Widening the Prostacyclin Paradigm: Tissue Fibroblasts Are a Critical Site of Production and Antithrombotic Protection.

BACKGROUND: Prostacyclin is a fundamental signaling pathway traditionally associated with the cardiovascular system and protection against thrombosis but which also has regulatory functions in fibrosis, proliferation, and immunity. Prevailing dogma states that prostacyclin is principally derived from vascular endothelium, although it is known that other cells can also synthesize it. However, the role of nonendothelial sources in prostacyclin production has not been systematically evaluated resulting in an underappreciation of their importance relative to better characterized endothelial sources. METHODS: To address this, we have used novel endothelial cell-specific and fibroblast-specific COX (cyclo-oxygenase) and prostacyclin synthase knockout mice and cells freshly isolated from mouse and human lung tissue. We have assessed prostacyclin release by immunoassay and thrombosis in vivo using an FeCl3-induced carotid artery injury model. RESULTS: We found that in arteries, endothelial cells are the main source of prostacyclin but that in the lung, and other tissues, prostacyclin production occurs largely independently of endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. Instead, in mouse and human lung, prostacyclin production was strongly associated with fibroblasts. By comparison, microvascular endothelial cells from the lung showed weak prostacyclin synthetic capacity compared with those isolated from large arteries. Prostacyclin derived from fibroblasts and other nonendothelial sources was seen to contribute to antithrombotic protection. CONCLUSIONS: These observations define a new paradigm in prostacyclin biology in which fibroblast/nonendothelial-derived prostacyclin works in parallel with endothelium-derived prostanoids to control thrombotic risk and potentially a broad range of other biology. Although generation of prostacyclin by fibroblasts has been shown previously, the scale and systemic activity was unappreciated. As such, this represents a basic change in our understanding and may provide new insight into how diseases of the lung result in cardiovascular risk.

Renal Function Underpins the Cyclooxygenase-2: Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Axis in Mouse and Man.

Introduction: Through the production of prostacyclin, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 protects the cardiorenal system. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), is a biomarker of cardiovascular and renal disease. Here we determined the relationship between COX-2/prostacyclin, ADMA, and renal function in mouse and human models. Methods: We used plasma from COX-2 or prostacyclin synthase knockout mice and from a unique individual lacking COX-derived prostaglandins (PGs) because of a loss of function mutation in cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), before and after receiving a cPLA2-replete transplanted donor kidney. ADMA, arginine, and citrulline were measured using ultra-high performance liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. ADMA and arginine were also measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Renal function was assessed by measuring cystatin C by ELISA. ADMA and prostacyclin release from organotypic kidney slices were also measured by ELISA. Results: Loss of COX-2 or prostacyclin synthase in mice increased plasma levels of ADMA, citrulline, arginine, and cystatin C. ADMA, citrulline, and arginine positively correlated with cystatin C. Plasma ADMA, citrulline, and cystatin C, but not arginine, were elevated in samples from the patient lacking COX/prostacyclin capacity compared to levels in healthy volunteers. Renal function, ADMA, and citrulline were returned toward normal range when the patient received a genetically normal kidney, capable of COX/prostacyclin activity; and cystatin C positively correlated with ADMA and citrulline. Levels of ADMA and prostacyclin in conditioned media of kidney slices were not altered in tissue from COX-2 knockout mice compared to wildtype controls. Conclusion: In human and mouse models, where renal function is compromised because of loss of COX-2/PGI2 signaling, ADMA levels are increased.

Increased COX-2 after ureter obstruction attenuates fibrosis and is associated with EP2 receptor upregulation in mouse and human kidney.

AIM: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity protects against oxidative stress and apoptosis early in experimental kidney injury. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that COX-2 activity attenuates fibrosis and preserves microvasculature in injured kidney. The murine unilateral ureteral-obstruction (UUO) model of kidney fibrosis was employed and compared with human nephrectomy tissue with and without chronic hydronephrosis. METHODS: Fibrosis and angiogenic markers were quantified in kidney tissue from wild-type and COX-2-/- mice subjected to UUO for 7 days and in human kidney tissue. COX-enzymes, prostaglandin (PG) synthases, PG receptors, PGE2 , and thromboxane were determined in human tissue. RESULTS: COX-2 immunosignal was observed in interstitial fibroblasts at baseline and after UUO. Fibronectin, collagen I, III, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and fibroblast specific protein-1 mRNAs increased significantly more after UUO in COX-2-/- vs wild-type mice. In vitro, fibroblasts from COX-2-/- kidneys showed higher matrix synthesis. Compared to control, human hydronephrotic kidneys showed (i) fibrosis, (ii) no significant changes in COX-2, COX-1, PGE2 -, and prostacyclin synthases, and prostacyclin and thromboxane receptor mRNAs, (iii) increased mRNA and protein of PGE2 -EP2 receptor level but unchanged PGE2 tissue concentration, and (iv) two- to threefold increased thromboxane synthase mRNA and protein levels, and increased thromboxane B2 tissue concentration in cortex and outer medulla. CONCLUSION: COX-2 protects in the early phase against obstruction-induced fibrosis and maintains angiogenic factors. Increased PGE2 -EP2 receptor in obstructed human and murine kidneys could contribute to protection.

Stimulation of the EP3 receptor causes lung oedema by activation of TRPC6 in pulmonary endothelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) increases pulmonary vascular permeability by activation of the PGE2 receptor 3 (EP3), which may explain adverse pulmonary effects of the EP1/EP3 receptor agonist sulprostone in patients. In addition, PGE2 contributes to pulmonary oedema in response to platelet-activating factor (PAF). PAF increases endothelial permeability by recruiting the cation channel transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) to endothelial caveolae via acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase). Yet, the roles of PGE2 and EP3 in this pathway are unknown. We hypothesised that EP3 receptor activation may increase pulmonary vascular permeability by activation of TRPC6, and thus, synergise with ASMase-mediated TRPC6 recruitment in PAF-induced lung oedema. METHODS: In isolated lungs, we measured increases in endothelial calcium (ΔCa2+) or lung weight (Δweight), and endothelial caveolar TRPC6 abundance as well as phosphorylation. RESULTS: PAF-induced ΔCa2+ and Δweight were attenuated in EP3-deficient mice. Sulprostone replicated PAF-induced ΔCa2+ and Δweight which were blocked by pharmacological/genetic inhibition of TRPC6, ASMase or Src-family kinases (SrcFK). PAF, but not sulprostone, increased TRPC6 abundance in endothelial caveolae. Immunoprecipitation revealed PAF- and sulprostone-induced tyrosine-phosphorylation of TRPC6 that was prevented by inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) or SrcFK. PLC inhibition also blocked sulprostone-induced ΔCa2+ and Δweight, as did inhibition of SrcFK or inhibitory G-protein (Gi) signalling. CONCLUSIONS: EP3 activation triggers pulmonary oedema via Gi-dependent activation of PLC and subsequent SrcFK-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of TRPC6. In PAF-induced lung oedema, this TRPC6 activation coincides with ASMase-dependent caveolar recruitment of TRPC6, resulting in rapid endothelial Ca2+ influx and barrier failure.

Contribution of cyclooxygenase-1-dependent prostacyclin synthesis to bradykinin-induced dermal extravasation.

BACKGROUND: Non-allergic angioedema is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by accumulation of bradykinin and subsequent activation of bradykinin type 2 receptors (B2). Since COX activity plays a pivotal role in B2 signaling, the aim of this study was to determine which prostaglandins are the key mediators and which COX, COX-1 or COX-2, is predominantly involved. METHODS: We used Miles assays to assess the effects of inhibitors of COX, 5-lipoxygenase, epoxyeicosatrienoic acid generation, cytosolic phospholipase A2α and a variety of prostaglandin receptor antagonists on bradykinin-induced dermal extravasation in C57BL/6 and COX-1-deficient mice (COX-1-/-). In addition, the prostacyclin metabolite 6-keto-PGF1α was quantified by ELISA in subcutaneous tissue from C57BL/6 and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells. In the latter, 6-keto-PGF1α was also quantified and identified by LC-MS/MS. RESULTS: Unspecific COX inhibition by ibuprofen and diclofenac significantly reduced B2-mediated dermal extravasation in C57BL/6 but not COX-1-/-. Likewise, inhibition of cytosolic phospholipase A2α showed similar effects. Furthermore, extravasation in COX-1-/- was generally lower than in C57BL/6. Of the prostaglandin antagonists used, only the prostacyclin receptor antagonist RO1138452 showed a significant reduction of dermal extravasation. Moreover, 6-keto-PGF1α concentrations were increased after bradykinin treatment in subcutaneous tissue from C57BL/6 as well as in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells and this increase was abolished by diclofenac. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that COX-1-dependent prostacyclin production is critically involved in dermal extravasation after activation of B2 in small dermal blood vessels. Targeting prostacyclin production and/or signaling appears to be a suitable option for acute treatment of non-allergic angioedema.

Disruption of Prostaglandin E2 Signaling in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Limits Mammary Carcinoma Growth but Promotes Metastasis.

The activation and differentiation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are involved in tumor progression. Here, we show that the tumor-promoting lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a paradoxical role in CAF activation and tumor progression. Restricting PGE2 signaling via knockout of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in PyMT mice or of the prostanoid E receptor 3 (EP3) in CAFs stunted mammary carcinoma growth associated with strong CAF proliferation. CAF proliferation upon EP3 inhibition required p38 MAPK signaling. Mechanistically, TGFß-activated kinase-like protein (TAK1L), which was identified as a negative regulator of p38 MAPK activation, was decreased following ablation of mPGES-1 or EP3. In contrast with its effects on primary tumor growth, disruption of PGE2 signaling in CAFs induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer organoids and promoted metastasis in mice. Moreover, TAK1L expression in CAFs was associated with decreased CAF activation, reduced metastasis, and prolonged survival in human breast cancer. These data characterize a new pathway of regulating inflammatory CAF activation, which affects breast cancer progression. SIGNIFICANCE: The inflammatory lipid prostaglandin E2 suppresses cancer-associated fibroblast expansion and activation to limit primary mammary tumor growth while promoting metastasis.

An anti-inflammatory eicosanoid switch mediates the suppression of type-2 inflammation by helminth larval products.

Eicosanoids are key mediators of type-2 inflammation, e.g., in allergy and asthma. Helminth products have been suggested as remedies against inflammatory diseases, but their effects on eicosanoids are unknown. Here, we show that larval products of the helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (HpbE), known to modulate type-2 responses, trigger a broad anti-inflammatory eicosanoid shift by suppressing the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, but inducing the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. In human macrophages and granulocytes, the HpbE-driven induction of the COX pathway resulted in the production of anti-inflammatory mediators [e.g., prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and IL-10] and suppressed chemotaxis. HpbE also abrogated the chemotaxis of granulocytes from patients suffering from aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), a severe type-2 inflammatory condition. Intranasal treatment with HpbE extract attenuated allergic airway inflammation in mice, and intranasal transfer of HpbE-conditioned macrophages led to reduced airway eosinophilia in a COX/PGE2-dependent fashion. The induction of regulatory mediators in macrophages depended on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and Hpb glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), which we identify as a major immunoregulatory protein in HpbE Hpb GDH activity was required for anti-inflammatory effects of HpbE in macrophages, and local administration of recombinant Hpb GDH to the airways abrogated allergic airway inflammation in mice. Thus, a metabolic enzyme present in helminth larvae can suppress type-2 inflammation by inducing an anti-inflammatory eicosanoid switch, which has important implications for the therapy of allergy and asthma.

The omega-3 lipid 17,18-EEQ sensitizes TRPV1 and TRPA1 in sensory neurons through the prostacyclin receptor (IP).

Oxidized lipids play an important role in pain processing by modulation of the activity of sensory neurons. However, the role of many signalling lipids that do not belong to the classical group of eicosanoids, especially of oxidized omega-3 lipids in pain processing is unclear. Here we investigated the role of the endogenously produced omega-3 lipids 17,18-EEQ and 19,20-EDP in modulating the activity of sensory neurons. We found that 17,18-EEQ but not 19,20-EDP can sensitize the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 and ankyrin 1 ion channels (TRPV1 and TRPA1) in sensory neurons, which depends on activation of a Gs-coupled receptor and PKA activation. Screening of different Gs-coupled lipid receptor-deficient mice, identified the prostacyclin receptor IP as putative receptor for 17,18-EEQ. Since 17,18-EEQ is synthesized by the Cytochrome-P450-Epoxygenase CYP2J2, we established a cellular mass spectrometry-based screening assay to identify substances that can suppress 17,18-EEQ concentrations. Using this assay, we identify the antidepressant venlafaxine and the antihypertensive drug telmisartan as potent inhibitors of CYP2J2-dependent 17,18-EEQ synthesis. These findings identify 17,18-EEQ as first omega-3-derived lipid mediator that acts via the IP receptor and sensitizes the TRPV1 channel in sensory neurons. Moreover, the results give a mechanistic explanation for the antinociceptive effects of venlafaxine, which are still not well understood. Like telmisartan, venlafaxine may reduce neuronal activity by blocking CYP2J2 and 17,18-EEQ synthesis and by inhibiting the IP receptor-PKA-TRPV1 axis in sensory neurons.

Mechanistic definition of the cardiovascular mPGES-1/COX-2/ADMA axis.

AIMS: Cardiovascular side effects caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which all inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, have prevented development of new drugs that target prostaglandins to treat inflammation and cancer. Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) inhibitors have efficacy in the NSAID arena but their cardiovascular safety is not known. Our previous work identified asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, as a potential biomarker of cardiovascular toxicity associated with blockade of COX-2. Here, we have used pharmacological tools and genetically modified mice to delineate mPGES-1 and COX-2 in the regulation of ADMA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Inhibition of COX-2 but not mPGES-1 deletion resulted in increased plasma ADMA levels. mPGES-1 deletion but not COX-2 inhibition resulted in increased plasma prostacyclin levels. These differences were explained by distinct compartmentalization of COX-2 and mPGES-1 in the kidney. Data from prostanoid synthase/receptor knockout mice showed that the COX-2/ADMA axis is controlled by prostacyclin receptors (IP and PPARß/δ) and the inhibitory PGE2 receptor EP4, but not other PGE2 receptors. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that inhibition of mPGES-1 spares the renal COX-2/ADMA pathway and define mechanistically how COX-2 regulates ADMA.

Thromboxane-Induced α-CGRP Release from Peripheral Neurons Is an Essential Positive Feedback Loop in Capsaicin-Induced Neurogenic Inflammation.

α-CGRP is synthesized by sensory nerves in the dermis and its release can cause vasodilation and local inflammation. Its vasorelaxant effects are based on the direct activation of smooth muscle and endothelial cells, as well as the activation of mast cells causing the release of vasoactive and proinflammatory mediators. Here, we show that in the capsaicin model for neurogenic inflammation, capsaicin-induced edema formation is mediated by α-CGRP and mast cells, but is absent in thromboxane receptor-deficient mice. Capsaicin treatment of mice induced a thromboxane synthesis, which was mediated by α-CGRP and mast cells. Fittingly, α-CGRP induced thromboxane synthesis in mast cells and the thromboxane receptor agonist I-BOP caused edema formation independently of mast cells, suggesting that mast cells are the source of thromboxane. Most importantly, I-BOP-induced edema formation was mediated by α-CGRP and I-BOP was able to stimulate through calcineurin the α-CGRP release from peripheral neurons. Likewise, the signaling pathway, including α-CGRP, thromboxane receptor, and mast cells, also mediated capsaicin-induced mechanical hypersensitivity, a common symptom of capsaicin treatment. Taken together, the thromboxane-induced α-CGRP release from neurons forms a positive feedback loop causing prolonged α-CGRP release and edema formation during capsaicin-induced neurogenic inflammation.

The prostaglandin E2 receptor EP3 controls CC-chemokine ligand 2-mediated neuropathic pain induced by mechanical nerve damage.

Prostaglandin (PG) E2 is an important lipid mediator that is involved in several pathophysiological processes contributing to fever, inflammation, and pain. Previous studies have shown that early and continuous application of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs significantly reduces pain behavior in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model for trauma-induced neuropathic pain. However, the role of PGE2 and its receptors in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain is incompletely understood but may help inform strategies for pain management. Here, we sought to define the nociceptive roles of the individual PGE2 receptors (EP1-4) in the SNI model using EP knockout mice. We found that PGE2 levels at the site of injury were increased and that the expression of the terminal synthase for PGE2, cytosolic PGE synthase was up-regulated in resident positive macrophages located within the damaged nerve. Only genetic deletion of the EP3 receptor affected nociceptive behavior and reduced the development of late-stage mechanical allodynia as well as recruitment of immune cells to the injured nerve. Importantly, EP3 activation induced the release of CC-chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), and antagonists against the CCL2 receptor reduced mechanical allodynia in WT but not in EP3 knockout mice. We conclude that selective inhibition of EP3 might present a potential approach for reducing chronic neuropathic pain.

Activated Platelets Induce an Anti-Inflammatory Response of Monocytes/Macrophages through Cross-Regulation of PGE2 and Cytokines.

Platelets are well known for their role in hemostasis and are also increasingly recognized for their roles in the innate immune system during inflammation and their regulation of macrophage activation. Here, we aimed to study the influence of platelets on the production of inflammatory mediators by monocytes and macrophages. Analyzing cocultures of platelets and murine bone marrow-derived macrophages or human monocytes, we found that collagen-activated platelets release high amounts of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) that leads to an increased interleukin- (IL-) 10 release and a decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α secretion out of the monocytes or macrophages. Platelet PGE2 mediated the upregulation of IL-10 in both cell types via the PGE2 receptor EP2. Notably, PGE2-mediated IL-10 synthesis was also mediated by EP4 in murine macrophages. Inhibition of TNFα synthesis via EP2 and EP4, but not EP1, was mediated by IL-10, since blockade of the IL-10 receptor abolished the inhibitory effect of both receptors on TNFα release. This platelet-mediated cross-regulation between PGE2 and cytokines reveals one mechanism how monocytes and macrophages can attenuate excessive inflammatory responses induced by activated platelets in order to limit inflammatory processes.

Characterization of the Micro-Environment of the Testis that Shapes the Phenotype and Function of Testicular Macrophages.

Macrophages are important in the activation of innate immune responses and in a tissue-specific manner in the maintenance of organ homeostasis. Testicular macrophages (TM), which reside in the testicular interstitial space, comprise the largest leukocyte population in the testes and are assumed to play a relevant function in maintaining testicular immune privilege. Numerous studies have indicated that the interstitial fluid (IF) surrounding the TM has immunosuppressive properties, which may influence the phenotype of TM. However, the identity of the immunosuppressive molecules present in the IF is poorly characterized. We show that the rat testicular IF shifted GM-CSF-induced M1 toward the M2 macrophage phenotype. IF-polarized M2 macrophages mimic the properties of TM, such as increased expression of CD163, high secretion of IL-10, and low secretion of TNF-α. In addition, IF-polarized macrophages display immunoregulatory functions by inducing expansion of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells. We further found that corticosterone was the principal immunosuppressive molecule present in the IF and that the glucocorticoid receptor is needed for induction of the testis-specific phenotype of TM. In addition, TM locally produce small amounts of corticosterone, which suppresses the basal expression of inflammatory genes as a means to render TM refractory to inflammatory stimuli. Taken together, these results suggest that the corticosterone present in the testicular environment shapes the immunosuppressive function and phenotype of TM and that this steroid may play an important role in the establishment and sustenance of the immune privilege of the testis.

Salt supplementation ameliorates developmental kidney defects in COX-2-/- mice.

Deficiency of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activity in the early postnatal period causes impairment of kidney development leading to kidney insufficiency. We hypothesize that impaired NaCl reabsorption during the first days of life is a substantial cause for nephrogenic defects observed in COX-2-/- mice and that salt supplementation corrects these defects. Daily injections of NaCl (0.8 mg·g-1·day-1) for the first 10 days after birth ameliorated impaired kidney development in COX-2-/- pups resulting in an increase in glomerular size and fewer immature superficial glomeruli. However, impaired renal subcortical growth was not corrected. Increasing renal tubular flow by volume load or injections of KCl did not relieve the renal histomorphological damage. Administration of torsemide and spironolactone also affected nephrogenesis resulting in diminished glomeruli and cortical thinning. Treatment of COX-2-/- pups with NaCl/DOCA caused a stronger mitigation of glomerular size and induced a slight but significant growth of cortical tissue mass. After birth, renal mRNA expression of NHE3, NKCC2, ROMK, NCCT, ENaC, and Na+/K+-ATPase increased relative to postnatal day 2 in wild-type mice. However, in COX-2-/- mice, a significantly lower expression was observed for NCCT, whereas NaCl/DOCA treatment significantly increased NHE3 and ROMK expression. Long-term effects of postnatal NaCl/DOCA injections indicate improved kidney function with normalization of pathologically enhanced creatinine and urea plasma levels; also, albumin excretion was observed. In summary, we present evidence that salt supplementation during the COX-2-dependent time frame of nephrogenesis partly reverses renal morphological defects in COX-2-/- mice and improves kidney function.

Angiotensin II-AT1-receptor signaling is necessary for cyclooxygenase-2-dependent postnatal nephron generation.

Deletion of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) causes impairment of postnatal kidney development. Here we tested whether the renin angiotensin system contributes to COX-2-dependent nephrogenesis in mice after birth and whether a rescue of impaired renal development and function in COX-2-/- mice was achievable. Plasma renin concentration in mouse pups showed a birth peak and a second peak around day P8 during the first 10 days post birth. Administration of the angiotensin II receptor AT1 antagonist telmisartan from day P1 to P3 did not result in cortical damage. However, telmisartan treatment from day P3 to P8, the critical time frame of renal COX-2 expression, led to hypoplastic glomeruli, a thinned subcapsular cortex and maturational arrest of superficial glomeruli quite similar to that observed in COX-2-/- mice. In contrast, AT2 receptor antagonist PD123319 was without any effect on renal development. Inhibition of the renin angiotensin system by aliskiren and enalapril caused similar glomerular defects as telmisartan. Administration of the AT1 receptor agonist L162313 to COX-2-/- pups improved kidney growth, ameliorated renal defects, but had no beneficial effect on reduced cortical mass. L162313 rescued impaired renal function by reducing serum urea and creatinine and mitigated pathologic albumin excretion. Moreover, glomerulosclerosis in the kidneys of COX-2-/- mice was reduced. Thus, angiotensin II-AT1-receptor signaling is necessary for COX-2-dependent normal postnatal nephrogenesis and maturation.

LPA1 receptor-mediated thromboxane A2 release is responsible for lysophosphatidic acid-induced vascular smooth muscle contraction.

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been recognized recently as an endothelium-dependent vasodilator, but several lines of evidence indicate that it may also stimulate vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), thereby contributing to vasoregulation and remodeling. In the present study, mRNA expression of all 6 LPA receptor genes was detected in murine aortic VSMCs, with the highest levels of LPA1, LPA2, LPA4, and LPA6 In endothelium-denuded thoracic aorta (TA) and abdominal aorta (AA) segments, 1-oleoyl-LPA and the LPA1-3 agonist VPC31143 induced dose-dependent vasoconstriction. VPC31143-induced AA contraction was sensitive to pertussis toxin (PTX), the LPA1&3 antagonist Ki16425, and genetic deletion of LPA1 but not that of LPA2 or inhibition of LPA3, by diacylglycerol pyrophosphate. Surprisingly, vasoconstriction was also diminished in vessels lacking cyclooxygenase-1 [COX1 knockout (KO)] or the thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptor (TP KO). VPC31143 increased thromboxane A2 (TXA2) release from TA of wild-type, TP-KO, and LPA2-KO mice but not from LPA1-KO or COX1-KO mice, and PTX blocked this effect. Our findings indicate that LPA causes vasoconstriction in VSMCs, mediated by LPA1-, Gi-, and COX1-dependent autocrine/paracrine TXA2 release and consequent TP activation. We propose that this new-found interaction between the LPA/LPA1 and TXA2/TP pathways plays significant roles in vasoregulation, hemostasis, thrombosis, and vascular remodeling.-Dancs, P. T., Ruisanchez, E., Balogh, A., Panta, C. R., Miklós, Z., Nüsing, R. M., Aoki, J., Chun, J., Offermanns, S., Tigyi, G., Benyó, Z. LPA1 receptor-mediated thromboxane A2 release is responsible for lysophosphatidic acid-induced vascular smooth muscle contraction.

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 and -2 activity in keratinocytes inhibits PGE2 formation and impairs vascular endothelial growth factor release and neovascularisation in skin wounds.

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (Cox) enzymatic activity by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) provides the molecular basis of analgesia following wounding or surgery. This study investigated the role of Cox activity in the regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in keratinocytes and the formation of new blood vessels in acute wounds in mice. To this end, human HaCaT keratinocytes were stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF increased Cox-1 mRNA in the presence of the constitutively expressed Cox-1 protein in keratinocytes. EGF coinduced Cox-2 and VEGF165 mRNA and protein expression and an accumulation of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) in cell culture supernatants. Inhibition of Cox isozyme activity by Cox-1 and -2 siRNA or ibuprofen reduced PGE2 and VEGF165 release from keratinocytes. In a mouse model of excisional wound healing, Cox-2 and VEGF165 expression were colocalized in the granulation tissue of acute wounds. Oral treatment of mice with the Cox-1 and -2 inhibitor diclofenac was associated with reduced levels of VEGF165 protein and an impaired blood vessel formation in acute wound tissue. In summary, our data suggest that a reduction of PGE2 -triggered VEGF165 protein expression in wound keratinocytes is likely to contribute to the observed impairment of wound neovascularisation upon Cox inhibition.

GPVI and Thromboxane Receptor on Platelets Promote Proinflammatory Macrophage Phenotypes during Cutaneous Inflammation.

Platelets are well known for their role in hemostasis but are also increasingly recognized for their supporting role in innate immune responses. Here, we studied the role of platelets in the development of peripheral inflammation and found that platelets colocalize with macrophages in the inflamed tissue outside of blood vessels in different animal models for cutaneous inflammation. Collagen-treatment of macrophages isolated from paws during zymosan-induced inflammation induced thromboxane synthesis through the platelet-expressed collagen receptor glycoprotein VI. Deletion of glycoprotein VI or its downstream effector thromboxane A2 receptor (TP) reduced zymosan-induced mechanical allodynia without altering macrophage recruitment or formation of macrophage/platelet complexes. Instead, macrophages in inflamed paws of glycoprotein VI- and TP-deficient mice exhibited an increased expression of anti-inflammatory markers and synthesized less proinflammatory mediators (prostaglandin E2 and IL6). TP expression on platelets was necessary to mediate increased prostaglandin E2 and IL6 synthesis, whereas TP expression on macrophages was sufficient to decrease the expression of the anti-inflammatory macrophage marker CD206, showing that TP activation on platelets and macrophages regulates different aspects of macrophage activation.

Arachidonic Acid Metabolite 19(S)-HETE Induces Vasorelaxation and Platelet Inhibition by Activating Prostacyclin (IP) Receptor.

19(S)-hydroxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (19(S)-HETE) belongs to a family of arachidonic acid metabolites produced by cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play critical roles in the regulation of cardiovascular, renal and pulmonary functions. Although it has been known for a long time that 19(S)-HETE has vascular effects, its mechanism of action has remained unclear. In this study we show that 19(S)-HETE induces cAMP accumulation in the human megakaryoblastic leukemia cell line MEG-01. This effect was concentration-dependent with an EC50 of 520 nM, insensitive to pharmacological inhibition of COX-1/2 and required the expression of the G-protein Gs. Systematic siRNA-mediated knock-down of each G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) expressed in MEG-01 followed by functional analysis identified the prostacyclin receptor (IP) as the mediator of the effects of 19(S)-HETE, and the heterologously expressed IP receptor was also activated by 19(S)-HETE in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 567 nM. Pretreatment of isolated murine platelets with 19(S)-HETE blocked thrombin-induced platelets aggregation, an effect not seen in platelets from mice lacking the IP receptor. Furthermore, 19(S)-HETE was able to relax mouse mesenteric artery- and thoracic aorta-derived vessel segments. While pharmacological inhibition of COX-1/2 enzymes had no effect on the vasodilatory activity of 19(S)-HETE these effects were not observed in vessels from mice lacking the IP receptor. These results identify a novel mechanism of action for the CYP450-dependent arachidonic acid metabolite 19(S)-HETE and point to the existence of a broader spectrum of naturally occurring prostanoid receptor agonists.

COX-2 gene dosage-dependent defects in kidney development.

Deletion of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 causes impairment of kidney development, including hypothrophic glomeruli and cortical thinning. A critical role for COX-2 is seen 4-8 days postnatally. The present study was aimed at answering whether different COX-2 gene dosage and partial pharmacological COX-2 inhibition impairs kidney development. We studied kidney development in COX-2(+/+), COX-2(+/-), and COX-2(-/-) mice as well as in C57Bl6 mice treated postnatally with low (5 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) and high (10 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) doses of the selective COX-2 inhibitor SC-236. COX-2(+/-) mice exhibit impaired kidney development leading to reduced glomerular size but, in contrast to COX-2(-/-) mice, only marginal cortical thinning. Moreover, in COX-2(+/-) and COX-2(-/-) kidneys, juxtamedullary glomeruli, which develop in the very early stages of nephrogenesis, also showed a size reduction. In COX-2(+/-) kidneys at the age of 8 days, we observed significantly less expression of COX-2 mRNA and protein and less PGE2 and PGI2 synthetic activity compared with COX-2(+/+) kidneys. The renal defects in COX-2(-/-) and COX-2(+/-) kidneys could be mimicked by high and low doses of SC-236, respectively. In aged COX-2(+/-) kidneys, glomerulosclerosis was observed; however, in contrast to COX-2(-/-) kidneys, periglomerular fibrosis was absent. COX-2(+/-) mice showed signs of kidney insufficiency, demonstrated by enhanced serum creatinine levels, quite similar to COX-2(-/-) mice, but, in contrast, serum urea remained at the control level. In summary, function of both COX-2 gene alleles is absolutely necessary to ensure physiological development of the mouse kidney. Loss of one copy of the COX-2 gene or partial COX-2 inhibition is associated with distinct renal damage and reduced kidney function.