Effect of chronic hypoxia on L-Arginine/nitric oxide pathway in rat pulmonary artery

AIM: To study the effect of chronic hypoxia on L-Arginine/NO pathway in rat pulmonary artery. METHODS: Changes in pulmonary artery L-Arginine(L-Arg) transport, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, plasma nitrite level and L-Arg level in HPH rats were investigated. RESULTS: (1) The mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and weight ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle and septum (RV/LV+S) of HPH group were higher than those in control group (P＜0.01). (2) Plasma L-Arg level in HPH group was not significantly changed. (3) At low (0.2 mmol/L)or high(5.0 mmol/L)concentration of L-Arg, the velocity of L-Arg transport in HPH group was lower than that in control group (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). (4) The activity of pulmonary artery tNOS, iNOS and cNOS in HPH group were increased by 38.0%, 32.8% and 53.0%, respectively (P＜0.01), compared with control group. (5) Plasma NO level of HPH group was decreased, which was negative correlation to mPAP and RV/LV+S (P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: The decrease of nitric oxide generation might result from L-Arg transport injury, while pulmonary artery tNOS, iNOS and cNOS activity were enhanced during chronic hypoxia.     

Effects of Dryk1A,ASF and alternative splicing of CaMKⅡδ on myocardial hypertrophy in renovascular hypertensive rats

AIM: To investigate the role of dual-specificity tyrosine phosporylation-regulated kinase 1A (Dyrk1A)-alternative splicing factor (ASF)-calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase Ⅱδ (CaMK Ⅱδ) pathway in the progression of myocardial hypertrophy in renovascular hypertensive rats. METHODS: The renovascular hypertension was induced by two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) method. The changes of blood pressure and myocardial hypertrophy were measured. The techniques of RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect CaMKⅡδ alternative splicing and the protein expression of Dyrk1A and ASF, respectively. RESULTS: Eight weeks after operation, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in 2K1C rats increased (P<0.05). The increases in left ventricular weight (LVW), the ratio of LVW to body weight (BW) and the area of myocardial cells indicated that the hypertensive rats developed significant cardiac hypertrophy. The protein expression of Dyrk1A and mRNA expression of CaMKⅡδA and δB were significantly increased, while the protein expression of ASF and mRNA expression of CaMKⅡδC were decreased compared with sham-operated control rats (P<0.05). Treatment with Dryk1A inhibitor epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) or harmine effectively attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and reversed the changes in the protein expression of Dyrk1A, ASF and alternative splicing of CaMKⅡδ (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Dyrk1A-ASF-CaMKⅡδ pathway plays a role in the development of myocardial hypertrophy in renovascular hypertensive rats.     

Effect of L-arginine on intimal proliferation and expression of related cell cycle regulatory factors after vascular injury in rats

AIM:To investigate the effect of L-arginine (L-Arg) on intimal proliferation and expression of related cell cycle regulatory factors after vascular injury in rats. METHODS:Rats were divided into three groups :sham operation group, balloon injury group(this group included balloon 48 h,7 d and 14 d subgroup) and balloon+L-Arg group. Neointima area were calculated morphologiocally. The expression of cyclin dependent kinase-2(CDK2),cyclin E and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were measured by means of immunohistochemical technique and computer image analyzer. RESULTS:After vascular balloon injury, the level of plasma NO decreased, CDK2、cyclin E and PCNA expressed in the media at 48 h and in the neointima at 7 d and 14 d but with low and undetected expression in the media, the expression of CDK2, cyclin E and PCNA increased with the intima thickening. Compared with balloon 14 d group, the plasma NO level increased (P＜0.01), the neointima area reduced by 59.1%(P＜0.01) and the positive expression indexes of CDK2, cyclin E and PCNA decreased by 36.1%, 46.3% and 76.2% respectively in balloon+L-Arg group (P all＜0.01). CONCLUSION:L-Arg can effectively repress intima proliferation after vascular injury, which may be associated with its inhibiting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cell through downregulating the excessive expression of CDK2, cyclin E and PCNA.     

Effect of short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase on cardiac hypertrophy induced by hypertension or exercise training

AIM: To investigate the differential expression of short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) in cardiac hypertrophy induced by hypertension or exercise training. METHODS: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were used as the model of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. The swim-trained rats were used as the model of physiological cardiac hypertrophy. The systolic pressure, cardiac hypertrophy parameters, echocardiogram parameters, free fatty acid in serum and cardiac muscle, and the expression and activity of SCAD in the left ventricle were measured. RESULTS: Compared with the control rats, trained rats developed an athletic heart, of which cardiac function was enhanced, whereas SHR developed hypertensive cardiac hypertrophy, of which cardiac function was deteriorated. Compared with the control rats, the ratios of left ventricular weight to body weight were both increased in trained rats and SHR, showing that the degrees of cardiac hypertrophy were similar in the 2 models. Compared with the control rats, the decrease of free fatty acid both in serum and myocardium indicated that the fatty acid utilization was increased in the left ventricle of trained rats. Meanwhile, the expression and activity of SCAD in the left ventricle of trained rats were increased. However, free fatty acid both in serum and myocardium were increased, indicating that the fatty acid utilization was decreased in the left ventricle of SHR. Furthermore, SHR had the decreased expression and activity of SCAD in the left ventricle. CONCLUSION: The changes of SCAD are different in cardiac hypertrophy induced by hypertension and exercise training, indicating that SCAD may be used as a molecular marker of physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy, and a potential therapeutic target of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.     

Expression of MMP-2 mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA in pulmonary arterioles ofrats with pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia hypercapnia

AIM:To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs) in pulmonary arterioles of rats with chronic hypoxia and hypercapnia-induced pulmonary hypertension.METHODS:MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-2 mRNA, MMP-9 mRNA were observed in pulmonary arterioles by the techniques of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.RESULTS:①The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and weight ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle and septum (RV/LV+S) of hypoxia-hypercapnia groups were higher than those of normal control group (P＜0.01). ②Light microscopy showed that vessel wall and media of pulmonary arterioles were thicker in rats of hypoxia-hypercapnia groups than normal control group. There were vessel smooth muscle cell hypertrophy, vessel cavity straitness in hypoxia-hypercapnia group, but no same performance was found in normal control group. ③The expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-2 mRNA, MMP-9 mRNA in pulmonary arterioles were significantly higher in rats of hypoxia-hypercapnia groups than control group (P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:Expression of matrix metalloproteinases in pulmonary arterioles is enhanced by hypoxia hypercapnia. This may be involved in pulmonary vascular remodeling in rats with pulmonary hypertension.     

Effects of atorvastatin on myocardium expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in spontaneously hypertensive rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of atorvastatin on myocardium peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) expression, regression of left ventricular hypertrophy, and the possible mechanisms in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). METHODS: 16 nine-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into two groups: SHR received atorvastatin at dose of 30 mg·kg-1·d-1 by oral gavage once daily for 8 weeks (SHR-A, n=8), and SHR received vehicle (0.9% saline) as controls (SHR, n=8). Age-matched Wistar-kyoto rats received vehicle for 8 weeks were served as normaltensive controls (WKY, n=8). Systolic blood pressure was measured at the beginning, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, plasma lipid levels were measured. Left ventricular hypertrophy was accessed by pathological analysis. The expressions of PPARα and PPARγ were investigated by the method of Western blotting. RESULTS: There was not much difference of systolic blood pressure and plasma lipid levels between SHR-A and SHR group (P>0.05). Compared with SHR group, left ventricular weight mass index decreased significantly in SHR-A group (P<0.01). The myocardium PPARα and PPARγ expression increased significantly (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Atorvastatin regresses left ventricular hypertrophy and increases myocardium PPARα and PPARγ expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats, which is independent of its lipid-lowering activity.     

Changes in endogenous nitric oxide and effects of inhaled nitric oxide on pulmonary artery hypertension in chronically hypoxic rats

AIM: To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO)in the development of chronically hypoxic pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and the hemodynamic effects of inhaled NO on pulmonary circulation. METHODS: 67 male adult SD rats were randomly divided into 7 groups: (1) control (n=9);(2) chronically intermitent hypoxia (CIH, 6 h/d, 7 d/w) 1 week(n=7); (3) CIH 2 weeks (n=11); (4) CIH 3 weeks (n=11); (5) CIH 1 week+L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor, 30 mg/kg, by gavage, n=10); (6)CIH 3 weeks+L-Arg (NO precursor, 10 mg/kg, by gavage, n=9); (7) CIH 3 weeks+inhaled NO (0.0004% for 20 min, n=10) to determine the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), weigh the right ventricle (R) and ventricular segment plus left ventricle (S+L), and calculate R/(S+L) (g/g) and R/Wt (Wt: body weight, g/kg). RESULTS: 1.MPAP increased compared with control when CIH 1 week, reaching the highest when CIH 2 weeks; R/(S+L) and R/Wt also increased notably when CIH 1 week (P＜0.01); 2. The level of plasma NO₂^-/NO₃^- elevated significantly when CIH 2 weeks, but fell when CIH 3 weeks; the content of plasma ET-1(endothelin-1) also increased significantly. The level of plasma ET-1 correlated with R/(S+L) and R/Wt, r=0.43 and 0.46, respectively, both P＜0.01; 3. The level of plasma NO₂^-/NO₃^- droped 33.2 % (P＜0.01) after treatment with L-NAME, with R/(S+L) increasing 15.2 % (P＜0.05); 4. L-Arg decreased the MPAP 17.8 %(P＜0.01). CONCLUSION: The endogenous NO release increases at early stage (1-2 weeks) of chronic hypoxia, but falls at the prolonged stage; the elevated level of plasma ET-1 possibly plays an important role in remodeling of chronically hypoxic pulmonary vessels and ventricle; inhaled NO significantly decreases the chronically hypoxic PAH.     

Changes of heme oxygenase-carbon monoxide system-in vascular calcification in rats

AIM:To investigate the change of heme oxygenase (HO)-carbon monoxide (CO)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in vascular calcification, to clarify the cellular and molecular mechanimsm in vascular calcification.METHODS:Vascular calcification model was established in rats by using vitamin D₃ and nicotine. The relative content of HO-1 mRNA, immunochemistry (IH) for HO-1, HO activity, HbCO formation and content of cGMP in aorta were measured.RESULTS:Compared to those of control rats, the HO-1 mRNA level in vessels of rats in VDN group(vascular calcification group) were decreased by 34.9% (P＜0.05);expression of HO-1 protein were decreased too, there were trace positive staining of HO-1 in the endothelium, and no obvious immunoreactivity in the medial layer;HO-1 activity was decreased by 60.6% (P＜0.01), CO concentration was decreased by 53.9% (P＜0.01) and cGMP content was decreased by 77.1% (P＜0.01) in vessels of rats in VDN group.CONCLUSION:There were obvious down regulation in HO-CO-cGMP pathway in calcified vessels.     

Role of phosphoinositide pathway in the formation of cardiac hypertrophy induced by pressure overload in rats

AIM: To investigate the role of phosphoinositide pathway in the formation of pressure-overload cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS: Cardiac hypertrophy was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats with coarctation of abdominal aorta, whole heart weight/body weight ratio was tested after 10 or 30 days of operation. Content of Gαq/11 protein in left ventricle was detected by immunoblot analysis and concentration of IP₃ was measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: At 10 and 30 days, whole heart weight/body weight ratio of coarctation aorta (CA) group was higher than that of sham-operated (SO) rats (P＜0.01). Protein Gαq/11 contents were not modified after 10 or 30 days of stenosis (P＞0.05). At 10 days, the level of IP₃ significantly increased in left ventricle of CA rats compared with the control animals (P＜0.05), but there was no difference in IP₃ level between CA and SO group after 30 days of operation. CONCLUSION: Phosphoinositide signaling pathway may play a role in the early stage of cardiac hypererophy induced by pressure overload.     

Correlation between intraventricular pressure and early phase proto-oncogene expression in volume overload rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of intraventricular pressure change by volume overload (VOL) on expression of proto-oncogene c-fos,c-jun,c-myc and egr-1. METHODS: Left ventricular systolic pressure(LVSP) and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) of rat with VOL induced by aortacaval fistula operation and rats of control group were measured at 30 min, 1, 4, 6, 12 and 48 h after the operation,these mRNAs at the foregoing time points were measured by slot bloting method and quantified with densitometry. RESULTS: Be compared with the control group, VOL rats LVSP decreased (P＜0.05) and declined most remarkably at 48 h,LVEDP elevated significantly at 30 min (P＜0.05), reached a maximal value at 12 h and the levels of control group at 48 h (P＞0.05) after the operation.The proto-oncogene expression signals were not detected in the control,negative controls and VOL rats at 30 min after the operation. The c-fos,c-jun and egr-1 mRNA signals appeared earlier,at 1 h, and c-myc mRNA increased later at 4 h.All reached peak value at 4 h and then declined gradually.The c-fos mRNA were not detected at 48 h. The c-myc,c-0jun and egr-1 mRNA persisted throught the entire observation period from 1 h to 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: During VOL early phase the overload have effect on expression of the proto-oncogene mRNA,c-fos,c-jun and egr-1 mRNA appear earlier, c-myc later,egr-1,c-jun and c-myc persist longer period, but the expressions do not strengthen with the ventricule wall load increase.This sequential induction pattern may reflect the time course regularity of the proto-oncogenes expression induced by VOL,and indicate the proto-oncogenes expression initiate while the heart load accumulate some extent and duration and the load magnitude may not play a critical role.     

Changes of plasma and myocardial calcitonin gene-related peptide in myocardial stunning rats

AIM: To investigate changes of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) in myocardial stunning rats. METHODS: Rat in vivo myocardial stunning model was used. CGRP content in plasma and myocardium were determined by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Plasma level of CGRP increased significantly (P＜0.01), but in left ventricular myocardium CGRP decreased obviously (P＜0.05) in myocardial stunning group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: CGRP content in the left ventricular myocardium was negatively correlated with plasma CGRP.     

Changes in the expression of endothelin system in rats with chronic heart failing

AIM: To study the changes of endothelin system during chronic heart failure (CHF) and imply the relationship between endothelin system and the course of CHF by observing the mRNA expression of endothelin receptors (ET_AR and ET_BR) and PreproET₁ in early stage and later stage of CHF caused by left coronary artery ligation. METHODS: The mRNA expression of ET_A, ET_B receptors and PreproET₁ were detected by RT-PCR technique. The plasma concentrations of ET₁ and ANP were determined by RIA method. RESULTS: The plasma concentrations of ET₁ and ANP, and the mRNA expression of ET receptors and PreproET₁ in the lefe ventricle increased significantly in early stage (myocardial infarction 10 d). While the plasma concentrations of ET₁ and ANP in later stage (myocardial infarction 70 d) were higher than those in the early stage. However, the mRNA expression of ET_AR, ET_BR and PreproET₁ decreased significantly. The mRNA expression of ET_AR in myocardial infarction (MI) 70 d rats had no difference with those in sham-operated rats and the mRNA expression of ET_BR and PreproET₁ in MI 70 d rats was lower significantly than those in MI 10 d rats, but significantly higher than those in sham-operated rats. CONCLUSION: The changes of ET receptors and PreproET₁ mRNA expression are involved in the cardiac function modulation during the different stages in chronic heart failure.     

Expression of TNF-α mRNA in hypertrophic myocardium by pressure overload in rats

AIM: To observe the change of TNF-α mRNA in hypertrophic cardiac myocytes induced by pressure overload in rats and the effect of captopril. METHODS: Serum and heart were collected 42 days after the cardiac hypertrophy model made by pressure overload by abdomen aorta-constriction (AC). Hypertrophic parameter and the concentration of TNF-α in serum and left ventricle were determined by ELISA. TNF-α mRNA in cardiac myocytes was determined by in situ hybridization and analyze by ELIA image analysis system. The orientation of TNF-α mRNA in cardiac myocytes was also observed. RESULTS: Left ventricle hypertrophy was observed 42 days after operation. TNF-α mRNA in AC group elevated 98% compared to sham-operated group and descended 64.14% by captopril (P<0.01), but did not descend to the normal level. The expression of TNF-α mRNA showed mostly in myocardial matrix by in situ hybridization. The level of expression was very low in sham-operation group and markedly enhanced after aorta-constriction, but it was decreased when treated by captopril. CONCLUSION: Endogenous TNF-α acts as an important adjustive factor in the pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and TNF-α mRNA increased in myocardial matrix may be activated by renin-angiotension system.     

Effect of nitric oxide on urotensin-Ⅱ expression in pulmonary arterioles of rats chronically exposed to hypoxia-hypercapnia

AIM: To investigate the roles of nitric oxide/L-arginine (NO/L-Arg) pathway and urotensin-Ⅱ (UⅡ) in the development of pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia in rats.METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10): normal control group (A), hypoxia-hypercapnia+saline group (B), hypoxia-hypercapnia+L-Arg liposome group (C) and hypoxia-hypercapnia+N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) group (D).Contents of UⅡ, UⅡ mRNA and receptor of UⅡ (UT) mRNA in pulmonary arterioles were measured with immunohistochemistry analysis and in situ hybridization, respectively.Change of small pulmonary vascular microstructure was also investigated.RESULTS: (1) The mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and the weight ratio of right ventricle to left ventricle plus septum ［RV/(LV+S)］ in B and D groups were all higher than those in A group (respectively, P<0.05), with C group significantly lower than those in B group (respectively, P<0.01).(2) Light microscopy showed that the ratio of vessel wall area to total area (WA/TA) and the media thickness of pulmonary arterioles (PAMT) in B group were higher than those in A group (P<0.05), with C group significantly lower than those in B group.(3) The contents of UⅡ, UⅡ mRNA and UT mRNA in pulmonary arterioles in B and D groups were all higher than those in A group (respectively, P<0.01), while the expression of UⅡ and UⅡ mRNA in C group were lower than those in B group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The pathological process of pulmonary hypertension induced by chronic hypoxia-hypercapnia might be related to upregulation of UⅡ located in pulmonary arterioles, which might be partially inhibited by exogenous NO in rats.     

Effect of amiodarone and metoprolol on platelet activation,fibrinolytic activity and vasoactive mediators in acute myocardial infarction in rabbits

AIM:To explore the significance of platelet activation, fibrinolytic activity and the changes of vasoactive mediators in acute myocardial infarction in rabbits and the intervention of amiodarone and metoprolol.METHODS:Fifty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to five groups, ten for each. Group Ⅰ: sham group, group Ⅱ: acute myocardial infarction(AMI) group, group Ⅲ: AMI and lidocaine group, group Ⅳ: AMI and amiodarone group, group Ⅴ: AMI and metoprolol group.The middle point of left ventricular coronary artery was ligated (groupⅡ,Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ ) or a sham ligation(group Ⅰ). Four hours later, blood was collected for measuring plasma concentration of TXB₂, 6-Keto-PGF_1α, ET, NO, plasma activity of t-Pa and PAI.After that, the heart was taken out to evaluate the infarction size(IS).RESULTS:Plasma concentration of TXB₂, ET, NO and plasma activity of PAI were significantly higher in groupⅡ,Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ than those in group Ⅰ(P＜0.01), but the plasma concentration of 6-Keto-PGF_1α and plasma activity of t-Pa were remarkably lower in groupⅡ,Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ than those in group Ⅰ(P＜0.01). There were no difference in plasma concentration of TXB₂, 6-Keto-PGF_1α, t-Pa activity and infarction size in group Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ(P＞0.05).Compared to group Ⅱ, plasma concentration of ET, NO and PAI activity were significantly decresed (P＜0.01)in group Ⅳ. Plasma concentration of TXB₂, ET, NO and plasma activity of PAI were significantly lower in groupⅤ than those in group Ⅱ(P＜0.01). Conversely, plasma concentration of 6-Keto-PGF1 and plasma activity of t-Pa were remarkably higher in group Ⅴ than those in group Ⅱ(P＜0.01). The infarction size was remarkly decrease(P＜0.01)in group Ⅴ.CONCLUSIONS:Amiodarone inhibited PAI avtivity, decreased release of ET and NO in AMI in rabbits. Metoprolol inhibited platelet activation, improved fibrinolytic, decreased release of ET and NO, and reduced myocardial infarction size in AMI in rabbits; Lidocaine had no effect above.     

Cellular mechanisms of losartan on reversing left ventricular hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats

AIM:To investigate the role of proliferation and apoptosis in hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and the effect of AT₁ blockade with losartan. METHODS:Left ventricles (LV) from 12, 24-week-old SHR (SHR₁₂, SHR₂₄), 24-week-old SHR treated with losartan (15 mg·kg^-1·d^-1, SHR-L₂₄) during 12 weeks, and age-matched WKY rats (WKY₁₂, WKY₂₄) were studied. Expression of PCNA was examined by immunohistochemistry. Apoptotic cells in LV sections were assessed by TUNEL method. Levels of fas mRNA were quantitated by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with age-matched WKY, SHR₁₂ and SHR₂₄ showed increased LV hypertrophied index (HI), increased apoptotic index (AI) of myocytes (P＜0.01), but decreased AI of fibroblasts (P＜0.05). Moreover, SHR₁₂ exhibited increased PCNA labeling of myocytes (P＜0.05) with similar positive rates of fibroblasts.It was also showed that losartan reversed HI, significantly reduced the AI of myocytes and significantly increased the AI of fibroblasts. RT-PCR disclosed that levels of fas mRNA positively correlated with the frequency of apoptosis in LV of either SHR or WKY (r=0.52, P＜0.05). CONCLUSION:The cellular changes of LVH in adult SHR manifest as the imbalance between proliferation and apoptosis of myocytes, and insufficient apoptosis of fibroblasts. The mechanisms of losartan on reversing LVH may be mediated through adjusting the abnormal amount of cells and the expression of fas gene.     

Inhibition of endothelin on taurine-transportation in rat cardiac myocytes

AIM:To investigate the effect of endothelin(ET) on taurine transportation in rat cardiac myocytes in vitro.METHODS: In cultured cardiac myocytes of neonatal rats, taurine transportation velocity was measured by radio-ligand method. RESULTS: ET(10^-10-10^-8 mol/L) could inhibit taurine transportation in a dose-dependent manner.10^-10,10^-9 and 10^-8mol/L of ET significantly decreased taurine transpotation by 13%, 38% and 71%, respectively (P＜0.01), compared with control group. H₇,BQ123 and Pre-PMA can reverse the inhibition of ET on taurine transportation dramatically(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:The binding of ET and ET-A receptor might activate protein kinase C,which inhibits taurine transportation in cultured myocytes of rats.