Heme oxygenase modulates oxidant-signaled airway smooth muscle contractility: role of bilirubin

2002 ◽  
Vol 283 (3) ◽  
pp. L596-L603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdoulaye Samb ◽  
Camille Taillé ◽  
Abdelhamid Almolki ◽  
Jérôme Mégret ◽  
James M. Staddon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Heme Oxygenase ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Light Chain ◽  
Contractile Response ◽  
Redox Status ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Smooth Muscle Contractility

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase the contractile response of airway smooth muscle (ASM). Heme oxygenase (HO) catabolizes heme to the powerful antioxidant bilirubin. Because HO is expressed in the airways, we investigated its effects on ASM contractility and ROS production in guinea pig trachea. HO expression was higher in the epithelium than in tracheal smooth muscle. Incubation of tracheal rings (TR) with the HO inhibitor tin protoporphyrin (SnPP IX) or the HO substrate hemin increased and decreased, respectively, ASM contractile response to carbamylcholine. The effect of hemin was reversed by SnPP and mimicked by the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Hemin significantly reduced the effect of carbamylcholine in rings treated with the guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), compared with ODQ-treated rings without hemin incubation, suggesting that the CO-guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate pathway was not involved in the control of tracheal reactivity. SnPP and hemin increased and decreased ROS production by TR by 18 and 38%, respectively. Bilirubin (100 pM) significantly decreased TR contractility and ROS production. Hemin, bilirubin, and SOD/catalase decreased phosphorylation of the contractile protein myosin light chain, whereas SnPP significantly augmented it. These data suggest that modulation of the redox status by HO and, moreover, by bilirubin modulates ASM contractility by modulating levels of phosphorylated myosin light chain.

scholarly journals FFAR1 activation attenuates histamine-induced myosin light chain phosphorylation and cortical tension development in human airway smooth muscle cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengjie Xu ◽  
Anthony Schwab ◽  
Nikhil Karmacharya ◽  
Gaoyuan Cao ◽  
Joanna Woo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Light Chain ◽  
Airway Hyperreactivity ◽  
Human Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Tension Development ◽  
Cortical Tension ◽  
Human Airway ◽  
Mlc Phosphorylation

Abstract Background Activation of free fatty acid receptors (FFAR1 and FFAR4) which are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with established (patho)physiological roles in a variety of obesity-related disorders, induce human airway smooth muscle (HASM) cell proliferation and shortening. We reported amplified agonist-induced cell shortening in HASM cells obtained from obese lung donors. We hypothesized that FFAR1 modulate excitation–contraction (EC) coupling in HASM cells and play a role in obesity-associated airway hyperresponsiveness. Methods In HASM cells pre-treated (30 min) with FFAR1 agonists TAK875 and GW9508, we measured histamine-induced Ca2+ mobilization, myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation, and cortical tension development with magnetic twisting cytometry (MTC). Phosphorylation of MLC phosphatase and Akt also were determined in the presence of the FFAR1 agonists or vehicle. In addition, the effects of TAK875 on MLC phosphorylation were measured in HASM cells desensitized to β2AR agonists by overnight salmeterol treatment. The inhibitory effect of TAK875 on MLC phosphorylation was compared between HASM cells from age and sex-matched non-obese and obese human lung donors. The mean measurements were compared using One-Way ANOVA with Dunnett’s test for multiple group comparisons or Student’s t-test two-group comparison. For cortical tension measurements by magnetic twisted cytometry, mixed effect model using SAS V.9.2 was applied. Means were considered significant when p ≤ 0.05. Results Unexpectedly, we found that TAK875, a synthetic FFAR1 agonist, attenuated histamine-induced MLC phosphorylation and cortical tension development in HASM cells. These physiological outcomes were unassociated with changes in histamine-evoked Ca2+ flux, protein kinase B (AKT) activation, or MLC phosphatase inhibition. Of note, TAK875-mediated inhibition of MLC phosphorylation was maintained in β2AR-desensitized HASM cells and across obese and non-obese donor-derived HASM cells. Conclusions Taken together, our findings identified the FFAR1 agonist TAK875 as a novel bronchoprotective agent that warrants further investigation to treat difficult-to-control asthma and/or airway hyperreactivity in obesity.

Mechanical strain increases velocity and extent of shortening in cultured airway smooth muscle cells

1999 ◽  
Vol 277 (2) ◽  
pp. L343-L348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. Smith ◽  
Chaity Roy ◽  
Jamie Dreger ◽  
Frank Brozovich
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Mechanical Stress ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Light Chain ◽  
Mechanical Strain ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Maximal Velocity ◽  
Cell Contractility ◽  
Cell Shortening

Abnormal mechanical stress on lung tissue is associated with increased mass and contractility of airway smooth muscle (ASM). We have reported that cultured ASM cells subjected to cyclic strain exhibit increased myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and stress filaments. Increased MLCK may increase contractile velocity, whereas increased stress filaments could impede cell shortening by increasing the cell’s internal load. To study strain-induced changes in cell contractility, the time course of shortening of individual cells exposed to 90 mM KCl was recorded. Length vs. time plots revealed significantly greater maximal velocity of shortening in strain cells than control (no strain). This correlated with an increase in MLCK and myosin light chain phosphorylation measured in strain cells in separate experiments. The extent of cell shortening tended to be greater in the strain cells so that increased impedance to shortening was not detected. Mechanical stress may therefore increase the contractility of ASM by increasing the content of MLCK.

Isotonic relaxation of control and sensitized airway smooth muscle

2005 ◽  
Vol 83 (10) ◽  
pp. 941-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
N L Stephens ◽  
A Fust ◽  
H Jiang ◽  
W Li ◽  
X Ma
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Light Chain ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Contractile Element ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Half Time ◽  
Phase Phase

Smooth muscle relaxation has most often been studied in isometric mode. However, this only tells us about the stiffness properties of the bronchial wall and thus only about wall capacitative properties. It tells us little about airflow. To study the latter, which of course is the meaningful parameter in regulation of ventilation and in asthma, we studied isotonic shortening of bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) strips. Failure of BSM to relax could be another important factor in maintaining high airway resistance. To analyze relaxation curves, we developed an index of isotonic relaxation, t1/2(P, lCE), which is the half-time for relaxation that is independent of muscle load (P) and of initial contractile element length (lCE). This index was measured in curves of relaxation initiated at 2 s (normally cycling crossbridges) and at 10 s (latch-bridges). At 10 s no difference was seen for adjusted t1/2(P, lCE) between curves obtained from control and sensitized BSM, (8.38 ± 0.92 s vs. 7.78 ± 0.93 s, respectively). At 2 s the half-time was almost doubled in the sensitized BSM (6.98 ± 0.01 s (control) vs. 12.74 ± 2.5 s (sensitized)). Thus, changes in isotonic relaxation are only seen during early contraction. Using zero load clamps, we monitored the time course of velocity during relaxation and noted that it varied according to 3 phases. The first phase (phase i) immediately followed cessation of electrical field stimulation (EFS) at 10 s and showed almost the same velocity as during the latter 1/3 of shortening; the second phase (phase ii) was linear in shape and is associated with zero load velocity, we speculate it could stem from elastic recoil of the cells' internal resistor; and the third phase (phase iii) was convex downwards. The zero load velocities in phase iii showed a surprising spontaneous increase suggesting reactivation of the muscle. Measurements of intracellular calcium (Fura-2 study) and of phosphorylation of the 20 kDa myosin light chain showed simultaneous increments, indicating phase iii represented an active process. Studies are under way to determine what changes occur in these 3 phases in a sensitized muscle. And of course, in the context of this conference, just what role the plastic properties of the muscle play in relaxation requires serious consideration.Key words: airway smooth muscle, sensitized smooth muscle, isotonic relaxation, intracellular calcium transients, myosin light chain (20 kDa) phosphorylation.

scholarly journals Role of myosin light chain kinase in regulation of basal blood pressure and maintenance of salt-induced hypertension

2011 ◽  
Vol 301 (2) ◽  
pp. H584-H591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Qi He ◽  
Yan-Ning Qiao ◽  
Cheng-Hai Zhang ◽  
Ya-Jing Peng ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Light Chain Kinase ◽  
Myosin Light Chain ◽  
Vascular Tone ◽  
Induced Hypertension ◽  
Basal Blood Pressure ◽  
Muscle Myosin

Vascular tone, an important determinant of systemic vascular resistance and thus blood pressure, is affected by vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contraction. Key signaling pathways for VSM contraction converge on phosphorylation of the regulatory light chain (RLC) of smooth muscle myosin. This phosphorylation is mediated by Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) but Ca2+-independent kinases may also contribute, particularly in sustained contractions. Signaling through MLCK has been indirectly implicated in maintenance of basal blood pressure, whereas signaling through RhoA has been implicated in salt-induced hypertension. In this report, we analyzed mice with smooth muscle-specific knockout of MLCK. Mesenteric artery segments isolated from smooth muscle-specific MLCK knockout mice (MLCKSMKO) had a significantly reduced contractile response to KCl and vasoconstrictors. The kinase knockout also markedly reduced RLC phosphorylation and developed force. We suggest that MLCK and its phosphorylation of RLC are required for tonic VSM contraction. MLCKSMKO mice exhibit significantly lower basal blood pressure and weaker responses to vasopressors. The elevated blood pressure in salt-induced hypertension is reduced below normotensive levels after MLCK attenuation. These results suggest that MLCK is necessary for both physiological and pathological blood pressure. MLCKSMKO mice may be a useful model of vascular failure and hypotension.

Selected Contribution: Mechanical strain increases force production and calcium sensitivity in cultured airway smooth muscle cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 89 (5) ◽  
pp. 2092-2098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul G. Smith ◽  
Chaity Roy ◽  
Steven Fisher ◽  
Qi-Quan Huang ◽  
Frank Brozovich
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Light Chain ◽  
Force Production ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Calcium Sensitivity ◽  
Airway Smooth Muscle Cells ◽  
Maximal Force

Cultured airway smooth muscle cells subjected to cyclic deformational strain have increased cell content of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and myosin and increased formation of actin filaments. To determine how these changes may increase cell contractility, we measured isometric force production with changes in cytosolic calcium in individual permeabilized cells. The pCa for 50% maximal force production was 6.6 ± 0.4 in the strain cells compared with 5.9 ± 0.3 in control cells, signifying increased calcium sensitivity in strain cells. Maximal force production was also greater in strain cells (8.6 ± 2.9 vs. 5.7 ± 3.1 μN). The increased maximal force production in strain cells persisted after irreversible thiophosphorylation of myosin light chain, signifying that increased force could not be explained by differences in myosin light chain phosphorylation. Cells strained for brief periods sufficient to increase cytoskeletal organization but insufficient to increase contractile protein content also produced more force, suggesting that strain-induced cytoskeletal reorganization also increases force production.

Regulation of vascular smooth muscle tone

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (8) ◽  
pp. 919-936 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael P. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle ◽  
Light Chain ◽  
Myosin Light Chain Kinase ◽  
Myosin Light Chain ◽  
Contractile Response ◽  
Muscle Tone ◽  
Myosin Phosphorylation ◽  
Smooth Muscle Tone ◽  
Vascular Smooth Muscle Tone

Vascular smooth muscle tone is regulated primarily by the sarcoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration, which determines the level of myosin phosphorylation. Stimulation of the muscle results in an increase in free [Ca2+], whereupon Ca2+ binds to calmodulin, inducing a conformational change enabling calmodulin to interact with and activate myosin light chain kinase. The active Ca2+∙calmodulin∙myosin light chain kinase complex catalyses the phosphorylation of serine-19 of the two 20-kDa light chains of myosin; this triggers cross-bridge cycling and the development of force. Relaxation follows restoration of free [Ca2+] to the resting level, whereupon calmodulin dissociates from myosin light chain kinase, which is thereby inactivated, and myosin is dephosphorylated by myosin light chain phosphatase and remains detached from actin. Overwhelming evidence now exists in favour of the central role of myosin phosphorylation–dephosphorylation in smooth muscle contraction–relaxation. However, considerable evidence supports the existence of additional, secondary mechanisms that can modulate the contractile state of smooth muscle either by altering the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile response or otherwise modulating one of the molecular events occurring downstream of the Ca2+ signal, e.g., the interaction of phosphorylated myosin heads with actin. The interplay of several regulatory elements confers on the contractile response of vascular smooth muscle the high degree of flexibility and adaptability required for the effective regulation of blood pressure.Key words: calcium, myosin, protein kinases, protein phosphatases, signal transduction, regulation of contraction, caldesmon, calponin.

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