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Biomedical subjects

Ronald L Terjung

Publications and source records attributed to Ronald L Terjung.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The Y2 receptor mediates increases in collateral-dependent blood flow in a model of peripheral arterial insufficiency.

We have utilized a rat model of peripheral artery disease (PAD) to examine whether the known angiogenic activity of the Y(2) receptor would translate into a meaningful increase in collateral blood flow. The maximal increase in collateral blood flow capacity of approximately 60% (p<0.001) was obtained with a 10microg/kgday (IA infusion, 14 days) of either PYY or PYY(3-36) and did not differ from that obtained with a maximally angiogenic dose of VEGF(165). Pharmacodynamic modeling based upon single dose pharmacokinetic plasma profiles of both agonists suggests that E(max) is reached when the Y(2) receptor is occupied by >or=50%. Furthermore, for PYY(3-36), occupancy of the Y(2) receptor is sufficient to promote a significant benefit in collateral blood flow.

Animals↗

Efficacy of systemic administration of SDF-1 in a model of vascular insufficiency: support for an endothelium-dependent mechanism.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have reported that administration of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), the ligand for the G-protein coupled receptor CXCR4, increased collateral blood flow in a mouse model of vascular insufficiency via recruitment of endothelial precursor cells (EPC). The present study investigated the contribution of mature endothelial cells in the actions of SDF-1. METHODS: The regulation of SDF-1 and CXCR4 was examined in the rat cornea cauterization (CC) and aortic ring (AR) model. The functional significance of the SDF-1/CXCR4 pathway was explored in cultured endothelial cells, the AR model, and on collateral blood flow in a rat model of vascular insufficiency. RESULTS: In the present study, the CXCR4 transcript was dramatically upregulated in the rat CC and AR explants, systems containing and lacking bone marrow-derived EPCs, respectively. Addition of AMD3100, a selective CXCR4 antagonist, had no effect on vessel growth in the AR alone, but completely inhibited SDF-1 mediated increases in vascular sprouting. In cultured endothelial cells, SDF-1 alone or in combination with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) significantly enhanced cell survival and migration. Finally, systemic administration of SDF-1 in a rat model of arterial insufficiency enhanced collateral blood flow above vehicle control and equal to that of VEGF after 2 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: These studies support activation of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis as a means to promote blood vessel growth and enhance collateral blood flow, at least in part, via direct effects on vascular endothelial cells.

Animals↗

Exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor increases collateral blood flow in female rats with femoral artery occlusion.

The goal of this study was to determine if extended duration of FGF-2 infusion would further expand collateral blood flow (BF) in female rats with bilateral femoral artery occlusion; rats were infused with either FGF-2 or placebo intra-arterially for 14, 28, and 42 days. Blood flows were measured with isotope labeled microspheres. Blood pressure and heart rate were similar between the treatment groups by ANOVA. In Placebo groups; baseline collateral dependent blood flows to the calf muscle were 11 mL/min/100 g to 17 mL/min/100 g at 4 hours after femoral artery occlusion, calf muscle blood flow increased to 39 +/- 4.2, 49 +/- 4.2, and 48 +/- 3.3 mL/min/100 g following 16, 30, and 44 days femoral artery occlusion respectively. In FGF-2-treated groups, calf muscle blood flows were further increased by 36%, 57%, and 35% over the corresponding time point of Placebo groups (P < 0.001). Exogenous FGF-2 infusion for 28 days showed higher collateral dependent blood flows than the FGF-2 14 days infused group (P < 0.001). Extended duration of exogenous FGF-2 delivery up to 42 days failed to further expand the collateral blood flow. This implies a self-limiting mechanism that might govern the collateral vascular remodeling induced by FGF-2. Our results indicate that female rats can obtain similar extent collateral blood flow expansion as that found in the male rats.

Animals↗

Contraction-mediated phosphorylation of AMPK is lower in skeletal muscle of adenylate kinase-deficient mice.

The activity of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) increases during muscle contractions as a result of elevated AMP concentration. We tested whether activation of AMPK would be altered during contractions in adenylate kinase (AK) 1-deficient (AK1-/-) mice, because they have a reduced capacity to form AMP. The right gastrocnemius-soleus-plantaris muscle group was stimulated via the sciatic nerve at 2 Hz for 30 min in both wild-type (WT) and AK1-/- animals. Initial force production was not different between the two groups (129.2 +/- 3.3 g vs. 140.9 +/- 8.5 g for WT and AK1-/-, respectively); however, force production by AK1-/- mice was significantly greater over the 30-min stimulation period, and final tension was 85 +/- 4.5% of initial in WT and 102 +/- 3.2% of initial in AK1-/- mice. Western blot analysis showed that AMPK phosphorylation with contractions was clearly increased in WT muscles (4.0 +/- 1.1 above resting values), but did not change noticeably with AK deficiency (1.6 +/- 0.4 above WT resting values). However, increases in phosphorylation of acetyl CoA carboxylase were robust in both WT and AK1-/- muscles and not different between the two groups. These results suggest that reduced formation of AMP during contractions in skeletal muscle of AK1-/- mice results in reduced phosphorylation of AMPK. However, altered AMPK signaling was not apparent in the phosphorylation status of acetyl CoA carboxylase, a typical marker of AMPK activity.

AMP-Activated Protein Kinases↗

31P-NMR observation of free ADP during fatiguing, repetitive contractions of murine skeletal muscle lacking AK1.

Metabolic control within skeletal muscle is designed to limit ADP accumulation even during conditions where ATP demand is out of balance with ATP synthesis. This is accomplished by the reactions of adenylate kinase (AK; ADP+ADP <--> AMP+ATP) and AMP deaminase (AMP+H(2)O --> NH(3)+IMP), which limit ADP accumulation under these conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine whether AK deficiency (AK(-/-)) would result in sufficient ADP accumulation to be visible using (31)P-NMRS during the high energy demands of frequent in situ tetanic contractions. To do this we examined the high-energy phosphates of the gastrocnemius muscle in the knockout mouse with AK1(-/-) and wild-type (WT) control muscle over the course of 64 rapid (2/s) isometric tetanic contractions. Near-complete depletion of phosphocreatine was apparent after 16 contractions in both groups. By approximately 40 contractions, ADP was clearly visible in AK1(-/-) muscle. This transient concentration of the NMR visible free ADP was estimated to be approximately 1.7 mM, and represents the first time free ADP has been directly measured in contracting skeletal muscle. Such an increase in free ADP is severalfold greater than previously thought to occur. This large accumulation of free ADP also represents a significant reduction in energy available from ATP, and has implications on cellular processes that depend on a high yield of energy from ATP such as calcium sequestration. Remarkably, the AK1(-/-) and WT muscles exhibited similar fatigue profiles. Our findings suggest that skeletal muscle is surprisingly tolerant to a large increase in ADP and by extension, a decline in energy from ATP.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

Skeletal muscle contractile performance and ADP accumulation in adenylate kinase-deficient mice.

The production of AMP by adenylate kinase (AK) and subsequent deamination by AMP deaminase limits ADP accumulation during conditions of high-energy demand in skeletal muscle. The goal of this study was to investigate the consequences of AK deficiency (-/-) on adenine nucleotide management and whole muscle function at high-energy demands. To do this, we examined isometric tetanic contractile performance of the gastrocnemius-plantaris-soleus (GPS) muscle group in situ in AK1(-/-) mice and wild-type (WT) controls over a range of contraction frequencies (30-120 tetani/min). We found that AK1(-/-) muscle exhibited a diminished inosine 5'-monophosphate formation rate (14% of WT) and an inordinate accumulation of ADP ( approximately 1.5 mM) at the highest energy demands, compared with WT controls. AK-deficient muscle exhibited similar initial contractile performance (521 +/- 9 and 521 +/- 10 g tension in WT and AK1(-/-) muscle, respectively), followed by a significant slowing of relaxation kinetics at the highest energy demands relative to WT controls. This is consistent with a depressed capacity to sequester calcium in the presence of high ADP. However, the overall pattern of fatigue in AK1(-/-) mice was similar to WT control muscle. Our findings directly demonstrate the importance of AMP formation and subsequent deamination in limiting ADP accumulation. Whole muscle contractile performance was, however, remarkably tolerant of ADP accumulation markedly in excess of what normally occurs in skeletal muscle.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗

VEGF receptor antagonism blocks arteriogenesis, but only partially inhibits angiogenesis, in skeletal muscle of exercise-trained rats.

Both collateral vessel enlargement (arteriogenesis) and capillary growth (angiogenesis) in skeletal muscle occur in response to exercise training. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in both processes. Thus we examined the effect of a VEGF receptor (VEGF-R) inhibitor (ZD4190, AstraZeneca) on collateral-dependent blood flow in vivo and collateral artery size ex vivo (indicators of arteriogenesis) and capillary contacts per fiber (CCF; an index of angiogenesis) in skeletal muscle of both sedentary and exercise-trained rats 14 days after bilateral occlusion of the femoral arteries. Total daily treadmill run time increased appreciably from approximately 70 to approximately 100 min (at 15-20 m/min, twice per day) and produced a large (approximately 75%, P < 0.01) increase in calf muscle blood flow and a greater size of the collateral artery (wall cross-sectional area). ZD4190, which previously has been shown to inhibit the activity of VEGF-R2 and -R1 tyrosine kinase in vitro (IC50 = 30 and 700 nM, respectively), completely blocked the increase in collateral-dependent blood flow and inhibited collateral vessel enlargement. Thus exercise-stimulated collateral arteriogenesis appears to be completely dependent on VEGF-R signaling. Interestingly, enhanced mRNA expression of the VEGF family ligand placental growth factor (2- to 3.5-fold), VEGF-R1 (approximately 2-fold), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (2- to 3.5-fold) in an isolated collateral artery implicates these factors as important in arteriogenesis. Training of ischemic muscle also induced angiogenesis, as shown by an increase (approximately 25%, P < 0.01) in CCF in white gastrocnemius muscle. VEGF-R inhibition only partially blocked (P < 0.01) but did not eliminate the increase (P < 0.01) in capillarity. Our findings indicate that VEGF-R tyrosine kinase activity is essential for collateral arteriogenesis and important for the angiogenesis induced in ischemic muscle by exercise training; however, other angiogenic stimuli are also important for angiogenesis in flow-limited active muscle.

Animals↗

Time course of changes in collateral blood flow and isolated vessel size and gene expression after femoral artery occlusion in rats.

The objectives of this study were to assess the time course of enlargement and gene expression of a collateral vessel that enlarges following occlusion of the femoral artery and to relate these responses to the increases in collateral-dependent blood flow to the calf muscles in vivo. We employed exercise training to stimulate collateral vessel development. Rats were exercise trained or kept sedentary for various times of up to 25 days postbilateral occlusion (n=approximately 9/time point). Collateral blood flow to the calf muscles, determined with microspheres, increased modestly over the first few days to approximately 40 ml.min(-1).100 g(-1) in sedentary animals; the increase continued over time to approximately 80 ml.min(-1).100 g(-1) in the trained animals. Diameters of the isolated collateral vessels increased progressively over time, whereas an increased vessel compliance observed at low pressures was similar across time. These responses were greater in the trained animals. The time course of upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, and particularly endothelial nitric oxide synthase and fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, mRNAs in the isolated collateral vessel implicates these factors as integral to the arteriogenic process. Collateral vessel enlargement and increased compliance at low pressures contribute to the enlarged circuit available for collateral blood flow. However, modulation of the functioning collateral vessel diameter, by smooth muscle tone, must occur to account for the observed increases in collateral blood flow measured in vivo.

Animals↗

Preclinical models of human peripheral arterial occlusive disease: implications for investigation of therapeutic agents.

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) is now recognized as a combination of clinical syndromes that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The primary pathophysiology of PAOD is impaired perfusion to the lower extremity. Effective pharmacotherapy designed to increase perfusion in PAOD is lacking, and revascularization options are suboptimal. New and more efficacious therapies that improve blood flow are definitely needed, and thus designing, describing, and validating these new therapies in preclinical PAOD models will be essential. This study describes the various preclinical PAOD models presently in use, correlates the models to human PAOD, and reviews the available end points that can be used to detect a response to therapy.

Animals↗

Phosphate uptake in rat skeletal muscle is reduced during isometric contractions.

During contractions, there is a net efflux of phosphate from skeletal muscle, likely because of an elevated intracellular inorganic phosphate (P(i)) concentration. Over time, contracting muscle could incur a substantial phosphate deficit unless P(i) uptake rates were increased during contractions. We used the perfused rat hindquarter preparation to assess [(32)P]P(i) uptake rates in muscles at rest or over a range of energy expenditures during contractions at 0.5, 3, or 5 Hz for 30 min. P(i) uptake rates were reduced during contractions in a pattern that was dependent on contraction frequency and fiber type. In soleus and red gastrocnemius, [(32)P]P(i) uptake rates declined by approximately 25% at 0.5 Hz and 50-60% at 3 and 5 Hz. Uptake rates in white gastrocnemius decreased by 65-75% at all three stimulation frequencies. These reductions in P(i) uptake are not likely confounded by changes in precursor [(32)P]P(i) specific activity in the interstitium. In soleus and red gastrocnemius, declines in P(i) uptake rates were related to energy expenditure over the contraction duration. These data imply that P(i) uptake in skeletal muscle is acutely modulated during contractions and that decreases in P(i) uptake rates, in combination with expected increases in P(i) efflux, exacerbate the net loss of phosphate from the cell. Enhanced uptake of P(i) must subsequently occur because skeletal muscle typically maintains a relatively constant total phosphate pool.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Phosphate uptake and PiT-1 protein expression in rat skeletal muscle.

Skeletal muscle fiber types differ in their contents of total phosphate, which includes inorganic phosphate (P(i)) and high-energy organic pools of ATP and phosphocreatine (PCr). At steady state, uptake of P(i) into the cell must equal the rate of efflux, which is expected to be a function of intracellular P(i) concentration. We measured (32)P-labeled P(i) uptake rates in different muscle fiber types to determine whether they are proportional to cellular P(i) content. P(i) uptake rates in isolated, perfused rat hindlimb muscles were linear over time and highest in soleus (2.42 +/- 0.17 micromol x g(-1) x h(-1)), lower in red gastrocnemius (1.31 +/- 0.11 micromol x g(-1) x h(-1)), and lowest in white gastrocnemius (0.49 +/- 0.06 micromol x g(-1) x h(-1)). Reasonably similar rates were obtained in vivo. P(i) uptake rates at plasma P(i) concentrations of 0.3-1.7 mM confirm that the P(i) uptake process is nearly saturated at normal plasma P(i) levels. P(i) uptake rate correlated with cellular P(i) content (r = 0.99) but varied inversely with total phosphate content. Sodium-phosphate cotransporter (PiT-1) protein expression in soleus and red gastrocnemius were similar to each other and seven- to eightfold greater than PiT-1 expression in white gastrocnemius. That the PiT-1 expression pattern did not match the pattern of P(i) uptake across fiber types implies that other factors are involved in regulating P(i) uptake in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, fractional turnover of the cellular P(i) pool (0.67, 0.57, and 0.33 h(-1) in soleus, red gastrocnemius, and white gastrocnemius, respectively) varies among fiber types, indicating differential management of intracellular P(i), likely due to differences in resistance to P(i) efflux from the fiber.

Animals↗

What makes vessels grow with exercise training?

Exercise and muscle contractions create a powerful stimulus for structural remodeling of the vasculature. An increase in flow velocity through a vessel increases shear stress, a major stimulus for enlargement of conduit vessels. This leads to an endothelial-dependent, nitric oxide-dependent enlargement of the vessel. Increased flow within muscle, in the absence of contractions, leads to an enhanced capillarity by intussusceptive angiogenesis, a process of capillary splitting by intraluminal longitudinal divide. In contrast, sprouting angiogenesis requires extensive endothelial cell proliferation, with degradation of the extracellular matrix to permit migration and tube formation. This occurs during muscle adaptations to chronic contractions and/or muscle overload. The angiogenic growth factor VEGF appears to be an important element in angiogenesis. Recent advances in research have identified hemodynamic and mechanical stimuli that upregulate angiogenic processes, demonstrated a complexity of potent growth factors and interactions with their corresponding receptors, detected an interaction of cellular signaling events, and identified important tissue reorganization processes that must be coordinated to effect vascular remodeling. It is likely that much of this information is applicable to the vascular remodeling that occurs in response to exercise and/or muscle contractions.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Basic fibroblast growth factor increases collateral blood flow in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Ischemia-induced angiogenic response is reduced in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). To study whether exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) infusion is effective in expanding collateral circulation in frankly hypertensive SHR, femoral arteries of male SHR (weighing approximately 250 g) were kept intact (nonoccluded control; n = 9) or occluded for 4h(n = 12) or for 16 days with vehicle (n = 14) or bFGF [0.5 (n = 17), 5.0 (n = 13), and 50.0 (n = 14) microg. kg-1. day-1 for 14 days] intraarterially. Maximal collateral-dependent blood flows (BF) to the hindlimbs were determined with 85Sr- and 141Ce-labeled microspheres during running at 20 and 25 m/min (15% grade). Preexercise heart rates (approximately 530 beats/min) and blood pressures (BP; approximately 200 mmHg) were similar across groups except in the high-dose bFGF group, where BP was reduced by approximately 12% (P < 0.05). Femoral artery occlusion for 4 h resulted in approximately 95% reduction of BF in calf muscles [199 +/- 18.7 (nonoccluded group) to 10 +/- 1.0 ml. min-1. 100 g-1; P < 0.001]. BF to calf muscles of the vehicle and low-dose bFGF (0.5 microg. kg-1. day-1) groups increased to 36 +/- 3.2 and 45 +/- 2.0 ml. min-1. 100 g-1, respectively (P < 0.001). bFGF infusion at 5.0 and 50.0 microg. kg-1. day-1 further increased (P < 0.001) BF to calf muscles (62 +/- 4.6 and 62 +/- 2.2 ml. min-1. 100 g-1, respectively). Our results show that bFGF can effectively increase BF in hypertensive rats. The reduced hypertension with high-dose bFGF suggests that a critical signal in arteriogenesis (nitric oxide bioavailability) may be restored. These findings suggest that the dulled endothelial nitric oxide synthase of SHR does not preempt collateral vessel remodeling.

Animals↗

Muscle creatine uptake and creatine transporter expression in response to creatine supplementation and depletion.

The total creatine pool size [Cr(total); creatine (Cr) + phosphocreatine (PCr)] is crucial for optimal energy utilization in skeletal muscle, especially at the onset of exercise and during intense contractions. The Cr(total) likely is controlled by long-term modulation of Cr uptake via the sodium-dependent Cr transporter (CrT). To test this hypothesis, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed 1% Cr, their muscle Cr(total) was reduced by approximately 85% [1% beta-guanidinoproprionic acid (beta-GPA)], or their muscle Cr(total) was repleted (1% Cr after beta-GPA depletion). Cr uptake was assessed by skeletal muscle (14)C-Cr accumulation to Cr and PCr by using hindlimb perfusion, and CrT protein content was assessed by Western blot. Cr uptake rate decreased with dietary Cr supplementation in the white gastrocnemius (WG; 45%) only. Depletion of muscle Cr(total) to approximately 15% of normal increased Cr uptake in the soleus (21%) and red gastrocnemius (22%), corresponding to 70-150% increases in muscle CrT content. In contrast, the inherently lower Cr uptake rate in the WG was unchanged with depletion of muscle Cr(total) even though CrT band density was increased by 230%. Thus there was no direct relationship between apparent muscle CrT abundance and Cr uptake rates. However, Cr uptake rates scaled inversely with decreases in muscle Cr(total) in the high-oxidative muscle types but not in the WG. This implies that factors controlling Cr uptake are different among fiber types. These observations may help explain the influence of initial muscle Cr(total), time dependency, and variations in muscle Cr(total) accumulation during Cr supplementation.

Animals↗

Creatine uptake and creatine transporter expression among rat skeletal muscle fiber types.

Total creatine (Cr(total) = phosphocreatine + creatine) concentrations differ substantially among mammalian skeletal muscle. Because the primary means to add Cr(total) to muscle is uptake of creatine through the sodium-dependent creatine transporter (CrT), differences in creatine uptake and CrT expression could account for the variations in [Cr(total)] among muscle fiber types. To test this hypothesis, hindlimbs of adult rats were perfused with 0.05-1 mM [(14)C]creatine for up to 90 min. Creatine uptake rates at 1 mM creatine were greatest in the soleus (140 +/- 8.8 nmol x h(-1) x g(-1)), less in the red gastrocnemius (117 +/- 8.3), and least in the white gastrocnemius (97 +/- 10.7). These rates were unaltered by time, insulin concentration, or increased perfusate sodium concentration. Conversely, creatine uptake rates were correspondingly decreased among fiber types by lower creatine and sodium concentrations. The CrT protein content by Western blot analysis was similarly greatest in the soleus, less in the red gastrocnemius, and least in the white gastrocnemius, whereas CrT mRNA was not different. Creatine uptake rates differ among skeletal muscle fiber sections in a manner reasonably assigned to the 58-kDa band of the CrT. Furthermore, creatine uptake rates scale inversely with creatine content, with the lowest uptake rate in the fiber type with the highest Cr(total) and vice versa. This suggests that the creatine pool fractional turnover rate is not common across muscle phenotypes and, therefore, is differentially regulated.

Animals↗

Angiogenic growth factor expression in rat skeletal muscle in response to exercise training.

Angiogenesis occurs in skeletal muscle in response to exercise training. To gain insight into the regulation of this process, we evaluated the mRNA expression of factors implicated in angiogenesis over the course of a training program. We studied sedentary control (n = 17) rats and both sedentary (n = 18) and exercise-trained (n = 48) rats with bilateral femoral artery ligation. Training consisted of treadmill exercise (4 times/day, 1-24 days). Basal mRNA expression in sedentary control muscle was inversely related to muscle vascularity. Angiogenesis was histologically evident in trained white gastrocnemius muscle by day 12. Training produced initial three- to sixfold increases in VEGF, VEGF receptors (KDR and Flt), the angiopoietin receptor (Tie-2), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA, which dissipated before the increase in capillarity, and a substantial (30- to 50-fold) but transient upregulation of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 mRNA. These results emphasize the importance of early events in regulating angiogenesis. However, we observed a sustained elevation of the angiopoietin 2-to-angiopoietin 1 ratio, suggesting continued vascular destabilization. The response to exercise was (in general) tempered in high-oxidative muscles. These findings place importance on cellular events coupled to the onset of angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis Inducing Agents↗

Phosphocreatine content of freeze-clamped muscle: influence of creatine kinase inhibition.

The study of cellular energetics is critically dependent on accurate measurement of high-energy phosphates. Muscle values of phosphocreatine (PCr) vary greatly between in vivo measurements (i.e., by nuclear magnetic resonance) and chemical measurements determined from muscles isolated and quick-frozen. The source of this difference has not been experimentally identified. A likely cause is activation of ATPases and phosphotransfer from PCr to ADP. Therefore, rat hindlimb skeletal muscle was perfused either with or without 2 mM iodoacetamide, a creatine kinase inhibitor, and muscle was freeze-clamped either at rest or after contraction. Creatine kinase inhibition resulted in approximately 6 micromol/g higher PCr and lower creatine in the freeze-clamped soleus, red gastrocnemius, and white gastrocnemius. This PCr content difference was reduced when the initial PCr content was decreased with prior contractions. Therefore, the amount of PCr artifact appears to scale with initial PCr content within a fiber-type section. This artifact directly affects the measurement and, thus, the calculations of muscle energetic parameters from studies using isolated and frozen muscle.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Exercise-induced vascular remodeling.

Exercise produces a powerful angiogenic stimulus within the active muscle that leads to a functionally important increase in capillarity. Further, exercise can increase flow capacity by enlarging the caliber of arterial supply vessels. These adaptations are achieved by the processes of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, respectively.

Animals↗