/mL (P=.05 to .014). Thus, nonenzymatic glycation of F impairs adhesion of hVSMC in vitro. Proliferation of hVSMC on F increased with increasing concentrations of the protein as coating agent (ANOVA:P<.0001 for both nonglycated F and GF). Proliferation with F glycated for 4, 9, and 28 days was reduced at concentrations of 1, 3, and 10 micrograms/mL as compared with proliferation with nonglycated F (P=.0253 to .0001). Proliferation on F glycated for only 1 day was not significantly reduced. When the number of hVSMC plated on control F was reduced by 25% to take into account the reduced adhesion, the number of cells that proliferated on F was still reduced. In conclusion, nonenzymatic glycation of F impairs adhesive and proliferative properties of hVSMC.

Balloon catheterization induced arterial expression of embryonic fibronectins

Fibronectins (FNs) comprise a family of adhesive extracellular matrix proteins that arise by alternative splicing in three regions: V (IIICS), EIIIA (ED-A), and EIIIB (ED-B). FNs bearing the EIIIA and EIIIB segments are prevalent during embryogenesis, expressed to lesser degrees in normal adult tissues, and may be locally reexpressed at adult tissue injury. RNase mapping shows that normal rat arteries express low levels of FNs that are predominantly EIIIA- and EIIIB-. Following balloon injury, arterial walls produce increased total levels of FN transcripts that preferentially include both the EIIIA and EIIIB segments. However, despite inducing increased total FN mRNA, balloon injury does not alter the relative composition of V120+, V95+, AND V0 spliced forms. In situ hybridization reveals that as early as 4 days after injury medial cells express increased total FN mRNA, and by 7 days substantial neointimal and focal medial synthesis of EIIIA+, EIIIB+, and V120+ FNs occurs; macrophages do not significantly contribute to this observed vascular FN synthesis. Consistent with the mRNA data, immunofluorescence microscopic analysis reveals increased deposition of EIIIB+ and V+ FN protein forms in injured arterial walls, particularly within the neointima. Our results suggest that local synthesis of specific FN isoforms is important to the neointimal formation that ensues after balloon injury.

Alterations of bone matrix protein mRNA expression in rat aorta in vitro

We examined the expression of matrix Gla protein (MGP), osteopontin (OPN), and osteonectin (ON) mRNAs in aortic rings excised from 3-month-, 10-month-, and 2-week-old rats during 72-hour incubations in serum-free media. In the aortic rings from 3-month-old rats, the expression of MGP mRNA was strong before incubation and increased during the 72-hour incubation. The expression of OPN mRNA was first detected after a 5-hour incubation and increased thereafter, and that of ON mRNA was strong before the incubation and decreased during the incubation. The expression of MGP and OPN mRNAs in 10-month- and 2-week-old rats was similar to that in 3-month-old rats. In contrast, expression of ON mRNA in 10-month-old rats and the expression of ON mRNA in 2-week-old rats was stronger than that in 3-month-old rats at every incubation period. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry identified the MGP, OPN, and ON mRNA-expressing cells as vascular smooth muscle cells. These results suggest that the expression of these mRNAs was regulated in incubation time-dependent and age-specific ways. We believe that this organ culture model is useful for further studies of the function of these bone matrix proteins and regulation of their expression in the vessel wall.

Oscillatory shear stress and hydrostatic pressure modulate cell-matrix attachment proteins in cultured endothelial cells

Endothelial cells (ECs) may behave as hemodynamic sensors, translating mechanical information from the blood flow into biochemical signals, which may then be transmitted to underlying smooth muscle cells. The extracellular matrix (ECM), which provides adherence and integrity for the endothelium, may serve an important signaling function in vascular diseases such as atherogenesis, which has been shown to be promoted by low and oscillating shear stresses. In this study, confluent bovine aortic ECs (BAECs), were exposed to an oscillatory shear stress or to a hydrostatic pressure of 40 mmHg for time periods of 12 to 48 h. Parallel control cultures were maintained in static condition. Although ECs exposed to hydrostatic pressure or to oscillatory flow had a polygonal morphology similar to that of control cultures, these cells possessed more numerous central stress fibers and exhibited a partial loss of peripheral bands of actin, in comparison to static cells. In EC cultures exposed to oscillatory flow or hydrostatic pressure, extracellular fibronectin (Fn) fibrils were more numerous than in static cultures. Concomitantly, a dramatic clustering of alpha 5 beta 1 Fn receptors and of the focal contact-associated proteins vinculin and talin occurred. Laminin (Ln) and collagen type IV formed a network of thin fibrils in static cultures, which condensed into thicker fibers when BAECs were exposed to oscillatory shear stress or hydrostatic pressure. The ECM-associated levels of Fn and Ln were found to be from 1.5- to 5-fold greater in cultures exposed to oscillatory shear stress or pressure for 12 and 48 h, than in static cultures. The changes in the organization and composition of ECM and focal contacts reported here suggest that ECs exposed to oscillatory shear stress or hydrostatic pressure may have different functional characteristics from cells in static culture, even though ECs in either environment exhibit a similar morphology.

Angiotensin II stimulates human fetal mesangial cell proliferation and fibronectin biosynthesis by binding to AT1 receptors

The renin-angiotensin system is activated during vascular development and injury. Furthermore, angiotensin II (Ang II) is a comitogen for fetal mesangial cells in vitro and it may be important in vascular smooth cell growth in disease states. Since fibronectin is an important extracellular matrix protein for vascular development and it too is overexpressed in the mesangium of diseased glomeruli, we explored the interrelationship of fibronectin and Ang II in fetal mesangial cell growth. In human fetal kidney, Ang II type 2 receptors (AT2) were detected in abundance by ex vivo autoradiography. When mesangial cells were isolated from fetal kidney and grown in culture, Ang II type 1 receptors (AT1) were also detected. To explore the mitogenic properties Ang II and fibronectin as well as the effects of Ang II on fibronectin metabolism, studies were performed in vitro, isolated from the potentially confounding variables of hemodynamic influence and circulating growth factors and cytokines. In vitro, mesangial cells expressed a single class of AT1 receptors that were not altered by growth on various substrates. Ang II (10(-7) M) significantly increased thymidine incorporation by confluent human fetal mesangial cells (twofold). When subconfluent, Ang II-stimulated proliferation was greater (fourfold). Ang II significantly increased cell-associated and secreted fibronectin as determined by immunoprecipitation at concentrations that also stimulate mitogenesis. Both of these Ang II-mediated responses were inhibited by the AT1 receptor antagonist DuP-753 (10(-5) M) but not by AT2 receptor antagonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arterial smooth muscle cell phenotype in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

The aim of this study was to determine the phenotype of smooth muscle cells in the arteries of chronically hypertensive animals and to analyze the effects of treatments known to increase the survival of the animal without a clear effect on its hypertensive state. Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) kept on a 1% sodium drinking solution were untreated or treated with one of two diuretics, indapamide (3 mg/kg per day) or hydrochlorothiazide (20 mg/kg per day), from 6 to 13 weeks of age. Phenotype was characterized by the immunolabeling of arteries with antibodies raised against a cellular form (EIIIA) of fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and nonmuscle myosin. We demonstrated that phenotypes of smooth muscle cells of the SHRSP differ from those found in Wistar-Kyoto rats. The difference in phenotype is specific for the vessel type: ie, an increased expression of nonmuscle myosin in the aorta and of both EIIIA fibronectin and nonmuscle myosin in the coronary arteries. The two diuretics (1) had no effect on blood pressure, (2) prevented or did not prevent the increase in medial thickness, and (3) prevented changes in both smooth muscle cell phenotype and ischemic tissular lesions. Taken together, the results suggest that in SHRSP the changes in the phenotype of smooth muscle cells and the thickness of arteries are unrelated events. We propose that the maintenance of the contractile phenotype of the arterial smooth muscle cells could be an essential parameter involved in the prevention of the deleterious consequences characteristic of a severe hypertensive state.

Cyclic AMP suppresses fibronectin expression in the rabbit aorta in vitro

The effect of cAMP on the in vitro expression of rabbit aortic fibronectin was examined using a previously characterized organ culture system. Elevation of intracellular cAMP in incubated aortic rings by use of forskolin or dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) inhibited the normally observed increase in fibronectin mRNA to levels below that found in unincubated tissue. The effect of dbcAMP on fibronectin mRNA was dose dependent and reversible. dbcAMP did not affect overall protein biosynthesis or the changes in collagen or elastin mRNAs that normally occurred during in vitro incubation, suggesting a selective regulatory effect on fibronectin. The inhibitory effect of dbcAMP on steady-state fibronectin mRNA levels was independent of the dibutyrate moiety, was not a result of cytotoxicity, did not require de novo protein synthesis, and did not appear to occur through a protein kinase A pathway. The data suggested that suppression of fibronectin mRNA levels potentially occurred via an indirect mechanism that may have involved a dbcAMP-induced reduction in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels. The resultant decrease in [Ca2+]i may have affected fibronectin expression via a reduction in protein kinase C activity but did not depend on a calmodulin or calmodulin kinase I or II mechanism.

Selective induction of an embryonic fibronectin isoform in the rat aorta in vitro

The temporal changes in the expression of fibronectin and other extracellular matrix genes were studied in rat aortic rings incubated in vitro in a serum-free medium. Changes in all forms of fibronectin mRNA increased progressively during the 24-hour incubation period, although an increase in the alternatively spliced form of fibronectin designated EIIIA was most pronounced. Both collagen and elastin mRNA levels decreased markedly during the 24-hour interval, as did alpha-actin mRNA. The increase in the relative amount of the EIIIA isoform after a 24-hour incubation was also shown using ribonuclease protection assays. In situ hybridization showed the distribution of the induced fibronectin mRNA to be within all cell types, including endothelial cells, medial smooth muscle cells, and adventitial fibroblasts. Localization in the media was not uniform and was clearly identified mainly in clusters of cells distributed throughout the media. The early induction of fibronectin mRNA was inhibited by genistein, implicating tyrosine kinase activation as a causative factor in fibronectin expression. The in vitro changes reported may reflect a phenotypic change in vascular cell types that is both similar to and different from the changes reported in vivo under conditions in which vascular injury and repair occur.

Expression and alternative splicing of fibronectin mRNA in human diploid endothelial cells during aging in vitro

Different mRNAs for fibronectin arise from the variable processing of a single primary transcript. We used ribonuclease protection assay to investigate the changes occurring in fibronectin expression and the alternative splicing of mRNA precursor during aging in vitro of human diploid endothelial cells. Senescent endothelial cells release more protein and contain 4-5-fold more fibronectin mRNA than young cells. The pattern of alternative splicing of fibronectin mRNA, with the EDA and the CS1 segments largely included (35% and 77%, respectively) and the EDB segment undetectable, correlates well with previous studies at the protein level both in vitro and in vivo. No changes in the splicing pattern of fibronectin mRNA precursor were detected during endothelial cellular senescence. The increased expression of fibronectin in senescent cells may be a result of the activity of interleukin-1 alpha, which is overexpressed in senescent endothelial cells. It could be also important in vivo during aging and in atherosclerotic lesions.

Hypertension induces alternatively spliced forms of fibronectin in rat aorta

Fibronectin expression was shown recently to increase in the rat aorta in response to experimental hypertension. Fibronectin is known to alter the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and relative changes in the expression of different isoforms of fibronectin, generated by alternative splicing and distinguished by the absence or presence of inserts designated as EIIIA, EIIIB, and V, may reflect a change in cell phenotype. In the present study we examined the expression of alternatively spliced forms of aortic fibronectin during deoxycorticosterone-salt hypertension. Aortic RNA was analyzed quantitatively using Northern blot analysis and ribonuclease protection assays. Using Northern blot analysis, deoxycorticosterone-salt treatment for 21 days led to a 4.9-fold increase in EIIIA fibronectin messenger RNA, while EIIIB and V forms increased by 2.6- and 2.5-fold, respectively. As determined by ribonuclease protection assays, the percentage of fibronectin transcripts containing either EIIIA, EIIIB, or V in control aorta was 7.3%, 19%, and 40%, respectively. The percentage of EIIIA transcripts increased 42% over control levels after 21 days of deoxycorticosterone-salt treatment, whereas no proportionate change in the other alternatively spliced forms was found. Thus, all forms increased, but a selective increase in the EIIIA form was induced. Analogous increases in each of the fibronectin isoforms were found in the spontaneously hypertensive rats when compared with age-matched Wistar-Kyoto or Wistar rats, and 40-week-old animals showed increases over 10-week-old animals in all strains, consistent with an age-dependent increase in aortic fibronectin expression.

Vascular effects of systemic hypertension

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, renal failure, and aortic aneurysms. It is also a potent promoter of atherosclerosis. Observational studies have shown a linear relationship between a wide range of blood pressures and the risk for CAD and stroke. Clinical trials have indicated that hypertension reduction leads to the predicted reduction in stroke incidence, but that CAD incidence is affected to a lesser extent than predicted. The modest effect of traditional antihypertensive drugs on CAD may be due to several factors, including failure to reverse well-established coronary atherosclerosis, particularly if multiple risk factors are not reduced as well. Metabolic side effects of antihypertensive drugs or excessive lowering of blood pressure leading to inadequate myocardial perfusion, especially in patients with increased left ventricular (LV) mass, also may play important roles. Hypertension is a major cause of renal failure, particularly in black males, but control of the hypertension does not necessarily prevent deterioration of renal function. Increased glomerular pressure is thought to play a causative role in the development of renal failure in hypertensive and diabetic patients. Antihypertensive drugs may have a direct effect on the arterial wall, which may be independent of their antihypertensive action. Beta-adrenergic blockers, calcium antagonists, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors inhibit the development of vascular lesions in response to hypercholesterolemia or to iatrogenic balloon injury, but the clinical importance of these observations remains to be determined.