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Vascular Biology |
From the Cardiovascular Research Center INSERM U689 Lariboisière (F.M., J.-S.S., L.W., M.C., M.D., B.I.L.), Université Paris, Paris, France; and the Institut de Recherches Servier (S.C., T.V., J.P.V.), Suresnes, France.
Correspondance to Bernard Levy or Jean-Sebastien Silvestre, U689-INSERM, Hôpital Lariboisière, 41 Bd de la Chapelle, 75475 Paris cedex 10, France. E-mail levy{at}larib.inserm.fr or Jean-Sebastien.Silvestre@larib.inserm.fr
| Abstract |
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Methods and Results Unilateral hindlimb ischemia was induced by right femoral artery ligature in male C57BL/6J mice (n=7 per group). Animals were then treated with or without TP receptor antagonist (S18886, 5 or 10 mg/kg per day; ramatroban, 10 mg/kg per day) or aspirin (30 mg/kg per day) in drinking water for 21 days. Hindlimb ischemia raised plasma level of TXB2, the stable metabolite of TXA2, by 4.7-fold. This increase was blocked by aspirin treatment whereas S18886 (5 or 10 mg/kg per day) had no effect. However, neither S 18886 nor aspirin affected postischemic neovascularization. We next assessed the putative involvement of TXA2 signaling in angiotensin II (Ang II) proangiogenic pathway. Ang II (0.3 mg/kg per day) enhanced TXB2 plasma levels by 2.6-fold over that of control (P<0.01). Ang II-induced TXB2 upregulation was reduced by cotreatment with Ang II type I receptor antagonist (candesartan, 20 mg/kg per day). Angiographic score, capillary number, and foot perfusion were improved by 1.7-, 1.7-, and 1.4-fold, respectively, in Ang II-treated mice compared with controls (P<0.05). Ang II proangiogenic effect was associated with a 1.6-fold increase in VEGF-A protein content (P<0.05) and a 1.4-fold increase in the number of Mac-3positive cells (ie, macrophages) in ischemic areas (P<0.05). Interestingly, treatments with TP receptor antagonists or aspirin hampered the proangiogenic effects of Ang II.
Conclusion Endogenous activation of TXA2 receptor by eicosanoids did not modulate spontaneous neovascularization in the setting of ischemia. Conversely, TXA2 signaling is involved in Ang II-induced AT1-dependent vessel growth.
Endogenous activation of TXA2 receptor by eicosanoids did not modulate spontaneous neovascularization in the setting of ischemia. In contrast, treatments with TP receptor antagonists or aspirin hampered the proangiogenic effect of Ang II and fully abrogated the Ang II-induced increase in VEGF-A protein content and the number of Mac-3positive cells.
Key Words: angiogenesis angiotensin II ischemia thromboxane A2
| Introduction |
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) leading to the expression of key growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF).1 Macrophages and T lymphocytes also promote neovascularization in ischemic areas through the release of proinflammatory cytokines, production of matrix metalloproteinases, and expression of angiogenic factors.24 Neovascularization takes place in the context of cross-talk involving numerous factors. Among them, hormones such as angiotensin II (Ang II) have been shown to modulate postischemic neovascularization by activation of Ang II type I receptor (AT1) and upregulation of VEGF-A signaling.5,6 Ang II also enhances macrophage infiltration and subsequently inflammation-dependent vessel growth.68
Thromboxane A2 (TXA2) is an unstable metabolite of arachidonic acid formed through the cyclooxygenase pathway. TXA2 is released from activated platelets, monocytes, and damaged vessel wall, and causes platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction, and hypertrophy of vascular smooth muscle.9 Action of TXA2 is mediated by thromboxane A2/PG H2 receptor (TP receptor), which are also able to bind other endogenous ligands such as endoperoxides and isoprostanes. TP receptors are widely expressed in the vasculature and exist as 2 isoforms TP
and TPß in humans, whereas only TP
is present in rodents.10 As in many vasoconstrictive substances, thromboxane A2 (TXA2) has the potential to participate in the regulation of blood vessel growth, but its effect on angiogenesis remain controversial. The TXA2 mimetic IBOP inhibits migration and proliferation of cultured endothelial cells and formation of vascular-like structure in the matrigel model.11,12 TP receptor agonists block the proangiogenic effects of FGF-2.13 TXA2 also abrogates VEGF-A-induced endothelial cell differentiation and migration.14 However, TXA2 overproduction in tumors promotes angiogenesis and tumor development, suggesting that TXA2 is a positive regulator of blood vessel growth.15,16 Similarly, TP blockade using the TP antagonist SQ29548 hampers VEGF-Ainduced and FGF-induced endothelial cell migration and corneal neovascularization.17,18
TXA2 levels and TP receptor expression and activation are increased in numerous disease states, including ischemia and inflammation.19 In addition, key angiogenic factors such as VEGF-A have been shown to activate TXA2 signaling.14 Recent reports also suggest that Ang II-related actions may involved activation of TXA2 pathways. Abnormal production of TXA2 is linked to the pathophysiology of renal and Ang II-dependent hypertension, coronary artery spasm, and arterial thrombosis.2022 In addition, Ang II-dependent contraction of renal afferent arterioles are mediated by TXA2.23 We therefore hypothesized that TXA2-related pathway might be activated during ischemia and may modulate either basal postischemic neovascularization or that induced by Ang II.
To this aim, we analyzed the role of basal endogenous TXA2 signaling in spontaneous neovascularization using the TP antagonist, S 18886, in a model of surgically induced hindlimb ischemia in mice. We also determined the putative involvement of the TXA2-related pathway in the angiogenic effect of Ang II in this context.
| Materials and Methods |
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Quantification of Neovascularization
Microangiography
After 21 days of treatment, vessel density was evaluated by high-definition microangiography using Barium sulfate (1 g/mL) injected in the abdominal aorta, followed by image acquisition with a digital X-ray transducer and computerized quantification of vessel density expressed as a percentage of pixels per image occupied by vessels in the quantification area.3
Capillary Density
Microangiographic analysis was completed by assessment of capillary density, as previously described.3 Ischemic and nonischemic gastrocnemius were dissected and progressively frozen in isopentane solution cooled in liquid nitrogen (LN2). Sections (7 µm) were incubated with rabbit polyclonal antibody directed against total fibronectin (dilution, 1:50) to identify capillaries. Capillary density was then calculated in randomly chosen fields of a definite area using Optilab/Pro software.
Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging
We gathered functional evidence for ischemia-induced change in mouse hindlimb vascularization. Blood perfusion in the paw was assessed through laser Doppler imaging, as previously described.3 For each animal, perfusion was measured in both the ischemic and nonischemic paw and the ratio was calculated. Results were expressed as the mean ratio of ischemic to nonischemic values for each experimental group.
Determination of VEGF-A Expression
VEGF-A protein expression was determined by Western blot in ischemic and nonischemic legs, as previously described.3 Gastrocnemius samples were homogenized in a lysis buffer supplemented with protease inhibitor. Samples were loaded on an SDS-PAGE gel (10%) and protein transferred to a nitrocellulose sheet (Hybond enhanced chemiluminescence [ECL]; Amersham). Blots were incubated with antibodies against VEGF-A (Santa Cruz Biotechnology; dilution of 1:2,000). As a protein loading control, membranes were stripped, incubated with a goat polyclonal antibody directed against total actin (Santa Cruz Biotechnology; dilution of 1:5000). Specific protein was detected by chemiluminescence reaction (ECL+ kit; Amersham).
Determination of Plasma TXB2 Concentration and Tissue Ang II Levels
At time of euthanization, blood was collected and plasma samples were recovered by centrifugation without clot and stored at 20°C until analysis. Plasma TXB2 concentration was measured using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay kit (Cayman Chemical). Ang II tissue content was measured in ischemic and non ischemic gastrocnemius using Ang II enzyme immunoassay kit, according to manufacturer instructions (Spi Bio).
Evaluation of Macrophage Number (Mac-3Positive Macrophages)
Frozen tissue sections (7 µm) were incubated with rat polyclonal antibody directed against Mac-3 (1:50; BD Pharmingen). After incubation with a biotinylated anti-rat IgG, immunostains were visualized by using avidin-biotin horseradish peroxidase visualization systems (Vectastain ABC kit elite; Vector Laboratories).
Statistical Analysis
Results are expressed as mean±SEM. One-way analysis of variance ANOVA was used to compare each parameter. Post hoc Bonferroni t test comparisons were then performed to identify which group differences account for the significant overall ANOVA. A value of P<0.05 was considered significant.
| Results |
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Basal TXA2 Signaling Does Not Modulate Postischemic Neovascularization
To analyze the role of activated TXA2 pathway in postischemic neovascularization, mice with hindlimb ischemia were treated with or without TP receptor blockers. TXA2 pathway inhibition with aspirin (30 mg/kg per day) was the negative control. However, S 18886 or ramatroban administration did not affect the ischemic to nonischemic angiographic score (Figure 1B) and foot perfusion ratio (Figure 1C). Therefore, TXA2 signaling is not involved in the spontaneous neovascularization in the setting of ischemia. Aspirin was also devoid of any effect on these parameters.
Involvement of TXA2 in Ang II Proangiogenic Effect
Alternatively, TXA2 signaling may modulate the effect of exogenously added proangiogenic factor. TXA2 has been shown to participate in Ang II-related effects on cardiovascular homeostasis. In addition, we showed that ischemia raised Ang II tissue levels by 1.4-fold 7 days after the onset of ischemia (18.7±2.5 pg/mg proteins versus 13.4±2.1 pg/mg proteins in ischemic gastrocnemius versus non ischemic gastrocnemius; P<0.05, n=6). Exogenous administration of Ang II, by osmotic minipump, enhances Ang II tissue contents by 2.9-fold (54.2±14.2 pg/mg proteins; P<0.05 versus untreated ischemic gastrocnemius). We therefore analyzed the putative involvement of TXA2 in Ang II proangiogenic effect in the setting of ischemia.
TXA2 Synthesis and Ang II
In the absence of ischemia, Ang II alone increases TXB2 plasma levels by 1.5-fold compared with untreated mice (1.9±0.3 ng/mL versus 1.3±0.2 ng/mL in Ang II-treated mice versus untreated animals, respectively; P<0.05, n=5 per group). In presence of ischemia, Ang II further enhanced TXB2 plasma levels by 2.6-fold compared with untreated ischemic mice (12.8±2.2 ng/mL versus 4.9±0.6 ng/mL in Ang II-treated mice compared with untreated animals, respectively; P<0.01). Administration of AT1 receptor blocker reduced TXB2 to untreated levels (5.4±1.1 ng/mL versus 12.8±2.2 ng/mL in Ang II and candesartan-treated mice compared with Ang II-treated animals; P<0.05). Treatment with S 18886 did not affect the Ang II-induced increase in TXB2 plasma levels (12.2±1.7 ng/mL). Aspirin administration hampered the increase in TXB2 plasma levels observed after Ang II treatment (6.8±1.0 ng/mL versus 12.8±2.2 ng/mL in Ang II-treated and aspirin-treated mice compared with Ang II-treated animals; P<0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that Ang II upregulated TXA2 levels through AT1-dependent mechanism.
TXA2 and Ang II Proangiogenic Effect
The angiographic score, capillary number, and paw perfusion was improved by 1.7-, 1.7-, and 1.4-fold, respectively in Ang II-treated mice when compared with controls (P<0.05; Figure 2). S 18886, ramatroban, and aspirin treatments hampered the Ang II-induced increase in the neovascularization process (P<0.05 versus Ang II-treated mice). AT1 receptor blockade also reduced Ang II-induced activation of postischemic neovascularization (Figure 2).
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TXA2 and Ang II Signaling
Inflammation-Related Pathway
Treatment with Ang II enhanced the number of Mac-3positive cells (ie, macrophages) in the ischemic hindlimbs (P<0.05 versus control mice, n=5). Mac-3positive cells were counted in the adventitia and perivascular space of arteries (Figure 3A). S 18886, ramatroban, and aspirin prevented Ang II-induced increase in macrophage infiltration. Finally, AT1 inhibition also abrogated Ang II proinflammatory-related effects. VEGF-A
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Ang II proangiogenic effect was associated with a 1.6-fold increase in VEGF-A protein content when compared with untreated animals (P<0.05, n=5) (Figure 3B). This upregulation was prevented by administration of S 18886 (10 mg/kg per day), ramatroban (10 mg/kg per day), aspirin, or AsT1 receptor blocker (P<0.05 versus Ang II-treated mice). As a protein loading control, membranes were stripped and incubated with a goat polyclonal antibody directed against total actin (Figure 3B).
| Discussion |
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The role of TXA2 signaling in angiogenesis remains controversial. TP receptor activation has been shown to either activate or inhibit endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis in different experimental models.17,18 This apparent opposite action is likely related to the existence of 2 TP isoforms,
and ß, with opposite effects. TPß expression and subsequent signaling result in inhibition of angiogenesis, whereas TP
activates the angiogenic phenotype.13,14 Animal models lack TPß, whereas cultured endothelial human cells express both isoforms and, in these cells, TPß-related effects overcome that of TP
, resulting in inhibition of the angiogenic reaction.10
In this study, we hypothesized that the TXA2-related pathway may affect the proangiogenic effect of exogenously added angiogenic factors, such as Ang II. In absence of ischemia, Ang II improves TXB2 plasma levels but is unable to modulate capillary number. Similarly, normal arteries are known to be totally immune against exogenous growth factors likely because growth factor receptors are rapidly downregulated.26,27 In contrast, in the setting of ischemia, we showed that Ang II further increases TXB2 plasma level through AT1-dependent mechanism and that TP blockers administration hamper Ang II-induced vessel growth. In addition, TP receptor antagonists totally abrogate the Ang II-induced VEGF-A upregulation suggesting that TXA2 is an upstream regulator of VEGF-A protein levels. S 18886 and ramatroban also reduce the number of Mac-3positive cells in ischemic areas, demonstrating that TP receptor activation is involved in Ang II proinflammatory effect. Similarly, a specific involvement of prostanoids has been demonstrated in IL-1ßinduced angiogenesis.24 These results are also in line with previous studies showing that TXA2 mediates Ang II-related effects. TXA2 triggers Ang II-dependent vasoconstriction in the kidney vasculature23 and in rat hindlimb.28 TXA2 is also involved in Ang II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation.29,30 Aspirin treatment abrogates Ang II-induced neovascularization, it is therefore likely that other TP receptor ligands, isoprostanes or HETE, do not interfere in this process. Taken together, our results underline that TXA2/TP signaling mediates Ang II proangiogenic effect in ischemic tissue.
However, TP receptor inhibition, in absence of exogenous addition of Ang II, does not modulate spontaneous neovascularization. Similarly, aspirin administration does not affect vessel growth, as previously described.31 The reason for this discrepancy is unclear. One can first hypothesize that ischemia-induced Ang II upregulation may increase TXA2 tissue contents to levels that are insufficient to modulate new vessel growth in ischemic areas. In support of this view, exogenous administration of Ang II markedly enhances TXB2 plasma levels compared with untreated ischemic mice. In this context, Ang II-induced TXA2 upregulation participates to postischemic neovascularization. Second, numerous pathways and cell types are involved in spontaneous vessel growth in vivo. Exogenous FGF enhances neovascularization in animal models of peripheral arterial occlusion, yet, the angiogenic and arteriogenic processes are unaffected in mice lacking endogenous FGF-2.32,33 Hence, S18886 treatment alone may underestimate the importance of endogenous TXA2 because of some sort of compensatory response by other proangiogenic pathways. Finally, TXA2 may play a permissive role of in the proangiogenic effect of Ang II and subsequently may modulate vessel growth in pathological situations associated with Ang II level upregulation.
In conclusion, endogenous activation of TXA2 receptor by eicosanoids did not modulate spontaneous neovascularization in the setting of ischemia. In contrast, TP receptor activation is involved in Ang II proangiogenic effect. This study also highlights the concept that TP receptor inhibition might be of interest in the treatment of diseases associated with Ang II overproduction, such as diabetic retinopathy.
Received September 8, 2005; accepted December 15, 2005.
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