Targeted blocking of gene expression for CGRP receptors elevates pulmonary artery pressure in hypoxic rats

We previously described the protection by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) against hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Here, we examine the roles of its putative receptor RDC-1 and receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) 1 in mediating this protection by selectively inhibiting their synthesis. RAMP1 is an accessory protein for another putative CGRP receptor, calcitonin receptor-like receptor. Antisense oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ASODNs, 5 mg.kg-1.day-1 or 5 and 10 mg.kg-1.day-1 for RDC-1) targeting RAMP1 and RDC-1 mRNAs were chronically infused to the pulmonary circulation of male Sprague-Dawley rats during 7 days of normoxia or hypobaric hypoxia (380 mmHg), and alpha-CGRP ASODN was used as a technical control. CGRP, RAMP1, and RDC-1 ASODNs significantly elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PPA) in chronic hypoxic rats compared with hypoxic mismatched ASODN (MMODN) and saline vehicle controls. CGRP and RAMP1 ASODNs raised PPA in normoxic rats briefly exposed to 10% O2 above MMODN and saline controls. Moreover, normoxic rats treated with CGRP ASODN had higher basal pulmonary vascular tone compared with controls. These data confirm the protective role of CGRP in the pulmonary circulation and suggest that endogenous RAMP1 and RDC-1 are essential in regulation of PPA in hypoxia. This is the first in vivo evidence supporting RDC-1 and RAMP1 as functional CGRP receptor and receptor component.     

Osteogenic protein-1 differentially regulates the mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic proteins and their receptors in primary cultures of osteoblasts

The mRNA expression patterns of several bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their receptors (BMPRs) in long-term primary cultures of fetal rat calvaria (FRC) cells were examined by Northern analysis. Their temporal orders of expression were correlated with those of several biochemical markers characteristic of osteoblastic cell differentiation. Distinct temporal patterns of expression of BMPs and BMPRs during osteoblastic cell differentiation were observed. BMP-2 and BMP-7 mRNA levels did not change significantly. BMP-4 mRNA expression increased and reached a peak prior to matrix formation. BMP-5 mRNA expression increased during the mineralization phase and BMP-6 mRNA expression increased throughout all phases of cell differentiation. Effects of BMP-7 (Osteogenic Protein-1; OP-1) on the expression patterns of several other members of the BMP family and the receptors were also studied. OP-1 downregulated the BMP-4, -5, and -6 mRNA levels by a maximal of 2-fold, 1.5-fold, and 6-fold, respectively. OP-1 did not change significantly the OP-1 and BMP-2 mRNA expression. Of the three type I BMPR examined, OP-1 upregulated ActR-I and BMPR-IA mRNA expression slightly but with statistical significance. OP-1 downregulated BMPR-IB mRNA expression slightly. OP-1 upregulated BMPR-II mRNA expression by a maximum of 2-fold. Our findings demonstrate that OP-1 differentially regulates the mRNA expression of several related members of the BMP family and their receptors in osteoblasts. The observations suggest that OP-1 action on osteoblastic cells involves a complex regulation of gene expression of related members of the BMP family and their receptors in a cell differentiation stage dependent manner.     

Receptor activity-modifying protein 1 determines the species selectivity of non-peptide CGRP receptor antagonists

The heterodimeric CGRP receptor requires co-expression of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) and an accessory protein called receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) 1 (McLatchie, L. M., Fraser, N. J., Main, M. J., Wise, A., Brown, J., Thompson, N., Solari, R., Lee, M. G., and Foord, S. M. (1998) Nature 393, 333-339). Several non-peptide CGRP receptor antagonists have been shown to exhibit marked species selectivity, with >100-fold higher affinities for the human CGRP receptor than for receptors from other species (Doods, H., Hallermayer, G., Wu, D., Entzeroth, M., Rudolf, K., Engel, W., and Eberlein, W. (2000) Br. J. Pharmacol. 129, 420-423; Edvinsson, L., Sams, A., Jansen-Olesen, I., Tajti, J., Kane, S. A., Rutledge, R. Z., Koblan, K. S., Hill, R. G., and Longmore, J. (2001) Eur. J. Pharmacol. 415, 39-44). This observation provided an opportunity to map the determinants of receptor affinity exhibited by BIBN4096BS and the truncated analogs, Compounds 1 and 2. All three compounds exhibited higher affinity for the human receptor, human CRLR/human RAMP1, than for the rat receptor, rat CRLR/rat RAMP1. We have now demonstrated that this species selectivity was directed exclusively by RAMP1. By generating recombinant human/rat CRLR/RAMP1 receptors, we demonstrated that co-expression of human CRLR with rat RAMP1 produced rat receptor pharmacology, and vice versa. Moreover, with rat/human RAMP1 chimeras and site-directed mutants, we have identified a single amino acid at position 74 of RAMP1 that modulates the affinity of small molecule antagonists for CRLR/RAMP1. Replacement of lysine 74 in rat RAMP1 with tryptophan (the homologous amino acid in the human receptor) resulted in a > or =100-fold increase in antagonist affinities, similar to the K(i) values for the human receptor. These observations suggest that important determinants of small molecule antagonist affinity for the CGRP receptor reside within the extracellular region of RAMP1 and provide evidence that this receptor accessory protein may participate in antagonist binding.     

可溶性鸟苷酸环化酶在低氧高二氧化碳大鼠肺组织中的表达

目的 :探讨慢性低氧高二氧化碳对大鼠肺动脉及支气管可溶性鸟苷酸环化酶 (sGC)蛋白表达的影响。方法 :雄性SD大鼠于低氧高二氧化碳饲养舱复制动物模型 ,免疫组织化学技术观察低氧高二氧化碳组及对照组肺组织sGCα1 、β1 亚基蛋白的表达。结果 :sGC在正常大鼠肺动脉、支气管平滑肌上阳性表达并呈梯度现象 ,低氧高二氧化碳组肺细小动脉及支气管平滑肌sGC蛋白与对照组相比逐渐减弱 (均P <0 .0 1)。结论 :低氧高二氧化碳抑制肺细小动脉及支气管平滑肌sGC蛋白的表达。     

Chronic HCV-infection and expression of mRNA of CC-chemokines and their receptors

The aim of this study was to evaluate some patterns in expression of CC-chemokines (MIP-1alpha, MIP-1beta, MCP-1, RANTES) and their receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR5) in peripheral blood leukocytes and liver biopsy samples from 21 patients with chronic hepatitis C. 10 healthy subjects were included in the control group. In patients with chronic HCV-infection significant increase of MCP-1 mRNA in liver tissue was observed as the disease progressed. Moreover, content of MCP-1 mRNA was significantly higher in liver as compared with blood. Level of MCP-1 mRNA in liver was directly related with histological changes. Levels of mRNA of CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, and CCR5 in blood of patients with minimal histological manifestations of chronic HCV-infection were significantly lower than in patients with more marked lesions. Expression of CCR1 and CCR5 mRNA in blood was directly correlated with histological activity index and degree of fibrosis. Conducted study demonstrates that progression of chronic hepatitis C is realized through local activation of MCP-1 mRNA synthesis leading to systemic response which manifested by increase of expression of CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, and CCR5 in peripheral blood leukocytes.     

Expression of endothelin 1 and its receptors in the hypoxic pregnant rat

Endothelin 1 (EDN1) plays a primary role in the pathophysiology of hypoxia-induced fetal growth restriction in the rat. In this study we evaluated the effects of chronic maternal hypoxia on the expression of endothelin and its receptors and on receptor binding activity in the uterus and placenta of the rat, in order to elucidate their roles in hypoxia-induced fetal growth restriction. Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained in either a normoxic or a normobaric hypoxic (12% O(2)) atmosphere from Gestational Days 18-21. Uterine and placental tissues collected on Gestational Day 21 were assayed for Edn1, Ednra, and Ednrb (endothelin receptors) mRNA expression by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, for localization of EDN1 and its receptors by immunohistochemistry, for EDNRA and EDNRB protein expression by Western blot, and for receptor binding activity by homologous competitive binding assays. EDN1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the hypoxic placenta, but not in the uterus, compared with normoxic controls. Immunohistochemistry revealed increased EDN1 specifically in the labyrinth of the placenta. Receptor mRNA levels were not significantly affected by hypoxia, but EDNRA protein expression was significantly decreased specifically in the uterine placental beds. Receptor binding decreased significantly in response to hypoxia in all tissues investigated, compared with controls. These results suggest that chronic maternal hypoxia results in increased expression of EDN1 in the placenta but not in the uterus, and that reduced binding activity, rather than regulation of receptor expression, is a mechanism by which these tissues regulate the local hemodynamic response to increased endogenous placental EDN1 in the setting of hypoxia.     

Functions of the extracellular histidine residues of receptor activity-modifying proteins vary within adrenomedullin receptors

Receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP)-2 and -3 chaperone calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) to the plasma membrane, where together they form heterodimeric adrenomedullin (AM) receptors. We investigated the contributions made by His residues situated in the RAMP extracellular domain to AM receptor trafficking and receptor signaling by co-expressing hCRLR and V5-tagged-hRAMP2 or -3 mutants in which a His residue was substituted with Ala in HEK-293 cells. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that hRAMP2-H71A mediated normal hCRLR surface delivery, but the resultant heterodimers showed significantly diminished [¹²⁵I]AM binding and AM-evoked cAMP production. Expression of hRAMP2-H124A and -H127A impaired surface delivery of hCRLR, which impaired or abolishing AM binding and receptor signaling. Although hRAMP3-H97A mediated full surface delivery of hCRLR, the resultant heterodimers showed impaired AM binding and signaling. Other His residues appeared uninvolved in hCRLR-related functions. Thus, the His residues of hRAMP2 and -3 differentially govern AM receptor function.     

低氧及低氧预处理时心肌细胞HIF-1α与凋亡相关蛋白表达的变化

目的:观察低氧时心肌细胞HIF-1α表达变化与凋亡相关蛋白表达关系.方法:采用体外心肌细胞培养的方法,将原代培养4～6 d的大鼠乳鼠心肌细胞随机分为对照组、低氧组与低氧预处理组.低氧预处理组在低氧培养箱中通入1%O2、5%CO2、94%N2的低氧混合气体,每天低氧12 h,低氧5 d,第6 d与急性低氧组一同放入0%O2、5%CO2、95%N2的低氧培养箱中进行低氧暴露.低氧48 h后,通过Western blot方法分别检测心肌细胞中HIF-1α、Bcl-2、P53及Bax的表达变化.结果:常氧时细胞不表达HIF-1α,低氧可增加HIF-1的表达,低氧预处理后,能降低HIF-1α的表达.低氧时,Bax的表达变化大致与此相同.p53在低氧时的变化也与其相同,但低氧预处理后似乎没有明显的改变.Bcl-2在低氧时表达下降,低氧预处理后可增加其表达.结论:HIF-1α的表达可协同Bcl-2家族凋亡相关蛋白的表达,在低氧导致的心肌细胞凋亡中发挥重要作用.     

Enhanced expression of endothelin-1 and endothelin-converting enzyme-1 in acute hypoxic rat aorta

Deeply anesthetized male Wistar rats were perfused by Hanks' balanced salt solution bubbled with either 95%air and 5%CO2 (normoxic group) or 95%N2 and 5%CO2 (hypoxic group) from the thoracic aorta for 30 min, and the isolated abdominal aortae from both groups were used for electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry of endothelin (ET)-1 and ET-converting enzyme (ECE)-1, and in situ hybridization of preproET-1 mRNA. A remarkable increase in the number of Weibel-Palade (WP) bodies, storage sites of ET-1 and ECE-1, occurred in the hypoxic group when compared to the normoxic group. Immunoreactivities for ET-1 and ECE-1, and signals for preproET-1 mRNA were seen along the endothelia of both groups, but the intensities were significantly elevated in the hypoxic group. The increase in the number of ECE-1 immunoreactive gold particles was noticed especially in WP bodies in the hypoxic group. These findings indicate the enhancement of preproET-1 synthesis in the aortic endothelial cells as well as the acceleration of ET-1 processing in increased WP bodies in such cells in an experimentally hypoxic condition of the rat aortae.     

Ontogeny of alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic receptors in rat lung

The binding characteristics of the alpha 1-selective adrenergic ligand [3H]-prazosin were determined in particulate membranes of rat lung from day 18 of gestation to adulthood. Specific binding was present at all ages studied, was reversible and inhibition of specific binding by agonists followed the order of potency: (-)-epinephrine = (-)-norepinephrine much greater than (-)-isoproterenol greater than (+)-norepinephrine. Inhibition by antagonists followed the order of potency: prazosin greater than WB4101, much greater than yohimbine. Binding capacity increased during the neonatal period from 52 +/- 9 fmoles x mg-1 protein in lung preparations on day 18 of a 21 day gestation increasing to 105 +/- 4 fmoles x mg-1 protein (mean +/- SE) by postnatal day 15. Binding activity decreased thereafter, reaching adult levels by 28 days of postnatal age, 62 +/- 3 fmoles x mg-1 protein. This pattern of alpha 1-adrenergic receptor density was distinct from that of beta-adrenergic receptors identified in rat lung membrane with the beta- adrenergic antagonist, (-)-[3H]dihydroalprenolol ((-)-[3H]DHA). (-)-[3H]DHA binding increased dramatically during this same time period, from 46 +/- 4 fmoles x mg-1 protein on day 18 of gestation to 496 +/- 44 fmoles x mg-1 protein in the adult lung. Affinity for [3H]-prazosin and (-)-[3H]DHA did not change with age. Pulmonary alpha 1-adrenergic receptors are present as early as 18 days of gestation in the rat and alpha 1-adrenergic receptor density is maximal by 15 days of postnatal age. The timing of the changes in alpha 1-adrenergic receptors correlates with the timing of increased sympathetic innervation of the developing rat lung and is distinct from that of beta-adrenergic receptor sites.     

Novel receptor partners and function of receptor activity-modifying proteins

The receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMPs) comprise a family of three accessory proteins that heterodimerize with the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CL receptor) or with the calcitonin receptor (CTR) to generate different receptor phenotypes. However, RAMPs are more widely distributed across cell and tissue types than the CTR and CL receptor, suggesting additional roles for RAMPs in cellular processes. We have investigated the potential for RAMP interaction with a number of Class II G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in addition to the CL receptor and the CTR. Using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, we demonstrate, for the first time, that RAMPs interact with at least four additional receptors, the VPAC1 vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide receptor with all three RAMPs; the glucagon and PTH1 parathyroid hormone receptors with RAMP2; and the PTH2 receptor with RAMP3. Unlike the interaction of RAMPs with the CL receptor or the CTR, VPAC1R-RAMP complexes do not show altered phenotypic behavior compared with the VPAC1R alone, as determined using radioligand binding in COS-7 cells. However, the VPAC1R-RAMP2 heterodimer displays a significant enhancement of agonist-mediated phosphoinositide hydrolysis with no change in cAMP stimulation compared with the VPAC1R alone. Our findings identify a new functional consequence of RAMP-receptor interaction, suggesting that RAMPs play a more general role in modulating cell signaling through other GPCRs than is currently appreciated.     

mRNA and protein expression of FGF-1, FGF-2 and their receptors in the porcine umbilical cord during pregnancy

The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are multifunctional proteins that, among other roles, regulate structural reorganization of uterine and placental vascular bed during pregnancy. Thus, we analyzed mRNA and protein expression and immunohistochemical localization of FGF-1 and FGF-2, and their receptors (FGFR-1 and FGFR-2) in the developing umbilical cord (UC) on days 40, 60, 75 and 90 of pregnancy and after the physiological delivery in the pig (day 114). qPCR analysis demonstrated an increase in FGF-1 and FGF-2 mRNA levels beginning on day 75 and on day 114 of pregnancy, respectively. In addition, significantly increased FGFR-1IIIc mRNA expression was also found on day 114. On the other hand, no significant changes in FGFR-2IIIb mRNA expression were observed. Western Blot analysis revealed a decrease in FGF-1 and FGFR-2 protein expression after day 40. Beside an increased protein expression of FGF-2 on day 60, no significant changes in FGFR-1 protein expression were detected. Immunohistochemical staining enabled detection of FGF-FGFR system, with different intensity of immunoreaction in endothelial and tunica media cells of the umbilical vessels and in allantoic duct and amniotic epithelium as well as in myofibroblasts. In conclusion, our results show that members of FGF-FGFR system are expressed specifically in UC structures. Furthermore their day of pregnancy-related expression suggest that they may be an important players during UC formation and development.     

Sex differences in expression of calcium-handling proteins and beta-adrenergic receptors in rat heart ventricle

Human studies reveal sex differences in myocardial function as well as in the incidence and manifestation of heart disease. Myocellular Ca(2+) cycling regulates normal contractile function; whereas cardiac dysfunction in heart failure has been associated with alterations in Ca(2+)-handling proteins. Beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) signaling regulates activity of several Ca(2+)-handling proteins and alterations in beta-AR signaling are associated with heart disease. This study examines sex differences in expression of beta(1)-AR, beta(2)-AR, and Ca(2+)-handling proteins including: L-type calcium channel (Ca(v)1.2) , ryanodine calcium-release channels (RyR), sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+) ATPase (SERCA2), phospholamban (PLB) and Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange protein (NCX) in healthy hearts from male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Protein levels were examined using Western blot analysis. Abundance of mRNA was determined by real time RT-PCR normalized to abundance of GAPDH mRNA. Contraction parameters were measured in right ventricular papillary muscle in the presence and absence of isoproterenol. Results demonstrate that female ventricle has significantly higher levels of Ca(v)1.2, RyR, and NCX protein compared to males. Messenger RNA abundance for RyR, and NCX protein was significantly higher in females whereas Ca(v)1.2 mRNA was higher in males. No differences were detected in beta-ARs, SERCA2 or PLB. Female right papillary muscle had a faster maximal rate of force development and decline (+/- dF/dt). There were no sex differences in response to isoproterenol. Results show significant sex differences in expression of key ventricular Ca(2+)-handling proteins that are associated with small functional differences in +/- dF/dt. Further studies will determine whether differences in the abundance of these key proteins play a role in sex disparities in the incidence and manifestation of heart disease.     

降钙素基因相关肽(CGRP)mRNA在大鼠淋巴细胞中的表达

最近,我们研究发现大鼠胸腺和淋巴结淋巴细胞中存在降钙素基因相关肽（ＣＧＲＰ）样免疫反应活性。应用人工合成的可特异扩增降钙素／降钙素基因相关肽基因部分片断的寡核苷酸引物,通过逆转录－多聚酶链反应（ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ）,检测在大鼠脊髓背根神经节、胸腺细胞及肠系膜淋巴结淋巴细胞中是否存在ＣＧＲＰ ｍＲＮＡ,进一步研究大鼠淋巴细胞能否合成ＣＧＲＰ。结果显示,通过ＲＴ－ＰＣＲ从脊髓背根神经节（阳性对照）、胸腺和淋     

Developmentally regulated expression of the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) in rat lung endocrine cells

Calcitonin (CT) and the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) are generated by alternative RNA processing from a single CT/CGRP gene. Recently, we reported the existence of CGRP-immunoreactivity and CGRP mRNA in endocrine cells or Kulchitsky (K) cells of human and rat lung [Wada et al. 1987b]. In this report, an examination was made of developmental changes in the expression of the CGRP gene in rat lungs by immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and Northern hybridization. CGRP-positive K-cells in lung tissue appeared on the 18th day of gestation. Their number was greatest on the 20th day of gestation and then decreased postnatally. The level of CGRP in rat lung was found to be highest in a 1-day-old neonate by RIA. In the Northern hybridization of rat lung using the CGRP 3' non-coding region (exon 6) of the first human CT/CGRP gene as the probe, 1.0 kilobase (kb) CGRP mRNA was found to be abundant on the 20th day of gestation and in a 1 day-old neonate. It thus appears that CGRP in rat lung is essential for pulmonary adaptation at birth and/or from the last intrauterine stage to the early neonatal period.     

Spatial and temporal expression of surfactant proteins in hyperoxia-induced neonatal rat lung injury

Background

Although personal cigarette smoking is the most important cause and modulator of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure could influence the course of the disease. Despite the importance of this question, the impact of SHS exposure on COPD health outcomes remains unknown.

Methods

We used data from two waves of a population-based multiwave U.S. cohort study of adults with COPD. 77 non-smoking respondents with a diagnosis of COPD completed direct SHS monitoring based on urine cotinine and a personal badge that measures nicotine. We evaluated the longitudinal impact of SHS exposure on validated measures of COPD severity, physical health status, quality of life (QOL), and dyspnea measured at one year follow-up.

Results

The highest level of SHS exposure, as measured by urine cotinine, was cross-sectionally associated with poorer COPD severity (mean score increment 4.7 pts; 95% CI 0.6 to 8.9) and dyspnea (1.0 pts; 95% CI 0.4 to 1.7) after controlling for covariates. In longitudinal analysis, the highest level of baseline cotinine was associated with worse COPD severity (4.7 points; 95% CI -0.1 to 9.4; p = 0.054), disease-specific QOL (2.9 pts; -0.16 to 5.9; p = 0.063), and dyspnea (0.9 pts; 95% CI 0.2 to 1.6 pts; p < 0.05), although the confidence intervals did not always exclude the no effect level.

Conclusion

Directly measured SHS exposure appears to adversely influence health outcomes in COPD, independent of personal smoking. Because SHS is a modifiable risk factor, clinicians should assess SHS exposure in their patients and counsel its avoidance. In public health terms, the effects of SHS exposure on this vulnerable subpopulation provide a further rationale for laws prohibiting public smoking.     

Beta-adrenergic receptors and their interacting proteins

The three subtypes of beta-adrenergic receptor (beta AR) all interact with G proteins as a central aspect of their signaling. The various beta AR subtypes also associate differentially with a variety of other cytoplasmic and transmembrane proteins. These beta AR-interacting proteins play distinct roles in the regulation of receptor signaling and trafficking. The specificity of beta AR associations with various binding partners can help to explain key physiological differences between beta AR subtypes. Moreover, the differential tissue expression patterns of many of the beta AR-interacting proteins may contribute to tissue-specific regulation of beta AR function.     

Bone marrow-derived macrophages express functional CGRP receptors and respond to CGRP by increasing transcription of c-fos and IL-6 mRNA.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a sensory neuropeptide with inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties. CGRP inhibits IL-7 responses by B cell precursors by direct and indirect mechanisms. We recently found that CGRP induces IL-6 and TNF-alpha in long-term bone marrow cultures and that IL-6 and TNF-alpha also inhibit IL-7 responses. Because these are heterogeneous cultures, it was not clear which cells produced IL-6 and TNF-alpha. To determine whether bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) were the source, we did studies to determine whether BMDMs express mRNAs for CGRP receptors and whether CGRP induces c-fos, IL-6, and TNF-alpha mRNA. We found that BMDMs express mRNAs for CRLR and RAMP1, the minimal components for CGRP receptors. CGRP also stimulated dose- and time-dependent increases in c-fos and IL-6. In contrast, CGRP did not induce TNF-alpha in BMDMs. These results suggest that BMDMs are a source of CGRP-induced IL-6 in bone marrow.