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Endothelium from diverse vascular sources synthesizes platelet-activating factor
R E Whatley1, G A Zimmerman, T M McIntyre
1Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Arteriosclerosis (Dallas, Tex.)
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Bovine endothelial cells from various blood vessels produce platelet-activating factor (PAF) when stimulated. This generalized response suggests PAF
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cellular Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endothelial cells play a crucial role in vascular homeostasis.
- Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent lipid mediator with significant biological activities.
- Understanding PAF production in endothelial cells is vital for comprehending vascular responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the production of platelet-activating factor (PAF) by endothelial cells from diverse bovine vascular sites.
- To determine the agonists and conditions that stimulate PAF production in endothelial cells.
- To explore the relationship between PAF production and prostacyclin (PGI2) release.
Main Methods:
- Cultured endothelial cells from bovine aorta, pulmonary artery, coronary artery, and vena cava were stimulated with various agonists.
- In situ endothelial cells from isolated bovine pulmonary artery and aortic strips were also stimulated.
- Agonists used included calcium ionophore A23187, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), bradykinin, and angiotensin II.
- PAF accumulation and prostacyclin (PGI2) release were measured.
Main Results:
- Stimulation with calcium ionophore, ATP, bradykinin, and angiotensin II induced PAF production in cultured endothelial cells from all tested vascular sites.
- Maximal PAF accumulation in pulmonary artery endothelial cells occurred within 20 minutes and remained cell-associated.
- PAF production was concentration-dependent for bradykinin and angiotensin II.
- In situ endothelial cells also produced PAF upon stimulation.
- PAF production in pulmonary artery endothelial cells correlated with prostacyclin (PGI2) release.
- Aortic endothelial cells exhibited time- and concentration-dependent PAF production in response to bradykinin.
Conclusions:
- Endothelial cells from various bovine vascular beds exhibit a generalized capacity to produce platelet-activating factor (PAF) upon stimulation.
- PAF production is linked to prostacyclin (PGI2) release in pulmonary artery endothelial cells.
- The findings suggest that local PAF accumulation may play a role in vascular injury and inflammation.