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Alpha 2-adrenergic receptors increase cell migration and decrease F-actin labeling in rat aortic smooth muscle cells

J G Richman¹, J W Regan

¹Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721-0207, USA.

The American Journal of Physiology

|April 8, 1998

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Functional alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (alpha 2-ARs) are present in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Activation of these alpha 2-ARs promotes cell migration and alters the cytoskeleton, suggesting a role in vascular healing.

Area of Science:

Vascular biology
Cellular signaling
Pharmacology

Background:

Vascular wound healing, atherosclerosis, and restenosis involve smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation.
Alpha 2-adrenergic receptors (alpha 2-ARs) are implicated in various cellular functions.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize alpha 2-ARs in rat aortic smooth muscle (RASM) cells.
To investigate the role of alpha 2-AR activation in RASM cell migration, proliferation, and cytoskeletal dynamics.

Main Methods:

Immunofluorescence microscopy and RT-PCR to identify alpha 2-AR subtypes.
Assays for mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, cell proliferation ([3H]thymidine incorporation), and cell migration.
F-actin labeling to assess cytoskeletal changes.

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Main Results:

All three alpha 2-AR subtypes (alpha 2A, alpha 2B, alpha 2C) were detected in RASM cells.
Alpha 2-AR activation by dexmedetomidine (Dex) increased mitogen-activated protein kinase activity and cell migration.
Dex did not affect cell proliferation but decreased F-actin labeling, indicating cytoskeletal changes.
These effects were blocked by alpha 2-AR antagonists and pertussis toxin.

Conclusions:

Functional alpha 2-ARs are present in RASM cells.
Alpha 2-AR activation influences cytoskeletal organization and promotes cell migration.
These findings suggest a novel role for alpha 2-ARs in vascular wound healing and pathogenesis.