Abstract
Purpose: :
Vasoinhibins are a family of peptides derived from prolactin that antagonize the proangiogenic effects of VEGF, a primary mediator of vascular permeability. VEGF signaling involves endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation at Ser1179. Here, we investigated whether vasoinhibins block VEGF-induced vasopermeability by promoting the dephosphorylation of eNOS. Because protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is known to dephosphorylate eNOS at Ser1179, we further analyzed whether vasoinhibins dephosphorylate/inactivate eNOS by activating PP2A.
Methods: :
Bovine aortic endothelial cell (BAEC) monolayers were treated with VEGF in the presence or the absence of vasoinhibins. Vasopermeability was measured by the leakage of horseradish peroxidase across BAEC monolayers. Phosphorylation and eNOS activity were examined by Western blot and the [3H]L-citrulline assay, respectively. PP2A activity was determined by the release of phosphate from a PP2A-specific substrate.
Results: :
Vasoinhibins inhibited VEGF-induced endothelial cell permeability, and this effect was similar to blockage of NO synthesis with L-NAME. Vasoinhibins prevented both VEGF-induced eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1179 and eNOS activation. Vasoinhibins activated PP2A in BAEC, and okadaic acid, a PP2A inhibitor, blocked the vasoinhibin effect on eNOS phosphorylation, eNOS activity, and vasopermeability.
Conclusions: :
The present study shows that vasoinhibins prevent VEGF-induced permeability in BAEC. This action involves the inhibition of VEGF-induced eNOS activation via PP2A-dependent dephosphorylation of eNOS. As diabetic macular edema is characterized by excessive VEGF-induced vasopermeability, our findings suggest that vasoinhibins may be developed as protective agents against this disease.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathy • nitric oxide • vascular endothelial growth factor