Interaction between STIM1 and Orai1 in calcium-sensing receptor-mediated calcium influx and nitric oxide generation

AIM: To investigate the interaction of Ca²⁺-sensing proteins, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) and calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (Orai1), in Ca²⁺-sensing receptor (CaSR)-mediated extracellular Ca²⁺ influx and production of nitric oxide (NO). METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothlial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with CaSR agonist spermine [activating store-operated calcium channels (SOC) and receptor-operated calcium channels (ROC)] alone or combined with CaSR negative allosteric modulator Calhex 231+ROC analogue TPA (activating ROC, blocking SOC), protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor Ro 31-8220, or PKCα/β1 selective inhibitor Go 6976 (activate SOC, blocking ROC). The protein expression of STIM1 and Orai1 was determined by the method of immunofluorescence. The interaction between STIM1 and Orai1 was examined by co-immunoprecipitation. The second to third passages of HUVECs were divided into STIM1 and Orai1 short hairpin RNA group (shSTIM1+shOrai1 group), vehicle-STIM1+vehicle-Orai1 group and control group, and then incubated with the 4 different treatments above. The intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) was detected using the fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicator Fura-2/AM. The production of NO was also determined by DAF-FM DA fluorescent probe. RESULTS: The protein expression of STIM1 and Orai1 was located in the cytoplasm. Compared with control group, the localization of STIM1 and Orai1 in the cytoplasm was reduced after the HUVECs were incubated with Calhex 231+TPA, Ro 31-8220 or Go 6976, and the interaction of STIM1 and Orai1 was decreased significantly. The [Ca²⁺]_i and the net NO fluorescence intensity in shSTIM1+shOrai1 group were significantly reduced after the 4 different treatments (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: STIM1 and Orai1 are components of SOC and ROC in store-and receptor-operated Ca²⁺ entry and NO generation.     

Effects of oxidized high-density lipoprotein on membrane fluidity and the expression of lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 of monocyte

AIM: To investigate the effects of oxidized high-density lipoprotein (oxHDL) on membrane fluidity and the expression of lymphocyte function associated antigen(LFA-1) of monocyte. METHODS: The membrane fluidity of THP-1 cells was assayed by fluorescence anisotropy with DPH (1,6-dipheny-1,3,5-hexatriene), a fluorescent probe; The LFA-1 expression on THP-1 cells were assayed by flow cytometry with indirect immunofluorescence.RESULTS: The membrane fluidity of THP-1 cells was reduced by 45% and 52% respectively (P＜0.01) after incubation with 100 μg protein/mL oxHDL and oxLDL for 20 h; oxHDL could stimulated the expression of LFA-1 on THP-1 cells, the positive cell rate and mean fluoresence intensity (MFI) increased by 39% and 45% respectively versus control group (P＜0.01) after incubation with cells for 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: By increasing the expression of LFA-1 on monocyte, oxHDL can promote the monocyte-endothelium adhesion; oxHDL also can reduce the membrane fluidity of monocyte, that will limit the returning of monocytes from subendothelium back to the circulation. This suggested that oxHDL may play an important role in atherogenesis.     

Dual roles of oxidized LDL in modulating expression of inflammatory molecules in HUVECs

AIM:To determine the role of LOX-1/PPAR pathway in regulating expression of adhesion molecules elicited by oxidizing low density lipoprotein(Ox-LDL) through Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1(LOX-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs). METHODS:HUVECs were incubated with Ox-LDL,poly(I),carrageenan or 15-deoxy-△12,14-prostaglanding J2 (15d-PGJ₂ ). PPAR mRNA and protein were examined by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting. ICAM-1 and E-selectin were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively. RESULTS:Ox-LDL increased PPAR expression in HUVECs,which was inhibited by pretreatment of HUVECs with LOX-1 blockers. Preincubation of HUVECs with 15d-PGJ₂ attenuated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1) and E-selectin in response to Ox-LDL. Upregulation of ICAM-1 and E-selectin mediated by Ox-LDL were suppressed more significantly by the combination of 15d-PGJ₂ and polyinosonic acid as compared to either 15d-PGJ₂ or polyinosonic acid alone. CONCLUSION:The results indicate that Ox-LDL exerts a biphasic effects on inflammatory response. It evokes harmful effects by inflammatory injury on one side and protective effects by triggering the LOX-1/ PPAR signaling pathway on the other hand.     

Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1 mediates expression of MCP-1 induced by ox-LDL in cultured human vascular endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) on the expression of MCP-1 in the cultured human unbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS: Cultured HUVECs was incubated with ox-LDL, or preincubated with carrageenan and polyinosinic acid. LOX-1 and MCP-1 mRNA and protein were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Incubation of HUVECs with ox-LDL (from 0-100 mg/L) for 24 h markedly increased the expression of LOX-1 and MCP-1 (mRNA and protien) in a concentration-dependent fashion. Preincubation of HUVECs with carrageenan and polyinosinic acid, the chemical inhibitors of LOX-1, for 2 h, ox-LDL-mediated upregulation of LOX-1 and MCP-1 was suppressed (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that ox-LDL upregulates MCP-1 and its own endothelial receptor, and ox-LDL-induced MCP-1 is mediated by the action of LOX-1. LOX-1 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.     

Sodium Ferulate protects human aortic smooth muscle cells against oxidized Lipoprotein(a)

AIM: To investigate the influences of native and oxidized lipoprotein(a) on human arterial smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, change of intracellular free calcium concentration ( [Ca²⁺]_i) and the protective effect of sodium ferulate(SF). METHODS: Lp(a) was oxidized by Cu²⁺ and the extent of oxidation was assessed by the MDA content.Human SMC were incubated in culture media with SF for 12 h, then exposed to Lp(a) and oxidized-Lp(a) , respectively. MTT colorimetry and flow cytometry were used to evaluated the proliferation of SMC and flurorescent indicator Fura-2/AM was used to determined [Ca²⁺]_i. RESULTS: ox-Lp(a) significantly promoted proliferation of SMC and increased [Ca²⁺]_i compared with Lp(a). SF(40,80 mg/L) remarkedly inhibited SMC proliferation and decreased the rising of [Ca²⁺]_i induced by ox-Lp(a) in a dose-dependent manner, but no effect on SMC proliferation and the increase in [Ca²⁺]_i induced by Lp(a).CONCLUSION: ox-Lp(a) induces the strong growth-promoting effect in SMC through increasing in [Ca²⁺]_i, which might be one of the cellular mechanisms responsible for the higher atherogenic potential of ox-Lp(a) compared with Lp(a), and this process can be prevented by inhibiting of oxidation by SF.     

Foam cell formation and intracellular Ca2+ alteration

AIM:These studies aimed at exploring the alteration of intracellular Ca²⁺ level in the course of macrophage-derived foam cell formation as well as its mechanism.METHODS:Foam-like cell was generated by peritoneal macrophage of C57BL/6J mouse, which is susceptible to atherosclerosis, incubated in 10 mg·L^-1 oxidized low density lipoprotein for 96 hours. With the technique of Ca²⁺ fluorescent indicator and the assay of NADH-oxidizing coupling spectrum-alteration, the intracellular Ca²⁺ level and membranous Ca²⁺-ATPase activity of the above foam-like cell were determined.RESULTS:The foam-like macrophage Ca²⁺ level was 2.7 times higher than the control macrophage, and the former Ca²⁺-ATPase activity was 24% of the later.CONCLUSION:The results suggested that macrophage-derived foam cell formation was connected with slow Ca²⁺ entry or release, which possibly derived from long-lasting opening of membranous Ca²⁺ channels at the early stage and irreversible inactivating of membranous Ca²⁺ pump at the late stage.     

Intracellular calcium alterations induced by endotoxin and IL-1β in rabbit hypothalamic neurons

AIM: To investigate intracellular free calcium ( [Ca²⁺]i ) alterations in hypothalamus of febrile rabbits induced by endotoxin (ET), and compare with the effect of ET and IL-1β on i in hypothalamic neurocytes from normothermia rabbits. METHOD: The concentration of [Ca²⁺]i was determined by using spectrofluorometer and fluorescent Ca²⁺ probe fura-2 /Am. RESULTS: 1. A minute dose of ET (2 ng/mL) induced a significant rise in [Ca²⁺]i in hypothalamic neurocytes from normothermia rabbits. The rise in [Ca²⁺]i in hypothalamic neurocytes from febrile rabbits induced by intravenous injection of ET was also observed. 2. In hypothalamic neurocytes from normotheria rabbits, IL-1β failed to affect [Ca²⁺]i at concentrations of 100, 500, 1 000ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION:The action site of low concentration of calcium that plays a regulatory role during fever seems unlikely to be in cytosolic compartment of hypothalamic neurons. The change of [Ca²⁺]i in hypothalamic neurocytes by ET can not be considered the direct effect of IL-1β.     

Amiloride slows down calpain-mediated ABCA1 degradation through inhibition of hypoxia-induced NHE1 expression

AIM: To examine the effects of hypoxia on sodium-hydrogen exchange 1(NHE1) expression, intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and calpain activity, and to explore the effect of amiloride on adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1) degradation and its calpain-related mechanism. METHODS: RAW264.7 cells were exposed to hypoxia for 0 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. The cell viability was measured by MTT assay and the expression of NHE1 at mRNA and protein levels was detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. [Ca₂₊]_i was analyzed by flow cytometry. Calpain activity was assessed by the method of Suc-LLVY-aminoluciferin. Furthermore, the protein levels of ABCA1 in the RAW264.7 cells exposed to hypoxia for 24 h were determined after 6 h or 12 h treatment with NHE1 inhibitor amiloride in the presence of cycloheximide. ABCA1 protein levels and calpain activity were detected after 12 h incubation with calpain inhibitor ALLN or intracellular calcium-chelating agent BAPTA. RESULTS: Hypoxia inhibited the cell viability in a time-dependent manner. Hypoxia up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of NHE1, and increased [Ca²⁺]_i and calpain activity. Hypoxia increased the degradation of ABCA1 and amiloride slowed down the ABCA1 degradation. ALLN or BAPTA increased ABCA1 protein level and decreased calpain activity. CONCLUSION: NHE1 inhibitor amiloride attenuates the calpain-mediated degradation of ABCA1, indicating that hypoxia-induced NHE1 might, at least in part, participate in the ABCA1 degradation.     

Roles of ERKs and intracellular free calcium in cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response induced by endothelin-1

AIM: To study the roles and mechanisms of ERKs and intracellular free calcium in cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response induced by endothelin-1(ET-1). METHODS: (1) Neonatal rat cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response was assayed by measuring cell surface area and protein content; (2) ERKs activity was determined by Whatman Paper Filter method; (3) Intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]i) was measured using Fura-2/AM as a fluorescent indicator. RESULTS:(1)ET-1 could increase total protein production,surface area,ERKs activity and[Ca²⁺]i in cultured cardiomyocyte in dose-dependent manner at concentrations ranging from 10^-9to 10^-7mol/L.And this effect could be abolished by BQ123,an antagonist of ETA receptor,partly inhibited by PTX,but not by BQ788,an antagonist of ETB receptor.(2)The activation of ERKs and the increase of[Ca²⁺]i induced by ET-1 were obviously in hibited by PD98059,a selective ERKs kinase inhibitor,and nifedipine,a calcium channel blocker,respectively.Both antagonists partialy inhibited ET-1-stimulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response.(3)Staurosporine,a selective PKC inhibitor,could inhibit ET-1-stimulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response and increase of[Ca²⁺]i,but not af ect the activation of ERKs.CONCLUSION: Cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response induced by ET-1 is mediated by ET_A receptor coupled to PTX-sensitive G-protein, which involves at least two signalling pathways: PKC-mediated increase of [Ca²⁺]i , and PKC-independent activation of ERKs.     

Effect of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor δ on mRNA expression of MCP-1 induced by homocysteine in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor δ (PPARδ) on the mRNA expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) induced by homocysteine (Hcy) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS: Collagenase was used to isolate endothelial cells from human umbilical vein, and the cells were cultured in vitro . The HUVECs were divided into blank control group, Hcy group, GW0742 (a specific agonist of PPARδ) group and diphenyleneiodonium (DPI,a specific inhibitor of NADPH oxidase) group. RT-PCR was used to examine the mRNA expression of MCP-1 and PPARδ. The protein level of PPARδ was detected by Western blotting.2',7'-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate(DCFH-DA) was added to monitor intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). RESULTS: Compared with control group, Hcy promoted the mRNA expression of MCP-1 in a concentration-dependent manner, and decreased the mRNA expression of PPARδ in HUVECs. The mRNA expression of MCP-1 was significantly elevated by Hcy at the concentration of 10^-5 mol/L, and the mRNA expression of PPARδ was decreased remarkably (P<0.01). GW0742 decreased the mRNA expression of MCP-1 compared with Hcy group (P<0.01). Hcy remarkably increased the production of ROS compared with control group. Hcy-induced production of ROS was also significantly attenuated by GW0742. CONCLUSION: The activation of PPARδ decreases the Hcy-induced mRNA expression of MCP-1 by suppressing Hcy-stimulated production of ROS.     

LPS induced macrophage priming effect on O2- production and its signal mechanisms

AIM:To investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) priming on macrophage(MΦ).METHODS:Macrophage cell line RAW264.7 were pretreated with or without LPS for 1 h, then challenged with PMA, or LPS, muramyl dipeptide(MDP), Zymosan, formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine(FMLP) for 1 h. O₂^- production in supernatants and intracellular free calcium([Ca²⁺]i) were measured, and changes in [Ca²⁺]i and LPS induced O₂^- production were compared.RESULTS:LPS pretreatment significantly increased O₂^- production in RAW264.7 cells challenged with the stimuli, and in a certain extent, both O₂^- production and increase of resting intracellular [Ca²⁺]i were dose- and time-dependent on LPS pretreatment.Furthermore, the peak [Ca²⁺]i was significantly higher in LPS pretreated groups than that of LPS unpretreated groups when challenged with PMA. Pretreatment with Ca²⁺ inophore A23187 mimicked the LPS priming effects on O₂^- production, but pretreatment with Ca²⁺ chelator BAPTA and EGTA blocked this priming effect.CONCLUSION:LPS-induced MΦ priming effect on O₂^- production is dependent on elevation of resting intracellular [Ca²⁺]i.     

Effects of three kinds of calcium activator on the proliferation of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells in rats

AIM: To investigate the effects of intracellular free calcium ([Ca²⁺]i) from different resources on the proliferation mediated by mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). METHODS: Cultured VSMCs were used in all experiments. Calcium influx was stimulated by angiotension Ⅱ(Ang Ⅱ). The release of intracellular calcium stores was induced by inositol trisphosphate (IP₃) and ryanodine (RY). MAPK activity was measured by [γ-³²P]-ATP incorporation MAPK protein expression by western blot, VSMCs proliferation by [³H]-Leucine ([³H]-Leu) and [³H]-Thymidine ([³H]-TdR) incorporation. RESULTS: Compared to the control VSMCs, Ang Ⅱ, IP₃ and RY significantly increased [Ca²⁺]i concentration activity of MAPK and its protein content in VSMCs. The promotion of [³H]-Leu and [³H]-TdR incorporation in VSMCs was also observed (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The study indicated that calcium activator-induced increase in the activity and protein content of MAPK was involved in the proliferation of VSMCs, which was closely related to the [Ca²⁺]i concentration but independent to its origin.     

Role of caveolin-1 on down-regulation of LPS-induced monocyte chemotactic protein 1 by 17β-estradiol in vascular smooth muscle cells

AIM: To elucidate the effect of caveolin-1 on the down-regulation of LPS-induced monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) by 17β-estradiol (E₂) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).METHODS: The primary-cultured VSMCs were exposed to E₂ at concentrations of 10^-9-10^-6 mol/L. LPS-induced MCP-1 production was assayed by ELISA. The protein expression of caveolin-1 was determined by Western blotting and was silenced by β-methyl cyclodextrin(β-MCD) or caveolin-1 specific siRNA. RESULTS: LPS significantly enhanced MCP-1 production. E₂ at concentrations of 10^-9-10^-6 mol/L inhibited LPS-induced MCP-1 production. The use of caveolin-1 inhibitor β-MCD or silencing the protein expression of caveolin-1 by specific siRNA largely impaired LPS-enhanced MCP-1 production, while E₂ markedly inhibited caveolin-1 expression. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of LPS-induced MCP-1 production by E₂ is related to the suppression of caveolin-1.     

Different concentrations of intracellular calcium in uterine myometrial cells at term and non-term

AIM:To investigate different intracellular concentration of Ca²⁺ in uterine myometrial cells at term and non-term.METHODS:The living cells suspensions were made to measure intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations after stainned by calcium fluorescent indicator Fluo-3 AM, then examined by laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM).RESULTS:Intracelluar Ca²⁺ showed very stronger red positive signal in myometrial cells at term than that in non-term cells. [Ca²⁺]i were (35±8.1) nmol/L at non term and (75±7.3) nmol/L at term, which had significant difference compared with each other (P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:Increase in [Ca²⁺]i in myometrial cells might play a very important role labor.     

Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on expression of ICAM-1 in rabbit aorta and HUVECs induced by high lipid levels

AIM: To investigate the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) induced by high lipid levels in rabbit aorta and human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs), and the effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in this process.METHODS: For in vitro experiments, the cultured HUVEC were divided into control group, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) group, ox-LDL+DHEA group, ox-LDL+DHEA+ATRA group and DHEA group. The HUVECs in all groups were treated with the corresponding reagents for 24 h. The expression of ICAM-1 at mRNA and protein levels in all groups were determined by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. For in vivo experiments, the rabbits were divided into control group, high lipid group, high lipid+DHEA group, high lipid+DHEA+ATRA group and DHEA group. The rabbits in all groups were fed with the corresponding diets for 10 weeks. The expression of ICAM-1 in the rabbit aorta at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The expression of ICAM-1 in the HUVECs in ox-LDL group was significantly increased compared with control group (P<0.05). Compared with ox-LDL group, the expression of ICAM-1 in ox-LDL+DHEA group was obviously decreased (P<0.05). The expression of ICAM-1 was similar in both control group and DHEA group (P>0.05). The expression of ICAM-1 was similar in both ox-LDL+DHEA group and ox-LDL+DHEA+ATRA group (P>0.05). The expression of ICAM-1 in the rabbit aorta in high lipid group was significantly increased compared with control group (P<0.05). Compared with high lipid group, the expression of ICAM-1 in high lipid+DHEA group was obviously decreased (P<0.05). No remarkable difference in the expression of ICAM-1 between control group and DHEA group was observed (P>0.05), so did between high lipid+DHEA group and high lipid+DHEA+ATRA group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: DHEA inhibits high lipid-induced ICAM-1 expression in rabbit aorta and HUVECs. That may be one of the mechanisms of antiatherosclerotic effect of DHEA. ATRA seems no positive effect on DHEA function.     

Effects of levcromakalim on pulmonary arterial endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells exposed to hypoxia

AIM:To explore the effects of levcromakalim(Lev) on pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC) and smooth muscle cells (PASMC) exposed to hypoxia and the mechanisms involved.METHODS:The effects of Lev on [Ca²⁺]_i, and expression of PKC_α, eNOS, iNOS and PDGF-B mRNA and protein levels were observed. The nitrite (NO₂^-) and entothelin-1(ET-1) concentrations in supernatant in cultured PAEC and PASMC were measured. The proliferation and apoptosis of PASMC was also detected.RESULTS:When PASMC were exposed to hypoxia, Lev reduced concentration of ET-1 in cultured cell supernatant, lowed the expression of PKC_α, iNOS and PDGF-B both at mRNA and protein levels, decreased [Ca²⁺]_i concentration, increased proliferation and promoted the apoptosis in PASMC. However, in the presence of Lev, the [Ca²⁺]_i concentration was not changed in the hypoxic PAEC. The NO₂^- concentration in cultured cell supernant and expression of eNOS at mRNA and protein levels in hypoxic PASMC and PAEC were also unchanged. The downregulated ET-1 activity in PASMC and PAEC and proliferation in PASMC involved in the inhibition of PKC_α signaling pathway.CONCLUSIONS:Lev reduce some disadvatage effect of hypoxia on PASMC and PAEC. The mechanism of Lev action may partly involve in the downregulation of PKC_α signaling functions.     

Role of calcium ion in the cyotoxicity and DNA fragment induction in HL-60 cells by 6F isolated from Pteris semipinnata L.

AIM: To investigate the changes of cytosolic free calcium concentration([Ca²⁺]_i) and expression of Bcl-2 in HL-60 cells treated by 6F isolated from Pteris semipinnata L.(PSL), and to discuss the relations between calcium ion and cytotoxicity and DNA fragment induction effects of 6F. METHODS: HL-60 cells were used as in vitro model. [Ca²⁺]_i was measured on fluorescent spectrophotometry using Fura-2/AM as Ca²⁺ indicator. Bcl-2 expressing level was measured by flow cytometry. Tetrazolium salt(MTT) and diphenylamine staining methods were applied for cytotoxicity assay and DNA fragmentation detection, respectively. RESULTS: [Ca²⁺]_i increased obviously in a dose and time dependent manner after treated HL-60 cells with 6F. 6F decreased the expressing level of Bcl-2. Adding 2 mmol/L Ca²⁺ to the medium, or 1 mmol/L EDTA to chelate Ca²⁺, or 4 μmol/L calcium ionophore A 23187 to increase the concentration of cytosolic Ca²⁺, the DNA fragment induction by 6F was not affected, whereas the cytotoxicity of 6F was enhanced. 250 μmol/L Zn²⁺ attenuated the DNA fragment induction, and the cytotoxicity of 6F against HL-60 cells was enhanced significantly. CONCLUSION: It was speculated that the decreased expressing of Bcl-2 by compound 6F was related to increased [Ca²⁺]_i in HL-60 cells, and DNA fragment induction was possibly catalyzed by Ca²⁺ - independent DNase.     

Effects of Ca2+on the releases of ET-1, NO and PGI2 from bovine coronary artery endothelial cells during hypoxia

AIM: To explore the mechanism of ET-1, NO and PGI² release from coronary artery endothelial cells(CAEC) induced by acute hypoxia. METHODS: Bovine coronary artery endothelial cells were cultured and [⁴⁵ Ca²⁺] was used to investigate the difference of calcium uptake between normoxia group and hypoxia group(3% O₂). The contents of ET-1, NO and PGI² in media of normoxia group, hypoxia group and hypoxia + verapamil group were measured 24 h after hypoxia. RESULTS: [ ⁴⁵ Ca²⁺] uptake by CAEC in hypoxia group was 1.9 times more than normoxia group(P< 0.01). Hypoxia + verapamil group released more PGI², ET-1 and less NO than hypoxia group(P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Changes of ET-1, NO and PGI² releases during hypoxia may be caused by the inflow of Ca²⁺ into coronary artery endothelial cells.