Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by hypertension (HTN) with unclear mechanism. Studies have shown endothelial dysfunction and increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in hypertensive-pregnancy (HTN-Preg). ET-1 activates endothelin receptor type-A (ETAR) in vascular smooth muscle to induce vasoconstriction, but the role of vasodilator endothelial ETBR in the changes in blood pressure (BP) and vascular function in HTN-Preg is unclear. To test if downregulation of endothelial ETBR expression/activity plays a role in HTN-Preg, BP was measured in Norm-Preg rats and rat model of HTN-Preg produced by reduction of uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP), and mesenteric microvessels were isolated for measuring diameter, [Ca2+]i, and ETAR and ETBR levels. BP, ET-1 and KCI-induced vasoconstriction and [Ca2+]i were greater in RUPP than Norm-Preg rats. Endothelium-removal or microvessel treatment with ETBR antagonist BQ-788 enhanced ET-1 vasoconstriction and [Ca2+]i in Norm-Preg, but not RUPP, suggesting reduced vasodilator ETBR in HTN-Preg. ET-1+ETAR antagonist BQ-123, and ETBR agonists sarafotoxin 6c (S6c) and IRL-1620 caused less vasorelaxation and nitrate/nitrite production in RUPP than Norm-Preg. The NOS inhibitor L-NAME reduced S6c- and IRL-1620-induced relaxation in Norm-Preg but not RUPP, supporting that ETBR-mediated NO pathway is compromised in RUPP. RT-PCR, Western blots and immunohistochemistry revealed reduced endothelial ETBR expression in RUPP. Infusion of BQ-788 increased BP in Norm-Preg, and infusion of IRL-1620 reduced BP and ET-1 vasoconstriction and [Ca2+]i and enhanced ETBR-mediated vasorelaxation in RUPP. Thus downregulation of microvascular vasodilator ETBR is a central mechanism in HTN-Preg, and increasing ETBR activity could be a target in managing preeclampsia.

Normal pregnancy is associated with uterine relaxation to accommodate the stretch imposed by the growing fetus; however, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between pregnancy-associated uterine stretch and uterine relaxation are unclear. We hypothesized that increased uterine stretch during pregnancy is associated with upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which in turn cause inhibition of myometrium contraction and promote uterine relaxation. Uteri from virgin, midpregnant (day 12), and late-pregnant rats (day 19) were isolated, and myometrium strips were prepared for measurement of isometric contraction and MMP expression and activity using RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and gelatin zymography. Oxytocin caused concentration-dependent contraction of myometrium strips that was reduced in mid- and late-pregnant rats compared with virgin rats. Pretreatment with the MMP inhibitors SB-3CT (MMP-2/MMP-9 Inhibitor IV), BB-94 (batimastat), or Ro-28-2653 (cipemastat) enhanced contraction in myometrium of pregnant rats. RT-PCR, Western blot analysis, and gelatin zymography demonstrated increased mRNA expression, protein amount, and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in myometrium of late-pregnant>midpregnant>virgin rats. Prolonged stretch of myometrium strips of virgin rats under 8 g basal tension for 18 h was associated with reduced contraction and enhanced expression and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, which were reversed by MMP inhibitors. Concomitant treatment of stretched myometrium of virgin rats with 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), or E2+P4 was associated with further reduction in contraction and increased MMP expression and activity. MMP-2 and MMP-9 caused significant reduction of oxytocin-induced contraction of myometrium of virgin rat. Thus, normal pregnancy is associated with reduced myometrium contraction and increased MMPs expression and activity. The results are consistent with the possibility that myometrium stretch and concomitant increase in sex hormones during pregnancy are associated with increased expression/activity of specific MMPs, which in turn inhibit uterine contraction and promote uterine relaxation.

Normal pregnancy is associated with significant hemodynamic changes and vasodilation of the uterine and systemic circulation in order to meet the metabolic demands of the mother and developing fetus. Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the foremost complications of pregnancy and a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality. The pathophysiological mechanisms of PE have been elusive, but some parts of the puzzle have begun to unravel. Genetic factors such as leptin gene polymorphism, environmental and dietary factors such as Ca2+ and vitamin D deficiency, and co-morbidities such as obesity and diabetes may increase the susceptibility of pregnant women to develop PE. An altered maternal immune response may also play a role in the development of PE. Although the pathophysiology of PE is unclear, most studies have implicated inadequate invasion of cytotrophoblasts into the uterine artery, leading to reduced uteroplacental perfusion pressure (RUPP) and placental ischemia/hypoxia. Placental ischemia induces the release of biologically active factors such as growth factor inhibitors, anti-angiogenic factors, inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, hypoxia-inducible factors, and antibodies to vascular angiotensin II (AngII) receptor. These bioactive factors could cause vascular endotheliosis and consequent increase in vascular resistance and blood pressure, as well as glomerular endotheliosis with consequent proteinuria. The PE-associated vascular endotheliosis could be manifested as decreased vasodilator mediators such as nitric oxide, prostacyclin and hyperpolarizing factor and increased vasoconstrictor mediators such as endothelin-1, AngII and thromboxane A2. PE could also involve enhanced mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle contraction including intracellular Ca2+, and Ca2+ sensitization pathways such as protein kinase C and Rho-kinase. PE-associated changes in the extracellular matrix composition and matrix metalloproteinases activity also promote vascular remodeling and further vasoconstriction in the uterine and systemic circulation. Some of these biologically active factors and vascular mediators have been proposed as biomarkers for early prediction or diagnosis of PE, and as potential targets for prevention or treatment of the disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is more common in men and postmenopausal women (Post-MW) than premenopausal women (Pre-MW). Despite recent advances in preventive measures, the incidence of CVD in women has shown a rise that matched the increase in the Post-MW population. The increased incidence of CVD in Post-MW has been related to the decline in estrogen levels, and hence suggested vascular benefits of endogenous estrogen. Experimental studies have identified estrogen receptor ERα, ERβ and a novel estrogen binding membrane protein GPR30 (GPER) in blood vessels of humans and experimental animals. The interaction of estrogen with vascular ERs mediates both genomic and non-genomic effects. Estrogen promotes endothelium-dependent relaxation by increasing nitric oxide, prostacyclin, and hyperpolarizing factor. Estrogen also inhibits the mechanisms of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contraction including [Ca2+]i, protein kinase C and Rho-kinase. Additional effects of estrogen on the vascular cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix, lipid profile and the vascular inflammatory response have been reported. In addition to the experimental evidence in animal models and vascular cells, initial observational studies in women using menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) have suggested that estrogen may protect against CVD. However, randomized clinical trials (RCTs) such as the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) and the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), which examined the effects of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) in older women with established CVD (HERS) or without overt CVD (WHI), failed to demonstrate protective vascular effects of estrogen treatment. Despite the initial set-back from the results of MHT RCTs, growing evidence now supports the ‘timing hypothesis’, which suggests that MHT could increase the risk of CVD if started late after menopause, but may produce beneficial cardiovascular effects in younger women during the perimenopausal period. The choice of an appropriate MHT dose, route of administration, and estrogen/progestin combination could maximize the vascular benefits of MHT and minimize other adverse effects, especially if given within a reasonably short time after menopause to women that seek MHT for the relief of menopausal symptoms.

Histone methylation, a determinant of chromatin structure and gene transcription, was thought to be irreversible, but recent evidence suggests that lysine-specific demethylase-1 (LSD1, Kdm1a) induces demethylation of histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) or H3K9 and thereby alters gene transcription. We previously demonstrated a human LSD1 phenotype associated with salt-sensitive hypertension. To test the hypothesis that LSD1 plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure (BP) via vascular mechanisms and gene transcription, we measured BP and examined vascular function and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) expression in thoracic aorta of male wild-type (WT) and heterozygous LSD1 knockout mice (LSD1(+/-)) fed either a liberal salt (HS; 4% NaCl) or restricted salt diet (LS; 0.08% NaCl). BP was higher in LSD1(+/-) than WT mice on the HS diet but not different between LSD1(+/-) and WT mice on the LS diet. Further examination of the mechanisms of this salt-sensitive hypertension in LSD1(+/-) mice on the HS diet demonstrated that plasma renin activity and plasma levels and urinary excretion of aldosterone were less in LSD1(+/-) than WT, suggesting suppressed renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In contrast, phenylephrine (Phe)-induced aortic contraction was greater in LSD1(+/-) than WT mice on the HS diet. Treatment of aortic rings with 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ; a blocker of guanylate cyclase) enhanced Phe contraction in LSD1(+/-) compared with WT mice on the HS diet. Acetylcholine (Ach)-induced relaxation was less in LSD1(+/-) than WT mice on the HS diet. Endothelium removal or pretreatment with N(ω)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (blocker of NOS) or ODQ abolished Ach-induced relaxation in aorta of WT but had minimal effect in LSD1(+/-). Vascular relaxation to sodium nitroprusside, an exogenous NO donor and guanylate cyclase activator, was decreased in LSD1(+/-) vs. WT mice on the HS diet. RT-PCR and Western blots revealed decreased eNOS mRNA expression and eNOS and guanylate cyclase protein in the heart and aorta of LSD1(+/-) compared with WT mice on HS diet. Thus, during the HS diet, LSD1 deficiency is associated with hypertension, enhanced vascular contraction, and reduced relaxation via NO-cGMP pathway. The data support a role for LSD1-mediated histone demethylation in the regulation of NOS/guanylate cyclase gene expression, vascular function, and BP during the HS diet.

Estrogen receptors (ERs) mediate genomic and nongenomic vasodilator effects, but estrogen therapy may not provide systemic vascular protection. To test whether this is due to regional differences in ER distribution or vasodilator activity, cephalic (carotid), thoracic (thoracic aorta, pulmonary) and abdominal arteries (abdominal aorta, mesenteric, renal) from female Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared to measure contraction to phenylephrine (Phe), and relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh) and the ER activators 17β-estradiol (E2) (all ERs), PPT (ERα), DPN (ERβ) and G1 (GPR30). Phe caused contraction that was enhanced in endothelium-denuded aorta, supporting endothelial release of vasodilators. In cephalic and thoracic arteries, ACh relaxation was abolished by the NOS inhibitor L-NAME, suggesting a role of NO. In mesenteric vessels, ACh-induced relaxation was partly inhibited by L-NAME+COX inhibitor indomethacin and blocked by the K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA), suggesting a hyperpolarization pathway. E2 and PPT caused similar relaxation in all vessels. DPN and G1 caused smaller relaxation that was more prominent in abdominal vessels. RT-PCR revealed variable ERα mRNA expression, and increased ERβ in carotid artery and GPR30 in abdominal arteries. Western blots revealed greater amounts of ERα, ERβ and GPR30 in abdominal arteries. In thoracic aorta, E2, PPT and DPN-induced relaxation was blocked by L-NAME, and was associated with increased nitrite/nitrate production, suggesting a role of NO. In abdominal vessels, E2, PPT, DPN and G1-induced relaxation persisted in L-NAME+indomethacin+TEA-treated or endothelium-denuded arteries, suggesting direct effect on vascular smooth muscle (VSM). E2, PPT, DPN, and G1 caused greater relaxation of KCl-induced contraction in abdominal vessels, suggesting inhibitory effects on Ca2+ entry. Thus, E2 and ERα stimulation produce similar relaxation of the cephalic, thoracic and abdominal arteries. In the cephalic and thoracic arteries, particularly the thoracic aorta, E2-induced and ERα- and ERβ-mediated vasodilation involve NO production. ERβ- and GPR30-mediated relaxation is greater in the abdominal arteries, and appears to involve hyperpolarization and inhibition of VSM Ca2+ entry. Specific ER agonists could produce vasodilation in specific vascular beds without affecting other vessels in systemic circulation.

Gender differences in the incidence of cardiovascular disease have been related to plasma estrogen levels; however, the role of vascular estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes in these sex differences is less clear. We tested whether the gender differences in vascular smooth muscle (VSM) function reflect differential expression/activity of ERα, ERβ and the newly-identified GPR30. Single aortic VSM cells (VSMCs) were freshly isolated from male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, and their contraction to phenylephrine (PHE, 10^-5 M), AngII (10^-7 M) and membrane-depolarization by KCl (51 mM) was measured in the absence or presence of 10^-6 M 17β-estradiol (E2, stimulant of most ERs), PPT (ERα agonist), DPN (ERβ agonist), and ICI 182,780 (an ERα/ERβ antagonist with GPR30 agonistic properties). The cells were fixed and fluorescently labeled with ERα, ERβ or GPR30 antibody, and the subcellular distribution of ERs was examined using digital imaging microscopy. The mRNA expression and protein amount of aortic ER subtypes was examined using RT-PCR and Western blots. PHE, AngII, and KCl caused less contraction in VSMCs of females than males. Pretreatment of VSMCs with E2 reduced PHE-, AngII- and KCl-induced contraction in both males and females. PPT caused similar inhibition of PHE-, AngII- and KCl-induced contraction as E2, suggesting a role of ERα. DPN mainly inhibited PHE and KCl contraction, suggesting an interaction between ERβ and Ca²⁺ channels. ICI 182,780 did not reduce aortic VSMC contraction, suggesting little role for GPR30. RT-PCR and Western blots revealed greater expression of ERα and ERβ in VSMCs of females than males, but similar amounts of GPR30. The total immunofluorescence signal for ERα and ERβ was greater in VSMCs of females than males, and was largely localized in the nucleus. GPR30 fluorescence was similar in VSMCs of males and females, and was mainly in the cytosol. In PPT treated cells, nuclear ERα signal was enhanced. DPN did not affect the distribution of ERβ, and ICI 182,780 did not significantly increase GPR30 in the cell surface. Thus, ER subtypes demonstrate similar responsiveness to specific agonists in VSMCs of male and female rats. The reduced contraction in VSMCs of females could be due to gender-related increase in the expression of ERα and ERβ.

Background Decreased venous tone and vein wall dilation may contribute to varicose vein formation. We have shown that prolonged vein wall stretch is associated with upregulation of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and decreased contraction. Because hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) expression also increases with mechanical stretch, this study tested whether upregulation of HIFs is an intermediary mechanism linking prolonged vein wall stretch to the changes in MMP expression and venous contraction. Methods Segments of rat inferior vena cava (IVC) were suspended in tissue bath under 0.5g basal tension for 1hr, and a control contraction to phenylephrine (PHE, 10−5M) and KCl (96 mM) was elicited. The veins were then exposed to prolonged 18hr tension at 0.5g, 2g, 2g+HIF inhibitor (U-0126 10−5M, 17-DMAG 10−5M, or echinomycin 10−6M), or 2g+DMOG 10−4M, a prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor which stabilizes HIF, and the fold change in PHE and KCl contraction was compared to the control contraction at 0.5g tension for 1hr. Vein tissue homogenates were analyzed for HIF-1α, HIF-2α, MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA and protein amount using real-time RT-PCR and Western blots. Results Compared to control IVC contraction at 0.5g tension for 1hr, the PHE and KCl contraction after prolonged 0.5g tension was 2.0±0.35 and 1.1±0.06, respectively. Vein contraction to PHE and KCl after prolonged 2g tension was significantly reduced (0.87±0.13 and 0.72±0.05, respectively). PHE-induced contraction was restored in IVC exposed to prolonged 2g tension plus the HIF inhibitor U0126 (1.38±0.15) or echinomycin (1.99±0.40). U0126 and echinomycin also restored KCl-induced contraction in IVC exposed to prolonged 2g tension (1.14±0.05 and 1.11±0.15, respectively). Treatment with DMOG further reduced PHE- and KCl-induced contraction in veins subjected to prolonged 2g tension (0.47±0.06 and 0.57±0.01, respectively). HIF-1α and HIF-2α mRNA were overexpressed in IVC exposed to prolonged 2g tension, and the overexpression was reversed in by U0126. The overexpression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in stretched IVC was associated with increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA. The protein amount of HIF-1α, HIF-2α, MMP-2 and MMP-9 was also increased in IVC exposed to prolonged 2g wall tension Conclusion Prolonged increases in vein wall tension are associated with overexpression of HIF-1α and HIF-2α, increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and reduced venous contraction in rat IVC. Together with our report that MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibit IVC contraction, the data suggest that increased vein wall tension induces HIF overexpression, and causes an increase in MMPs expression and reduction of venous contraction, leading to progressive venous dilation and varicose vein formation.