Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide signaling pathways in endothelial cells

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) potentiates glucose-induced insulin secretion. In addition, GIP has vasoconstrictive or vasodilatory properties depending on the vascular bed affected. In order to assess whether this effect could be related to differences in GIP receptor expression, several different endothelial cell types were examined for GIP receptor expression. GIP receptor splice variants were detected and varied depending on the endothelial cell type. Furthermore, stimulation of these cells with GIP led to cell type dependent differences in activation of the calcium and cAMP signaling pathways. To our knowledge this is the first physiological characterization of receptors for GIP in endothelial cells.     

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide stimulates thymidine incorporation in endothelial cells: role of endothelin-1

We have previously characterized the receptor for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIPR) in vascular endothelial cells (EC). Different EC types were found to contain distinct GIPR splice variants. To determine whether activation of the GIPR splice variants resulted in different cellular responses, we examined GIP effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), which contain two GIPR splice variants, and compared them with a spontaneously transformed human umbilical vein EC line, ECV 304, which contains four GIPR splice variants. GIP dose-dependently stimulated HUVEC and ECV 304 proliferation as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. GIP increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion from HUVEC but not from ECV 304. Use of the endothelin B receptor blocker BQ-788 resulted in an inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation in HUVEC but not in ECV 304. These findings suggest that, although GIP increases [3H]thymidine incorporation in both HUVEC and ECV 304, this proliferative response is mediated by ET-1 only in HUVEC. These differences in cellular response to GIP may be related to differences in activation of GIPR splice variants.     

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide stimulates proliferation and TGF-beta release from MG-63 cells

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) is known to modulate alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen type I message in osteoblastic-like cells. GIP effects on cell proliferation are not known. We report that GIP dose dependently stimulated 3H-thymidine incorporation in the osteoblastic-like cell line MG-63. Furthermore, GIP increased message and secretion of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), an agent known to regulate osteoblastic proliferation and differentiation. However, when GIP was added to MG-63 cells concurrently with a TGF-beta neutralizing antibody, there was no effect on 3H-thymidine incorporation in these cells. These data demonstrate that GIP stimulates osteoblastic-like cell proliferation but that this effect is not mediated by TGF-beta.     

Chronic hepatic artery ligation does not prevent liver from differentiating portal vs. peripheral glucose delivery

Infusion of glucose into the hepatic artery blocks the stimulatory effect of the "portal signal" on net hepatic glucose uptake (NHGU) during portal glucose delivery. We hypothesized that hepatic artery ligation (HAL) would result in enhanced NHGU during peripheral glucose infusion because the arterial glucose concentration would be perceived as lower than that in the portal vein. Fourteen dogs underwent HAL approximately 16 days before study. Conscious 42-h-fasted dogs received somatostatin, intraportal insulin, and glucagon infusions at fourfold basal and at basal rates, respectively, and peripheral glucose infusion to create hyperglycemia. After 90 min (period 1), seven dogs (HALpo) received intraportal glucose (3.8 mg. kg-1. min-1) and seven (HALpe) continued to receive only peripheral glucose for 90 min (period 2). These two groups were compared with nine non-HAL control dogs (control) treated as were HALpe. During period 2, the arterial plasma insulin concentrations (24 +/- 3, 20 +/- 1, and 24 +/- 2 microU/ml) and hepatic glucose loads (39.1 +/- 2.5, 43.8 +/- 2.9, and 37.7 +/- 3.7 mg. kg-1. min-1) were not different in HALpe, HALpo, and control, respectively. HALpo exhibited greater (P < 0.05) NHGU than HALpe and control (3.1 +/- 0.3, 2.0 +/- 0.4, and 2.0 +/- 0.1 mg. kg-1. min-1, respectively). Net hepatic carbon retention was approximately twofold greater (P < 0.05) in HALpo than in HALpe and control. NHGU and net hepatic glycogen synthesis during peripheral glucose infusion were not enhanced by HAL. Even though there exists an intrahepatic arterial reference site for the portal vein glucose concentration, the failure of HAL to result in enhanced NHGU during peripheral glucose infusion suggests the existence of one or more comparison sites outside the liver.     

睾酮对人血管内皮细胞产生NO、tPA和PAI-1的影响

目的:观察不同浓度睾酮对人血管内皮细胞生长、产生舒张因子及纤溶活性的影响.方法:体外培养人脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC),分为五个浓度睾酮组及单纯培养基对照组.做MTT实验观察睾酮对HUVEC生长的影响;还原酶法测定各组HUVEC释放NO量;ELISA法测定各组培养基中纤溶酶原激活物(tPA)及其抑制物(PAI-1)含量.结果:3×10-10mol/L-3×10-8mol/L睾酮组与对照组相比细胞生长良好,无明显差别;而大于生理剂量的两组(3×10-6～3×10-1mol/L)3 d后细胞生长明显受到抑制(P＜0.05).各浓度睾酮组产生NO量与对照组无明显区别.而3×10-10 mol/L～3×10-8 mol/L睾酮组tPA含量明显高于对照组(P＜0.01);大剂量组tPA产生明显减少(P＜0.01).所有实验组的PAI-1含量均明显降低.结论:生理及略低于生理剂量的睾酮对HUVEC生长及释放NO无不利影响,且增加纤溶活性.说明生理剂量睾酮对血管内皮功能、心血管系统有一定的保护作用,有利于防止动脉粥样硬化的发生、发展.     

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) inhibits signaling pathways of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in endothelial cells via its antioxidative properties

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is one of the incretins, a gut hormone secreted from K cells in the intestine in response to food intake. It could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. However, effects of GIP on vascular injury remain unknown. Since interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) with their receptor RAGE has been shown to play a crucial role in vascular damage in diabetes, this study investigated whether and how GIP blocked the deleterious effects of AGEs on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). GIP receptor was expressed in HUVECs. GIP, an analogue of cyclic AMP or inhibitors of NADPH oxidase inhibited the AGE-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HUVECs. Furthermore, GIP reduced both RAGE mRNA and protein levels in HUVECs. GLP-1 also blocked the AGE-induced increase in mRNA levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in HUVECs. In addition, an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine mimicked the effects of GIP on RAGE and VCAM-1 gene expression in HUVECs. Our present study suggests that GIP could block the signal pathways of AGEs in HUVECs by reducing ROS generation and subsequent RAGE expression probably via GIP receptor-cyclic AMP axis.     

Thienopyridines: effects on cultured endothelial cells.

In cultured endothelial cells harvested from human umbilical vein (HUVEC) or bovine aorta (BAEC) the 30 min incubation with calcium ionophore A 23187 (1 microM) or ticlopidine (100 microM) caused an increase in nitrite generation in HUVEC from basal 227 +/- 37 to 372 +/- 60 or to 325 +/- 33 pmoles per 10(6) cells, respectively, and in BAEC from basal 182 +/- 17 to 378 +/- 18 or to 423 +/- 66 pmoles per 106 cells (n = 6), respectively. Calcium ionophore A 23187 (1 microM) or ticlopidine (100 microM) next to 30 min incubation with BAEC increased release of 6-keto-PGF 1alpha from basal level of 9.4 +/- 1.8 to 96.2 +/- 5.1 or to 99.5 +/- 10.2 pmoles per 10(6) cells, respectively. The pretreatment with aspirin (300 microM) cut down this rise to 4.2 +/- 0.1 pmoles per 10(6) cells (n = 8). Basal cytoplasmic calcium levels, [Ca2+]i, in immortalised HUVEC cell line - ECV304, HUVEC and BAEC were 47.7 +/- 3.3 nM (n = 53), 68.3 +/- 5.0 nM (n = 30) and 53.1 +/- 3.0 nM (n = 15), respectively. In these cultured endothelial cells calcium ionophore A 23187 (0.1 microM) produced net maximum rise in [Ca2+]i by 157 +/-27 nM (n = 16)[ ECV304], by 107 +/- 58 nM (n=4) [HUVEC], and by 231.0 +/- 41.3 nM (n = 8) [BAEC], respectively, while ticlopidine (30 microM) produced net maximum rise in [Ca2+]i by 30.0 +/- 3.2 nM (n=9)[ECV304], 48.8 +/- 15.6 nM (n = 4)[HUVEC] and 28.4 +/- 5.4 nM (n = 8)[BAEC], respectively. Effect of ticlopidine on [Ca2+]i was not only weaker than that of calcium A 23187 but also its maximum appeared after a lag period that was 2 3 times longer than that for A23187. In ECV304 clopidogrel at concentrations of 10, 30 and 100 microM produced maximum increment of [Ca2+]i by 16.5 +/- 3.8 nM (n = 7), 47.0 +/- 6.9 nM (n = 8) and 67.2 +/- 8.3 nM (n = 8), respectively. Incubation of BAEC with A23187 (microM), ticlopidine or clopidogrel (100 microM) for 2 h did not influence viability of cultured endothelial cells. We claim that thienopyridines, independently of their delayed anti-platelet properties ex vivo do release NO and PGI2 from cultured endothelial cells in vitro. The above endothelial action of thienopyridines might be mediated by a rise in [Ca2+]i, however, this possibility has not been proved.     

Phospholipid molecular species in human umbilical artery and vein endothelial cells

Molecular species of several phospholipid classes and subclasses were quantitatively determined in human umbilical artery and vein endothelial cells. Both types of endothelial cells were similar in phospholipid class composition, whereas they were markedly different in phospholipid subclass and molecular species composition. The amounts of two ether subclasses in phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were higher in artery endothelial cells than those in vein endothelial cells. The relative content of alkylacyl subclass in phosphatidylcholine, a precursor of platelet-activating factor, was about three times higher in artery endothelial cells than in vein endothelial cells. In artery endothelial cells, arachidonic acid was in highest amounts in alkenylacyl phosphatidylethanolamine, followed by diacyl phosphatidylcholine, diacyl phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylinositol. In the vein endothelial cells, arachidonic acid was highest in phosphatidylinositol, followed by diacyl phosphatidylethanolamine, diacyl phosphatidylcholine, and alkenylacyl phosphatidylethanolamine. Artery endothelial cells had higher amounts of molecular species containing arachidonic acid than vein endothelial cells in all phospholipid classes and subclasses. These differences are thought to reflect the functional differences of artery and vein endothelial cells.     

Biological effects of C-type natriuretic peptide in human myofibroblastic hepatic stellate cells.

During chronic liver diseases, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) acquire a myofibroblastic phenotype, proliferate, and synthetize fibrosis components. Myofibroblastic HSC (mHSC) also participate to the regulation of intrahepatic blood flow, because of their contractile properties. Here, we examined whether human mHSC express natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR). Only NPR-B mRNA was identified, which was functional as demonstrated in binding studies and by increased cGMP levels in response to C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP). CNP inhibited mHSC proliferation, an effect blocked by the protein kinase G inhibitor 8-(4 chlorophenylthio)-cGMP and by the NPR antagonist HS-142-1 and reproduced by analogs of cGMP. Growth inhibition was associated with a reduction of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-Jun N-terminal kinase and with a blockade of AP-1 DNA binding. CNP and cGMP analogs also blunted mHSC contraction elicited by thrombin, by suppressing calcium influx. The relaxing properties of CNP were mediated by a blockade of store-operated calcium channels, as demonstrated using a calcium-free/calcium readdition protocol. These results constitute the first evidence for a hepatic effect of CNP and identify mHSC as a target cell. Activation of NPR-B by CNP in human mHSC leads to inhibition of both growth and contraction. These data suggest that during chronic liver diseases, CNP may counteract both liver fibrogenesis and associated portal hypertension.     

Divergent effects of zinc depletion in brain vs non-brain endothelial cells

Dietary zinc deficiency is common in developing as well as developed countries. Endothelial cells (EC) lining the inner surface of peripheral blood vessels are sensitive to zinc deficiency and lose structural integrity when exposed to culture media low in zinc or to zinc chelators. In contrast, we demonstrate here that human brain microvascular EC (HBMEC), which constitute the blood-brain barrier (BBB), resist zinc depletion and respond by enhancing their barrier function. This response was specific for HBMEC and did not occur in non-brain EC, such as human umbilical vein endothelial cells, human aortic endothelial cells, and human iliac vein endothelial cells. Our results suggest the presence of specific mechanisms to counteract zinc deficiency at the BBB, likely involving HBMEC junctional complexes. Understanding the mechanisms involved in this unique response might provide means to modulate the BBB dysfunction associated with neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.     

Formyl peptide leukocyte chemoattractant uptake and release by cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Recent observations support an active role for the vascular endothelial cell in the induction and evolution of the inflammatory response. Since prior studies suggested that cultured bovine endothelial cells express high affinity binding sites for the neutrophil chemotactic oligopeptide formyl methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (f-Met-Leu-Phe), we sought to further characterize the interaction between formyl peptide chemoattractants and human vascular endothelial cells. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells and peripheral blood neutrophils specifically bound f-Met-Leu-[3H]Phe, whereas specific binding to cultured fibroblasts, smooth muscle, and epithelial cells was negligible. Endothelial cells expressed 3.6 +/- 0.7 X 10(5) binding sites/cell with a Kd of 210 +/- 31 nM. Although the hexapeptide formyl norleucyl-leucyl-phenylalanyl-norleucyl-tyrosyl-lysine (f-Nle-Leu-Phe-Nle-Tyr-Lys) and the tetrapeptide f-Met-Leu-Phe-Lys completed with f-Met-Leu-[3H]Phe for binding to endothelial cells, specific binding of 125I-f-Nl-Leu-Phe-Tyr-Lys or f-Met-Leu-Phe-Lys-fluorescein to endothelial cells was not observed, suggesting that steric constraints on formyl peptide binding differ between endothelial cells and leukocytes. At 37 degrees C, cell-associated f-Met-Leu-[3H]Phe greatly exceeded that bound at 0 degrees C and was incorporated predominantly into a nondisplaceable compartment. Release of f-Met-Leu-[3H]Phe or radioactive breakdown products from this compartment was time- and temperature-dependent with a t1/2 of approximately equal to 20 min at 37 degrees C. Resolution of the radioactive products released from f-Met-Leu-[3H]Phe-loaded endothelial cells by thin layer chromatography indicated that greater than or equal to 57% of the released material co-migrated with intact f-Met-Leu-[3H]Phe. Degradative release was blocked by agents that interfere with lysosomal acidification. The radioactive material released from f-Met-Leu-[3H]Phe-loaded endothelial cells bound specifically to neutrophils. This binding was inhibited 50.2 +/- 6.4% by a greater than or equal to 10(3)-fold excess of nonradioactive f-Met-Leu-Phe whereas binding of authentic f-Met-Leu-[3H]Phe was inhibited 89.4 +/- 3.0%. Supernatant obtained from f-Met-Leu-[3H]Phe-loaded endothelial cells elicited a rise in neutrophil cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]i) measured by quin2 fluorescence. The change in neutrophil [Ca2+]i depended on ligand binding to the neutrophil formyl peptide receptor since endothelial supernatants were devoid of activity in the presence of the f-Met-Leu-Phe antagonist, tert-butoxycarbonyl-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Parathyroid hormone effects on signaling pathways in endothelial cells vary with peptide concentration

We have previously reported that parathyroid hormone (PTH) has specific effects on a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line. Further studies were performed to characterize the signaling cascades initiated by PTH. We report that PTH induced the appearance of voltage sensitive calcium channels. Furthermore, PTH increased ceramide but not diacylglycerol content. Since elevations in [Ca(2+)](i) and phospholipid turnover are signals for the activation of protein kinase C (PKC), the cells were screened for PKC isoforms. PTH induced a redistribution of the PKCepsilon to the particulate fractions of cell homogenates. In summary, PTH induced PKC translocation through a calcium-phospholipid pathway in an endothelial cell line.     

Validation of the hepatic portal vein cannulation technique using Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L.

This study assessed the hepatic portal vein cannulation technique and surgical recovery in Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. Haematocrit levels were maintained and blood variables, including cortisol, returned to baseline levels within 1–3 days post-surgery, indicating that this technique is a viable, useful method to study the digestive physiology of fishes.     

Visfatin exerts angiogenic effects on human umbilical vein endothelial cells through the mTOR signaling pathway

The biologically active factors known as adipocytokines are secreted primarily by adipose tissues and can act as modulators of angiogenesis. Visfatin, an adipocytokine that has recently been reported to have angiogenic properties, is upregulated in diabetes, cancer, and inflammatory diseases. Because maintenance of an angiogenic balance is critically important in the management of these diseases, understanding the molecular mechanism by which visfatin promotes angiogenesis is very important. In this report, we describe our findings demonstrating that visfatin stimulates the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which plays important roles in angiogenesis. Visfatin induced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human endothelial cells. Inhibition of the mTOR pathway by rapamycin eliminated the angiogenic and proliferative effects of visfatin. The visfatin-induced increase in VEGF expression was also eliminated by RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), a downstream target of mTOR. Visfatin inactivated glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) by phosphorylating it at Ser-9, leading to the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Both rapamycin co-treatment and p70S6K knockdown inhibited visfatin-induced GSK3β phosphorylation at Ser-9 and nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Taken together, these results indicate that mTOR signaling is involved in visfatin-induced angiogenesis, and that this signaling leads to visfatin-induced VEGF expression and nuclear translocation of β-catenin.     

Culture of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells on Gelfoam blocks.

Conventional methods of endothelial cell culture on monolayers and beads require enzymatic digestion, traumatic scraping, or centrifugation to transfer cells to other experimental systems. Gelfoam, a porous gelatin block, not only supports the growth of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells but also allows the rapid transfer of cell-laden blocks from one experimental system to another with minimal intervention. This property has been shown to be especially useful for the rapid fixation of endothelial cells for microscopy using standard histologic methods. Histology confirmed that the trabecular nature of the substrate allows endothelial cells to line the interstices of the sponge matrix and grow in a configuration that simulates the appearance of the endothelium in small vessels and capillaries. The inoculation of 1 x 10(5) endothelial cells on 7.5 mg Gelfoam (24 x 8 x 2 mm blocks) was enhanced by fibroblast growth factor and resulted in cell attachment by day 2 with a cell doubling time of 1.7 days. In addition, endothelial cells completely infiltrated 1, 5 and 7.5 mg Gelfoam blocks, as verified by histology. Assays to quantify cell number and protein were easily performed. To facilitate cell counting, the Gelfoam matrix was rapidly removed by the addition of 0.05 mg/ml collagenase, a concentration that interfered minimally with the assay for cellular protein concentration. The data demonstrate that Gelfoam is a suitable support growth matrix for the in vitro culture of bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells.     

Isolation and culture of pulmonary artery endothelial cells.

It has become increasingly evident that endothelial cells function as far more than a mechanical barrier between blood and parenchyma. Endothelial cells from one vesicular bed are known to differ structurally from those of another, and it has been suggested that they may differ functionally. Further to test the hypothesis that endothelial cells from one site may differ in terms of function from those of another site, it is necessary to test endothelium from various source after having obtained these cells in pure, well-characterized cultures. To facilitate such studies, we herein describe in detail means for the isolation, culture and characterization of endothelial cells from calf pulmonary artery. These cells may be of major interest in terms of specific metabolic activities as it has become evident that the lungs play a prominent role in determining the hormonal composition of systemic arterial blood.     

Synthesis of protein C in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

By monitoring the activation of protein C and the regulation of factor Xa-catalyzed thrombin formation by the activated protein C (APC) on the surface of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), we found that functional protein C was synthesized in cultured HUVEC and expressed thereon in the presence of vitamin K. Furthermore, without exogenously added protein S, time-dependent and saturable accumulation of APC (20 fmol APC/10(5) cells) on the surface of HUVEC was observed. During prothrombin activation by the complex of membrane-bound factor Xa and endogenous factor Va formed on the surface of HUVEC, APC was generated, and the rate of thrombin formation decreased. Treatment of HUVEC with an antibody that inhibits the APC-catalyzed inactivation of endogenous factor Va clearly quenched the activity of surface-associated APC. Immunostaining of HUVEC with a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjugated antibody that solely recognizes human protein C confirmed the presence of protein C on the surface of HUVEC. Northern blot analysis revealed that an about 1.8 kb mRNA species derived from HUVEC was hybridized with 32P-labeled protein C cDNA, as in the case of those from HepG2, which are known to synthesize normal protein C. The increase in the amount of protein C mRNA in HUVEC in parallel with cell growth provided supporting evidence for the synthesis of protein C during the culture of HUVEC. These results indicate that blood coagulation is regulated by endogenously generated and activated protein C, together with or without protein S, through inactivation of factor Va on the surface of endothelial cells.