Cellular Metabolism of Substance P Produces Neurokinin-1 Receptor Peptide Agonists with diminished cyclic AMP Signaling.

Substance P (SP) is released from sensory nerves in arteries and heart. It activates neurokinin-1 receptors (NK1R) causing vasodilation, immune modulation, and adverse cardiac remodeling. The hypothesis was tested that SP and SP metabolites activate different second messenger signaling pathways. Macrophages, endothelial cells and fibroblasts metabolized SP to N- and C-terminal metabolites to varying extents. SP 5-11 was the most abundant metabolite followed by SP 1-4, SP 7-11, SP 6-11, SP 3-11 and SP 8-11. In NK1R expressing HEK293 cells, SP and some C-terminal SP metabolites stimulate the NK1R promoting dissociation of several Ga proteins including Gas and Gaq from their bg subunits. SP increases intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca]i) and cyclic AMP (cAMP) accumulation with similar -log EC50 values of 8.5±0.3 and 7.8±0.1 M, respectively. N-Terminal metabolism of SP by up to 5 amino acids and C-terminal deamidation of SP produce peptides that retain activity to increase [Ca]i but not to increase cAMP. C-Terminal metabolism results in loss of both activities. Thus, [Ca]i and cAMP signaling are differentially affected by SP metabolism. To assess the role of N-terminal metabolism, SP and SP 6-11 were compared on cAMP-mediated activities in NK1R expressing 3T3 fibroblasts. SP inhibits NFkB activity, cell proliferation and wound healing and stimulates collagen production. SP 6-11 had little or no activity. COX-2 expression is increased by SP but not SP 6-11. Thus, metabolism may select the cellular response to SP by inhibiting or re-directing the second messenger signaling pathway activated by the NK1R.

The Inhibitory Effect of Blue Light on Phagocytic Activity by ARPE-19 Cells.

Chronic exposure of the retina to short wavelength visible light is a risk factor in pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. The proper functioning and survival of photoreceptors depends on efficient phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments (POS) by retinal pigment epithelium. The purpose of this study was to analyze the phagocytic activity of blue light-treated ARPE-19 cells, and to examine whether the observed effects could be related to altered levels of POS phagocytosis receptor proteins and/or to oxidation of cellular proteins and lipids. POS phagocytosis was measured by flow cytometry. Phagocytosis receptor proteins αv and ß5 integrin subunits and Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) were quantified by western blotting. The intact functional heterodimer αvß5 was quantified by immunoprecipitation followed by immunoblotting. Cellular protein and lipid hydroperoxides were analyzed by coumarin boronic acid probe and iodometric assay, respectively. Cell irradiation induced reversible inhibition of specific phagocytosis and transient reductions in phagocytosis receptor proteins. Full recovery of functional heterodimer was apparent. Significant photooxidation of cellular proteins and lipids was observed. The results indicate that transient inhibition of specific phagocytosis by blue light could be related to the reduction in phagocytosis receptor proteins. Such changes may arise from oxidative modifications of cell phagocytic machinery components.

Macrophage 12(S)-HETE Enhances Angiotensin II-Induced Contraction by a BLT2 (Leukotriene B4 Type-2 Receptor) and TP (Thromboxane Receptor)-Mediated Mechanism in Murine Arteries.

12/15-LO (12/15-lipoxygenase), encoded by Alox15 gene, metabolizes arachidonic acid to 12(S)-HETE (12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid). Macrophages are the major source of 12/15-LO among immune cells, and 12/15-LO plays a crucial role in development of hypertension. Global Alox15- or macrophage-deficient mice are resistant to Ang II (angiotensin II)-induced hypertension. This study tests the hypothesis that macrophage 12(S)-HETE contributes to Ang II-mediated arterial constriction and thus to development of Ang II-induced hypertension. Ang II constricted isolated abdominal aortic and mesenteric arterial rings. 12(S)-HETE (100 nmol/L) alone was without effect; however, it significantly enhanced Ang II-induced constriction. The presence of wild-type macrophages also enhanced the Ang II-induced constriction, while Alox15-/- macrophages did not. Using this model, pretreatment of aortic rings with inhibitors, receptor agonists/antagonists, or removal of the endothelium, systematically uncovered an endothelium-mediated, Ang II receptor-2-mediated and superoxide-mediated enhancing effect of 12(S)-HETE on Ang II constrictions. The role of superoxide was confirmed using aortas from p47phox-/- mice where 12(S)-HETE failed to enhance constriction to Ang II. In cultured arterial endothelial cells, 12(S)-HETE increased the production of superoxide, and 12(S)-HETE or Ang II increased the production of an isothromboxane-like metabolite. A TP (thromboxane receptor) antagonist inhibited 12(S)-HETE enhancement of Ang II constriction. Both Ang II-induced hypertension and the enhancing effect of 12(S)-HETE on Ang II contractions were eliminated by a BLT2 (leukotriene B4 receptor-2) antagonist. These results outline a mechanism where the macrophage 12/15-LO pathway enhances the action of Ang II. 12(S)-HETE, acting on the BLT2, contributes to the hypertensive action of Ang II in part by promoting endothelial synthesis of a superoxide-derived TP agonist.

GPR40 is a low-affinity epoxyeicosatrienoic acid receptor in vascular cells.

Endothelium-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) have numerous vascular activities mediated by G protein-coupled receptors. Long-chain free fatty acids and EETs activate GPR40, prompting us to investigate the role of GPR40 in some vascular EET activities. 14,15-EET, 11,12-EET, arachidonic acid, and the GPR40 agonist GW9508 increase intracellular calcium concentrations in human GPR40-overexpressing HEK293 cells (EC50 = 0.58 ± 0.08 µm, 0.91 ± 0.08 µm, 3.9 ± 0.06 µm, and 19 ± 0.37 nm, respectively). EETs with cis- and trans-epoxides had similar activities, whereas substitution of a thiirane sulfur for the epoxide oxygen decreased the activities. 8,9-EET, 5,6-EET, and the epoxide hydrolysis products 11,12- and 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids were less active than 11,12-EET. The GPR40 antagonist GW1100 and siRNA-mediated GPR40 silencing blocked the EET- and GW9508-induced calcium increases. EETs are weak GPR120 agonists. GPR40 expression was detected in human and bovine endothelial cells (ECs), smooth muscle cells, and arteries. 11,12-EET concentration-dependently relaxed preconstricted coronary arteries; however, these relaxations were not altered by GW1100. In human ECs, 11,12-EET increased MAP kinase (MAPK)-mediated ERK phosphorylation, phosphorylation and levels of connexin-43 (Cx43), and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), all of which were inhibited by GW1100 and the MAPK inhibitor U0126. Moreover, siRNA-mediated GPR40 silencing decreased 11,12-EET-induced ERK phosphorylation. These results indicated that GPR40 is a low-affinity EET receptor in vascular cells and arteries. We conclude that epoxidation of arachidonic acid to EETs enhances GPR40 agonist activity and that 11,12-EET stimulation of GPR40 increases Cx43 and COX-2 expression in ECs via ERK phosphorylation.

Obligatory Metabolism of Angiotensin II to Angiotensin III for Zona Glomerulosa Cell-Mediated Relaxations of Bovine Adrenal Cortical Arteries.

Hyperaldosteronism is associated with hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and congestive heart failure. Steroidogenic factors facilitate aldosterone secretion by increasing adrenal blood flow. Angiotensin (Ang) II decreases adrenal vascular tone through release of zona glomerulosa (ZG) cell-derived vasodilatory eicosanoids. However, ZG cell-mediated relaxation of bovine adrenal cortical arteries to Ang II is not altered by angiotensin type 1 or 2 receptor antagonists. Because traditional Ang II receptors do not mediate these vasorelaxations to Ang II, we investigated the role of Ang II metabolites. Ang III was identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry as the primary ZG cell metabolite of Ang II. Ang III stimulated ZG cell-mediated relaxation of adrenal arteries with greater potency than did Ang II. Furthermore, ZG cell-mediated relaxations of adrenal arteries by Ang II were attenuated by aminopeptidase inhibition, and Ang III-stimulated relaxations persisted. Ang IV had little effect compared with Ang II. Moreover, ZG cell-mediated relaxations of adrenal arteries by Ang II were attenuated by an Ang III antagonist but not by an Ang (1-7) antagonist. In contrast, Ang II and Ang III were equipotent in stimulating aldosterone secretion from ZG cells and were unaffected by aminopeptidase inhibition. Additionally, aspartyl and leucyl aminopeptidases, which convert Ang II to Ang III, are the primary peptidase expressed in ZG cells. This was confirmed by enzyme activity. These data indicate that intra-adrenal metabolism of Ang II to Ang III is required for ZG cell-mediated relaxations of adrenal arteries but not aldosterone secretion. These studies have defined an important role of Ang III in the adrenal gland.

Zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol reduce the inhibitory effects of photodynamic stress on phagocytosis by ARPE-19 cells.

Zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol have been previously shown to efficiently protect liposomal membrane lipids against photosensitized peroxidation, and to protect cultured RPE cells against photodynamic killing. Here the protective action of combined zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol was analyzed in ARPE-19 cells subjected to photodynamic (PD) stress mediated by rose Bengal (RB) or merocyanine-540 (MC-540) at sub-lethal levels. Stress-induced cytotoxicity was analyzed by the MTT assay. The peroxidation of membrane lipids was determined by HPLC-EC (Hg) measurements of cholesterol hydroperoxides using cholesterol as a mechanistic reporter molecule. The specific phagocytosis of FITC-labeled photoreceptor outer segments (POS) isolated from bovine retinas was measured by flow cytometry, and the levels of phagocytosis receptor proteins αv integrin subunit, ß5 integrin subunit and MerTK were quantified by Western blot analysis. Cytotoxicity measures confirmed that PD stress levels used for phagocytosis analysis were sub-lethal and that antioxidant supplementation protected against higher, lethal PD doses. Sub-lethal PD stress mediated by both photosensitizers induced the accumulation of 5α-OOH and 7α/ß-OOH cholesterol hydroperoxides and the addition of the antioxidants substantially inhibited their accumulation. Antioxidant delivery prior to PD stress also reduced the inhibitory effect of stress on POS phagocytosis and partially reduced the stress-induced diminution of phagocytosis receptor proteins. The use of a novel model system where oxidative stress was induced at sub-lethal levels enable observations that would not be detectable using lethal stress models. Moreover, novel observations about the protective effects of zeaxanthin and α-tocopherol on photodynamic damage to ARPE-19 cell membranes and against reductions in the abundance of receptor proteins involved in POS phagocytosis, a process essential for photoreceptor survival, supports the importance of the antioxidants in protecting of the retina against photooxidative injury.

Photosensitized oxidative stress to ARPE-19 cells decreases protein receptors that mediate photoreceptor outer segment phagocytosis.

PURPOSE: To determine whether previously shown photodynamic (PD)-induced inhibition of specific photoreceptor outer segment (POS) phagocytosis by ARPE-19 cells is associated with reductions in receptor proteins mediating POS phagocytosis, and if PD treatment with merocyanine-540 (MC-540) produces additional effects leading to its inhibition of nonspecific phagocytosis. METHODS: ARPE-19 cells preloaded with MC-540 or rose bengal (RB) were sublethally irradiated with green light. Phagocytosis of POS was measured by flow cytometry and POS receptor proteins (Mer tyrosine kinase receptor [MerTK] and integrin subunits αv and ß5) and ß-actin were quantified by Western blotting at 0.5 and 24 hours after irradiation, with comparison to samples from nonsensitized control cultures. The intact integrin heterodimer αvß5 was quantified by immunoprecipitation followed by blotting. The distribution of N-cadherin, ZO-1, and F-actin was visualized by fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Mild PD stress mediated by both photosensitizers that elicits no significant morphologic changes produces transient and recoverable reductions in MerTK. The individual αv and ß5 integrin subunits are also reduced but only partially recover. However, there is sufficient recovery to support full recovery of the functional heterodimer. Light stress mediated by MC-540 also reduced levels of actin, which is known to participate in the internalization of particles regardless of type. CONCLUSIONS: After PD treatment POS receptor protein abundance and phagocytosis show a coincident in time reduction then recovery suggesting that diminution in receptor proteins contributes to the phagocytic defect. The additional inhibition of nonspecific phagocytosis by MC-540-mediated stress may result from more widespread effects on cytosolic proteins. The data imply that phagocytosis receptors in RPE cells are sensitive to oxidative modification, raising the possibility that chronic oxidative stress in situ may reduce the efficiency of the RPE's role in photoreceptor turnover, thereby contributing to retinal degenerations.

Oxidative stress increases HO-1 expression in ARPE-19 cells, but melanosomes suppress the increase when light is the stressor.

PURPOSE: Phagocytized melanosomes in ARPE-19 cells were previously shown to decrease susceptibility to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide treatment and increase stress due to light irradiation relative to cells containing control black latex beads. Here we asked whether differential expression of antioxidant enzymes in cells containing pigment granules could explain the outcomes. METHODS: ARPE-19 cells were loaded by phagocytosis with porcine RPE melanosomes or black latex beads (control particles). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), HO-2, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase were quantified by Western blot analysis before and after treatment with sublethal hydrogen peroxide or blue light (400-450 nm). The stress was confirmed as sublethal by cell survival analysis using real-time quantification of propidium iodide fluorescence. RESULTS: Phagocytosis itself produced transient changes in protein levels of some antioxidant enzymes, but steady-state levels (7 days after phagocytosis) did not differ in cells containing melanosomes versus beads. Sublethal stress, induced by either hydrogen peroxide or light, had no effect on catalase or HO-2 in either particle-free or particle-loaded cells. In contrast, HO-1 protein was upregulated by treatment with both hydrogen peroxide and light. Particle content did not affect the HO-1 increase induced by hydrogen peroxide, but the increase induced by blue light irradiation was partially blocked in cells containing black beads and blocked even more in cells containing melanosomes. CONCLUSIONS: The results do not implicate differential antioxidant enzyme levels in stress protection by melanosomes against hydrogen peroxide, but they suggest a multifaceted role for melanosomes in regulating light stress susceptibility in RPE cells.

Melanosome-iron interactions within retinal pigment epithelium-derived cells.

Melanosomes were recently shown to protect ARPE-19 cells, a human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line, against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. One postulated mechanism of antioxidant action of melanin is its ability to bind metal ions. The aim here was to determine whether melanosomes are competent to bind iron within living cells, exhibiting a property previously shown only in model systems. The outcomes indicate retention of prebound iron and accumulation of iron by granules after iron delivery to cells via the culture medium, as determined by both colorimetric and electron spin resonance analyses for bound-to-melanosome iron. Manipulation of iron content did not affect the pigment's ability to protect cells against H(2) O(2) , but the function of pigment granules within RPE cells should be extended beyond a role in light irradiation to include participation in iron homeostasis.

Mitochondrial dysfunction links ceramide activated HRK expression and cell death.

PURPOSE: Cell death is an essential process in normal development and homeostasis. In eyes, corneal epithelial injury leads to the death of cells in underlying stroma, an event believed to initiate corneal wound healing. The molecular basis of wound induced corneal stromal cell death is not understood in detail. Studies of others have indicated that ceramide may play significant role in stromal cell death following LASIK surgery. We have undertaken the present study to investigate the mechanism of death induced by C6 ceramide in cultures of human corneal stromal (HCSF) fibroblasts. METHODS: Cultures of HCSF were established from freshly excised corneas. Cell death was induced in low passage (p<4) cultures of HCSF by treating the cells with C6 ceramide or C6 dihydroceramide as a control. Cell death was assessed by Live/Dead cell staining with calcein AM and ethidium homodimer-1 as well as Annexin V staining, caspase activation and TUNEL staining Mitochondrial dysfunction was assessed by Mito Sox Red, JC-1 and cytochrome C release Gene expression was examined by qPCR and western blotting. RESULTS: Our data demonstrate ceramide caused mitochondrial dysfunction as evident from reduced MTT staining, cyto c release from mitochondria, enhanced generation of ROS, and loss in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Cell death was evident from Live -Dead Cell staining and the inability to reestablish cultures from detached cells. Ceramide induced the expression of the harikari gene(HRK) and up-regulated JNK phosphorylation. In ceramide treated cells HRK was translocated to mitochondria, where it was found to interact with mitochondrial protein p32. The data also demonstrated HRK, p32 and BAD interaction. Ceramide-induced expression of HRK, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death were reduced by HRK knockdown with HRK siRNA. CONCLUSION: Our data document that ceramide is capable of inducing death of corneal stromal fibroblasts through the induction of HRK mediated mitochondria dysfunction.

Cardiac myocyte-specific overexpression of human GTP cyclohydrolase I protects against acute cardiac allograft rejection.

GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH) is the rate-limiting enzyme for tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) synthesis. Decreases in GTPCH activity and expression have been shown in late stages of acute cardiac rejection, suggesting a deficit in BH(4). We hypothesized that increasing intracellular levels of BH(4) by cardiac myocyte-targeted overexpression of GTPCH would diminish acute cardiac allograft rejection. Transgenic mice overexpressing GTPCH in the heart were generated and crossed on C57BL6 background. Wild-type and transgenic mouse donor hearts were transplanted into BALB/c recipient mice. Left ventricular (LV) function, histological rejection, BH(4) levels, and inflammatory cytokine gene expression (mRNA) were examined. Expression of human GTPCH was documented by PCR, Western analysis, and function by a significant (P < 0.001) increase in cardiac BH(4) levels. GTPCH transgene decreased histological rejection (46%; P < 0.003) and cardiac myocyte injury (eosin autofluorescence; 56%; P < 0.0001) independent of changes in inflammatory cytokine expression or nitric oxide content. GTPCH transgene decreased IL-2 (88%; P < 0.002), IL-1R2 (42%; P < 0.0001), and programmed cell death-1 (67%; P < 0.0001) expression, whereas it increased fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (156%; P < 0.0001) and stromal-derived factor-1 (2; 190%; P < 0.0001) expression. There was no difference in ejection fraction or fractional shortening; however, LV mass was significantly increased (P < 0.05) only in wild-type grafts. The decreases in LV mass, cardiac injury, and histological rejection support a protective role of cardiac GTPCH overexpression and increased BH(4) synthesis in cardiac allografts. The mechanism of the decreased rejection appears related to decreased T cell proliferation and modulation of immune function by higher expression of genes involved in hematopoietic/stromal cell development and recruitment.

Deficient BH4 production via de novo and salvage pathways regulates NO responses to cytokines in adult cardiac myocytes.

Adult rat cardiac myocytes typically display a phenotypic response to cytokines manifested by low or no increases in nitric oxide (NO) production via inducible NO synthase (iNOS) that distinguishes them from other cell types. To better characterize this response, we examined the expression of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-synthesizing and arginine-utilizing genes in cytokine-stimulated adult cardiac myocytes. Intracellular BH4 and 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (BH2) and NO production were quantified. Cytokines induced GTP cyclohydrolase and its feedback regulatory protein but with deficient levels of BH4 synthesis. Despite the induction of iNOS protein, cytokine-stimulated adult cardiac myocytes produced little or no increase in NO versus unstimulated cells. Western blot analysis under nonreducing conditions revealed the presence of iNOS monomers. Supplementation with sepiapterin (a precursor of BH4) increased BH4 as well as BH2, but this did not enhance NO levels or eliminate iNOS monomers. Similar findings were confirmed in vivo after treatment of rat cardiac allograft recipients with sepiapterin. It was found that expression of dihydrofolate reductase, required for full activity of the salvage pathway, was not detected in adult cardiac myocytes. Thus, adult cardiac myocytes have a limited capacity to synthesize BH4 after cytokine stimulation. The mechanisms involve posttranslational factors impairing de novo and salvage pathways. These conditions are unable to support active iNOS protein dimers necessary for NO production. These findings raise significant new questions about the prevailing understanding of how cytokines, via iNOS, cause cardiac dysfunction and injury in vivo during cardiac inflammatory disease states since cardiac myocytes are not a major source of high NO production.