Lymphatic Connexins and Pannexins in Health and Disease.

This review highlights current knowledge on the expression and function of connexins and pannexins, transmembrane channel proteins that play an important role in intercellular communication, in both the developing and mature lymphatic vasculature. A particular focus is given to the involvement of these proteins in functions of the healthy lymphatic system. We describe their influence on the maintenance of extracellular fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking to draining lymph nodes and dietary nutrient absorption by intestinal villi. Moreover, new insights into connexin mutations in primary and secondary lymphedema as well as on the implication of lymphatic connexins and pannexins in acquired cardiovascular diseases are discussed, allowing for a better understanding of the role of these proteins in pathologies linked to dysfunctions in the lymphatic system.

Artery-Associated Sympathetic Innervation Drives Rhythmic Vascular Inflammation of Arteries and Veins.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of acute cardiovascular complications is highly time-of-day dependent. However, the mechanisms driving rhythmicity of ischemic vascular events are unknown. Although enhanced numbers of leukocytes have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, the role that rhythmic leukocyte adhesion plays in different vascular beds has not been studied. METHODS: We evaluated leukocyte recruitment in vivo by using real-time multichannel fluorescence intravital microscopy of a tumor necrosis factor-α-induced acute inflammation model in both murine arterial and venous macrovasculature and microvasculature. These approaches were complemented with genetic, surgical, and pharmacological ablation of sympathetic nerves or adrenergic receptors to assess their relevance for rhythmic leukocyte adhesion. In addition, we genetically targeted the key circadian clock gene Bmal1 (also known as Arntl) in a lineage-specific manner to dissect the importance of oscillations in leukocytes and components of the vessel wall in this process. RESULTS: In vivo quantitative imaging analyses of acute inflammation revealed a 24-hour rhythm in leukocyte recruitment to arteries and veins of the mouse macrovasculature and microvasculature. Unexpectedly, although in arteries leukocyte adhesion was highest in the morning, it peaked at night in veins. This phase shift was governed by a rhythmic microenvironment and a vessel type-specific oscillatory pattern in the expression of promigratory molecules. Differences in cell adhesion molecules and leukocyte adhesion were ablated when disrupting sympathetic nerves, demonstrating their critical role in this process and the importance of ß2-adrenergic receptor signaling. Loss of the core clock gene Bmal1 in leukocytes, endothelial cells, or arterial mural cells affected the oscillations in a vessel type-specific manner. Rhythmicity in the intravascular reactivity of adherent leukocytes resulted in increased interactions with platelets in the morning in arteries and in veins at night with a higher predisposition to acute thrombosis at different times as a consequence. CONCLUSIONS: Together, our findings point to an important and previously unrecognized role of artery-associated sympathetic innervation in governing rhythmicity in vascular inflammation in both arteries and veins and its potential implications in the occurrence of time-of-day-dependent vessel type-specific thrombotic events.

Chronic fructose renders pancreatic ß-cells hyper-responsive to glucose-stimulated insulin secretion through extracellular ATP signaling.

Fructose is widely used as a sweetener in processed food and is also associated with metabolic disorders, such as obesity. However, the underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear, in particular, regarding the pancreatic ß-cell. Here, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to fructose on the function of insulinoma cells and isolated mouse and human pancreatic islets. Although fructose per se did not acutely stimulate insulin exocytosis, our data show that chronic fructose rendered rodent and human ß-cells hyper-responsive to intermediate physiological glucose concentrations. Fructose exposure reduced intracellular ATP levels without affecting mitochondrial function, induced AMP-activated protein kinase activation, and favored ATP release from the ß-cells upon acute glucose stimulation. The resulting increase in extracellular ATP, mediated by pannexin1 (Panx1) channels, activated the calcium-mobilizer P2Y purinergic receptors. Immunodetection revealed the presence of both Panx1 channels and P2Y1 receptors in ß-cells. Addition of an ectonucleotidase inhibitor or P2Y1 agonists to naïve ß-cells potentiated insulin secretion stimulated by intermediate glucose, mimicking the fructose treatment. Conversely, the P2Y1 antagonist and Panx1 inhibitor reversed the effects of fructose, as confirmed using Panx1-null islets and by the clearance of extracellular ATP by apyrase. These results reveal an important function of ATP signaling in pancreatic ß-cells mediating fructose-induced hyper-responsiveness.

Connexins and Pannexins in Vascular Function and Disease.

Connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) are ubiquitous membrane channel forming proteins that are critically involved in many aspects of vascular physiology and pathology. The permeation of ions and small metabolites through Panx channels, Cx hemichannels and gap junction channels confers a crucial role to these proteins in intercellular communication and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. This review provides an overview of current knowledge with respect to the pathophysiological role of these channels in large arteries, the microcirculation, veins, the lymphatic system and platelet function. The essential nature of these membrane proteins in vascular homeostasis is further emphasized by the pathologies that are linked to mutations and polymorphisms in Cx and Panx genes.

Pannexin- and Connexin-Mediated Intercellular Communication in Platelet Function.

The three major blood cell types, i.e., platelets, erythrocytes and leukocytes, are all produced in the bone marrow. While red blood cells are the most numerous and white cells are the largest, platelets are small fragments and account for a minor part of blood volume. However, platelets display a crucial function by preventing bleeding. Upon vessel wall injury, platelets adhere to exposed extracellular matrix, become activated, and form a platelet plug preventing hemorrhagic events. However, when platelet activation is exacerbated, as in rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, the same mechanism may lead to acute thrombosis causing major ischemic events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. In the past few years, major progress has been made in understanding of platelet function modulation. In this respect, membrane channels formed by connexins and/or pannexins are of particular interest. While it is still not completely understood whether connexins function as hemichannels or gap junction channels to inhibit platelet aggregation, there is clear-cut evidence for a specific implication of pannexin1 channels in collagen-induced aggregation. The focus of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the role of connexins and pannexins in platelet aggregation and to discuss possible pharmacological approaches along with their limitations and future perspectives for new potential therapies.

Mutations in cardiovascular connexin genes.

Connexins (Cxs) form a family of transmembrane proteins comprising 21 members in humans. Cxs differ in their expression patterns, biophysical properties and ability to combine into homomeric or heteromeric gap junction channels between neighbouring cells. The permeation of ions and small metabolites through gap junction channels or hemichannels confers a crucial role to these proteins in intercellular communication and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Among others, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45 and Cx47 are found in heart, blood and lymphatic vessels. Mutations or polymorphisms in the genes coding for these Cxs have not only been implicated in cardiovascular pathologies but also in a variety of other disorders. While mutations in Cx43 are mostly linked to oculodentodigital dysplasia, Cx47 mutations are associated with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease and lymphoedema. Cx40 mutations are principally linked to atrial fibrillation. Mutations in Cx37 have not yet been described, but polymorphisms in the Cx37 gene have been implicated in the development of arterial disease. This review addresses current knowledge on gene mutations in cardiovascular Cxs systematically and links them to alterations in channel properties and disease.

Endogenous cannabinoid receptor CB1 activation promotes vascular smooth-muscle cell proliferation and neointima formation.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is frequently used in patients with severe arterial narrowing due to atherosclerosis. However, it induces severe arterial injury and an inflammatory response leading to restenosis. Here, we studied a potential activation of the endocannabinoid system and the effect of FA amide hydrolase (FAAH) deficiency, the major enzyme responsible for endocannabinoid anandamide degradation, in arterial injury. We performed carotid balloon injury in atherosclerosis-prone apoE knockout (apoE(-/-)) and apoE(-/-)FAAH(-/-) mice. Anandamide levels were systemically elevated in apoE(-/-) mice after balloon injury. ApoE(-/-)FAAH(-/-) mice had significantly higher baseline anandamide levels and enhanced neointima formation compared with apoE(-/-) controls. The latter effect was inhibited by treatment with CB1 antagonist AM281. Similarly, apoE(-/-) mice treated with AM281 had reduced neointimal areas, reduced lesional vascular smooth-muscle cell (SMC) content, and proliferating cell counts. The lesional macrophage content was unchanged. In vitro proliferation rates were significantly reduced in CB1(-/-) SMCs or when treating apoE(-/-) or apoE(-/-)FAAH(-/-) SMCs with AM281. Macrophage in vitro adhesion and migration were marginally affected by CB1 deficiency. Reendothelialization was not inhibited by treatment with AM281. In conclusion, endogenous CB1 activation contributes to vascular SMC proliferation and neointima formation in response to arterial injury.

Mitochondrial pannexin1 controls cardiac sensitivity to ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

AIMS: No effective therapy is available in clinics to protect the heart from ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Endothelial cells are activated after I/R, which may drive the inflammatory response by releasing ATP through pannexin1 (Panx1) channels. Here, we investigated the role of Panx1 in cardiac I/R. METHODS AND RESULTS: Panx1 was found in cardiac endothelial cells, neutrophils, and cardiomyocytes. After in vivo I/R, serum Troponin-I, and infarct size were less pronounced in Panx1-/- mice, but leukocyte infiltration in the infarct area was similar between Panx1-/- and wild-type mice. Serum Troponin-I and infarct size were not different between mice with neutrophil-specific deletion of Panx1 and Panx1fl/fl mice, suggesting that cardioprotection by Panx1 deletion rather involved cardiomyocytes than the inflammatory response. Physiological cardiac function in wild-type and Panx1-/- hearts was similar. The time to onset of contracture and time to maximal contracture were delayed in Panx1-/- hearts, suggesting reduced sensitivity of these hearts to ischaemic injury. Moreover, Panx1-/- hearts showed better recovery of left ventricle developed pressure, cardiac contractility, and relaxation after I/R. Ischaemic preconditioning failed to confer further protection in Panx1-/- hearts. Panx1 was found in subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM). SSM in WT or Panx1-/- hearts showed no differences in morphology. The function of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and production of reactive oxygen species in SSM was not affected, but mitochondrial respiration was reduced in Panx1-/- SSM. Finally, Panx1-/- cardiomyocytes had a decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and an increased mitochondrial ATP content. CONCLUSION: Panx1-/- mice display decreased sensitivity to cardiac I/R injury, resulting in smaller infarcts and improved recovery of left ventricular function. This cardioprotective effect of Panx1 deletion seems to involve cardiac mitochondria rather than a reduced inflammatory response. Thus, Panx1 may represent a new target for controlling cardiac reperfusion damage.

Structure-Based Design and Synthesis of Stapled 10Panx1 Analogues for Use in Cardiovascular Inflammatory Diseases.

Following a rational design, a series of macrocyclic ("stapled") peptidomimetics of 10Panx1, the most established peptide inhibitor of Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels, were developed and synthesized. Two macrocyclic analogues SBL-PX1-42 and SBL-PX1-44 outperformed the linear native peptide. During in vitro adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release and Yo-Pro-1 uptake assays in a Panx1-expressing tumor cell line, both compounds were revealed to be promising bidirectional inhibitors of Panx1 channel function, able to induce a two-fold inhibition, as compared to the native 10Panx1 sequence. The introduction of triazole-based cross-links within the peptide backbones increased helical content and enhanced in vitro proteolytic stability in human plasma (>30-fold longer half-lives, compared to 10Panx1). In adhesion assays, a "double-stapled" peptide, SBL-PX1-206 inhibited ATP release from endothelial cells, thereby efficiently reducing THP-1 monocyte adhesion to a TNF-α-activated endothelial monolayer and making it a promising candidate for future in vivo investigations in animal models of cardiovascular inflammatory disease.

Cannabinoid receptor CB2 protects against balloon-induced neointima formation.

Cannabinoid receptor CB(2) activation inhibits inflammatory proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro. The potential in vivo relevance of these findings is unclear. We performed carotid balloon distension injury in hypercholesterolemic apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE(-/-)) mice receiving daily intraperitoneal injection of the CB(2) agonist JWH133 (5 mg/kg) or vehicle, with the first injection given 30 min before injury. Alternatively, we subjected CB(2)(-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice to balloon injury. We determined CB(2) mRNA and protein expression in dilated arteries of ApoE(-/-) mice. Neointima formation was assessed histologically. We used bone marrow-derived murine CB(2)(-/-) and WT macrophages to study adhesion to plastic, fibronectin, or collagen, and migration was assayed by modified Boyden chamber. Aortic smooth muscle cells were isolated to determine in vitro proliferation rates. We found increased vascular CB(2) expression in ApoE(-/-) mice in response to balloon injury. Seven to twenty-one days after dilatation, injured vessels of JWH133-treated mice had less intimal nuclei numbers as well as intimal and medial areas, associated with less staining for proliferating cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. Complete endothelial repair was observed after 14 days in both JWH133- and vehicle-treated mice. CB(2) deficiency resulted in increased intima formation compared with WT, whereas JWH133 did not affect intimal formation in CB(2)(-/-) mice. Apoptosis rates assessed by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP-mediated nick-end labeling staining 1 h postballooning were significantly higher in the CB(2) knockouts. In vitro, bone marrow-derived CB(2)(-/-) macrophages showed enhanced adherence and migration compared with WT cells and elevated mRNA levels of adhesion molecules, chemokine receptors CCR1 and 5, and chemokine CCL2. Proliferation rates were significantly increased in CB(2)(-/-) smooth muscle cells compared with WT. In conclusion, pharmacological activation or genetic deletion of CB(2) receptors modulate neointima formation via protective effects in macrophages and smooth muscle cells.

Pannexin1 channels-a potential therapeutic target in inflammation.

An exaggerated inflammatory response is the hallmark of a plethora of disorders. ATP is a central signaling molecule that orchestrates the initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response by enhancing activation of the inflammasome, leukocyte recruitment and activation of T cells. ATP can be released from cells through pannexin (Panx) channels, a family of glycoproteins consisting of three members, Panx1, Panx2, and Panx3. Panx1 is ubiquitously expressed and forms heptameric channels in the plasma membrane mediating paracrine and autocrine signaling. Besides their involvement in the inflammatory response, Panx1 channels have been shown to contribute to different modes of cell death (i.e., pyroptosis, necrosis and apoptosis). Both genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of Panx1 channels decrease inflammation in vivo and contribute to a better outcome in several animal models of inflammatory disease involving various organs, including the brain, lung, kidney and heart. Up to date, several molecules have been identified to inhibit Panx1 channels, for instance probenecid (Pbn), mefloquine (Mfq), flufenamic acid (FFA), carbenoxolone (Cbx) or mimetic peptides like 10Panx1. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these compounds lack specificity and/or serum stability, which limits their application. The recent availability of detailed structural information on the Panx1 channel from cryo-electron microscopy studies may open up innovative approaches to acquire new classes of synthetic Panx1 channel blockers with high target specificity. Selective inhibition of Panx1 channels may not only limit acute inflammatory responses but may also prove useful in chronic inflammatory diseases, thereby improving human health. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on the role of Panx1 in the initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response, we summarized the effects of Panx1 inhibition in inflammatory pathologies and recapitulate current Panx1 channel pharmacology with an outlook towards future approaches.

Browning of White Adipose Tissue as a Therapeutic Tool in the Fight against Atherosclerosis.

Despite continuous medical advances, atherosclerosis remains the prime cause of mortality worldwide. Emerging findings on brown and beige adipocytes highlighted that these fat cells share the specific ability of non-shivering thermogenesis due to the expression of uncoupling protein 1. Brown fat is established during embryogenesis, and beige cells emerge from white adipose tissue exposed to specific stimuli like cold exposure into a process called browning. The consecutive energy expenditure of both thermogenic adipose tissues has shown therapeutic potential in metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes. The latest data suggest promising effects on atherosclerosis development as well. Upon cold exposure, mice and humans have a physiological increase in brown adipose tissue activation and browning of white adipocytes is promoted. The use of drugs like ß3-adrenergic agonists in murine models induces similar effects. With respect to atheroprotection, thermogenic adipose tissue activation has beneficial outcomes in mice by decreasing plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins, by increasing high-density lipoproteins, and by inducing secretion of atheroprotective adipokines. Atheroprotective effects involve an unaffected hepatic clearance. Latest clinical data tend to find thinner atherosclerotic lesions in patients with higher brown adipose tissue activity. Strategies for preserving healthy arteries are a major concern for public health.

A Genetic Polymorphism in the Pannexin1 Gene Predisposes for The Development of Endothelial Dysfunction with Increasing BMI.

Endothelial dysfunction worsens when body mass index (BMI) increases. Pannexin1 (Panx1) ATP release channels regulate endothelial function and lipid homeostasis in mice. We investigated whether the Panx1-400A>C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), encoding for a gain-of-function channel, associates with endothelial dysfunction in non-obese and obese individuals. Myocardial blood flow (MBF) was measured by 13N-ammonia positron emission/computed tomography at rest, during cold pressor test (CPT) or dipyridamole-induced hyperemia. Myocardial flow reserve (MFR) and endothelial function were compared in 43 non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2) vs. 29 obese (BMI 30 kg/m2) participants and genotyping for the Panx1-400A>C SNP was performed. Groups comprised subjects homozygous for the C allele (n = 40) vs. subjects with at least one A allele (n = 32). MBF (during CPT or hyperemia), MFR and endothelial function correlated negatively with BMI in the full cohort. BMI correlated negatively with MFR and endothelial function in non-obese Panx1-400C subjects, but not in Panx1-400A individuals nor in obese groups. BMI correlated positively with serum triglycerides, insulin or HOMA. MFR correlated negatively with these factors in non-obese Panx1-400C but not in Panx1-400A individuals. Here, we demonstrated that Panx1-400C SNP predisposes to BMI-dependent endothelial dysfunction in non-obese subjects. This effect may be masked by excessive dysregulation of metabolic factors in obese individuals.

Selective inhibition of Panx1 channels decreases hemostasis and thrombosis in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Hemostasis is a tightly regulated physiological process to rapidly induce hemostatic plugs at sites of vascular injury. Inappropriate activation of this process may lead to thrombosis, i.e. pathological blood clot formation in uninjured vessels or on atherosclerotic lesions. ATP release through Pannexin1 (Panx1) membrane channels contributes to collagen-induced platelet aggregation in vitro. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of genetic and pharmacological inhibition of Panx1 on hemostasis and thrombosis in vivo. RESULTS: Bleeding time after tail clipping was increased by 2.5-fold in Panx1-/- mice compared to wild-type controls, suggesting that Panx1 deficiency impairs primary hemostasis. Wire myography on mesenteric arteries revealed diminished vasoconstriction in response to phenylephrine or U446619 in Panx1-/- mice. Mice with platelet-specific deletion of Panx1 (Panx1PDel) displayed 2-fold longer tail bleeding times than Panx1fl/fl controls. Moreover, venous thromboembolism (VTE) after injection of collagen/epinephrine in the jugular vein was reduced in Panx1-/- and Panx1PDel mice. Panx1PDel mice also showed reduced FeCl3-induced thrombosis in mesenteric arteries. BrilliantBlue-FCF, a Panx1 channel inhibitor, decreased collagen-induced platelet aggregation in vitro, increased tail bleeding time and reduced VTE in wild-type mice. Furthermore, we developed a specific Panx1 blocking antibody targeting a Panx1 extracellular loop, which reduced ATP release from platelets in vitro. Treating wild-type mice with this antibody increased tail bleeding time and decreased VTE compared to control antibody. CONCLUSIONS: Panx1 channel deletion or inhibition diminishes clot formation during hemostasis and thrombosis in vivo. Blocking Panx1 channels may be an attractive strategy for modulating platelet aggregation in thrombotic disease.

KLF4-Induced Connexin40 Expression Contributes to Arterial Endothelial Quiescence.

Shear stress, a blood flow-induced frictional force, is essential in the control of endothelial cell (EC) homeostasis. High laminar shear stress (HLSS), as observed in straight parts of arteries, assures a quiescent non-activated endothelium through the induction of Krüppel-like transcription factors (KLFs). Connexin40 (Cx40)-mediated gap junctional communication is known to contribute to a healthy endothelium by propagating anti-inflammatory signals between ECs, however, the molecular basis of the transcriptional regulation of Cx40 as well as its downstream effectors remain poorly understood. Here, we show that flow-induced KLF4 regulated Cx40 expression in a mouse EC line. Chromatin immunoprecipitation in ECs revealed that KLF4 bound to three predicted KLF consensus binding sites in the Cx40 promoter. HLSS-dependent induction of Cx40 expression was confirmed in primary human ECs. The downstream effects of Cx40 modulation in ECs exposed to HLSS were elucidated by an unbiased transcriptomics approach. Cell cycle progression was identified as an important downstream target of Cx40 under HLSS. In agreement, an increase in the proportion of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive ECs and a decrease in the proportion of ECs in the G0/G1 phase were observed under HLSS after Cx40 silencing. Transfection of communication-incompetent HeLa cells with Cx40 demonstrated that the regulation of proliferation by Cx40 was not limited to ECs. Using a zebrafish model, we finally showed faster intersegmental vessel growth and branching into the dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessel in embryos knock-out for the Cx40 orthologs Cx41.8 and Cx45.6. Most significant effects were observed in embryos with a mutant Cx41.8 encoding for a channel with reduced gap junctional function. Faster intersegmental vessel growth in Cx41.8 mutant embryos was associated with increased EC proliferation as assessed by PH3 immunostaining. Our data shows a novel evolutionary-conserved role of flow-driven KLF4-dependent Cx40 expression in endothelial quiescence that may be relevant for the control of atherosclerosis and diseases involving sprouting angiogenesis.

Dendritic Cell Migration Toward CCL21 Gradient Requires Functional Cx43.

Dendritic cells (DCs) travel through lymphatic vessels to transport antigens and present them to T cells in lymph nodes. DCs move directionally toward lymphatics by virtue of their CCR7 and a CCL21 chemotactic gradient. We evaluated in vivo and in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) whether the gap junction protein Cx43 contributes to CCL21/CCR7-dependent DC migration in wild-type (WT) mice, heterozygous (Cx43+/-) mice and mice expressing a truncated form of Cx43 lacking its regulatory C-terminus (Cx43K258/-). In a model of flank skin inflammation, we found that the recruitment of myeloid DCs (mDCs) to skin draining lymph nodes was reduced in Cx43K258/- mice as compared to WT and Cx43+/- mice. In addition, the migration of Cx43K258/- BMDCs toward CCL21 was abolished in an in vitro chemotactic assay while it was only reduced in Cx43+/- cells. Both mutant genotypes showed defects in the directionality of BMDC migration as compared to WT BMDCs. No difference was found between the three populations of BMDCs in terms of expression of surface markers (CD11c, CD86, CD80, CD40, MHC-II, and CCR7) after differentiation and TLR activation. Finally, examination of the CCR7-induced signaling pathways in BMDCs revealed normal receptor-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. These results demonstrate that full expression of an intact Cx43 is critical to the directionality and rate of DC migration, which may be amenable to regulation of the immune response.

Turbidimetry on Human Washed Platelets: The Effect of the Pannexin1-inhibitor Brilliant Blue FCF on Collagen-induced Aggregation.

Turbidimetry is a laboratory technique that is applied to measure the aggregation of platelets suspended in either plasma (platelet-rich plasma, PRP) or in buffer (washed platelets), by the use of one or a combination of agonists. The use of washed platelets separated from their plasma environment and in the absence of anticoagulants allows for studying intrinsic platelet properties. Among the large panel of agonists, arachidonic acid (AA), adenosine di-phosphate (ADP), thrombin and collagen are the most frequently used. The aggregation response is quantified by measuring the relative optical density (OD) over time of platelet suspension under continuous stirring. Platelets in homogeneous suspension limit the passage of light after the addition of an agonist, platelet shape change occurs producing a small transitory increase in OD. Following this initial activation step, platelet clots form gradually, allowing the passage of light through the suspension as a result of decreased OD. The aggregation process is ultimately expressed as a percentage, compared to the OD of platelet-poor plasma or buffer. Rigorous calibration is thus essential at the beginning of each experiment. As a general rule: calibration to 0% is set by measuring the OD of a non-stimulated platelet suspension while measuring the OD of the suspension medium containing no platelets represents a value of 100%. Platelet aggregation is generally visualized as a real-time aggregation curve. Turbidimetry is one of the most commonly used laboratory techniques for the investigation of platelet function and is considered as the historical gold standard and used for the development of new pharmaceutical agents aimed at inhibiting platelet aggregation. Here, we describe detailed protocols for 1) preparation of human washed platelets and 2) turbidimetric analysis of collagen-induced aggregation of human washed platelets pretreated with the food dye Brilliant Blue FCF that was recently identified as an inhibitor of Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels.

Pannexin1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Platelet Reactivity in a Cohort of Cardiovascular Patients.

Pannexin1 (Panx1), a membrane channel-forming protein permitting the passage of small-sized molecules, such as ATP, is expressed in human platelets. Recently, we showed that inhibiting Panx1 affects collagen-induced platelet aggregation but not aggregation triggered by other agonists. We also found that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs1138800) in the Panx1 gene encoded for a gain-of-function channel (Panx1-400C) and was associated with enhanced collagen-induced platelet reactivity. Here, we assessed the association of this SNP with platelet reactivity in a cohort of 758 stable cardiovascular patients from the ADRIE study treated with aspirin and/or clopidogrel. We found that presence of the Panx1-400C allele was not associated with platelet reactivity in stable cardiovascular patients, irrespective of the platelet aggregation agonist used (collagen, ADP or arachidonic acid) or the anti-platelet drug regimen. Moreover, the Panx1-400A > C SNP did also not affect the re-occurrence of cardiac ischemic events in the same stable cardiovascular patient cohort.

Pannexin1 links lymphatic function to lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis.

Extracellular ATP is a central signaling molecule in inflammatory responses. Pannexin1 (Panx1) channels release ATP in a controlled manner and have been implicated in various inflammatory pathologies, but their role in atherogenesis remains elusive. Using atherosclerosis-susceptible mouse models with ubiquitous deletion of Panx1 (Panx1 -/- Apoe -/- ) or with Cre recombinase-mediated deletion of Panx1 in endothelial cells and monocytes (Tie2-Cre Tg Panx1 fl/fl Apoe -/- ; Panx1 del Apoe -/- ), we identified a novel role for Panx1 in the lymphatic vasculature. Atherosclerotic lesion development in response to high-cholesterol diet was enhanced in Panx1 del Apoe -/- mice, pointing to an atheroprotective role for Panx1 in endothelial and/or monocytic cells. Unexpectedly, atherogenesis was not changed in mice with ubiquitous Panx1 deletion, but Panx1 -/- Apoe -/- mice displayed reduced body weight, serum cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids, suggesting altered lipid metabolism in these Panx1-deficient mice. Mechanistically, Panx1 -/- Apoe -/- mice showed impairment of lymphatic vessel function with decreased drainage of interstitial fluids and reduced dietary fat absorption. Thus, the detrimental effect of Panx1 deletion in endothelial and/or monocytic cells during atherogenesis is counterbalanced by an opposite effect resulting from impaired lymphatic function in ubiquitous Panx1-deficient mice. Collectively, our findings unveil a pivotal role of Panx1 in linking lymphatic function to lipid metabolism and atherosclerotic plaque development.

Adipokines at the crossroad between obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Obesity, and especially excessive visceral adipose tissue accumulation, is considered as a low-grade inflammatory state that is responsible for adipocyte dysfunction and associated metabolic disorders. Adipose tissue displays endocrine functions by releasing pro- or anti-inflammatory bioactive molecules named adipokines. An altered expression of these molecules, provoked by obesity or adipocyte dysregulation, contributes to major metabolic diseases such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus that are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. However, obesity is also characterised by the expansion of perivascular adipose tissue that acts locally via diffusion of adipokines into the vascular wall. Local inflammation within blood vessels induced by adipokines contributes to the onset of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and thrombosis, but also to vascular remodelling and hypertension. A fast expansion of obesity is expected in the near future, which will rapidly increase the incidence of these cardiovascular diseases. The focus of this review is to summarise the link between metabolic and cardiovascular disease and discuss current treatment approaches, limitations and future perspectives for more targeted therapies.