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On-Chip Endothelial Inflammatory Phenotyping
Published on: July 21, 2012
Differential action of steroid hormones on human endothelium
Hans Oberleithner1, Christoph Riethmüller, Thomas Ludwig
1Institute of Physiology II, University Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany. oberlei@uni-muenster.de
Journal of Cell Science
|April 26, 2006
Summary
Glucocorticoids decrease vascular permeability by strengthening cell contacts, while mineralocorticoids increase cell size and stiffness without affecting permeability. These distinct actions impact fluid retention and endothelial function.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
- Cellular Physiology
Background:
- Glucocorticoid effects on vascular permeability are known, but mineralocorticoid actions on blood vessels are less understood.
- Endothelial cells are targets for both glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, suggesting differential roles in vascular regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct effects of mineralocorticoids (aldosterone) and glucocorticoids (dexamethasone) on human umbilical vein endothelial cell structure and function.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying steroid-induced changes in vascular endothelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with aldosterone and dexamethasone for 3 days.
- Measurements included transendothelial ion and macromolecule permeability (electrical cell impedance sensing, fluorescence-labeled dextran), apical cell surface area, and cell stiffness (atomic force microscopy).
Main Results:
- Aldosterone significantly increased apical cell surface area and cell stiffness, but did not alter transendothelial permeability.
- Dexamethasone significantly decreased ion and macromolecule permeability, with no significant changes in cell surface area or stiffness.
- Specific receptor antagonists (RU486 for dexamethasone, spironolactone for aldosterone) blocked these respective effects.
Conclusions:
- Glucocorticoids exert a 'peripheral action' by strengthening endothelial cell-to-cell contacts, reducing permeability.
- Mineralocorticoids induce a 'central action' by enlarging and stiffening endothelial cells, without affecting permeability.
- These findings offer insights into dexamethasone's role in fluid retention and endothelial dysfunction in hyperaldosteronism.
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