Effects on membrane function by cholesterol oxidation derivatives in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells

Autoxidation derivatives of cholesterol known to affect cholesterol content of the cells were shown to alter some membrane associated functions in cultured aortic smooth muscle cells. For study of membrane-bound enzymes, Na+,K+-ATPase and 5'-nucleotidase were measured cytochemically by electron microscopy. Cells incubated with 10 ug/ml of cholestane-3 beta,5 alpha,6 beta-triol and 25-hydroxycholesterol for 24 to 48 hours showed marked inhibition of both enzyme activities. For study of carrier-mediated hexose transport, radiolabeled 2-deoxy-D-glucose was utilized. The uptake of this labeled compound was measured in the cells preincubated with oxidation derivatives of cholesterol for various time periods. Cholestane-3 beta,5 alpha,6 beta-triol had a rapid inhibitory effect on hexose transport, which was reversible after removal of the sterol from the medium. Hexose transport was not significantly altered by 25-hydroxycholesterol after up to 8 hours incubation. Two underlying mechanisms are possible. The prompt onset of the effect of cholestane-3 beta,5 alpha,6 beta-triol may be attributable to an incorporation of the sterol into the cell membranes. On the other hand, 25-hydroxycholesterol, a potent inhibitor of cholesterol biosynthesis, may have a delayed effect on membrane function by depleting the cholesterol available for membrane synthesis.