Hypotonic stress-induced NO production in endothelium depends on endogenous ATP

The mechanism by which mechanical stress induces nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in endothelium is still controversial. Hypotonic stress (HTS, -20%) induced ATP release, which evoked Ca(2+) transients in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). HTS also induced NO synthesis, assessed by DAF-2 fluorescence, which was suppressed by inhibiting endogenous ATP-induced Ca(2+) transients with suramin or neomycin. Exogenously applied ATP mimicked these responses. Pretreatment with wortmannin did not affect DAF-2 fluorescence, suggesting that Akt phosphorylation was not involved in HTS-induced NO synthesis. These results indicate that endogenous ATP plays a central role in HTS-induced NO synthesis in BAEC.     

Determinants of shear stress-stimulated endothelial nitric oxide production assessed in real-time by 4,5-diaminofluorescein fluorescence

The extremely short biological half-life of endothelial-derived nitric oxide (NO) has impeded real-time measurements of NO synthesis. We used the membrane-permeable fluorescent probe 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2 DA) to study determinants of NO synthesis in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). A step increase in shear stress (SS) from 0.3 to 3.4 dyne/cm(2) triggered an increase in DAF-2 fluorescence starting 3.0 +/- 0.5 min after the flow rise and peaking at 44.7 +/- 7.2 min. This was abolished by intracellular Ca(2+) chelation, but was unaffected by blocking extracellular Ca(2+) influx or by inhibiting SS-related changes in intracellular pH. The increase in DAF-2 fluorescence occurred significantly earlier in BAECs transfected with either superoxide dismutase (SOD) or catalase (CAT), indicating concomitant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by SS and "competition" between ROS- and DAF-2-NO interactions. These data provide novel insights into several NO signaling determinants and reveal that DAF-2 can assess real-time SS-stimulated NO synthesis in endothelial cells. This should facilitate the analysis of NO-signaling pathways.     

Functional implications of Ca2+ mobilizing properties for nitric oxide production in aortic endothelium

We have investigated the relationship between Ca2+ mobilization and the cellular production of nitric oxide (NO) by using fura-2 and diaminofluorescein-2 (DAF-2), an NO-sensitive dye, in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). High concentrations of ATP (100 microM) or thapsigargin (1 micro M) depleted intracellular Ca2+ store sites with a single Ca2+ transient, and induced an increase in DAF-2 fluorescence even in Ca2+-free solution, thereby indicating that store depletion leads to NO production. The same level of increase in DAF-2 fluorescence was elicited by low concentrations of ATP (1 micro M), which induced Ca2+ oscillations but did not deplete store sites, only in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, inhibition of ATP (1 micro M)-induced Ca2+ entry with La3+ suppressed DAF-2 fluorescence. ATP (0.3 micro M), applied in Ca2+-free, Mn2+-containing solution induced Mn2+ entry-coupled fura-2 quenching, repeating shortly after each oscillation peak. These results indicate that NO is produced preferentially by entered Ca2+, and that Ca2+ oscillations, which are induced by low levels of stimulation, play a significant role in NO production by strongly modulating Ca2+ entry.     

Superoxide anion impairs contractility in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells

We examined the effects of superoxide anion (O) generated by xanthine plus xanthine oxidase (X/XO) on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and muscle contractility in cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (BASMC). Cells were grown on collagen-coated dish for the measurement of [Ca(2+)](i). Pretreatment with X/XO inhibited ATP-induced Ca(2+) transient and Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) entry (CRAC) after thapsigargin-induced store depletion, both of which were reversed by superoxide dismutase (SOD). In contrast, Ca(2+) transients induced by high-K(+) solution and Ca(2+) ionophore A-23187 were not affected by X/XO. BASMC-embedded collagen gel lattice, which was pretreated with xanthine alone, showed contraction in response to ATP, thapsigargin, high-K(+) solution, and A-23187. Pretreatment of the gel with X/XO impaired gel contraction not only by ATP and thapsigargin, but also by high-K(+) solution and A-23187. The X/XO-treated gel showed normal contraction; however, when SOD was present during the pretreatment period. These results indicate that O(2)(-) attenuates smooth muscle contraction by impairing CRAC, ATP-induced Ca(2+) transient, and Ca(2+) sensitivity in BASMC.     

Hypoxia-induced alterations in Ca(2+) mobilization in brain microvascular endothelial cells

To investigate the possible cellular mechanisms of the ischemia-induced impairments of cerebral microcirculation, we investigated the effects of hypoxia/reoxygenation on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in bovine brain microvascular endothelial cells (BBEC). In the cells kept in normal air, ATP elicited Ca(2+) oscillations in a concentration-dependent manner. When the cells were exposed to hypoxia for 6 h and subsequent reoxygenation for 45 min, the basal level of [Ca(2+)](i) was increased from 32.4 to 63.3 nM, and ATP did not induce Ca(2+) oscillations. Hypoxia/reoxygenation also inhibited capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE), which was evoked by thapsigargin (Delta[Ca(2+)](i-CCE): control, 62.3 +/- 3.1 nM; hypoxia/reoxygenation, 17.0 +/- 1.8 nM). The impairments of Ca(2+) oscillations and CCE, but not basal [Ca(2+)](i), were restored by superoxide dismutase and the inhibitors of mitochondrial electron transport, rotenone and thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTFA). By using a superoxide anion (O(2)(-))-sensitive luciferin derivative MCLA, we confirmed that the production of O(2)(-) was induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation and was prevented by rotenone and TTFA. These results indicate that hypoxia/reoxygenation generates O(2)(-) at mitochondria and impairs some Ca(2+) mobilizing properties in BBEC.     

Hydrogen peroxide induces nitric oxide and proteosome activity in endothelial cells: a bell-shaped signaling response

We investigated nitric oxide (*NO)-mediated proteosomal activation in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) treated with varying fluxes of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) generated from glucose/glucose oxidase (Glu/GO). Results revealed a bell-shaped *NO signaling response in BAEC treated with Glu/GO (2-20 mU/ml). GO treatment (2 mU/ml) enhanced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation and *NO release in BAEC. With increasing GO concentrations, phospho eNOS and *NO levels decreased. Bell-shaped responses in proteasomal function and *NO induction were observed in BAEC treated with varying levels of GO (2-10 mU/ml). Proteosomal activation induced in GO-treated BAEC was inhibited by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester pretreatment, suggesting that *NO mediates proteasomal activation. Intracellular *NO induced by H(2)O(2) was detected by isolating the 4,5-diaminoflourescein (DAF-2)/*NO/O(2)-derived "green fluorescent product" using the high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence technique, a more rigorous and quantitative methodology for detecting the DAF-2/*NO/O(2) reaction product. Finally, the relationships between H(2)O(2) flux, proteasomal activation/inactivation, endothelial cell survival, and apoptosis are discussed.     

Matrix protein glycation impairs agonist-induced intracellular Ca2+ signaling in endothelial cells

Studies have shown diabetes to be associated with alterations in composition of extracellular matrix and that such proteins modulate signal transduction. The present studies examined if non-enzymatic glycation of fibronectin or a mixed matrix preparation (EHS) alters endothelial cell Ca(2+) signaling following agonist stimulation. Endothelial cells were cultured from bovine aorta and rat heart. To glycate proteins, fibronectin (10 microg/ml), or EHS (2.5 mg/ml) were incubated (37 degrees C, 30 days) with 0.5 M glucose-6-phosphate. Matrix proteins were coated onto cover slips after which cells (10(5) cells/ml) were plated and allowed to adhere for 16 h. For measurement of intracellular Ca(2+), cells were loaded with fura 2 (2 microM) and fluorescence intensity monitored. Bovine cells on glycated EHS showed decreased ability for either ATP (10(-6) M) or bradykinin (10(-7) M) to increase Ca(2+) (i). In contrast, glycated fibronectin did not impair agonist-induced increases in Ca(2+) (i). In the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), ATP elicited a transient increase in Ca(2+) (i) consistent with intracellular release. Re-addition of Ca(2+) resulted in a secondary rise in Ca(2+) (i) indicative of store depletion-mediated Ca(2+) entry. Both phases of Ca(2+) mobilization were reduced in cells on glycated mixed matrix; however, as the ratio of the two components was similar in all cells, glycation appeared to selectively impair Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. Thapsigargin treatment demonstrated an impaired ability of cells on glycated EHS to increase cytoplasmic Ca(2+) consistent with decreased endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) stores. Further support for Ca(2+) mobilization was provided by increased baseline IP(3) levels in cells plated on glycated EHS. Impaired ATP-induced Ca(2+) release could be induced by treating native EHS with laminin antibody or exposing cells to H(2)O(2) (20-200 microM). Glycated EHS impaired Ca(2+) signaling was attenuated by treatment with aminoguanidine or the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid. The results demonstrate that matrix glycation impairs agonist-induced Ca(2+) (i) increases which may impact on regulatory functions of the endothelium and implicate possible involvement of oxidative stress.     

Extracellular ATP-induced NO production and its dependence on membrane Ca2+ flux in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots

Extracellular ATP (eATP) is a novel signalling agent, and nitric oxide (NO) is a well-established signal molecule with diverse functions in plant growth and development. This study characterizes NO production induced by exogenous ATP and examines its relationship with other important signalling agents, Ca(2+) and H(2)O(2) in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy root culture. Exogenous ATP was applied at 10-500 microM to the hairy root cultures and stimulated NO production was detectable within 30 min. The NO level increased with ATP dose from 10-100 microM but decreased from 100-200 muM or higher. The ATP-induced NO production was mimicked by a non-hydrolysable ATP analogue ATPgammaS, but only weakly by ADP, AMP or adenosine. The ATP-induced NO production was blocked by Ca(2+) antagonists, but not affected by a protein kinase inhibitor. ATP also induced H(2)O(2) production, which was dependent on both Ca(2+) and protein kinases, and also on NO biosynthesis. On the other hand, ATP induced a rapid increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) level, which was dependent on NO but not H(2)O(2). The results suggest that NO is implicated in ATP-induced responses and signal transduction in plant cells, and ATP signalling is closely related to Ca(2+) and ROS signalling.     

Enhancement of apoptosis by nitric oxide released from alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone under hyperthermic conditions

The aim of this study was to examine whether a neuroprotector, PBN (alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl nitrone), enhances apoptosis induced by hyperthermia, which generates superoxide (O2-) intracellularly, since the release of nitric oxide (NO) from PBN under oxidative stress has been reported. When human myelomonocytic lymphoma U937 cells were treated with hyperthermia (44 degrees C, 10 min) and PBN, an increase in the concentration of nitrite in the culture medium, and a decrease in the hyperthermia-induced production of O2- was observed. Imaging using a fluorescence dye for intracellular NO, diaminofluorescein-2 diacetate (DAF-2 DA), revealed the formation of NO in the apoptotic cells treated with hyperthermia and PBN combined. Apoptotic endpoints were significantly enhanced by the combined treatment: a decrease in mitochondrial trans-membrane potential, cleavage of Bid, release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspase-8 and -3. An increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), externalization of Fas, and decrease in Hsp70 and phosphorylated HSF1 were observed following the combined treatment. Furthermore, scavengers of NO an d ONOO- significantly inhibited the enhancement of apoptosis, the externalization of Fas and the increase in [Ca2+]i. These results suggest that, (1) NO is released from PBN by hyperthermia, and subsequently reacts with O2- to form ONOO-, (2) NO and ONOO- are involved in the enhancement of apoptosis through Fas-mitochondria-caspase and [Ca2+]i-dependent pathways, and (3) a decrease in Hsp70 and phosphorylated HSF1 also contributed to the enhancement of apoptosis.     

Simvastatin and Ca(2+) signaling in endothelial cells: involvement of rho protein

The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor simvastatin is able to produce endothelium-dependent relaxation in addition to its lipid-lowering properties. The underlying mechanisms were investigated in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). Simvastatin induced an increase in cytosolic calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) in BAEC, by releasing Ca(2+) from intracellular stores sensitive to thapsigargin and ryanodine, and increasing Ca(2+) entry. Simvastatin response was not altered by the phospholipase A(2) inhibitor ONO-RS-082, or the combination of superoxide dismutase plus catalase. However, the response to simvastatin was reduced by the product of HMG-CoA reductase, mevalonate or by the inhibitor of small G proteins of the Rho family, Clostridium botulinum C3 toxin. Thus, increase in [Ca(2+)](i) involving the activation of Rho protein through mevalonate-dependent pathway is essential for the action of simvastatin and might contribute to its beneficial effects against vascular diseases. This study helps elucidate the mechanisms of endothelial factor generation by simvastatin in BAEC.     

Increased nitric oxide-dependent nitrosylation of 4,5-diaminofluorescein by oxidants: implications for the measurement of intracellular nitric oxide

4,5 diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) is increasingly utilized as a fluorescent detector for nitric oxide (*NO) in cells and tissues. In oxygenated solutions, reactive nitrogen species derived from (*) NO autoxidation nitrosate DAF-2 to yield the highly fluorescent DAF-2 triazole. In the present study, we investigated the nitrosation of DAF-2 at a neutral pH by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy using NONOates as chemical sources of (*) NO. We found that both chemically synthesized peroxynitrite and horseradish peroxidase in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) oxidized DAF-2 to a relatively stable nonfluorescent intermediate (t(1/2) approximately 90 s). Oxidation of DAF-2 prior to the addition of the z.rad;NO donor DEA/NO resulted in an increase in fluorescence that was approximately 7-fold higher than treatment with DEA/NO alone. The increase in DAF-2 triazole formation upon oxidation of DAF-2 was confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography. Peroxynitrite generated in situ from the equimolar production of (*) NO and superoxide (O(2)(*-)) also increased the yields of DAF-2 triazole formation, which was completely inhibited when O(2)(*-) was in excess of (*) NO. We propose that DAF-2 is oxidized to a free radical intermediate that directly reacts with (*) NO, thereby bypassing the requirement for (*)NO autoxidation for the formation of DAF-2 triazole. Our findings indicate that DAF-2 fluorometric assays are quantitatively difficult to interpret in cells and in solution when oxidants and (*) NO are co-generated.     

Effect of extracellular Mg(2+) on ROS and Ca(2+) accumulation during reoxygenation of rat cardiomyocytes

The effects of Mg(2+) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cell Ca(2+) during reoxygenation of hypoxic rat cardiomyocytes were studied. Oxidation of 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCDHF) to dichlorofluorescein (DCF) and of dihydroethidium (DHE) to ethidium (ETH) within cells were used as markers for intracellular ROS levels and were determined by flow cytometry. DCDHF/DCF is sensitive to H(2)O(2) and nitric oxide (NO), and DHE/ETH is sensitive to the superoxide anion (O(2)(-).), respectively. Rapidly exchangeable cell Ca(2+) was determined by (45)Ca(2+) uptake. Cells were exposed to hypoxia for 1 h and reoxygenation for 2 h. ROS levels, determined as DCF fluorescence, were increased 100-130% during reoxygenation alone and further increased 60% by increasing extracellular Mg(2+) concentration to 5 mM at reoxygenation. ROS levels, measured as ETH fluorescence, were increased 16-24% during reoxygenation but were not affected by Mg(2+). Cell Ca(2+) increased three- to fourfold during reoxygenation. This increase was reduced 40% by 5 mM Mg(2+), 57% by 10 microM 3,4-dichlorobenzamil (DCB) (inhibitor of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange), and 75% by combining Mg(2+) and DCB. H(2)O(2) (25 and 500 microM) reduced Ca(2+) accumulation by 38 and 43%, respectively, whereas the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine (1 mM) had no effect. Mg(2+) reduced hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release by 90%. In conclusion, elevation of extracellular Mg(2+) to 5 mM increased the fluorescence of the H(2)O(2)/NO-sensitive probe DCF without increasing that of the O(2)(-).-sensitive probe ETH, reduced Ca(2+) accumulation, and decreased LDH release during reoxygenation of hypoxic cardiomyocytes. The reduction in LDH release, reflecting the protective effect of Mg(2+), may be linked to the effect of Mg(2+) on Ca(2+) accumulation and/or ROS levels.     

Possible use of quercetin, an antioxidant, for protection of cells suffering from overload of intracellular Ca2+: a model experiment

Quercetin is known to protect the cells suffering from oxidative stress. The oxidative stress elevates intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, one of the phenomena responsible for cell death. Therefore, we hypothesized that quercetin would protect the cells suffering from overload of intracellular Ca(2+). To test the hypothesis, the effects of quercetin on the cells suffering from oxidative stress and intracellular Ca(2+) overload were examined by using a flow cytometer with appropriate fluorescence probes (propidium iodide, fluo-3-AM, and annexin V-FITC) and rat thymocytes. The concentrations (1-30 microM) of quercetin to protect the cells suffering from intracellular Ca(2+) overload by A23187, a calcium ionophore, were similar to those for the cells suffering from oxidative stress by H(2)O(2). The cell death respectively induced by H(2)O(2) and A23187 was significantly suppressed by removal of external Ca(2+). Furthermore, quercetin greatly delayed the process of Ca(2+)-dependent cell death although it did not significantly affect the elevation of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration by H(2)O(2) and A23187, respectively. It is concluded that quercetin can protect the cells from oxidative injury in spite of increased concentration of intracellular Ca(2+). Results suggest that quercetin is also used for protection of cells suffering from overload of intracellular Ca(2+).     

Superoxide flux in endothelial cells via the chloride channel-3 mediates intracellular signaling

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in both cell signaling and pathology. A major source of ROS in endothelial cells is NADPH oxidase, which generates superoxide (O(2)(.-)) on the extracellular side of the plasma membrane but can result in intracellular signaling. To study possible transmembrane flux of O(2)(.-), pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were preloaded with the O(2)(.-)-sensitive fluorophore hydroethidine (HE). Application of an extracellular bolus of O(2)(.-) resulted in rapid and concentration-dependent transient HE oxidation that was followed by a progressive and nonreversible increase in nuclear HE fluorescence. These fluorescence changes were inhibited by superoxide dismutase (SOD), the anion channel blocker DIDS, and selective silencing of the chloride channel-3 (ClC-3) by treatment with siRNA. Extracellular O(2)(.-) triggered Ca(2+) release in turn triggered mitochondrial membrane potential alterations that were followed by mitochondrial O(2)(.-) production and cellular apoptosis. These "signaling" effects of O(2)(.-) were prevented by DIDS treatment, by depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) stores with thapsigargin and by chelation of intracellular Ca(2+). This study demonstrates that O(2)(.-) flux across the endothelial cell plasma membrane occurs through ClC-3 channels and induces intracellular Ca(2+) release, which activates mitochondrial O(2)(.-) generation.     

Effects of homocysteine on intracellular nitric oxide and superoxide levels in the renal arterial endothelium

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that homocysteine (Hcys) reduces intracellular nitric oxide (NO) concentrations ([NO](i)) and stimulates superoxide (O.) production in the renal arterial endothelium, thereby resulting in endothelial dysfunction. With the use of fluorescence microscopic imaging analysis, a calcium ionophore, A-23187 (2 microM), and bradykinin (2 microM) were found to increase endothelial [NO](i) in freshly dissected lumen-opened small renal arteries loaded with 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA; 10 microM). Preincubation of the arteries with L-Hcys (20-40 microM) significantly attenuated the increase in endothelial [NO](i). However, L-Hcys had no effect on NO synthase activity in the renal arteries, as measured by the conversion rate of [(3)H]arginine to [(3)H]citrulline, but it concentration dependently decreased DAF-2DA-sensitive fluorescence induced by PAPA-NONOate in the solution, suggesting that L-Hcys reduces endothelial [NO](i) by its scavenging action. Because other thiol compounds such as L-cysteine and glutathione were also found to reduce [NO](i), it seems that decreased NO is not the only mechanism resulting in endothelial dysfunction or arteriosclerosis in hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcys). By analysis of intracellular O. levels using dihydroethidium trapping, we found that only L-Hcys among the thiol compounds studied markedly increased O. levels in the renal endothelium. These results indicate that L-Hcys inhibits the agonist-induced NO increase but stimulates O. production within endothelial cells. These effects of L-Hcys on [NO](i) and [O.] may contribute to endothelial injury associated with hHcys.     

Expression of Trp3 determines sensitivity of capacitative Ca2+ entry to nitric oxide and mitochondrial Ca2+ handling: evidence for a role of Trp3 as a subunit of capacitative Ca2+ entry channels

The role of Trp3 in cellular regulation of Ca(2+) entry by NO was studied in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. In vector-transfected HEK293 cells (controls), thapsigargin (TG)-induced (capacitative Ca(2+) entry (CCE)-mediated) intracellular Ca(2+) signals and Mn(2+) entry were markedly suppressed by the NO donor 2-(N,N-diethylamino)diazenolate-2-oxide sodium salt (3 microm) or by authentic NO (100 microm). In cells overexpressing Trp3 (T3-9), TG-induced intracellular Ca(2+) signals exhibited an amplitude similar to that of controls but lacked sensitivity to inhibition by NO. Consistently, NO inhibited TG-induced Mn(2+) entry in controls but not in T3-9 cells. Moreover, CCE-mediated Mn(2+) entry into T3-9 cells exhibited a striking sensitivity to inhibition by extracellular Ca(2+), which was not detectable in controls. Suppression of mitochondrial Ca(2+) handling with the uncouplers carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone (300 nm) or antimycin A(1) (-AA(1)) mimicked the inhibitory effect of NO on CCE in controls but barely affected CCE in T3-9 cells. T3-9 cells exhibited enhanced carbachol-stimulated Ca(2+) entry and clearly detectable cation currents through Trp3 cation channels. NO as well as carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone slightly promoted carbachol-induced Ca(2+) entry into T3-9 cells. Simultaneous measurement of cytoplasmic Ca(2+) and membrane currents revealed that Trp3 cation currents are inhibited during Ca(2+) entry-induced elevation of cytoplasmic Ca(2+), and that this negative feedback regulation is blunted by NO. Our results demonstrate that overexpression of Trp3 generates phospholipase C-regulated cation channels, which exhibit regulatory properties different from those of endogenous CCE channels. Moreover, we show for the first time that Trp3 expression determines biophysical properties as well as regulation of CCE channels by NO and mitochondrial Ca(2+) handling. Thus, we propose Trp3 as a subunit of CCE channels.     

缺氧缺糖对培养海马神经细胞中一氧化氮和钙离子的影响

在缺血性脑损伤中 ,NO起着重要作用。研究了原代培养的海马神经细胞中 ,缺氧缺糖对NO合成的影响。利用激光共聚焦显微镜和荧光指示剂 ,对胞内钙离子和NO的变化进行实时检测 ,并用HPLC检测了缺氧缺糖导致的谷氨酸释放。结果表明 ,缺氧缺糖引起胞内钙离子浓度升高和NO合成增加。经过 2 0min缺氧缺糖处理后 ,胞外谷氨酸的浓度比对照组高出约10 0 %。N 甲基 D 天冬氨酸 (N methyl D aspartate,NMDA)的拮抗剂MK 80 1对缺氧缺糖引起的细胞内钙离子和NO的升高有明显抑制作用。去除细胞外液的钙离子和加入钙调蛋白抑制剂三氟拉嗪都可以抑制缺氧缺糖引起的NO升高。以上结果提示 ,缺氧缺糖引起神经细胞NO合成增加 ,这种合成受谷氨酸释放 ,胞内钙离子浓度和钙调蛋白的调控。     

Developmental changes in capacitative Ca(2+) entry in mouse mammary epithelial cells

Developmental changes in capacitative Ca(2+) entry and Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores were measured using fura-2 fluorescence method during the pregnancy period (day 3-;18) in mouse mammary epithelial cells. Ca(2+) release was identified with the transient intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) increase induced by thapsigargin addition in a Ca(2+)-free solution. Capacitative Ca(2+) entry was measured by the transient [Ca(2+)](i) increase induced by re-addition of extracellular Ca(2+) after depletion of Ca(2+) stores by thapsigargin. The capacitative Ca(2+) entry was greatest at the early stage of pregnancy (i.e. day 3 of pregnancy) and decreased as pregnancy progressed, while Ca(2+) release remained unchanged throughout the developmental stages. These findings indicate that in contrast to Ca(2+) release, a close correlation exists between capacitative Ca(2+) entry and pregnancy-induced development in mammary epithelial cells.     

Cellular mechanisms underlying nitric oxide-induced vasodilation of descending vasa recta

It has been observed that vasoactivity of explanted descending vasa recta (DVR) is modulated by intrinsic nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O(2)(-)) production (Cao C, Edwards A, Sendeski M, Lee-Kwon W, Cui L, Cai CY, Patzak A, Pallone TL. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 299: F1056-F1064, 2010). To elucidate the cellular mechanisms by which NO, O(2)(-) and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) modulate DVR pericyte cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca](cyt)) and vasoactivity, we expanded our mathematical model of Ca(2+) signaling in pericytes. We incorporated simulations of the pathways that translate an increase in [Ca](cyt) to the activation of myosin light chain (MLC) kinase and cell contraction, as well as the kinetics of NO and reactive oxygen species formation and their effects on [Ca](cyt) and MLC phosphorylation. The model reproduced experimentally observed trends of DVR vasoactivity that accompany exposure to N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, 8-Br-cGMP, Tempol, and H(2)O(2). Our results suggest that under resting conditions, NO-induced activation of cGMP maintains low levels of [Ca](cyt) and MLC phosphorylation to minimize basal tone. This results from stimulation of Ca(2+) uptake from the cytosol into the SR via SERCA pumps, Ca(2+) efflux into the extracellular space via plasma membrane Ca(2+) pumps, and MLC phosphatase (MLCP) activity. We predict that basal concentrations of O(2)(-) and H(2)O(2) have negligible effects on Ca(2+) signaling and MLC phosphorylation. At concentrations above 1 nM, O(2)(-) is predicted to modulate [Ca(cyt)] and MCLP activity mostly by reducing NO bioavailability. The DVR vasoconstriction that is induced by high concentrations of H(2)O(2) can be explained by H(2)O(2)-mediated downregulation of MLCP and SERCA activity. We conclude that intrinsic generation of NO by the DVR wall may be sufficient to inhibit vasoconstriction by maintaining suppression of MLC phosphorylation.     

Detection of intracellular nitric oxide using a combination of aldehyde fixatives with 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate

Using 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA), which was recently developed for the detection of intracellular nitric oxide (NO) in living cells, we examined the sensitivity of intracellular NO in cells treated with some fixatives. Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells loaded with DAF-2DA in the presence of 10(-6) M acetylcholine showed intense fluorescence when fixed in paraformaldehyde or glutaraldehyde, but no fluorescence could be detected after fixation in ethanol or acetone. Fluorescence generation depended on the combination of each aldehyde fixative with DAF-2, which is produced enzymatically from DAF-2DA within the cells. Subtracting the fluorescence intensity of non-activated controls from that of cells activated by acetylcholine indicated the NO produced in the stimulated cells, since the control cells that took up DAF-2DA also generated fluorescence when treated with aldehyde fixatives. Thus, detection of intracellular NO by combining aldehyde fixatives with DAF-2DA is useful for examining the functions of NO in cells both in situ and in vivo.