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International audience; Various 3-amino-, 3-aryloxy- and alkoxy-6-arylpyridazines have been synthesized by an electrochemical reductive cross-coupling between 3-amino-, 3-aryloxy- or 3-alkoxy-6-chloropyridazines and aryl or heteroaryl halides. In vitro antiproliferative activity of these products was evaluated against a representative panel of cancer cell lines (HuH7, CaCo-2, MDA-MB-231, HCT116, PC3, NCI-H727, HaCaT) and oncogenicity prevention of the more efficient derivatives was highlighted on human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB 468-Luc prior establishing their interaction with p44/42 and Akt-dependent signaling pathways.

Background and purpose The early management of the cardiovascular dysfunction of septic shock is critical as it is associated with a poor outcome. Although the use of catecholamines is a common therapy in this syndrome, no data are available on the involvement of β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) subtypes and only few studies report an alteration of β-adrenergic-induced vasodilation in septic shock. The purpose of the study was to evaluate vascular β 1 , β 2 and β 3 -AR expression and function in an endotoxemic rat model. Experimental approach Endotoxemia was induced in rats by intravenous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). β 1 , β 2 and β 3 -AR mRNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR in aorta and vascular β 1 , β 2 and β 3 -AR responses were determined on conducting (aorta) and/or resistance (mesenteric and renal) arteries by constructing relaxation curves in response to different β-AR agonists. Results The maximal effect of isoproterenol decreased by 31 to 61% in the three vascular beds of LPS-treated rats compared to controls. In aortas from LPS-treated rats, β 1 and β 3 -AR mRNA expression was decreased and associated to a reduced β 1 and β 3 -induced vasodilation. Conversely, albeit β 2 -AR mRNA was unchanged, the maximal β 2 -AR-induced vasodilation increased by 49% in aortas from LPS-treated rats compared to controls. This increase was not affected by endothelium removal but was abolished in the presence of a β 2 -AR antagonist or an adenylate cyclase inhibitor. Conclusions In endotoxemia, β 2 -AR vasodilation was increased by a potential recruitment of β 2 -AR located on smooth muscle cells. This study suggests that vascular β 2 -AR should be a putative new therapeutic target in septic shock.

International audience; Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are associated with many pathogenic disorders such as pathogenesis of diabetes or endothelial dysfunction leading to cardiovascular events. Therefore, the identification of new anti-AGE molecules or extracts aims at preventing such pathologies. Many Clusiaceae and Calophyllaceae species are used in traditional medicines to treat arterial hypertension as well as diabetes. Focusing on these plant families, an anti-AGE plant screening allowed us to select Mammea neurophylla for further phytochemical and biological studies. Indeed, both DCM and MeOH stem bark extracts demonstrated in vitro their ability to prevent inflammation in endothelial cells and to reduce vasoconstriction. A bioguided fractionation of these extracts allowed us to point out 4-phenyl- and 4-(1-acetoxypropyl)coumarins and procyanidins as potent inhibitors of AGE formation, potentially preventing endothelial dysfunction. The fractionation steps also led to the isolation of two new compounds, namely neurophyllols A and B from the DCM bark extract together with thirteen known mammea A and E coumarins (mammea A/AA, mammea A/AB, mammea A/BA, mammea A/BB, mammea A/AA cycloD, mammea A/AB cycloD, disparinol B, mammea A/AB cycloE, ochrocarpin A, mammea A/AA cycloF, mammea A/AB cycloF, mammea E/BA, mammea E/BB) as well as δ-tocotrienol, xanthones (1-hydroxy-7-methoxyxanthone, 2-hydroxyxanthone) and triterpenes (friedelin and betulinic acid). During this study, R,S-asperphenamate, previously described from fungal origin was also purified.

Sustained overactivation of RhoA is a common component for the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension. Although activity of Rho proteins depends on Rho exchange factors (Rho-GEFs), the identity of Rho-GEFs expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and participating in the control of Rho protein activity and Rho-dependent functions remains unknown. To address this question, we analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR the expression profile of 28 RhoA-GEFs in arteries of normotensive (saline-treated) and hypertensive (ANG II-treated) rats. Sixteen RhoA-GEFs were downregulated in mesenteric arteries of hypertensive rats, among which nine are also downregulated in cultured VSMC stimulated by ANG II (100 nM, 48 h), suggesting a direct effect of ANG II. Inhibition of type 1 ANG II receptors (losartan, 1 μM) or Rho kinase (fasudil, 10 μM) prevented ANG II-induced RhoA-GEF downregulation. Functionally, ANG II-induced downregulation of RhoA-GEFs is associated with decreased Rho kinase activation in response to endothelin-1, norepinephrine, and U-46619. This work thus identifies a group of RhoA-GEFs that controls RhoA and RhoA-dependent functions in VSMC, and a negative feedback of RhoA/Rho kinase activity on the expression of these RhoA-GEFs that may play an adaptative role to limit RhoA/Rho kinase activation.

Resume Dans ce projet concernant la mise au point de nouvelles endoprotheses vasculaires (stents) liberant de facon controlee des molecules pharmacologiques, nous avons prepare des macromonomeres de polyacide lactique biodegradables et biocompatibles, de masse molaire controlee (600 g/mol), ayant une double liaison permettant par la suite l’electrogreffage sur un stent metallique. Cette sous-couche biodegradable a pour role d’ameliorer l’interface entre le metal et la matrice polymere degradable qui sera deposee ulterieurement sur le stent pour assurer une bonne liberation du principe actif (DES). Nous avons teste la faisabilite de l’electrogreffage de cette sous-couche a base de PLA, sa degradation in vitro puis in vivo ainsi que la recolonisation du stent par des cellules. Les resultats positifs obtenus dans cette etude sont tout a fait encourageants pour la mise au point de nouveaux DES.

Activation of the thrombin receptors, called PAR, leads to a remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton depending on the small G proteins of the Rho family. The main one, RhoA, controls platelet contractility. The Arhgef1 nucleotide exchange factor, responsible for the activation of RhoA, is not well known. Our goal is to identify the role of Arhgef1 in platelet activity and thrombin generation in response to thrombin-activated PAR receptors. Thrombin generation, platelet activation and aggregation are measured by fluorimetry, flow cytometry, and turbidimetry in the blood of Arhgef1+/+ and Arhgef1−/− mice. The formation of a thrombus in the carotid artery in response to the local application of FeCl3, is followed by Echo-Doppler. In response to thrombin, aggregation of washed platelets and intracellular calcium are similar in Arhgef1−/− and Arhgef1+/+ mice. However, the secretion of alpha granules, exposure of phosphatidylserine and release of microparticles associated with platelet activation are decreased compared to Arhgef1+/+ mice. The generation of whole blood thrombin was significantly reduced (25%) in Arhgef1−/− mice compared to Arhgef1+/+. These changes result in an increase in the time of an occlusive thrombus occurrence induced by FeCl3 in the carotid artery. Our results show the involvement of the platelet RhoA pathway in the self-amplification of thrombin generation by a mechanism dependent on Arhgef1 and PAR receptors. Changes in the distribution of membrane phospholipids suggest that this pathway could participate in the deleterious effects of thrombin in atherothrombosis.

Urotensin II (U-II), a vasoactive cyclic neuropeptide which activates the G protein-coupled receptor UT receptor, exerts various cardiovascular effects and may play a role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. In this study, we report that the UT receptor is expressed and functional on human PBMC and rat splenocytes. PBMC surface expression of the UT receptor was mainly found in monocytes and NK cells, also in a minority of B cells, but not in T cells. Stimulation of monocytes with LPS increased UT receptor mRNA and protein expression. Cloning and functional characterization of the human UT receptor gene promoter revealed the presence of NF-κB-binding sites involved in the stimulation of UT receptor gene expression by LPS. Activation of the UT receptor by U-II induced chemotaxis with maximal activity at 10 and 100 nM. This U-II effect was restricted to monocytes. Analysis of the signaling pathway involved indicated that U-II-mediated chemotaxis was related to RhoA and Rho kinase activation and actin cytoskeleton reorganization. The present results thus identify U-II as a chemoattractant for UT receptor-expressing monocytes and indicate a pivotal role of the RhoA-Rho kinase signaling cascade in the chemotaxis induced by U-II.

In the vascular system, arterial wall cell phenotype and fate are driven by the mechanical properties of their surrounding environment. Changes in the mechanical environment, such as age-related ex...

Objective: Hyaluronan (HA) is an important constituent of the extracellular matrix and is known to regulate cellular events through binding to CD44 and the receptor for HA-mediated motility (RHAMM). Here we investigated the role of these receptors and the signaling pathways involved in HA-mediated effects in arterial smooth muscle cells (ASMC). Methods: Effects of high-molecular weight HA (1 to 5 mg/ml) were analyzed in cultured ASMC from rat aorta. Results: HA promoted actin stress fiber and lamellipodia formation and dose-dependently induced ASMC migration without effect on proliferation. Pull-down assay of Rho protein activity indicated that HA activated RhoA and Rac. HA-induced ASMC migration was not affected by the RhoA inhibitor Tat-C3 (10 μg/ml), the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (10 μM) and blocking anti-CD44 antibody, but was reduced by the non-selective Rho protein inhibitor simvastatin (10 μM), the Rac inhibitor LT-toxin (1 μg/ml), small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Rac and the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 (25 μM), which also blocked HA-induced Rac activation. CD44 knockdown by siRNA inhibited HA-mediated RhoA activation without effect on ASMC migration. In contrast, siRNA targeting RHAMM inhibited both HA-induced migration and Rac activation. Conclusions: High-molecular weight HA independently activates RhoA and Rac through CD44 and RHAMM, respectively. HA-induced migration depends exclusively on RHAMM-mediated PI3K-dependent Rac activation.

Introduction: Although a causative role for RhoA-Rho kinase signaling has been recognized in the development of human hypertension, the molecular mechanism(s) as well as the RhoA exchange factors (GEFs) responsible for the over activation of RhoA remain unknown. Arhgef1 has been recently identified as a RhoA GEF involved in Ang II-mediated regulation of vascular tone and hypertension in mice. Hypothesis: Here we assessed the hypothesis that Arhgef1 is activated and involved in the activation of RhoA-Rho kinase signaling by Ang II in humans. Methods: We used in vitro stimulation of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells and human peripheral blood cells (PBMC) by Ang II (0.1 μmol/L), and PBMC isolated from normotensive subjects before and after activation of the renin-angiotensin system by a low-salt diet for 7 days (checked by the increase in plasma aldosterone and active renine). Activation of Arhgef1 was monitored by measuring its tyrosine phosphorylation by western blot and phosphorylation of the Rho kinase target MYPT was used to measure the activity of RhoA/Rho kinase signaling. Results: In vitro, Ang II induced activation of Arhgef1 in human vascular smooth muscle cells and PBMC. Silencing of Arhgef1 expression by siRNA in human vascular smooth muscle cells inhibited Ang II-induced activation of RhoA-Rho kinase signaling (0.67±0.12 vs 3.21±0.91relative to unstimulated condition, n=4, P Conclusions: Our results show that Ang II stimulates Arhgef1 activity and strongly suggest that Arhgef1 mediates Ang II-induced RhoA activation in humans. Moreover, we show for the first time that measurement of RhoA GEF activity in PBMC might be a useful method to evaluate RhoA GEF activity in humans.

Inhibition of the type 5 phosphodiesterase and inhibition of Rho kinase are both effective in reducing pulmonary hypertension (PH). Here we investigate whether Rho kinase inhibition is involved in the beneficial effect of the type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor sildenafil on PH. Chronic hypoxia-induced PH in rats is associated with an increase in RhoA activity in pulmonary artery that was maximal after 2 days (10.7±0.9-fold increase, n=6, P

International audience; The sequence of human urotensin II (UII) has been recently established as H-Glu-Thr-Pro-Asp-Cys-Phe-Trp-Lys-Tyr-Cys-Val-OH, and it has been reported that UII is the most potent mammalian vasoconstrictor peptide identified so far. A series of UII analogues was synthesized, and the contractile activity of each compound was studied in vitro using de-endothelialised rat aortic rings. Replacement of each amino acid by an L-alanine or by a D-isomer showed that the N- and C-terminal residues flanking the cyclic region of the amidated peptide were relatively tolerant to substitution. Conversely, replacement of any residue of the cyclic region significantly reduced the contractile activity of the molecule. The octapeptide UII(4-11) was 4 times more potent than UII, indicating that the C-terminal region of the molecule possesses full biological activity. Alanine or D-isomer substitutions in UII(4-11) or in UII(4-11)-NH2, respectively, showed a good correlation with the results obtained for UII-NH2. Disulfide bridge disruption or replacement of the cysteine residues by their D-enantiomers markedly reduced the vasoconstrictor effect of UII and its analogues. In contrast, acetylation of the N-terminal residue of UII and UII-NH2 enhanced the potency of the peptide. Finally, monoiodination of the Tyr6 residue in UII(4-11) increased by 5 fold the potency of the peptide in the aortic ring bioassay. This structure-activity relationship study should provide useful information for the rational design of selective and potent UII receptor agonists and antagonists.

International audience; OBJECTIVE: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is highly expressed in the kidney, where its function remains unclear. In vitro data suggested that PCSK9 could impair the trafficking of the epithelial Na channel (ENaC). Here, we aimed at determining the consequences of PCSK9-deficiency on blood pressure, sodium balance and ENaC function in vivo in mice. METHODS: Blood pressure was measured using non-invasive tail-cuff system or radiotelemetry under basal conditions in male and female PCSK9(+/+) and PCSK9(-/-) mice, as well as in models of hypertension: l-NAME (2 mg/kg/day), angiotensin II (1 mg/kg/day) and deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt in male mice only. Plasma and urine electrolytes (Na(+), K(+), Cl(-)) were collected under basal conditions, after DOCA-salt and amiloride treatment. Renal expression of ENaC subunits was assessed by western blotting. RESULTS: PCSK9-deficiency did not alter both basal blood pressure and its increase in salt-insensitive (l-NAME) and salt-sensitive (Ang-II and DOCA-salt) hypertension models. Plasma PCSK9 concentrations were increased by 2.8 fold in DOCA-salt-induced hypertension. The relative expression of the cleaved, active, 30-kDa αENaC subunit was significantly increased by 32% in kidneys of PCSK9(-/-) mice under basal, but not under high-Na(+) diet or DOCA-salt conditions. Amiloride increased urinary Na(+) excretion to similar level in both genotypes, indicating that ENaC activity was not affected by PCSK9-deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increase of cleaved αENaC under basal condition, PCSK9(-/-) mice display normal sodium balance and blood pressure regulation. Altogether, these data are reassuring regarding the development of PCSK9 inhibitors in hypercholesterolemia.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterised by a progressive increase of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and pulmonary arterial pressure ( P pa), leading to right ventricle hypertrophy and death 1, 2. Although major advances in the understanding of disease development and treatment have been achieved over the past two decades, the pathogenesis of PAH is still not clearly understood. Idiopathic, familial and connective tissue disease-associated forms of PAH display similar pathological changes and are considered to share common pathogenic mechanisms, which involve endothelial dysfunction, endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation, increased vasoconstriction and in situ thrombosis 2. The consequence of this process is right ventricular ischaemia, remodelling, dilation, dysfunction and failure 3. Accordingly, current therapies are based on the use of drugs that improve endothelial function. Pharmacological agents targeting the endothelin (ET)-1 (ET-1 receptor antagonists, such as bosentan or sitaxentan), the nitric oxide (sildenafil, type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor), or the prostacyclin (epoprostenol, iloprost) pathways have shown benefits for patients with PAH 4. However, these treatments failed to improve the long-term survival and their use is hampered by either side-effects or inconvenient drug administration routes 5. Indeed, none of the currently available therapies is curative, so the search for new targets for novel therapeutic strategies continues. Among promising targets recently identified is the serine-threonine kinase Rho kinase. Two isoforms of Rho kinase, Rock-1 and Rock-2, have been identified and found to be expressed in arteries. Rho kinase regulates a variety of cellular functions including motility, proliferation, apoptosis, contraction and gene expression 6. Rho kinase is considered to be a major determinant of arterial tone, through its essential role in the regulation of the Ca2+ sensitivity of smooth muscle cell contraction. Furthermore, Rho kinase negatively controls endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and …

1. The small GTP-binding Rho proteins are involved in the agonist-induced Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle. The action and the expression of Rnd1, a new member of the Rho protein family constitutively bound to GTP, has been studied in rat smooth muscle. 2. Recombinant prenylated Rnd1 (0.01-0.1 mg ml-1) dose dependently inhibited carbachol- and GTPgammaS-induced Ca2+ sensitization in beta-escin-permeabilized ileal smooth muscle strips but had no effect on the tension at submaximal [Ca2+] (pCa 6.3). Rnd1 inhibited GTPgammaS-induced tension without shifting the dose-response curves to GTPgammaS. 3. pCa-tension relationships were not modified by Rnd1 and the rise in tension induced through the inhibition of myosin light chain phosphatase by calyculin A was not affected by Rnd1. 4. The Ca2+ sensitization induced by recombinant RhoA was completely abolished when RhoA and Rnd1 were applied together. 5. Rnd1 was expressed at a low level in membrane fractions prepared from intestinal or arterial smooth muscles. The expression of Rnd1 was strongly increased in ileal and aortic smooth muscle from rats treated with progesterone or oestrogen. Progesterone-treated ileal muscle strips showed a decrease in agonist-induced Ca2+ sensitization. 6. The present study shows that (i) Rnd1 inhibits agonist- and GTPgammaS-induced Ca2+ sensitization of smooth muscle by specifically interfering with a RhoA-dependent mechanism and (ii) an increase in Rnd1 expression may account, at least in part, for the steroid-induced decrease in agonist-induced Ca2+ sensitization.

1. The mechanism of action of P2 nucleotide receptor agonists that produce endothelium-independent relaxation and the influence of ecto-ATPase activity on this relaxing effect have been investigated in rat portal vein smooth muscle. 2. At 25 degrees C, ATP, 2-methylthioATP (2-MeSATP) and 2-chloroATP (2-ClATP), dose-dependently inhibited spontaneous contractile activity of endothelium-denuded muscular strips from rat portal vein. The rank order of agonist potency defined from the half-inhibitory concentrations was 2-CIATP (2.7+/-0.5 microM, n=7) >ATP (12.9+/-1.1 microM, n=9) > or =2-MeSATP (21.9+/-4.8 M, n=4). In the presence of alphabeta-methylene ATP (alphabeta-MeATP, 200 microM) which itself produced a transient contractile effect, the relaxing action of ATP and 2-MeSATP was completely abolished and that of 2-ClATP strongly inhibited. 3. The non-selective P2-receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS, 100 microM) did not affect the relaxation induced by ATP, 2-MeSATP, and 2-ClATP. 4. The A2A-adenosine receptor antagonist ZM 241385 inhibited the ATP-induced relaxation in a concentration-dependent manner (1-100 nM). In the presence of 100 nM ZM 241385, the relaxing effects of 2-MeSATP and 2-ClATP were also inhibited. 5. ADP, AMP and adenosine also produced concentration-dependent inhibition of spontaneous contractions. The relaxing effects of AMP and adenosine were insensitive to alphabeta-MeATP (200 microM) but were inhibited by ZM 241385 (100 nM). 6. Simultaneous measurements of contraction and ecto-ATPase activity estimated by the degradation of [gamma-32P]-ATP showed that muscular strips rapidly (10-60 s) hydrolyzed ATP. This ecto-ATPase activity was abolished in the presence of EDTA and was inhibited by 57+/-11% (n=3) by 200 microM alphabeta-MeATP. 7. These results suggest that ATP and other P2-receptor agonists are relaxant in rat portal vein smooth muscle, because ectonucleotidase activity leads to the formation of adenosine which activates A2A-receptors.

The aim of this study was to determine whether an ADP ribosylation factor (ARF)-regulated pathway is involved in the carbachol-induced contraction in rat intestinal smooth muscle. Brefeldin A, a known inhibitor of the guanine nucleotide exchange activity on ARF, reversibly inhibited the carbachol-induced contraction in intact ileal muscle strips, whereas the carbachol- and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)-induced increases in the Ca2+ sensitivity of myofilaments in beta-escin-permeabilized strips were not affected. The high-K(+)-induced contraction in intact strips was also inhibited by brefeldin A. In isolated ileal myocytes, brefeldin A inhibited the Ca2+ channel current, indicating that the inhibitory effect of brefeldin A in intact cells is related to an inhibition of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, the loading of permeabilized strips with the combination of the recombinant fully myristoylated ARF1, the guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARNO, and guanosine 5'-triphosphate did not change the tone at constant pCa (6.45) and did not modify the carbachol- and guanosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)-induced Ca2+ sensitization. Taken together, these findings suggest that an ARF-dependent pathway is not involved in the carbachol-induced contraction.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Different parts of Mimosa pigra (MPG) are used in traditional medicine in Madagascar, tropical Africa, South America and Indonesia for various troubles including cardiovascular disorders. Aim of the study To investigate the mechanisms underlying the vascular effects of MPG by assessing in vitro its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and its vascular relaxing effects, and in vivo, its action on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (PAH) in rats. Material and methods The antioxidant activity of MPG leaf hydromethanolic extract was determined by using both the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity in vitro assays. Anti-inflammatory properties were assayed on TNFα-induced VCAM-1 expression in endothelial cells. The vasorelaxant effect of MPG extract was studied on rat arterial rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine (1 μM) in the presence or absence of the endothelium. In vivo MPG extract effects were analyzed in chronic hypoxic PAH, obtained by housing male Wistar rats, orally treated or not with MPG extract (400 mg/kg/d), in a hypobaric chamber for 21 days. Results MPG leaf extract had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It induced endothelium-dependent, NO-mediated relaxation of rat aorta and pulmonary artery. In vivo, chronic MPG treatment reduced hypoxic PAH in rat by decreasing by 22.3% the pulmonary arterial pressure and by 20.0% and 23.9% the pulmonary artery and cardiac remodelling, respectively. This effect was associated with a restoration of endothelium function and a 2.3-fold increase in endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation. MPG leaf hydromethanolic extract contained tryptophan and flavonoids, including quercetin glycosides. Both compounds also efficiently limit hypoxia-induced PAH. Conclusions Our results show endothelial protective action of MPG leaf hydromethanolic extract which is likely to be due to its antioxidant action. MPG successfully attenuated the development of PAH, thus demonstrating the protective effect of MPG on cardiovascular diseases.

Rationale: Endothelial activation and apoptosis release membrane-shed microparticles (EMP) that emerge as important biological effectors. Objective: Because laminar shear stress (SS) is a major physiological regulator of endothelial survival, we tested the hypothesis that SS regulates EMP release. Methods and Results: EMP levels were quantified by flow cytometry in medium of endothelial cells subjected to low or high SS (2 and 20 dyne/cm 2 ). EMP levels augmented with time in low SS conditions compared with high SS conditions. This effect was sensitive to extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and Rho kinases inhibitors but unaffected by caspase inhibitors. Low SS-stimulated EMP release was associated with increased endothelial Rho kinases and ERK1/2 activities and cytoskeletal reorganization. Overexpression of constitutively active RhoA stimulated EMP release under high SS. We also examined the effect of nitric oxide (NO) in mediating SS effects. L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), but not D-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester, increased high SS-induced EMP levels by 3-fold, whereas the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D,L-penicillamine (SNAP) decreased it. L-NAME and SNAP did not affect Rho kinases and ERK1/2 activities. Then, we investigated NO effect on membrane remodeling because microparticle release is abolished in ABCA1-deficient cells. ABCA1 expression, which was greater under low SS than under high SS, was augmented by L-NAME under high SS and decreased by SNAP under low SS conditions. Conclusions: Altogether, these results demonstrate that sustained atheroprone low SS stimulates EMP release through activation of Rho kinases and ERK1/2 pathways, whereas atheroprotective high SS limits EMP release in a NO-dependent regulation of ABCA1 expression and of cytoskeletal reorganization. These findings, therefore, identify endothelial SS as a physiological regulator of microparticle release.

Changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by ATP and other P2 purinoceptor agonists were investigated using indo 1 microspectrofluorimetry in single smooth muscle cells of the rat pulmonary artery. ATP (100 microM, 30 s) induced 3-4 cyclic rises in [Ca2+]i of decreasing amplitude. The first peak reached 743 +/- 24 nM from the resting value of 103 +/- 5 nM (n = 86). In approximately 50% of the cells, the ATP-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations were accompanied by a small but maintained rise in [Ca2+]i. In a series of 10 cells, the amplitude of this rise averaged 41 +/- 9 nM. The small rise 1) was also induced by 2-methylthio-ATP (2-MeS-ATP) and alpha,beta-methylene-ATP (alpha,beta-MeATP), 2) was insensitive to thapsigargin (TG, 1 microM), and 3) was abolished by the removal of external Ca2+. ATP-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations 1) were not abolished in the absence of external Ca2+, 2) were suppressed by treatment of the cells with TG (1 microM), and 3) were mimicked by UTP but not by 2-MeS-ATP or alpha,beta-MeATP. Both the number of cells that responded by [Ca2+]i oscillations and the maximal amplitude of the response depended on the agonist (ATP or UTP) concentration. The ATP-induced [Ca2+]i oscillations were not modified by tetracaine (500 microM) but were inhibited by forskolin (1 microM) and by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDB, 0.03 microM). The effect of PDB was reversed by the protein kinase C antagonist calphostin C (0.01 microM). These results suggest that the ATP-induced [Ca2+]i rise is mediated by the activation of P2x and P2u purinoceptors. Ca2+ entry through the P2x receptor channels produces a small and maintained [Ca2+]i rise. [Ca2+]i rise. Stimulation of P2u purinoceptor induces [Ca2+]i oscillations due to cyclic Ca2+ release from intracellular stores through inositol trisphosphate receptor channels.

1. The P2-purinoceptor subtype and the intracellular signalling mechanism(s) involved in the rise in the free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by ATP and analogues were analyzed in myocytes isolated from the longitudinal muscle layer of rat ileum by means of molecular and physiological techniques. 2. The P2-purinoceptor expressed by ileal smooth muscle cells shared 100% amino acid identity with the rat P2Y1-receptor. 3. Short applications of the purinoceptor agonists induced a transient rise in [Ca2+]i in an all-or-nothing manner. The rank order of potency of the analogues of ATP and ADP, determined by measuring the percentage of responding cells was 2-methylthioATP = 2-chloro-ATP > ADP > ATP, with concentrations giving [Ca2+]i response in 50% of cells ranging between 3 nM and 0.6 microM. The concentration-response curves to ADP and ATP were shifted to the right by 10 microM pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulphonic acid (PPADS). 4. Although the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by stimulation of the ileal P2v-purinoceptor was inhibited by heparin (5 mg ml-1), we were not able to detect stimulation of phospholipase C under conditions (37 degrees C) where muscarinic cholinoceptor activation markedly increased inositol phosphate (InsP) accumulation. However, the carbachol (CCh)-induced increase in InsP accumulation was suppressed when the agonist was applied at 20 degrees C while a CCh-induced [Ca2+]i rise similar to that obtained in response to the P2-purinoceptor agonist was still observed. 5. Our results indicate that the rat ileal myocytes express a PPADS-sensitive P2-purinoceptor similar to the P2Y1-receptor subtype. Although there is no detectable increase in InsP production, stimulation of these receptors leads to a rise in [Ca2+]i by activation of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor-channel of the intracellular Ca2+ store, indicating that they couple to phospholipase C.

Stimulation of portal vein myocytes with noradrenaline (NA) in the presence of a voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel blocker, evoked a transient increase in the concentration of free cytosolic Ca2+, due to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate mediated Ca2+ release, followed by activation of a Ca2+ entry pathway. Combining patch-clamp and Indo-1 measurements we have tested the effects of various pharmacological agents on this Ca2+ entry following NA-induced Ca2+ release in order to determine the mechanism involved. Only the guanylate cyclase inhibitor LY-83583 specifically inhibited the maintained Ca2+ entry during NA stimulation. This inhibition was reversed by dibutyryl cGMP (DB-cGMP) or 8-bromo cGMP. Under control conditions, addition of DB-cGMP to the external solution was without effect. Thapsigargin and caffeine each depleted the intracellular Ca2+ store but did not evoke Ca2+ entry in venous myocytes under control conditions. However, application of DB-cGMP or NA after Ca2+ store depletion induced by caffeine or thapsigargin caused a rise in [Ca2+]i by activation of a Ca2+ entry pathway. The effect of cGMP seems to involve phosphorylation since cGMP-activated protein kinase inhibitors KT-5823 and H-8 blocked the NA-induced Ca2+ entry. Our results thus suggest that the activation of the voltage-independent Ca2+ entry by NA involves an increase in cellular cGMP.

1. Changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by noradrenaline (NA) and ATP were investigated using indo-1 microspectrofluorimetry in single smooth muscle cells of rat portal vein. 2. Activation of P2x-purinoceptors by ATP (10 microM) increased [Ca2+]i from 92 +/- 7 nM (n = 18) to 557 +/- 30 nM (n = 11). In the presence of NA (10 microM), the ATP-induced rise in [Ca2+]i was reduced to 23.6 +/- 1.5% (n = 7) of the control response (in the absence of NA). 3. Tetracaine (10 microM to 2 mM) inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) evoked by 5 mM caffeine. In the presence of 1 mM tetracaine, the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by ATP (10(-8)-10(-4) M) was strongly inhibited. A tetracaine-resistant rise in [Ca2+]i, corresponding to 26.4 +/- 2.3% (n = 14) of control values, was recorded in response to 10 microM ATP. 4. The amplitude of the NA-induced [Ca2+]i rise depended on NA concentrations (10(-8)-10(-5) M) and was not modified by tetracaine (1 mM). 5. This study suggests that Ca2+ ions released through the InsP3 receptor-channel upon NA application do not activate CICR and the InsP3- and Ca(2+)-sensitive Ca2+ store appears to represent, at least functionally, a single releasable Ca2+ pool.

Glucose intolerance and dyslipidaemia are independent risk factors for endothelium dysfunction and CVD. The aim of the present study was to analyse the preventive effect ofn-3 PUFA (EPA and DHA) on lipid and carbohydrate disturbances and endothelial dysfunction. Three groups of adult hamsters were studied for 20 weeks: (1) control diet (Control); (2) high-fat diet (HF); (3) high-fat diet enriched withn-3 PUFA (HFn-3) groups. The increase in body weight and fat mass in the HF compared to the Control group (P n-3 group. Muscle TAG content was similar in the Control and HF groups, but significantly lower in the HFn-3 group (P = 0·008). Glucose tolerance was impaired in the HF compared to the Control group, but this impairment was prevented byn-3 PUFA in the HFn-3 group (P P n-3 group compared to the HF group (P n-3 group compared to the Control and HF groups (P n-3 group compared to the HF group (P O-acyltransferase 2 and stearyl CoA desaturase 1 was lower in the HFn-3 group, whereas carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 and scavenger receptor class B type 1 expression was higher (P n-3 groups compared to the Control group. Endothelium relaxation was higher in the HFn-3 (P P = 0·03) and cholesterol (P = 0·0003). In conclusion,n-3 PUFA prevent some metabolic disturbances induced by high-fat diet and improve endothelial function in hamsters.

1. The action of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP, 10 microM) was studied in single patch-clamped smooth muscle cells of rat portal vein where the free internal Ca2+ concentration in the cell (Cai) was estimated by the emission from the dye indo-1. 2. In the presence of 20 microM gallopamil (D600), a blocker of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, ATP applied to cells held at a holding potential of -60 mV evoked a transient inward current and an increase in Cai. 3. The rise in Cai evoked by ATP was completely suppressed in the absence of external Ca2+ although a transient inward current was still observed. 4. ATP-induced responses were not modified by the addition of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor antagonist, heparin (1 mM) in the pipette solution. 5. In the presence of caffeine (5 mM) or ryanodine (100 microM) in the pipette solution, which deplete the intracellular Ca2+ store, the ATP-induced Cai rise was greatly reduced. 6. Our results suggest that in single cells from rat portal vein, ATP releases Ca2+ from intracellular stores without involving InsP3, but via a Ca2+ release mechanism activated by Ca2+ influx through ATP-gated channels.

1. The Ca2+ release in response to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) was studied in single patch-clamped smooth muscle cells of rat portal vein. InsP3 was photochemically produced from a caged InsP3 precursor included in the pipette solution. Changes in internal Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were monitored by measuring Ca(2+)-activated K+ current. 2. Photoreleased InsP3 evoked a transient K+ current which was abolished when 10 mM EGTA or 5 mg ml-1 heparin was included in the pipette. The amplitude and time course of the K+ current responses depended on the light-flash intensity. The amplitude increased, and the latency and the time to peak decreased, with increasing flash intensity, suggesting that the amount of released Ca2+ varied as a function of the amount of InsP3 photoreleased. 3. The K+ current response to photolysis of caged InsP3 was abolished in the presence of 10 mM caffeine; conversely, caffeine was inefficient at inducing at K+ current when applied immediately after a light flash of maximal intensity. 4. The time course of the recovery of the K+ response evoked by a light flash of supramaximal intensity was similar to that obtained for the 10 mM caffeine-induced K+ current. The response recovered to 50% of control with an interval (t1/2) of about 10 s between pulses. The time course of the recovery of submaximal response to photoreleased InsP3 was considerably slower (t1/2 = 1 min), and did not correspond to that obtained for a response of similar amplitude evoked by 2 mM caffeine. 5. Responses to photoreleased InsP3 obtained after the cells were bathed for 3 min in Ca(2+)-free solution were compared with those obtained in 2 mM Ca2+ solution. Responses to light flashes of submaximal intensity were proportionally more inhibited than those evoked by supramaximal stimulations. 6. In portal vein smooth muscle cells, the InsP3-sensitive Ca2+ store seems also to be sensitive to caffeine. Our results suggest that the InsP3-induced Ca2+ release was modulated by regulatory mechanisms.

Thrombin induces a number of physiological responses in several types of cells. To determine the action of thrombin in the vein, the electrophysiological and mechanical effects of thrombin were studied in rat portal vein smooth muscle cells. Ca2+ channel currents were recorded using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Thrombin had both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on the Ca2+ channel current. The inhibitory effect was reversed on washout of thrombin, whereas the stimulatory effect was maintained after thrombin was removed. Thrombin (1 unit/ml) produced a reversible decrease of 27.3 +/- 3.3% (n = 12) in the current amplitude and a sustained increase of 71.2 +/- 12.9% (n = 20). The thrombin-induced inhibition of Ca2+ channel current was blocked by the thrombin inhibitor hirudin and by the protease inhibitor leupeptin. The stimulatory effect of thrombin was inhibited by hirudin, by intracellular application of guanosine 5'-O-(beta-thio)diphosphate, and by antiphophatidylinositide antibodies but not by pertussis toxin. The thrombin-induced enhancement of the Ca2+ channel current amplitude was not observed when the current was previously stimulated by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. This suggests that the inhibitory effect of thrombin was related to its proteolytic activity and that the stimulatory effect involved activation of a pertussis toxin-insensitive GTP-binding protein, phosphatidylinositide hydrolysis, and protein kinase C activation. Both thrombin effects occurred in the same concentration range (0.001-10 units/ml). The thrombin-induced contraction of portal vein strips was completely inhibited by isradipine, and thrombin did not produce an increase in cytosolic [Ca2+], measured by indo-1 fluorescence in cells clamped at -50 mV, sufficient to activate Ca(2+)-dependent chloride current.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aims Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (Rho GEFs) are responsible for Rho protein activation by catalyzing the exchange of GDP for GTP. Although overactivation of Rho proteins is a common component of the pathogenesis of vascular disorders, the molecular mechanisms and the Rho GEFs regulating Rho protein activity and Rho-dependent functions in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) are still unknown. The aim of this study was thus to identify Rho GEFs involved in the regulation of VSMC functions. Methods and results By a functional screening based on small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated silencing of 27 Rho GEFs, we found that only silencing of the Rho GEF Vav3 inhibited rat VSMC proliferation. Conversely, overexpression of Vav3 potentiated VSMC proliferation, whereas the catalytically inactive Vav3 mutant had no effect. The stimulatory effect of Vav3 on VSMC proliferation was inhibited by the Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor SU6656 and by co-expression of the dominant-negative Rac1-N17 mutant. In agreement with this observation, expression of Vav3 induced enrichment of Rac1 to the membrane, activation of its effector PAK, and stimulated VSMC migration. Increased levels of Vav3 transcripts were found in stented arteries and arteries from hypertensive rats. Furthermore, siRNA targeting Vav3 decreased arterial wall cell proliferation. Conclusion The Rho GEF Vav3 controls VSMC proliferation and migration through activation of Rac1/PAK signalling. Vav3 is a convergent point mediating Rac1 activation in response to different upstream mediators that promote VSMC proliferation and migration and thus appears to be a new potential therapeutic target that could be used to limit vascular proliferative diseases.

1. The effects of noradrenaline (NA) were studied on vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from rat portal vein. 2. Two types of single-Ca2+ channel currents with conductances of 17 pS and 8 pS were obtained in cell-attached configuration. Bath application of NA increased the open probability of both channels during depolarizing pulses without a change of background membrane conductance. However, NA did not open Ca2+ channels when the membrane patch potential was held at -50 mV, which is about the resting potential in physiological conditions. 3. In the whole-cell configuration, studies of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel currents showed that the peak conductance curve was not shifted to more negative potentials by NA. 4. Measurements of internal Ca(2+)-concentration ([Ca2+]i) with Indo-1 indicated that NA increased [Ca2+]i at a holding potential of -50 mV and evoked a Ca(2+)-activated Cl- current. These effects were blocked when heparin was included in the pipette solution. 5. A Cl- channel blocker without effect on Ca2+ channels (anthracene-9-carboxylic acid) inhibited the contractions of portal vein strips induced by NA in a manner similar to that produced by a Ca2+ channel inhibitor (isradipine). The NA-induced contraction was completely suppressed in the presence of ryanodine which depletes intracellular Ca2+ stores. 6. The present study suggests that activation of Cl- channels by Ca2+ release produces a membrane depolarization which is a prerequisite for enhanced opening of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels in response to NA in venous smooth muscle.

Urotensin II, through its interaction with its UT receptor, is a potent vasoactive peptide in humans and in several animal models. Recent studies have demonstrated elevated plasma U-II levels in patients with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. U-II is expressed in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and infiltrating macrophages of atherosclerotic human coronary arteries. UT receptor expression is up-regulated by inflammatory stimuli. Activation of UT receptor by U-II stimulates endothelial and smooth muscle cell proliferation and monocytes chemotaxis. Therefore, in addition to its primary vasoactive effect, these observations suggest a role of U-II and UT receptor in the initiation and/or progression of atherosclerosis.

The small G protein RhoA plays a major role in several vascular processes and cardiovascular disorders. Here we analyze the mechanisms of RhoA regulation by serotonin (5-HT) in arterial smooth muscle. 5-HT (0.1-10 microM) induced activation of RhoA followed by RhoA depletion at 24-72 h. Inhibition of 5-HT1 receptors reduced the early phase of RhoA activation but had no effect on 5-HT-induced delayed RhoA activation and depletion, which were suppressed by the 5-HT transporter inhibitor fluoxetine and the transglutaminase inhibitor monodansylcadaverin and in type 2 transglutaminase-deficient smooth muscle cells. Coimmunoprecipitations demonstrated that 5-HT associated with RhoA both in vitro and in vivo. This association was calcium-dependent and inhibited by fluoxetine and monodansylcadaverin. 5-HT promotes the association of RhoA with the E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1, and 5-HT-induced RhoA depletion was inhibited by the proteasome inhibitor MG132 and the RhoA inhibitor Tat-C3. Simvastatin, the Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632, small interfering RNA-mediated RhoA gene silencing, and long-term 5-HT stimulation induced Akt activation. In contrast, inhibition of 5-HT-mediated RhoA degradation by MG132 prevented 5-HT-induced Akt activation. Long-term 5-HT stimulation also led to the inhibition of the RhoA/Rho kinase component of arterial contraction. Our data provide evidence that 5-HT, internalized through the 5-HT transporter, is transamidated to RhoA by transglutaminase. Transamidation of RhoA leads to RhoA activation and enhanced proteasomal degradation, which in turn is responsible for Akt activation and contraction inhibition. The observation of transamidation of 5-HT to RhoA in pulmonary artery of hypoxic rats suggests that this process could participate in pulmonary artery remodeling and hypertension.

The small G protein Rho signaling pathways are recognized as major regulators of cardiovascular functions, and activation of Rho proteins appears to be a common component for the pathogenesis of hypertension and vascular proliferative disorders. Rho proteins are tightly regulated, and recent evidence suggests that modulation of Rho protein signaling by phosphorylation of Rho proteins provides an additional simple mechanism for coordinating Rho protein functions. This regulation by phosphorylation is particularly important in the arterial wall, where RhoA protein expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells is controlled by the endothelium through the nitric oxide/cGMP-dependent kinase pathway.

cAMP and cyclic GMP-dependent kinases (PKA and PKG) phosphorylate the small G protein RhoA on Ser188. We have previously demonstrated that phosphorylation of Ser188 inhibits RhoA-dependent functions and positively regulates RhoA expression, and that the nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase pathway plays an essential role, both in vitro and in vivo, in the regulation of RhoA protein expression and functions in vascular smooth muscle cells. Here we analyze the consequences of Ser188 phosphorylation on RhoA protein degradation. By expressing Ser188 phosphomimetic wild-type (WT-RhoA-S188E) and active RhoA proteins (Q63L-RhoA-S188E), we show that phosphorylation of Ser188 of RhoA protects RhoA, particularly its active form, from ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that the resistance of the phosphorylated active form of RhoA to proteasome-mediated degradation is because of its cytoplasmic sequestration through enhanced RhoGDI interaction. In rat aortic smooth muscle cells, stimulation of PKG and inhibition of proteasome by lactacystin, induce nonadditive increases in RhoA protein expression. In addition, stimulation of PKG leads to the accumulation of GTP-bound RhoA in the cytoplasm. In vivo stimulation of the NO/PKG signaling by treating rats with sildenafil increased RhoA level and RhoA phosphorylation, and enhanced its association to RhoGDI in the pulmonary artery, whereas opposite effects are induced by chronic inhibition of NO synthesis in N-ω -nitro-l-arginine-treated rats. Our results thus suggest that Ser188 phosphorylation-mediated protection against degradation is a physiological process regulating the level of endogenous RhoA and define a novel function for RhoGDI, as an inhibitor of Rho protein degradation.

With a view to specifying structure-activity relationships we have synthesised a new series of analogues of the Rho-kinase inhibitor 1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-homopiperazine (Fasudil). The structural modifications concerned the isoquinolinyl heterocycle and the sulfonyl group which are the two main features of this lead compound. These analogues were evaluated on the actin cytoskeleton and on the enzymatic activity of Rho-kinase. Most of the chemical modifications result in a loss of activity showing that interactions of Fasudil with the catalytic domain of Rho-kinase seem to be particularly definite and sensitive to structural variations. The presence of an isoquinolinyl nitrogen and a basic amino group separated by a spacer bearing a sulfonamide function are of utmost importance. Only the tetra-hydroisoquinoline analogue 3 shows the same activity as Fasudil. Moreover, this compound is unable to inhibit PKC biological activity contrary to Fasudil. The loss of the aromatic property could increase the selectivity level in favour of compound 3.

In order to specify structure-activity relationships we have synthesized new series of analogues of the Rho-kinase inhibitor (R)-(+)-N-(4-pyridyl)-4-(1-aminoethyl)benzamide (Y-32885). The structural modifications concerned the 1-aminoethyl, the pyridyl and the amide groups which are the main features of this lead compound. Our analogue derivatives were evaluated on GTPgammaS-induced contraction in permeabilized smooth-muscle and on the actin cytoskeleton. All the modifications result in a diminution or a loss of activity showing that interactions of Y-32885 with the catalytic domain of Rho-kinase seem to be particularly definite and sensitive to structural variations. The presence of a pyridine moiety and a basic amine group separated by a spacer bearing an amide function are of utmost importance.

The small G protein RhoA is a convergence point for multiple signals that regulate smooth muscle cell functions. NO plays a major role in the structure and function of the normal adult vessel wall, mainly through modulation of gene transcription. This study was thus performed to analyze in vitro and in vivo the effect of NO signaling on RhoA expression in arterial smooth muscle cells. In rat or human artery smooth muscle cells, sodium nitroprusside or 8-(2-chlorophenylthio)-cGMP induced a rise in RhoA mRNA and protein expression, which was inhibited by the cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitor (R(p))-8-bromo-beta-phenyl-1,N(2)-ethenoguanosine 3':5'-phosphorothioate. The NO/PKG stimulation of RhoA expression involved both an increase in RhoA protein stability and stimulation of rhoA gene transcription. Cloning and functional analysis of the human rhoA promoter revealed that the effect of NO/PKG involved phosphorylation of ATF-1 and subsequent binding to the cAMP-response element. Chronic inhibition of NO synthesis in N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine-treated rats induced a strong decrease in RhoA mRNA and protein expression in aorta and pulmonary artery associated with inhibition of RhoA-mediated Ca(2+) sensitization. These effects were prevented by oral administration of the cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor sildenafil. These results show that NO/PKG signaling positively controls RhoA expression and suggest that the basal release of NO is necessary to maintain RhoA expression and RhoA-dependent functions in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Background Insulin-resistant cardiomyocytes are characterized by a decreased ability of insulin to stimulate glucose uptake. We have previously shown that the activation of AMPK by metformin or phenformin restores insulin-sensitivity in insulin-resistant cardiomyocytes. The aim of our present work is to understand by which molecular mechanisms AMPK exerts its insulin sensitizing effect. In this study we focused on the mTOR/p70S6K pathway and on cytoskeleton reorganization. mTOR/p70S6K, which is known to be inhibited by AMPK, is able to reduce insulin signaling via a negative feedback loop involving serine phosphorylation of IRS-1. On the other hand, cytoskeleton reorganization, which is a known target of AMPK, is responsible for the translocation of the glucose transporter GLUT4 to the plasma membrane. Methods Adult rat cardiomyocytes were primary cultured and treated with different agents including insulin, AMPK activator (phenformin), mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and/or actin cytoskeleton inhibitor latrunculin B. Glucose uptake was assessed by detritiation of 2- 3 H-glucose. Results First, we tested if rapamycin was able to mimic AMPK activators. Similarly to phenformin, rapamycin increased the insulin-dependent phosphorylation of Akt involved in the regulation of glucose uptake. Despite the ability of rapamycin to induce this Akt over-phosphorylation, rapamycin was not able to restore the insulin-dependent stimulation of glucose uptake like phenformin did. On the other hand, latrunculin B abolished the insulin-sensitizing action of phenformin on glucose uptake, in insulin-sensitive as well as in insulinresistant cells. Conclusions actin cytoskeleton reorganization but not mTOR/p70S6K, is involved in the insulin-sensitizing effect of AMPK on cardiac glucose uptake. The role played by Small G proteins, known to be involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton is under investigation.

The effect of the centrally acting antihypertensive agent, rilmenidine, was examined on the contractile properties of isolated rat portal vein strips and on the free cytosolic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i) in isolated myocytes. Rilmenidine (1-30 microM) relaxed strips precontracted with noradrenaline. This effect was not inhibited by the alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine, and was not mimicked by the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist, 5-bromo-N-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-6-quinoxalinamine (UK 14,304). Rilmenidine dose dependently shifted to the right the concentration-response curves to noradrenaline and to phenylephrine but not that to carbachol. Rilmenidine alone (0.1-30 microM) caused a contraction which maximally corresponded to 18% of the maximal noradrenaline-induced contraction. This effect was not produced by UK 14,304, was not affected by yohimbine, but was inhibited by the alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin. In isolated myocytes, rilmenidine reduced the noradrenaline-induced [Ca2+]i increase but alone, it produced a rise in [Ca2+]i, the peak amplitude of which averaged 15% of the noradrenaline-induced transient [Ca2+]i rise. It is concluded that rilmenidine acts as a partial agonist of alpha1-adrenoceptors of vascular smooth muscle, causing relaxation of vessels precontracted by full agonists of alpha1-adrenoceptors.

1. Effects of oestrogen on the current evoked by ATP and benzoylbenzoyl ATP (BzATP) in CV-1 monkey kidney cells transformed by SV 40 (COS cells) expressing the human P2X7 (hP2X7) purinoceptor were studied using standard patch-clamp techniques. 2. 17beta-Oestradiol rapidly and reversibly inhibited the whole-cell hP2X7 receptor cation current. This inhibitory action resulted in a rightward shift of the dose-response curve to ATP and BzATP in the presence of physiological as well as low divalent cation concentrations. 3. The inhibitory effect of 17beta-oestradiol on the BzATP- or ATP-induced cation current was concentration dependent. The half-maximal inhibition was obtained with 3 microM 17beta-oestradiol. Progesterone and 17alpha-oestradiol had almost no effect on the hP2X7 receptor cation current. 4. The inhibition of the hP2X7 receptor cation current by 17beta-oestradiol did not depend on the membrane potential. 17beta-Oestradiol added to the extracellular side of outside-out patches inhibited BzATP-activated single-channel currents. 5. Activation of the hP2X7 receptor in both COS and U937 (human macrophage) cells did not induce the formation of large non-specific pores. 6. Since COS cells do not express endogenous nuclear oestrogen receptor, this study shows that, at pharmacological concentrations, 17beta-oestradiol inhibited the hP2X7 receptor cation channel in a non-genomic manner.

P2Y 1 receptor-like responses were analyzed in rat ileal myocytes and in rat brain capillary endothelial cells. In endothelial cells, pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,4′disulfonic acid (PPADS) inhibits ADP induced intracellular Ca 2+ transients with a half maximum effect at 3 μM. PPADS shifts ADP dose response curves to larger concentrations. Yet PPADS is inactive when added at the same time as ADP. A preequilibration of the cells with PPADS is necessary to observe its inhibitory action. Similarly in ileal myocytes, PPADS has no action on ADP responses when it is applied at the same time as ADP. Actions of PPADS require a preequilibration with the cells and are fully reversible. These results suggest that PPADS is not a competitive antagonist of P2Y 1 receptors and caution about its usefulness to distinguish subtypes of P2Y 1 receptors.

1. The changes in the free cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in response to agonists of P2-purinoceptors were studied in myocytes isolated from the longitudinal muscle layer of different regions of the rat gastrointestinal tract (stomach, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon). [Ca2+]i was estimated by emission from the fluorescent dye, indo-1. 2. ATP and the P2Y-purinoceptor agonist, 2-methylthio-ATP (2-MeSATP), transiently increased [Ca2+]i in single myocytes from all segments of the gastrointestinal tract, whereas alpha,beta-methylene-ATP, a P2x-purinoceptor agonist, had no effect. 3. The rise in [Ca2+]i induced by ATP and 2-MeSATP was maintained in Ca(2+)-free solution but was abolished by depletion of the intracellular store with thapsigargin (1 microM). 4. Single myocytes from stomach, caecum and colon also responded to UTP by a transient increase in [Ca2+]i. 5. Individual myocytes responded to ATP, 2-McSATP and UTP in a nearly all-or-nothing manner. The increasing of agonist concentration enhanced the number of responding cells but did not increase the amplitude of the [Ca2+]i rise. 6. These results suggest that myocytes from the longitudinal layer of gastrointestinal muscle do not possess functional P2x-purinoceptors and that agonists of P2Y and P2U-purinoceptors induced a rise in [Ca2+]i, probably via an all-or-nothing mobilization of Ca2+ from intracellular stores.

Effects of exogenous adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) were studied by measurements of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and membrane currents in myocytes freshly isolated from the human saphenous vein. At a holding potential of -60 mV, ATP (10 microM) elicited a transient inward current and increased [Ca2+]i. These effects of ATP were inhibited by alpha,beta-methylene adenosine 5'-triphosphate (AMP-CPP, 10 microM). The ATP-gated current corresponded to a non-selective cation conductance allowing Ca2+ entry. The ATP-induced [Ca2+]i rise was abolished in Ca(2+)-free solution and was reduced to 30.1 +/- 5.5% (n = 14) of the control response when ATP was applied immediately after caffeine, and to 23.7 +/- 3.8% (n = 11) in the presence of thapsigargin. The Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release blocker tetracaine inhibited the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by both caffeine and ATP, with apparent inhibitory constants of 70 microM and 100 microM, respectively. Of the ATP-induced increase in [Ca2+]i 29.3 +/- 3.9% (n = 8) was tetracaine resistant. It is concluded that the effects of ATP in human saphenous vein myocytes are only mediated by activation of P2x receptor channels. The ATP-induced [Ca2+]i rise is due to both Ca2+ entry and Ca2+ release activated by Ca2+ ions that enter the cell through P2x receptor channels.

1. Changes in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) induced by membrane depolarizations were investigated using indo-1 microspectrofluorimetry in single patch-clamped smooth muscle cells of rat portal vein at room temperature (20-21 degrees C) and in the presence of 2 mM Ca2+. 2. During a 1 s depolarization from -50 to -30 mV [Ca2+]i rose, but, although the Ca2+ current was terminated by repolarization to -50 mV, [Ca2+]i continued to increase in a regenerative manner. The delay between the end of the voltage step and the peak of the [Ca2+]i rise was reduced by increasing the depolarization. 3. When a second identical depolarization was rapidly applied (8-13s) after the first one, it induced an identical Ca2+ current but a smaller increase in [Ca2+]i which started to decay upon repolarization. 4. A low concentration of caffeine (0.05 mM), applied to cells showing a small depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i transient which reached a peak at the end of the voltage step, produced an increase in amplitude and in duration of the [Ca2+]i rise without changing the amplitude of the depolarization-induced Ca2+ current. 5. The depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i rise was shortened and reduced in amplitude after noradrenaline- (NA 10 microM) or caffeine- (5 mM) induced release of Ca2+ store and when the patch pipette solution contained ryanodine (100 microM). Under these conditions, the depolarization-induced [Ca2+]i transient was maximal at the end of the voltage step and declined immediately when the membrane was repolarized at -50 mV. 6. Experiments were done by replacing extracellular Ca2+ by Sr2+. Depolarization-induced Sr2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels could evoke an increase in indo-1 fluorescence which occurred after the termination of the voltage step. This delayed component of fluorescence increase displayed properties similar to those of the regenerative [Ca2+]i rise recorded in the Ca(2+)-containing solution. 7. The inefficiency of the second of two successive depolarizations to produce the delayed component of [Ca2+]i rise was not due to the emptiness of the intracellular Ca2+ store since, under these conditions, caffeine was still able to induce a Ca2+ release. 8. It is concluded that depolarization-evoked Ca2+ or Sr2+ entry through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels induced the release of Ca2+ from an intracellular store, which could occur in a regenerative manner, independent of the termination of the triggering current.

Ca(2+)-activated Cl- current in freshly isolated smooth muscle cells from rat portal vein was studied using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Simultaneously, the free-cytosolic Ca2+ concentration (Cai) was estimated using emission from the dye Indo-1. Pretreatment of the cells with amytal and carbonyl-cyanide-m-chlorophenylhydrazone, which reduced the intracellular adenosine triphosphate concentration, was used to weaken the cellular Ca2+ homeostatic system. Cai of treated cells slowly increased during perfusion with an external Ca(2+)-containing solution. This rise in Cai gradually activated a Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- current which allowed the study of the relationship between activation of this current and Cai levels. The threshold Cai for activation of Cl- channels was around 180 nM and full activation occurred at 600 nM. The Cai dependence of the Cl- channels was not changed during application of noradrenaline and did not depend on the membrane potential. The gating of Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- channels of rat portal vein myocytes seems to be mainly controlled by intracellular Ca2+.

International audience; High levels of circulating autoantibodies (auto-Ab) directed against phosphatidylinositides have been identified in the sera of patients with malignant tumors. These polyclonal autoantibodies had higher avidity and specificity for phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) than for the other phosphatidylinositides. Effects of the auto-Ab were studied in smooth muscle myocytes in the PtdIns-involving transduction mechanism triggered by activation of alpha 1-adrenoceptors. Noradrenaline activated a Ca(2+)-dependent Cl- current through the Ca(2+)-releasing action of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) and enhanced the Ca2+ channel current through a diacylglycerol and protein kinase C-dependent mechanism. External applications of auto-Ab (0.03-0.3 mg/ml) were without effect on noradrenaline-induced responses whereas intracellular applications (0.0004-0.012 mg/ml) inhibited both Cl- current activation and Ca2+ channel current stimulation. Intracellular applications of IgG from healthy donors had no effect on noradrenaline-induced responses. When anti-PtdIns Ab were preincubated with PtdIns the inhibition of the noradrenaline-induced responses on Ca2+ and Cl- channels was not observed. Autoanti-PtdIns Ab inhibited also the acetylcholine-activated Cl- current, confirming that the acetylcholine response was mediated through the phosphatidylinositol breakdown. In contrast, the autoanti-PtdIns Ab were ineffective against the transduction pathway after beta-adrenoceptor activation. Therefore, these results suggest that the biological effect of autoanti-PtdIns Ab results from a specific binding to membrane PtdIns or PtdIns metabolites and thereby prevented InsP3 and diacylglycerol production. These autoanti-PtdIns Ab appear to be a new specific tool to identify the role of phosphatidylinositides in intracellular transduction processes.