Mice deficient in galectin-1 exhibit attenuated physiological responses to chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension

2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (1) ◽  
pp. L154-L164 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Case ◽  
D. Irwin ◽  
C. Ivester ◽  
J. Harral ◽  
K. Morris ◽  
...  

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by sustained vasoconstriction, with subsequent extracellular matrix (ECM) production and smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Changes in the ECM can modulate vasoreactivity and SMC contraction. Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is a hypoxia-inducible β-galactoside-binding lectin produced by vascular, interstitial, epithelial, and immune cells. Gal-1 regulates SMC differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis via interactions with the ECM, as well as immune system function, and, therefore, likely plays a role in the pathogenesis of PH. We investigated the effects of Gal-1 during hypoxic PH by quantifying 1) Gal-1 expression in response to hypoxia in vitro and in vivo and 2) the effect of Gal-1 gene deletion on the magnitude of the PH response to chronic hypoxia in vivo. By constructing and screening a subtractive library, we found that acute hypoxia increases expression of Gal-1 mRNA in isolated pulmonary mesenchymal cells. In wild-type (WT) mice, Gal-1 immunoreactivity increased after 6 wk of hypoxia. Increased expression of Gal-1 protein was confirmed by quantitative Western analysis. Gal-1 knockout (Gal-1−/−) mice showed a decreased PH response, as measured by right ventricular pressure and the ratio of right ventricular to left ventricular + septum wet weight compared with their WT counterparts. However, the number and degree of muscularized vessels increased similarly in WT and Gal-1−/− mice. In response to chronic hypoxia, the decrease in factor 8-positive microvessel density was similar in both groups. Vasoreactivity of WT and Gal-1−/− mice was tested in vivo and with use of isolated perfused lungs exposed to acute hypoxia. Acute hypoxia caused a significant increase in RV pressure in wild-type and Gal-1−/− mice; however, the response of the Gal-1−/− mice was greater. These results suggest that Gal-1 influences the contractile response to hypoxia and subsequent remodeling during hypoxia-induced PH, which influences disease progression.

Author(s):  
Rui Xiao ◽  
Shengquan Luo ◽  
Ting Zhang ◽  
Yankai Lv ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
...  

Activation of the CaSR (extracellular calcium-sensing receptor) has been recognized as a critical mediator of hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Preventive targeting of the early initiating phase as well as downstream events after CaSR activation remains unexplored. As a representative of the G protein-coupled receptor family, CaSR polymerizes on cell surface upon stimulation. Immunoblotting together with MAL-PEG technique identified a reactive oxygen species-sensitive CaSR polymerization through its extracellular domain in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells upon exposure to acute hypoxia. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer screening employing blocking peptides determined that cycteine129/131 residues in the extracellular domain of CaSR formed intermolecular disulfide bonds to promote CaSR polymerization. The monitoring of intracellular Ca 2+ signal highlighted the pivotal role of CaSR polymerization in its activation. In contrast, the blockade of disulfide bonds formation using a peptide decreased both CaSR and hypoxia-induced mitogenic factor expression as well as other hypoxic-related genes in vitro and in vivo and attenuated pulmonary hypertension development in rats. The blocking peptide did not affect systemic arterial oxygenation in vivo but inhibited acute hypoxia-induced pulmonary vasoconstriction. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed a more efficient lung delivery of peptide by inhaled nebulizer compared to intravenous injection. In addition, the blocking peptide did not affect systemic arterial pressure, body weight, left ventricular function, liver, or kidney function or plasma Ca 2+ level. In conclusion, a peptide blocking CaSR polymerization reduces its hypoxia-induced activation and downstream events leading to pulmonary hypertension and represents an attractive inhaled preventive alternative worthy of further development.


2014 ◽  
Vol 307 (4) ◽  
pp. R426-R433 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dhara Patel ◽  
Raed Alhawaj ◽  
Michael S. Wolin

Exposing mice to a chronic hypoxic treatment (10% oxygen, 21 days) that promotes pulmonary hypertension was observed to attenuate the pulmonary vasoconstriction response to acute hypoxia (HPV) both in vivo and in isolated pulmonary arteries. Since catalase restored the HPV response in isolated arteries, it appeared to be attenuated by extracellular hydrogen peroxide. Chronic hypoxia promoted the detection of elevated lung superoxide, extracellular peroxide, extracellular SOD expression, and protein kinase G (PKG) activation [based on PKG dimerization and vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation], suggesting increased generation of extracellular peroxide and PKG activation may contribute to the suppression of HPV. Aorta from mice exposed to 21 days of hypoxia also showed evidence for extracellular hydrogen peroxide, suppressing the relaxation response to acute hypoxia. Peroxide appeared to partially suppress contractions to phenylephrine used in the study of in vitro hypoxic responses. Treatment of mice with the heme precursor δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA; 50 mg·kg−1·day−1) during exposure to chronic hypoxia was examined as a pulmonary hypertension therapy because it could potentially activate beneficial cGMP-mediated effects through promoting a prolonged protoporphyrin IX (PpIX)-elicited activation of soluble guanylate cyclase. ALA attenuated pulmonary hypertension, increases in both superoxide and peroxide, and the suppression of in vitro and in vivo HPV responses. ALA generated prolonged detectible increases in PpIX and PKG-associated phosphorylation of VASP, suggesting PKG activation may contribute to suppression of pulmonary hypertension and prevention of alterations in extracellular peroxide that appear to be attenuating HPV responses caused by chronic hypoxia.


2015 ◽  
Vol 117 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Navid Koleini ◽  
Jon Jon Santiago ◽  
Barbara E Nickel ◽  
Robert Fandrich ◽  
Davinder S Jassal ◽  
...  

Introduction: Protection of the heart from chemotherapeutic (Doxorubicin, DOX) drug-induced toxicity is a desirable goal, to limit side effects of cancer treatments. DOX toxicity has been linked to the activation (phosphorylation) of the AMP-activated kinase, AMPK. The 18 kDa low molecular weight isoform of fibroblast growth factor 2 (Lo-FGF-2) is a known cardioprotective and cytoprotective agent. In this study we have tested the ability of Lo-FGF-2 to protect from DOX-induced damage in rat cardiomyocytes in vitro, and in transgenic mouse models in vivo, in relation to AMPK activation. Methods: Rat neonatal cardiomyocytes in culture were exposed to DOX (0.5 μM) in the presence or absence of pre-treatment Lo-FGF-2 (10 ng/ml). Compound C was used to block phosphorylation (activity) of AMPK. Levels of cell viability/death (using Calcein-AM/Propidium iodide assay), phospho -and total AMPK, and apoptotic markers such as active caspase 3 were analyzed. In addition, transgenic mice expressing only Lo-FGF2, and wild type mice, expressing both high molecular weight (Hi-FGF2) as well as Lo-FGF2 were subjected to DOX injection (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal); echocardiography was used to examine cardiac function at baseline and at 10 days post-DOX. Results: DOX-induced cell death of cardiomyocytes in culture was maximal at 24 hours post-DOX coinciding with significantly increased in activated (phosphorylated) AMPK. Compound C attenuated DOX-induced cardiomyocyte loss. Pre-incubation with Lo-FGF-2 decreased DOX induced cell death, and also attenuated the phosphorylation of AMPK post-DOX. Relative levels of phospho-AMPK were lower in the hearts of Lo-FGF2-expressing male mice compared to wild type. DOX-induced loss of contractile function (left ventricular ejection fraction and endocardial velocity) was negligible in Lo-FGF2-expressing mice but significant in wild type mice. Conclusion: Lo-FGF-2 protects the heart from DOX-induced damage in vitro and in vivo, by a mechanism likely involving an attenuation of AMPK activity.


Blood ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 106 (11) ◽  
pp. 3185-3185
Author(s):  
David R. Archer ◽  
Shawn Elms ◽  
Joshua Boutwell ◽  
Jennifer Perry ◽  
Roy Sutliff

Abstract Clinically, pulmonary hypertension is a major risk factor for mortality in adults with sickle cell disease. Contributing factors probably include red cell hemolysis and vaso-occlusive injury with their associated oxidative and inflammatory stimuli. Previously, we have described RBC hemolysis and endothelial oxidative stress in the Berkeley sickle mouse model and extend those studies in this work to investigate cardiovascular and endothelial dysfunction. Eight to ten month old homozygous and hemizygous Berkeley sickle mice and C57BL/6 control mice were used for all aspects of these experiments. In vivo measurements of mean arterial pressure and right ventricular pressures were conducted in fully anesthetized mice using a pressure transducer inserted in the carotid and right ventricle respectively. Following in vivo readings hearts were excised for measurement of ventricular mass. The ascending aorta was removed and cut into 5 mm rings for in vitro studies of agonist- induced contractility and relaxation. The mean arterial pressure of the hemizygous sickle mice (70.6 ± 3.4) was significantly lower than the control mice (86.0 ± 3.1) and the mean arterial pressure of homozygous sickle mice (59.0 ± 2.2 mmHg) was significantly lower than the hemizygous and control mice (p≤0.05 and p≤0.001, respectively). The right ventricular pressure showed a trend that approached significance (p= 0.08) such that pressures in homozygous mice were ≥ than those in hemizygous which were ≥ than those in control mice. Increased basal cardiac output was suggested by significant left ventricular hypertrophy. In vitro examination of potassium chloride activation of voltage gated calcium channels showed no significant difference in sensitivity or maximal contraction. Similarly, there was no difference in sensitivity to the α1 agonist, phenylephrine. However, both hemi- and homozygous mice showed a significant reduction in maximal force of contraction (normalized to cross sectional area when compared to controls. Maximal acetylcholine induced relaxation of aortic rings was significantly reduced (p≤0.05) in homozygous sickle mice compared to controls. The same effect was not seen with sodium nitroprusside induced relaxation indicating that the acetylcholine effect was not due to effects on the smooth muscle but was endothelium-dependent. The Berkeley mouse model shows cardiac hypertrophy consistent with the increased cardiac output associated with chronic anemia and a reduced basal mean arterial blood pressure similar to that seen in humans. 8–10 month old mice have increased right ventricular pressure and RV mass indicative of pulmonary hypertension. Further endothelial dysfunction is characterized by a reduction in the maximal relaxation elicited by acetylcholine. Therefore, the Berkeley mouse is a good model for investigating sickle related endothelial dysfunction.


2014 ◽  
Vol 306 (1) ◽  
pp. H41-H52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos H. Nitta ◽  
David A. Osmond ◽  
Lindsay M. Herbert ◽  
Britta F. Beasley ◽  
Thomas C. Resta ◽  
...  

Chronic hypoxia (CH) associated with respiratory disease results in elevated pulmonary vascular intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which elicits enhanced vasoconstriction and promotes vascular arterial remodeling and thus has important implications in the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH). Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) contributes to this elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentration and has also been linked to acute hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV). Since our laboratory has recently demonstrated an important role for acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1) in mediating SOCE, we hypothesized that ASIC1 contributes to both HPV and the development of CH-induced PH. To test this hypothesis, we examined responses to acute hypoxia in isolated lungs and assessed the effects of CH on indexes of PH, arterial remodeling, and vasoconstrictor reactivity in wild-type (ASIC1+/+) and ASIC1 knockout (ASIC1−/−) mice. Restoration of ASIC1 expression in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells from ASIC1−/− mice rescued SOCE, confirming the requirement for ASIC1 in this response. HPV responses were blunted in lungs from ASIC1−/− mice. Both SOCE and receptor-mediated Ca2+ entry, along with agonist-dependent vasoconstrictor responses, were diminished in small pulmonary arteries from control ASIC−/− mice compared with ASIC+/+ mice. The effects of CH to augment receptor-mediated vasoconstrictor and SOCE responses in vessels from ASIC1+/+ mice were not observed after CH in ASIC1−/− mice. In addition, ASIC1−/− mice exhibited diminished right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, and arterial remodeling in response to CH compared with ASIC1+/+ mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate an important role for ASIC1 in both HPV and the development of CH-induced PH.


2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (2) ◽  
pp. H733-H740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christophe Adamy ◽  
Patricia Oliviero ◽  
Saadia Eddahibi ◽  
Lydie Rappaport ◽  
Jane-Lise Samuel ◽  
...  

Right ventricular myocardial hypertrophy during hypoxic pulmonary hypertension is associated with local renin-angiotensin system activation. The expression of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptors in this setting has never been investigated. We have therefore examined the chronic hypoxia pattern of AT1 and AT2expression in the right and left cardiac ventricles, using in situ binding and RT-PCR assays. Hypoxia produced right, but not left, ventricular hypertrophy after 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively. Hypoxia for 2 days was associated in each ventricle with a simultaneous and transient increase ( P < 0.05) in AT1 binding and AT1 mRNA levels in the absence of any significant change in AT2 expression level. Only after 14 days of hypoxia, AT2 binding increased ( P < 0.05) in the two ventricles, concomitantly with a right ventricular decrease ( P < 0.05) in AT2 mRNA. Along these data, AT1 and AT2 binding remained unchanged in both the left and hypertrophied right ventricles from rats treated with monocrotaline for 30 days. These results indicate that chronic hypoxia induces modulations of AT1 and AT2 receptors in both cardiac ventricles probably through direct and indirect mechanisms, respectively, which modulations may participate in myogenic (at the level of smooth or striated myocytes) rather than in the growth response of the heart to hypoxia.


2002 ◽  
Vol 282 (6) ◽  
pp. L1314-L1323 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Chen ◽  
L. He ◽  
B. Dinger ◽  
L. Stensaas ◽  
S. Fidone

Chronic exposure in a low-Po 2 environment (i.e., chronic hypoxia, CH) elicits an elevated hypoxic ventilatory response and increased hypoxic chemosensitivity in arterial chemoreceptors in the carotid body. In the present study, we examine the hypothesis that changes in chemosensitivity are mediated by endothelin (ET), a 21-amino-acid peptide, and ETA receptors, both of which are normally expressed by O2-sensitive type I cells. Immunocytochemical staining showed incremental increases in ET and ETAexpression in type I cells after 3, 7, and 14 days of CH (380 Torr). Peptide and receptor upregulation was confirmed in quantitative RT-PCR assays conducted after 14 days of CH. In vitro recordings of carotid sinus nerve activity after in vivo exposure to CH for 1–16 days demonstrated a time-dependent increase in chemoreceptor activity evoked by acute hypoxia. In normal carotid body, the specific ETAantagonist BQ-123 (5 μM) inhibited 11% of the nerve discharge elicited by hypoxia, and after 3 days of CH the drug diminished the hypoxia-evoked discharge by 20% ( P < 0.01). This inhibitory effect progressed to 45% at day 9 of CH and to nearly 50% after 12, 14, and 16 days of CH. Furthermore, in the presence of BQ-123, the magnitude of the activity evoked by hypoxia did not differ in normal vs. CH preparations, indicating that the increased activity was the result of endogenous ET acting on an increasing number of ETA. Collectively, our data suggest that ET and ETA autoreceptors on O2-sensitive type I cells play a critical role in CH-induced increased chemosensitivity in the rat carotid body.


2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (5) ◽  
pp. L599-L608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherry E. Adesina ◽  
Brandy E. Wade ◽  
Kaiser M. Bijli ◽  
Bum-Yong Kang ◽  
Clintoria R. Williams ◽  
...  

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by increased pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary vascular remodeling, and increased pulmonary vascular pressures that often result in right ventricular dysfunction, leading to right heart failure. Evidence suggests that reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to PH pathogenesis by altering pulmonary vascular cell proliferation and intracellular signaling pathways. However, the role of mitochondrial antioxidants and oxidant-derived stress signaling in the development of hypoxia-induced PH is largely unknown. Therefore, we examined the role of the major mitochondrial redox regulator thioredoxin 2 (Trx2). Levels of Trx2 mRNA and protein were examined in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (HPAECs) and smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) exposed to hypoxia, a common stimulus for PH, for 72 h. Hypoxia decreased Trx2 mRNA and protein levels. In vitro overexpression of Trx2 reduced hypoxia-induced H2O2 production. The effects of increased Trx2 protein level were examined in transgenic mice expressing human Trx2 (TghTrx2) that were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2) for 3 wk. TghTrx2 mice exposed to hypoxia had exacerbated increases in right ventricular systolic pressures, right ventricular hypertrophy, and increased ROS in the lung tissue. Trx2 overexpression did not attenuate hypoxia-induced increases in Trx2 oxidation or Nox4 expression. Expression of a dominant negative C93S Trx2 mutant that mimics Trx2 oxidation exacerbated hypoxia-induced increases in HPASMC H2O2 levels and cell proliferation. In conclusion, Trx2 overexpression failed to attenuate hypoxia-induced HPASMC proliferation in vitro or hypoxia-induced PH in vivo. These findings indicate that strategies to enhance Trx2 expression are unlikely to exert therapeutic effects in PH pathogenesis.


2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (8) ◽  
pp. L540-L548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Parrau ◽  
Germán Ebensperger ◽  
Emilio A. Herrera ◽  
Fernando Moraga ◽  
Raquel A. Riquelme ◽  
...  

We determined whether store-operated channels (SOC) are involved in neonatal pulmonary artery function under conditions of acute and chronic hypoxia, using newborn sheep gestated and born either at high altitude (HA, 3,600 m) or low altitude (LA, 520 m). Cardiopulmonary variables were recorded in vivo, with and without SOC blockade by 2-aminoethyldiphenylborinate (2-APB), during basal or acute hypoxic conditions. 2-APB did not have effects on basal mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), cardiac output, systemic arterial blood pressure, or systemic vascular resistance in both groups of neonates. During acute hypoxia 2-APB reduced mPAP and pulmonary vascular resistance in LA and HA, but this reduction was greater in HA. In addition, isolated pulmonary arteries mounted in a wire myograph were assessed for vascular reactivity. HA arteries showed a greater relaxation and sensitivity to SOC blockers than LA arteries. The pulmonary expression of two SOC-forming subunits, TRPC4 and STIM1, was upregulated in HA. Taken together, our results show that SOC contribute to hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in newborn sheep and that SOC are upregulated by chronic hypoxia. Therefore, SOC may contribute to the development of neonatal pulmonary hypertension. We propose SOC channels could be potential targets to treat neonatal pulmonary hypertension.


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