A 14-year longitudinal study of neurofilament light chain dynamics in premanifest and transitional Huntington's disease.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence supports the value of neurofilament light (NfL) as a prognostic biomarker in premanifest Huntington's disease (HD). To date, however, there has been no longitudinal study exceeding 3 years examining either its serial dynamics or predictive power in HD. We aimed to conduct the first such study. METHODS: Serum NfL was sampled using ultrasensitive immunoassay at four timepoints across a 14-year period in a cohort of HD gene carriers (n = 21) and controls (n = 14). Gene carriers were premanifest at baseline. Clinical features of HD were evaluated by Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS TMS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Trail A/B task, Symbol Digit Modalities Task and semantic/phonemic fluency tasks. RESULTS: 14/21 HD gene carriers converted to prodromal or manifest disease by the final timepoint ("converters"). At baseline and each subsequent timepoint, NfL levels were higher in converters than in non-converters and controls (p = < 0.001-0.03, ηp2 = 0.25-0.66). The estimated rate of change in NfL was higher in converters than in non-converters (p = 0.03) and controls (p = 0.001). Baseline NfL was able to discriminate converters from non-converters (area under curve = 1.000, p = 0.003). A higher rate of change in NfL was predictive of more severe motor (UHDRS-TMS p = 0.007, ß = 0.711, R2 = 0.468) and cognitive deficits (MoCA p = 0.007, ß = - 0.798, R2 = 0.604; Trail B, p = 0.007, ß = 0.772, R2 = 0.567; phonemic fluency p = 0.035, ß = - 0.632, R2 = 0.345). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that (1) NfL longitudinal dynamics in premanifest/transitional HD are non-constant; rising faster in those closer to disease onset, and (2) NfL can identify individuals at risk of conversion to manifest disease and predict clinical trajectory, > 10 years from disease onset.

Effect of TPA on ion fluxes and DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Previous reports have suggested that phorbol esters can decrease the affinity of epidermal growth factor (EGF) for its cellular receptors. Investigations of the consequences of the interaction between phorbol esters and EGF, however, have been limited to EGF-stimulated Na/H exchange in A431 cells (Whitely, B., D. Cassel, Y.-X. Zuang, and L. Glaser, 1984, J. Cell Biol., 99:1162-1166). In the present study, the effect of the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) on EGF-stimulated ion transport and DNA synthesis was determined in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (A7r5). It was found that TPA stimulated Na/H exchange when added alone (half-maximal stimulatory concentration, 25 nM). However, when cells were pretreated with TPA and then challenged with EGF, TPA significantly inhibited EGF-stimulated Na/H exchange (78%; half-maximal inhibition [Ki] at 2.5 nM). Subsequently the effects of TPA on Na/K/Cl co-transport were measured. TPA was observed to inhibit Na/K/Cl co-transport (half-maximal inhibitory concentration, 50 nM) and also to inhibit EGF-stimulated Na/K/Cl co-transport (100%; Ki at 5 nM). Finally, the effects of TPA on DNA synthesis were assessed. TPA had a modest stimulatory effect on DNA synthesis (half-maximal stimulatory concentration, 6 nM), but had a significant inhibitory effect on EGF-stimulated DNA synthesis (56%; Ki at 5 nM). These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of TPA on EGF-receptor functions goes beyond previously reported effects on Na/H exchange in A431 cells and extends to EGF-stimulation of Na/K/Cl co-transport and DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Effect of catecholamines on Na/H exchange in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Catecholamines were found to activate Na/H exchange in a concentration-dependent manner in primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The potency order was found to be epinephrine greater than norepinephrine greater than isoproterenol. The major pathway for catecholamine effects appeared to be via interaction with an alpha 1 adrenergic receptor. In addition, it was found that alpha 1 receptor-mediated Na/H exchange in VSMC was increased by angiotensin II and inhibited by 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA). Adrenergic receptors have been shown to be coupled to both adenylate cyclase and to inositol phosphate release (Leeb-Lundberg, L. M. F., S. Cotecchia, J. W. Lomasney, J. F. DeBernadis, R. J. Lefkowitz, and M. G. Caron, 1985, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 82:5651-5655.). It was found that catecholamines increased AMP levels in the potency order isoproterenol greater than norepinephrine greater than epinephrine and the receptor involved was a beta adrenergic receptor. Since these findings did not parallel the results obtained for catecholamine stimulation of Na/H exchange, an increase in AMP levels was probably not the mechanism by which major pathway for catecholamine-stimulated Na/H exchange in VSMC (via the alpha 1 receptor) was activated. When the effects of catecholamines were measured on inositol phosphate release, the potency order for catecholamine stimulation was epinephrine greater than norepinephrine greater than isoproterenol, and the receptor involved was an alpha 1 adrenergic receptor. In addition, angiotensin II increased and TPA inhibited catecholamine-stimulated inositol phosphate release. Since these findings paralleled the results obtained for catecholamine stimulation of Na/H exchange, inositol phosphate release may be the mechanism by which the major pathway for catecholamine-stimulated Na/H exchange in VSMC (via the alpha 1 receptor) was activated.

Kinetic mechanism of chlorpromazine inhibition of erythrocyte 3-O-methylglucose transport.

The kinetic mechanism of chlorpromazine inhibition of erythrocyte hexose transport was investigated using the non-metabolizable glucose analog 3-O-methylglucose. It was found that chlorpromazine added to the external medium is a non-competitive inhibitor of both equilibrium exchange and net 3-O-methylglucose transport at pH 7.8, 15 degrees C. The Ki for equilibrium exchange is 76 +/- 21 microM. When net efflux and equilibrium exchange were measured on the same population of cells the equilibrium exchange was 2.5-times the maximum net efflux. The percent reduction of 3-O-methylglucose flux by chlorpromazine is dependent upon chlorpromazine concentration and not 3-O-methylglucose concentration as expected for a non-competitive inhibitor. Equilibrium exchange and net efflux show the same extent of inhibition at each concentration of chlorpromazine evaluated. These results suggest that exchange and net efflux of 3-O-methylglucose in the human erythrocyte may share a common transport system.

Effect of atrial natriuretic factor on Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport of vascular smooth muscle cells.

We previously demonstrated that vascular smooth muscle cells possess a prominent Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport system that can be markedly stimulated by elevations in levels of intracellular cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP). Since others have shown that atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) can bind to specific membrane receptors and can enhance cGMP levels in vascular smooth muscle cells, we asked whether ANF could also stimulate Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport in vascular smooth muscle cells. It was discovered that rat atriopeptin III stimulated Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport of vascular smooth muscle cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, rat atriopeptin III had no effect on two other sodium transport systems known to be present in vascular smooth muscle cells (i.e., Na+-H+ exchange and Na+-K+-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase). These studies indicated that ANF selectively stimulates Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport of vascular smooth muscle cells. We then asked whether ANF-stimulated Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport was dependent upon the ability of ANF to enhance intracellular cGMP levels. When rat atriopeptin III-stimulated increases in cGMP were inhibited with the quinolinedione LY 83583, rat atriopeptin III could no longer stimulate Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport of vascular smooth muscle cells. Thus it appeared that the effects of ANF were dependent upon the ability of ANF to elevate intracellular cGMP levels. Finally, we asked whether ANF effects on Na+-K+-Cl- cotransport were related to the biological activity of ANF.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of Na/K/Cl cotransport in vascular smooth muscle cells.

The regulation of Na/K/Cl cotransport was investigated in vascular smooth muscle cells. That a Na/K/Cl cotransport system exists was established by the finding that the ouabain insensitive K influx was sensitive to the "loop" diuretic bumetanide. Furthermore, bumetanide sensitive K influx was dependent upon the presence of both Na and Cl in the extracellular milieu. Bumetanide sensitive K influx was inhibited by agents which elevate cellular cyclic AMP levels, and to a lesser extent by agents which elevate cellular cyclic GMP levels. When serum, EGF or TPA was added, bumetanide sensitive K influx was enhanced. These results suggest that vascular smooth muscle cells have a ouabain insensitive, bumetanide sensitive Na/K/Cl cotransport system which is stimulated by serum, EGF or TPA and inhibited by cAMP or cGMP.

Platelet-derived growth factor stimulates Na+ influx in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is known to be a potent mitogenic agent for vascular smooth muscle cells. The effect of PDGF on amiloride-sensitive Na+ influx was investigated in A-10 vascular smooth muscle cells. At a dose which maximally stimulates DNA synthesis, PDGF stimulates net Na+ influx in vascular smooth muscle cells. The PDGF-stimulated Na+ influx is linear over a 5-min time course. PDGF stimulates Na+ influx in a concentration-dependent manner, with a concentration of 0.5 U/ml causing half-maximal inhibition. The effects of PDGF on Na+ influx can be mimicked by 10% fetal bovine serum or by the divalent cation ionophore A23187 (5 microM). Net Na+ influx in response to each of these agents was inhibited by amiloride and by benzamil. PDGF-stimulated net Na+ influx was blocked by the intracellular Ca2+ antagonist 8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate as well as by the calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine, chlorpromazine, and imipramine. These data suggest that PDGF may stimulate an amiloride-sensitive Na+ influx pathway via an elevation in intracellular Ca2+ and formation of a Ca-calmodulin complex. This Na+ influx pathway may be a trigger for PDGF-stimulated DNA synthesis.

Effect of prostaglandin E1 on DNA synthesis in vascular smooth muscle cells.

The effect of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) on DNA synthesis was determined using cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. It was found that when PGE1 was added to synchronous, quiescent (growth-arrested) cells, it enhanced DNA synthesis. This was in contrast to the effects of PGE1 on asynchronous, cycling (growing) cells. In these cells, when PGE1 was added, it functioned as an antiproliferative agent. In both cases the effects of PGE1 could be mimicked by 6 alpha-carbaprostacyclin (stable prostacyclin analogue) or by 8-bromo adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate [a permeable adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) analogue]. In addition PGE1 was shown to cause an elevation in cellular cAMP levels. On the basis of these studies it is hypothesized that the ultimate effect of addition of PGE1 to vascular smooth muscle cells is dependent on the phase of the cell cycle in which it is added.

Evidence for a role of calmodulin in serum stimulation of Na+ influx in human fibroblasts.

Sodium influx in serum-deprived human diploid fibroblasts can be stimulated by addition of serum (5-fold) or the divalent cation ionophore A23187 (3-fold). The possible involvement of calmodulin in serum or A23187 stimulation of Na+ influx has been investigated by using six psychoactive agents that are known to bind calmodulin and inhibit calmodulin-sensitive enzymes. Each agent inhibited serum- and A23187-stimulated Na+ influx in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the K1 for inhibition of serum-stimulated Na+ influx correlates directly with the Ca2+-specific calmodulin binding previously determined in a cell-free system [Levin, R. M. & Weiss, B. (1979) J. Pharmacol. Exp, Ther. 208, 454--459]. None of the agents tested had any effect on the serum-insensitive component of net Na+ influx in these cells. These data support the concept that serum and A23187 stimulate Na+ influx in human diploid fibroblasts via an increase of intracellular Ca2+ and a subsequent calmodulin-mediated activation of the amiloride-sensitive transport pathway.

Na+ influx and cell growth in cultured human fibroblasts. Effect of indomethacin.

The effect of indomethacin on Na+ influx and cell growth in human diploid fibroblasts (HSWP) has been investigated. It was found that both indomethacin and aspirin block serum-stimulated Na+ influx in a dose-dependent manner (Ki = 0.34 +/- 0.04 mM and 11 +/- 1 mM respectively) while having no effect on influx of Na+ in the absence of serum. The Ki for inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation into HSWP cells (0.28 +/- 0.02 mM) closely correlated with the Ki for inhibition of Na+ influx. The onset of action of indomethacin is rapid (within 2 min) and inhibition of Na+ flux is readily reversed (within 5 min). Other workers have reported that indomethacin is cytostatic for human fibroblasts presumably via a slowly developing inhibition of "A" system amino acid transport [6]; however, present results indicate that inhibition of Na+ influx in HSWP cells occurs much more rapidly than the inhibition of amino acid transport observed in other human foreskin fibroblasts and therefore may be more closely related to the primary cellular locus of indomethacin action.

Lys-bradykinin stimulates Na+ influx and DNA synthesis in cultured human fibroblasts.

The effect of Lys-bradykinin on net Na+ influx in serum-deprived cultured human fibroblasts (HSWP cells) was measured. It was found that Lys-bradykinin stimulates net Na+ influx with a K1/2 of 1 nM. When Lys-bradykinin was combined with epidermal growth factor, vasopressin and insulin, the net Na+ influx stimulated was comparable with that measured in response to 10% serum. The above combination of growth factors also was found to stimulate DNA synthesis to 92% of the serum-stimulated levels in HSWP cells and to support cell growth over a period of 6 days. In addition, it was observed that the Na+ influx stimulated by Lys-bradykinin or by the combination of four growth factors was completely inhibited by the amiloride analog benzamil. Thus Lys-bradykinin presumably stimulates the same Na+ transport system as is stimulated by serum. Finally, the present results suggest that an increase in Na+ influx always accompanies DNA synthesis in HSWP cells. On the basis of these observations, it can be hypothesized that Na+ influx is a necessary event to stimulate DNA synthesis.

Efflux of 45Ca2+ from human fibroblasts in response to serum or growth factors.

Previous studies have indicated that intracellular Ca2+ is involved in fetal bovine serum (FBS)- or growth factor (GF)-stimulated Na+ influx in human foreskin fibroblasts (HSWP). In the present study, 45Ca2+ efflux from serum-deprived HSWP cells was measured in response to 10% FBS or GF [lys-bradykinin, vasopressin, epidermal growth factor, and insulin]. Efflux data were analyzed using a computer program and the best fit indicated the presence of three Ca2+ compartments: a compartment (C1) with a very fast turnover rate, one (C2) with a fast turnover rate, and one (C3) with a slow turnover rate. When serum-deprived cells were treated with 10% FBS, efflux from C2 and C3 increased significantly (p less than 0.05). Similar effects on efflux were observed when serum-deprived cells were treated with individual GFs. Combination of the four GFs produced a higher stimulation than any single factor and a response that was equal to that of FBS. On the other hand, when cells were serum-treated in the presence of the intracellular Ca2+ antagonist, B-(N-N,diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), 45Ca2+ efflux from C2 was substantially reduced. Finally, when cells were treated with the Na+ transport inhibitor amiloride, there was no significant effect on serum-stimulated Ca2+ efflux. These results are consistent with a FBS- or GF-induced mobilization of Ca2+ that can be blocked by intracellular Ca2+ antagonists, and support the hypothesis that the action of these agents on Na+ influx may be via their effects on intracellular Ca2+.

Na/K/Cl cotransport in cultured human fibroblasts.

The transport characteristics and regulation of the Na/K/Cl cotransport system were investigated in cultured human fibroblasts (HSWP cells). The existence of the system was documented by the finding that digitoxin-insensitive K+ influx was dependent upon the presence of both Na+ and Cl- in the extracellular milieu. It was found that only Br- could partially substitute for Cl-, with SCN-, I-, acetate, and gluconate being ineffective. Li+ could partially substitute for Na+; however, choline was without effect. The shape of the titration curves for K+ influx versus extracellular Cl- concentration was dependent upon the substituted anion. Furthermore, the apparent Km for Cl- at saturating [K+]o and [Na+]o, was also dependent upon the substituted anion and ranged from 30 mM (gluconate substitution) to 100 mM (acetate substitution). The titration curves for K+ influx versus extracellular Na+ concentration displayed hyperbolic kinetics and the apparent Km = 15 mM at saturating [K+]o. The curve for K+ influx versus extracellular K+ concentration was a hyperbola and the apparent Km for K+ = 3 mM at saturating [Na+]o. The digitoxin-insensitive K+ flux was found to be sensitive to related 5-sulfamoylbenzoic acid derivatives, commonly known as "loop" diuretics and to be insensitive to both: amiloride (3,5-diamino-N-(aminoiminomethyl)-6-chloropyrazinecarboxamide++ +) and 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid. The Na/K/Cl cotransport system was not stimulated by serum, but was slightly stimulated by two peptide mitogens. Furthermore, agents which cause an elevation in cellular cyclic AMP levels were found to be potent inhibitors of cotransport.

Role of Ca2+ in serum-stimulated Na+ influx in normal and transformed cells.

Previous studies in human foreskin fibroblasts suggested that the mechanism by which serum stimulates Na+ influx is via a Ca2+-calmodulin-mediated event. In the present experiments in normal WI-38 cells (human lung fibroblasts), both the intracellular Ca2+ antagonist 8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8) and the potent calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine (TFP) blocked serum-stimulated Na+ influx [TMB-8 concentration causing half-maximal inhibition (Ki) = 15 microM and TFP Ki = 10 microM]. Similar results were obtained in Swiss 3T3 cells. In contrast, in transformed WI-38 or Swiss 3T3 cells neither TMB-8 nor TFP had any effect on serum-stimulated Na+ influx (TMB-8 Ki greater than 100 microM and TFP Ki greater than 100 microM). In addition, when 45Ca2+ efflux measurements were made on normal and transformed cells, serum stimulated significant 45Ca2+ efflux (P less than 0.05) from WI-38 and Swiss 3T3 cells, while having no effect on 45Ca2+ efflux from simian virus 40 (SV40)-WI-38 or SV40-Swiss 3T3 cells. However, an elevation of intracellular Ca2+ can stimulate Na+ influx, since it was found that A23187 mimicked the effects of serum in both normal and transformed cells. These results suggest that the Ca2+-calmodulin-mediated event, which is thought to be involved in serum-stimulated Na+ influx in normal cells, may be bypassed or overridden in transformed cells.

Desensitization of the serum effect on Na+ influx in cultured human fibroblasts.

Stimulation of an amiloride-sensitive Na+ influx pathway, which mediates Na+/H+ exchange, has been postulated to be an important step in the initiation of DNA synthesis in quiescent human fibroblasts. If the elevation of intracellular Na+ or the alkalinization of intracellular pH resulting from the activation of this system is a trigger for subsequent mitogenic events, then its inactivation may also be important to cellular functions. We investigated the duration of the activation of Na+ influx by serum in human foreskin fibroblasts (HSWP). It was found that activation of Na+ influx by 10% serum was transient, declining with a t 1/2 = 15 min. Similarly, the Na+ content of the cells rose rapidly following serum addition and decreased with a t 1/2 = 15 min. In addition, both the lys-bradykinin- and the vasopressin-stimulated Na+ influx and Na+ content declined with a t 1/2 of approximately 15 min. Similar results were obtained using both Tris-buffered and Hepes-buffered, amino-acid-free EMEM. Finally, the above experiments were repeated under conditions normally used to assess the mitogenic response of cells. It was found that in cells arrested in G0 by serum deprivation in CO2-buffered EMEM, the serum activated Na+ flux was also transient with a t 1/2 of approximately 20 min. The desensitization of cells to serum could be readily (t 1/2 = 20') reversed by a subsequent incubation of cells in serum-free medium. Stimulation of Na+ influx by both the divalent cation ionophore A23187 and the phospholipase activator melittin in also desensitized rapidly, suggesting the process is independent of receptor downregulation. The desensitization during serum preincubation occurred in both low Na+ and low pH medium suggesting that the process is not due to negative feedback on the transport system via a rise in cellular Na+ concentration or a rise in intracellular pH. Although the mechanism of desensitization is at present not known, it is likely to be a physiologically important event.

Mechanism of angiotensin II stimulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport of vascular smooth muscle cells.

Previous studies from this laboratory have demonstrated that Na-K-Cl cotransport of vascular smooth muscle cells is inhibited by hormones that increase intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels (e.g., catecholamines) and is stimulated by hormones that increase intracellular guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) levels (e.g., atrial natriuretic peptides). Others have suggested that calcium may also modulate Na-K-Cl cotransport of vascular smooth muscle cells. The goal of the present study was to characterize the mechanism of angiotensin II stimulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport of early passage cultured vascular smooth muscle cells. We found that when vascular smooth muscle cells were treated with angiotensin II or a calcium ionophore, Na-K-Cl cotransport was markedly enhanced above basal levels. We found that when calcium influx was blocked with the calcium chelator EDTA or with three different chemical types of calcium-channel blockers, the stimulatory effects of angiotensin II on Na-K-Cl cotransport were markedly inhibited. Furthermore, when intracellular calcium mobilization was blocked with high concentrations of the calcium chelator quin2 or with the intracellular calcium antagonist 8-(diethyl-amino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), the stimulatory effects of angiotensin II on Na-K-Cl cotransport were also substantially inhibited. These results suggest that both calcium influx via receptor-operated calcium channels and intracellular calcium mobilization may play a role in stimulation of Na-K-Cl cotransport of vascular smooth muscle cells in response to angiotensin II.

Isolation and characterization of new fluoroacetate resistant/acetate non-utilizing mutants of Neurospora crassa.

Sixty-two mutants of the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa were isolated on the basis of resistance to the antimetabolite fluoroacetate. Of these, 14 were unable to use acetate as sole carbon source (acetate non-utilizers, acu) and were the subject of further genetic and biochemical analysis. These mutants fell into four complementation groups, three of which did not complement any known acu mutants. Mutants of complementation group 3 failed to complement acu-8, demonstrated similar phenotypic properties and proved to be closely linked (less than 2% recombination) but not allelic. Representatives of groups 2 and 4 were mapped to independent loci; the single representative of group 1 could not be mapped. The four complementation groups were therefore designated as genes acu-10 to acu-13 respectively. All the mutants demonstrated normal acetate-induced expression of acetyl-CoA synthetase and the unique enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle and gluconeogenesis. The nature of these mutations is therefore quite different to those reported for other fungal species. Mutant acu-11 was unable to fix labelled acetate, indicating the loss of an initial transport function; partial enzyme lesions were observed for acu-12 (acetyl-CoA hydrolase) and acu-13 (acetate-inducible NAD(+)-specific malate dehydrogenase).

Reduced Na-K-Cl cotransport in vascular smooth muscle cells from spontaneously hypertensive rats.

We have previously demonstrated the presence of a prominent, cyclic nucleotide-sensitive Na-K-Cl cotransport in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Others have observed that Na-K-Cl cotransport levels are reduced in erythrocytes of patients with essential hypertension and have proposed that a defect in this Na transport system may play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. However, such a defect has not been demonstrated in the putative target tissue for essential hypertension, i.e., the VSMC. In the present study, we compared Na-K-Cl cotransport of VSMC from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with Na-K-Cl cotransport of VSMC from normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY). We found that Na-K-Cl cotransport of SHR VSMC is significantly reduced relative to that of WKY VSMC (3.09 vs. 4.39 mumol K.g protein-1.min-1). The apparent ion affinities for Na-K-Cl cotransport of SHR VSMC did not differ from those determined for WKY VSMC. Furthermore, cyclic nucleotide regulation of cotransport also appeared to be the same for the two types of VSMC. In contrast, maximal saturable binding of [3H]bumetanide observed in SHR VSMC was markedly reduced compared with that of WKY VSMC, but the Kd values were similar. Our data suggest that the reduction in cotransport observed in SHR VSMC is the result of a decrease in the number of available cotransport sites.

Heparin inhibits Na(+)-H+ exchange in vascular smooth muscle cells.

Vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation has been shown to be an important factor in atheromatous plaque formation, hypertrophy associated with essential hypertension, and failure of balloon angioplasty procedures. Investigators have shown that a number of different agents stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, including epidermal growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, angiotensin II, and catecholamines. Previously, we have demonstrated that these agents also cause immediate changes in ion transport and second messenger generation in vascular smooth muscle cells. We have proposed that these immediate changes may be linked to each other and to cell proliferation. In contrast to the many agents that have been shown to stimulate vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, only a few agents (e.g., heparin sodium or transforming growth factor-beta) have been shown to inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. In the present study we have investigated whether heparin inhibits serum- or growth factor-stimulated changes in ion transport and second messenger generation in vascular smooth muscle cells. We found that heparin inhibits serum- or growth factor-stimulated Na(+)-H+ exchange in a concentration-dependent manner that is not dependent on the ability of heparin to function as an anticoagulant agent. In addition, other glycosaminoglycans were not found to be inhibitory, and the inhibitory effects of heparin were discovered to be limited to vascular smooth muscle cells. Heparin does not appear to be acting by binding to growth factors, or by directly inhibiting the Na(+)-H+ exchange protein. However, heparin did inhibit serum- or growth factor-stimulated inositol trisphosphate release and calcium mobilization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)