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D Chardonnens

Publications and source records attributed to D Chardonnens.

23 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Effect of angiotensin II on cytosolic free calcium in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes.

The effect of angiotensin II (ANG II) on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was studied in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. [Ca2+]i was estimated in groups of one to three cells by dual-wavelength microfluorometry or in cell populations using conventional fluorometry. ANG II (10(-8) M) produced an acute short-lived increase over the control basal diastolic [Ca2+]i and increased the frequency of the [Ca2+]i transients. The amplitude of the [Ca2+]i transients was decreased to 64.4% of basal values. The effect of ANG II on [Ca2+]i was blocked by the selective AT1 receptor subtype antagonist Du Pont 753 but not by the AT2 antagonist PD 123319. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ or blockade of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in cells cultured for 5-7 days abolished the [Ca2+]i transients, but only partially diminished the effect of ANG II on [Ca2+]i. Thapsigargin, an inhibitor of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase, reduced or abolished the [Ca2+]i response to ANG II. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), 10(-6) and 10(-7) M, also decreased the amplitude of the Ca2+ transients similar to ANG II. Pretreatment with 10(-6) M PMA or 10(-6) M 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-glycerol (OAG) inhibited the initial rise in [Ca2+]i and the Ca2+ transients. Thus ANG II produces an acute rise in [Ca2+]i which is derived predominantly from sarcoplasmic reticulum intracellular stores. This acute effect is followed by a significant reduction in the amplitude for the Ca2+ transient and may be mediated by activation of protein kinase C.

Angiotensin II↗

Inhibitory and stimulatory effects of phorbol ester on vasopressin-induced cellular responses in cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

In rat aortic smooth muscle cells, vasopressin (AVP) induces prostacyclin (PGI2) production, probably as the consequence of phospholipase C activation. Our study analyzes the effects of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activation on AVP-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation, cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]c), and PGI2 production. PMA rapidly decreased PKC activity in the cytosol of smooth muscle cells, while increasing it transiently in the membranes with a maximum around 20 min. Prior exposure of the cells to PMA resulted in a transient inhibition of both AVP-induced inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate formation and [Ca2+]c rise. This was inversely correlated with membraneous PKC activity and partially reversed by the PKC inhibitor staurosporine. In contrast, pretreating the cells with PMA markedly potentiated A23187 or AVP-induced PGI2 production. Under those conditions, AVP-induced PGI2 production did not correlate either with PMA-induced membranous PKC activity or with AVP-induced PLC activation. However, this potentiating effect of PMA was reversed by staurosporine and was not mimicked by the 4 alpha-phorbol, an inactive analogue of PMA. Thus, the possibility is raised that, while inhibiting AVP-induced PLC activation, PMA-induced PKC activation increases the Ca2+ sensitivity of the cellular signaling system leading to PGI2 production.

Alkaloids↗

Comparison of the effects of angiotensin II and vasopressin on cytosolic free calcium concentration, protein kinase C activity, and prostacyclin production in cultured rat aortic and mesenteric smooth muscle cells.

Differences in responsiveness of various vascular beds to pressor hormones have been reported. In our study, we have examined the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) and vasopressin (AVP) on cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration [( Ca2+]c), protein kinase C (PKC) activity, and prostacyclin (PGI2) production in cultured aortic and mesenteric smooth muscle cells obtained from female Wistar rats. [Ca2+]c was determined using the Ca2+ fluorescent probe fura-2. PKC activity was assessed by the measurement of the phosphorylation of histone III-S, in the presence or absence of phospholipids, both in the cytosolic and particulate fractions. PGI2 production was estimated by a specific radioimmunoassay of its stable metabolite, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. Our results demonstrate that basal production of PGI2 was higher in mesenteric than in aortic smooth muscle cells. In mesenteric cells, the [Ca2+]c, PKC activity, and PGI2 responses to AVP were higher than those induced by Ang II. This situation is the opposite of that observed in aortic smooth muscle cells. These results indicate different sensitivities to AVP and Ang II between vascular smooth muscle cells originating from two types of vessels.

Angiotensin II↗

Leptin and reproduction.

Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is a small peptide molecule synthesized by white adipocytes with an important role in the regulation of body fat and food intake. Leptin and leptin receptor mRNA were first detected in the brain and hypothalamus but now their ubiquitous presence has been demonstrated. Leptin receptor signal transduction involves the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3, a member of the transcription family of proteins. Leptin is regulated by hormones and cytokines, interleukin-1, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta, linking this molecule with the inflammatory response. In addition, emerging evidence has demonstrated that this molecule is related to reproductive function. This small protein is present in the ovary and decidua, in mature oocytes and during embryonic development and trophoblast invasion. Animal models have demonstrated that leptin-deficient ob/ob mice are sterile; however, fertility can be restored by exogenous leptin. In addition, embryos implanted in STAT-3-deficient mice degenerate rapidly and are the target disruption of STAT-3-provoked embryonic lethality. Leptin acts as a novel placental hormone participating in the control of fetal growth and development. Leptin could be a modulator for invasive features of cytotrophoblast cells. We postulate that leptin may have an autocrine/paracrine role in human implantation and placentation.

Animals↗