Heartwood extract of Rhus verniciflua Stokes and its active constituent fisetin attenuate vasoconstriction through calcium-dependent mechanism in rat aorta

Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) exert cardiovascular protective activity by promoting blood circulation, but its active ingredients and underlying mechanism have yet to be identified. This study investigated the vascular effects of RVS, focusing on vasoconstriction and smooth muscle Ca²⁺ signaling. RVS heartwood extract attenuated contraction of aortic rings induced by the vasoconstrictors serotonin and phenylephrine, and inhibited the Ca²⁺ signaling evoked by serotonin in vascular smooth muscle cells. Subsequent activity-guided fractionation identified fisetin as an active constituent exerting a Ca²⁺ inhibitory effect. Fisetin could inhibit major Ca²⁺ mobilization pathways including extracellular Ca²⁺ influx mediated by the L-type voltage-gated Ca²⁺ channel, Ca²⁺ release from the intracellular store and store-operated Ca²⁺ entry. In accordance with Ca²⁺ inhibitory effect, fisetin attenuated vasoconstriction by serotonin and phenylephrine. These results suggest that the anticontractile effect, which is presumably mediated by inhibition of Ca²⁺ signaling, may contribute to the improvement of blood circulation by RVS.     

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-pump density is higher in distal than in proximal segments of porcine left coronary artery

Densities of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca²⁺-pump were compared in proximal and distal segments of pig left coronary artery using two biochemical methods: acylphosphate formation and immunoreactivity in Western blots, and a functional assay based on contraction to SR Ca²⁺-pump inhibitors. In the microsomes prepared from smooth muscle, the level of the 115 kDa SR Ca²⁺-pump acylphosphate was 7.1 ± 0.3 -fold greater in distal than in proximal segments. Similarly in Western blots using these microsomes, the reactivity of the 115 kDa band to an anti-SR Ca²⁺-pump antibody was 5.3 ± 0.8 -fold greater in distal than in proximal segments. Endothelium free coronary artery rings contracted to the SR Ca²⁺-pump inhibitors Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA, EC₅₀ = 0.19 ± 0.06 M) and thapsigargin (EC₅₀ = 0.0095 ± 0.0035 M). With 10 M CPA, the force of contraction per tissue wet weight was 4.2 ± 0.5-fold greater in distal than in proximal rings, and with 1 M thapsigargin it was 4.0 ± 1.0 -fold greater. The contractions produced by 60 mM KCl were used as a control. In contrast to the CPA and thapsigargin, the force per mg tissue weight produced by 60 mM KCl did not differ significantly between the proximal and distal segments. Thus, the results from the two biochemical methods and those from the contractility data were all consistent with the smooth muscle in the distal segments of the coronary artery containing a higher density of the SR Ca²⁺-pump than the proximal segments.Abbreviations CPA cyclopiazonic acid - DTT dithiothreitol - SR sarcoplasmic reticulum     

The L-type calcium channel alpha 1C subunit gene undergoes extensive,uncoordinated alternative splicing

The _1C subunit is the pore-forming protein for the L-type calcium channel. Previous studies indicate that there is possible tissue-specific alternative splicing of this gene. In this study we cloned the entire open reading frame of the _1C subunit cDNA from adult rat cardiac myocytes in a single piece (6.64 kb). Using 75 positive clones that were identified by restriction enzyme mapping, we tested the alternative splicing patterns of the Ca_v1.2 gene that encodes the _1C subunit protein and focused on five loci: IS6, post-IS6, IIIS2, IVS3, and the c-terminus. The results indicate that: (1) alternative splicing occurs in most of the loci, giving rise to two or three different isoforms at those sites; (2) there is a predominant form for each splicing site, (3) there does not appear to be consistent coordination of splicing at multiple loci of this gene. Alternative splicing is not tissue-specific in most regions. (Mol Cell Biochem 269: 153–163, 2005)     

平滑肌22α蛋白在血管稳态和血管重构中的作用

有关血管稳态和重构的分子机制一直是近年来的研究热点,也被视为治疗血管损伤性疾病的突破点.大量研究证实,血管损伤修复及病理性重构过程与血管平滑肌细胞(vascular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs)的表型转化、异常增殖与迁移、细胞衰老关系密切.平滑肌22α(smooth muscle 22α,SM2...     

Mechanism of inhibition by alloxan of ATP-driven calcium transport by vascular smooth muscle microsomes

The directin vitro effects of alloxan on the Ca²⁺ handling by microsomal membranes isolated from dog mesenteric arteries were investigated. Preincubation of the vascular muscle microsomal membranes with alloxan showed a suppressive effect on both binding of Ca²⁺ (in the absence of ATP) and ATP-driven Ca²⁺ transport. Such an inhibition was time dependent, dose dependent, and temperature dependent. ATP-driven Ca²⁺ transport was much more susceptible to the inhibitory action of alloxan than Ca²⁺ binding under all experimental conditions examined. Alloxan inhibited ATP-driven Ca²⁺ transport at a comparable level over the entire period of Ca²⁺ uptake, but had no significant effect on the efflux of Ca²⁺ from preloaded microsomal membranes. This suggests that alloxan exerts its inhibitory effect on the ATP-driven Ca²⁺ transport via its action on the Ca-pump protein rather than the membrane permeability to Ca²⁺. Catalase and mannitol but not superoxide dismutase partially protected against such as inhibition by alloxan. The possible involvement of H₂O₂ mediating the inhibitory action of alloxan was further supported by the finding of a similarin vitro inhibitory effect of H₂O₂ on the ATP-driven Ca²⁺ transport by the vascular smooth muscle microsomes.     

Regulation of calcium channels in smooth muscle: New insights into the role of myosin light chain kinase

Smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) plays a crucial role in artery contraction, which regulates blood pressure and blood flow distribution. In addition to this role, MLCK contributes to Ca²⁺ flux regulation in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and in non-muscle cells, where cytoskeleton has been suggested to help Ca²⁺ channels trafficking. This conclusion is based on the use of pharmacological inhibitors of MLCK and molecular and cellular techniques developed to down-regulate the enzyme. Dissimilarities have been observed between cells and whole tissues, as well as between large conductance and small resistance arteries. A differential expression in MLCK and ion channels (either voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels or non-selective cationic channels) could account for these observations, and is in line with the functional properties of the arteries. A potential involvement of MLCK in the pathways modulating Ca²⁺ entry in VSM is described in the present review.     

Regulation of calcium channels in smooth muscle: New insights into the role of myosin light chain kinase

Smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) plays a crucial role in artery contraction, which regulates blood pressure and blood flow distribution. In addition to this role, MLCK contributes to Ca²⁺ flux regulation in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) and in non-muscle cells, where cytoskeleton has been suggested to help Ca²⁺ channels trafficking. This conclusion is based on the use of pharmacological inhibitors of MLCK and molecular and cellular techniques developed to down-regulate the enzyme. Dissimilarities have been observed between cells and whole tissues, as well as between large conductance and small resistance arteries. A differential expression in MLCK and ion channels (either voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels or non-selective cationic channels) could account for these observations, and is in line with the functional properties of the arteries. A potential involvement of MLCK in the pathways modulating Ca²⁺ entry in VSM is described in the present review.     

衰老与血管钙化

血管钙化是指体内钙磷在血管壁的异常沉积,是一个主动的、高度可调节的、类似于骨形成的生物学过程。血管钙化是引起心血管疾病发病率、病死率升高的重要原因,也是危害中老年人身体健康的广泛存在的病理现象。近年研究表明,衰老与血管钙化存在密切关系,衰老可以通过诱导血管平滑肌细胞成骨样转化、内皮细胞释放囊泡、细胞外基质重塑、DNA损伤、炎症反应、磷代谢失衡以及抗衰老因子如Klotho和Sirtuin 1的表达减少而促进血管钙化。     

多巴胺对血管平滑肌细胞钙激活钾通道的影响及其机制

目的：研究多巴胺对血管平滑肌细胞大电流、钙激活钾（ＢＫｃａ）通道的影响及其信息传递机制。方法用膜片钳细胞贴附式技术,记录细胞能液内灌流多巴胺受体激动剂、阻断剂以及第二信使及相关蛋白激酶拮机剂对猪冠状动脉血管平滑肌细胞ＢＫｃａ 爱道活动的影响。结果：多巴胺增加ＢＫｃａ通道活性（Ｐ〈０．０１）,并可被ＣＡ－１受体阻断剂ＳＣＨ２３３９０完全阻断,但不受β２受体阻断剂普藉洛尔的影响。腺苷酸环化酶抑制剂ＳＯ     

Are dipyridamole (sensitive) calcium channels present in esophageal smooth muscle?

Calcium (Ca²⁺) entry from the extra-cellular space into the cytoplasm through voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channels, specifically dipyridamole (DHP) sensitive ones (L-type), control a variety of biological processes, including excitation-contraction coupling in vascular and GI muscle cells. It has also been proposed that these channels may control esophageal contractility. However, DHP-sensitive Ca²⁺ channels in esophagus have not been well characterized biochemically. Thus, it is not known if these channels are similar in number or affinity to those in vascular or neural tissues — organs for which clinical use of calcium channel blockers has been successful. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify and characterize DHP-sensitive calcium channels in esophagus and compare them to vascular, neural, and other GI tissues. Methods — We carried out in vitro receptor binding assays on lower esophageal muscle homogenates, gastric and intestinal and colonic homogenates, and aortic muscle homogenates from ca; and on brain homogenates from rat. We used a radio-labeled dihydropyridine derivative [³H]nitrendipine, to label these sites and co-administration of unlabeled nimodipine to define specific binding. Results — As expected, ligand binding to L-type Ca²⁺ channels in aortic vascular smooth muscle and brain was readily detectable: brain, Bmax = 252 fmol/mg protein, Kd = 0.88 nM; aorta, Bmax = 326 fmol/mg protein, Kd = 0.84 nM. For esophagus (Bmax = 97; Kd = 0.73) and for other GI tissues, using the same assay conditions, we detected a smaller signal, suggesting that L-type Ca²⁺ channels are present in lower quantities. Conclusion — L-type Ca²⁺ channel are present in esophagus and in other GI muscles, their affinity is similar, but their density is relatively sparse. These findings are consistent with the relatively limited success that has been experienced clinically in the use of calcium channel blockers for treatment of esophageal dysmotility.     

PDGF-BB下调血管平滑肌标志物SM22α表达的机制

血管平滑肌细胞（vascular smooth muscle cell,VSMC）表型转化是血管重塑性疾病的细胞病理学基础,血小板源性生长因子（platelet-derived growth factor,PDGF）-BB抑制平滑肌分化标志基因表达、加速其降解,是VSMC表型转化的关键。该研究用PDGF-BB刺激VSMC诱导细胞发生表型转化,利用Western blot和免疫共沉淀等技术,检测PDGF-BB对早期分化相关基因平滑肌22 alpha（smooth muscle 22 alpha,SM22α）磷酸化与泛素化的影响。实验结果显示,PDGF-BB促进VSMC增殖;上调增殖相关蛋白PCNA的表达,下调分化相关蛋白SM22α与SMα-actin的表达;诱导SM22α发生磷酸化和泛素化,而且,该过程与SM22α水平下调具有时相相关性;抑制剂阻断分析证实,ERK和PKC参与介导了PDGF-BB诱导的SM22α磷酸化。以上结果提示,在VSMCs表型转化中,PDGF-BB可能是通过激活ERK-PKC信号通路,促进SM22α的磷酸化和泛素依赖的蛋白质降解。     

Use of human vessels and human vascular smooth muscle cells in pharmacology

Relatively limited information is available regarding the mechanisms controlling vasomotricity in human vessels. Isolated vessels obtained from patients undergoing surgery were used to characterize the role of endothelial factors and to study coupling mechanisms between receptors, intracellular calcium, and contraction. However, these investigations are limited by the availability of tissues and many uncontrolled factors. Cultured human vascular cells were also used, were these cells rapidly lose at least some of their differentiated characters. Recently, a human blood vessel equivalent was constructed in vitro from cultured cells, using tissue engineering. This technique allowed us to obtain vessel equivalents containing intima, media, and adventitia layers or tubular media layer only. Contraction and rises in intracellular calcium produced by agonists were studied, indicating that such human vessel equivalents may provide valuable models for pharmacological studies.     

钙通道阻滞剂对肾上腺素能受体激动剂促血管平滑肌细胞增值的抑制

本工作观察到１０－６—１０－５ｍｏｌ／Ｌ去甲肾上腺素（ＮＥ）和１０－７—１０－５ｍｏｌ／Ｌ异丙基肾上腺素（ＩＳＯ）可明显促进离体培养的血管平滑肌细胞（ＶＳＭＣ）的增殖和ＤＮＡ的合成,并呈剂量依赖效应,该效应可为相应的受体阻断剂ｐｈｅｎｔｏｌａｍｉｎｅ（１０－６ｍｏｌ／Ｌ）和ｐｒｏｐｔａｎｏｌｏｌ（１０－５ｍｏｌ／Ｌ）所抑制;ｎｉｆｅｄｉｐｉｎｅ（１０－６ｍｏｌ／Ｌ）和ｖｅｒａｒｏｍｉｌ（１０－６ｍｏｌ／Ｌ）分别与同样浓度的ＮＥ同时加入细胞培养液中,其细胞计数和３Ｈ－ＴｄＲ掺入率分别较单用ＮＥ时显著降低（Ｐ＜０．０１）,ｎｉｆｅｄｉｐｉｎｅ与ｖｅｒａｐａｍｉｌ亦明显抑制ＩＳＯ促ＶＳＭＣ增殖的作用。     

普罗托品对大鼠胸主动脉血管平滑肌细胞内游离钙浓度和蛋白激酶C活性的影响

本实验室先前的研究已证实,普罗托品(protopine,Pro)舒张家兔主动脉的作用,可能与其增加血管平滑肌细胞内cAMP和cGMP水平有关.为了深入探讨Pro的扩血管作用机制,实验采用等张收缩记录大鼠离体血管条张力,利用Fura-2/AM负载的大鼠胸主动脉培养细胞直接测定细胞内游离Ca2+浓度([Ca2+]i),并应用同位素γ-32p-ATP催化活性法测定蛋白激酶C(PKC)活性等方法,分别观察了Pro的相关效应.结果表明,Pro(30和100 μmol/L)明显降低去甲肾上腺素(NA)和高钾所致的动脉条收缩幅度,使二者的量效曲线呈非平行右移,最大反应压低;pD2'值分别为3.7±0.25和3.97±0.15;Pro(50和100μmol/L)对静息状态下[Ca2+]i没有任何影响,但对NA和高钾引起的[Ca2+]i升高均有明显抑制作用;Pro(30和100 μmol/L)对未经NA处理血管条的胞浆和胞膜PKC活性均无明显影响;但在NA预处理的血管条,Pro使NA所升高的胞浆内PKC的活性趋于降低,而明显升高胞膜PKC的活性,对PKC的总活性无明显影响.结果提示,在有NA存在的情况下,Pro似能促使PKC从胞浆向细胞膜转移,其扩血管效应似为其降Ca2+作用、升高cAMP和cGMP的作用及其对PKC影响等几方面的综合结果.