Calcium regulation of endothelial permeability to low-density lipoprotein

Increasing clinical and experimental evidence suggests a multifunctional role of calcium in determining the response of the arterial intima to atherogenic stimuli. In this study, an endothelial cell (EC)-smooth muscle cell (SMC) bilayer model of the arterial wall was used to investigate the effect of calcium manipulation on the sequestration of 125I-labeled LDL within the subendothelial space. Bilayer cell cultures were exposed to EGTA (0.25-2.0 mM), ionophore A23187 (5 x 10(-6) M), lanthanum chloride (0.1 mM), and trifluoperazine (TFP; 0.25 microM). The movement of 125I-labeled LDL (10 micrograms/ml) through the endothelial barrier was measured, as was the binding and cellular uptake of 125I-labeled LDL by each cell type. Extracellular Ca2+ chelation with EGTA and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization with A23187 both increased EC permeability to LDL (P < 0.05; P = 0.0001, respectively), while not significantly affecting EC binding or uptake of lipoprotein. Conversely, these agents increased SMC uptake of LDL (P < 10(-7); P < 10(-8), respectively). Calcium blockade with lanthanum chloride had the opposite effect, reducing EC permeability (P = 0.011) and SMC uptake (P < 10(-5)), while increasing EC uptake (P = 0.016). TFP, a calmodulin inhibitor, had an effect similar to A23187, although reducing SMC uptake of LDL (P = 0.015). Alteration of the calcium gradient across the plasma membrane appears to influence EC permeability. This effect may be stabilized by Ca2+ blockade or calmodulin regulation of cytoplasmic Ca2+. Additional anti-atherogenic effects of calcium blockade may include a reduction in SMC uptake by the SMC.