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Endothelin-like pulmonary vasoconstrictor peptide release by alpha-thrombin.
D G Moon1, M J Horgan, T T Andersen
1Department of Physiology, Albany Medical College of Union University, NY 12208.
Summary
Alpha-thrombin triggers the release of two endothelin-like peptides from guinea pig lungs, causing prolonged pulmonary vasoconstriction. This study identifies novel vasoactive factors involved in hemostasis and vascular tone regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endothelial Cell Biology
- Hemostasis
Background:
- Endothelial cells regulate vascular tone via vasoactive factors.
- Alpha-thrombin is a key enzyme in hemostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the release of pulmonary vasoconstrictor peptides induced by alpha-thrombin in intact lungs.
- To characterize the properties of these alpha-thrombin-induced peptides.
Main Methods:
- Perfusion of guinea pig lungs with alpha-thrombin.
- Collection and analysis of venous effluent.
- Reverse-phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and gel-permeation HPLC for peptide characterization.
Main Results:
- Alpha-thrombin, but not inactivated alpha-thrombin, caused the release of two distinct pulmonary vasoconstrictor peptides.
- One peptide coeluted with endothelin and had a similar molecular weight.
- The second peptide eluted earlier and had a lower molecular weight than endothelin.
Conclusions:
- Alpha-thrombin stimulates the release of endothelin-like vasoconstrictor peptides in the intact lung.
- These findings reveal a link between hemostasis and pulmonary vascular regulation.
- The identified peptides may play a role in modulating vasomotor tone.