Role of G(i)-proteins in norepinephrine-mediated vasoconstriction in rat tail artery smooth muscle

We showed, in rat de-endothelialised tail artery, that pertussis toxin (PTX) (1 microg/mL, 2 hr) attenuated norepinephrine (NE)-induced vasoconstriction without modifying intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+](i) mobilisation. We suggested the existence of two NE-induced intracellular pathways: a first, which would be insensitive to PTX and lead to [Ca2+](i) mobilisation, and a second sensitive to PTX and involved in the [Ca2+](i) sensitivity of NE-induced contraction. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the existence of the second intracellular pathway. PTX-sensitive G(i/o)-proteins in rat tail artery SMC membrane were identified by immunoblot and ADP-ribosylation. [(32)P]ADP-ribosylation of alpha(i/o)-subunits was demonstrated in situ by perfusing rat de-endothelialised tail artery segments with PTX (1 microg/mL, 2 hr), which suggested that G(i/o)-protein inactivation was involved in the reduction by PTX of the [Ca2+](i) sensitivity of NE-induced contraction. Coupling between G(i/o)-proteins and NE receptors was confirmed by the NE-induced increase in G(i/o)-specific GTPase activity (24.1 +/- 1.9 vs 8.8 +/- 0.4 pmol P(i)/mg protein at 5 min; P < 0.05 vs basal). [(3)H]Prazosin-binding data showed the presence of a heterogeneous alpha(1)-AR population in rat tail artery smooth muscle cells. We demonstrated the in vitro coupling between alpha(1A)-AR subtype and alpha(i)-subunits. In conclusion, we identified, in rat de-endothelialised tail artery, a PTX-sensitive G(i/o)-protein-modulated pathway that is coupled to NE receptors via alpha(1A)-AR. We suggest that NE stimulates two alpha(1)-AR-mediated intracellular pathways: a first, which is mediated by a G(q)-protein and leads to [Ca2+](i) mobilisation and contraction, and a second, which is mediated by a G(i)-protein and is involved in the amplification of the [Ca2+](i) sensitivity of NE-induced tension.