Inhibitory effect of iron on vasodilatation in the isolated rat aorta

AIM: The objectives of the present study were to examine the effect of iron on relaxation of isolated rat aortic rings, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. METHODS: The thoracic aortic rings of male Sprague-Dawley rats were mounted on bath system. Vasodilatation of aortic rings preconstricted with 10^-6 mol/L of phenylephrine (PE) was measured. RESULTS: (1) Exposure of endothelium-intact aortic rings to ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) for 30 min caused a significant reduction in the relaxation response to acetylcholine (ACh). Pretreatment with L-arginine (L-Arg) before incubation with FAC did not reverse the inhibition of relaxation response to ACh completely. (2) In endothelium-intact aortic rings, L-Arg relaxed the PE preconstricted vessels. Exposure to FAC for 30 min caused the decrease in the relaxation response to L-Arg. There was no difference in the relaxation response to nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, between endothelium-denuded arteries treated with or without FAC. (3) Dimethyl sulfoxide had no effect on the inhibition of relaxation to ACh by FAC in endothelium-intact rings. Pretreatment of arteries with glutathione and catalase prevented the decrease in relaxation responses to ACh induced by FAC. (4) The nitric oxide synthase activity was (56.49±2.49)×10³U/g protein in normal aorta with endothelium, while after incubation with FAC for 30 min, it reduced to (25.15±5.75)×10³U/g protein ( P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Inactivation of nitric oxide synthase and decrease in intracellular glutathione level might mediate iron-induced inhibition of arterial relaxation responses to ACh.     

Effect of urotensin II on cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells of rabbits

AIM: The effect of urotensin II (U-II) on proliferation of cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) of rabbits and its mechanism are investigated. METHODS: PASMCs were isolated using explant technique. RPASMCs were incubated in serum-free medium with different concentrations of nicardipine, calcimodulin antagonist W₇, PKC inhibitor H₇ or MAPK inhibitor (PD₉₈₀₅₉), with or without U-II. RPASMC proliferation was examined by MTT assay and by the increase in [³H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA. RESULTS: U-II (10^-9 mol/L-10^-7 mol/L) increased A value of PASMCs by MTT assay and [³H]-thymidine incorporation in PASMCs in a dose-dependent manner. U-II induced a maximal effect at a concentration of 10^-7 mol/L. A value and [³H]-thymidine incorporation rose 42.9% and 68.5% (P<0.05), respectively. U-II had no effect at a concentration of 10^-10 mol/L. Nicardipine, W₇, H₇, PD₉₈₀₅₉ (10^-7 mol/L-10^-5 mol/L) inhibited the effect of U-II in inducing increase of A value and -thymidine incorporation in a dose-dependent manner, with the maximal inhibitory rate of 42.3%, 19.6%, 23.2%, 10.5% (P<0.05) in A value and 46.6%, 9.8%, 21.7%, 14.7% (P<0.05) in [³H]-thymidine incorporation at concentration of 10^-5 mol/L, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that U-II may induce proliferation of PASMCs of rabbits by Ca²⁺, CaM, PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathway.     

Mechanism of coronary artery constriction induced by 5-HT

AIM:To investigate the possible mechanism of coronary artery contraction induced by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). METHODS:Isolated coronary artery rings were obtained from male Wistar rats, and the vascular tension meter was used to determine the tension of the coronary artery rings. The effects of inhibitors of different signaling pathway on vascular contraction tension induced by 5-HT were observed. RESULTS:Firstly, we found that 5-HT_2A receptor antagonist sarpogrelate (1 μmol/L) completely eliminated the coronary artery contraction induced by 5-HT. Phospholipase C_β (PLC_β) inhibitor U73122 (10 μmol/L and 50 μmol/L), Rho-related protein kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (3 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L) and protein kinase C δ subunit (PKCδ) inhibitor rottlerin (3 μmol/L and 10 μmol/L) significantly inhibited the contraction of coronary artery ring caused by 5-HT (P<0.05). In addition, compared with the untreated group, vascular contraction tension induced by 5-HT was also decreased significantly by L-type calcium channel (Cav1.2) blocker nifedipine (1 μmol/L), store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE) inhibitor SKF96365 (10 μmol/L and 30 μmol/L) and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB, 50 μmol/L and 100 μmol/L) (P<0.05). At the same time, 5-HT also induced vasoconstriction after treated with nifedipine (1 μmol/L) Kerbs-Henseleit (K-H) liquid without calcium (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:5-HT activates 5-HT_2A receptor induced coronary artery contraction, possibly related to the PKC/Rho kinase signaling pathway and calcium regulation.     

Vasodilatation induced by Jumi extraction and its mechanisms

AIM: The objectives of the present study were to examine the effect of Jumi (JM) extraction on relaxation of isolated rat aortic rings, and to elucidate its mechanisms. METHODS: The thoracic aortic rings with and without endothelium of male Sprague-Dawley rats were mounted on a bath system. Vasodilatation of aortic rings preconstricted with 10-6 mol/L of phenylephrine (PE) was measured. RESULTS: JM extraction (0.5-8 g/L) caused a concentration-dependent relaxation in aortic rings. The extent of relaxation was larger in endothelium-intact aortic rings than that in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. Both L-NAME［a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor］ and high potassium (20 mmol/L KCl) partly abolished the relaxation action of JM extraction in endothelium-intact aortic rings. Pretreatment with L-NAME also inhibited the relaxation response to JM extraction in endothelium-denuded aortic rings. After incubation with JM extraction, NOS activities enhanced both in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings. CONCLUSION: JM extraction causes relaxation of aortic rings through endothelium-dependent and independent pathways. The mechanisms might be involved in NOS and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.     

Effects of leptin on BSEP protein expression and signaling pathway in HepG2 cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of leptin on the expression of bile salt export pump (BSEP) and signaling pathway in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. METHODS: HepG2 cells were cultured in vitro. Leptin at concentrations of 10^-8, 10^-7 and 10^-6 mol/L was used as a stimulating factor. The protein levels of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase alpha subunit (AMPKa), phosphorylated AMPKa (p-AMPKa) and BSEP in the HepG2 cells at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were detected by Western blotting. The optimal culture time and leptin concentration were selected, and compound C at concentration of 10 μmol/L was added to this group. The protein expression of BSEP was detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Intervention of HepG2 cells with leptin for 72 h increased the protein expression of AMPKa gradually in a concentration-dependent manner, and leptin at concentration of 10^-6 mol/L induced the strongest AMPKa expression (P<0.01). Intervention of HepG2 cells with leptin for 24 h increased the phosphorylation level of AMPKa gradually in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). The effect of leptin on the increase in the protein expression of p-AMPKa was also in a time-dependent manner (P<0.01). After intervention with different concentrations of leptin for 24 h, the protein expression of BSEP in the HepG2 cells was gradually increased by the stimulation of leptin in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (P<0.01). Compared with NC group, the protein expression of BSEP in 10^-6 mol/L leptin group and 10^-6 mol/L leptin+10 μmol/L compound C group was increased at 72 h (P<0.01), and that in 10^-6 mol/L leptin+10 μmol/L compound C group was lower than that in 10^-6 mol/L leptin group at 72 h (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Leptin promotes the protein expression of BSEP in HepG2 cells by leptin-AMPK-BSEP signaling pathway. Leptin promotes the increases in AMPKa protein and the level of phosphorylation of AMPKa in HepG2 cells.     

Effect of dexamethasone or theophylline on platelet-activating factor-induced eosinophils

AIM: To elucidate the effects of platelet-activating factor (PAF) on eosinophil activation and the action of dexamethasone or theophylline during this process. METHODS: Eosinophils (EOS) from the peripheral blood of normal subjects were isolated. The hypodense eosinopil (HE) and normodense eosinophil (NE) were studied with electron microscopy. The effects of PAF on eosinophil activation and the action of dexamethasone or theophylline during the above process were measured. RESULTS: Hypodense eosinophil had significantly smaller individual granules than normodense eosinophil had. PAF induced eosinophil peroxidase release, and generated. Eosinophils incubated with 10^-8 mmol/L PAF and 10^-5 mmol/L dexamethasone released (101.17±10.32) mg/L eosinophil peroxidase (P<0.05). Eosinophils incubated with 10^-9 mol/L PAF and 10^-5 mmol/L dexamethasone caused a decrease in eosinophil peroxidase (110.85±4.16) mg/L and induced the generation of hypodense eosinophil (17.87%±2.16%). Eosinophils incubated with 10^-8 mmol/L PAF and 10 mg/L theophylline released (100.53±9.65) mg/L eosinophil peroxidase (P<0.05). Eosinophils incubated with 10^-9 mol/L PAF and 10 mg/L theophylline caused a similar decrease in eosinophil peroxidase (106.94±10.11) mg/L and induced the generation of hypodense eosinophil (14.08%±2.42%). CONCLUSIONS: Eosinophil degranulation is one of the reasons by which hypodense eosinopils develop. PAF induced eosinophil degranulation, so generated hypodense eosinopils. Dexamethasone and theophylline inhibited above effects.     

Effects of thyroid hormone on the myosin heavy chain mRNA expression in cardiac myocytes induced by angiotensin Ⅱ

AIM: To study the effect of thyroid hormone on the expressional change of myosin heavy chain(MHC) gene in cardiomyocyte induced by angiotensinⅡ(AngⅡ) and its potential mechanism. METHODS: Cardiac myocyte was cultured according to the method of Simpson. 10^-8 mol/L T₃ and 10^-7 mol/L AngⅡ were added to the culture medium, respectively or synchronously. After 48 h, the expression of α and β-MHC mRNA in myocytes were detected by RT-PCR. The protein kinase C activation were detected by PepTag non-radioactive PKC assay. The incorporation of -Leucine and [³H]-thymine to test the protein and DNA synthesis in myocytes were also performed. RESULTS: AngⅡalone increased the incorporation of [³H]-Leucine of myocytes while it had no effect on the incorporation of [³H]-thy mine. The expression of β-MHC mRNA was increased and the expression of α-MHC mRNA was decreased significantly at the condition of AngⅡ. The enhanced PKC activation was induced by AngⅡalso. When AngⅡand T₃ were added to the culture medium synchronously, though the incorporation of [³H]-leucine and [³H]-thymine were not changed compared with AngⅡ treated alone. The α-MHC mRNA expression was increased and the β-MHC mRNA expression was decreased significantly. The PKC activation of the myocytes also was decreased. CONCLUSIONS: T₃ inhibited the expressional change of myosin heavy chain gene in cardiac myocytes induced by AngⅡ. The effect of T₃ on the change of PKC activation in cardiac myocytes may be one of its mechanisms.     

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.     

Insulin influences the vasoconstriction caused by endothelin-1 in the hyperglycemic rat

AIM: To investigate the effects of insulin on aortic constriction caused by endothelin-1(ET-1) in normal and hyperglycemic rats. METHODS: Hyperglycemic rat models were prepared. Two aortic rings were immersed in the Krebs-Hensleit fluid with and without insulin (40 mIU/L) and the responses of rings to 10^-9 mol/L ET-1 were observed. RESULTS:ET-1 induced more obvious aortic ring constriction in normal rats than those in hyperglycemic rats ( P< 0.01). Rings constriction caused by ET-1 were attenuated in normal rats if the rings were immersed in the KH fluid with insulin ( P< 0.01), but no obvious changes were found in hyperglycemic rats.CONCLUSION: (1) the vasoconstriction of aortic rings caused by ET-1 can be reduced by hyperglycemia. (2) Insulin can attenuate the aortic response to ET-1. (3) Insulin can not attenuate the vasoconstriction caused by ET-1 in hyperglycemic rats. These results suggest that insulin may affect vasoconstriction caused by ET-1, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular complication in diabetic or insulin resistance condition.     

Mechanism of quercetin improving rat coronary artery myogenic response under high glucose

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of quercetin improving rat coronary artery myogenic response under high glucose (HG) by measuring muscle tension of coronary arterial ring and recording voltage-gated K⁺ channel (Kv) current of coronary artery smooth muscle cells by whole cell patch clamp. METHODS: The coronary rings from the normal SD rats were acutely isolated, and then divided into 6 groups: (1) control group; (2) HG group; (3) HG+low dose (3 μmol/L) of quercetin group; (4) HG+moderate dose (10 μmol/L) of quercetin group; (5) HG+high dose (30 μmol/L) of quercetin group; (6) HG+C6303 (PKC inhibitor)+high dose of quercetin group. Determinations of coronary artery response to vasoconstrictor (60 mmol/L KCl or 0.1 mmol/L U46619) or vasodilator (ACh at 10^-9~10^-5 mol/L) were performed, and the percentage of coronary ring tension was calculated using the contraction as 100% caused by 60 mmol/L KCl. The rat coronary artery smooth muscle cells were acutely isolated for recording the Kv current using whole cell patch clamp. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the contraction amplitudes to 60 mmol/L KCl or 0.1 mmol/L U46619 were significantly increased under HG incubation. Quercetin intervention concentration-dependently reduced the coronary artery contraction amplitude. Incubation of PKC specific inhibitor C6303 attenuated the effect of quercetin. Compared with control group, the diastolic amplitude to ACh decreased significantly in HG group, and quercetin intervention concentration-dependently increased the coronary artery diastolic amplitude. Incubation of PKC specific inhibitor C6303 attenuated the effect of quercetin. Compared with control group, HG incubation inhibited Kv current of coronary artery vascular smooth muscle cells significantly, and quercetin intervention attenuated the inhibitory effect of HG on Kv current intensity. Incubation of PKC specific inhibitor C6303 attenuated the effect of quercetin. CONCLUSION: Quercetin has a protective effect on myogenic response of coronary artery under HG and the effects is related to the increase in Kv current and the activation of PKC in vascular smooth muscle cells.     

Effect of interleukin-2 on intracellular calcium levels in rat ventricular myocytes during anoxia and reoxygenation

AIM: To investigate the effect of interleukin-2(IL-2) on the intracellular calcium in electrically stimulated adult rat ventricular myocytes during anoxia and reoxygenation. METHODS: The isolated cardiac ventricular myocytes were exposed to 5 min anoxia followed by 10 min reoxygenation. Chemical anoxia was introduced by Krebs-Henseleit(K-H) solution containing 10^-3 mol/L sodium dithionite. The spectrofluorometric method was used to verify intracellular calcium transient with fura-2/AM as calcium fluorescence probe. RESULTS: It was shown that during anoxia, the amplitude of Ca²⁺ transient was decreased, diastolic [Ca²⁺]_i, time to peak and time to relaxation of Ca²⁺ transient were increased. All the parameters were got back but did not returned to the pre-anoxia level during reoxygenation. IL-2 at 2×10⁵ U/L administrated during anoxia aggravated the effect of rexoxygenation on [Ca²⁺]_i transient. Pretreatment with a specific κ opioid antagonist, nor-BNI(10^-8 mol/L), abolished the effect induced by IL-2 during anoxia on the [Ca²⁺]_i transients, whereas specific δ opioid antagonist, naltrindole(10^-6 mol/L), did not cancel the effect. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that administration of IL-2 during anoxia aggravated the effect of reoxygenation on the [Ca²⁺]_i transients of isolated ventricular myocytes, which was mediated by cardiac κ opioid receptor pathway.     

Effect of inhaled nitric oxide on adhesion molecule CD11b expression in lung neutrophils of meconium aspiration rabbits

AIM:To evaluate effects of inhaled nitric oxide(iNO) on adhesion molecule CD11b expression on lung neutrophils in experimental meconium aspiration syndrome(MAS) rabbits treated with conventional mechanical ventilation under room air or 100%O₂. METHODS:Animals were randomly allocated to 8 groups(n=48) of 6 each: two MAS model groups(under room air or 100%O₂ without iNO treatment), 6 treatment groups were treated with continuous NO inhalation at a dose of 0.2×10^-6mol/L, 0.33×10^-6mol/L or 0.67×10^-6mol/L respectively for 12 hours under room air or 100%O₂. Mean systemic arterial pressure(SAP) and methemoglobin (MeHb) were performed at basement time, 0, 2, 4, 12 hours. Expression of CD11b on neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) was detected with flow cytometry. RESULTS:SAP, MeHb at different time among different groups were within the normal scale. CD11b expression on the neutrophils in the BALF significantly decreased in groups of inhalation 0.33×10^-6 mol/L or 0.67×10^-6 mol/L NO, compared with the two MAS model groups. (x±s: under 21%O₂, 0.33×10^-6 mol/L NO, 121±20 υs 392±204; 0.67×10^-6 mol/L NO, 112±30 υs 392±204;under 100%O₂, 0.33×10^-6 mol/L NO, 113±24υs293±65; 0.67×10^-6 mol/L 102±114 υs293±65, P<0.05). 0.2×10^-6mol/L NO inhalation did no effect on CD11b expression. (x±s:21%O₂, 190±101 υs 392±204; 100%O₂, 222±85 υs 293±65; P>0.05). No statistic difference was observed between groups inhaled 0.33×10^-6 mol/L NO and 0.67×10^-6mol/L NO. CONCLUSION:0.33×10^-6 mol/L or 0.67×10^-6 mol/L NO inhalation down-regulated the CD11b expression on the neutrophils in BALF to reduce the sequestration of neutrophils in rabbit lung.     

Metallothionein involvement in myocardial protection of basic fibroblast growth factor

AIM: To observe whether metallothionein plays a role in cardiac protective effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on anoxic/reperfusion (A/R) injury in cultured cardiomyocytes and study the possible mechanism of cardiac protection by bFGF. METHODS: The present study made the model of myocyte A/R injury after having a 24 h incubation by bFGF (10^-10, 10^-9 and 10^-8 mol/L) and bFGF (10^-9 mol/L) +PD₀₉₈₀₅₉, respectively. We measured the levels of MT and MDA in myocytes, and the changes of LDH and protein in cultured medium. We also counted the number of viable cell in groups. RESULTS: The contents of myocardial MT were significantly increased after treatment by bFGF. The levels of MT in 10^-10 mol/L, 10^-9 mol/L and 10^-8 mol/L bFGF treated groups increased 54%, 62% and76%, respectively, compared with the A/R group, and the number of viable cell were also greatly increased, LDH and protein leakage in cultured medium and MDA contents in myocyte were dramatically decreased in bFGF treated groups. All the protection were completely disappeared with the inhibition of MT production with PD₀₉₈₀₅₉, the inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). CONCLUSION: MT involves in the protection of bFGF in cultured cardiomyocytes. It might be related with activation of MAPKase.     

Inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on the expression of integrin CD18 induced by PMA

AIM:To study the effect of dexamethasone(Dex) on the expression of CD18. METHODS:Quantitative RT-PCR analysis, Northern blotting technique were used to measure the expression of CD18 in U937 cells treated by PMA.RESULTS:Dex could significantly attenuated the effects of PMA in a dose-dependent manner (10^-6 mol/L-10^-10 mol/L). These effects of Dex (10^-7 mol/L) were completely aborted by RU-486 (10^-6 mol/L).CONCLUSION:Dex, via GR, could inhibit CD18 mRNA expression in U937 cells treated by PMA. The effects of Dex might be possibly depended on the counteracting action on the NF-κB.     

Vasodilatatory effect and mechanism of CH2Cl2 extract of flos magnoliae on isolated rat thoracic aorta

AIM: To characterize the vasodilatatory effect of CH₂Cl₂ extract of flos magnoliae (CEF) on isolated rat thoracic aorta and to elucidate its possible mechanism. METHODS: The thoracic aorta was isolated from male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and the isometric tension of aortic rings with or without endothelium was measured. RESULTS: CEF (0.1-1 000 mg/L) produced concentration-dependent, endothelium-independent relaxations in phenylephrine (PE)-contracted aortic rings. The maximum relaxation induced by CEF was 78.68%±6.03% in endothelium intact rings and 64.98%±13.90% in endothelium removed rings while the forskolin (1 μmol/L)-induced vasodilation was obtained as 100%. The vasodilatatory effect of CEF was not statistically inhibited by 10 μmol/L glibenclamide (Glib), 3 mmol/L tetraethylammonium (TEA), 100 μmol/L BaCl₂ and 10 μmol/L 1H- -oxadiazole- -quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) in the preparations without endothelium. The CEF pre-treatment significantly inhibited vasoconstrictions to angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ), prostaglandin F_2α, (PGF_2α), dopamine (Dopa), vasopressin (Vaso), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and PE by 91.31%, 82.11%, 95.32%, 90.53%, 72.22% and 83.63%, respectively (P<0.01). In Ca²⁺-free medium treated endothelium removed aortic ring, incubation with CEF at concentration of 82 mg/L significantly attenuated intracellular Ca²⁺ release by PE. In Ca²⁺-free + high potassium medium incubated aortic rings without endothelium, CEF (82 mg/L) markedly inhibited potassium-stimulated Ca²⁺-dependent contraction which was mainly due to Ca²⁺ influx (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: CEF induced vasorelaxation is mainly related to interfering intracellular calcium homeostasis by blocking Ca²⁺ influx and intracellular Ca²⁺ release.     

Farrerol inhibits nicotine-induced proliferation of pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells by enhancing Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 expression

AIM:To study the effect of farrerol (Far) on nicotine-induced proliferation of rat pulmonary smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and further to explore its relationship with voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) 1.5 and Kv2.1. METHODS:Firstly, the effect of nicotine on the proliferation of PASMCs was detected by cell counting method, and the optimal concentration of nicotine was selected. Primary cultured PASMCs were randomly divided into 5 groups:normal control group, nicotine (1 μmol/L)group, nicotine (1 μmol/L) + Far (10^-6 mol/L, 10^-5 mol/L and 10^-4 mol/L) Far group. The activity of caspase-3 was measured by apoptosis kit, the cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay, the apoptotic rate was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of Kv1.5 and Kv2.1, and apoptosis-related factors Bcl-2 and Bax at mRNA and protein levels was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot respectively. RESULTS:Nicotine at 1 μmol/L increased the number of PASMCs to the maximum extent (P<0.01). Nicotine at 1 μmol/L significantly reduced the caspase-3 activity and enhanced the cell viability of the PASMCs (P<0.01). Farrerol at 10^-6~10^-4 mol/L eliminated the effect of PASMCs induced by nicotine in a concentration dependent manner. Compared with control group, nicotine at 1 μmol/L significantly increased the proliferation and inhibited the apoptotic rate of rat PASMCs (P<0.01). The apoptotic rate of PASMCs in farrerol intervention group was significantly higher than that in nicotine group (P<0.01). Nicotine at 1 μmol/L significantly inhibited the expression of Kv1.5, Kv2.1 and Bax but increased the expression of Bcl-2 in PASMCs (P<0.01). Farrerol at 10^-5 mol/L obviously inhibited the effect of PASMCs induced by nicotine. CONCLUSION:Farrerol eliminates nicotine-induced inhibition of caspase-3 and Bax, and enhancement of Bcl-2 in PASMCs by enhancing Kv1.5 and Kv2.1 expression.     

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.     

Meglumine cyclic adenylate induces differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into cardiomyocytes in vitro

AIM: To study the effect of meglumine cyclic adenylate (MCA) on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into cardiomyocytes in vitro. METHODS: The whole bone marrow adherent culture method was used to isolate, culture and amplify the BMSCs. The surface markers of BMSCs were determined by flow cytometry analysis. MCA at concentrations of 10^-2 mol/L, 10^-3 mol/L, 10^-4 mol/L, 10^-5 mol/L, 10^-6 mol/L and 10^-7 mol/L was added to the culture medium containing the second generation of BMSCs.5-Azacytidine(5-Aza) was used as a positive control. The cell viability was measured by MTT method.The cAMP content in BMSCs was detected by ELISA. The mRNA expression of GATA-4, Cx43 and β-MHC in MCA group and MCA+H89 (a PKA inhibitor) group was measured by SYBR-RT-PCR. The differentiation effects of MCA and 5-Aza were compared by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Most of the BMSCs expressed CD44 and CD71, and did not express CD45. MCA inhibited the viability of BMSCs in a time-and dose-dependent manner, and MCA atthe concentration of 10^-2 mol/L showed particularly remarkable effect. MCA significantly increased intracellular cAMP level in BMSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. The mRNA expression of GATA-4, β-MHC and Cx43 in MCA group were significantly higher than that in blank group (P<0.05), and the highest effect was under the condition of MCA induction at the concentration of 10^-3 mol/L for 3 days. The mRNA expression of GATA-4, β-MHC and Cx43 in MCA group was higher than that in 5-Aza group and H89+MCA group (both P<0.05). Differentiation rate in MCA group was slightly higher than that in 5-Aza group (20.24%±1.02% vs 18.39%±0.58%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: MCA stimulates BMSCs to increase intracellular cAMP production and inhibits the viability of BMSCs, thus promoting the mRNA expression of GATA-4, β-MHC and Cx43 through the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway.     

Effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue on human breast cancer cell line in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue on the growth of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 in vitro and to explore the related mechanisms with PI3K/Akt or ERK/MAPK pathways. METHODS: The proliferation of human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 treatment with triptorelin was detected by MTT assay and the distribution of the cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. The phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 and Akt was evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: Triptorelin inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells at concentration of 10^-5 mol/L after treated for 192 h or at concentration of 10^-4 mol/L after treated for 168 h and 192 h. Triptorelin inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells at concentration of 10^-4 mol/L after treated for 192 h (P<0.05).Treatment with triptorelin for 192 h at concentration of 10^-4 mol/L had no statistical significance effect on phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt(P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Inhibitory effect of GnRH analogue triptorelin on human breast cancer cells is not just the connection with the down-regulation of pituitary hormone, but also a direct inhibitory effect. The role may not be involved in the activation of ERK/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.     

AngiotensinⅡ activates autophagy pathway through elevating ROS level in vascular endothelial cells

AIM: To evaluate the effects of angiotensinⅡ (AngⅡ) on autophagy induction in vascular endothelial cells. METHODS: Human vascular endothelial EA.hy926 cells were used in the study. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by a microplate reader after the cells were treated with AngⅡ (10^-7 mol/L) or AngⅡ combined with antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC,50 μmol/L) for 24 h. The protein levels of LC3-Ⅱ was detected by Western blotting after the cells were stimulated by different concentrations (10^-8, 10^-7, 10^-6 mol/L) of AngⅡ for 24 h or by AngⅡ (10^-7mol/L) for different time (0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h). The number of autophagosomes was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy after stained with acridine orange. Similarly, the protein level of LC3-Ⅱ and the number of autophagosomes were detected after treated with AngⅡ(10^-7mol/L), AngⅡ combined with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) at concentration of 2 mmol/L or AngⅡ combined with NAC at concentration of 50 μmol/L. RESULTS: Intracellular ROS level and LC3-Ⅱprotein level were significantly increased (P<0.05) after the cells were treated with AngⅡ, accompanied by the significant increase in the number of autophagosomes. AngⅡ-induced autophagy (as showed both in LC3-Ⅱprotein level and autophagosomes) was dramatically down-regulated by the treatment with 3-MA or NAC in EA.hy926 cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: AngⅡ induces autophagy through elevating ROS levels in EA.hy926 cells.