Extracellular calcium sensing in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells

Sanela Smajilovic, Jakob Lerche Hansen, Tue E.H. Christoffersen, Ewa Lewin, Søren P. Sheikh, E. F. Terwilliger, Edward M. Brown, Stig Haunso, Jacob Tfelt-Hansen*

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde
106 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

Extracellular calcium (Ca2 + o) can act as a first messenger in many cell types through a G protein-coupled receptor, calcium-sensing receptor (CaR). It is still debated whether the CaR is expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Here, we report the expression of CaR mRNA and protein in rat aortic VSMCs and show that Ca2 + o stimulates proliferation of the cells. The effects of Ca2 + o were attenuated by pre-treatment with MAPK kinase 1 (MEK1) inhibitor, as well as an allosteric modulator, NPS 2390. Furthermore, stimulation of the VSMCs with Ca2 + o-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, but surprisingly did not cause inositol phosphate accumulation. We were not able to conclusively state that the CaR mediates Ca2 + o-induced cell proliferation. Rather, an additional calcium-sensing mechanism may exist. Our findings may be of importance with regard to atherosclerosis, an inflammatory disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of VSMCs and high local levels of calcium.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Vol/bind348
Udgave nummer4
Sider (fra-til)1215-1223
Antal sider9
ISSN0006-291X
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 6 okt. 2006
Udgivet eksterntJa

Fingeraftryk

Dyk ned i forskningsemnerne om 'Extracellular calcium sensing in rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells'. Sammen danner de et unikt fingeraftryk.

Citationsformater