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Benz PM, Frömel T, Laban H, Zink J, Ulrich L, Groneberg D, Boon RA, Poley P, Renne T, de Wit C, Fleming I. Cardiovascular Functions of Ena/VASP Proteins: Past, Present and Beyond. Cells 2023; 12:1740. [PMID: 37443774 PMCID: PMC10340426 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Actin binding proteins are of crucial importance for the spatiotemporal regulation of actin cytoskeletal dynamics, thereby mediating a tremendous range of cellular processes. Since their initial discovery more than 30 years ago, the enabled/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (Ena/VASP) family has evolved as one of the most fascinating and versatile family of actin regulating proteins. The proteins directly enhance actin filament assembly, but they also organize higher order actin networks and link kinase signaling pathways to actin filament assembly. Thereby, Ena/VASP proteins regulate dynamic cellular processes ranging from membrane protrusions and trafficking, and cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions, to the generation of mechanical tension and contractile force. Important insights have been gained into the physiological functions of Ena/VASP proteins in platelets, leukocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. In this review, we summarize the unique and redundant functions of Ena/VASP proteins in cardiovascular cells and discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M. Benz
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein-Main, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Timo Frömel
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hebatullah Laban
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Joana Zink
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lea Ulrich
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dieter Groneberg
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Würzburg, 97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Reinier A. Boon
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein-Main, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Centre of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Goethe-University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, VU University Medical Centre, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Poley
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Renne
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02 VN51 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ingrid Fleming
- Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Centre of Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein-Main, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Cardiopulmonary Institute, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Cenko E, Badimon L, Bugiardini R, Claeys MJ, De Luca G, de Wit C, Derumeaux G, Dorobantu M, Duncker DJ, Eringa EC, Gorog DA, Hassager C, Heinzel FR, Huber K, Manfrini O, Milicic D, Oikonomou E, Padro T, Trifunovic-Zamaklar D, Vasiljevic-Pokrajcic Z, Vavlukis M, Vilahur G, Tousoulis D. Cardiovascular disease and COVID-19: a consensus paper from the ESC Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology & Microcirculation, ESC Working Group on Thrombosis and the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care (ACVC), in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2705-2729. [PMID: 34528075 PMCID: PMC8500019 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiovascular system is significantly affected in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Microvascular injury, endothelial dysfunction, and thrombosis resulting from viral infection or indirectly related to the intense systemic inflammatory and immune responses are characteristic features of severe COVID-19. Pre-existing cardiovascular disease and viral load are linked to myocardial injury and worse outcomes. The vascular response to cytokine production and the interaction between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor may lead to a significant reduction in cardiac contractility and subsequent myocardial dysfunction. In addition, a considerable proportion of patients who have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 do not fully recover and continue to experience a large number of symptoms and post-acute complications in the absence of a detectable viral infection. This conditions often referred to as 'post-acute COVID-19' may have multiple causes. Viral reservoirs or lingering fragments of viral RNA or proteins contribute to the condition. Systemic inflammatory response to COVID-19 has the potential to increase myocardial fibrosis which in turn may impair cardiac remodelling. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of cardiovascular injury and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. As the pandemic continues and new variants emerge, we can advance our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms only by integrating our understanding of the pathophysiology with the corresponding clinical findings. Identification of new biomarkers of cardiovascular complications, and development of effective treatments for COVID-19 infection are of crucial importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Cenko
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40134 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC-Research Institute Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, CiberCV, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raffaele Bugiardini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40134 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marc J Claeys
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Giuseppe De Luca
- Cardiovascular Department of Cardiology, Ospedale “Maggiore della Carità”, Eastern Piedmont University, Novara, Italy
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Geneviève Derumeaux
- IMRB U955, UPEC, Créteil, France
- Department of Physiology, AP-HP, Henri-Mondor Teaching Hospital, Créteil, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire « SENEC », Créteil, France
| | - Maria Dorobantu
- “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Etto C Eringa
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Maastricht University, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Diana A Gorog
- Faculty of Medicine, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
- Department of Postgraduate Medicine, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Christian Hassager
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frank R Heinzel
- Department of Cardiology, Charité-Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kurt Huber
- 3rd Medical Department, Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Wilhelminen Hospital, Vienna, Austria
- Medical School, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Olivia Manfrini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40134 Bologna, Italy
| | - Davor Milicic
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Evangelos Oikonomou
- Department of Cardiology, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Teresa Padro
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC-Research Institute Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, CiberCV, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Danijela Trifunovic-Zamaklar
- Cardiology Department, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Marija Vavlukis
- University Clinic of Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Ss' Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Gemma Vilahur
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC-Research Institute Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB-Sant Pau, CiberCV, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- Department of Cardiology, ‘Hippokration’ General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Koller A, Laughlin MH, Cenko E, de Wit C, Tóth K, Bugiardini R, Trifunovits D, Vavlukis M, Manfrini O, Lelbach A, Dornyei G, Padro T, Badimon L, Tousoulis D, Gielen S, Duncker DJ. Functional and structural adaptations of the coronary macro- and micro-vasculature to regular aerobic exercise by activation of physiological, cellular and molecular mechanisms: Esc Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology & Microcirculation Position Paper. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:357-371. [PMID: 34358290 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Regular aerobic exercise (RAEX) elicits several positive adaptations in all organs and tissues of the body, culminating in improved health and well-being. Indeed, in over half a century, many studies have shown the benefit of RAEX on cardiovascular outcome in terms of morbidity and mortality. RAEX elicits a wide range of functional and structural adaptations in the heart and its coronary circulation, all of which are to maintain optimal myocardial oxygen and nutritional supply during increased demand. Although there is no evidence suggesting that oxidative metabolism is limited by coronary blood flow (CBF) rate in the normal heart even during maximal exercise, increased CBF and capillary exchange capacities have been reported. Adaptations of coronary macro- and microvessels include outward remodeling of epicardial coronary arteries, increased coronary arteriolar size and density, and increased capillary surface area. In addition, there are adjustments in the neural and endothelial regulation of coronary macrovascular tone. Similarly, there are several adaptations at the level of microcirculation, including enhanced smooth muscle dependent pressure-induced myogenic constriction and upregulated endothelium-dependent flow-/shear-stress-induced dilation, increasing the range of diameter change. Alterations in the signaling interaction between coronary vessels and cardiac metabolism have also been described. At the molecular and cellular level, ion channels are key players in the local coronary vascular adaptations to RAEX, with enhanced activation of influx of Ca2+ contributing to the increased myogenic tone (via voltage gated Ca2+ channels) as well as the enhanced endothelium-dependent dilation (via TRPV4 channels). Finally, RAEX elicits a number of beneficial effects on several hemorheological variables that may further improve CBF and myocardial oxygen delivery and nutrient exchange in the microcirculation by stabilizing and extending the range and further optimizing the regulation of myocardial blood flow during exercise. These adaptations also act to prevent and/or delay the development of coronary and cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akos Koller
- Department of Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Research Center for Sports Physiology, University of Physical Education, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - M Harold Laughlin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
| | - Edina Cenko
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universitat zu Lu ¨beck, Lu beck, Germany and15DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lu ¨beck, Lubeck, Germany
| | - Kálmán Tóth
- Division of Cardiology, 1st Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Raffaele Bugiardini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Danijela Trifunovits
- Cardiology Department, Clinical Centre of Serbia and Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Vavlukis
- University Clinic for Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Ss' Cyril andMethodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Olivia Manfrini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Adam Lelbach
- Departmental Group of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Dr. Rose Private Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Dornyei
- Department of Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Teresa Padro
- Cardiovascular Program-ICCC, Research Institute Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau; IIB-Sant Pau; CiberCV-Institute Carlos III; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Program-ICCC, Research Institute Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau; IIB-Sant Pau; CiberCV-Institute Carlos III; Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Stephan Gielen
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinikum Lippe, Detmold, Germany
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxenter, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Koepple C, Zhou Z, Huber L, Schulte M, Schmidt K, Gloe T, Kneser U, Schmidt VJ, de Wit C. Expression of Connexin43 Stimulates Endothelial Angiogenesis Independently of Gap Junctional Communication In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147400. [PMID: 34299018 PMCID: PMC8306600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) form gap junctions (GJ) and allow for intercellular communication. However, these proteins also modulate gene expression, growth, and cell migration. The downregulation of Cx43 impairs endothelial cell migration and angiogenetic potential. Conversely, endothelial Cx43 expression is upregulated in an in vivo angiogenesis model relying on hemodynamic forces. We studied the effects of Cx43 expression on tube formation and proliferation in HUVECs and examined its dependency on GJ communication. Expectedly, intercellular communication assessed by dye transfer was linked to Cx43 expression levels in HUVECs and was sensitive to a GJ blockade by the Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27. The proliferation of HUVECs was not affected by Cx43 overexpression using Cx43 cDNA transfection, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Cx43, or the inhibition of GJ compared to the controls (transfection of an empty vector, scrambled siRNA, and the solvent). In contrast, endothelial tube and sprout formation in HUVECs was minimized after Cx43 knockdown and significantly enhanced after Cx43 overexpression. This was not affected by a GJ blockade (Gap27). We conclude that Cx43 expression positively modulates the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells independent of GJ communication. Since proliferation remained unaffected, we suggest that Cx43 protein may modulate endothelial cell migration, thereby supporting angiogenesis. The modulation of Cx43 expression may represent an exploitable principle for angiogenesis induction in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Koepple
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (V.J.S.); (C.d.W.)
| | - Zizi Zhou
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Lena Huber
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Matthias Schulte
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Kjestine Schmidt
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Torsten Gloe
- Physiology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Universität Augsburg, 86159 Augsburg, Germany;
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Volker Jürgen Schmidt
- Department for Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital (SUH) Roskilde, Copenhagen University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (V.J.S.); (C.d.W.)
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (V.J.S.); (C.d.W.)
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Schmidt K, de Wit C. Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor and Myoendothelial Coupling: The in vivo Perspective. Front Physiol 2021; 11:602930. [PMID: 33424626 PMCID: PMC7786115 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.602930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelium controls vascular tone adopting blood flow to tissue needs. It releases chemical mediators [e.g., nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandins (PG)] and exerts appreciable dilation through smooth muscle hyperpolarization, thus termed endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH). Initially, EDH was attributed to release of a factor, but later it was suggested that smooth muscle hyperpolarization might be derived from radial spread of an initial endothelial hyperpolarization through heterocellular channels coupling these vascular cells. The channels are indeed present and formed by connexins that enrich in gap junctions (GJ). In vitro data suggest that myoendothelial coupling underlies EDH-type dilations as evidenced by blocking experiments as well as simultaneous, merely identical membrane potential changes in endothelial and smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which is indicative of coupling through ohmic resistors. However, connexin-deficient animals do not display any attenuation of EDH-type dilations in vivo, and endothelial and SMCs exhibit distinct and barely superimposable membrane potential changes exerted by different means in vivo. Even if studied in the exact same artery EDH-type dilation exhibits distinct features in vitro and in vivo: in isometrically mounted vessels, it is rather weak and depends on myoendothelial coupling through connexin40 (Cx40), whereas in vivo as well as in vitro under isobaric conditions it is powerful and independent of myoendothelial coupling through Cx40. It is concluded that EDH-type dilations are distinct and a significant dependence on myoendothelial coupling in vitro does not reflect the situation under physiologic conditions in vivo. Myoendothelial coupling may act as a backup mechanism that is uncovered in the absence of the powerful EDH-type response and possibly reflects a situation in a pathophysiologic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjestine Schmidt
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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6
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Padro T, Manfrini O, Bugiardini R, Canty J, Cenko E, De Luca G, Duncker DJ, Eringa EC, Koller A, Tousoulis D, Trifunovic D, Vavlukis M, de Wit C, Badimon L. ESC Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology and Microcirculation position paper on 'coronary microvascular dysfunction in cardiovascular disease'. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:741-755. [PMID: 32034397 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although myocardial ischaemia usually manifests as a consequence of atherosclerosis-dependent obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease, a significant percentage of patients suffer ischaemic events in the absence of epicardial coronary artery obstruction. Experimental and clinical evidence highlight the abnormalities of the coronary microcirculation as a main cause of myocardial ischaemia in patients with 'normal or near normal' coronary arteries on angiography. Coronary microvascular disturbances have been associated with early stages of atherosclerosis even prior to any angiographic evidence of epicardial coronary stenosis, as well as to other cardiac pathologies such as myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure. The main objectives of the manuscript are (i) to provide updated evidence in our current understanding of the pathophysiological consequences of microvascular dysfunction in the heart; (ii) to report on the current knowledge on the relevance of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbid conditions for microcirculatory dysfunction; and (iii) to evidence the relevance of the clinical consequences of microvascular dysfunction. Highlighting the clinical importance of coronary microvascular dysfunction will open the field for research and the development of novel strategies for intervention will encourage early detection of subclinical disease and will help in the stratification of cardiovascular risk in agreement with the new concept of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Padro
- Cardiovascular Program-ICCC, Research Institute Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cardiovascular (CIBERCV) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiovascular Research Chair, Autonomous University Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olivia Manfrini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaele Bugiardini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - John Canty
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Edina Cenko
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Luca
- Division of Cardiology, Maggiore della Carità Hospital, Eastern Piedmont University, Novara, Italy
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research Institute COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Etto C Eringa
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Science Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Akos Koller
- Department of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Danijela Trifunovic
- Department of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia; and School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Vavlukis
- University Clinic of Cardiology, Medical Faculty, Ss' Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Program-ICCC, Research Institute Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cardiovascular (CIBERCV) Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Cardiovascular Research Chair, Autonomous University Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
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7
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Duncker DJ, Padro T, Dorobantu M, Tousoulis D, de Wit C. The ESC Working Group on Coronary Pathophysiology and Microcirculation. Eur Heart J 2020; 41:2150-2151. [PMID: 32556333 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Teresa Padro
- Cardiovascular Program-ICCC, Research Institute Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau; CiberCV-Institute Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Dorobantu
- Department of Cardiology of Clinic Emergency Hospital of Bucharest, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila " of Bucharest
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Athens Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany and DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck
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8
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Vaccarino V, Badimon L, Bremner JD, Cenko E, Cubedo J, Dorobantu M, Duncker DJ, Koller A, Manfrini O, Milicic D, Padro T, Pries AR, Quyyumi AA, Tousoulis D, Trifunovic D, Vasiljevic Z, de Wit C, Bugiardini R. Depression and coronary heart disease: 2018 position paper of the ESC working group on coronary pathophysiology and microcirculation. Eur Heart J 2020; 41:1687-1696. [PMID: 30698764 PMCID: PMC10941327 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Viola Vaccarino
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Emory University School of Medicine, 1518 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Program (ICCC), IR-Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. CiberCV-Institute Carlos III. Autonomous University of Barcelona, C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Douglas Bremner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive Northeast, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
- Department of Radiology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1364 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, 670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA, 30033, USA
| | - Edina Cenko
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Judit Cubedo
- Cardiovascular Program (ICCC), IR-Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. CiberCV-Institute Carlos III. Autonomous University of Barcelona, C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Dorobantu
- Cardiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy ‘Carol Davila’ of Bucharest, Emergency Clinical Hospital of Bucharest, Calea Floreasca 8, Sector 1, Bucuresti, 014461, Romania
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research Institute COEUR, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Akos Koller
- Institute of Natural Sciences, University of Physical Education, Alkotas street, 44, 1123, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Olivia Manfrini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Davor Milicic
- Department for Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Teresa Padro
- Cardiovascular Program (ICCC), IR-Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau. CiberCV-Institute Carlos III. Autonomous University of Barcelona, C/ Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167, 08025, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Axel R Pries
- Department of Physiology, Charitè-University Medicine, Thielallee 71, D-14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arshed A Quyyumi
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Emory University School of Medicine, 1518 Clifton Road Northeast, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Vasilissis Sofias 114, TK 115 28, Athens, Greece
| | - Danijela Trifunovic
- Department of Cardiology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Pasterova 2, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zorana Vasiljevic
- School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrumfür Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK), Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Raffaele Bugiardini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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Badimon L, Bugiardini R, Cenko E, Cubedo J, Dorobantu M, Duncker DJ, Estruch R, Milicic D, Tousoulis D, Vasiljevic Z, Vilahur G, de Wit C, Koller A. Position paper of the European Society of Cardiology-working group of coronary pathophysiology and microcirculation: obesity and heart disease. Eur Heart J 2019; 38:1951-1958. [PMID: 28873951 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehx181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Research Center (CSIC-ICCC), CIBERCV, and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), c/Sant Antoni M Claret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain.,Cardiovascular Research Chair UAB, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raffaele Bugiardini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Edina Cenko
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Giuseppe Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Judit Cubedo
- Cardiovascular Research Center (CSIC-ICCC), CIBERCV, and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), c/Sant Antoni MaClaret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Dorobantu
- Cardiology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" of Bucharest, Emergency Clinical Hospital of Bucharest, 8, Calea Floreasca, Sector 1, 014461 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Dirk J Duncker
- Division of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, Cardiovascular Research Institute COEUR, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ramón Estruch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Villarroel, 170, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.,CIBER Obesity and Nutrition, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain
| | - Davor Milicic
- Department for Cardiovascular Diseases, University Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- First Department of Cardiology, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Vasilissis Sofias 114, TK 115 28 Athens, Greece
| | - Zorana Vasiljevic
- Clinical Center of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Pasterova 2, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Gemma Vilahur
- Cardiovascular Research Center (CSIC-ICCC), CIBERCV, and Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), c/Sant Antoni MaClaret 167, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrumfür Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V., partner site: Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Akos Koller
- Institute of Natural Sciences, University of Physical Education, Alkotas street, 44, 1123 Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
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Rhoden A, Speiser J, Geertz B, Uebeler J, Schmidt K, de Wit C, Eschenhagen T. Preserved cardiovascular homeostasis despite blunted acetylcholine-induced dilation in mice with endothelial muscarinic M3 receptor deletion. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2019; 226:e13262. [PMID: 30716211 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (AChMR1-5) are fundamental for cellular responses upon release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) from parasympathetic nerve fibers. ACh is the prototypical agonist stimulating endothelium-dependent dilation, but most blood vessels lack parasympathetic innervation, raising the question as to the physiologic function of endothelial AChMR in vivo. Global deletion of AChM3R revealed a role in ACh-induced vasodilation in vitro and food uptake, but overall cardiovascular homeostasis has not been examined thoroughly. METHODS To characterize the function of endothelial AChM3R in vivo, we deleted AChM3R specifically in endothelial cells with an inducible or a non-inducible Cre-loxP system, driven by the endothelium-specific promoters VE-cadherin (indEC-M3R-/- ) or TIE2 (tek2; EC-M3R-/- ) and examined arteriolar dilation in the cremaster microcirculation, arterial pressure and cardiac function in these mice in vivo. RESULTS In both EC-M3R-/- , ACh-induced dilation was strongly impaired in arterioles in vivo, while responses to other dilators were mostly preserved. However, arterial pressure (indEC-M3R-/- ) and arteriolar tone as a surrogate for peripheral vascular resistance did not differ between EC-M3R-/- and control mice. Aged EC-M3R-/- mice (74-78 weeks) did not differ in body weight, heart weight, cardiac structure or contractile function from controls. CONCLUSION We conclude that AChM3R elicits the endothelium-dependent dilation upon ACh also in arterioles in vivo. Despite this prominent role, the endothelial deletion of AChM3R does not affect overall cardiovascular homeostasis. Thus, their physiologic function in endothelial cells remains obscure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rhoden
- Department for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology University Medical Centre Hamburg‐Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Germany
| | - Jakob Speiser
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Germany
- Department of Physiology University Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Birgit Geertz
- Department for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology University Medical Centre Hamburg‐Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Germany
| | - June Uebeler
- Department for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology University Medical Centre Hamburg‐Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Germany
| | - Kjestine Schmidt
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Germany
- Department of Physiology University Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Cor de Wit
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Germany
- Department of Physiology University Lübeck Lübeck Germany
| | - Thomas Eschenhagen
- Department for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology University Medical Centre Hamburg‐Eppendorf Hamburg Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research) Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck Germany
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Jobs A, Abdin A, de Waha-Thiele S, Eitel I, Thiele H, de Wit C, Vonthein R. Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors in hemodynamic congestion: a meta-analysis of early studies. Clin Res Cardiol 2019; 108:1240-1248. [DOI: 10.1007/s00392-019-01456-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Abstract
RATIONALE Mutations in GJC2 and GJA1, encoding Cxs (connexins) 47 and 43, respectively, are linked to lymphedema, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Because efficient lymph transport relies on the coordinated contractions of lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs) and their electrical coupling through Cxs, Cx-related lymphedema is proposed to result from dyssynchronous contractions of lymphatic vessels. OBJECTIVE To determine which Cx isoforms in LMCs and lymphatic endothelial cells are required for the entrainment of lymphatic contraction waves and efficient lymph transport. METHODS AND RESULTS We developed novel methods to quantify the spatiotemporal entrainment of lymphatic contraction waves and used optogenetic techniques to analyze calcium signaling within and between the LMC and the lymphatic endothelial cell layers. Genetic deletion of the major lymphatic endothelial cell Cxs (Cx43, Cx47, or Cx37) revealed that none were necessary for the synchronization of the global calcium events that triggered propagating contraction waves. We identified Cx45 in human and mouse LMCs as the critical Cx mediating the conduction of pacemaking signals and entrained contractions. Smooth muscle-specific Cx45 deficiency resulted in 10- to 18-fold reduction in conduction speed, partial-to-severe loss of contractile coordination, and impaired lymph pump function ex vivo and in vivo. Cx45 deficiency resulted in profound inhibition of lymph transport in vivo, but only under an imposed gravitational load. CONCLUSIONS Our results (1) identify Cx45 as the Cx isoform mediating the entrainment of the contraction waves in LMCs; (2) show that major endothelial Cxs are dispensable for the entrainment of contractions; (3) reveal a lack of coupling between lymphatic endothelial cells and LMCs, in contrast to arterioles; (4) point to lymphatic valve defects, rather than contraction dyssynchrony, as the mechanism underlying GJC2- or GJA1-related lymphedema; and (5) show that a gravitational load exacerbates lymphatic contractile defects in the intact mouse hindlimb, which is likely critical for the development of lymphedema in the adult mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott D. Zawieja
- Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and University of Missouri School of Medicine
| | - Min Li
- Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and University of Missouri School of Medicine
| | - R. Sathish Srinivasan
- Cardiovascular Biology Research Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City OK
| | | | - Cor de Wit
- Institute of Physiology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck Germany
| | | | - Luis A. Martinez-Lemus
- Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and University of Missouri School of Medicine
| | | | - Michael J. Davis
- Dept. of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology and University of Missouri School of Medicine
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Todd Milne G, Sandner P, Lincoln KA, Harrison PC, Chen H, Wang H, Clifford H, Qian HS, Wong D, Sarko C, Fryer R, Richman J, Reinhart GA, Boustany CM, Pullen SS, Andresen H, Moltzau LR, Cataliotti A, Levy FO, Lukowski R, Frankenreiter S, Friebe A, Calamaras T, Baumgartner R, McLaughlin A, Aronovitz M, Baur W, Wang GR, Kapur N, Karas R, Blanton R, Hell S, Waldman SA, Lin JE, Colon-Gonzalez F, Kim GW, Blomain ES, Merlino D, Snook A, Erdmann J, Wobst J, Kessler T, Schunkert H, Walter U, Pagel O, Walter E, Gambaryan S, Smolenski A, Jurk K, Zahedi R, Klinger JR, Benza RL, Corris PA, Langleben D, Naeije R, Simonneau G, Meier C, Colorado P, Chang MK, Busse D, Hoeper MM, Masferrer JL, Jacobson S, Liu G, Sarno R, Bernier S, Zhang P, Todd Milne G, Flores-Costa R, Currie M, Hall K, Möhrle D, Reimann K, Wolter S, Wolters M, Mergia E, Eichert N, Geisler HS, Ruth P, Friebe A, Feil R, Zimmermann U, Koesling D, Knipper M, Rüttiger L, Tanaka Y, Okamoto A, Nojiri T, Kumazoe M, Tokudome T, Miura K, Hino J, Hosoda H, Miyazato M, Kangawa K, Kapil V, Ahluwalia A, Paolocci N, Eaton P, Campbell JC, Henning P, Franz E, Sankaran B, Herberg FW, Kim C, Wittwer M, Luo Q, Kaila V, Dames SA, Tobin A, Alam M, Rudyk O, Krasemann S, Hartmann K, Prysyazhna O, Zhang M, Zhao L, Weiss A, Schermuly R, Eaton P, Moyes AJ, Chu SM, Baliga RS, Hobbs AJ, Michalakis S, Mühlfriedel R, Schön C, Fischer DM, Wilhelm B, Zobor D, Kohl S, Peters T, Zrenner E, Bartz-Schmidt KU, Ueffing M, Wissinger B, Seeliger M, Biel M, Ranek MJ, Kokkonen KM, Lee DI, Holewinski RJ, Agrawal V, Virus C, Stevens DA, Sasaki M, Zhang H, Mannion MM, Rainer PP, Page RC, Schisler JC, Van Eyk JE, Willis MS, Kass DA, Zaccolo M, Russwurm M, Giesen J, Russwurm C, Füchtbauer EM, Koesling D, Bork NI, Nikolaev VO, Agulló L, Floor M, Villà-Freixa J, Manfra O, Calamera G, Surdo NC, Meier S, Froese A, Nikolaev VO, Zaccolo M, Levy FO, Andressen KW, Aue A, Schwiering F, Groneberg D, Friebe A, Bajraktari G, Burhenne J, Haefeli WE, Weiss J, Beck K, Voussen B, Vincent A, Parsons SP, Huizinga JD, Friebe A, Mónica FZ, Seto E, Murad F, Bian K, Burgoyne JR, Prysyazhna O, Richards D, Eaton P, Calamera G, Bjørnerem M, Ulsund AH, Kim JJ, Kim C, Levy FO, Andressen KW, Donzelli S, Goetz M, Schmidt K, Wolters M, Stathopoulou K, Prysyazhna O, Scotcher J, Dees C, Subramanian H, Butt E, Kamynina A, Bruce King S, Nikolaev VO, de Witt C, Leichert LI, Feil R, Eaton P, Cuello F, Dobrowinski H, Lehners M, Schmidt MPH, Feil R, Feil S, Wen L, Wolters M, Thunemann M, Schmidt K, Olbrich M, Langer H, Gawaz M, Friebe A, de Wit C, Feil R, Franz E, Kim JJ, Bertinetti D, Kim C, Herberg FW, Ghofrani HA, Grimminger F, Grünig E, Huang Y, Jansa P, Jing ZC, Kilpatrick D, Langleben D, Rosenkranz S, Menezes F, Fritsch A, Nikkho S, Frey R, Humbert M, Groneberg D, Aue A, Schwiering F, Friebe A, Harloff M, Reinders J, Schlossmann J, Jung J, Wales JA, Chen CY, Breci L, Weichsel A, Bernier SG, Solinga R, Sheppeck JE, Renhowe PA, Montfort WR, Qin L, Sung YJ, Casteel D, Kim C, Kollau A, Neubauer A, Schrammel A, Russwurm M, Koesling D, Mayer B, Kumazoe M, Takai M, Takeuchi C, Kadomatsu M, Hiroi S, Takamatsu K, Nojiri T, Kangawa K, Tachibana H, Opelt M, Eroglu E, Waldeck-Weiermair M, Russwurm M, Koesling D, Malli R, Graier WF, Fassett JT, Schrammel A, Mayer B, Sollie SJ, Moltzau LR, Hernandez-Valladares M, Berven F, Levy FO, Andressen KW, Nojiri T, Tokudome T, Kumazoe M, Arai M, Suzuki Y, Miura K, Hino J, Hosoda H, Miyazato M, Okumura M, Kawaoka S, Kangawa K, Peters S, Schmidt H, Selin Kenet B, Nies SH, Frank K, Wen L, Rathjen FG, Feil R, Petrova ON, Lamarre I, Négrerie M, Robinson JW, Egbert JR, Davydova J, Jaffe LA, Potter LR, Robinson JW, Blixt N, Shuhaibar LC, Warren GL, Mansky KC, Jaffe LA, Potter LR, Romoli S, Bauch T, Dröbner K, Eitner F, Ruppert M, Radovits T, Korkmaz-Icöz S, Li S, Hegedűs P, Loganathan S, Németh BT, Oláh A, Mátyás C, Benke K, Merkely B, Karck M, Szabó G, Scheib U, Broser M, Mukherjee S, Stehfest K, Gee CE, Körschen HG, Oertner TG, Hegemann P, Schmidt H, Dickey DM, Dumoulin A, Kühn R, Jaffe L, Potter LR, Rathjen FG, Schobesberger S, Wright P, Poulet C, Mansfield C, Friebe A, Harding SE, Nikolaev VO, Gorelik J, Kollau A, Opelt M, Wölkart G, Gorren ACF, Russwurm M, Koesling D, Schrammel A, Mayer B, Schwaerzer GK, Casteel DE, Dalton ND, Gu Y, Zhuang S, Milewicz DM, Peterson KL, Pilz R, Schwiering F, Aue A, Groneberg D, Friebe A, Argyriou AI, Makrynitsa G, Alexandropoulos II, Stamopoulou A, Bantzi M, Giannis A, Topouzis S, Papapetropoulos A, Spyroulias GA, Stuehr DJ, Ghosh A, Dai Y, Misra S, Tchernychev B, Jung J, Liu G, Silos-Santiago I, Hannig G, Dao VTV, Deile M, Nedvetsky PI, Güldner A, Ibarra-Alvarado C, Gödecke A, Schmidt HHHW, Vachaviolos A, Gerling A, Thunemann M, Lutz SZ, Häring HU, Krüger MA, Pichler BJ, Shipston MJ, Feil S, Feil R, Vandenwijngaert S, Ledsky CD, Agha O, Hu D, Domian IJ, Buys ES, Newton-Cheh C, Bloch DB, Voussen B, Beck K, Mauro N, Keppler J, Friebe A, Ferreira WA, Chweih H, Brito PL, Almeida CB, Penteado CFF, Saad SSO, Costa FF, Frenette PS, Brockschnieder D, Stasch JP, Sandner P, Conran N, Zimmer DP, Tobin J, Shea C, Sarno R, Long K, Jacobson S, Tang K, Germano P, Wakefield J, Banijamali A, Im GYJ, Sheppeck JE, Profy AT, Todd Milne G, Currie MG, Masferrer JL. Abstracts from the 8th International Conference on cGMP Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications : Bamberg, Germany. 23-25 June, 2017. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 18:64. [PMID: 29035170 PMCID: PMC5667593 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-017-0170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Kauffenstein G, Tamareille S, Prunier F, Roy C, Ayer A, Toutain B, Billaud M, Isakson BE, Grimaud L, Loufrani L, Rousseau P, Abraham P, Procaccio V, Monyer H, de Wit C, Boeynaems JM, Robaye B, Kwak BR, Henrion D. Central Role of P2Y6 UDP Receptor in Arteriolar Myogenic Tone. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2016; 36:1598-606. [PMID: 27255725 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.116.307739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Myogenic tone (MT) of resistance arteries ensures autoregulation of blood flow in organs and relies on the intrinsic property of smooth muscle to contract in response to stretch. Nucleotides released by mechanical strain on cells are responsible for pleiotropic vascular effects, including vasoconstriction. Here, we evaluated the contribution of extracellular nucleotides to MT. APPROACH AND RESULTS We measured MT and the associated pathway in mouse mesenteric resistance arteries using arteriography for small arteries and molecular biology. Of the P2 receptors in mouse mesenteric resistance arteries, mRNA expression of P2X1 and P2Y6 was dominant. P2Y6 fully sustained UDP/UTP-induced contraction (abrogated in P2ry6(-/-) arteries). Preventing nucleotide hydrolysis with the ectonucleotidase inhibitor ARL67156 enhanced pressure-induced MT by 20%, whereas P2Y6 receptor blockade blunted MT in mouse mesenteric resistance arteries and human subcutaneous arteries. Despite normal hemodynamic parameters, P2ry6(-/-) mice were protected against MT elevation in myocardial infarction-induced heart failure. Although both P2Y6 and P2Y2 receptors contributed to calcium mobilization, P2Y6 activation was mandatory for RhoA-GTP binding, myosin light chain, P42-P44, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation in arterial smooth muscle cells. In accordance with the opening of a nucleotide conduit in pressurized arteries, MT was altered by hemichannel pharmacological inhibitors and impaired in Cx43(+/-) and P2rx7(-/-) mesenteric resistance arteries. CONCLUSIONS Signaling through P2 nucleotide receptors contributes to MT. This mechanism encompasses the release of nucleotides coupled to specific autocrine/paracrine activation of the uracil nucleotide P2Y6 receptor and may contribute to impaired tissue perfusion in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Kauffenstein
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.).
| | - Sophie Tamareille
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Fabrice Prunier
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Charlotte Roy
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Audrey Ayer
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Bertrand Toutain
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Marie Billaud
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Brant E Isakson
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Linda Grimaud
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Laurent Loufrani
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Pascal Rousseau
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Pierre Abraham
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Vincent Procaccio
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Hannah Monyer
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Cor de Wit
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Jean-Marie Boeynaems
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Bernard Robaye
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
| | - Daniel Henrion
- From the MITOVASC Institute, CNRS UMR 6214, INSERM U1083 (G.K., C.R., A.A., B.T., L.G., L.L., P.A., V.P., D.H.) and EA 3860 Cardioprotection Remodelage et Thrombose, University of Angers, Angers, France (S.T., F.P.); Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville (M.B., B.E.I.); University Hospital Angers, Angers, France (G.K., P.R., P.A., V.P.); Department of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany (H.M.); Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck and Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, Lübeck, Germany (C.d.W.); Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, IRIBHM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium (J.-M.B., B.R.); and Departments of Pathology and Immunology and Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.)
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Wen L, Thunemann M, Schmidt K, Wit CD, Feil S, Olbrich M, Langer H, Gawaz M, Feil R. Real-time imaging of cGMP signals in platelets. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2015. [PMCID: PMC4565127 DOI: 10.1186/2050-6511-16-s1-a98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjestine Schmidt
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck 23562, Germany Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck 23562, Germany Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Pries AR, Badimon L, Bugiardini R, Camici PG, Dorobantu M, Duncker DJ, Escaned J, Koller A, Piek JJ, de Wit C. Coronary vascular regulation, remodelling, and collateralization: mechanisms and clinical implications on behalf of the working group on coronary pathophysiology and microcirculation. Eur Heart J 2015; 36:3134-46. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehv100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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Schmidt K, Kaiser FJ, Erdmann J, Wit CD. Two polymorphisms in the Cx40 promoter are associated with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy preferentially in men. Clin Exp Hypertens 2015; 37:580-6. [PMID: 25992486 DOI: 10.3109/10641963.2015.1026043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of connexin40, a gap junction protein expressed in endothelial and renin-producing cells, results in hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy in mice due to unleashed renin production caused by disruption of the pressure-induced feedback inhibition. We analysed human GJA5 consisting of two exons (exon1A or 1B and exon2) in a selected cohort identified by a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the GJA5 intron for polymorphisms and putative association with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). METHODS Individuals carrying a SNP in the intron of GJA5 (rs791295) were selected from the MONICA/KORA cohort (n = 1677) and searched for GJA5 polymorphisms. We accessed DNA of 178 probands, of which 26 suffered from LVH, 112 were hypertensive and 29 normotensive (unknown: 11). RESULTS Sequencing of the GJA5 coding region did not reveal alterations suggesting the expression of functional connexin40 in all probands. Sequencing of the upstream region of transcript 1A including exon1A revealed two previously described linked SNPs (rs35594137 -44G>A; rs11552588 + 71A>G) at an increased frequency. Moreover, the rare genotype was significantly associated with hypertension and LVH with a preponderance in men. Functional analysis in a reporter gene assay verified promoter activity, however, it was unchanged by the identified SNPs after expressing respective reporter constructs in HeLa and human endothelial cells. CONCLUSION We suggest to consider the -44G>A SNP upstream of the connexin40 transcript 1A indeed as a risk factor for hypertension in men. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear but animal data suggest that renin-producing cells may be involved and contribute to hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjestine Schmidt
- a Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck , Lübeck , Germany
- b Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) , Lübeck , Germany
| | - Frank J Kaiser
- b Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) , Lübeck , Germany
- c Sektion für Funktionelle Genetik am Institut für Humangenetik, Universität zu Lübeck , Lübeck , Germany , and
| | - Jeanette Erdmann
- b Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) , Lübeck , Germany
- d Institut für Integrative und Experimentelle Genomik, Universität zu Lübeck , Lübeck , Germany
| | - Cor de Wit
- a Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck , Lübeck , Germany
- b Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research) , Lübeck , Germany
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Schmidt VJ, Hilgert JG, Covi JM, Leibig N, Wietbrock JO, Arkudas A, Polykandriotis E, de Wit C, Horch RE, Kneser U. Flow increase is decisive to initiate angiogenesis in veins exposed to altered hemodynamics. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117407. [PMID: 25635764 PMCID: PMC4312013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposing a vein to altered hemodynamics by creating an arteriovenous (AV) shunt evokes considerable vessel formation that may be of therapeutic potential. However, it is unclear whether the introduction of oscillatory flow and/or flow increase is decisive. To distinguish between these mechanical stimuli we grafted a femoral vein into the arterial flow pathway of the contralateral limb in rats creating an arterioarterial (AA) loop (n = 7). Alternatively, we connected the femoral artery and vein using the vein graft, whereby we created an AV-loop (n = 27). Vessel loops were embedded in a fibrin filled chamber and blood flow was measured by means of flow probes immediately after surgery (day 0) and 15 days after loop creation. On day 15, animals were sacrificed and angiogenesis was evaluated using μCT and histological analysis. Mean flow increased from 0.5 to 2.4 mL/min and was elevated throughout the cardiac cycle at day 0 in AV-loops whereas, as expected, it remained unchanged in AA-loops. Flow in AV-loops decreased with time, and was at day 15 not different from untreated femoral vessels or AA-loop grafts. Pulsatile flow oscillations were similar in AV-and AA-loops at day 0. The flow amplitude amounted to ~1.3 mL/min which was comparable to values in untreated arteries. Flow amplitude remained constant in AA-loops, whereas it decreased in AV-loops (day 15: 0.4 mL/min). A large number of newly formed vessels were present in AV-loops at day 15 arising from the grafted vein. In marked contrast, angiogenesis originating from the grafted vein was absent in AA-loops. We conclude that exposure to substantially increased flow is required to initiate angiogenesis in grafted veins, whereas selective enhancement of pulsatile flow is unable to do so. This suggests that indeed flow and most likely wall shear stress is decisive to initiate formation of vessels in this hemodynamically driven angiogenesis model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker J. Schmidt
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department for Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Johannes G. Hilgert
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer M. Covi
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nico Leibig
- Department for Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johanna O. Wietbrock
- Department for Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andreas Arkudas
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elias Polykandriotis
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cor de Wit
- Department for Physiology, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Raymund E. Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department for Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Thunemann M, Schmidt K, de Wit C, Han X, Jain RK, Fukumura D, Feil R. Correlative intravital imaging of cGMP signals and vasodilation in mice. Front Physiol 2014; 5:394. [PMID: 25352809 PMCID: PMC4196583 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is an important signaling molecule and drug target in the cardiovascular system. It is well known that stimulation of the vascular nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway results in vasodilation. However, the spatiotemporal dynamics of cGMP signals themselves and the cGMP concentrations within specific cardiovascular cell types in health, disease, and during pharmacotherapy with cGMP-elevating drugs are largely unknown. To facilitate the analysis of cGMP signaling in vivo, we have generated transgenic mice that express fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based cGMP sensor proteins. Here, we describe two models of intravital FRET/cGMP imaging in the vasculature of cGMP sensor mice: (1) epifluorescence-based ratio imaging in resistance-type vessels of the cremaster muscle and (2) ratio imaging by multiphoton microscopy within the walls of subcutaneous blood vessels accessed through a dorsal skinfold chamber. Both methods allow simultaneous monitoring of NO-induced cGMP transients and vasodilation in living mice. Detailed protocols of all steps necessary to perform and evaluate intravital imaging experiments of the vasculature of anesthetized mice including surgery, imaging, and data evaluation are provided. An image segmentation approach is described to estimate FRET/cGMP changes within moving structures such as the vessel wall during vasodilation. The methods presented herein should be useful to visualize cGMP or other biochemical signals that are detectable with FRET-based biosensors, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate or Ca2+, and to correlate them with respective vascular responses. With further refinement and combination of transgenic mouse models and intravital imaging technologies, we envision an exciting future, in which we are able to “watch” biochemistry, (patho-)physiology, and pharmacotherapy in the context of a living mammalian organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Thunemann
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck Lübeck, Germany
| | - Xiaoxing Han
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dai Fukumura
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert Feil
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, University of Tübingen Tübingen, Germany
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21
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de Wit C. Restoring a critical element in renin-producing cells: connexin40 hits the brakes on renin release. Hypertension 2014; 63:1161-2. [PMID: 24614211 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.114.03182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
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22
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Schmidt VJ, Hilgert JG, Covi JM, Weis C, Wietbrock JO, de Wit C, Horch RE, Kneser U. High flow conditions increase connexin43 expression in a rat arteriovenous and angioinductive loop model. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78782. [PMID: 24236049 PMCID: PMC3827249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are involved in vascular growth and their expression pattern is modulated in response to hemodynamic conditions. They are clusters of intercellular channels formed by connexins (Cx) of which four subtypes are expressed in the cardiovascular system, namely Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45. We hypothesize that high flow conditions affect vascular expression of Cx in vivo. To test this hypothesis, flow hemodynamics and subsequent changes in vascular expression of Cx were studied in an angioinductive rat arteriovenous (AV) loop model. Fifteen days after interposition of a femoral vein graft between femoral artery and vein encased in a fibrin-filled chamber strong neovascularization was evident that emerged predominantly from the graft. Blood flow through the grafted vessel was enhanced ∼4.5-fold accompanied by increased pulsatility exceeding arterial levels. Whereas Cx43 protein expression in the femoral vein is negligible at physiologic flow conditions as judged by immunostaining its expression was enhanced in the endothelium of the venous graft exposed to these hemodynamic changes for 5 days. This was most likely due to enhanced transcription since Cx43 mRNA increased likewise, whereas Cx37 mRNA expression remained unaffected and Cx40 mRNA was reduced. Although enhanced Cx43 expression in regions of high flow in vivo has already been demonstrated, the arteriovenous graft used in the present study provides a reliable model to verify an association between Cx43 expression and high flow conditions in vivo that was selective for this Cx. We conclude that enhancement of blood flow and its oscillation possibly associated with the transition from laminar to more turbulent flow induces Cx43 expression in a vein serving as an AV loop. It is tempting to speculate that this upregulation is involved in the vessel formation occuring in this model as Cx43 was suggested to be involved in angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker J. Schmidt
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Johannes G. Hilgert
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jennifer M. Covi
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Weis
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johanna O. Wietbrock
- Department of Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cor de Wit
- Department of Physiology, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Raymund E. Horch
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Hand-, Plastic- and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Ludwigshafen, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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23
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Radtke J, Schmidt K, Wulff H, Köhler R, de Wit C. Activation of KCa3.1 by SKA-31 induces arteriolar dilatation and lowers blood pressure in normo- and hypertensive connexin40-deficient mice. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 170:293-303. [PMID: 23734697 PMCID: PMC3834754 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1 is expressed in the vascular endothelium where its activation causes endothelial hyperpolarization and initiates endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH)-dependent dilatation. Here, we investigated whether pharmacological activation of KCa3.1 dilates skeletal muscle arterioles and whether myoendothelial gap junctions formed by connexin40 (Cx40) are required for EDH-type dilatations and pressure depressor responses in vivo. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We performed intravital microscopy in the cremaster muscle microcirculation and blood pressure telemetry in Cx40-deficient mice. KEY RESULTS In wild-type mice, the KCa3.1-activator SKA-31 induced pronounced concentration-dependent arteriolar EDH-type dilatations, amounting to ∼40% of maximal dilatation, and enhanced the effects of ACh. These responses were absent in mice devoid of KCa3.1 channels. In contrast, SKA-31-induced dilatations were not attenuated in mice with endothelial cells deficient in Cx40 (Cx40(fl/fl):Tie2-Cre). In isolated endothelial cell clusters, SKA-31 induced hyperpolarizations of similar magnitudes (by ∼38 mV) in Cx40(fl/fl):Tie2-Cre, ubiquitous Cx40-deficient mice (Cx40(-/-)) and controls (Cx40(fl/fl)), which were reversed by the specific KCa3.1-blocker TRAM-34. In normotensive wild-type and Cx40(fl/fl):Tie2-Cre as well as in hypertensive Cx40(-/-) animals, i.p. injections of SKA-31 (30 and 100 mg·kg(-1)) decreased arterial pressure by ∼32 mmHg in all genotypes. The depressor response to 100 mg·kg(-1) SKA-31 was associated with a decrease in heart rate. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that endothelial hyperpolarization evoked by pharmacological activation of KCa3.1 channels induces EDH-type arteriolar dilatations that are independent of endothelial Cx40 and Cx40-containing myoendothelial gap junctions. As SKA-31 reduced blood pressure in hypertensive Cx40-deficient mice, KCa3.1 activators may be useful drugs for severe treatment-resistant hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Radtke
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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24
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Vaccarino V, Badimon L, Corti R, de Wit C, Dorobantu M, Manfrini O, Koller A, Pries A, Cenko E, Bugiardini R. Presentation, management, and outcomes of ischaemic heart disease in women. Nat Rev Cardiol 2013; 10:508-18. [PMID: 23817188 PMCID: PMC10878732 DOI: 10.1038/nrcardio.2013.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Scientific interest in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in women has grown considerably over the past 2 decades. A substantial amount of the literature on this subject is centred on sex differences in clinical aspects of IHD. Many reports have documented sex-related differences in presentation, risk profiles, and outcomes among patients with IHD, particularly acute myocardial infarction. Such differences have often been attributed to inequalities between men and women in the referral and treatment of IHD, but data are insufficient to support this assessment. The determinants of sex differences in presentation are unclear, and few clues are available as to why young, premenopausal women paradoxically have a greater incidence of adverse outcomes after acute myocardial infarction than men, despite having less-severe coronary artery disease. Although differential treatment on the basis of patient sex continues to be described, the extent to which such inequalities persist and whether they reflect true disparity is unclear. Additionally, much uncertainty surrounds possible sex-related differences in response to cardiovascular therapies, partly because of a persistent lack of female-specific data from cardiovascular clinical trials. In this Review, we assess the evidence for sex-related differences in the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of IHD, and identify gaps in the literature that need to be addressed in future research efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Vaccarino
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health and School of Medicine, USA
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25
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Wen L, Thunemann M, Feil S, Hillenbrand M, Vachaviolos A, Ott T, Han X, Fukumura D, Jain RK, de Wit C, Russwurm M, Feil R. Analysis of cGMP signalling with transgenic mice expressing FRET-based cGMP sensors. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2013. [PMCID: PMC3765677 DOI: 10.1186/2050-6511-14-s1-p76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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26
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Thunemann M, Wen L, Hillenbrand M, Vachaviolos A, Feil S, Ott T, Han X, Fukumura D, Jain RK, Russwurm M, de Wit C, Feil R. Transgenic mice for cGMP imaging. Circ Res 2013; 113:365-71. [PMID: 23801067 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.113.301063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cyclic GMP (cGMP) is an important intracellular signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system, but its spatiotemporal dynamics in vivo is largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To generate and characterize transgenic mice expressing the fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based ratiometric cGMP sensor, cGMP indicator with an EC50 of 500 nmol/L (cGi500), in cardiovascular tissues. METHODS AND RESULTS Mouse lines with smooth muscle-specific or ubiquitous expression of cGi500 were generated by random transgenesis using an SM22α promoter fragment or by targeted integration of a Cre recombinase-activatable expression cassette driven by the cytomegalovirus early enhancer/chicken β-actin/β-globin promoter into the Rosa26 locus, respectively. Primary smooth muscle cells isolated from aorta, bladder, and colon of cGi500 mice showed strong sensor fluorescence. Basal cGMP concentrations were < 100 nmol/L, whereas stimulation with cGMP-elevating agents such as 2-(N,N-diethylamino)-diazenolate-2-oxide diethylammonium salt (DEA/NO) or the natriuretic peptides, atrial natriuretic peptide, and C-type natriuretic peptide evoked fluorescence resonance energy transfer changes corresponding to cGMP peak concentrations of ≈ 3 µmol/L. However, different types of smooth muscle cells had different sensitivities of their cGMP responses to DEA/NO, atrial natriuretic peptide, and C-type natriuretic peptide. Robust nitric oxide-induced cGMP transients with peak concentrations of ≈ 1 to > 3 µmol/L could also be monitored in blood vessels of the isolated retina and in the cremaster microcirculation of anesthetized mice. Moreover, with the use of a dorsal skinfold chamber model and multiphoton fluorescence resonance energy transfer microscopy, nitric oxide-stimulated vascular cGMP signals associated with vasodilation were detected in vivo in an acutely untouched preparation. CONCLUSIONS These cGi500 transgenic mice permit the visualization of cardiovascular cGMP signals in live cells, tissues, and mice under normal and pathological conditions or during pharmacotherapy with cGMP-elevating drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Thunemann
- Interfakultäres Institut für Biochemie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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27
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Jobs A, Schmidt K, Schmidt VJ, Lübkemeier I, van Veen TAB, Kurtz A, Willecke K, de Wit C. Defective Cx40 maintains Cx37 expression but intact Cx40 is crucial for conducted dilations irrespective of hypertension. Hypertension 2012; 60:1422-9. [PMID: 23090768 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.112.201194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The gap junction channel protein connexin40 (Cx40) is crucial in vascular and renal physiology, because Cx40-deficient mice exhibit impaired conduction of endothelium-dependent dilations and pronounced hypertension. The latter precludes mechanistic insights into the role of endothelial Cx40, because long-lasting hypertension itself may affect conduction and Cx expression. We aimed to identify endothelial Cx40 functions, their dependency on the conductive capability, and to separate these from hypertension-related alterations. We assessed conduction and Cx expression in mice with cell type-specific deletion of Cx40 and in mice expressing a defective Cx40 (Cx40A96S) identified in humans, which forms nonconducting gap junction channels. Confined arteriolar stimulation with acetylcholine or bradykinin elicited local dilations that conducted upstream without attenuation of the amplitude for distances up to 1.2-mm in controls with a floxed Cx40 gene (Cx40(fl/fl)). Conducted responses in hypertensive animals devoid of Cx40 in renin-producing cells were unaltered but remote dilations were reduced in normotensive animals deficient for Cx40 in endothelial cells (Cx40(fl/fl):Tie2-Cre). Surprisingly, Cx37 expression was undetectable by immunostaining in arteriolar endothelium only in Cx40(fl/fl):Tie2-Cre; however, transcriptional activity of Cx37 in the cremaster was comparable with Cx40(fl/fl) controls. Cx40A96S mice were hypertensive with preserved expression of Cx40 and Cx37. Nevertheless, conducted responses were blunted. We conclude that endothelial Cx40 is necessary to support conducted dilations initiated by endothelial agonists and to locate Cx37 into the plasma membrane. These functions are unaltered by long-lasting hypertension. In the presence of a nonconducting Cx40, Cx37 is present but cannot support the conduction highlighting the importance of endothelial Cx40.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Jobs
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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28
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Wang L, Yin J, Nickles HT, Ranke H, Tabuchi A, Hoffmann J, Tabeling C, Barbosa-Sicard E, Chanson M, Kwak BR, Shin HS, Wu S, Isakson BE, Witzenrath M, de Wit C, Fleming I, Kuppe H, Kuebler WM. Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction requires connexin 40-mediated endothelial signal conduction. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:4218-30. [PMID: 23093775 PMCID: PMC3484430 DOI: 10.1172/jci59176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) is a physiological mechanism by which pulmonary arteries constrict in hypoxic lung areas in order to redirect blood flow to areas with greater oxygen supply. Both oxygen sensing and the contractile response are thought to be intrinsic to pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. Here we speculated that the ideal site for oxygen sensing might instead be at the alveolocapillary level, with subsequent retrograde propagation to upstream arterioles via connexin 40 (Cx40) endothelial gap junctions. HPV was largely attenuated by Cx40-specific and nonspecific gap junction uncouplers in the lungs of wild-type mice and in lungs from mice lacking Cx40 (Cx40-/-). In vivo, hypoxemia was more severe in Cx40-/- mice than in wild-type mice. Real-time fluorescence imaging revealed that hypoxia caused endothelial membrane depolarization in alveolar capillaries that propagated to upstream arterioles in wild-type, but not Cx40-/-, mice. Transformation of endothelial depolarization into vasoconstriction involved endothelial voltage-dependent α1G subtype Ca2+ channels, cytosolic phospholipase A2, and epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. Based on these data, we propose that HPV originates at the alveolocapillary level, from which the hypoxic signal is propagated as endothelial membrane depolarization to upstream arterioles in a Cx40-dependent manner.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Calcium Channels/metabolism
- Connexins/genetics
- Connexins/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/pathology
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiopathology
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
- Humans
- Hypoxia/genetics
- Hypoxia/metabolism
- Hypoxia/pathology
- Hypoxia/physiopathology
- Lung/blood supply
- Lung/metabolism
- Lung/pathology
- Lung/physiopathology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth/pathology
- Muscle, Smooth/physiopathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Phospholipases A2, Cytosolic/metabolism
- Pulmonary Artery/metabolism
- Pulmonary Artery/pathology
- Pulmonary Artery/physiopathology
- Signal Transduction
- Vasoconstriction
- Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Wang
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jun Yin
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hannah T. Nickles
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hannes Ranke
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arata Tabuchi
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Hoffmann
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christoph Tabeling
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eduardo Barbosa-Sicard
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc Chanson
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hee-Sup Shin
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Songwei Wu
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brant E. Isakson
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Witzenrath
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cor de Wit
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ingrid Fleming
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hermann Kuppe
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wolfgang M. Kuebler
- The Keenan Research Centre at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Institute of Physiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Affiliated People′s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
German Heart Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Division of Infectious Diseases and Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany.
Institute for Vascular Signalling, Centre for Molecular Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), and
Department of Pathology and Immunology, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland.
Center for Neural Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Center for Lung Biology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, USA.
Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
Institute of Physiology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
Department of Surgery and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Schmidt VJ, Jobs A, von Maltzahn J, Wörsdörfer P, Willecke K, de Wit C. Connexin45 is expressed in vascular smooth muscle but its function remains elusive. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42287. [PMID: 22848755 PMCID: PMC3407082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) form gap junctions and allow the coordination of cellular behaviour. In vessels, expression of Cx40, Cx37, and Cx43 is well established and specifically Cx40 serves important functions in endothelial cells. In contrast, expression and physiological functions of Cx45 is unclear although its expression has been suggested in vascular smooth muscle (VSM). Therefore, we studied expression and function of Cx45 in vessels using different mice models allowing to identify and delete Cx45. Smooth muscle cell (SMC)-specific deletion was achieved by the Cre/loxP system using Cre-recombinase driven by a Nestin promoter. Deletion of Cx45 leads concomitantly to the expression of enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) in these mice. Conduction of vasomotor responses was studied in cremasteric arterioles using intravital microscopy and arterial pressure was measured telemetrically. Cx45 is transcriptionally expressed in VSM as detected by EGFP expression in SMC-specific Cx45-deficient mice (Cx45fl/fl:Nestin-Cre) but not in endothelial cells (Cx45fl/fl:TIE2-Cre). Moreover, EGFP was located at VSM cell borders in arterioles of transgenic mice carrying an EGFP-tagged Cx45. Expectedly, arteriolar conduction of dilations evoked by the endothelium-dependent agonist acetylcholine were not different between Cx45fl/fl:Nestin-Cre mice and controls carrying homozygously a floxed Cx45 gene (Cx45fl/fl). Surprisingly, the amplitude of locally initiated endothelium-independent constrictions (K+) and dilations (adenosine) declined similarly with distance in both genotypes indicating an intact VSM conduction pathway also in mice being deficient for Cx45 in VSM. Arterial pressure was not different between freely moving Cx45fl/fl and Cx45fl/fl:Nestin-Cre mice during day or night. We conclude that Cx45 is physiologically expressed in VSM, but not in EC in murine arterioles. However, Cx45 is dispensable for the conduction of vasomotor responses along these arterioles. Possibly, other Cx functionally replace the lack of Cx45 in VSM. The reported role of Cx45 in renin secretion does not seem to alter arterial pressure in freely moving mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker J. Schmidt
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Plastisch- und Handchirurgische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Jobs
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Damkjaer M, Nielsen G, Bodendiek S, Staehr M, Gramsbergen JB, de Wit C, Jensen BL, Simonsen U, Bie P, Wulff H, Köhler R. Pharmacological activation of KCa3.1/KCa2.3 channels produces endothelial hyperpolarization and lowers blood pressure in conscious dogs. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 165:223-34. [PMID: 21699504 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01546.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In rodents, the endothelial KCa channels, KCa3.1 and KCa2.3, have been shown to play a crucial role in initiating endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) vasodilator responses. However, it is not known to what extent these channels are involved in blood pressure regulation in large mammals, which would also allow us to address safety issues. We therefore characterized canine endothelial KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 functions and evaluated the effect of the KCa3.1/KCa2.3 activator SKA-31 on blood pressure and heart rate in dogs. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Canine endothelial KCa3.1/KCa2.3 functions were studied by patch-clamp electrophysiology and wire myography in mesenteric arteries. Systemic cardiovascular actions of acute SKA-31 administration were monitored in conscious, unstressed beagle dogs. KEY RESULTS Mesenteric endothelial cells expressed functional KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 channels that were strongly activated by SKA-31. SKA-31 hyperpolarized the endothelial membrane and doubled endothelial hyperpolarization-dependent vasodilator responses in mesenteric arteries. SKA-31 (2 mg·kg(-1), i.v.) rapidly decreased the MAP by 28 ± 6 mmHg; this response was transient (8 ± 1 s), and the initial drop was followed by a fast and pronounced increase in HR (+109 ± 7 beats min(-1)) reflecting baroreceptor activation. SKA-31 significantly augmented similar transient depressor responses elicited by ACh (20 ng·kg(-1)) and doubled the magnitude of the response over time. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of endothelial KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 lowers arterial blood pressure in dogs by an immediate electrical vasodilator mechanism. The results support the concept that pharmacological activation of these channels may represent a potential unique endothelium-specific antihypertensive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Damkjaer
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Boettcher M, de Wit C. Distinct endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors emerge in vitro and in vivo and are mediated in part via connexin 40-dependent myoendothelial coupling. Hypertension 2011; 57:802-8. [PMID: 21357279 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.110.165894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) contributes critically to the regulation of vascular tone. Its dependency on direct signaling through myoendothelial gap junctions composed of connexins (Cx) is controversially discussed. We studied the impact of Cx40 in EDHF-type dilations in vivo and in vitro (wire and pressure myography) in small arteries (A. gracilis) using different Cx40-deficient mouse models. Acetylcholine induced prominent EDHF-type dilations (inhibition of NO synthase and cyclooxygenase) of ≈90% (maximum effect) in wild-type and Cx40-deficient vessels (Cx40-/-) in vitro under isobaric conditions. In contrast, under isometric conditions, EDHF-type relaxations were nearly abrogated in Cx40-/- (9±3%) but only slightly reduced in wild-type vessels (45±4%; P<0.05). Vessels expressing Cx45 instead of Cx40 exhibited similarly reduced relaxations (13±1%), demonstrating that Cx45 cannot replace Cx40 functionally. The necessity of Cx40 in EDHF-type dilations under isometric conditions was verified by the attenuation in vessels being specifically deficient for Cx40 in endothelial cells (Cx40fl:TIE2-Cre: 17±3%; Cx40-floxed controls: 67±6%; P<0.05). Nevertheless, EDHF-type dilations were Cx40 independent when studied isobarically. The EDHF-type dilation in vivo resembled the isobaric situation, being virtually Cx40 independent and similar powerful. Distinct EDHF mechanisms can be distinguished by their Cx40 dependency. A powerful EDHF is present in vivo and in vitro under isobaric conditions but is lacking in wire myography (isometric conditions). Herein, a less potent EDHF depends on Cx40 and may represent signaling through myoendothelial gap junctions. We suggest that distinct EDHFs (even in the same artery) explain partially the controversy on the role of myoendothelial gap junctions in EDHF signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Boettcher
- Physiologie Institut, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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Schmidt K, Dubrovska G, Nielsen G, Fesüs G, Uhrenholt TR, Hansen PB, Gudermann T, Dietrich A, Gollasch M, de Wit C, Köhler R. Amplification of EDHF-type vasodilatations in TRPC1-deficient mice. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 161:1722-33. [PMID: 20718731 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00985.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE TRPC1 channels are expressed in the vasculature and are putative candidates for intracellular Ca(2+) handling. However, little is known about their role in endothelium-dependent vasodilatations including endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) vasodilatations, which require activation of Ca(2+) -activated K(+) channels (K(Ca)). To provide molecular information on the role of TRPC1 for K(Ca) function and the EDHF signalling complex, we examined endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilatations, K(Ca) currents and smooth muscle contractility in TRPC1-deficient mice (TRPC1-/-). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Vascular responses were studied using pressure/wire myography and intravital microscopy. We performed electrophysiological measurements, and confocal Ca(2+) imaging for studying K(Ca) channel functions and Ca(2+) sparks. KEY RESULTS TRPC1 deficiency in carotid arteries produced a twofold augmentation of TRAM-34- and UCL1684-sensitive EDHF-type vasodilatations and of endothelial hyperpolarization to acetylcholine. NO-mediated vasodilatations were unchanged. TRPC1-/- exhibited enhanced EDHF-type vasodilatations in resistance-sized arterioles in vivo associated with reduced spontaneous tone. Endothelial IK(Ca) /SK(Ca)-type K(Ca) currents, smooth muscle cell Ca(2+) sparks and associated BK(Ca)-mediated spontaneous transient outward currents were unchanged in TRPC1-/-. Smooth muscle contractility induced by receptor-operated Ca(2+) influx or Ca(2+) release and endothelium-independent vasodilatations were unaltered in TRPC1-/-. TRPC1-/- exhibited lower systolic blood pressure as determined by tail-cuff blood pressure measurements. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data demonstrate that TRPC1 acts as a negative regulator of endothelial K(Ca) channel-dependent EDHF-type vasodilatations and thereby contributes to blood pressure regulation. Thus, we propose a specific role of TRPC1 in the EDHF-K(Ca) signalling complex and suggest that pharmacological inhibition of TRPC1, by enhancing EDHF vasodilatations, may be a novel strategy for lowering blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjestine Schmidt
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Vaccarino V, Badimon L, Corti R, de Wit C, Dorobantu M, Hall A, Koller A, Marzilli M, Pries A, Bugiardini R. Ischaemic heart disease in women: are there sex differences in pathophysiology and risk factors? Position paper from the working group on coronary pathophysiology and microcirculation of the European Society of Cardiology. Cardiovasc Res 2010; 90:9-17. [PMID: 21159671 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvq394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in women, and knowledge of the clinical consequences of atherosclerosis and CVD in women has grown tremendously over the past 20 years. Research efforts have increased and many reports on various aspects of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in women have been published highlighting sex differences in pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of IHD. Data, however, remain limited. A description of the state of the science, with recognition of the shortcomings of current data, is necessary to guide future research and move the field forward. In this report, we identify gaps in existing literature and make recommendations for future research. Women largely share similar cardiovascular risk factors for IHD with men; however, women with suspected or confirmed IHD have less coronary atherosclerosis than men, even though they are older and have more cardiovascular risk factors than men. Coronary endothelial dysfunction and microvascular disease have been proposed as important determinants in the aetiology and prognosis of IHD in women, but research is limited on whether sex differences in these mechanisms truly exist. Differences in the epidemiology of IHD between women and men remain largely unexplained, as we are still unable to explain why women are protected towards IHD until older age compared with men. Eventually, a better understanding of these processes and mechanisms may improve the prevention and the clinical management of IHD in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Vaccarino
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Wagner C, Jobs A, Schweda F, Kurtz L, Kurt B, Sequeira Lopez ML, Gomez RA, van Veen TA, de Wit C, Kurtz A. Selective deletion of Connexin 40 in renin-producing cells impairs renal baroreceptor function and is associated with arterial hypertension. Kidney Int 2010; 78:762-8. [PMID: 20686449 PMCID: PMC3033195 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2010.257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Renin-producing juxtaglomerular cells are connected to each other and to endothelial cells of afferent arterioles by gap junctions containing Connexin 40 (Cx40), abundantly expressed by these two cell types. Here, we generated mice with cell-specific deletion of Cx40 in endothelial and in renin-producing cells, as its global deletion caused local dissociation of renin-producing cells from endothelial cells, renin hypersecretion, and hypertension. In mice lacking endothelial Cx40, the blood pressure, renin-producing cell distribution, and the control of renin secretion were similar to wild-type mice. In contrast, mice deficient for Cx40 in renin-producing cells were hypertensive and these cells were ectopically localized. Although plasma renin activity and kidney renin mRNA levels of these mice were not different from controls, the negative regulation of renin secretion by pressure was inverted to a positive feedback in kidneys lacking Cx40 in renin-producing cells. Thus, our findings show that endothelial Cx40 is not essential for the control of renin expression and/or release. Cx40 in renin-producing cells is required for their correct positioning in the juxtaglomerular area and the control of renin secretion by pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Wagner
- Physiologisches Institut der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Jobs
- Physiologisches Institut der Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Frank Schweda
- Physiologisches Institut der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Kurtz
- Klinik und Poliklinik II für Innere Medizin der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Birguel Kurt
- Physiologisches Institut der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Maria L. Sequeira Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University of Virginia at Charlottesville, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - R. Ariel Gomez
- Department of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University of Virginia at Charlottesville, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Toon A.B. van Veen
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cor de Wit
- Physiologisches Institut der Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Armin Kurtz
- Physiologisches Institut der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Milkau M, Köhler R, de Wit C. Crucial importance of the endothelial K+ channel SK3 and connexin40 in arteriolar dilations during skeletal muscle contraction. FASEB J 2010; 24:3572-9. [PMID: 20427707 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-158956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle activity requires substantial increases in blood flow, and the underlying vasodilation involves endothelial activity, but the contribution of the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) is only poorly defined. In EDHF signaling, endothelial hyperpolarization mediated by the Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels SK3 and IK1 is a key step and also initiates gap junction-dependent conducted dilations. We assessed the role of SK3, IK1, and connexin40 (Cx40) in muscular contraction-induced dilations in the microcirculation in vivo. Hitherto, arterioles were observed in the electrically stimulated cremaster skeletal muscle of anesthetized mice lacking SK3, IK1, or Cx40 using intravital microscopy. Genetic deficiency of SK3, but not of IK1, strongly attenuated dilations to muscular contraction. Similarly, pharmacologic blockade of SK3 by the specific blocker UCL1684 impaired such dilations in wild-type and IK1-deficient mice. In contrast, IK1 was required for acetylcholine-induced dilations. Genetic deficiency of Cx40 also attenuated dilations induced by muscular contraction but not by acetylcholine. These data support the concept that endothelial hyperpolarization through activation of SK3 contributes to exercise hyperemia and the hyperpolarization ascends the vascular tree through gap junctions formed by Cx40 to orchestrate dilation. The differential impact of SK3- and IK1-deficiency on dilations to distinct stimuli suggests stimulus-dependent activation of these endothelial channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Milkau
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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36
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Boettcher M, Gloe T, de Wit C. Semiautomatic Quantification of Angiogenesis. J Surg Res 2010; 162:132-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2008.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Revised: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 12/03/2008] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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de Wit C, Griffith TM. Connexins and gap junctions in the EDHF phenomenon and conducted vasomotor responses. Pflugers Arch 2010; 459:897-914. [PMID: 20379740 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0830-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2010] [Accepted: 03/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is becoming increasingly evident that electrical signaling via gap junctions plays a central role in the physiological control of vascular tone via two related mechanisms (1) the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) phenomenon, in which radial transmission of hyperpolarization from the endothelium to subjacent smooth muscle promotes relaxation, and (2) responses that propagate longitudinally, in which electrical signaling within the intimal and medial layers of the arteriolar wall orchestrates mechanical behavior over biologically large distances. In the EDHF phenomenon, the transmitted endothelial hyperpolarization is initiated by the activation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels channels by InsP(3)-induced Ca(2+) release from the endoplasmic reticulum and/or store-operated Ca(2+) entry triggered by the depletion of such stores. Pharmacological inhibitors of direct cell-cell coupling may thus attenuate EDHF-type smooth muscle hyperpolarizations and relaxations, confirming the participation of electrotonic signaling via myoendothelial and homocellular smooth muscle gap junctions. In contrast to isolated vessels, surprisingly little experimental evidence argues in favor of myoendothelial coupling acting as the EDHF mechanism in arterioles in vivo. However, it now seems established that the endothelium plays the leading role in the spatial propagation of arteriolar responses and that these involve poorly understood regenerative mechanisms. The present review will focus on the complex interactions between the diverse cellular signaling mechanisms that contribute to these phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Lübeck, Germany.
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38
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Abstract
AIMS Conduction of vasomotor signals along the vessel coordinates the behaviour of vascular cells and is attributed to the spread of hyperpolarizations through gap junctions. Intriguingly, conducted dilations encompass larger distances than can be expected by passive electrotonic spread. Because distances are quite distinct for different dilators, we hypothesized that separate pathways with distinct properties are involved. METHODS AND RESULTS We characterized local and conducted responses elicited by acetylcholine (ACh) and adenosine (Ado) in the murine microcirculation in vivo. Local (and remote) ACh dilations were nearly abrogated by blockade of K(Ca) channels (charybdotoxin), but dilations to Ado were abolished by the K(ATP) blocker glibenclamide. Bupivacaine, a blocker of Na+ and K+ channels, and similarly the blockade of inwardly rectifying K+ channels (barium) revealed different conduction mechanisms, as the remote dilation to Ado, but not ACh, was abrogated. Surprisingly, expression of connexin37 (Cx37) was not detected in Cx40-deficient arterioles, although abundantly expressed in endothelium of wild-type arterioles. In contrast to the wild-type mice, the amplitude of conducted ACh and Ado dilations decreased similarly with distance in Cx40-deficient mice. Recordings of membrane potential in vivo showed endothelial hyperpolarization by approximately 10 mV in response to ACh, whereas Ado did not alter endothelial membrane potential. CONCLUSION Distinct pathways conduct responses along the vessel wall which involve dissimilar K+ channels and connexins in initiation and spreading. Most likely, the endothelium is the preferential conduction pathway activated by ACh, whereas in the case of Ado the smooth muscle serves as the signalling pathway. However, in arterioles nearly devoid of Cx40 and Cx37, ACh responses can likewise be conducted along the smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck 23538, Germany.
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39
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40
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Just A, Kurtz L, de Wit C, Wagner C, Kurtz A, Arendshorst WJ. Connexin 40 mediates the tubuloglomerular feedback contribution to renal blood flow autoregulation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2009; 20:1577-85. [PMID: 19443640 PMCID: PMC2709687 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2008090943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2008] [Accepted: 03/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are important in vascular development and function. Connexin 40 (Cx40), which plays a predominant role in the formation of gap junctions in the vasculature, participates in the autoregulation of renal blood flow (RBF), but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, Cx40-deficient mice (Cx40-ko) had impaired steady-state autoregulation to a sudden step increase in renal perfusion pressure. Analysis of the mechanisms underlying this derangement suggested that a marked reduction in tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) in Cx40-ko mice was responsible. In transgenic mice with Cx40 replaced by Cx45, steady-state autoregulation and TGF were weaker than those in wild-type mice but stronger than those in Cx40-ko mice. N omega-Nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME) augmented the myogenic response similarly in all genotypes, leaving autoregulation impaired in transgenic animals. The responses of renovascular resistance and arterial pressure to norepinephrine and acetylcholine were similar in all groups before or after L-NAME inhibition. Systemic and renal vasoconstrictor responses to L-NAME were also similar in all genotypes. We conclude that Cx40 contributes to RBF autoregulation by transducing TGF-mediated signals to the afferent arteriole, a function that is independent of nitric oxide (NO). However, Cx40 is not required for the modulation of the renal myogenic response by NO, norepinephrine-induced renal vasoconstriction, and acetylcholine- or NO-induced vasodilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Just
- Department of Cell & Molecular Physiology, Carolina Cardiovascular Biology Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
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41
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Brähler S, Kaistha A, Schmidt VJ, Wölfle SE, Busch C, Kaistha BP, Kacik M, Hasenau AL, Grgic I, Si H, Bond CT, Adelman JP, Wulff H, de Wit C, Hoyer J, Köhler R. Genetic Deficit of SK3 and IK1 Channels Disrupts the Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor Vasodilator Pathway and Causes Hypertension. Circulation 2009; 119:2323-32. [PMID: 19380617 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.108.846634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background—
It has been proposed that activation of endothelial SK3 (K
Ca
2.3) and IK1 (K
Ca
3.1) K
+
channels plays a role in the arteriolar dilation attributed to an endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). However, our understanding of the precise function of SK3 and IK1 in the EDHF dilator response and in blood pressure control remains incomplete. To clarify the roles of SK3 and IK1 channels in the EDHF dilator response and their contribution to blood pressure control in vivo, we generated mice deficient for both channels.
Methods and Results—
Expression and function of endothelial SK3 and IK1 in IK1
−/−
/SK3
T/T
mice was characterized by patch-clamp, membrane potential measurements, pressure myography, and intravital microscopy. Blood pressure was measured in conscious mice by telemetry. Combined IK1/SK3 deficiency in IK1
−/−
/SK3
T/T
(+doxycycline) mice abolished endothelial K
Ca
currents and impaired acetylcholine-induced smooth muscle hyperpolarization and EDHF-mediated dilation in conduit arteries and in resistance arterioles in vivo. IK1 deficiency had a severe impact on acetylcholine-induced EDHF-mediated vasodilation, whereas SK3 deficiency impaired NO-mediated dilation to acetylcholine and to shear stress stimulation. As a consequence, SK3/IK1-deficient mice exhibited an elevated arterial blood pressure, which was most prominent during physical activity. Overexpression of SK3 in IK1
−/−
/SK3
T/T
mice partially restored EDHF- and nitric oxide-mediated vasodilation and lowered elevated blood pressure. The IK1-opener SKA-31 enhanced EDHF-mediated vasodilation and lowered blood pressure in SK3-deficient IK1
+/+
/SK3
T/T
(+doxycycline) mice to normotensive levels.
Conclusions—
Our study demonstrates that endothelial SK3 and IK1 channels have distinct stimulus-dependent functions, are major players in the EDHF pathway, and significantly contribute to arterial blood pressure regulation. Endothelial K
Ca
channels may represent novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Brähler
- Department of Internal Medicine/Nephrology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
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42
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Schweda F, Kurtz L, de Wit C, Janssen-Bienhold U, Kurtz A, Wagner C. Substitution of connexin40 with connexin45 prevents hyperreninemia and attenuates hypertension. Kidney Int 2009; 75:482-9. [PMID: 19109587 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2008.637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) are a family of transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions with unique and redundant biophysical functions. Juxtaglomerular cells express Cx40, which is crucial to the control of renin secretion by blood pressure and angiotensin II, and mice that lack Cx40 have high plasma renin and hypertension. To examine whether normal juxtaglomerular cell function depends on the unique properties of Cx40, we measured renin release in mice where the coding sequence for Cx40 was replaced by that for Cx45, using the knock-in method. We first found that the knock-in strategy indeed resulted in expression of Cx45 but not Cx40 in the juxtaglomerular cells of these mice. The plasma renin concentration of the knock-in mice was similar to that in wild-type mice. The high blood pressure of the Cx40 knockout mice was significantly reduced when Cx45 was knocked into the locus but remained mildly elevated compared to wild-type mice. Blockade of angiotensin II formation by enalapril increased the plasma renin concentration in wild-type and the Cx45 knock-in mice but not in the Cx40 knockout mice. Infusion of angiotensin II into isolated perfused kidneys results in decreased renin release, a phenomenon that was attenuated in the Cx40 knockout mice. However, in the Cx45 knock-in mice, angiotensin II suppressed renin release similar to its effect in wild type mice. Unilateral renal artery stenosis increased the plasma renin concentration and blood pressure in both the wild-type and the Cx45 knock-in mice but not in the Cx40 knockout mice. Since Cx40 can be replaced by Cx45, a connexin with a significantly lower conductivity, we suggest that the regulation of renin release is not dependent on the unique electrical properties of these channel proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Schweda
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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43
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Wölfle SE, Schmidt VJ, Hoyer J, Köhler R, de Wit C. Prominent role of KCa3.1 in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-type dilations and conducted responses in the microcirculation in vivo. Cardiovasc Res 2009; 82:476-83. [PMID: 19218287 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvp060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The activation of endothelial Ca2+-dependent K+-channels, KCa3.1 (IKCa), and KCa2.3 (SKCa) has been proposed to be a prerequisite for endothelial hyperpolarization, which subsequently hyperpolarizes and relaxes smooth muscle [endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-type dilation] and initiates conducted dilations. Although EDHF is the main mediator of acetylcholine (ACh)-induced dilation in the murine skeletal microcirculation, the differential contribution of KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 is not known. METHODS AND RESULTS We assessed agonist-induced and conducted dilations as well as endothelial hyperpolarization in the cremaster microcirculation of KCa3.1-deficient (KCa3.1-/-) and wild-type mice (wt) in vivo after blockade of NO and prostaglandins. Compared with wt, resting tone was enhanced by approximately 25% in arterioles of KCa3.1-/- mice. ACh-induced dilations in KCa3.1-/- mice were virtually abolished at low and intermediate concentrations and a remaining dilation at 10 micromol/L ACh was abrogated by blockade of KCa2.3 with UCL1684. Sodium nitroprusside- and adenosine-induced dilations were similar in wt and KCa3.1-/-. Focal application of ACh induced dilations at the local site in both genotypes, which conducted along the vessel. However, the amplitude of the dilation decreased with distance only in KCa3.1-/-. Blockade of KCa2.3 in wt did not affect conducted dilations. A KCa3.1 opener induced a conducting dilation in wt but not in KCa3.1-/-. Membrane potential recordings in vivo demonstrated endothelial hyperpolarization in response to ACh in both genotypes; however, the hyperpolarization was severely impaired in KCa3.1-/- (Delta membrane potential: -3 +/- 1 vs. -14 +/- 2 mV). CONCLUSION We conclude that KCa3.1 is of major importance for endothelial hyperpolarization and EDHF-type responses in skeletal muscle arterioles, and its deficiency is not compensated by KCa2.3. Sole activation of KCa3.1 is capable of initiating conducted responses, and KCa3.1 may contribute to the propagation of the signal, although its presence is not mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E Wölfle
- Department of Physiology, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
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44
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Pries AR, Habazettl H, Ambrosio G, Hansen PR, Kaski JC, Schächinger V, Tillmanns H, Vassalli G, Tritto I, Weis M, de Wit C, Bugiardini R. A review of methods for assessment of coronary microvascular disease in both clinical and experimental settings. Cardiovasc Res 2008; 80:165-74. [PMID: 18511433 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvn136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obstructive disease of the large coronary arteries is the prominent cause for angina pectoris. However, angina may also occur in the absence of significant coronary atherosclerosis or coronary artery spasm, especially in women. Myocardial ischaemia in these patients is often associated with abnormalities of the coronary microcirculation and may thus represent a manifestation of coronary microvascular disease (CMD). Elucidation of the role of the microvasculature in the genesis of myocardial ischaemia and cardiac damage-in the presence or absence of obstructive coronary atherosclerosis-will certainly result in more rational diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for patients with ischaemic heart disease. Specifically targeted research based on improved assessment modalities is needed to improve the diagnosis of CMD and to translate current molecular, cellular, and physiological knowledge into new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel R Pries
- Department of Physiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Arnimallee 22, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
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45
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Schmidt VJ, Wölfle SE, Boettcher M, de Wit C. Gap junctions synchronize vascular tone within the microcirculation. Pharmacol Rep 2008; 60:68-74. [PMID: 18276987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2007] [Revised: 10/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions are formed in the cardiovascular system by connexin40 (Cx40), Cx37, Cx43, and Cx45. These low resistance channels allow the transfer of ions and small molecules between cells. The longitudinal coupling of endothelial and smooth muscle cells via gap junctions allows the spread of changes in membrane potential along the vascular wall and hence provides conduction pathways within the vessel itself. Functionally, this tight coupling is reflected by the spread of locally initiated vasomotor responses along the arteriole which are termed conducted responses. Conducted dilations are initiated by the application of endothelium-dependent stimuli which result in local hyperpolarization. This signal spreads along the wall, most likely along the endothelial cell layer, to elicit a coordinated dilation of the arteriole over a considerable distance. Likewise, the opposite signal (depolarization) spreads along the vessel giving rise to a conducted constriction. The latter response is however most likely transmitted along the smooth muscle cell layer. Thus, conducted responses reflect the synchronized behavior of the cells of the vascular wall. It is assumed that conducted responses are critical for the matching of oxygen delivery and tissue needs because they contribute to an ascending dilation which lowers resistance along the length of the arterioles and upstream vessels in a well-tuned fashion. Herein, Cx40 is of special importance because it is critically required for intact signal transduction along the endothelial cell layer. In addition, Cx40 mediates pressure feedback inhibition on renin synthesis in the kidney. Both, vascular and renal function of Cx40, may be involved in the hypertension that is observed in Cx40-deficient animals. In this review, we will summarize physiologic function of connexins in arterioles and briefly address their role in the kidney with respect to renin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker J Schmidt
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck, Germany
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46
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Wölfle SE, Schmidt VJ, Hoepfl B, Gebert A, Alcoléa S, Gros D, de Wit C. Connexin45 cannot replace the function of connexin40 in conducting endothelium-dependent dilations along arterioles. Circ Res 2007; 101:1292-9. [PMID: 17932322 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.107.163279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intercellular communication through gap junctions coordinates vascular tone by the conduction of vasomotor responses along the vessel wall. Gap junctions in arterioles are composed of different connexins (Cxs) (Cx40, Cx37, Cx45, Cx43), but it is unknown whether Cxs are interchangeable. We used mice with a targeted replacement of Cx40 by Cx45 (Cx40KI45) to explore whether Cx45 can functionally replace Cx40 in arterioles. Arterioles were locally stimulated using acetylcholine, bradykinin, adenosine, and K(+) in the cremaster of Cx40KI45, Cx40-deficient (Cx40ko), and wild-type mice, and diameter changes were assessed by intravital microscopy. Additionally, arterial pressure was measured by telemetry and Cx expression verified by immunofluorescence. Acetylcholine initiated a local dilation of a similar amplitude in all genotypes ( approximately 50%), which was rapidly conducted to upstream sites (1200 mum distance) without attenuation in wild type. In marked contrast, the remote dilation was significantly reduced in Cx40ko (25+/-3%) and Cx40KI45 (24+/-2%). Likewise, dilations initiated by bradykinin application were conducted without attenuation up to 1200 mum in wild type but not in Cx40ko and Cx40KI45. Adenosine-induced dilations and K(+)-induced constrictions were conducted similarly with decaying amplitude in all genotypes. Arterial pressure was strongly elevated in Cx40ko (161+/-1 versus 116+/-2 mm Hg) but only moderately in Cx40KI45 (133+/-8 mm Hg). This demonstrates that Cx40 function is critical for the conduction of acetylcholine and bradykinin dilations and cannot be substituted by Cx45. Therefore, unique properties of Cx40 are required for endothelial signal conduction, whereas nonspecific restoration of communication maintains additional functions related to blood pressure control.
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47
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Wagner C, de Wit C, Gerl M, Kurtz A, Höcherl K. Increased expression of cyclooxygenase 2 contributes to aberrant renin production in connexin 40-deficient kidneys. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 293:R1781-6. [PMID: 17855490 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00439.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We previously found that deletion of connexin 40 (Cx40) causes a misdirection of renin-expressing cells from the media layer of afferent arterioles to the perivascular tissue, extraglomerular mesangium, and periglomerular and peritubular interstitium. The mechanisms underlying this aberrant renin expression are unknown. Here, we questioned the relevance of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity for aberrant renin expression in Cx40-deficient kidneys. We found that COX-2 mRNA levels were increased three-fold in the renal cortex of Cx40-deficient kidneys relative to wild-type (wt) kidneys. In wt kidneys, COX-2 immunoreactivity was minimally detected in the juxtaglomerular region, but renin expression was frequently associated with COX-2 immunoreactivity in Cx40-deficient kidneys. Treatment with COX-2 inhibitors for 1 wk lowered renin mRNA levels in wt kidneys by about 40%. In Cx40-deficient kidneys, basal renin mRNA levels were increased two-fold relative to wt kidneys, and these elevated mRNA levels were reduced to levels of untreated wt mice by COX-2 inhibitors. In parallel, renin immunoreactive areas were clearly reduced by COX-2 inhibitors such that renin expression vanished and decreased significantly in the periglomerular and peritubular extensions. Notably, COX-2 inhibitor treatment lowered plasma renin concentration (PRC) in wt kidneys by about 40% but did not affect the highly elevated PRC levels in Cx40-deficient mice. These findings suggest that aberrant renin-producing cells in Cx40-deficient kidneys express significant amounts of COX-2, which contribute to renin expression in these cells, in particular, those in the periglomerular and peritubular position. Apparently, these disseminated cells do not contribute to the enhanced renin secretion rates of Cx40-deficient kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Wagner
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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48
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49
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Kurtz L, Schweda F, de Wit C, Kriz W, Witzgall R, Warth R, Sauter A, Kurtz A, Wagner C. Lack of connexin 40 causes displacement of renin-producing cells from afferent arterioles to the extraglomerular mesangium. J Am Soc Nephrol 2007; 18:1103-11. [PMID: 17329574 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2006090953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In the adult kidney, renin-producing cells are typically located in the walls of afferent arterioles at the transition into the glomerular capillary network. The mechanisms that are responsible for restricting renin expression to the juxtaglomerular position are largely unknown. This study showed that in mice that lack connexin 40 (Cx40), the predominant connexin of renin-producing cells, renin-positive cells are absent in the vessel walls and instead are found in cells of the extraglomerular mesangium, glomerular tuft, and periglomerular interstitium. Blocking macula densa transport function by acute administration of loop diuretics strongly enhances renin secretion in vivo and in isolated perfused kidneys of wild-type mice. This effect of loop diuretics is markedly attenuated in vivo and even blunted in vitro in Cx40-deficient mice. Even after prolonged stimulation of renin secretion by severe sodium depletion, renin expression is not seen in juxtaglomerular cells or in cells of more proximal parts of the arterial vessel wall as occurs normally. Instead, renin remains restricted to the extra-/periglomerular interstitium in Cx40-deficient mice. In contrast to the striking displacement of renin-expressing cells in the adult kidney, renin expression in the vessels of the developing kidney was found to be normal. This is the first evidence to indicate that cell-to-cell communication via gap junctions is essential for the correct juxtaglomerular positioning and recruitment of renin-producing cells. Moreover, these findings support the notion that gap junctions are relevant for the macula densa signaling to renin-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kurtz
- Physiologisches Institut der Universität Regensburg, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany.
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50
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Abstract
Renin secretion and synthesis in renal juxtaglomerular cells are controlled by short feed back loops involving angiotensin II and the intrarenal blood pressure. The operating mechanisms of these negative feed back regulators are widely unknown, except for the fact that both require calcium to exert their inhibitory action. We here show that in the absence of connexin40 (Cx40), which form gap junctions between juxtaglomerular and endothelial cells, the negative control of renin secretion and synthesis by angiotensin II and by intravasal pressure is abrogated, while the regulation by salt intake and beta-adrenergic stimulation is maintained. Renin secretion from Cx40-deficient kidneys or wild-type kidneys treated with the nonselective gap junction blocker 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (10 micromol/L) resembles the situation in wild-type kidneys in the absence of extracellular calcium. This disturbed regulation is reflected by an enhanced plasma renin concentration despite an elevated blood pressure in Cx40-deficient mice. These findings indicate that Cx40 connexins and likely intercellular communication via Cx40-dependent gap junctions mediate the calcium-dependent inhibitor effects of angiotensin II and of intrarenal pressure on renin secretion and synthesis. Because Cx40 gap junctions are also formed between renin producing cells and endothelial cells our finding could provide additional information to suggest that the endothelium may be strongly involved in the control of the renin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Wagner
- Physiologisches Institut der Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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