Inhibitory Effect of PPARδAgonist GW501516 on Proliferation of Hypoxia-induced Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells by Regulating the mTOR Pathway

Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorδ(PPARδ)agonist GW501516 on the proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells(PASMCs)induced by hypoxia,in order to search for new drugs for the treatment and prevention of pulmonary vascular remodeling.Methods PASMCs were incubated with different concentrations of GW501516(10,30,100 nmol/L)under the hypoxic condition.The proliferation was determined by a CCK-8 assay.The cell cycle progression was analyzed by flow cytometry.The expression of PPARδ,S phase kinase-associated protein 2(Skp2),and cell cycle-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 was detected by Western blotting.Then PASMCs were treated with 100 nmol/L GW501516,100 nmol/L mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)inhibitor rapamycin and/or 2µmol/L mTOR activator MHY1485 to explore the molecular mechanisms by which GW501516 reduces the proliferation of PASMCs.Results The presented data demonstrated that hypoxia reduced the expression of PPARδin an oxygen concentration-and time-dependent manner,and GW501516 decreased the proliferation of PASMCs induced by hypoxia by blocking the progression through the G0/G1 to S phase of the cell cycle.In accordance with these findings,GW501516 downregulated Skp2 and upregulated p27 in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs.Further experiments showed that rapamycin had similar effects as GW501516 in inhibiting cell proliferation,arresting the cell cycle,regulating the expression of Skp2 and p27,and inactivating mTOR in hypoxia-exposed PASMCs.Moreover,MHY1485 reversed all the beneficial effects of GW501516 on hypoxia-stimulated PASMCs.Conclusion GW501516 inhibited the proliferation of PASMCs induced by hypoxia through blocking the mTOR/Skp2/p27 signaling pathway.

NR4A1 enhances glycolysis in hypoxia-exposed pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells by upregulating HIF-1αexpression

Background:Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)is a chronic and progressive disease that is strongly associated with dysregulation of glucose metabolism.Alterations in nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1(NR4A1)activity alter the outcome of PAH.This study aimed to investigate the effects of NR4A1 on glycolysis in PAH and its underlying mechanisms.Methods:This study included twenty healthy volunteers and twenty-three PAH patients,and plasma samples were collected from the participants.To mimic the conditions of PAH in vitro,a hypoxia-induced model of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell(PASMC)model was established.The proliferation of PASMCs was assessed using CCK8 assays.Results:Levels of NR4A1,hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),and various glycolysis-related enzymes were measured.In addition,extracellular glucose and lactate production were assessed.The interaction between NR4A1 and HIF-1αwas evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation assays.Levels of NR4A1 and HIF-1αwas increased in PAH patients,and exposure to hypoxia resulted in increased levels of NR4A1 and HIF-1αin PASMCs.NR4A1 interacted with HIF-1α.NR4A1 overexpression enhanced hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1α,GLUT1,PKM2,HK2,and CD36,decreased glucose levels,increased lactate levels and promoted hypoxic PASMC viability.Conversely,silencing NR4A1 decreased hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1α,GLUT1,PKM2,HK2,and CD36,promoted glucose production,reduced lactate levels and inhibited hypoxic PASMC viability.Furthermore,overexpression of HIF-1αreversed the regulation of glycolysis caused by NR4A1 knockdown.Conclusion:NR4A1 enhances glycolysis in hypoxia-induced PASMCs by upregulating HIF-1α.Our findings indicate that the management of NR4A1 activity may be a promising strategy for PAH therapy.

The Effect of Erigeron Breviscapus on Proliferation of Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells in Hypoxic Porcines

In order to study the effect of Erigeron Breviscapus (EB) on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) in hypoxic porcines, immunohistochemical and MTT methods were employed to measure the proliferation of PASMC. It was found that the proliferation of PASMC in porcines was obvious, and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was significantly high within 48 h after exposure to hypoxia. The EB could inhibit the proliferation and the expression of PCNA in PASMC under hypoxia, but it had no effect on the proliferation and expression of PCNA in PASMC under normal condition. The EB could inhibit the proliferation and the expression of PCNA in PASMC induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), an agonist of PKC in normal and hypoxic conditions. It was concluded that the hypoxia could enhance the proliferation and expression of PCNA in PASMC. The EB can inhibit the proliferation and expression of PCNA in PASMC under hypoxia through PKC-signal way. The EB may be used in treating the pulmonary hypertension by inhibiting the proliferation of PASMC and the pulmonary vascular remodeling.

Hypoxia Down-regulates Secretion of MMP-2, MMP-9 in Porcine Pulmonary Artery Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells and the Role of HIF-1

Summary： Primary cell culture, techniques of gene transfection, gelatin zymography, and Western blot were used to investigate the effect of hypoxia on the secretion of MMP 2 and MMP-9 in pulmonary artery endothelial cells （PAEC） and smooth muscle cells （PASMC）, and the role of HIF-1. Our results showed that （1） after exposure to hypoxia for 24 h, the protein content and activity of MMP-2 in the PAEC medium as well as these of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PASMC medium （P〈0. 01 ） decreased significantly in contrast to those in normoxic group （P（0.05） ; （2） after transfection of wild type EPO3＇ enhancer, a HIF-1 decoy, the content and activity of MMP 2 and MMP-9 in hypoxic mediums became higher than those in normoxic group （P〈0. 01）, while transfection of mutant EPO3＇-enhancer didn＇t affect the hypoxia-induced down-regulation. It is concluded that hypoxia could inhibit the secretion and activity of MMP 2 and MMP-9 in PAEC and PASMC, which could he mitigated by the transfection of EPO3 ＇-enhancer and that H1F-1 pathway might contribute to hypoxia-induced down regulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9.

Effects of calcium-activated chloride channels on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in rats under chronic hypoxic condition

Objective：To investigate the effects of calcium-activated chloride （ClCa） channels on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells（PASMCs） in rats under chronic hypoxic condition. Methods：The cultured PASMCs were placed under normoxic and chronic hypoxic conditions：The cells were observed by light and electron microscope; The cell cycles were observed by flow-cytometry; Immunocytochemistry staining was used to detect the expressions of PCNA, c-fos and c-jun of PASMCs; Cytoplasmic free Ca^2＋ concentration （[Ca^2＋]i） in PASMCs was investigated by fluorescent quantitation using fluorospectrophotometer. Results：The PASMCs were contractile phenotype under normoxic conditions. Observation by transmission electron microscope： In kytoplasm of contractile phenotype cells, myofilament bundles were abundant and the content of cell organs such as Golgi＇s bodies were rare. The PASMCs were synthetic phenotype under chronic hypoxic condition. There were increased free ribosomes, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulums, highly developed Golgi complexes, decreased or disappeared thick filaments and dense body in kytoplasm of synthetic phenotype cells. After NFA and IAA-94, the situations were reversed The number of S ＋G2M PASMCs were significantly increased in chronic hypoxic condition; The NFA and IAA-94 were shown to significantly decrease them from （28.6±1.0）% to （16.0±1.6）% and the number of G0G1 PASMCs significantly increased from （71.4± 1.9）% to （83.9 ± 1.6）% （P〈 0.01）. In chronic hypoxic conditions, the expression of proliferating cell nucleus antigen was significantly increased; The NFA and IAA-94 were shown to significantly decrease it from （81 ± 6）% to （27 ± 7）%（P 〈 0.01）. The expression of c-fos and c-jun were significantly increased in＇chronic hypoxic conditions; The NFA and IAA-94 were shown to significantly decrease them from 0.15 ±0.02, 0.32 ± 0.05 to 0.05 ± 0.01, 0.12 ± 0.05, respectively （P〈 0.01）; Under chronic hypoxic conditions, [Ca^2＋]i was increased; The NFA and IAA-94 decreased it from （281.8±16,5）nmol/L to （117.7 ± 15.4）nmol/L（P 〈 0.01）. Conclusion：Hypoxia initiated the change of PASMCs from contractile to synthetic phenotype and increased proliferation of PASMCs. NFA and IAA-94 depressed cell proliferation by blocking ClCa channels in hypoxic condition. These may play an important role in proliferation of PASMCs under chronic hypoxic conditions.

Involvement of TRPC1 and Cyclin D1 in Human Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells Proliferation Induced by Cigarette Smoke Extract

Cigarette smoking contributes to the development of pulmonary artery hypertension(PAH).As the basic pathological change of PAH,pulmonary vascular remodeling is considered to be related to the abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells(PASMCs).However,the molecular mechanism underlying this process remains not exactly clear.The aim of this research was to study the molecular mechanism of PASMCs proliferation induced by smoking.Human PASMCs(HPASMCs)were divided into 6 groups:0%(control group),cigarette smoking extract(CSE)-treated groups at concentrations of 0.5%,1%,2%,5%,10%CSE respectively.HPASMCs proliferation was observed after 24 h.HPASMCs were divided into two groups:0(control group),0.5%CSE group.The mRNA and protein expression levels of transient receptor potential channel 1(TRPC1)and cyclin D1 in HPASMCs after CSE treatment were respectively detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting.The intracellular calcium ion concentration was measured by the calcium probe in each group.In the negative control group and TRPC1-siRNA transfection group,the proliferation of HPASMCs and the expression of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein were detected.Data were compared with one-way ANOVA(for multiple-group comparison)and independent t-test(for two-group comparison)followed by the least significant difference(LSD)test with the computer software SPSS 17.0.It was found that 0.5%and 1%CSE could promote the proliferation of HPASMCs(P<0.05),and the former was more effective than the latter(P<0.05),while 3%and above CSE had inhibitory effect on HPASMCs(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expression levels of TRPC1 and cyclin D1 in 0.5%and 1%CSE groups were significantly higher than those in the control group(P<0.05),while those in 3%CSE group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Moreover,the proliferation of HPASMCs and the expression of cyclin D1 mRNA and protein in TRPC1-siRNA transfection group were significantly reduced as compared with those in the negative control group(P<0.05).It was concluded that low concentration of CSE can promote the proliferation of HPASMCs,while high concentrations of CSE inhibit HPASMCs proliferation.These findings suggested that CSE induced proliferation of HPASMCs at least in part via TRPC1-mediated cyclin D1 expression.

EFFECT OF HYPOXIA ON DNA SYNTHESIS AND C－MYC GENE EXPRESSION OF PULMONARY ARTERY SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

The neonate is particularly susceptible to the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. The present study was undertaken to observe the effect of hypoxia on DNA synthesis and c-myc gene expression between newborn calf and adult bovine PASMC in vilro. DNA synthesis measured by 3H- TdR incorporation was increased after hypoxic challenge for 24h. Hypoxia enhanced the increment in 3H-TdR incorporation induced by EGF. Northern blot analysis revealed that PASMC cultured in both normoxia and hypoxia expressed c- myc gene transcript of 2. 2Kb ,but there is a higher 2. 2Kb mRNA expression in hypoxic PASMC than that in normoxia. We speculate that newborn calf PASMC exhibited potential response to hypoxia than adult,which was augmented by EGF. Enhanced c-myc gene expression may lead to a great understanding of the mechanism of PASMC growth in the development of pulmonary hypertension.

Effects of NHE-1 ribozyme gene transfection on apoptosis of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in vitro

Objective : To investigate the effects of the transfection of NHE-1 ribozyme gene on the apoptosis of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) in vitro. Methods: After NHE-1 ribozyme gene was designed, synthesized and then cloned into plasmid pLXSN, the recombined plasmid was tansfected into cultured rat PASMC. Expression of NHE-1 mRNA was detected with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Intracellular pH (pHi) was measured by using fluorescence dye BCECF-AM. Cell cycle was measured with aid of flow cy-tometric DNA analysis. Cell apoptosis was observed with electron microscopy and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNED respectively. Results: The NHE-1 mRNA expression level and pHi value were significantly lower in PASMCs transfected with NHE-1 ribozyme gene than those transfected with pLXSN or without transfection. Meanwhile, the apoptosis rate of cells transfected with NHE-1 ribozyme gene was increased significantly. Morphology of cell apoptosis was observed in the cells transfected with NHE-1 ribozyme gene under an electron microscope. Conclusion: The transfection of NHE-1 ribozyme gene induces the apoptosis of PASMCs by inhibiting NHE-1 expression and intracellular acidification.

Efficient differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells from Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stromal cells using human platelet lysate: A potential cell source for small blood vessel engineering

BACKGROUND The development of fully functional small diameter vascular grafts requires both a properly defined vessel conduit and tissue-specific cellular populations.Mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs) derived from the Wharton's Jelly(WJ) tissue can be used as a source for obtaining vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs),while the human umbilical arteries(h UAs) can serve as a scaffold for blood vessel engineering.AIM To develop VSMCs from WJ-MSCs utilizing umbilical cord blood platelet lysate.METHODS WJ-MSCs were isolated and expanded until passage(P) 4. WJ-MSCs were properly defined according to the criteria of the International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy. Then, these cells were differentiated into VSMCs with the use of platelet lysate from umbilical cord blood in combination with ascorbic acid,followed by evaluation at the gene and protein levels. Specifically, gene expression profile analysis of VSMCs for ACTA2, MYH11, TGLN, MYOCD, SOX9,NANOG homeobox, OCT4 and GAPDH, was performed. In addition,immunofluorescence against ACTA2 and MYH11 in combination with DAPI staining was also performed in VSMCs. HUAs were decellularized and served as scaffolds for possible repopulation by VSMCs. Histological and biochemical analyses were performed in repopulated h UAs.RESULTS WJ-MSCs exhibited fibroblastic morphology, successfully differentiating into"osteocytes", "adipocytes" and "chondrocytes", and were characterized by positive expression(> 90%) of CD90, CD73 and CD105. In addition, WJ-MSCs were successfully differentiated into VSMCs with the proposed differentiation protocol. VSMCs successfully expressed ACTA2, MYH11, MYOCD, TGLN and SOX9. Immunofluorescence results indicated the expression of ACTA2 and MYH11 in VSMCs. In order to determine the functionality of VSMCs, h UAs were isolated and decellularized. Based on histological analysis, decellularized h UAs were free of any cellular or nuclear materials, while their extracellular matrix retained intact. Then, repopulation of decellularized h UAs with VSMCs was performed for 3 wk. Decellularized h UAs were repopulated efficiently by the VSMCs. Biochemical analysis revealed the increase of total hydroyproline and s GAG contents in repopulated h UAs with VSMCs. Specifically, total hydroxyproline and s GAG content after the 1 st, 2 nd and 3 rd wk was 71 ± 10, 74 ± 9 and 86 ± 8 μg hydroxyproline/mg of dry tissue weight and 2 ± 1, 3 ± 1 and 3 ± 1μg s GAG/mg of dry tissue weight, respectively. Statistically significant differences were observed between all study groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION VSMCs were successfully obtained from WJ-MSCs with the proposed differentiation protocol. Furthermore, h UAs were efficiently repopulated by VSMCs. Differentiated VSMCs from WJ-MSCs could provide an alternative source of cells for vascular tissue engineering.

Oxidative modification of high density lipoprotein induced by cultured human arterial smooth muscle cells

Objective: To observe the oxidative modification of high density lipoprotein (HDL) induced by cultured human arterial smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Methods: HDL cocultured with SMCs at 37℃ in 48 h was subjected, and native HDL (N-HDL) served as control. Oxidative modification of HDL was identified by using agarose gel electrophoresis. Absorbances of conjugated diene (CD) and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) were measured with ultraviolet spectrophotometry at 234 and 560 nm respectively, and fluorescence intensity of thiobarbuturic acid reaction substance (TBARS) with fluorescence spectrophotometry at 550 nm emission wavelength with excitation at 515 nm. Results: In comparison with N-HDL, the electrophoretic mobility of SMCs-cocultured HDL was increased, and the contents of CD, LOOH and TBARS HDL were very significantly higher than those of the control HDL (P<0.01). Conclusion: Oxidative modification of HDL can be induced by human arterial SMCs.

The inhibitory effect of endogenous opioid peptide on the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

To investigate the effects of endogenous opioid peptides L-enkephalin (L-Enk) and morphine on the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and analyze their mechanism. Methods: Rabbit PASMCs cultured invitro, MTT method and 3 H-TdR incoporation were Used. Results: 1×10-3 -1×10-4 mol/L L-Enk markedly inhibited the proliferation and the DNA synthesis of PALMCs, which could be reversed by naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, while orphineseemed to have no obvious effects on the proliferation and the DNA synthesis of PASMCs. Conclusion: Endogenous opioid peptidecan inhibit the proliferation and DNA synthesis of PASMCs, which is mainly mediated through opioid δ receptor and not opioid μreceptor.

Iptakalim, a novel ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener, inhibits pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation by downregulation of PKC-α

Iptakalim is a new ATP-sensitive potassium （KATp） channel opener, and it inhibits the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） and pulmonary vascular remodeling. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, we found that iptakalim significantly decreased pulmonary artery pressure, inhibited pulmonary ariery remodeling and PKC-α overexpression in chronic hypoxia in a rat pulmonary hypertension model. Iptakalim reduced hypoxia-induced expression of PKC-α, and abolished the effect of hypoxia on PASMC proliferation significantly in a dose-dependent manner in vitro. Moreover, these effects were abol- ished by glibenclamide, a selective KArp channel antagonist. These results indicate that iptakalim inhibits PASMC proliferation and pulmonary vascular remodeling induced by hypoxia through downregulating the expression of PKC-α. Iptakalim can serve as a novel promising treatment for hypoxic pulmonary hypertension.

Differential Effect of Calcium-Activated Potassium and Chloride Channels on Rat Basilar Artery Vasomotion

Spontaneous, rhythmical contractions, or vasomotion, can be recorded from cerebral vessels under both normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. We investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying vasomotion in the cerebral basilar artery （BA） of Wistar rats. Pressure myograph video microscopy was used to study the changes in cerebral artery vessel diameter. The main results of this study were as follows： （1） The diameters of BA and middle cerebral artery （MCA） were 314.5±15.7 μm （n=15） and 233.3±10.1 μm （n=12） at 10 mmHg working pressure （P〈0.05）, respectively. Pressure-induced vasomotion occurred in BA （22/28, 78.6%）, but not in MCA （4/31, 12.9%） from 0 to 70 mmHg working pressure. As is typical for vasomotion, the contractile phase of the response was more rapid than the relaxation phase; （2） The frequency of vasomotion response and the diameter were gradually increased in BA from 0 to 70 mmHg working pressure. The amplitude of the rhythmic con- tractions was relatively constant once stable conditions were achieved. The frequency of contractions was variable and the highest value was 16.7±4.7 （n=13） per 10 min at 60 mmHg working pressure; （3） The pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated BA was attenuated by nifedipine, NFA, 181]-GA, TEA or in Ca2＋-free medium. Nifedipine, NFA, 18^-GA or Ca2＋-free medium not only dampened vasomotion, but also kept BA in relaxation state. In contrasts, TEA kept BA in contraction state. These results sug- gest that the pressure-induced vasomotion of the isolated BA results from an interaction between Ca2＋-activated C1- channels （CaCCs） currents and Kca currents. We hypothesize that vasomotion of BA depends on the depolarizing of the vascular smooth muscle cells （VSMCs） to activate CaCCs. Depolarization in turn activates voltage-dependent Ca2＋ channels, synchronizing contractions of adjacent cells through influx of extracellular calcium and the flow of calcium through gap junctions. Subsequent calcium-induced calcium release from ryanodine-sensitive stores activates Kca channels and hyperpo- larizes VSMCs, which provides a negative feedback loop for regenerating the contractile cycle.

Hypoxia promotes cell proliferation by modulating E2F1 in chicken pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

In this study,we sought to investigate the expression of the transcription factor E2F1 in chicken pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells upon hypoxia exposure,as well as the role that E2F1 played in the regulation of cell proliferation.Isolated chicken pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells were subjected to hypoxia or normoxia for indicated time points.Cell viability,DNA synthesis,cell cycle profile,and expression of E2F1 were analyzed.The results showed that hypoxia promoted cell proliferation and DNA synthesis which was accompanied by an increased S phase entry and upregulation of E2F1 at mRNA and protein levels.Using siRNA technology,we demonstrated that gene inactivation of endogenous E2F1 abolished hypoxia-induced cell proliferation,DNA synthesis,and S phase entry compared with negative siRNA transfected cells.These results suggest that hypoxia-induced proliferation is mediated by inducing E2F1 in chicken pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells.

Iododeoxyuridine uptake in proliferating smooth musc le cells:an in vitro model to assess drug effects on intimal hyperplasia

Purpose To assess the maximum uptake of Iododeo xyur idine (IUdR) by proliferating smooth muscle cells in vitro to determine the opti mal concentration to be administrated in an in vivo experiment. The long-term g oal is to utilize radioactive IUdR to inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation a nd restenosis of arteries after balloon angioplasty in vivo. Methods Porcine smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were cultured in 5% FBS medium and stim ulated to proliferate by the addition of medium containing 10% FBS and insulin. IUdR was added at 5 μM, 10 μM, 20 μM, 30 μM, 40 μM, respectively, in prolif erating SMCs with control for 1, 3, 5, 7 day incubation. Fluorescence Activated Cell Scanning (FACS) was performed after the SMCs were harvested and double-sta ined with FITC-conjugated anti-IUdR antibody (B44) and propidium iodide (PI). The ratio of IUdR-labeled cells to total cell population for each IUdR concentr ation and duration was determined by FACS. All data were repeated three times at each time point. The doubling times, growth curve and cell density of the proli ferating SMCs were investigated using Beckman Coulter Particle Counter and digit al microscopy. Results The percentage of proliferating SMCs uptaking IUdR incr eased from 1 to 5 days incubation with all concentrations of IUdR; In day 5, the uptake rate reached the peak value, then decreased by 7 days. IUdR uptake on d ay 5 was higher with concentrations of 10 μM and 20 μM. The doubling times of the SMCs were prolonged with IUdR concentration increasing, while the proliferat ing cell number and density compared with control decreased obviously by day 5 ( P<0.05).Conclusion The peak time to uptake IUdR was 5 days and optimal concentration of IUdR was between10 μM to 20 μM for proliferating SMCs to upta ke in vitro. IUdR itself could inhibit the SMCs’ proliferation and the inhibito ry effect was related to the concentration.[

8-(N,N-Diethylamino)-n-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate reduced (Ca^(2+))_i elevation induced by histamine,serotonin,and glutamate in cultured calf basilar artery smooth muscle cells

目的：研究８（Ｎ，Ｎ二乙胺）ｎ辛基３，４，５三甲氧基苯甲酸酯对培养乳牛基底动脉平滑肌［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ的作用．方法：采用ＡＲＣＭＭＩＣ阳离子测定系统，测量细胞内游离钙浓度（［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ）．结果：在细胞外钙浓度为１３ｍｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１时，ＴＭＢ８３０μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１可明显抑制组胺，５羟色胺和谷氨酸引起的［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ的升高．在外钙为零＋依他酸０１ｍｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１时，ＴＭＢ８３０μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１可明显降低静息［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ，ＴＭＢ８３０μｍｏｌ·Ｌ－１可几乎完全阻断组胺和５羟色胺增加［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ的作用．结论：ＴＭＢ８降低培养乳牛基底动脉平滑肌静息［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ，抑制Ｈｉｓ，５ＨＴ和Ｇｌｕ引起的［Ｃａ２＋］ｉ的增加．

Immuohistochemical study on smooth muscle cell proliferation, pheno-typic modulation, and extracellular matrix accumulation in venous arterial grafts in rabbits

Objective: To study the kinetics and distribution of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, phe-notypic modulation, and various extracellular matrix (ECM) components accumulation during vein graft remodeling. Methods: Normal vein and vein graft in carotid arteries were examined on d 4, d 7, d 14, d 60 and d180 after bypass grafting with immunohistochemical markers of cellular proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA), cytoskeletal protein production (a-actin SMC), myosin heavy chain (MHO iso-forms, ECM proteins, and histochemistry (hematoxylin eosin and Elastica-van Gieson stain). Results: Normal veins demonstrated an extremely low level of cellular proliferation and expressed as adult phenotype SM-Cs in media. After bypass grafting, medial SMCs in the graft appeared to be damaged and began to proliferate on d 4, and subsequently migrated and formed the neointima on d 7. Thereafter, the neointima thickened throughout the 180-day period of the experiment, although the neointimal SMC proliferation decreased after d 14. Meanwhile SMCs underwent a distinct phenotypic change from normal adult type to embryonic type. On d 60, embryonic phenotype SMCs began to return to the adult phenotype, but remain to be present in the neointima for as long as 180 d. ECM components including type I collagen, heparin sulfate proteoglucan (HSPG), and dermatan sulfate proteoglcan (decorin) were detected within the neointima on d 7. Thereafter, the accumulation of ECM increased progressively with time. On d 180, a large amount of ECM components were found in the neointima. HSPG mainly accumulated in the superficial and cellular region of the neointima , decorin, on other hand, located in hypocellular area deep in neointima. Type I collagen scatted in both regions. The elastic fibers became rich and arranged continuously in the neointima. Conclusion: The neointima of vein graft was initially formed by proliferation of the embryonic-type SMCs and then thickened infinitely due to ECM accumulation. Prolonged existence of the embryonic-type SMCs in the neointima may contribute to ECM accumulation and increase in the neointima thickness infinitely, which may predispose accelerated stenosis in the vein graft.

Effect of cigarette smoke extract on proliferation of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and the relevant roles of protein kinase C

Background Increased proliferation of pulmonary vascular cells and muscularisation of pulmonary vessels are frequently observed in human smokers and in animals exposed to cigarette smoke. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms leading to these changes, we studied the in vitro effect of cigarette smoke extract （CSE） on proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） and activation of protein kinase C （PKC）, an important kinase implicated in cell proliferation. Methods PASMCs cultured from 12 normal Wistar rats were studied in the following conditions： （1） PASMCs were exposed to different concentrations of CSE for 24 hours, then MTT colorimetric assay was used for detection of cell proliferation. Cell viability was assessed by trypan blue exclusion. （2） PASMCs were pre-incubated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate （PMA） for 24 hours or Ro31-8220 for 30 minutes before exposure to 5% CSE for 24 hours. Cell proliferation was examined by MTT colorimetric assay, cell cycle analysis and proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） immunocytochemical staining. （3） PASMCs were exposed to 5% CSE for 24 hours. Then PKC-a mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT- PCR） and protein expression by Western blotting, while PKC-α translocation was observed by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. （4） PASMCs were transfected with specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against PKC-a 6 hours before exposure to 5% CSE for 24 hours. PKC-α protein expression and cell proliferation were detected by methods described previously. Results （1） Low concentration of CSE （5%） increased proliferation of PASMCs, whereas high concentrations （20%, 30%） were inhibitory as a result of cytotoxicity. （2） The value of absorbance （Value A）, proliferation index （PI）, S-phase cell fraction （SPF） and average optical density of PCNA staining in PASMCs from 5% CSE exposure group （0.306 ± 0.033, 0.339 ± 0.033, 0.175 ± 0.021, 0.315 ± 0.038, respectively） were significantly increased compared with those of control group （0.249 ± 0.018, 0.177 ± 0.055, 0.092 ± 0.023, 0.187 ± 0.022, respectively） （P〈0.05）. PKC down-regulation by PMA pretreatment or PKC inhibition by Ro31-8220 pre-incubation abolished the effect of 5% CSE on PASMCs proliferation. （3） After exposure to 5% CSE for 24 hours, PKC-α mRNA and protein expression in PASMCs （1.054 ± 0.078 1.185 ± 0.041, respectively） were much higher than in untreated cells （0.573 ± 0.054, 0.671 ± 0.055, respectively） （P〈0.01）. Moreover, 5% CSE induced a translocation of PKC-a from cytoplasm toward the perinuclear area and into the nucleus. （4） Specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotides against PKC-a reduced 5% CSE-induced expression of PKC-a protein （0.713 ± 0.047 vs 1.180 ± 0.056）, also abolished the effect of 5% CSE on PASMCs proliferation significantly. Conclusions CSE can be cytotoxic at high concentrations. But at low concentrations, it makes a mitogenic effect on cultured PASMCs. PKC, especially its alpha isozyme, seems to play an important role in CSE-induced proliferation of PASMC.

Effect of Yifei Huoxue Granule (益肺活血颗粒) on the Proliferation of Rat Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells upon Exposure to Chronic Hypoxic Conditions in Vitro

Objective： To investigate the inhibitory effect of Yifei Huoxue Granule （益肺活血颗粒, YFHXG） on the hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells （PASMCs） and its mechanism of decreasing pulmonary arterial pressure. Methods： Twenty male Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into four groups： saline, and 0.66, 3.30 and 16.50 g/kg of YFHXG groups, the saline and different concentrations of YFHXG were given twice daily for 7 days, respectively. Serum-pharmacology method was used in the preparation of YFHXG serum. Tissue block anchorage was employed in the primary culture of rat PASMCs. The PASMCs were randomly divided into normoxia group, hypoxia group, and hypoxia＋YFHXG group （0.66, 3.30 and 16.50 g/kg doses of YFHXG-treated serum groups, exposed to hypoxic condition）. PASMCs in normoxia and hypoxia group were cultured with saline serum, hypoxia＋YFHXG groups were cultured with different concentrations of YFHXG serum. Cell viability was assessed with 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5- diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay. Cell cycle was analyzed using flow cytometry. In addition, hypoxia inducible factor-l-alpha （HIF-1α） protein expression was evaluated by immunocytochemistry analysis, the concentration of intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） and Ca2＋ were determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy （LSCM）. Results： MTT assay and flow cytometry showed that hypoxia could directly activate the proliferation of PASMCs, while YFHXG dose-dependently inhibited hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat PASMCs. Immunocytochemistry showed that hypoxia enhanced HIF-1α protein expression, and LSCM showed that hypoxia significantly increased intracellular ROS and Ca2., while YFHXG decreased the expression of HIF- 1α and attenuated the hypoxia-induced increase in intracellular concentration of ROS and Ca2＋. Conclusions： YFHXG could inhibit hypoxia-induced proliferation of rat PASMCs, which may decrease pulmonary arterial pressure and vascular remodeling. The anti-hypoxia effect of YFHXG may be explained by its regulation of HIF- 1 α expression and of the levels of intracellular ROS and Ca2＋.

Effect of mitochondrial K_(ATP) channel on voltage gated K^+ channel in 24 hour-hypoxic human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

Background Hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is initiated by inhibition of O 2 sensitive, voltage gated (Kv) channels in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) The mechanism of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension has not yet been fully elucidated The mitochondrial ATP sensitive K + channel (MitoK ATP ) is extremely sensitive to hypoxia, and is a decisive factor in the control of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ m) This study investigated the changes of cell membrane potential and Kv channel in cultured human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (hPASMC) exposed to 24 hour hypoxia, and explored the role of MitoK ATP and ΔΨ m in this condition Methods Fresh human lung tissues were obtained from the patients undergoing a chest operation hPASMCs were isolated, cultured, and divided into 6 groups: ① control group, cultured under normoxia; ② diazoxide group, cultured in normoxia with diazoxide, an opener of MitoK ATP ; ③ 5 HD group, cultured in normoxia with sodium 5 hydroxydecanoate (5 HD), an antagonist of MitoK ATP ; ④ 24 hour hypoxia group; ⑤ 24 hour hypoxia + diazoxide group; and ⑥ 24 hour hypoxia + 5HD group Whole cell patch clamp technique was used to trace the cell membrane K + currents The expressions of cell membrane Kv1 5 mRNA and protein were determined by RT PCR and Western blot technique, respectively The relative changes in mitochondrial potential were tested with rhodamine fluorescence (R 123) technique Results After exposure to diazoxide for 24 hours, the intensity of R 123 fluorescence in normoxic hPASMCs was significantly increased compared with control group ( P <0 05), but there were no significant changes in these tests after the hPASMCs had been exposed to 5 HD for 24 hours Twenty four hour hypoxia or 24 hour hypoxia + diazoxide could markedly increase the intensity of R 123 fluorescence in hPASMC and the changes were more significant in 24 hour hypoxia +diazoxide group than in 24 hour hypoxia group ( P <0 05) although 5 HD could partly weaken the effect of 24 hour hypoxia on the intensity of R 123 fluorescence After exposure to diazoxide for 24 hours, the cell membrane K + currents and the expression of cell membrane Kv1 5 mRNA and protein in normoxic hPASMCs were significantly decreased compared with control group ( P <0 05), but there were no significant changes in these tests after the hPASMCs had been exposed to 5 HD for 24 hours Also, 24 hour hypoxia or 24 hour hypoxia + diazoxide decreased the cell membrane K + currents and the expression of Kv1 5 mRNA and protein ( P <0 05) but the changes were more significant in 24 hour hypoxia + diazoxide group than in 24 hour hypoxia group ( P <0 05) Again, 5 HD could partly weaken the inhibitory effect of 24 hour hypoxia on the cell membrane K + currents and the expression of Kv1 5 mRNA or protein ( P <0 05) Conclusions The opening of MitoK ATP followed by a depolarization of ΔΨ m in hypoxia might contribute to the alterations in the expression of cell membrane Kv1 5 mRNA and protein leading to change in the cell membrane potential of hypoxic hPASMCs This might be a mechanism of the development of hypoxic pulmonary hypertension