Cytochrome P450 2C is an EDHF synthase in coronary arteries.

In most arterial beds a significant endothelium-dependent dilation to various stimuli persists even after inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase. This dilator response is preceded by an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization of vascular smooth muscle cells, which is sensitive to a combination of the calcium-dependent potassium-channel inhibitors charybdotoxin and apamin, and is assumed to be mediated by an unidentified endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). Here we show that the induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8/34 in native porcine coronary artery endothelial cells by beta-naphthoflavone enhances the formation of 11,12-epoxyeicosatrienoic acid, as well as EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization and relaxation. Transfection of coronary arteries with CYP 2C8/34 antisense oligonucleotides results in decreased levels of CYP 2C and attenuates EDHF-mediated vascular responses. Thus, a CYP-epoxygenase product is an essential component of EDHF-mediated relaxation in the porcine coronary artery, and CYP 2C8/34 fulfils the criteria for the coronary EDHF synthase.     

Endothelium-dependent relaxation in rat aorta may be mediated through cyclic GMP-dependent protein phosphorylation

The action of some vascular smooth muscle relaxants depends on the presence of the endothelium. We have recently shown that relaxation may be mediated through the formation of cyclic GMP. The nitrovasodilators are another class of relaxants which exert their effects through the formation of cyclic GMP, although their relaxation is independent of the presence of the endothelium. Their relaxant properties seem to depend on free radical formation--specifically, the formation of nitric oxide. The NO-induced smooth muscle relaxation is proposed to occur through activation of guanylate cyclase and the formation of cyclic GMP. Protein phosphorylation is thought to be a common event in the pathway for many biological phenomena. Moreover, sodium nitroprusside and 8-bromo cyclic GMP induce similar patterns of protein phosphorylation in intact rat thoracic aorta. Here we report that the patterns of protein phosphorylation induced by the endothelium-dependent vasodilators and nitrovasodilators were identical. Incorporation of 32P into myosin light chain was decreased by both classes of agents. Removal of the endothelium abolished the changes in phosphorylation with the endothelium-dependent vasodilator (acetylcholine), but not those with the nitrovasodilator (sodium nitroprusside). These results suggest that endothelium-dependent vasodilators and nitrovasodilators induce relaxation through cyclic GMP-dependent protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of myosin light chain.     

Arterial dilations in response to calcitonin gene-related peptide involve activation of K+ channels

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a 37-amino-acid peptide produced by alternative processing of messenger RNA from the calcitonin gene. CGRP is one of the most potent vasodilators known. It occurs in and is released from perivascular nerves and has been detected in the blood stream, suggesting that it is important in the control of blood flow. The mechanism by which it dilates arteries is not known. Here, we report that arterial dilations in response to CGRP are partially reversed by blockers of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (K(ATP)), glibenclamide and barium. We also show that CGRP hyperpolarizes arterial smooth muscle and that blockers of K(ATP) channels reverse this hyperpolarization. Finally, we show that CGRP opens single K+ channels in patches on single smooth muscle cells from the same arteries. We propose that activation of K(ATP) channels underlies a substantial part of the relaxation produced by CGRP.     

动脉血管低温保存后的功能测试

血管的基本功能在冻存后的保持情况对血管移植影响奶大，通过测量冻存前后血管基本功能来判断保存效果的优劣，分别用含不同浓度的去甲肾上腺素或硝普钠的培养液，来测试经不同降温冻存后的血管的收缩功能和舒张功能，以确定降温速率对保持血管基本功能的影响。     

The obligatory role of endothelial cells in the relaxation of arterial smooth muscle by acetylcholine

Despite its very potent vasodilating action in vivo, acetylcholine (ACh) does not always produce relaxation of isolated preparations of blood vessels in vitro. For example, in the helical strip of the rabbit descending thoracic aorta, the only reported response to ACh has been graded contractions, occurring at concentrations above 0.1 muM and mediated by muscarinic receptors. Recently, we observed that in a ring preparation from the rabbit thoracic aorta, ACh produced marked relaxation at concentrations lower than those required to produce contraction (confirming an earlier report by Jelliffe). In investigating this apparent discrepancy, we discovered that the loss of relaxation of ACh in the case of the strip was the result of unintentional rubbing of its intimal surface against foreign surfaces during its preparation. If care was taken to avoid rubbing of the intimal surface during preparation, the tissue, whether ring, transverse strip or helical strip, always exhibited relaxation to ACh, and the possibility was considered that rubbing of the intimal surface had removed endothelial cells. We demonstrate here that relaxation of isolated preparations of rabbit thoracic aorta and other blood vessels by ACh requires the presence of endothelial cells, and that ACh, acting on muscarinic receptors of these cells, stimulates release of a substance(s) that causes relaxation of the vascular smooth muscle. We propose that this may be one of the principal mechanisms for ACh-induced vasodilation in vivo. Preliminary reports on some aspects of the work have been reported elsewhere.     

Regulation of Ca2+-dependent K+-channel activity in tracheal myocytes by phosphorylation

Isoprenaline is a beta-adrenergic agonist of clinical importance as a remedy for asthma. In airway smooth muscle its relaxant action is accompanied by hyperpolarization of the membrane and elevation of the level of intracellular cyclic AMP. Hyperpolarization and relaxation are also induced by drugs such as forskolin, theophylline and dibutyryl cAMP, indicating that cAMP-dependent phosphorylation is involved in producing the electrical response. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A) has been reported to activate Ca2+-dependent K+ channels in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells and snail neurons. The membrane of tracheal smooth-muscle cells is characterized by a dense distribution of Ca2+-dependent K+-channels. We have now examined the effect of isoprenaline and protein kinase A on Ca2+-dependent K+-channels in isolated smooth muscle cells of rabbit trachea, using the patch-clamp technique. Our results show that the open-state probability of Ca2+-dependent K+-channel of tracheal myocytes is reversibly increased by either extracellular application of isoprenaline or intracellar application of protein kinase A. We also show that this effect is significantly enhanced and prolonged in the presence of a potent protein phosphatase inhibitor, okadaic acid.     

H2O2致猪冠状动脉平滑肌的内皮源性超极化作用

目的探讨过氧化氢（H2O2）致猪冠状动脉内皮源性超极化作用。方法采用标准微电极技术观察H2O2对猪冠状动脉平滑肌细胞膜电位的作用以及过氧化氢酶对上述作用的影响。结果直接加入外源性H2O2可引起去除内皮后猪冠状动脉平滑肌的产生浓度依赖性超极化作用,过氧化氢酶可拮抗H2O2的超极化作用。结论H2O2可引起平滑肌细胞的内皮源性超极化作用,具有类似EDHF的作用。     

Low-density lipoproteins inhibit endothelium-dependent relaxation in rabbit aorta

The vascular endothelium, in response to pulsatile flow and vasoactive agents including acetylcholine, secretes the endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), a substance which regulates vascular tone. Recent interest in EDRF has focused on its possible dysfunction in atherosclerosis. In animal models of the disease, endothelium-dependent relaxation is markedly reduced. The continuous exposure of the endothelium in hyperlipidaemia to high concentrations of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a known atherogenic risk factor, may explain this dysfunction. Here, we demonstrate that pathophysiological concentrations of LDL directly inhibit endothelium-dependent relaxation. Chemically modified LDL, in contrast, is inactive, implying that the inhibition is through a receptor-dependent mechanism.     

NO-independent regulatory site on soluble guanylate cyclase

Nitric oxide (NO) is a widespread, potent, biological mediator that has many physiological and pathophysiological roles. Research in the field of NO appears to have followed a straightforward path, and the findings have been progressive: NO and cyclic GMP are involved in vasodilatation; glycerol trinitrate relaxes vascular smooth muscles by bioconversion to NO; mammalian cells synthesize NO; and last, NO mediates vasodilatation by stimulating the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), a heterodimeric (alpha/beta) haem protein that converts GTP to cGMP2-4. Here we report the discovery of a regulatory site on sGC. Using photoaffinity labelling, we have identified the cysteine 238 and cysteine 243 region in the alpha1-subunit of sGC as the target for a new type of sGC stimulator. Moreover, we present a pyrazolopyridine, BAY 41-2272, that potently stimulates sGC through this site by a mechanism that is independent of NO. This results in antiplatelet activity, a strong decrease in blood pressure and an increase in survival in a low-NO rat model of hypertension, and as such may offer an approach for treating cardiovascular diseases.     

紫堇总生物碱对血压和离体主动脉平滑肌张力的影响

紫堇总生物碱经耳脉静脉注射家兔,观察血压变化;制备离体主动脉平滑肌条,将其固定于灌流肌槽中记录离体主动脉平滑肌条张力变化.观察了紫堇总生物碱对家兔动脉血压的影响以及对去甲肾上腺素(NA)诱发的离体主动脉肌条的收缩的影响.结果表明,静脉注射紫堇总生物碱可引起动脉血压降低(P<0 05);单独加入紫堇总生物碱未观察到离体血管紧张性的改变,但在NA作用的基础上加入紫堇总生物碱后,引起离体血管收缩效应减弱(P<0 05).因此,紫堇总生物碱具有降低血压和抑制NA引起的血管的收缩效应.     

苦物质引起去甲肾上腺素预收缩的大鼠主动脉平滑肌舒张的作用机理研究

为研究苦物质舒张预收缩的大鼠胸主动脉平滑肌的作用机制,以测定肌张力为主要手段,结合多种细胞信号通路阻断剂研究了苦物质的作用通路.结果表明:苦物质对于去甲肾上腺素介导的大鼠胸主动脉的收缩具有高效、快速的舒张作用,此舒张作用与IP3受体和L型钙通道的阻断密切相关.故以氯喹和苦精为代表的苦物质因对血管平滑肌具有良好的舒张作用,有望成为针对高血压等血管相关疾病的新的治疗药物.     

芦丁镉对兔子血压和离体主动脉平滑肌的影响

芦丁镉金属配合物经耳脉静脉注射家兔,观察其血压变化;制备离体主动脉平滑肌条,将其固定在灌流肌槽中,记录离体主动脉平滑肌条张力的变化。观察芦丁镉对家兔动脉血压的影响以及对去甲肾上腺素(NA)诱发的离体主动脉肌条收缩的影响。结果表明,静脉注射芦丁镉可引起动脉血压的降低(P<0.05);而在灌流槽中单独加入芦丁镉时不能观察到离体血管紧张性的改变,但是在NA作用的基础上再加入芦丁镉后,便可使离体血管收缩效应减弱(P<0.05)。因此,芦丁合镉金属配合物具有降低血压和抑制NA引起的血管的收缩效应。     

冠状动脉平滑肌细胞和内皮细胞膜电位对冠状动脉血管紧张性的影响

冠状动脉平滑肌细胞和内皮细胞的膜电位对冠状动脉血管紧张性的调节具有极其重要的意义.平滑肌细胞和(或)内皮细胞的超极化可导致冠状动脉舒张,平滑肌细胞和(或)内皮细胞的去极化可导致冠状动脉收缩.各种不同因素刺激平滑肌细胞和(或)内皮细胞可使它们产生超极化或去极化的反应从而导致冠状动脉血管舒张或收缩.掌握这一机制可以在临床治疗当中很好的控制患者的冠状动脉血流.     

Dihydropyridine BAY-K-8644 activates chromaffin cell calcium channels

Douglas and Rubin suggested that "the role of acetylcholine as a transmitter at the adrenal medulla is to cause some brief change in medullary cells which allows Ca ions to penetrate them and trigger the catecholamine ejection process". The Ca2+-channel blocking agents, verapamil, nifedipine and nitrendipine, have been used widely to investigate the properties of slow Ca2+ channels in a variety of tissues, including the adrenomedullary chromaffin cell. Recently, small modifications to the nifedipine molecule produced a derivative, BAY-K-8644 (methyl-1,4-dihydro-2, 6-dimethyl-3-nitro-4-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-pyridine-5-carboxylate), that in contrast to the Ca2+-channel blocking agents, stimulated cardiac and vascular smooth muscle contractility. We have tested whether this compound behaves as a Ca2+-channel activator at the chromaffin cell membrane as shown by Schramm et al. in smooth muscle cells. The experiments described here strongly suggest that it does so.     

Acetylcholine activates an inward current in single mammalian smooth muscle cells

Acetylcholine, the major excitatory neurotransmitter to the smooth muscle of mammalian intestine, is known to depolarize smooth muscle cells with an apparent increase in membrane conductance. However, the ionic mechanisms that are triggered by muscarinic receptor activation and underlie this response are poorly understood, due in part to the technical problems associated with the electrophysiological study of smooth muscle. The muscarinic action of acetylcholine in certain neurones has been shown to involve the switching off of a resting K+ current (M-current) and a similar mechanism has recently also been identified in smooth muscle of amphibian stomach. We have now applied the patch-clamp technique to single smooth muscle cells of rabbit jejunum and find that muscarinic receptor activation switches on a nonselective, voltage-sensitive inward current. In addition, acetylcholine activates and then suppresses spontaneous K+ current transients, which are probably triggered by rises in intracellular Ca2+ in these cells.     

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor release on activation of NMDA receptors suggests role as intercellular messenger in the brain

In the vascular system, endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) is the name of the local hormone released from endothelial cells in response to vasodilators such as acetylcholine, bradykinin and histamine. It diffuses into underlying smooth muscle where it causes relaxation by activating guanylate cyclase, so producing a rise in cyclic GMP levels. It has been known for many years that in the central nervous system (CNS) the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate can elicit large increases in cGMP levels, particularly in the cerebellum where the turnover rate of cGMP is low. Recent evidence indicates that cell-cell interactions are involved in this response. We report here that by acting on NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors on cerebellar cells, glutamate induces the release of a diffusible messenger with strikingly similar properties to EDRF. This messenger is released in a Ca2+-dependent manner and its activity accounts for the cGMP responses that take place following NMDA receptor activation. In the CNS, EDRF may link activation of postsynaptic NMDA receptors to functional modifications in neighbouring presynaptic terminals and glial cells.     

生化止血饮对大鼠子宫平滑肌的影响

观察中药生化止血饮对大鼠子宫平滑肌的影响,阐明对恶露不绝止血的治疗作用机制.以生化汤为对照组,观察生化止血饮对大鼠离体子宫平滑肌收缩的影响及对孕鼠子宫平滑肌匀浆中NO的影响.生化止血饮对离体大鼠子宫平滑肌有显著收缩作用,并显著降低孕鼠子宫平滑肌匀浆中NO含量,增强子宫收缩力.止化止血饮可明显促进子宫收缩,其疗效优于生化汤.     

血管段孵育和原代血管平滑肌细胞培养的比较

探讨微血管段孵育方法能否与原代平滑肌细胞培养一样检测蛋白表达,以用于初步的基础研究,解决原代培养耗时、不易存活的问题。分离大鼠肠系膜动脉三级以下分支,使用胶原酶和木瓜蛋白酶混合消化单个血管平滑肌细胞,获取的平滑肌细胞采用含20%胎牛血清的DMEM培养基进行培养。培养的平滑肌细胞经特异性的α-actin进行免疫组化鉴定;血管段孵育是在无菌条件下分离大鼠肠系膜动脉三级以下分支,培养基孵育72 h。分别使用不同浓度的尼氟灭酸(niflumic acid,NFA)孵育原代培养的平滑肌细胞和肠系膜三级分支血管段24 h,观察平滑肌细胞连接蛋白43(connexin43,Cx43)的变化。形态学和免疫组织化学鉴定表明,培养的原代细胞为血管平滑肌细胞。不同浓度NFA处理原代平滑肌细胞能够使Cx43表达量呈浓度依赖性下降,相对于对照组具有统计学意义(P0.01);不同浓度NFA处理血管段能够使Cx43的表达量也呈浓度依赖性下降,相对于对照组具有统计学意义(P0.01)。由此可知,观察平滑肌细胞特异性蛋白Cx43的表达情况,使用血管段孵育的方法检测结果与细胞培养的结果相似。血管段孵育简单易行,可以作为类似实验的初步研究。     

血管内皮细胞与平滑肌细胞间的信息传递

血管内皮细胞和血管平滑肌细胞之间存在着肌内皮间缝隙连接，进行电和化学的信息传递，以协调血管的舒缩活动。电信号可以从内皮细胞到平滑肌细胞进行传递，相反，也可以从平滑肌细胞到内皮细胞进行传递。内皮源性超极化因子、乙酰胆碱、缓激肽、第二信使等物质亦可引起内皮细胞或，和平滑肌细胞细胞膜的超极化或去极化，参与血管内皮细胞与平滑肌细胞间的信息传递。     

Regulation of intracellular calcium by a signalling complex of IRAG, IP3 receptor and cGMP kinase Ibeta

Calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum controls a number of cellular processes, including proliferation and contraction of smooth muscle and other cells. Calcium release from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive stores is negatively regulated by binding of calmodulin to the IP3 receptor (IP3R) and the NO/cGMP/cGMP kinase I (cGKI) signalling pathway. Activation of cGKI decreases IP3-stimulated elevations in intracellular calcium, induces smooth muscle relaxation and contributes to the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of NO/cGMP. Here we show that, in microsomal smooth muscle membranes, cGKIbeta phosphorylated the IP3R and cGKIbeta, and a protein of relative molecular mass 125,000 which we now identify as the IP3R-associated cGMP kinase substrate (IRAG). These proteins were co-immunoprecipitated by antibodies directed against cGKI, IP3R or IRAG. IRAG was found in many tissues including aorta, trachea and uterus, and was localized perinuclearly after heterologous expression in COS-7 cells. Bradykinin-stimulated calcium release was not affected by the expression of either IRAG or cGKIbeta, which we tested in the absence and presence of cGMP. However, calcium release was inhibited after co-expression of IRAG and cGKIbeta in the presence of cGMP. These results identify IRAG as an essential NO/cGKI-dependent regulator of IP3-induced calcium release.