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Effect of elastin peptides on vascular tone
G Faury1, M T Ristori, J Verdetti
1Centre de Physiologie et Physiopathologie Cellulaires, Université Joseph-Fourier, Grenoble, France.
Journal of Vascular Research
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Elastin peptides in blood cause blood vessels to relax by stimulating nitric oxide (NO) production. This effect is mediated by specific elastin peptide receptors, suggesting a role in vascular tone regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endothelial Cell Biology
- Biochemistry of Extracellular Matrix
Background:
- Elastin peptides are circulating peptides found in human blood.
- Elastin receptors are present on various cell types, notably endothelial cells.
- Elastin degradation is implicated in several vascular diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of circulating elastin peptides on vascular tone.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying elastin peptide-mediated vascular effects.
Main Methods:
- Isometric tension measurements in isolated rat aortic rings.
- Application of elastin peptides (kappa-elastin) at physiologically relevant concentrations.
- Pharmacological inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and cyclooxygenase activity.
- Assessment of inhibitory effects using lactose and laminin on elastin peptide and acetylcholine responses.
Main Results:
- Elastin peptides induced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in rat aortic rings.
- Vasodilation was dependent on both nitric oxide (NO) and prostanoid synthesis.
- Lactose and laminin specifically inhibited elastin peptide-induced vasodilation, suggesting interaction with elastin peptide receptors.
Conclusions:
- Elastin peptides contribute to vascular tone regulation through a pathway involving prostanoids and nitric oxide (NO).
- The observed inhibitory effects of lactose and laminin confirm specific binding to elastin peptide receptors.
- These findings highlight a potential physiological role for elastin peptides in maintaining vascular health.