Objective:To study the effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on proliferation inhibition, apop totic induction, and the relationship between GA-induced apoptosis and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in human breast...Objective:To study the effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on proliferation inhibition, apop totic induction, and the relationship between GA-induced apoptosis and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells. Methods: After MCF-7 cells were treated with GA at the concentrations from 50 μmol/L to 250 μmol/L for 24 h, cell viability of proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. After the cells were treated with 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L, and 200 μmol/L GA for 24 h, the rates of cell apoptosis were examined by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling method and flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide fluorescent stain. After the cells treated with 150 μmol/L GA for 24 h, intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured by Fure-2 fluorescein load method. Results: After the cells were treated with GA at the concentrations from 100 μmol/L to 250 μmol/L, the rates of proliferative inhibition were increased significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) in a dose dependent fashion. IC50 of the proliferation inhibition was 234.33 μmol/L. Treated with 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L, and 200 μmol/L, the rates of cell apoptosis were increased significantly (P<0.01). Intracellular Ca2+ concentration after treatment with GA was higher evidently than that of control (P<0.05). Conclusion: 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid has the effects of the proliferation inhibition and the apoptotic induction on MCF-7 cells. The rise of intracellular Ca2+ level may be depended on apoptosis induced by GA in MCF-7 cells.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that intracellular Ca^2+ ([Ca^2+]) overload, excitotoxicity, free radical injury, and nitric oxide toxicity are involved in mechanisms of neuronal death in the ische...BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that intracellular Ca^2+ ([Ca^2+]) overload, excitotoxicity, free radical injury, and nitric oxide toxicity are involved in mechanisms of neuronal death in the ischemic brain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of Panax quinquefo/ium saponins (PQS) on multiple factors-induced Ca^2+ overload in the rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Intergroup comparison, in vitro study. The experiment was performed at the Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University between November 2007 and April 2008. MATERIALS- In vitro cultured PC12 cells in the logarithmic phase were assigned into blank control, model, and drug treatment groups (10 μmol/L nimodipine; 40 μg/L, 100 μg/L, and 250 μg/L PQS). Nimodipine was purchased from Jiangsu Yangtze River Pharmacy Group Co., China; PQS (purity 〉 95%, HLPC grade) was provided by School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University. Caffeine, Na2S2O4, L-glutamic acid (Glu), Fura-2/AM, and calcium ionophore A23187 were purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS: PC12 cells in the model and drug treatment groups were separately incubated in glucose-free Hank's buffered saline solution + Na2S2O4 (2 mmol/L) for 6 hours, Glu (200 μmot/L) plus A23187 (0.05 μmol/L) for 6 hours, KCI (50 mmol/L) for 1 hour, and caffeine (5 mmol/L) for 3 hours to establish models of intracellular Ca^2+ overload induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation, Glu, A23187, high K+, or caffeine. In addition, control cells were incubated in high-glucose DMEM culture medium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: [Ca^2+]i changes in PC12 cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation, Glu, A23187, high K^+, or caffeine were detected using spectrofluorometer. RESULTS: PQS blocked the [Ca^2+]i increase induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation, Glu, A23187, high K+, or caffeine. In particular, high-dose PQS was most effective (P 〈 0.01). PQS significantly inhibited Glu- or caffeine-induced [Ca^2+]i increases in the absence of extracellular Ca^2+, but nimodipine did not. CONCLUSION: PQS blocked intracellular Ca^2+ overload induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation, Glu, A23187, high K^+, or caffeine. This mechanism might be involved in the attenuation of neuronal apoptosis following ischemic brain injury.展开更多
Objective: To explore the effects of γ-irradiation on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and role of intracellular calcium in this event in intestinal epithelial cell line 6 (IEC-6 cells). Methods: After cultu...Objective: To explore the effects of γ-irradiation on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and role of intracellular calcium in this event in intestinal epithelial cell line 6 (IEC-6 cells). Methods: After cultured rat IIEC-6 cells with or without the pretreatment of intracellular Ca2+ chelator were exposed to Y-ir-radiation of 6 Gy, the total and phosphorylated MAPKs in the cells were determined with Western blotting and apoptosis was examined with flow cytometry. Activities of Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK were determined by using immuoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. Results: In response to γ-irradiation, phosphorylation of ERK was not significantly observed, while the levels of phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK were increased in 30 min and reached the peak 2 h after exposure to 6 Gy γ-irradiation, though the cell viability was significantly lowered 12 h. On the other hand, no obvious changes were seen in the total protein levels of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ almost completely suppressed the JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation induced by γ-irradia-tion, but removal of external Ca2+ had no such effect. Activation of p38 MAPK, but not of ERK, was seen to have a correlation with γ-irradiation induced apoptosis. Conclusion: The results suggest that γ-irradiation is a potent activator for JNK and p38 MAPK, and Ca2+ mobilized from intracellular stores plays an important role in the activation of MAPKs and the induction of apoptosis in IEC-6 cells.展开更多
The effect of U50488, a selective K-opioid receptor agonist, on cardiac rhythm in the isolated perfused rat heart and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+] i) in the single ventricular myocyte were studied. The results showed...The effect of U50488, a selective K-opioid receptor agonist, on cardiac rhythm in the isolated perfused rat heart and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+] i) in the single ventricular myocyte were studied. The results showed that U50488 can induce arrhythmias dose-dependently in the isolated perfused rat heart and increase [ Ca2 + ] i in the single ventricular myocyte. The effect of U50488 can be blocked by a selectivek-receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine. The arrhythmogenic effects and the increase of [ Ca2+]i induced by U50488 were blocked by U73122, neomycin and streptomycin, which are selective phospolipase C inhibitors, but not by U73433, the inactive structural analog of U73122. These results demonstrated that the arrhythmogenic effect of cardiac K-receptor is due to activation of phosphoinositol/Ca2+ pathway.展开更多
Background The contractility of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis with portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to research the effects of octreotide,an an...Background The contractility of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis with portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to research the effects of octreotide,an analogue of somatostatin,on intracellular Ca 2+ and on the expression of L-type voltage-operated calcium channels (L-VOCCs) in activated HSCs,and to try to survey the use of octreotide in treatment and prevention of cirrhosis with portal hypertension complications. Methods HSC-T_6,an activated HSCs line,was plated on small glass coverslips in 35-mm culture dishes at a density of 1×10 5/ml,and incubated in DMEM media for 24 hours. After the cells were loaded with Fluo-3/AM,intracellular Ca 2+ was measured by Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM). The dynamic changes in activated HSCs of intracellular Ca 2+ ,stimulated by octreotide,endothelin-1,and KCl, respectively,were also determined by LSCM. Each experiment was repeated six times. L-VOCC expression in HSCs was estimated by immunocytochemistry. Results After octreotide stimulation,a signifcant decrease in the intracellular Ca 2+ of activated HSCs was observed. However,octreotide did not inhibit the increases in intracellular Ca 2+ after stimulation by KCl and endothelin-1. Moreover,octreotide did not significantly affect L-VOCC expression. These results suggest that neither L-VOCC nor endothelin-1 receptors in activated HSCs are inhibited by octreotide. Conclusions Octreotide may decrease portal hypertension and intrahepatic vascular tension by inhibiting activated HSCs contractility through decreases in intracellular Ca 2+ . The somatostatin receptors in activated HSCs may be inhibited by octreotide.展开更多
Objective To assess the anti-arrhythmic activity and cardioprotective effects of Wenxin Granula,a traditional Chinese formula(consisting of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix,Polygonati Rhizoma,Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,N...Objective To assess the anti-arrhythmic activity and cardioprotective effects of Wenxin Granula,a traditional Chinese formula(consisting of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix,Polygonati Rhizoma,Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and Succinum),on heart in ischemic-induced myocardial infarction(MI) rats and compare with those of Amiodarone which have been demonstrated in clinic.Methods Rats were randomly divided into Sham-operated(control),MI + Amiodarone [5 mg/(kg.d)](MI),and MI + Wenxin Granula [10 mg/(kg.d)] groups and left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded in each group.After left anterior descending for 12 h,standard lead II of administration electrocardiogram was recorded in order to analyze the occurrence of arrhythmia.After one month,the size of the infarct area of heart was evaluated by TTC staining method and haemodynamic function was assessed to detect the heart function.Laser scanning confocal microscope and the technique of patch clamp were used to detect the intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) and L-type calcium current(ICa-L),respectively.Results Both Wenxin Granula [10 mg/(kg.d)] and Amiodarone [5 mg/(kg.d)] could markedly decrease the incidence of arrhythmia in heart of rats which were subjected to ischemic injury.After one month,Wenxin Granula could significantly decrease mortality to 22.22% and reduce the infarct area(P < 0.05),but Amiodarone did not.The mechanism may involve that Wenxin Granula attenuated [Ca2+]i decreasing in MI rats.Additionally,Wenxin Granula could obviously ameliorate the impaired heart function of MI rats by decreasing the elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and increasing the attenuated maximum change velocity of left ventricular pressure in the isovolumic contraction or relaxation period.On the other hand,electrophysiological experiment results revealed that Wenxin Granula administration one month later also increased the reduced ICa-L density in rat ventricular myocytes in MI rats.The results of LSCM showed that Wenxin Granula could recover the amplitude of [Ca2+]i decreased by heart failure during long term.Conclusion Wenxin Granula could not only inhibit the incidence of arrhythmia but also decrease the mortality,which was accompanied by recovering the amplitude of [Ca2+]i.This protective effect of Wenxin Granula may partially be mediated through changing ICa-L as well as increasing [Ca2+]i.展开更多
To investigate the relationship between intracellular free Ca^2+ concentration ([Ca^2+ ]i ) and calcium-activated chloride (Clca) channels of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in rats under acute a...To investigate the relationship between intracellular free Ca^2+ concentration ([Ca^2+ ]i ) and calcium-activated chloride (Clca) channels of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in rats under acute and chronic hypoxic conditions, acute hypoxia-induced contraction was observed in rat pulmonary artery by using routine blood vascular perfusion in vitro. The fluorescence Ca^2+ indicator Fura-2/AM was used to observe [Ca^2+ ]i of rat PASMCs under normal and chronic hypoxic condition. The effect of Clca channels on PASMCs proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The Clca channel blockers niflumic acid (NFA) and indaryloxyacetic acid (IAA-94) exerted inhibitory effects on acute hypoxia-evoked contractions in the pulmonary artery. Under chronic hypoxic condition, [Ca^2+ ]i was increased. Under normoxic condition, [Ca^2+ If was (123.634-18.98) nmol/ L, and in hypoxic condition, [Ca^2+]i wag (281. 754-16.48) nmol/L (P〈0. 01). Under normoxic condition, [Ca^2+ ]i showed no significant change and no effect on Clca channels was observed (P〉 0. 05). Chronic hypoxia increased [Ca^2+ ]i which opened Clca channels. The NFA and IAA-94 blocked the channels and decreased [Ca^2+ ]i from (281.75± 16.48) nmot/L to (117.66 ±15.36) nmol/L (P〈0.01). MTT assay showed that under chronic hypoxic condition NFA and IAA-94 decreased the value of absorbency (A value) from 0. 459±0. 058 to 0. 224±0. 025 (P〈0. 01). Hypoxia increased [Ca^2+ ]i which opened Cl~ channels and had a positive-feedback in [Ca^2+ ]i. This may play an important role in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Under chronic hypoxic condition, Clca channel may play a part in the regulation of proliferation of PASMCs.展开更多
文摘Objective:To study the effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on proliferation inhibition, apop totic induction, and the relationship between GA-induced apoptosis and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells. Methods: After MCF-7 cells were treated with GA at the concentrations from 50 μmol/L to 250 μmol/L for 24 h, cell viability of proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. After the cells were treated with 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L, and 200 μmol/L GA for 24 h, the rates of cell apoptosis were examined by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling method and flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide fluorescent stain. After the cells treated with 150 μmol/L GA for 24 h, intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured by Fure-2 fluorescein load method. Results: After the cells were treated with GA at the concentrations from 100 μmol/L to 250 μmol/L, the rates of proliferative inhibition were increased significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) in a dose dependent fashion. IC50 of the proliferation inhibition was 234.33 μmol/L. Treated with 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L, and 200 μmol/L, the rates of cell apoptosis were increased significantly (P<0.01). Intracellular Ca2+ concentration after treatment with GA was higher evidently than that of control (P<0.05). Conclusion: 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid has the effects of the proliferation inhibition and the apoptotic induction on MCF-7 cells. The rise of intracellular Ca2+ level may be depended on apoptosis induced by GA in MCF-7 cells.
基金Supported by:the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province,No ZA2006-07
文摘BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that intracellular Ca^2+ ([Ca^2+]) overload, excitotoxicity, free radical injury, and nitric oxide toxicity are involved in mechanisms of neuronal death in the ischemic brain. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of Panax quinquefo/ium saponins (PQS) on multiple factors-induced Ca^2+ overload in the rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING: Intergroup comparison, in vitro study. The experiment was performed at the Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University between November 2007 and April 2008. MATERIALS- In vitro cultured PC12 cells in the logarithmic phase were assigned into blank control, model, and drug treatment groups (10 μmol/L nimodipine; 40 μg/L, 100 μg/L, and 250 μg/L PQS). Nimodipine was purchased from Jiangsu Yangtze River Pharmacy Group Co., China; PQS (purity 〉 95%, HLPC grade) was provided by School of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University. Caffeine, Na2S2O4, L-glutamic acid (Glu), Fura-2/AM, and calcium ionophore A23187 were purchased from Sigma, USA. METHODS: PC12 cells in the model and drug treatment groups were separately incubated in glucose-free Hank's buffered saline solution + Na2S2O4 (2 mmol/L) for 6 hours, Glu (200 μmot/L) plus A23187 (0.05 μmol/L) for 6 hours, KCI (50 mmol/L) for 1 hour, and caffeine (5 mmol/L) for 3 hours to establish models of intracellular Ca^2+ overload induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation, Glu, A23187, high K+, or caffeine. In addition, control cells were incubated in high-glucose DMEM culture medium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: [Ca^2+]i changes in PC12 cells exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation, Glu, A23187, high K^+, or caffeine were detected using spectrofluorometer. RESULTS: PQS blocked the [Ca^2+]i increase induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation, Glu, A23187, high K+, or caffeine. In particular, high-dose PQS was most effective (P 〈 0.01). PQS significantly inhibited Glu- or caffeine-induced [Ca^2+]i increases in the absence of extracellular Ca^2+, but nimodipine did not. CONCLUSION: PQS blocked intracellular Ca^2+ overload induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation, Glu, A23187, high K^+, or caffeine. This mechanism might be involved in the attenuation of neuronal apoptosis following ischemic brain injury.
基金in part by Natural Sciences Foundation of China (No. 39870239)by the Sasagawa Fellowship,Japan.
文摘Objective: To explore the effects of γ-irradiation on mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and role of intracellular calcium in this event in intestinal epithelial cell line 6 (IEC-6 cells). Methods: After cultured rat IIEC-6 cells with or without the pretreatment of intracellular Ca2+ chelator were exposed to Y-ir-radiation of 6 Gy, the total and phosphorylated MAPKs in the cells were determined with Western blotting and apoptosis was examined with flow cytometry. Activities of Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38 MAPK were determined by using immuoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. Results: In response to γ-irradiation, phosphorylation of ERK was not significantly observed, while the levels of phosphorylated c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK were increased in 30 min and reached the peak 2 h after exposure to 6 Gy γ-irradiation, though the cell viability was significantly lowered 12 h. On the other hand, no obvious changes were seen in the total protein levels of ERK, JNK and p38 MAPK. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ almost completely suppressed the JNK and p38 MAPK phosphorylation induced by γ-irradia-tion, but removal of external Ca2+ had no such effect. Activation of p38 MAPK, but not of ERK, was seen to have a correlation with γ-irradiation induced apoptosis. Conclusion: The results suggest that γ-irradiation is a potent activator for JNK and p38 MAPK, and Ca2+ mobilized from intracellular stores plays an important role in the activation of MAPKs and the induction of apoptosis in IEC-6 cells.
文摘The effect of U50488, a selective K-opioid receptor agonist, on cardiac rhythm in the isolated perfused rat heart and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+] i) in the single ventricular myocyte were studied. The results showed that U50488 can induce arrhythmias dose-dependently in the isolated perfused rat heart and increase [ Ca2 + ] i in the single ventricular myocyte. The effect of U50488 can be blocked by a selectivek-receptor antagonist, nor-binaltorphimine. The arrhythmogenic effects and the increase of [ Ca2+]i induced by U50488 were blocked by U73122, neomycin and streptomycin, which are selective phospolipase C inhibitors, but not by U73433, the inactive structural analog of U73122. These results demonstrated that the arrhythmogenic effect of cardiac K-receptor is due to activation of phosphoinositol/Ca2+ pathway.
基金Thisworkwassupportedbythegrant (No 95 4812 5 0 0 )fromtheBeijingSciences&TechnologicalCommittee
文摘Background The contractility of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cirrhosis with portal hypertension. The aim of this study was to research the effects of octreotide,an analogue of somatostatin,on intracellular Ca 2+ and on the expression of L-type voltage-operated calcium channels (L-VOCCs) in activated HSCs,and to try to survey the use of octreotide in treatment and prevention of cirrhosis with portal hypertension complications. Methods HSC-T_6,an activated HSCs line,was plated on small glass coverslips in 35-mm culture dishes at a density of 1×10 5/ml,and incubated in DMEM media for 24 hours. After the cells were loaded with Fluo-3/AM,intracellular Ca 2+ was measured by Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM). The dynamic changes in activated HSCs of intracellular Ca 2+ ,stimulated by octreotide,endothelin-1,and KCl, respectively,were also determined by LSCM. Each experiment was repeated six times. L-VOCC expression in HSCs was estimated by immunocytochemistry. Results After octreotide stimulation,a signifcant decrease in the intracellular Ca 2+ of activated HSCs was observed. However,octreotide did not inhibit the increases in intracellular Ca 2+ after stimulation by KCl and endothelin-1. Moreover,octreotide did not significantly affect L-VOCC expression. These results suggest that neither L-VOCC nor endothelin-1 receptors in activated HSCs are inhibited by octreotide. Conclusions Octreotide may decrease portal hypertension and intrahepatic vascular tension by inhibiting activated HSCs contractility through decreases in intracellular Ca 2+ . The somatostatin receptors in activated HSCs may be inhibited by octreotide.
基金Key Project of Chinese National Program for Fundamental Research and Development (973 Program, 2007CB512006)the Natural Science Foundation of China (30900575/30971252)New Century Training Programme Foundation for the Talents of Heilongjiang Province of China (1155-NCET-010)
文摘Objective To assess the anti-arrhythmic activity and cardioprotective effects of Wenxin Granula,a traditional Chinese formula(consisting of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix,Polygonati Rhizoma,Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma,Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,and Succinum),on heart in ischemic-induced myocardial infarction(MI) rats and compare with those of Amiodarone which have been demonstrated in clinic.Methods Rats were randomly divided into Sham-operated(control),MI + Amiodarone [5 mg/(kg.d)](MI),and MI + Wenxin Granula [10 mg/(kg.d)] groups and left anterior descending coronary artery was occluded in each group.After left anterior descending for 12 h,standard lead II of administration electrocardiogram was recorded in order to analyze the occurrence of arrhythmia.After one month,the size of the infarct area of heart was evaluated by TTC staining method and haemodynamic function was assessed to detect the heart function.Laser scanning confocal microscope and the technique of patch clamp were used to detect the intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) and L-type calcium current(ICa-L),respectively.Results Both Wenxin Granula [10 mg/(kg.d)] and Amiodarone [5 mg/(kg.d)] could markedly decrease the incidence of arrhythmia in heart of rats which were subjected to ischemic injury.After one month,Wenxin Granula could significantly decrease mortality to 22.22% and reduce the infarct area(P < 0.05),but Amiodarone did not.The mechanism may involve that Wenxin Granula attenuated [Ca2+]i decreasing in MI rats.Additionally,Wenxin Granula could obviously ameliorate the impaired heart function of MI rats by decreasing the elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and increasing the attenuated maximum change velocity of left ventricular pressure in the isovolumic contraction or relaxation period.On the other hand,electrophysiological experiment results revealed that Wenxin Granula administration one month later also increased the reduced ICa-L density in rat ventricular myocytes in MI rats.The results of LSCM showed that Wenxin Granula could recover the amplitude of [Ca2+]i decreased by heart failure during long term.Conclusion Wenxin Granula could not only inhibit the incidence of arrhythmia but also decrease the mortality,which was accompanied by recovering the amplitude of [Ca2+]i.This protective effect of Wenxin Granula may partially be mediated through changing ICa-L as well as increasing [Ca2+]i.
文摘To investigate the relationship between intracellular free Ca^2+ concentration ([Ca^2+ ]i ) and calcium-activated chloride (Clca) channels of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) in rats under acute and chronic hypoxic conditions, acute hypoxia-induced contraction was observed in rat pulmonary artery by using routine blood vascular perfusion in vitro. The fluorescence Ca^2+ indicator Fura-2/AM was used to observe [Ca^2+ ]i of rat PASMCs under normal and chronic hypoxic condition. The effect of Clca channels on PASMCs proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. The Clca channel blockers niflumic acid (NFA) and indaryloxyacetic acid (IAA-94) exerted inhibitory effects on acute hypoxia-evoked contractions in the pulmonary artery. Under chronic hypoxic condition, [Ca^2+ ]i was increased. Under normoxic condition, [Ca^2+ If was (123.634-18.98) nmol/ L, and in hypoxic condition, [Ca^2+]i wag (281. 754-16.48) nmol/L (P〈0. 01). Under normoxic condition, [Ca^2+ ]i showed no significant change and no effect on Clca channels was observed (P〉 0. 05). Chronic hypoxia increased [Ca^2+ ]i which opened Clca channels. The NFA and IAA-94 blocked the channels and decreased [Ca^2+ ]i from (281.75± 16.48) nmot/L to (117.66 ±15.36) nmol/L (P〈0.01). MTT assay showed that under chronic hypoxic condition NFA and IAA-94 decreased the value of absorbency (A value) from 0. 459±0. 058 to 0. 224±0. 025 (P〈0. 01). Hypoxia increased [Ca^2+ ]i which opened Cl~ channels and had a positive-feedback in [Ca^2+ ]i. This may play an important role in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Under chronic hypoxic condition, Clca channel may play a part in the regulation of proliferation of PASMCs.